Plant protection device, particularly for plants in rows

Abstract

Plant protection device (1) comprising at least one protection module (10) which includes a support structure (2) and a protective cover (3) wound on a winding shaft (5) which has two hollow ends, the cover (3) being able to be deployed using the support structure (2) along two lateral sides (30, 31) on either side of the winding shaft and parallel to it, the support structure (2) having at least two end posts (20), roller support means (8), two pairs of arms (6) which are articulated with respect to the two posts (20) and which are able to pivot between a folded position parallel to the posts, for which the cover is wound, and a deployed position for which the cover is unwound, as well as roller lifting blocking means (9) and roller limiting means (84A, 84B) for lateral roller movement.At each end post (20), the roller support means (8) comprise a bearing (80) and a connecting shaft (81), the connecting shaft being able to be engaged inside a hollow termination of the winding shaft (5) and to be fixed there securely while resting directly on the bearing (80).

Description

Title of the invention: Device for protecting plants, in particular plants in rows

[0001] The invention relates to the field of plant protection, particularly against weathering, especially of plants arranged in lines or rows.

[0002] The invention will be described more particularly with regard to a protective device intended to be placed above rows of vines, but not limited to this. The invention applies to any type of plant, whether arranged in rows or not, and over which a waterproof protective cover is able to be deployed. The invention is notably used to protect plants from hail, snow, frost, rain, and humidity, which endanger crops and / or are factors in the development of diseases such as downy mildew and powdery mildew. The protective device of the invention can also be applied to other uses, such as providing protection against the sun or isolating the plant to protect it from treatments targeting nearby plants.

[0003] Such devices with protective tarpaulins which are folded when weather conditions are favorable and which can be deployed during bad weather or humidity, are mainly intended to limit, or even eliminate, phytopharmaceutical (phytosanitary) treatments or to constitute a shade structure or to form an isolation protection against treatments of plants nearby.

[0004] Protective devices are known, comprising, on the one hand, a support frame with two spaced posts and two pairs of articulated arms capable of being deployed and retracted via a control system, and on the other hand, a watertight protective cover of the plastic tarpaulin type, which is unrolled and supported by the two posts and two pairs of articulated arms. As a known example, patent application WO2022208483 describes a protective device comprising a protective tarpaulin wound in the form of a roll around a winding shaft and capable of being unrolled, forming, on the longitudinal sides of the winding shaft, two lateral sections of watertight cover in the manner of an inverted V-shaped roof.Each of the free longitudinal edges of each cover panel, opposite and parallel to the winding shaft, is supported by a long element whose two ends are fixed to two opposite articulation arms of the arm pairs. Furthermore, elastic return means are provided to aid faster deployment of the cover; the proposed elastic means are elastic elements integrated into the arms, or even constitute the arms themselves. The arms themselves, being completely elastic, provide, according to this document, a certain flexibility to the framework, which bends elastically under the impact of wind gusts on the roof, thus preventing damage to the other rigid elements of the framework. Furthermore, the roller is supported at its two opposite distal ends by bearing means arranged in the upper part of the two spaced posts, and the roller is blocked in vertical translation by a locking system to prevent it from lifting, while its lateral movement is limited by the structural combination of the bearing means and the locking system.

[0005] In a first embodiment of this document, the bearing means consist of three rotating rollers spaced to form a support cradle for the roller, and the roller locking system consists of a complexly shaped part designed to be attached to the three rollers while also being positioned above the roller. Furthermore, when several modules are arranged side-by-side longitudinally to increase the length of the protective cover, the roller and its winding shaft are provided in several sections connected to one another. Two shaft sections are mechanically connected at the bearing means by a coupling element that is mounted to slide freely within the two shaft sections and onto which a compression spring is threaded, bearing against the two shaft ends.In a second embodiment, which also provides for connecting two winding shafts to join two protection modules, the bearing means comprise a bearing body fixed to a post and a rotating ring mounted for rotation within the bearing body and held between two circular discs. The rotating ring has a central through hole and receives a coupling member which is fitted at both ends into two consecutive winding shafts, the central hole of the rotating ring being of a straight cross-section to receive the coupling member, which has a prismatic cross-section, and the coupling member being mounted for free sliding between the two winding shafts.

[0006] However, the protective device of this document has several drawbacks. In particular, the bearing means and the roller locking system prove to be complicated and expensive to manufacture, as well as time-consuming to install during on-site assembly. Indeed, they comprise numerous parts, which, moreover, must be arranged in a suitable relative position to one another in the first embodiment. In addition, the parts are subject to considerable friction, on the one hand, the rotating ring that houses the coupling member, and on the other hand, the bearing body that houses the rotating ring. Furthermore, the connection system results in a gap between the ends of the two opposing rollers, which exceeds 100 mm, resulting in a lack of sealing between the protection modules. While the document does propose adding sealing flaps between two consecutive modules at the connection point, this adds components to the design and does not simplify the implementation of the system, especially when joining several protection modules over a distance of a hundred meters or more. Furthermore, the system cannot absorb stresses in case of pole deformation (due, for example, to uneven ground). Indeed, although the coupling element is free to slide, in reality the two winding shafts have no freedom of movement relative to each other, particularly since the coupling element has a straight cross-section.In reality, the free-sliding mounting of the connecting element creates angular play between the winding shafts, especially over long lengths, resulting in winding misalignment and roller twisting. Furthermore, the elastic arms prove less than ideal in practice, as in windy conditions, the roof panels tend to deform and fail to remain perfectly parallel to the roller's longitudinal axis. When folding the roof, it rolls up at an angle, creating creases and excess thickness. Over time, repeated folding and unfolding damages the roof and, moreover, requires more force to manually operate the winding mechanism or more motor power for motorized operation.This elastic arm design further contributes to significant torsion on the winding shafts in the case of long lengths, preventing the proper functioning of the device.

[0007] The invention therefore aims to provide a plant protection device that does not present the aforementioned drawbacks and that is simple in design, quick to implement, and optimizes manufacturing costs. In addition, the invention aims to reinforce the rigidity of the protection device while remaining simple in design and consistently ensuring correct winding of the protective cover without imposing stress on the motor in the event of motorized operation.

[0008] According to the invention, the plant protection device comprises at least one protection module which includes a supporting structure, a protective cover (such as a plastic film), a longitudinally oriented winding shaft having two opposing hollow ends and around which the cover is wound to form a roll, the cover being able to be deployed by means of the supporting structure along two lateral sides on either side of the winding shaft and parallel to it, the supporting structure comprising at least two spaced posts, also called end posts of a protection module, and two pairs of arms which are articulated with respect to the two posts and which are able to pivot between a folded position parallel to the posts for which the cover is rolled up, and a deployed position for which the cover is unrolled, as well as roller support means, which are fixed to the end posts (at the upper end of the posts) and which include at each end post, a (single) bearing and a connecting shaft able to be engaged inside the hollow termination of the winding shaft, and the device further comprising roller lifting locking means and roller lateral movement limiting means.The plant protection device is characterized in that the connecting shaft (in particular by one of its distal ends) is able to be fixed securely inside the hollow termination of the winding shaft (so as to block the connecting shaft from sliding longitudinally), and in that the connecting shaft rests directly on the bearing (and outside the winding shaft).

[0009] According to one feature, the connecting shaft has a cylindrical body, preferably with a circular cross-section, which has two opposite distal ends, one of the distal ends cooperating with the inside of a hollow termination of the winding shaft, while its other distal end is intended to cooperate with operating means acting on the rotation of the connecting shaft and therefore on the rotation of the winding shaft to unwind or wind the cover, or is intended to be fixed inside a hollow termination of another winding shaft of an additional protection module to be butted to said (first) protection module.

[0010] According to one feature, the bearing of the support means comprises a housing for directly supporting the connecting shaft, in particular the housing being in the form of a cradle having two opposing walls forming two lateral supports for the connecting shaft and providing means for limiting the lateral movement of the roller, preferably the housing having a V-shaped profile and possibly having a low-friction coating such as PTFE. This V-shaped profile also ensures automatic centering of the connecting shaft, which is preferably circular in cross-section, and limits the contact area with respect to friction.

[0011] Thus, the protection device of the invention has the advantage of being simple in design and does not require numerous parts for the construction of the support means. The support means comprise, at each end post, a connecting shaft and a single bearing to directly accommodate the connecting shaft (unlike the second embodiment of the aforementioned patent application). The connecting shaft allows direct connection to the winding shaft, unlike the aforementioned patent application in which the support means cooperate (in the first embodiment) in three zones on the outside of the roller. To support the rolled-up cover, the support means of the invention, via three separate roller-like components and an additional component holding the rollers in position, allow for direct interaction with the winding shaft. This reduces the number of support components, decreases friction, prevents any contact with the cover during deployment and retraction, and simplifies motorization when motorized operation is used. Furthermore, the bearing and connecting shaft, through their direct interaction, enable rapid attachment of the rolled-up cover to the end posts.

[0012] Furthermore, a connecting shaft is fixed rigidly inside the hollow end of each winding shaft, and not mounted for free sliding. Finally, as will be explained later, the number of parts is minimized; in particular, the connecting shaft is a single piece when joining and connecting two protection modules. Moreover, there is no need to add sealing flaps because the spacing between two protection modules, and therefore two protective covers, is minimal, not exceeding 50 mm.

[0013] In the following description the term "height", "vertical", "horizontal" and the qualifiers "upper", "lower", "top" and "bottom" of an element of the device are used in the context of a normal installation of the device, that is to say relating to a vertical notion in relation to a ground on which the device would be placed.

[0014] The term "roller" means the assembly comprising the winding shaft and the rolled-up protective cover.

[0015] According to one feature, the bearing (the single bearing) incorporates the means for limiting the lateral movement of the roller (which constitute the means for limiting the lateral movement of the connecting shaft associated with the bearing). In particular, the bearing comprises a housing in the form of a cradle with two opposing walls constituting two opposing lateral stops, called support stops, against which the connecting shaft rests directly and continuously. Complementarily, the bearing comprises, in a plane offset and parallel to the cradle, two additional lateral stops, called locking stops, between which the connecting shaft passes with a clearance. These stops are designed to temporarily cooperate with the connecting shaft to prevent it from pivoting only in the event of lateral pivoting of a winding shaft. The support stops and locking stops constitute the means for limiting the lateral movement of the roller.Thus, and advantageously, the means for limiting the lateral movement of the roller further comprise two complementary lateral stops, called locking stops, between which the connecting shaft passes with a spacing clearance, the connecting shaft being intended to cooperate temporarily with the locking stops in order to be prevented from pivoting (when it pivots due to the pivoting of a winding shaft). Preferably, both. The locking stops form the inner edge of the two opposing walls of a groove in the bearing. The groove is offset from the receiving housing or cradle, allowing the connecting shaft, which rests in the receiving housing or cradle, to pass through with a clearance. The connecting shaft is already stopped by the support stops, but if the roller, and therefore its winding shaft, pivots laterally between its two ends, to the left or to the right, the connecting shaft, also pivoting (because it is fixed to the winding shaft), is stopped, unable to pivot further, by the lateral locking stops.

[0016] In particular, the connecting shaft (the body of the connecting shaft) has a peripheral groove (located at a distance from the distal end cooperating with the winding shaft, and therefore a groove external to the winding shaft) which (in the mounted position of the connecting shaft) is in the same plane as that of the two locking stops, preferably the width of the groove being greater than the thickness of each of the lateral stops so as to provide angular clearance between the bearing and the connecting shaft. The groove's greater thickness compared to that of the locking stops engaging in the groove provides angular clearance for the bearing, which can thus pivot around both a vertical and a horizontal axis, following the deformation undergone by the post (which may lean or rotate) due, for example, to irregularities in the ground.Therefore, the connecting shaft is a simple part to machine, requiring only a groove and at least two fixing points to secure it to the winding shaft. Furthermore, the groove then provides a simple means of cooperation with the locking stops to limit and prevent lateral movement of the connecting shaft (i.e., in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the connecting shaft), and consequently to limit and prevent lateral movement of the winding shaft and thus the roller, while still allowing some angular play.

[0017] According to one feature, the roller lifting-locking means cooperate directly with the bearing of each end post so as to be able to directly lock (in lifting) the connecting shaft. There is therefore no need for a complex part, nor for positioning oneself above the roller. The roller is locked in lifting position by locking the connecting shaft in lifting position.

[0018] Preferably, the lifting locking means comprise an attached locking flange adapted to cooperate with a portion of the bearing located above the connecting axis resting on said bearing (resting in the housing or cradle of said bearing). In particular, the portion of the bearing with which the flange cooperates has, on each side and above the housing or cradle, spaced tabs, each having a passage hole for the flange.

[0019] Preferably, the bearing includes for the support of the connecting shaft a cradle-like housing, preferably the housing having a V-shape to limit the bearing surface of the connecting shaft which is preferably circular in cross-section, and the housing may have a low coefficient of friction coating such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE, also known as Teflon®).

[0020] According to one feature, the bearing comprises two parts fixed to each other, the first part having the function of bearing by including a housing on which the connecting shaft rests and the function of means for limiting the lateral movement of the roller by including lateral support stops, and the second part, preferably such as a plate, which is fixed against a main face of the first part, having the function of fixing the bearing to the end post, the function of receiving the means for blocking the lifting of the roller and a complementary function of limiting and even a function of blocking the lateral movement of the roller.Preferably, the second part is a plate having a groove through which the connecting shaft passes (with a spacing clearance) and whose two opposite edges form two lateral stops for blocking the lateral movement of the connecting shaft (and thus constitute the means of limiting, in particular blocking, the lateral movement of the roller), an extension below the groove which forms a fixing surface with an end post to ensure the function of fixing the bearing, and a part above the groove and preferably projecting from the general plane of the plate, which is suitable for receiving the means of blocking the lifting of the roller such as a flange.This two-piece bearing solution allows for lower manufacturing costs; the first bearing piece is, for example, a plastic part (generally rectangular in shape) that has been cut to create the V-shaped recess for the connecting shaft, and the second piece, or plate, is a metal part a few millimeters thick, machined with cutouts (including the groove) and bends (the bends for the tabs that engage with the flange). The plate is attached to the bearing piece, for example, by screwing.Alternatively, the bearing can be a single piece, for example molded from a single piece to accommodate the housing (the cradle) with the lateral support stops, the area (in the lower part) for fixing the bearing to an end post, the groove and its lateral locking stops for blocking the lateral movement of the connecting shaft (the groove being opposite and in line with the cradle), and the part receiving the lifting locking means (in the upper part relative to the cradle).

[0021] According to one feature, a functional clearance is provided inside each hollow termination of the winding shaft with respect to the connecting axis, in particularly around the connecting axis. This functional play allows the winding bar to pivot, if necessary, relative to the connecting axis, either laterally, upwards or downwards, which allows the protective cover to always wind parallel to the winding shaft, particularly over long lengths when several protective modules are connected to each other, and thus avoids creases and localized excess thickness of the cover.

[0022] Preferably, at least the hollow ends of the winding shaft are parallelepiped-shaped, which facilitates screw fastening of the connecting shaft. Advantageously, the connecting shaft is fixed rigidly to a hollow end of the winding shaft in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the winding shaft, with screw-type fastening means cooperating in two opposing zones with the winding shaft and the connecting shaft, and being capable of immobilizing the winding shaft relative to the connecting shaft in the direction passing through the screws. The winding shaft is immobilized relative to the connecting shaft in the direction passing through the screws, while having angular pivoting freedom relative to the connecting shaft and relative to an axis perpendicular to the axis of the screws.The combination of this fixing and the functional play (the spacing) between the connecting shaft and the winding shaft prevents an angular misalignment between the two winding shafts connected by the connecting shaft when winding or unwinding the cover; all the winding shafts have a rotary movement that occurs in phase (simultaneously).

[0023] According to one feature, the connecting shaft has two distal ends, each provided with a pair of diametrically opposed mounting threads, the pairs of threads being arranged at 90° to each other. The two pairs of mounting threads allow the connecting shaft to be fixed to two winding shafts to be butted together, and the 90° arrangement allows the winding shafts to pivot independently with respect to the connecting shaft.

[0024] According to one feature, each roof panel comprises, as its frame, the winding shaft, a longitudinal element parallel to the winding shaft and coupled to a free longitudinal end edge of the roof (opposite the winding shaft), and two parallel and opposing arms fixed to the two respective end posts and to each end of the longitudinal element. The arms and the longitudinal element are rigid. Advantageously, the arms and the longitudinal elements are rigid, which, in combination with the winding shaft (which is also rigid), provides each roof panel with a rigid parallelogram-shaped frame. This ensures that the arms maintain a constant rigid parallelogram shape during the opening and closing of the arms, with uniform tension on the roof tarp. Winding is thus made easier and more reliable. Since it always operates strictly parallel to the winding shaft, this also avoids any constraints on the operating mechanisms. In case of uneven ground or wind, the entire parallelogram follows the deformation of the supporting structure thanks to the functional clearances implemented at the connection axis of each post, both with the winding shaft and with each bearing.

[0025] According to one feature, the two articulated arms of a pair are fixed to a proximal part of a post (end post and intermediate post when there are intermediate posts) at two articulation points, preferably via at least one interface and reinforcement piece fixed to the post, the interface piece comprising a first part projecting from the post (opposite the other end post) and on which the two articulation points are arranged and a second part projecting from the post, integral with the first part and fixed to the post as a strut.

[0026] According to one feature, the protection device comprises, per post, one or more tensioners which are fixed to a proximal part of the post, in particular to the interface and reinforcement piece, and externally to each of the arms of a pair of arms associated with the post.

[0027] According to one feature, the protection device comprises at least two butted protection modules, each protection module having its own winding shaft, and at each of the terminations of said winding shaft, a connecting shaft coupled to a bearing itself fixed to an end post, a connecting shaft connecting the two winding shafts of the two protection modules by being fixed in their respective hollow terminations and resting on the bearing located at the junction (and externally) of the two winding shafts. In particular, the connecting shaft is used as a connecting element between the supporting structure, in particular a bearing, and the winding shaft (the hollow termination of the winding shaft) to support said winding shaft, and to connect two consecutive winding shafts when several protection modules are butted together.Advantageously, the groove in the connecting shaft, which cooperates with the lateral locking stops, is external to both ends of the winding shafts and preferably is eccentric on the connecting shaft (which facilitates assembly marking).

[0028] According to one feature, each protective module of the protective device comprises, as a kit, a winding shaft around which the protective cover is wound, a connecting shaft, a bearing, and an end post. When the protective device is installed, one or more protective modules are provided as a kit, as well as an additional end post with a bearing and a connecting shaft, with manual or motorized operating means intended to be connected to this latter shaft. connecting posts. Intermediate posts of lower height than the end posts may be provided, without a bearing or connecting axis, and whose arms are connected only to the long, linear elements at the edge of the protective cover.

[0029] The invention also relates to a method for installing the aforementioned protection device of the invention, which comprises the following steps, the protection device comprising only one module: - two end posts are used, each already equipped with a pair of articulated arms, preferably with tensioners; - a bearing is previously fixed at the upper end of each end post; - a connecting shaft is previously fixed in each hollow termination of the winding shaft which carries the fully wound protective cover; - the installer plants the end posts in the ground, possibly using anchors; - the installer places the rolled-up protective cover on the posts by placing the connecting axes on each bearing of the end posts and locks the assembly by making the locking means cooperate, in particular a flange, with each bearing above the associated connecting axis; - the installer attaches the long, thin elements to the arms; and - before use, means of operation such as a crank or a motorized system, are intended to be mounted by connecting it to the end of one of the connecting axes opposite the protective cover.

[0030] The invention also relates to a method for installing the aforementioned protective device of the invention, the protective device comprising several protective modules to be joined together, and the method comprising the following steps: a) a first protection module is mounted using two end posts which are already equipped each with a pair of articulated arms; b) a bearing is previously fixed at the upper end of each end post; c) a connecting shaft is previously fixed in each of the two hollow ends of the winding shaft which carries the fully wound protective cover; d) the installer plants the end posts in the ground possibly via the anchors; e) the installer places the rolled-up protective cover on the posts by placing the connecting pins on each bearing of the end posts and locks the connecting pins in their bearing by the locking means; f) The installer attaches the long, thin elements to the arms, the first protection module then being installed; then (g) a second protection module is installed by planting an end post at a distance from the first module or by having previously planted different end posts before placing each of the other protection modules, said distance corresponding to the length of the roll of this second protection module, the end post at a distance from the first protection module, said free end post, being equipped with a bearing while the winding shaft of the roll of this second protection module is already equipped at one of its terminations with a connecting shaft, the whole of the roll and its connecting shaft is placed on the two end posts, said connecting shaft resting on the bearing of the last free end post; (h) the installer locks the connecting shaft of the free end post; (i) at the junction of the two protection modules, the installer fixes the winding shaft of the second protection module, on the side of its termination without a connecting shaft, to the protruding connecting shaft of the first protection module; j) the installer attaches the long elements to the arms of the second protection module and preferably also connects them to the long elements of the first protection module; k) the installer reproduces steps g) to j) for one or more additional protection modules that would be added; and before use, means of operation such as a crank or a motorized system, are intended to be mounted by connecting it to the end of one of the connecting axes of a so-called end protection module.

[0031] The present invention is now described by means of purely illustrative and in no way limiting examples of the scope of the invention, and from the accompanying illustrations, in which: - [Fig.l] represents a perspective view of an example of an embodiment of a protective device according to the invention in the installed and folded position when not in use. - [Fig.2] corresponds to the protection device of [Fig.1] in a deployed position to cover plants such as a row of vines, and without an intermediate post. - [Fig.3] corresponds to another deployed position of the protection device of [Fig.2], - [Fig.4] is a front view of an end post and according to its external face, the one turned opposite the roll of the waterproof cover. - [Fig.5] illustrates in detail and perspective view of the upper end of an end post, before assembly of the connecting shaft and the means of locking the protective cover uplift; in this example, the winding shaft is parallelepiped in shape. - [Fig.6] illustrates in detail and perspective view of the upper end of an end post, after assembly of the connecting shaft and the means for locking the protective cover uplift; in this example, the winding shaft is circular in shape. - [Fig.7] illustrates a detailed and perspective view of the inner face of a support post (end post or intermediate post) and the area of ​​attachment and articulation of the articulated arms relative to the post, via an interface and reinforcement piece. - [[Fig.8]] shows a perspective view of a protection device according to the invention with several protection modules butted together in line. - [[Fig.9]] illustrates a perspective and detail view of the junction of two winding shafts of two protection modules before installation of the junction on a bearing and before locking the lifting locking means, the winding shafts being parallelepiped in shape. - [[Fig. 10]] corresponds to [Fig.9] after locking. - [[Fig. 11]] shows a side view of [Fig. 10] and along an inclination of the end post. - [[Fig. 12]] shows a top view of [Fig. 10] and according to a rotation of the end post with respect to its vertical.

[0032] Some elements in the figures are seen through transparency, the protective cover being here a transparent plastic film.

[0033] The protection device 1 of the invention illustrated in the figures is intended to protect in particular from inclement weather or high humidity plants such as row vines.

[0034] The protective device 1 is intended for use when the weather is wet or when weather conditions are likely to damage the vines and their production. To this end, the protective device 1 is installed at the ends of a row 1' ([Fig. 2]) and above the row, and is in a folded position when not in use as illustrated in [Fig. 1], and in a deployed position when in use to cover the row 1' as illustrated in Figures 2, 3 and 8.

[0035] The protection device 1 comprises either a protection module 10 which extends over a certain length in relation to the row 1' to be protected, for example along a length of 6 m (figures 1 to 3), or several identical protection modules as illustrated here ([Fig.8]) according to four modules 10 to 13 which are joined together along their longitudinal axis in order to obtain a greater suitable length.

[0036] The protective device 1, in particular a protective module 10, comprises a load-bearing structure 2 and a watertight protective cover 3 capable of being rolled up when not in use in the form of a roll ([Fig. 1]) and of being unrolled in the position The system is operated (Figures 2 and 3, or 8) using means 4 to form two side-by-side sections 30 and 31, like an inverted V-shaped roof, to cover the vine without touching it. The cover 3 is wound around a winding shaft 5, which is supported by the load-bearing structure 2. The connection of several protective modules will be described later.

[0037] The supporting structure 2 comprises support posts, at least two identical end posts 20, and possibly at least one intermediate post 21 (particularly depending on the length, weight, and terrain configuration), articulated arms 6 assisting in the actuation of the operating means 4 for the deployment of the cover 3 at various opening angles, three examples of which are illustrated in Figures 2 to 4, and assisting in the folding of said cover, long-lined elements 7 (visible by transparency in [Fig.2]) which are coupled to the longitudinal free end edges of the panels 30 and 31 of the cover 3 and fixed to the articulated arms 6, support means 8 which carry the winding shaft 5 as well as means for blocking 9 in lifting of the roller and means for limiting and blocking in lateral movement of the roller.

[0038] The posts 20 and 21 are standard commercial posts, for example, metal profiles of the type used for vineyard stakes. They are of a suitable height so as to position the rolled-up cover 3 well above the plants so as not to touch them. The end posts 20 support the winding shaft 5 (via the support means 8) and assist in deployment and retraction thanks to the articulated arms 6. The intermediate post 21 is optional; its purpose is to prevent the elongated elements from sagging if necessary. It is shorter than the end posts 20, as can be seen in [Fig. 1].

[0039] The end posts 20 have a lower end 22 and an upper end 23. The intermediate post 21 has a lower end 22 and an upper end 21'. The lower ends 22 of the end posts 20 and the intermediate post 21 are driven directly into the ground or fixed in the ground via anchors 20' ([Fig.4]). The upper ends 23 of the two end posts 20 respectively support the two terminations of the winding shaft 5 via support means 8, a portion of which is fixed to said upper ends 23. The intermediate post 21 has only a function of assisting deployment and retraction via its articulated arms 6; its upper end 21' therefore does not extend in height up to the rolled part of the cover 3. The intermediate post 21 is of lower height than the end posts 20 and it does not have means of support for the winding shaft 5.

[0040] With reference to Figures 5 and 6, the support means 8 comprise a bearing 80 and a connecting shaft 81. The bearing 80 does not directly support the winding shaft. 5. It is the connecting shaft 81 which cooperates with the winding shaft 5 and rests directly on the bearing 80. The rotation of the winding shaft 5 is obtained by the rotation of the connecting shaft 81. The two ends 50 of the winding shaft 5 (only one of which is visible in the detail views) are advantageously hollow to insert a respective connecting shaft 81. The winding shaft 5 is for example a rigid hollow bar, preferably with a parallelepiped cross-section.

[0041] A connecting shaft 81 is suitable for insertion into each of the hollow terminations 50 of the winding shaft 5 and for being fixed therein by fastening means 8' such as two diametrically opposed screws shown schematically in Figures 5 and 9. The fastening means 8' make the connecting shaft 81 fixed to the winding shaft 5 and render it perfectly immobile in longitudinal translation, that is to say, in the direction perpendicular to the axis passing through the two screws. The cross-section of the connecting shaft 81 is smaller than the hollow section of the termination 50 for the insertion of said connecting shaft 81. By being fixed, the connecting shaft 81 is immobile in longitudinal translation, that is to say, immobile in translation about its axis.The connecting shaft 81, in the installed position of the protective device and therefore in the operating position of the protective device, cannot therefore be movable in translation along the longitudinal axis of the winding shaft 5. The connecting shaft 81 serves as an interface element so that the supporting structure 2, in particular the bearings 80, can support the winding shaft 5 at each of its terminations 50, whether the protective module is single ([Fig. 1]) or multiple ([Fig. 8]). When the protective device 1 comprises several butted modules 10, 11, 12, 13, etc., the connecting shaft 81 between two protective modules serves to connect and butt together (with a limited space between the two modules not exceeding 50 mm) two consecutive winding shafts 5.

[0042] Preferably, the end 50 of the winding shaft 5 is parallelepiped-shaped, and therefore has flat faces, to facilitate screw fastening. The winding shaft 5 includes a bore 51 for the passage of the screw 8'. The connecting shaft 81 is cylindrical, preferably with a circular cross-section. The connecting shaft 81 is fixed radially. The connecting shaft 81 has two opposite ends. The connecting shaft 81 has at least one end and within its thickness (for radial fastening) two diametrically opposed threaded holes 82 for fixing to at least one winding shaft 5 ([Fig. 5]). Preferably, the connecting shaft 81 has at each of its two ends a pair of threaded holes 8A and 8B respectively, the two threaded holes 82 of each pair 8A, 8B being diametrically opposed (only one threaded hole for pair 82B being visible in [Fig. 5]). The first pair 8A of threaded holes serves to fix onto a winding shaft 5.The second pair 8B of threads is used in particular to fix the means of operation 4 and / or is used for . fixing the connecting shaft 81 to another winding shaft 5 ([Fig.9]) when two protection modules are butted together by connecting their respective winding shafts. Advantageously, the two pairs 8A and 8B of threads at the two respective ends of the connecting shaft 81 are arranged perpendicularly to each other ([Fig.5] and [Fig.9] with regard to the visible fixing of the screws 8' arranged at 90° for the two winding terminations), which allows, when two winding shafts 5 are connected to the respective pairs of threads of the connecting shaft 81, said winding shafts to pivot each relative to the connecting shaft 81, thanks in addition to the functional clearance provided internally at each of the hollow terminations 50 of the shafts with said connecting shaft (the functional clearance being explained below).

[0043] Advantageously, a functional clearance is provided between the outer surface of the connecting shaft 81 and the inner face of the hollow termination 50 of the winding shaft. This functional clearance is also present when two winding shafts 5 of two butted protective devices are connected to each other by the connecting shaft 81 (Figures 9 and 10). This functional clearance allows the winding shaft 5 to oscillate relative to the connecting shaft 81, in the same plane and around the axis passing through the screws 8'. Thus, in [Fig. 9], the left-hand winding shaft 5 can oscillate in a vertical plane from top to bottom or bottom to top, as schematically symbolized by arrow A, and the right-hand winding shaft 5 can oscillate in a horizontal plane from left to right or right to left, as schematically symbolized by arrow B.The functional clearance allows the winding shaft 5 to pivot, ensuring correct winding of the protective cover by minimizing creases and promoting winding of the panels 30 and 31 parallel to the winding shaft and not at an angle. This functional clearance is particularly useful for long lengths of the protective device 1 when several protective modules 10, 11, 12, 13, etc., are connected to each other, with two winding shafts 5 of two butted protective devices connected by a connecting shaft 81 (Figures 9 and 10) which is fixed at its two opposite ends with the fixings oriented at 90° (as explained in the paragraph above).

[0044] The operating means 4 are intended to be connected to the connecting shaft 81 of one end of the protective module when this module is single, or of one of the end modules of the protective device when there are several. The operating means 4 rotate the connecting shaft 81, which drives the winding shaft 5, to rotate it in one direction to deploy the protective cover 3 and in the opposite direction to retract it. The operating means 4 can be manual or motorized. Figures 1 and 3 illustrate a crank as an operating means 4, the crank being connected to the connecting shaft 81 and preferably fixed via the second pair 8B of tapped holes 82. As an alternative to the operating means 4, a motor could be coupled to the connecting shaft 81.

[0045] Furthermore, the connecting shaft 81 has (on its outer face) a peripheral (annular) groove 83 that extends around its entire cylindrical circumference. As explained in more detail later, the groove 83 is intended to cooperate with means for locking the lateral movement of a winding shaft 5.

[0046] The bearing 80 includes a housing 84 for the connecting shaft 81. Preferably, to facilitate rapid installation, the housing 84 is open on its upper face so as to form a cradle for installing the connecting shaft 81 by simply placing it on top. Preferably, the cradle 84 is V-shaped to limit the contact area with the connecting shaft 81, which is intended to rotate, and to optimize the centering of said connecting shaft 81. Preferably, the surface of the cradle 84 is covered with a low-friction coating such as a non-stick coating, for example, PTFE. In addition, the walls 84A and 84B of the cradle 84 (figures 5, 6 and 10) form lateral stops called support stops in order to limit the pivoting of the connecting axis 81. The connecting axis 81 is permanently pressed against the support stops 84A and 84B.

[0047] Advantageously, the bearing 80 incorporates the locking means 9 to prevent the cover from lifting (Figures 5, 6, 9, and 10). The locking means 9 prevent the connecting shaft 81, and therefore the cover 3, from being lifted. The locking means 9 include a removable flange designed to be positioned and held in a plane located above the housing or cradle 84. The flange 9 is preferably positioned transversely to the direction of the connecting shaft 81. Once the connecting shaft 81 is placed on the cradle 84, the installer simply positions the flange 9, thus preventing any lifting of the connecting shaft. In the illustrated example, the bearing 80 has two tabs 85 projecting from the opening plane of the housing or cradle 84, each tab 85 having a passage 85' for the flange 9.Preferably, the flange 9 has an L-shape with a first wing 9A serving as a grip and preferably also as a locking wing in the bearing by insertion into a suitable housing 85”, and a second wing 9B with a blocking and anti-lifting function, which is intended to be introduced through the two orifices 85'.

[0048] As shown in [Fig. 6], the bearing 80 is fixed to the upper end 23 of a post 20. The fixing is preferably achieved by bolting. Preferably, the bearing 80 has its lower end surface 80' resting on the upper edge of the post 20 to better distribute the support forces on the post. The bearing 80 advantageously comprises a lower extension 86 projecting from the surface lower 80' and in a vertical direction in the installed position of the bearing, the lower extension 86 is fixed against one of the faces of the post 20.

[0049] The means for blocking the lateral movement of the roller are means for blocking the lateral movement of the connecting shaft 81. If the connecting shaft 81 is already limited in pivoting by the support stops 84A and 8B of the cradle 84 on which it rests, it can nevertheless pivot slightly. In order to keep the pivoting angle very limited, the bearing 80 includes additional limiting means or locking means which include two opposing lateral stops called locking stops 87A and 87B which are intended to cooperate with the groove 83 of the connecting shaft 81 in the event of pivoting of the winding bar 5 and therefore of the connecting shaft 81. Preferably, these lateral locking stops 87A and 87B constitute the inner edges of the two opposing walls of a groove 87 with which the bearing is equipped, the groove 87 being in a plane offset with respect to the receiving housing 84 and allowing the passage of the connecting shaft 81 which rests in said receiving housing.If the roller, and therefore its winding shaft, pivots laterally between its two ends, to the left or to the right, the connecting shaft 81, which is already limited by the support stops 84A and 84B of the cradle 84, is completely stopped from pivoting because its groove 83 comes into contact with one or the other of the lateral stops 87A or 87B.

[0050] To limit manufacturing costs, the bearing 80 is here in two parts 80A and 80B fixed to each other ([Fig. 5]). The first part 80A, called the support part, for example made of plastic, has the function of bearing by including the housing 84 which supports the connecting shaft 81 and the function of limiting the lateral movement of the connecting shaft 81. The second part 80B is a metal plate and has the function of fixing the first part 80A to the end post 20, the function of receiving the locking means 9 for lifting the roller, and the function of locking the means for lateral movement of the roller. The plate 80B is fixed by screwing against a main face of the support part 80A.The plate 80B includes the lower extension 86 which allows the bearing 80 to be fixed to the end post, the upper extension provided with the lugs 85 with the orifices 85' suitable for cooperating with the flange 9, and the groove 87 whose edges of the two opposite walls constitute the two lateral stops 87A and 87B for blocking the lateral movement of the connecting shaft 81 via the groove 83.

[0051] The groove 83 of the connecting shaft 81 also allows the longitudinal translation of a winding shaft 5 to be blocked. In particular, the groove 83 of the connecting shaft 81 allows the longitudinal translation of a winding shaft 5 to be blocked relative to the post 20 associated with the bearing 80 carrying the connecting shaft 81 or relative to the post 20 at the junction of two winding shafts connected by the connecting shaft 81.

[0052] The groove 83 is preferably wider than the thickness of the lateral locking stops 87A, 87B, in this case wider than the thickness of the plate 80B, so as to provide angular clearance for the bearing 80, as illustrated in Figures 11 and 12. [Fig. 11] shows a tilting of the end post 20, which leans with respect to the vertical. In order to compensate for this pivoting of the post 20, the bearing 80, which is integral with the post, can also tilt with respect to a vertical plane, because the plate 80B, having the groove 87, can tilt angularly with respect to a vertical plane due to the groove 83 being wider than the thickness of the plate. [Fig. 12] illustrates a rotation of the post 20 around its vertical axis (while remaining perfectly vertical), its two main faces no longer being strictly perpendicular to the two winding shafts 5.To compensate for this rotation, the bearing 80, being fixed to the post, can also pivot around a vertical axis because the groove 83 is wider than the thickness of the base plate. This allows it to absorb irregularities in the ground when installing the protection device and to adapt in particular to the different characteristics of vineyard plots (slopes, bumps, holes, uneven ground, etc.).

[0053] Regarding the arms 6 and the longitudinal elements 7, these are advantageously rigid. The longitudinal element 7 is fixed at its two distal ends 70 to the end of an arm 6 of the two respective end posts 20, opposite the articulation point 60 of the arm ([Fig. 2]). Each longitudinal element 7 is preferably a rigid tube fixed, for example, by bolting to the arms 6. When several protection modules are joined end-to-end, two longitudinal elements 7 from two consecutive protection modules are preferably connected together.

[0054] The combination of the rigid winding shaft 5 and, for each cover panel 30, 31, the two rigid opposing arms 6 on the same side of the arm pairs, as well as the rigid longitudinal element 7 on one side of the cover, provides a framework for each cover panel in the form of a rigid parallelogram. This ensures, in particular, that the panels maintain a constant rigid parallelogram shape during the opening and closing of the arms, with uniform tension on the cover material. The entire structure of each panel is deformable thanks to the various functional clearances provided in the device (internal clearance in the winding shaft with each connecting shaft and clearance between the connecting shaft and each bearing).

[0055] Furthermore, the articulation of the arms 6 is not directly on the end posts but on an interface piece 25 ([Fig. 7]) fixed to the end posts 20 and the intermediate post 21. The interface piece 25, with its attachment to the post in two spaced zones 25A (referred to as the upper zone) and 25B (referred to as the lower zone), has a generally triangular shape with a first part 26A extending from A fixing zone (the upper zone 25A) in a plane perpendicular to the post, to which the articulation points 60 of each arm 6 of a pair are attached; a second part 26B angularly connecting the first part to the post at the other fixing zone (lower zone 25B) and constituting a strut; and the third part formed by the post between the two fixing zones 25A and 25B. This configuration stiffens the anchor point of the arms. Alternatively, two interface pieces with struts could be provided, one interface piece for each arm of a pair.

[0056] Finally, the protective device includes tensioners 61, one tensioner per end post 20 and intermediate post 21 and pair 6A, 6B of arms 6. The tensioners 61 form elastic return means that facilitate the deployment of the cover 3 (and maintain constant tension on the cover).Each tensioner 61 is fixed to the proximal part of the post, in particular to the interface and reinforcement piece 25 and externally to each of the arms 6 of a pair of arms.

[0057] The installation procedure for the protection device 1 is now explained.

[0058] For a protection device 1 comprising only one protection module: - two end posts 20 are used, each already equipped with a pair of articulated arms 6; - a (single) bearing 80 is previously fixed at the upper end of each end post 20; - a connecting shaft 81 is previously fixed in each of the two hollow terminations 50 of the winding shaft 5 which carries the fully wound protective cover 3; - the installer plants the end posts 20 in the ground possibly via the anchors 20'; - the installer places the protective cover 3 rolled up on the posts by placing the connecting axes 81 on each bearing 80 of the end posts 20 and only has to lock the whole thing by making the locking means 9, a flange, cooperate with the bearing 80 (the holes 85' of the legs 85 of the bearing 80); - the installer attaches the long, thin elements 7 to the arms 6; and - the installer mounts the means of operation 4 such as a crank or a motorized system by connecting it to the end of one of the connecting axes 81 opposite the protective cover.

[0059] For a protection device 1 comprising several protection modules: a) a first protection module 10 is mounted using two end posts 20 which are already each equipped with a pair of articulated arms 6; b) a (single) bearing 80 is previously fixed at the upper end of each end post 20; c) a connecting shaft 81 is previously fixed in each of the two hollow terminations 50 of the winding shaft 5 which carries the fully wound protective cover 3; d) the installer plants the end posts 20 in the ground possibly via the anchors 20'; e) the installer places the protective cover 3 rolled up on the posts by placing the connecting axes 81 on each bearing 80 of the end posts 20 and locks the connecting axes in their bearing by the locking means 9 (insertion of the flange 9 through the holes 85' of the lugs 85 of the bearing 80); f) the installer attaches the long, thin elements 7 to the arms 6; then (g) a second protection module 11 is installed by planting an end post 20 at a distance from the first module 10 or by having previously planted different end posts before arranging each of the protection modules, the distance corresponding to the length of the roll of this second protection module, the end post 20 at a distance from the first protection module, called the free end post, being equipped with a bearing 80 while the winding shaft 5 of the roll of this second protection module is already equipped at one of its terminations 50 with a connecting shaft 81, the whole of the roll and its connecting shaft is arranged on the two end posts, said connecting shaft resting on the bearing of the last free end post; h) the installer locks the connecting shaft 81 of the free end post; i) at the junction of the two protection modules 10 and 11, the installer fixes (by screwing) the winding shaft 5 of the second protection module, on the side of its termination 50 without a connecting shaft, to the connecting shaft 81 protruding from the first protection module; j) the installer attaches the long elements 7 to the arms 6 of the second protection module and preferably also connects them to the long elements of the first protection module; k) The installer repeats steps g) to j) for one or more additional protection modules that may be added. 1) At the end of assembly, the installer mounts the operating means 4 on the first protection module or on the last protection module.

[0060] Finally, the protection device may include various sensors connected remotely with a warning system for the user and / or with an automated control system for the maneuvering means 4 when they are motorized.

Claims

Demands

1. A plant protection device (1) comprising at least one protection module (10) which includes a support structure (2), a protective cover (3), a winding shaft (5) having two opposing hollow ends (50) around which the cover is wound to form a roll, the cover being capable of being deployed by means of the support structure (2) along two lateral sides (30, 31) on either side of the winding shaft (5) and parallel to it, the support structure (2) comprising at least two spaced posts (20) called end posts and two pairs (6A, 6B) of arms (6) which are articulated with respect to the two posts (20) and which are capable of pivoting between a folded position parallel to the posts, for which the cover is wound, and a deployed position for which the cover is unwound, as well as support means (8) of the roll,which are fixed to the end posts (20) and which comprise at each end post (20), a bearing (80) and a connecting shaft (81) adapted to be engaged inside the hollow termination (50) of the winding shaft (5), - the device further comprising means for locking (9) the roller in lifting and means for limiting the lateral movement of the roller (84A, 84B; 87A, 87B), characterized in that the connecting shaft (81) is intended to be connected to operating means for rotating said connecting shaft which drives the winding shaft (5) in rotation, the connecting shaft (81) is adapted to be fixed rigidly inside the hollow termination (50) of the winding shaft and in that the connecting shaft (81) rests directly on the bearing (80).

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the bearing (80) comprises a housing (84) for supporting the connecting shaft (81), in particular the housing (84) being in the form of a cradle which has two opposing walls (84A, 84B) forming two lateral support stops for the connecting shaft (81) and providing means for limiting lateral movement of the roller, preferably the housing (84) having a V-shaped profile and being able to have a low coefficient of friction coating such as PTFE.

3. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that the means for limiting the lateral movement of the roller further comprise two complementary lateral stops called locking stops (87A, 87B), between which the connecting shaft (81) passes with a clearance, the connecting shaft (81) being intended to cooperate temporarily with the locking stops to be locked in pivoting, preferably the two locking stops (87A, 87B) constitute the inner edge of the two opposite walls of a groove (87) with which the bearing (8) is provided, the groove (87) being in a plane offset with respect to the housing (84) and allowing the passage with a clearance of the connecting shaft resting in said housing.

4. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the connecting shaft (81) has a peripheral groove (83) which is in the same plane as that of the two locking stops (87A, 87B), preferably the width of the groove (83) being greater than the thickness of each of the lateral stops (87A, 87B) so as to be able to provide an angular clearance between the bearing (80) and the connecting shaft (81).

5. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lifting locking means (9) cooperate directly with the bearing (80) of each end post (20) so as to be able to directly lock the connecting axis (81), preferably the lifting locking means (9) comprising an added locking flange which is able to cooperate with a part (85) of the bearing (80), located above the connecting axis (81) resting on said bearing.

6. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bearing (80) comprises two parts (80A, 80B) fixed to each other, the first part (80A) having the function of a bearing by comprising a housing (84) on which the connecting shaft (81) rests and the function of means for limiting the lateral movement of the roller by comprising lateral support stops (84A, 84B), and the second part (80B), preferably as a plate, which is fixed against a principal face of the first part (80A), having the function of fixing the bearing (80) to the end post, the function of receiving the locking means (9) by lifting of the roller and a complementary function of limiting the lateral movement of the roller.

7. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a functional clearance is provided inside each hollow termination (50) of the winding shaft with respect to the connecting axis (81), in particular all around the connecting axis.

8. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least the hollow terminations (50) of the winding shaft (5) are parallelepiped-shaped.

9. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting axis (81) has two distal ends which are each provided with a pair (82A, 82B) of diametrically opposed fixing threads (82), the pairs of threads being arranged at 90° to each other.

10. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each roof panel (30, 31) comprises as a framework the winding shaft (5), a longitudinal element (7) parallel to the winding shaft and coupled to a free longitudinal end edge of the roof and two parallel and opposite arms (6) fixed to the two respective end posts and to each end of the longitudinal element (7), the arms (6) and the longitudinal element being rigid.

11. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the two articulated arms (6) of a pair (6A, 6B) are fixed to a proximal part of a post (20, 21) at two articulation points (60), preferably via at least one interface and reinforcement piece (25) fixed to the post, the interface and reinforcement piece (25) comprising a first part (26A) projecting from the post and on which the two articulation points (60) are arranged and a second part (26B) projecting from the post, integral with the first part and fixed to the post as a strut.

12. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises for each post (20, 21) one or more tensioners (61) which are fixed to a proximal part of the post and externally to each of the arms (6) of a pair (6A, 6B) associated with the post.

13. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least two butted protection modules (10, 11, 12, 13), each protection module having its winding shaft (5), and at each of the terminations (50) of said winding shaft, a connecting shaft (81) coupled to a bearing (80) itself fixed to an end post (20), a connecting shaft (81) connecting the two winding shafts (5) of the two protection modules by being fixed in their respective hollow termination (50) and resting on the bearing (80) which is at the junction of the two winding shafts.

14. A method for installing the protective device according to any one of the preceding claims, the protective device comprising only one module and the method comprising the following steps: - two end posts (20) are used, each already equipped with a pair of articulated arms (6), preferably with tensioners; - a bearing (80) is pre-fixed to the upper end of each end post (20); - a connecting shaft (81) is pre-fixed to each hollow termination (50) of the winding shaft (5) which carries the fully wound protective cover (3); - the installer plants the end posts (20) in the ground, optionally using anchors (22);- The installer places the protective cover (3) rolled up onto the posts by placing the connecting axes (81) on each bearing (80) of the end posts (20) and locks the assembly by making the locking means (9), in particular a clamp, cooperate with each bearing (80) above the associated connecting axis (81); - the installer attaches the long elements (7) to the arms (6); and - before use, operating means (4) such as a crank or a motorized system, are intended to be mounted by connecting it to the end of one of the connecting axes opposite the protective cover.

15. A method for installing a protective device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, the protective device comprising several butted protective modules and the method comprising the following steps: a) a first protection module (10) is mounted using two end posts (20) which are already each equipped with a pair of articulated arms (6); b) a bearing (80) is previously fixed at the upper end of each end post (20); c) a connecting shaft (81) is previously fixed in each of the two hollow terminations (50) of the winding shaft (5) which carries the fully wound protective cover (3); d) the installer plants the end posts (20) in the ground possibly via the anchors (20'); e) the installer places the protective cover (3) rolled up on the posts by placing the connecting axes (81) on each bearing (80) of the end posts (20) and locks the connecting axes in their bearing by the locking means (9); f) the installer attaches the long, thin elements (7) to the arms (6), the first protection module then being installed; then (g) a second protection module (11) is installed by planting an end post (20) at a distance from the first module (10) or by having previously planted different end posts before arranging each of the other protection modules, said distance corresponding to the length of the roll of this second protection module, the end post (20) at a distance from the first protection module, said free end post, being equipped with a bearing (80) while the winding shaft (5) of the roll of this second protection module is already equipped at one of its terminations (50) with a connecting shaft (81), the whole of the roll and its connecting shaft is arranged on the two end posts, said connecting shaft resting on the bearing of the last free end post; (h) the installer locks the connecting shaft (81) of the free end post; i) at the junction of the two protection modules (10; 11), the installer fixes the winding shaft (5) of the second protection module, on the side of its termination (50) without a connecting shaft, to the connecting shaft (81) protruding from the first protection module; j) The installer attaches the long, thin elements (7) to the arms (6) of the second protection module and preferably connects them also to the elongated elements of the first protection module; k) the installer reproduces steps g) to j) for one or more additional protection modules that would be added; and before use, means of operation such as a crank or a motorized system, are intended to be mounted by connecting it to the end of one of the connecting axes of a so-called end protection module.

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