CA2547312A1 - Autonomous pneumatic device to activate a tool operated by the movement of an actuator - Google Patents

Abstract

Self-contained pneumatic device for actuating a tool, such as a secateur, operated by moving an actuating member in opposite directions of operation, such as a pruner. The device has a rigid body, such as a pole, receiving the tool at one end and a portable compressed gas tank at another end. The tank feeds a pneumatic cylinder via a conduit. The supply is controlled by a pressure regulator and a valve with a control member. The pneumatic cylinder is connected to the actuating member of the tool to move it under the effect of a pressure exerted by the compressed gas at the opening of the valve and thus operate the outi l. A return element returns the cylinder to its initial position when closing the valve. The use of electrically insulating materials for some parts of the device makes it possible to use it near electrical sources.

Description

AUTONOMOUS PNEUMATIC DEVICE FOR OPERATING AN OPERATED TOOL
BY MOVING A ACTUATING DEVICE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a self-contained pneumatic device for operating a tool operated by moving an actuating member in opposite directions operation. The autonomous pneumatic device is particularly adapted for operate a pruning-type tool placed at the end of a pole, but can very good be suitable for operating other types of tools or devices operating application of a certain force on their actuator.

HISTORICAL
There are many models of pole-mounted secateurs. One of the models Conventional uses a rope that must be pulled in order to activate the secateur attached to the end of the pole. The operator can not therefore hold the pole at two hands since he must also be able to pull on the rope.

There are pneumatic secateurs mounted on a pole that connect to the way from a hose to a source of compressed air such as a compressor or a tank external to the tool. US Patent 6,901,665 (Sun et al.) Provides an example of such secateur pneumatic. The operator operates the pruner by means of a lever arranged on the pole handle. The lever then opens a valve that lets the compressed air exert pressure on a piston. A displacement of the piston under the effect of the pressure of the compressed air is transmitted to an articulated arm which then rotate a pruning blades to the other, causing the pruner to close. This type pneumatic pruner makes it possible to hold the pole with both hands during the chopped off.

There are hydraulic pruners whose operating principle is similar.
There are also other types of pneumatic tools, for example nailers, shears, etc.

Pneumatic or hydraulic sources as well as hoses necessary for tools may be clogging the operator during use and prevent him from maneuvering the tool as he wishes or locations difficult, thus limiting the fields of action and application of tools. Also, cutting branches near power lines using a pruner mounted on pole may present significant risks for the operator.

SUMMARY
An object of the present invention is to propose a pneumatic device autonomous to operate a tool operated by moving an organ actuation which better meets the needs of today's pneumatic devices.

Another object of the present invention is to propose a device pneumatic autonomous to operate a tool, having a reduced consumption of gas compressed.
Another object of the present invention is to propose a device pneumatic autonomous to operate a tool, which is fully portable and usable even in hard to reach places.

Another object of the present invention is to propose a device pneumatic autonomous to operate a tool, which can be built in such a way as to reduce the risks when using the tool near a line or electric source.
Another object of the present invention is to propose a device pneumatic self-contained particularly suitable for a pole-mounted shears or a tool similar.

2 According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a device pneumatic autonomous to operate a tool operated by moving an organ actuation in opposite directions of operation, comprising:
a rigid body having opposite first and second ends, the second end having a shape adapted to mounting the tool on the body rigid;
a portable compressed gas reservoir removably attached to the first end of the rigid body;
a conduit having a first opening for receiving compressed gas from tank, and a second opening;
a valve arranged to control a flow of compressed gas in the conduit, the valve having an operable control member for selectively open and close the valve;
a pneumatic cylinder fixed to the rigid body and communicating with the second opening of the conduit, the actuator having a movable member movable from a first to a second position under the effect of a gas pressure released by the valve;
a pressure regulator arranged to regulate a pressure of the gas compressed conveyed to the pneumatic cylinder via the conduit;
connecting means for connecting the movable member to the actuating member of the tool so that the actuating member of the tool moves in Moon operating directions when moving the moving limb to the second position, and in the other directions of operation when returning from mobile member to the first position; and return means for returning the movable member to the first position.
The tool can be a pruner opening and closing selectively depending on organ actuator is moved by the connecting means in one or other of the opposite directions of operation. The rigid body can form a pole at a piece of which tool is mounted. The connecting means and a corresponding section from the body

3 rigid can be made of electrically insulating material when the tool is meant to be used near a line or electrical source.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention will be given below after with reference to the following drawings, in which the same numbers make reference to identical or similar elements:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the self-contained pneumatic device for a pruner on perch.

FIG. 2 is a schematic sectional view of a pneumatic cylinder of a device autonomous tire.

FIG. 3 is an agrarian view of a piston of a pneumatic cylinder.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a piston halfway of a pneumatic cylinder.
FIG. 5 is a pneumatic diagram of an autonomous pneumatic device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED ACHIEVEMENTS

With reference to FIG. 1, the self-contained pneumatic device is used to operate a tool, in the illustrated case a pruner 10 operated by displacement a actuating rod 12 in opposite directions of operation such as represented by the arrow 72. The device has a rigid body 2 having first and second opposite ends. Rigid means that the body 2 has a acceptable degree of rigidity for the intended use of the tool. The body can be flexible, and even show some degree of elasticity if desired. The second

4 end of the body 2 has a shape adapted to the mounting of the tool 10 on the body rigid 2.

A portable compressed gas reservoir 6 removably attaches to the first rigid body end 2. A conduit 4 has a first opening for receive the compressed gas from the tank 6, and a second opening. In the illustrated case, the rigid body 2 forms a hollow or tubular pole.

A valve 16 is arranged to control a flow of compressed gas in the conduit 4. The valve 16 has a control member, for example a lever operable to selectively open and close the valve 16.

A pneumatic jack 20 is fixed to the rigid body 2 and communicates with the second opening of the duct 4. The jack has a movable member 22 movable from a first to a second position under the effect of a gas pressure released by the valve 16.

A pressure regulator 14 is arranged to regulate a pressure of gas compressed air conveyed to the pneumatic cylinder 20 through the conduit 4. In the case illustrated, the valve 16 and the pressure regulator 14 are arranged along the duct 4, with the valve 16 downstream of the pressure regulator 14. But the valve 16 could be in upstream of the pressure regulator 14 if desired. The valve 16 could also be the mouth of the conduit 4, or even integrated in the reservoir 6 if desired. Similarly, the pressure regulator 14 could be fully or partially integrated into the tank 6 if desired.

A connecting device, in the illustrated case an elongated rod 50, connects the member mobile 22 to the actuating rod 12 of the pruner 10 so that the stem actuator 12 secateur 10 moves in one of the directions operating 72 when moving the movable member 22 to the second position, and in the other of the operating directions 72 during a return of the mobile member 22 around the first position.

5 A return device, in the illustrated case a compression spring 56, exercises a effort that seeks to bring the moving member 22 to the first position.

The tank 6 can take the form of a cylinder which is screwed to the body rigid 2 and who is able to store air or a compressed gas, for example at a pressure of 4500 psi. The reservoir 61 can be made of composite in order to reduce the mass total of the tool. Higher or lower pressures can be used depending on the capacity tank 6 and the necessary force required to operate the tool. The tank 6 quickly assembles and disassembles the rigid body 2 so as to power be replaced in the field as needed. A protective envelope 26 can be assembled around the tank 6 so as to protect it against shocks. The tank 6 can be fixed to the body 2 otherwise than by screwing, for example means of a clamp or latch device, in so far as the device allows a safe assembly of the tank 6.

The pressure regulator 14 may be formed of two regulating elements 28, 30 in series in order to lower the. high pressure from tank 6 to the pressure desired operation. For example, for a high pressure tank 6 of 4500 psi, the high pressure can be first lowered to about 800 psi by the first element 28. This intermediate pressure can then be lowered to the pressure of operation of about 400 psi by the second regulator member 30. This arrangement to two regulating elements 28, 30 in series makes it possible to obtain a quasi pressure constant over a wide range of tank pressure 6. Regulators are of preferably arranged at the base of the rigid body 2, near the tank 6. The regulator of pressure 14 may be formed of a single regulator element if desired, according to the model used and the operation parameters of the tool to be encountered.

With reference to FIG. 22 the valve 16 can be operated using the lever 18 or all another suitable control member according to the type of valve 16, for example a push, a wheel, etc. The valve 16 is preferably close to the jack pneumatic

6 20, so as to reduce the consumption of compressed gas. In the case illustrated, the valve 16 can take two positions, ie a closed position and a position opened. The valve 16 has an outlet 34 (as illustrated in FIG.
outside the rigid body 2. In the closed position, the supply of compressed gas to the cylinder pneumatic 20 is blocked and the pneumatic cylinder 20 is in communication with the atmospheric pressure via exit 34. No work is done by the cylinder 20.
In the open position, the supply to the pneumatic jack 20 is activated and the air compressed air circulates in the tool since the pneumatic cylinder 20 is in communication with the pressure regulator 14 (shown in FIG 1).
A safety device (not shown) can be placed under the lever 18 of the valve 16, to prevent the valve 16 from being actuated accidentally. The device can be so that the operator has to move the device sufficiently for release the lever 18 and allow to maneuver. Preferably, the device itself will automatically relocate under the lever 18 when the operator releases it. A
simple spring-loaded sliding mechanism mounted under the lever 18 may be suitable. All other automatic mechanism or not can also be used to the extent that it provides the desired degree of security.

With reference to FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, the function of the pneumatic cylinder 20 is convert pneumatic energy in mechanical energy. In order to develop a strength adequate and maintain an outer diameter of the cylinder 20 of similar proportion to body 2 rigid, several pistons 36 can be assembled on a central shaft 38 who provides the movable member 22. In the illustrated case, four (4) pistons 36 are assembled in series and are free to slide in cylindrical chambers separated by fixed walls 74. The supply of air or gas to the exit of the valve 16 is routed to the chambers 40 via a passage 42 inside of the central shaft 38. Each chamber 40 is fed by radial holes 44 to through the shaft 38 (see FIG 3). The pressure of air or gas between fixed walls 74 and the pistons 36 then causes them to move as shown in FIG. 4.
II is possible to modulate the rate at which each chamber 40 is pressurized in

7 using radial holes 44 of different diameters. This technique allows to feed a first chamber 40 very quickly and develop a force adequate for small branch cutting while minimizing consumption air or gas. When cutting larger branches, valve 16 is activated more long and the maximum force developed by the cylinder 20 is reached gradually as the chambers 40 are pressurized. food rooms 40 can also be done by means of passages (not shown) in the part of the rigid body 2 serving as a cylinder for the pneumatic jack 20, rather than by holes 44 in the central shaft 38.
Radial holes 46 are made through the rigid body part 2 serving as cylinder to pneumatic cylinder so as to allow air circulation in the chambers 40 on the low pressure side of the pistons 36 during their displacement.

The return device 24 can be formed by means of a spring of compression 56 wedged between a first stop 58 formed by a body fitting section rigid 2 and a second stop 60 formed on a coupling piece 62 to which the shaft 38 is fixed.

Referring again to FIG. 1, in cutting mode, the central shaft 38 is resulted by the force exerted by the pressure on the pistons 36 and moves, in the case illustrated in the direction of the valve 16 as represented by the arrow 48.
The tree 38 is connected to the actuating rod 12 of the shears 10 by a transmission mechanical, by example a rod 50 having an end coupled to the shaft 38 and an end opposed coupled to the actuating rod 12. A pull on the rod actuating 12 by the rod 50 rotates the knife 52 secateur 20 to a counter-knife 54, closing the secateur 10 on the branch to cut (not shown). When the lever 18 of the valve is released, the air in the chambers 40 is evacuated by the exit of the valve 16 and the compression spring 56 returns the movable member 22 to the first position that was its initial position before the cut.

8 The rod 50 may be fiberglass or other dielectric material, so isolate electrically secateur 10 pneumatic cylinder 20.

The rigid body 2 can form a pole that splits into coupling sections the to each other. Two sections 64, 66 may in particular be made of fiberglass or other dielectric material. Section 64 is located between the tank 6 and the jack 20. The length of the section 64 may be chosen so as to fix the relative position of the lever 18 of the valve 16 with respect to the reservoir 6 and to permit a manipulation of the two-handed tool. In order to minimize the total mass of the tool, section 64 can be made with a lighter composite material. The length of section 66 can be chosen depending on the desired range of the tool.
The section 66 houses the mechanical transmission, in the illustrated case formed by the rod 50.
In the where the mechanical transmission is also dielectric, section 66 will allow to isolate the operator against electric shocks. Also, in order to prevent a contamination inside the pole, the ends of section 66 can be provided with seals 68, 70 (see also FIG.2). II is also possible to pressurize the inside of the pole with inert gas, dry air or any other gas with adequate dielectric properties, to prevent infiltration humidity in section 66. Section 66 is thus likely to protect the operator of a electrification in the event that the pruner 10 comes into contact with, for example, a conductor or other live electrical element. Pressurization can to be performed by introducing the gas through a valve 76 provided for this purpose. Of preferably, a visual indicator (not shown) installed on the boom will verify the state of the pressurization inside the perch. Such a visual indicator can be formed of a simple membrane flexing under the effect of a positive pressure in the pole.

The counter knife 54 may have a hook shape that allows to hang the tool on the branch to cut. The assembly of the pivoting knife 52 on the counter knife 54 multiplies the cutting force by leveraging. Simple geometry and compact of the secateur 10 allows increased mobility of the tool through branches.

9 With reference to FIG. 5, there is illustrated a pneumatic diagram of the device autonomous tire.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the autonomous pneumatic device allows, when used in particular with a perch 2 and secateur 10, to perform a intensive pruning of tree branches from the ground, in a ladder, in nacelle or directly in a tree. The energy source being integrated, the worker has increased mobility to do work in hard-to-reach places accessible where the tools used are often manual. The use of device allows more cutting at the same time and requires effort physical much lower, which can help reduce the incidence of musculoskeletal associated with pruning work, such as bursitis and the tendonitis. Depending on the construction of the device, it can make it possible to pruning near power distribution lines.

Although embodiments of the invention have been illustrated in the drawings Attached and described above in relation to a pruner 10, it will become obvious for the people versed in the art that changes and modifications can to be brought to these achievements without departing from the essence of the invention. By example, the shears 10 can be replaced by any tool having an actuating member to move to operate. The rigid body 2 can be short compared to a boom, and in fact as short as desired to the extent that it is suitable for application desired. The duct 4 can be completely or partially outside of rigid body 2 if wanted. The pneumatic cylinder 20 can be configured to produce a pushing force on the rod 50 rather than pulling effort if the pruner

10 or the tool as it operates by pushing on the actuating member 12. The actuator pneumatic 20 may have a different orientation relative to the tubular body 2 if wanted, according to the type of mechanical transmission used. The pneumatic cylinder 20 can take other forms. For example, the mobile member may be constituted by a cylinder housing the piston or pistons rather than the shaft 38. The rod 50 can be composed of articulated sections. The return device may also be formed of a spring of torsion, tension, or any other element capable of exerting pressure on the member mobile to bring it back to the first position. For example, the device for recall can be achieved using a multi-position valve (not shown) instead of the valve 16 illustrated, combined with a system of appropriate passages (no illustrated) with the pneumatic jack 20 so as to be able to reverse the application of the pressure in the pneumatic jack 20 and thus bring the pistons 36 back to their position original. Also, the pneumatic cylinder 20 could comprise a system of valves and passages (not shown) allowing momentary transfer from one side to the other of the pistons 36 the pressure so as to bring them back to their position original.
The recall device may also be of the manual type if desired, although device automatic is preferred. The autonomous pneumatic device can also to be mounted at the end of a pole near the tool if its body is short. The tool can have a actuating member which is pivoted by the rod 50 rather than pushed or pulled.
The device connecting the movable member 22 to the actuating member of the tool may be formed of a single coupling element if the distance between the moving member and the actuator does not require an elongated rod.

11

Claims (30)

1. A self-contained pneumatic device for operating a tool operated by moving an actuating member in opposite directions operation, comprising:
a rigid body having opposite first and second ends, the second end having a shape adapted to mounting the tool on the body rigid;
a portable compressed gas reservoir removably attached to the first end of the rigid body;
a conduit having a first opening for receiving compressed gas from tank, and a second opening;
a valve arranged to control a flow of compressed gas in the conduit, the valve having an operable control member for selectively open and close the valve;
a pneumatic cylinder fixed to the rigid body and communicating with the second opening of the conduit, the actuator having a movable member movable from a first to a second position under the effect of a gas pressure released by the valve;
a pressure regulator arranged to regulate a pressure of the gas compressed conveyed to the pneumatic cylinder via the conduit;
connecting means for connecting the movable member to the actuating member of the tool so that the actuating member of the tool moves in Moon operating directions when moving the moving limb to the second position, and in the other directions of operation when returning from mobile member to the first position; and return means for returning the movable member to the first position. The self-contained pneumatic device according to claim 1, wherein the duct passes at least partially in the rigid body. 3. The self-contained pneumatic device according to claim 1, comprising more a protective wrapper flocking around the tank and protecting the tank against shocks. 4. The self-contained pneumatic device according to claim 1, wherein the tank is made of composite material. The self-contained pneumatic device according to claim 1, wherein the tank attaches to the first end of the rigid body by screwing. The self-contained pneumatic device according to claim 1, wherein the pressure regulator includes two lowering series regulating elements successively a pressure supplied by the reservoir at a pressure intermediate then at an operating pressure of the pneumatic cylinder. The self-contained pneumatic device according to claim 6, wherein the operating pressure provided by the pressure regulator is almost constant on a wide pressure range of the tank. 8. The self-contained pneumatic device according to claim 1, comprising more security means to prevent an accidental operation of the organ of ordered. The self-contained pneumatic device according to claim 1, wherein the jack pneumatic comprises several successive chambers housing fixed pistons at mobile member. The self-contained pneumatic device of claim 9, wherein the chambers have compressed gas supply openings having diameters different. The self-contained pneumatic device of claim 10, wherein the moving member comprises a hollow central shaft traversing the pistons and comprising the supply openings communicating with the chambers, the central shaft defining a passage for the compressed gas between the conduit and the chambers. The self-contained pneumatic device of claim 9, wherein the chambers have air circulation openings moved by the pistons. The self-contained pneumatic device of claim 1, wherein the valve includes an outlet communicating in the open air, the valve having a position closed wherein the pneumatic cylinder is in communication with the outlet, and a open position in which the pneumatic cylinder is in communication with the pressure regulator. 14. The self-contained pneumatic device according to claim 1, wherein the return means comprises a spring exerting a thrust on the moving part of pneumatic cylinder towards the first position of the moving part. 15. The self-contained pneumatic device according to claim 1, wherein the pressure regulator is disposed near the end of the rigid body to which the tank is fixed. 16. The self-contained pneumatic device according to claim 1, wherein the valve is arranged near the pneumatic cylinder. The self-contained pneumatic device of claim 1, wherein the means of connection comprises a mechanical transmission connecting the organ actuating the movable member of the pneumatic cylinder. 18. The self-contained pneumatic device according to claim 1, wherein the return means comprises a spring between a fixed part of the rigid body and the movable member of the pneumatic cylinder. 19. The self-contained pneumatic device according to claim 1, wherein the tool includes a pruner opening and closing selectively depending on whether the organ actuator is moved by the connecting means in one or other of the opposite directions of operation. The self-contained pneumatic device of claim 19, wherein the pruner includes a compact arrangement having a knife pivoting to a counter-knife by pulling on the actuating rod, the moving part of the jack pneumatic moving from first to second position away of pruning shears, thus pulling on the actuating rod. 21. The self-contained pneumatic device according to claim 1, wherein the body rigid forms a pole. 22. The self-contained pneumatic device of claim 21, wherein the rigid body has a tubular form housing the conduit, the regulator of pressure, the valve, the pneumatic cylinder, the return means and at least a part of the means link. 23. The self-contained pneumatic device of claim 21, wherein the rigid body comprises tubular sections coupling to each other, the led, the pressure regulator, the valve and the pneumatic cylinder being housed in tubular sections different from the pole, the control member being mounted on the tubular section housing the valve. 24. The self-contained pneumatic device according to claim 21, wherein the rigid body comprises a tubular section housing at least partially the way link. 25. The self-contained pneumatic device according to claim 24, wherein the connecting means and the tubular section are made of electrically insulating. The self-contained pneumatic device of claim 25, wherein the tubular section has ends provided with seals. The self-contained pneumatic device of claim 26, wherein the tubular section contains a pressurized gas having properties dielectrics. 28. The self-contained pneumatic device of claim 25, wherein the connecting means comprises a rigid elongate shaft coupled between the member actuator and the movable member. 29. The self-contained pneumatic device of claim 21, wherein the tool includes a pruner opening and closing selectively depending on whether the organ actuator is moved by the connecting means in one or other of the opposite directions of operation. The self-contained pneumatic device of claim 29, wherein the pruner includes a compact arrangement having a knife pivoting to a counter-knife by pulling on the actuating rod, the moving part of the jack pneumatic moving from first to second position away of pruning shears, thus pulling on the actuating rod.