FR2628935A1 - Portable electric pruner for plants and trees - has pack-carried motor-driven reciprocating mechanism operating hand-held cutter via sheathed sliding cable under electronic control - Google Patents

Abstract

A back or belt worn pack (1) contains a motor (3) and gearbox (5) powered by a battery (4). An electronic control module (6) is associated with a master switch (9) and an operating button (12) on a cutting head (2). The gearbox (5) drives a reciprocating mechanism which is linked by a flexible cable inside a sheath (15) with the pruning head. Movement of the inner cable is translated (19) into an open and closing movement for a cutting blade (14) with relation to a hooked jaw (13). Once started by the button blade action is continuous unless the cutter encounters an object causing an overload. If this happens, or if the operator releases the button, the electronic control reverses the motor to return the blade to its open position and stop. ADVANTAGE - Pack concept simplifies carriage of power unit and lighters load in operator's hand and sheathed cable offers more flexible and unobtrusive interconnection than pipes. (12pp Dwg.No.1/6)

Description

() FRENCH REPUBLIC Publication no .: 2 628 935 (use only

  for NATIONAL INSTITUTE reproduction orders)

INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY

  OF INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY National registration number 88 03907 PARIS

(l Int Cl4 ': A 01 G 3/03, 17/00.

() APPLICATION FOR A PATENT OF INVENTION A1

  ) Date of filing March 22, 1988. Q Applicant (s): Philippe CORNET - FR.

) Priority

(Inventor (s) Philippe Cornet.

  4 Date of public availability of the

  application: BOPI "Patents" n 39 of September 29, 1989.

  ) References to other national documents appearing

  rented (r Holder (s) Agent (s):

  (Electro-portable cutting device for pruning trees and plants.

  (t The present invention relates to an ectro-portable cutting device 8 for pruning trees and plants. 2 'According to the invention the device is made of two elements comprising a main element 1 worn on the back or on the belt by the user containing an electric reduction motor 15 15 3 a supply battery 4 a means 5 capable of transforming the movement of the motor 3 into reciprocating movement and a flexible means 15 capable of transmitting the reciprocating movement of the element 1 to an element 2 consisting of a handle I provided with blades 13 and -14 and a contactor 12 of 13

switching on the device.

  The invention finds its application in the pruning of the vine 8

trees and plants.

  0) N Vtu oe ULJ D Sale of booklets at the IMPRIMERIE NATIONALE. 27. rue de le Convention - 75732 PARIS CEDEX 15 The present invention relates to an electro-portable cutting device intended for pruning trees and plants such as: fruit or ornamental trees,

  vine, and other plants of the same nature.

  In the various cases of growing vines, fruit trees, and even plants and ornamental trees or other plants, it is necessary to

  periodically cut certain parts of vegetation or branches

  to organize their development.

  In the area of pruning as described above there are known different types of equipment commonly called secateurs which range from simple apparatus

  manual known for a very long time to newer and more perfect devices-

  born with motorization, electric, pneumatic or hydraulic.

  If we consider the known motorized size devices we notice

  easily, that the monobloc electric pruning shears comprising a motorization

  attached to the operating handle which also supports the cutting mechanism,

  is a relatively heavy material which is very annoying for the professional user

  who frequently uses this type of device for several consecutive days.

cutif s.

  As for pruning devices such as secateurs with known pneumatic or hydraulic operation, it is known that this equipment requires the use of noisy heavy energy generators which are difficult to transport without suitable means, it is also known that these equipments entail the use of pipelines. annoying food that is frequently moved on the ground and that

  must be unrolled and then rolled up after use or to change the workplace.

  The present invention intends to remedy these drawbacks by proposing an electro-portable cutting device intended for pruning trees, vines, plants, and other plants of the same type, the principle of which provides great maneuverability due the lightness of a cutting mechanism separate from its driving part, as well as silent operation and high reliability and autonomy due to the fact that the motors, mechanisms and power reserves do not need to be reduced in volume and capacity only on monoblbcs devices. To this end, the subject of the present invention is an autonomous cutting device operating on electricity, of which only the cutting mechanism and the

  ignition switch are incorporated into a handle for use.

  According to a main characteristic of the invention, the device consists of at least two distinct elements, one comprising the motorization and the reserve of electrical energy worn on the back or on the belt by the user, and the other

  comprising as already mentioned, only the cutting mechanism incorporated partially-

  Lement to a grip handle and use.

2628935 '

  According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the element comprising

  as the motorization is connected to the cutting mechanism by at least one cable

  transmission of a length adapted to the working conditions.

  According to an advantageous form of construction of the invention, the cutting element consists of a handle for use which is easy to hold in the hand, in which are incorporated a starting switch and a cutting mechanism constituted itself a fixed blade called more commonly and further hook, and a movable cutting blade which crosses by pivoting said hook by sliding against one of the faces of the latter a portion of at least

  one of these faces in a shear effect.

  According to a preferred and non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the other

  element of the device consists of a box worn on a man's back or on a belt

  re containing at least one electric reduction motor, an electronic control and safety device, and at least one energy reserve constituted by at least one rechargeable storage battery which can contain a quantity

  of energy capable of allowing at least one day of use.

  Generally and appreciably, the device according to the invention is equipped with an electronic control and security system, which detects any abnormal resistance to cutting, in this case causing reopening.

  cutting mechanism and stopping the engine. This security system also opens

  in the same way, said cutting mechanism as soon as the user releases

  the ignition switch located on the operating handle.

  Also advantageously, the sheath of the movement transmission cable is connected to the handle by a ball joint assembly means allowing said handle to rotate axially over at least 270, and, the adjustment of the crossing.

  of the cutting blade on the hook is produced by rotation of the coupling yoke-

  transmission cable to the cutting blade.

  Also appreciably, the device according to the invention is designed so that the simple turning of the element carried on a man's back by

  allows use by a right-handed person or by a left-handed person.

  In other variants of use of the device according to the invention, the cutting mechanism will be equipped with blades allowing the size of the hedges, or even a tool holder allowing the adaptation of a file, a rasp, or of a blade

saw.

  Finally, in an advantageous packaging of the device according to the invention, the transmission cable and the cutting element can be stored in the box.

containing the driving part.

  The invention will be better understood during the description given below.

  after a.title purely indicative and not limiting which will identify the

  advantages and secondary characteristics.

  Reference will be made to the accompanying drawings in which - Figure 1 illustrates in a general view the device according to a preferred mode

for carrying out the invention.

  - Figure 2 shows a more detailed view of the cutting mechanism according

Figure 1.

  - Figure 3 shows a sectional view of the movement transmission mechanism -

ment at the engine outlet.

  - Figures 4, 5 and 6 show in sectional views according to Figure 3, different

details of the mechanical parts.

  Referring first to Figure I which represents in general view

  a preferred and nonlimiting embodiment of the invention, we see the provision

  sitive comprising two main and distinct elements referenced respectively (1) and (2) connected together by a transmission cable (15). The main element

  (1) consisting of a box conditioned to be carried on the back by the user

  mant the driving part of the device, and the main element (2) comprising the cutting mechanism provided with a use handle (9) and a contactor (12)

to restart.

  Returning to the main element (1) made of synthetic material in the general form of a box similar to a small suitcase to the dimensions, the cover being removed we see inside its provisions, the reduction motor ( 3) whose speed of rotation at the outlet of the reducer is between one and three revolutions per second and whose nominal power is at least equal to 30 watt, the rechargeable battery (4) which can be made up of several accumulation elements connected together in series or in parallel ensuring a power reserve at least equal to the consumption of the motor during a day of use of the device by a professional and providing a low voltage direct current for example 24 volts, the housing (5) integral of the motor (3) containing the mechanism for transforming the rotary movement of said motor (3) into reciprocating movement, the electronic part (6) which constitutes the safety element of the device according to the i nvention comprising several functions, said electronic part (6) intervenes advantageously by detecting an abnormal use of the device by means of a monitoring of the power absorbed by

  the motor (3) for example when a branch or a strange body exceeds the capa-

  cut city; in this case the direction of rotation of said motor (3) is instantly reversed causing the opening of the cutting mechanism and its stopping, the same effect is produced as soon as the user releases the contactor (12); this latter function is important for facilitating the use of the device, but it is just as important in the event of an accident, for example during the start of cutting a finger. It should be noted as will be seen below that the force exerted on the cutting mechanism to ensure its opening is substantially equal to the force exerted on this same mechanism to ensure its closing which easily allows to release

  the device of a plug in a branch too big for the capacity of a device

  tif intended for the size. A manual contactor (7) for switching on the device

  connected to the battery outlet can either be placed for accessi-

  ble from the inside or outside of the main element (1). Flanges (8) solidai-

  res of the main element (1) allow the fixing of belts or straps (8 ')

  adjustable for easily hanging said element (1) on the shoulders of the user

  for example as a backpack or in a more representative way as

certain model of school bag.

  On the drawing of the main element (2) Figure I which represents the entire cutting mechanism, we see the handle (9) for gripping and use made

  in synthetic resin in two half-shells partially enveloping said mechanism

  cutting nism and the start switch (12), the screws (10) and (II) which assemble the two half-shells of the handle (9), the hook (13) made integral with the handle (9) by the screws (10), the cutting blade (14) pivoting on an axis (14 ') to cooperate with said hook (13) in a shearing effect by sliding one of its faces against one of the faces of said hook (13 ), the sheathed cable (15)

  transmitting the mechanical movement of the main element (1) to the pivot blade

  aunt (14) of the main element (2) as we will see and better understand

  later in the description relating to FIG. 2.

  In Figure 2 which represents the main element (2) Figure I already partial-

  Lement described, but presented this time in interior view a half-shell of the handle (9) removed, we see the hook (13) whose part (13 ') has two holes (10') for the passage of screws (10) which will make it integral with the handle (9) by clamping between its two half-shells, the cutting blade (14) and its pivot axis (14 ') which assembles it in a mobile manner on the hook (13), the axis (14 ') also has a nut and spring means for adjusting the friction pressure of the larp (14) against said hook (13). A hole t17) (16) formed in a lever arm / integral with the blade (14) is intended to receive an axis (18) for coupling to the yoke (19) assembled itself by screwing on the threaded end of the cable (15). A contactor (12) connected by conductive wire (12 ') to the

  electronic system (6) figure I allows the device to be started and stopped.

  We can already see that a force exerted alternately from front to back and from back to front on the cable (15) will cause the alternating pivoting

  of the blade (14) towards its closure on the hook (13) then towards its opening.

  A ball joint means (20) mounted on the threaded end piece (20 ') integral with the sheath (15') of the transmission cable (15) is assembled to the handle (9) by means of the two screws (9 ') in order to advantageously allow said handle (9) an axial rotation at least equal to 270 of angle. The wear compensation adjustment of the blade (14) is easily carried out by simple rotation of the yoke (19) by screwing the latter with a sufficient number of turns to allow again

  normal cutting operation.

  In Figure 3 which shows in a sectional view the housing (5) according to Figure 1, said housing constituting the mechanical element of transformation of the

  rotary movement of the motor (3) in reciprocating movement transmitted to the cable (15).

  we see the parts (21) (22) and (23) assembled together by a plurality of screws (24) to form said sealed housing (5), the part (21) constituting one of the sides of the housing (5) comprising -on its outer face a tubular part (21 ') in which is fitted the part (3') of the motor (3) assembled by means of screws (30) making said housing (5) integral with said motor (3) , the part (22) in the form of a cage constituting in a single piece the four small faces of the housing (5), one of which comprises a tubular part (25) intended for the passage and the guiding of the cable (15) as well as '' when screwing the threaded end piece (26) of the sheath (15 '), said end piece (26) being immobilized in this assembly by a lock nut

  (26 '), the part (29) constituting a simple cover for closing the housing (5).

  Inside the housing (5) described above, we see the crown (27) carried by a ball bearing (40) which keeps it assembled to the part (21) using clips (41) and (42); the fitting of said crown (27) on the shaft (28) of the motor (3) takes place at the same time as the assembly of the part (21) on the part (3 ') of the motor (3) before fitting screws (24); to allow this assembly a notch (27 ') formed in the crown (27) allows access

when fitting the clips (41).

  The drive (28) (27) is provided by the key (29). An eccentric pin (32) integral with the crown (27) by forced fitting alternately displaces each revolution of said crown (27) a guided mass (33) as will be seen below with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, this movement alternating is transmitted to the cable (15) itself fixed to the mass (33) by its threaded end piece (34) screwed into said mass (33) and held in this assembly by a lock nut (35), a ball bearing ( 36) integral with the axis (32) ensures perfect functioning of this mobile transmission point which moves in its revolution from top to bottom and from bottom to top in the housing (37) formed for this purpose in said mass

  mobile (33) moving the latter from front to back and from back to front.

  Clearances (33 ') make it possible to lighten said mass (33) in order to reduce its inertia. An electromagnetic detector (44) detects the position of said

  mass (33) and determines the engine stopping point (3).

  Referring this time to Figures 4, 5 and 6 which represent in order the sections AA - B13B and CC according to Figure 3, we see on section AA Figure 4, the movable mass (33) guided by at least two cylindrical columns (38) fixed at each of their ends by fitting in openings made in the part (22) of the housing (5), the rings (39) made of self-lubricating friction metal integrally passing through the moving mass (fitting) 33), the magnetic detector (44) assembled by screwing into the threaded orifice (43)

  in the part (22) and held in this assembly by a lock nut (45).

  Said detector (44) connected to the electronic system (6) FIG. I determines the moment of stopping of the engine (3) so that it coincides with the open position of the

blade (14) of the cutting mechanism.

  In Figure 5 which shows a sectional view CC according to Figure 3 we see the mass (33) on its guide columns (38), the drive bearing (36), and the housing (37) formed in the mass (33) in a position substantially

  perpendicular to the movement of said mass (33), and the electromagnetic detector

tick (44).

  In FIG. 6 which represents a sectional view CC according to FIG. 3, we see the crown (27) with the eccentric pin (32) inside the part (22) of the housing (5) at the bottom of which sees the screws (30) for assembling the part (21) on the motor (3) which is itself located in the axis and behind said crown (27). A notch (27 ') formed in the crown (27) allows access to the mounting

  of the bearing clamping clips (42) (40).

  Preferably the parts (21) (22) and (23) are made of light alloy, and all of the other mechanical parts of the device are made of steel, however nothing stands in the way of the device according to the invention, that all or parts of said parts are made of another metal or

synthetic material.

  In other variants of use of the device according to the invention, such as

  as we said in the first part of the description, the main set (2) constitutes

  killing the cutting mechanism will be equipped with blades allowing the size of hedges, or a tool holder allowing the adaptation of a file, a rasp, or

of a saw blade.

  The invention mainly finds its application in the pruning of trees,

  vines and plants in general.

  It is not limited to the description which has just been given but

  on the contrary covers all the variants which could be brought to it without

  go beyond its framework or its principle.

Claims (9)

  1) Electric portable cutting device for pruning trees and plants made of two elements, the element (1) of which comprises the motor part is connected by a transmission means to the element (2) which constitutes the cutting tool, characterized in that the movement of the reduction motor (3) is transformed into an alternating movement by means (5) connected directly to the cutting blade (14) by a flexible transmission means consisting of a cable (15 ) with reciprocating longitudinal displacement in a sheath (15 ') acting in traction and in thrust on the lever (17) integral with said cutting blade   (14) operational safety is ensured by electronic means (6).   2) Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the movement-   ment of the reduction motor (3) is transformed into reciprocating movement by the   case (5) using means (27) (32) and (33).   3) Device according to claims I and 2, characterized in that the housing (5) is directly coupled to the motor which also serves for it support.   4) Device according to claims 1, 2 and 3, characterized in that   that the reciprocating movement at the outlet of the case (5) is transmitted directly to the lever (17) integral with the cutting blade (14) using a flexible means (15) which implements cutting by pulling on said lever (17) of said blade cutting (14).   ) Device according to claims I to 4, characterized in that   the force transmitted to the cutting blade (14) to control opening by pushing is substantially equal to the tensile force which is transmitted to it for order the closure.   6) Device according to claims I to 5, characterized in that   the yoke (19) for coupling the transmission means (15) to the cutting blade (14) is assembled on the end piece of said means (15) using a thread to allow adjustment of the crossing surface of the cutting blade (14) with the hook (13) by simple rotation of said yoke (19) in one direction or in the other.   7) Device according to any one of claims I to 6, characterized   in that the reciprocating movement is transmitted by means (15) using a movable mass (33) incorporated into the housing (5) itself displaced by an eccentric pin (32) integral with the crown (27) driven by the reduction motor (3) said axis (32) being provided with a bearing (36) acting in a housing   (37) formed for this purpose in said mass (33).   8) Device according to any one of the preceding claims   characterized in that it comprises an electronic safety means (6) incorporated in the element (1) which intervenes by reversing the direction of rotation of the reduction motor (3) causing the opening of the cutting blade (14) abnormal force during use and also when the user releases the contactor (12) located on the handle (9) in the case where the cutting blade (14) is being closed on the hook (13).   9) Device according to claim 8, characterized in that the electronic means (6) stops the motor (3) when the cutting blade (14) is opened by magnetic detection of the position of the mass (33) at the help of a detector (44).   ) Device according to any one of the preceding claims   characterized in that the main element (1) and the handle (9) can be either and / or the other indifferently made of wood of synthetic material or else made of metal.   1 1) Device according to any one of the preceding claims,   characterized in that it can be used interchangeably by a left-handed person   or right-handed by simple inversion of the element (1).   12) Device according to any one of the preceding claims,   characterized in that the element (2) constituting the cutting tool can be equipped with blades allowing the size of the hedges and / or a tool holder intended to receive   a file or a grater or a saw blade. PLI / 3 2628935   8 '/ 8 12'r Fig9. 1 abbreviated Fig. 21 209 15/139 14 -1 1 12 Fig. 2 P L2 / 3 2628935 24 44 33 36 37 2 433 26 26 _ - 3,532 / - 23 ] <l /. 2 .. 2 "'7'2 41/2 '9k. 40 Fig. 3 3 22 24 39 24 3 4 3/24 g5 cup "336, Y, \ / 24 24 t /> / 38 43 '+ 5 39 24 Fig. 4 section AA 44 P L3 / 3 2628935 24 38 33   ///// '//// A //' ///// i / ó, | Fig. 5cut BB, 524 / o 'A 22] il $ /! 32 Fig. 6 CC cut