DESCRIPTION

Field of the invention

The present invention is generally applicable in the technical field of the apparatus for mowing, and it particularly relates an apparatus for mowing an area of interest by a very high pressure working fluid.

Background of the invention

Apparatus for mowing areas of interest that use a blade activated by an engine such as a riding lawn mower are known.

Different types of apparatus which are mounted on a special vehicle or which are towed by a tractor are also known. In particular, such apparatus have typically one or more rotating or oscillating blades.

Such apparatus may be improved, particularly with regard to the efficiency and speed of mowing. Moreover, such apparatus may damage the area of interest and/or tear the roots of the plants, grass or the like.

Summary of the invention

The object of the present invention is to at least partially overcome the above mentioned drawbacks by providing an apparatus for mowing an area having features of high functionality and low cost.

Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus for mowing an area that allows a faster working of the same area.

Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus for mowing an area that preserves the integrity of the mowing area.

Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus for mowing an area having different conformations.

Such purposes, as well as others which will appear more clearly hereinafter, are fulfilled by an apparatus having one or more of the features herein described, shown and/or claimed.

The dependent claims describe advantageous embodiments of the invention.

Brief description of the drawings

Further features and advantages of the invention will become more evident by reading the detailed description of some preferred but not exclusive embodiments, shown by way of non-limiting example with the help of the annexed drawing, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic top view of an apparatus 1 mounted on a vehicle V;

FIGs. 2A and 2B are an enlarged view of some details of the apparatus 1 according to different embodiments;

FIG. 3 is a schematic side view of the apparatus 1 mounted on the vehicle V;

FIGs. 4A and 5A are an enlarged side view of some detail of FIG. 3 wherein a first and a second spraying device 20, 30 are schematically shown;

FIGs. 4B and 5B are an enlarged view of some details respectively of FIG. 4A and FIG. 5A.

Detailed description of some preferred embodiments

With reference to the above mentioned figures, an apparatus 1 for mowing grass, weeds or the like on an area of interest S by at least one first working fluid Fl, which for example may be pressurized water and/or steam is described.

In particular, the apparatus 1 may be used with a vehicle V or the like, such as a truck or a tractor, which may move along a forwarding direction d.

The area of interest S may be an agricultural field, a roadway, a railway, a ditch, a land near a trees row as shown in Fig. 2B or a roadside or the area near to the roadway, as shown in Fig. 2A.

In the latter case, in particular, the movement of the vehicle V along the road may define the forwarding direction d.

It is understood that such embodiments are not limitative inasmuch the vehicle V may move in any direction and, more generally, the apparatus 1 may be used with different types of vehicles without thereby departing from the purpose of the present invention.

In particular, the mowing of the area of interest S may comprise a step of mowing of grass, weed or the like which are thereon by a high pressure working fluid Fl and possibly a step of inhibition of grass, weeds or the like by an hot working fluid F2.

The text describes an apparatus 1 for mowing grass or weeds, but it is understood that the apparatus 1 may also be used for the mowing of small shrubs, plants, rams and the like.

Suitably, the apparatus 1 may comprise at least one spraying device 20 of the working fluid Fl which may be mounted on the vehicle V by mounting means 10.

For example, as shown in FIG. 4A, the latter may comprise a plurality of connecting elements, such as bars or tubes, which are integrally coupled to the vehicle V, for example with the vehicle body.

According to a different embodiment, not shown in the annexed figures, the mounting means 10 may include a trailer or similar, which may be coupled with the vehicle V by known systems, for example by a suitable coupling hook.

In any case, the movement of the vehicle V along the forwarding direction d may correspond to the movement of the spraying device 20 along a direction substantially parallel or coincident with the same forwarding direction.

The spraying device 20 may then be configured so as to spray the working fluid Fl toward the area of interest S.

Suitably, the apparatus 1 may comprise at least one feed line 2 of the working fluid

Fl.

In particular, the spraying device 20 may comprise at least one high pressure spraying nozzle 29 which may be fluidically connected with said feed line 2.

The latter may include a water tank T and a high pressure pump P of a known type to pressurize the working fluid Fl.

For example, the high pressure pump P may be configured so that the working fluid Fl flowing from the nozzle 29 may have a pressure of at least 250 bar, preferably at least 500 bar, and even more preferably at least 1000 bar.

The spraying device 20 may be configured so that the area of interest S susceptible to be hit by the working fluid Fl may be increased by the pressure increasing. I n other words, by suitable adjustment valve means, the operator may vary the pressure and thus the size of the area of interest to be hit by the working fluid Fl.

Advantageously, the flow of the working fluid Fl may not necessary be stopped in order to adjust the flow of the working fluid Fl. Moreover, the valve means may be spaced apart the nozzles 29 so that the operator may act safely thereon.

As shown in Fig. 4B, possibly a protective carter 27 may be provided so as to prevent the impact of the cut grass and/or the working fluid Fl and/or the stones or the like with the vehicle V and/or the operator. In particular, the latter may remain within the vehicle V during the use of the apparatus 1. Thanks to such feature the latter may be particularly safe.

The working fluid Fl may be sprayed at any temperature.

Possibly, the feed line 2 may include heating means for preheating the working fluid Fl so that the latter is sprayed at a temperature of about 80 °C - 90 °C.

In this way the grass cutting may be particularly effective.

As best explained below and schematically shown in FIG. 4B, the spraying device 20 may be configured so as the high pressure jet flowing from the nozzle 29 hits the grass on the area of interest S in a substantially transversely way to cut the grass.

In this way, the jet flowing from the nozzle 29 may cut the grass without rooting out the root. In this way, advantageously, the integrity of the area of interest S may be preserved.

The nozzle 29 may be mounted on the spraying device 20 to rotate in a plane π or to oscillate along the same plane π.

In particular, the nozzle 29 may spray a working fluid jet Fl in a direction substantially parallel or coinciding to the plane π or slightly inclined with respect the same plane π.

Preferably, the plane π may be substantially parallel to the area of interest S.

Suitably, the mounting means 10 may be configured so that during the use of the spraying device 20 the plane π has a height from the area of interest S so that the jet flowing from the nozzle 29 cuts the grass, weeds or the like at a predetermined height h from the area of interest S.

Possibly in order to vary such predetermined height h, the apparatus 1 may comprise adjusting means 12 for varying such height h as required. Preferably, the same mounting means 10 may include such adjusting means 12.

For example, the height h may be of 3 cm to 20 cm, preferably of 3 cm to 10 cm.

In case the nozzle 29 is movable mounted on the spraying device 20 to oscillate along the plane π, the apparatus may include known systems to promote the oscillation. For example, an oscillating plate activated by suitable motor means on which the nozzles 29 are integrally mounted may be provided.

On the other hand, according to a preferred but not exclusive embodiment shown in the annexed figures, the spraying device 20 may comprise at least one rotating element 21 around an axis X which may be substantially perpendicular to the plane π.

Suitably, the spraying device 20 may include motor means 15 of known type acting on the rotating element 21 to promote the rotation thereof.

The nozzle 29 may be operatively coupled with the rotating element 21 to integrally rotate around the axis X. In particular, the nozzle 29 may be oriented so as the jet flowing therefrom has a direction parallel or coincident with the plane π or slightly inclined with respect to the same plane π.

Suitably, the nozzle 29 may be integrally coupled with the rotating element 21 or a tubular element 22 interposed between the rotating element 21 and the nozzle 29 may be provided, the tubular element 22 may be integrally coupled with the rotating element 21 and the nozzle 29.

The tubular element 22 may have an inlet 23 for the working fluid Fl and an outlet 24 defined by or fluidlically connected with the nozzle 29. In other words, the tubular element

22 may also be fluidically connected with the feed line 2 of the working fluid Fl.

Suitably, the tubular element 22 may define an axis Y substantially parallel to or lie on the plane π so that the same tubular element 22 rotates in a plane substantially parallel to or coinciding with the plane π.

According to an aspect of the invention, as shown in FIG. 2A, the tubular element 22 may comprise a curved end portion 25, while the nozzle 29 may be coupled with the tubular element 22 in correspondence of such curved end portion 25 so that the jet flowing from the nozzle 29 has a direction substantially coaxial to an axis Y' substantially transverse to the axis

Y.

In particular, such end portion 25 may be placed concordant with the rotation direction of the tubular element 22 so as the latter, particularly the end portion 25 has a substantially "C" shape concavity. Thanks to this configuration, during the rotation of the tubular element 22, the grass to be cut may remain within the concavity so as to facilitate the cutting operation thereof.

According to a particular embodiment, the curved end portion 25 may be movable to rotate around the axis Y so as the axis Y' and thus the jet flowing from the nozzle 29 is slightly inclined with respect to the plane π.

In this way, the size of the area of interest S hit by the working fluid Fl may be varied. Moreover, advantageously, in case the area of interest S is a rough ground, the track ballast of a railway or the like, the grass or weeds may be cut at a relatively low height h, while the nozzles 29 may be remain at a distance from the ground sufficiently great so as not to risk to damage the same nozzles 29, for example due to an impact against a stone.

Thanks to these features, the apparatus 1 may be highly effective even on different types of ground without the need for particularly modifications by the operator. Moreover, it may not be necessary to stop the spraying device 20 in case of variation of the type of the area of interest S.

Possibly, in case the apparatus 1 is used in a trees row, vineyard or the like, the same apparatus 1 may comprise a protective element 50 to prevent the working fluid jet Fl flowing from the nozzles 29 impacts against the stem of a tree or vine during the use thereof to mow the grass near the same trees row.

In particular, the protection element 50 may for example include a plate-shaped element 51 coupled with the spraying device 20 or coupled with the mounting means 10 by a connecting bar 55, as shown in FIG. 2B.

Suitably, the bar 55 may be rotationally coupled with the mounting means 10 and/or with the plate-shaped element 51 and may be configured so as upon the spraying device 20 advances, the protection element 50 may rotate with respect to the mounting means 10 between a start position and an end position remaining in contact with the stem of the tree.

Preferably, the plate-shaped element 51 may be bent so as to form a concavity susceptible to be faced towards the tree so as during such rotation a side 52 thereof may be at least partially in contact with the tree, while the opposite side 53 may be hit by the working fluid jet Fl flowing from the nozzles 29.

Once the end position is reached, at which the spraying device 20 has a distance from the stem of the tree so that the jet flowing from the nozzles 29 does not hit/damage the stem of the tree, the protection element 50 may rotate to return in the start position.

For this purpose, returning means 56 for example a returning spring may be provided, the latter acting on the arm 55 and/or the plate-shaped element 51 to promote the return from the end position to the start position.

According to another aspect of the invention, the spraying device 20 may also comprise a plurality of nozzles 29, e.g. four nozzles. Suitably, each of the latter may be fluidlically connected with the feed line 2 and may integrally rotate with the rotating element 21. Possibly, for this purpose a plurality of tubular elements 22 interposed between the rotating element 21 and the nozzles 29 analogously to what it is above described may be provided.

In this way the cutting efficiency of the apparatus 1 may be particularly high.

Moreover, thanks to this feature, the spraying device 20 may move at a relatively high speed. For example, the apparatus 1 may move along its forwarding direction d with a forwarding speed of more than 0.3 m/s, preferably at least 0.6 m/s even more preferably at a speed of about 1 m/s.

As above described, a step of inhibiting grass, weeds, or the like may be provided by the working fluid F2, for example the working fluid F2 may be water and/or steam.

In particular, such step may be accomplished subsequently the cutting step by the same apparatus 1 and may be particularly suitable for slowing the regrowth of the cut grass, weeds or the like.

Suitably, as shown in Figs. 5A and 5B, the apparatus 1 may thus comprise a feed line 3 of the working fluid F2, a spraying device 30 and means 40 for mounting the latter to the vehicle V so that the move of the vehicle V along the forwarding direction d corresponds to the move of the spraying device 30 along a direction coincident or parallel thereto in an analogous manner to what is above described about the spraying device 20.

According to a particular aspect of the invention, the spraying device 30 may comprise at least one nebulizer nozzle 39, preferably a plurality of spraying nozzles, fluidlically connected with the feed line 3, which may be mounted on the spraying device 30 so that the latter sprays a jet of working fluid F2 toward the area of interest S.

Possibly, the mounting means 40 may further include adjustment means 42 for varying the distance of the nebulizer nozzles 39 from the area of interest S.

Suitably, the feed line 3 may include known heating means to heat the working fluid F2 so as the spraying device 30 may spray the second hot working fluid F2 toward the area of interest S.

In particular, such working fluid F2 may have a temperature of at least 100 °C, preferably of at least 120 °C.

The working fluid F2 may be steam, and may be additivated so as the inhibition step of the regrowth is particularly effective and lasting.

For example, such additive A may act to promote the distribution of the working fluid F2 to the cut grass.

Moreover, the additive A may slow down the heat transmission from the fluid F2 to the cut grass so as the action is longer and/or may react with the water of the same working fluid F2 to develop further heat.

In this way, a disorder of the cell growth may have.

The additive A may be organic so as not to pollute the area of interest S.

Moreover, the additive A may act on the grass and/or the area of interest S to decontaminate and/or reclaim the latter. Such feature may be particularly advantageous in case the apparatus 1 is used to mow the grass and/or weed adjacent to a road.

Suitably, as schematically shown in Fig. 3, the apparatus 1 may comprise a feed line 4 for the additive A, which may flow into the feed line 3 so as the spraying device 40 sprays a working fluid F2 and additive mixture.

In any case, preferably, the inhibition step may be accomplished immediately after the cutting step.

For the purpose, as schematically shown in Fig. 1, the mounting means 10, 40 may be configured so as when the vehicle V advances along the forwarding direction d, first the working fluid Fl flowing from the spraying device 20 acts on the area of interest S to cut the grass, weeds or the like and then the working fluid F2 flowing from the spraying device 40 acts on the same area of interest S to inhibit its regrowth, possibly added with the additive A as above described.

Preferably, during the use the vehicle V may advance continuously. On the other hand, the first nozzle 29 and the second nozzle 39 may spray the first and second working fluid Fl, F2 continuously.

From the above description, it appears evident that the invention fulfils the intended objects.

The invention is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all falling within the annexed claims. All the details may be replaced with other technically equivalent elements, and the materials may be different according to requirements, without departing from the scope of the invention defined by the annexed claims.