ES2608903B1 - Device for a remotely manned aerial vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

Device for a remotely manned aerial vehicle. # The device of the invention is intended for coupling to a remotely manned aerial vehicle. For this, it is constituted by a phytosanitary dosing medium, a carrier arm, a storage tank for the phytosanitary ware, ducts, impulse means, an electronic system for the remote activation of the engine, a camera, an audiovisual transmission system for send the signal to a station that controls the dosage remotely and a docking area for the device's connection to the remotely manned aerial vehicle. In this way, the camera visualizes the area in which the dosing means release the phytosanitary, allowing the drive medium to be activated remotely by the electronic system when the operator considers the location to be ideal.

Description

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The object of the invention is to provide a device for coupling to a remotely manned aerial vehicle so that the resulting assembly allows the treatment of pests. The invention is intended to fight biologically against these organisms, which may become established in colonies and / or nest in tree, shrub or herbaceous species.

The device of the invention is composed of different elements, among which is a carrier arm of dosing means, a phytosanitary storage tank, the conduits that take it to the dosing means for its release in the area affected by the pest by the drive of an engine, a viewing camera and an audiovisual transmission system.

Advantageously, the device of the invention is associated with a remotely manned aerial vehicle allowing access of the whole to the most inaccessible areas and carrying out the release of the phytosanitary with high efficiency and excellent efficiency.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Pests may become established in colonies and / or nest in tree, shrub or herbaceous species. In fact, these species can move from one host to another in a way that infects an area or even the entirety of a particular forest mass.

Pest cycles are variable, starting at certain periods of the year and going through various biological stages along a certain time line.

These stages can pass from the laying of eggs by adult females, to the birth of the larvae, feeding through the host, building nests, crystallization, metamorphosis, etc. The cycles are then the ideal method then to know the right moment in which to attack the invasive species and proceed to its eradication.

Pests can also greatly affect other species, not just the trees or shrubs it is occupying. Victims can be both domestic animals and people. In some cases, severe hives or allergies can occur due to contact with these organisms. Although contact is not an essential factor to suffer harmful effects that these beings can produce, and some of their body structures, such as hairs, could be detached on the surfaces that surround the place where they are or in the environment , also retaining its harmful properties.

Numerous are the methods that are known for the treatment and control of pests. From those that go through fumigations or sprays carried out through the use of manned aerial means from the cabin, mainly for large forest or agricultural masses and which do not offer great guarantees of success, since the applied phytosanitary product does not usually pass from the surface of the treated species; to those who limit themselves to the destruction of the areas where the colony of attackers can be found. Also being able to find other systems based on traps of different types and with baits of different types that seek to attract the invasive species in a single way in each tree, shrub or plant.

The Spanish patent with publication number ES2131033 shows us a procedure to eradicate pests selectively, when they are in the nesting phase in trees. Using for this a carbine and some projectiles which have their tip impregnated with a phytosanitary substance. These projectiles when they come into contact with the inside of the nest, release their phytosanitary substance. This system has several drawbacks, such as the fact that it is only usable at the time of nesting and not being effective seems to be in the first larval stages. In addition, the pellet is conventional lead and once fired causes the serious problem of being dispersed by the environment, then being highly polluting. Finally,

it requires the aim of the applicator staff and can only access the nests that are in their visual area, which will not reach the highest areas of the affected mass.

The Spanish patent with publication number W02008065218 solves the previous problem regarding the contamination of the lead used and indicates that it will have a launcher to refine the aim and reach higher branches; but still has the disadvantage of not having access to the highest or hidden areas. In addition to the fact that spreading the substance over a wider area than would be the object to be treated in itself, can be detrimental to other species, since there is no phytosanitary product or pesticide exclusive for a given species and although some are resistant, others may end up being affected.

The Spanish patent with publication number ES2303802 focuses on the treatment of pine caterpillars, accessing the pockets through a sharp system that is controlled by a pole that allows it to be lifted and which at its other end has a deposit that Operator carries back or hand through some handles. The clear inconvenience presented remains the difficulty of access to the upper areas.

For all the above, to date no device is known in the state of the art for coupling to a remotely manned aerial vehicle capable of releasing a phytosanitary in a controlled and accurate way in areas of difficult access.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The proposed invention fully solves the problem outlined in the state of the art, by presenting a device that is coupled to a remotely manned aerial vehicle and that enables the dosing of fully directional phytosanitary against the colony or attacking element that is intended to be treated. In this way, no sprays or spraying of phytosanitary product are carried out in bulk, so the integrity of other species that are not eradicated is preserved, making the action much more effective,

Thus, the present invention relates to a device for the treatment of pests, whatever their origin or species. Designed to fight biologically against these organisms and which may become established in colonies and / or nest in tree, shrub or herbaceous species. Thus, through the device in question, the ideal time for its application will be, in most cases, during the nesting phase of the invasive species.

The device of the invention is formed by the following elements:

At least one dosing medium for the dosage of a phytosanitary. At least one carrier arm where the dosing medium is located and acting as a carrier lance of the mentioned dosing medium. At least one deposit where the phytosanitary is stored. Ducts that conduct the phytosanitary from the warehouse where it is stored to The dosing medium. Drive means or motor for plant protection drive, that is, to drive it from the reservoir to the dosing medium through the metered ducts previously. Electronic system for remote motor drive. Camera or display system. Audiovisual transmission system to send the signal to a station that controls the Dosing remotely.

Additionally, the device is provided with a coupling zone for joining the device of the invention to a remotely manned aerial vehicle. Thus, this coupling area allows mounting on a remotely manned aerial vehicle or drone.

Advantageously, the area flying over the drone can be visualized through the images taken by the camera. When the drone flies over an area affected by a pest. This is easily identified by the images collected by the camera and sent to a remote station controlled by an operator.

Based on these elements, the operator that remotely controls the phytosanitary dosage can ensure the effectiveness of the phytosanitary release. Thus, when the operator considers that the drone associated with the device of the invention is close to an area to be treated, it remotely activates the engine that drives the phytosanitary and proceeds to its release.

The phytosanitary ware stored in the tank will be driven through a set of ducts, rigid or flexible, using an electronic system for remote operation from a radio frequency equipment contracted by an operator.

Also, the arm is also controlled by said remote control system.

Additionally, the carrier arm can be foldable, specifically telescopic, in order to enable its extension or partial or total folding. In this way, the device of the invention allows to get closer to the area to be treated, sharpening the aim of the phytosanitary release.

Additionally, the coupling area includes tilting means to provide rotation and inclination to the arm, whereby movement in all directions is provided.

On the other hand, and additionally, the device of the invention may include a light pointer located next to the display system. In this way the lighting and / or selíalización of the area where the phytosanitary is dosed is possible, allowing a greater visualization and hits with full accuracy on the area to be treated. This element will also be remotely controllable by the aforementioned remote control system.

Additionally, the device includes a second reservoir that contains water or cleaning product and is connected to dosing ducts that are connected to the ducts that conduct the phytosanitary. Thus, an alternative circuit is established that allows the cleaning of the ducts where the phytosanitary has circulated from an easy switching of the established circuit.

In this way, the device can be kept in perfect condition after use, minimizing risks to personnel, since the phytosanitary substance will be limited to

be present in its corresponding tank, sealed and with safety lock.

Thus, the conduits through which the phytosanitary circulates in the device are sealed.

Finally, it should be noted that the dosing medium included in the device may be the classic needle injection; a variable radius spray diffuser (depending on the pest to be treated) or a selective fumigation system.

As explained above, this device takes on its true relevance when connected to its carrier system, which will correspond to a remotely manned aerial vehicle, called RPAS (Remote Piloted Aircraft System) and commonly known as drain.

Said aircraft allows the device of the invention to reach the most inaccessible areas and provide the treatment action with excellent efficacy and efficiency, since it allows operators to stay away from the phytosanitary product while it is being applied, granting a high degree of accuracy. Resolution thanks to the remote control and display system.

Advantageously, the proposed invention is completely respectful of the environment, since the application is selective, focused and in its fair measure, not altering or destroying other species.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To complement the description that is going to be carried out below and in order to help a better understanding of the characteristics of the invention, according to a preferred example of practical implementation thereof, a set of said description is attached as an integral part of said description. Drawings where, for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, the following has been represented:

Figure 1.- Shows a perspective view of the device of the invention.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

As can be seen in the aforementioned figure, and by way of a practical example of an illustrative and non-limiting preferred embodiment, a device for coupling to a remotely manned aerial vehicle is shown.

The device of the invention is preferably integrated by a dosing means (1) for the dosage of a phytosanitary, a carrier arm (2) where the dosing means are located, a reservoir (3) for the storage of the phytosanitary and ducts (4 ) associated with the conduction of the phytosanitary from the storage tank (3) to the dosing medium (1).

The device is also provided with a motor (5) as a driving means that drives the dosage of the phytosanitary, an electronic system (6) for the remote activation of the motor, a camera or display system (7), a system of audio-visual transmission to send the signal to a station that controls the dosage remotely and a coupling area (8) that makes it possible to connect the device of the invention to the remotely manned aerial vehicle and which preferably includes tilting means s to provide movement to the arm (2) in all directions.

Preferably, the invention has a secondary or cleaning tank (9) - which will preferably contain water - associated with ducts (10), for the subsequent cleaning of the device ducts. Advantageously, this second deposit (9) will serve as a counterweight and will help balance the aircraft, favoring the balance of its center of gravity.

For operation, the device of the invention, the remotely manned aerial vehicle or RPAS and the radio control commands will be activated, carrying out the appropriate ground operation tests of all the equipment.

Once the dosing medium (1) with which the phytosanitary product is applied is activated, the conduit circuit (4) is primed, in order to leave it prepared to treat a specific area of application.

Operation will begin and the RPAS pilot will approach the aircraft to the area to be treated.

The device operator will observe the area to be treated through the station receiving the

5 signal of the audiovisual transmission system, locating the area to be treated and giving the necessary instructions to the pilot who controls the aerial vehicle for a better approach.

Once the aerial vehicle, together with the device of the invention, are close to the

10 area to be treated, the device operator, will remotely manipulate the device until it targets the desired target (s), having driven the drive means (5), preferably a motor, for the release of the phytosanitary, which will be driven to through the ducts (4) to the dosing means (1), the dosing means shown in Figure 1 being a needle.

The manipulation of the device of the invention, by means of the remote control, will allow the operator to extend and retract the applicator arm (2), as well as to move it in all its axes a sufficient number of degrees to access the most inaccessible areas in all positions .

20 After finishing the application, the circuit of conduits (4) containers of the phytosanitary product will be switched, to access the water tank (9) and thanks to the impeller means (5), they will be cleaned to free them of the applied substance and favor the maintenance and increase operator / operator protection.

Claims (3)

1a._ Device for a remotely manned aerial vehicle comprising: At least one dosing means (1) for the dosage of a phytosanitary. At least one carrier arm (2) where the dosing means is located. At least one deposit (3) for the storage of the phytosanitary. Ducts (4) for the conduction of the phytosanitary from the storage tank (3) to the dosing medium (1). Drive means (5) for the phytosanitary dosage. Electronic system (6) for motor remote control. Camera or display system (7). Audiovisual transmission system to send the signal to a station that controls the dosage remotely. characterized in that the chamber (7) visualizes the area in which the dosing means (1) release the phytosanitary, allowing the activation of the delivery means (5) remotely by the electronic system (6) when the operator considers that the location of the device is The ideal one. 2a._ Device for a remotely manned aerial vehicle, according to claim 1a, characterized in that the arm (2) of the device is telescopic for its partial or total extension and folding in order to dose the phytosanitary in an effective area in a specific area. 3a._ Device for a remotely manned aerial vehicle, according to claim 1 or 2a, characterized in that it has a coupling area (8) for joining the device to the remotely manned aerial vehicle. 4a._ Device for a remotely manned aerial vehicle, according to claim 3, characterized in that it comprises the coupling area (8) includes tilting means, such as servomotors, to provide rotation and inclination to the arm (2). sa._Device for a remotely manned aerial vehicle, according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a light pointer located next to the display system (7) for the illumination and / or signaling of the area where the phytosanitary is dosed. 6a ._ Device for a remotely manned aerial vehicle, according to claim 1, characterized in that it has a cleaning tank (9) for water storage or a cleaning product, which is connected to the dosing ducts (10) for cleaning the ducts of the device. 78 ._ Device associated with a remotely manned aerial vehicle, according to claim 10, characterized in that the phytosanitary dosing means (1) is a needle. 88 ._ Device associated with a remotely manned aerial vehicle, according to claim 18, characterized in that the phytosanitary dosing means (1) is a diffuser for spraying the phytosanitary. 9a._ Device associated with a remotely manned aerial vehicle, according to claim 1, characterized in that the phytosanilary dosing means (1) is a selective fumigation system. A device associated with a remotely manned aerial vehicle, according to claim 1, characterized in that the ducts (4) through which the phytosanitary circulates are sealed.