MXPA97000402A - Plant protection device, with folding curtain, water proof, for the protection of these plan - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a protection device for plants, to protect against the weather, and which extends over the crop, comprising: a framework comprised of two or more longitudinal support elements in substantially parallel relation to each other, and two or more transverse support elements in substantially parallel relationship with each other and in substantially perpendicular relation to said two or more longitudinal support elements, wherein each of said two or more longitudinal support elements is connected to at least two of said transverse support elements, thereby forming said frame, one or more protective curtains for plants, foldable, against water, within the interior area delimited by said frame, said one or more curtains move reversibly between an extended position and a folding position, one or more support lines attached to said longitudinal elements of support in substantially parallel relationship with each other, and in substantially parallel relationship with respect to said two or more transverse support elements, wherein each of said one or more support lines is joined, and therefore, extended between at least two of said longitudinal support elements, one or more connection means for movably connecting said one or more curtains to said one or more support lines, wherein each of said one or more connection means is connected to one of said or more curtains and is movably adjusted with and supported by one of said one or more support lines, such that said connection means can be moved along said support line, and one or more conveyor means attached to said support lines. one or more curtains for movably supporting said one or more curtains in said frame, said one or more conveyor means being arranged in rows substantially parallel, wherein said rows extend along said one or more curtains, and are substantially perpendicular to said one or more support lines, wherein said one or more curtains dorman arc-shaped channels, between said conveying means, when they are in extended position

Description

PLANT PROTECTION DEVICE. WITH FOLDING CURTAIN. PROOF OF WATER, FOR THE PROTECTION OF THESE PLANTS The present invention relates to a plant protection device, in the form of an environmental protection device, which can be placed on crops, and consists of a skeleton of longitudinal and transverse beams, forming at least one rectangular area, in which at least one foldable, water-proof plant protection curtain can be extended from the folded position and vice versa. The invention also relates to this foldable curtain for the protection of plants. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Until now, the new greenhouses have traditionally been glass housings, that is to say, frameworks for the construction of steel elements with glasses mounted on both sides and on the roof. The disadvantages of greenhouses of this type is that they are expensive to build, they are too hot inside on sunny days, which requires measures of temperature regulation, their thermal insulation is very poor, which means they require a lot of heating in winter, they produce water condensation, they, by themselves, do not lead to large-scale motorized soil work, etc. In recent years, there are many cases where folding greenhouse curtains have been mounted under greenhouse roofs in the form of a trestle. Greenhouse curtains can be used to regulate the amount of shade and temperature and humidity conditions to a certain extent. Simple systems for the growth of plants have been proposed, of the type described in U.S. Patent No. 5,265,383, which consist of pole constructions joined together at the top by a frame, which forms open frame areas, horizontal or slightly inclined, on which the folding protective curtains of the plants are mounted, so that the shade curtain can cover the entire frame area or leave it open. If frost protection is desired, the shade curtain can be detached from the control cords and another curtain, in the same frame area, can be attached to them. If the shade curtain is perforated, water can not accumulate on it, however, if the curtains are for frost protection, they must be waterproof. The problem is how to get the water to run off without the formation of pockets of water and how to support the weight of snow on a thin wire system. The solutions to these problems are not provided in this document.

It is known from patent EP-A1-028 282, the isolation of constructions in the form of corridors, for example, greenhouses, consisting of bubble films that can be folded in a zigzag pattern, so that they can be used for Isolate the inside of the glass roofs or sides of the greenhouse, when convenient. The film hangs from supports in wires and the width of the opening of the folds of the film can be regulated by changing the length of the enclosed spacers between the zigzag bends. Both at the bottom and at the top of the folds there are holes in the film to drain the condensation water or to ventilate the multilayer film. CA-A1-2, 094, 775, proposes a drainage system for retractable roofs, in the form of membranes, where the wires have been laid at uniform parallel distances to the roof edges of the greenhouse so that the membranes placed on The roof frames are joined with fasteners. This method of assembling the membrane elements, otherwise loosened, so that they form a large number of hollow-shaped depressions, which hang at four points, so that large amounts of water can accumulate, especially when the inclination of the roof frames is small.

THE OBJECT OF THE INVENTION AND ITS MOST IMPORTANT CHARACTERISTICS The object of the invention is to achieve a device for the protection of plants and a waterproof curtain, folding, for the protection of plants, which is essentially transparent to sunlight, can collect the condensation water on its lower side through the capillary forces, can be stretched sufficiently, so that bags of water and it is designed so that the snow load is avoided. This has been achieved by means of the features provided in the claims. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the following, the invention will be described in more detail in several exemplifications with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 shows a device for the protection of plants in perspective, with the curtains protecting plants, according to the invention, partially closed and partially open. Figure 2 schematically shows, on an enlarged scale, the mesh design of a woven curtain, before laminating with a plastic coating. Figure 3 is a cross-section of the curtain, according to Figure 2, after lamination.

Figures 4a, 4b and 4c show schematically, on an enlarged scale, the mesh design of three interwoven curtains, after lamination. Figure 5 is a top view of a frame area of the plant protection device, shown in Figure 1, with the plant protection curtain in the extended position. Figure 6 shows a section along the line VI-VI of Figure 5. Figure 7 is a cross-section through part of the plant protection device, according to Figure 5, with the curtain in the retracted position. Figure 8 is a cross section along line VI11-HIV in Figure 5. Figure 9 is a cross section through part of a modified plant protection device, according to the invention, with the curtain in the extended position. Figure 10 shows a cross section, analogous to that of Figure 9, with the curtain in the retracted position. Figure 11 shows a cross section through part of a further plant protection device, modified, with a curtain placed asymmetrically.

Figure 12 shows a cross section along the line XH-XII in Figure 1 on a larger scale. Figure 13 shows a front view of an alternative connector. Figure 14 shows a cross section along the line XIV-XIV in Figure 13. Figure 15 shows a short section of a spacer. Figure 16 shows a cross section along the line XVI-XVI in Figure 1. Figure 17 shows a modified plant protection device in perspective, according to the invention, with an easel-shaped roof and with Plant protection curtains in the retracted position. Figure 18 shows a section through a more modified example according to the invention. DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLIFICATIONS In Figure 1, a plant protection device 10 is shown, which includes a number of spaced-apart posts 11, which support a frame 12, consisting of support elements 13, 14, longitudinal and transverse . The frame 12 forms a number of rectangular areas 15, in which at least one water-proof plant protection curtain 16 can be extended from a folded position (shown in area 15b) to a position covering all the area 15a. The curtain 16, shown in Figures 2 and 3, consists of a large number of small strips 17, connected together by textile lines forming a frame 18 of yarn, produced by a weaving technique. The strips are arranged firmly against each other edge to edge, with only lines of thin thread between them, so that they form an essentially continuous surface. To show the mesh design, the distance between the strips 17 has been exaggerated in the drawing. To fasten the belts as well as possible, the wire frames consist of longitudinal connecting lines 19 and fixing transverse lines 20 and 21 on both sides of the belts. In order that the curtain withstand the forces due to the environment and the wind and also prevent the occurrence of inconvenient folds that could prevent the water from running, it is necessary that it be stretched in the area 15 of the frame. In order that a belt is supplemented at regular intervals, for example 30 to 40 cm. , by a stretch line 22, whose width is equal to or less than the width of the strip 17a, so as to cover the stretch lines on one side of the curtain. The curtain, thus produced, is then covered on one side by a surface layer 23 of a suitable plastic material, which is preferably of the same kind as the yarn material in the curtain and possibly also the strips. A group of materials that has shown to be adequate is that of polyolefins, where polyethylene and polypropylene are included. The plastic layer or lamination is appropriately made by pressing the softened plastic in the compression region between two rollers in the curtain, so that the upper side has a smooth waterproof surface, while the bottom side still retains some of the textile character. The strips 17 are for the purpose of preventing the stretching lines 22 from being fused in the plastic material, so that the stretching lines can be moved longitudinally, while the other frame 18 of strips with strands is firmly attached to the plastic, where this wire frame and, to some extent, also the strips, comprise a reinforcement in the laminate. Instead of knitting the curtain, the strips 17 can also be woven in both warp and weft directions, according to Figure 4a. Another alternative - Figure 4b - is that in which only the warp is made up of strips 17 while the weft consists of textile fibers 25. According to a third alternative - Figure 4c - the warp consists of strips 17, possibly reinforced by lines of reinforcement 24, while the weft consists of textile lines 25 in the form of two or four twisted partial ties, as shown in Figure 4c. The woven curtain is then laminated with a plastic layer 23, in the manner described above. Also here, the stretch lines 22 have been woven in the curtain, which is protected on one or both sides by the strips 17, so that the stretch lines move freely longitudinally in the curtain also after being covered with plastic . The stretch line 22 can also be covered with a material that prevents the surface layer from being attached to the stretch lines during lamination. They may also consist entirely of such material, which, for example, may be Teflon. The selection of the strips that make up the curtain is dictated by a number of different requirements, that is, if they are poor, transparent, semitransparent emitters, mainly opaque to UV radiation or in some other specific way. For example, it may be desirable that the material of the belts be flame resistant. If the curtain is to prevent condensation of water, its lower side must be a fiber system, for example of the textile character, mentioned above, which can absorb water and transport it away from the capillary action. If it is desired to cover both sides with waterproof layers, the condensation water must be joined by a covering of fluff fibers, for example. Another way to prevent or, in any case, reduce the dripping of condensation water is to add a chemical that reduces the surface tension to the polymer. In the exemplification shown in Figures 5, 6 and 7, the stretching lines 22 are integrated in the curtain 16, where they have the double function of stretch lines and reinforcement lines. These stretch lines are free at both ends, each of which joins a runner 26 in rolling contact with a guide 27 attached to the transverse support element 14. The runners 26 are equipped with a stretching device 28, which makes it possible to stretch the stretching lines 22 between the support elements 14. These parts together form a carrier device 9. With a spacing of 40 to 60 cm. between the stretching lines 22, the curtain 16 is carried, via the connectors 29, by the support lines 30, arranged through the stretching lines. These support lines 30 are fastened to the longitudinal support element 13a at a level somewhat greater than the stretching lines 22. In this exemplification, the connectors 29 consist of hooks 29a (modified in relation to those described in WO 92/12621 ), which have been attached to the curtains, so that the hooks grip under the stretch lines 22, which means that they are firmly attached to the curtains but can still move along their lengths, in relation to these curtains. This connection also means that the curtain is divided into folding top portions 31 along the stretch lines 22, while the curtain between the stretching lines 22 forms folds in their lower parts 32. The maneuvering of the curtain 16 is achieved using a carrier 33, which, by means of a sliding shoe 34 is carried by the support lines 30 and it goes in the guide 27 through the reinforcement line 22a and the runners 26a in both of its ends. Through a number of endless hauling lines 35, spaced by a distance of, for example, 2 to 3 meters, and around the pulleys 38, mounted on the outer support member 13a, the carriers 33 can move as far as possible. along the guides 27 between the support elements, whereby the curtains 16 can extend from their folded positions, according to Figure 7, next to a longitudinal support element 13a, to their extended positions, wherein the carriers they are placed on the opposite support element 13a or 13b, in the same frame area 15, as shown in Figure 6. The external longitudinal support element 13a serves as junctions for the support lines 30, while the support element internal longitudinal 13b serves as joints 39 for an end edge 16a of the curtain 16, as shown in Figure 12. The maneuver of the curtain is appropriately achieved by a motor, not shown, which drives one of the pulleys 38. supue Thus, it is possible to couple several curtains together in different areas of frame 15 and maneuver them simultaneously. The side of the beam 13b carrying load away from the joint 39, is in the form of an L-shaped flange 40, at the free end of which there is another joint 41 for a trench 42 for the water, the opposite end of which is retained by the supports 43 attached to the beam 13b carrying load. In many situations, it may be desired to be able to ventilate the area under the curtains also when it is raining and for that purpose the curtains may be opened in a slit somewhat smaller than the width of the trench 42 for the water, so that the opening is obtained to discharge the ventilation. In the extended position, the end portion of the curtain in the carrier closes against the angled portion 44 of the L-shaped flange, Figure 12, and thus overlaps the trench 42 for water. In the exemplifications shown, the extended curtain 16 is not planar and rather forms longitudinal channels 36 with the upper portions of the channels at the level of the stretching lines 22 and the bottoms of the channels therebetween. To obtain a specific channel profile, there are flexible spacers 37 between the upper parts of the channels, with shorter sections than the arc widths of the channels. The spacers 37 thus limit the extension so that the curtains form the channels 36 between the stretch lines. The advantage of this compared to the flat surface is that the runoff of water is controlled in a specific way, while on large flat surfaces the water pockets are easily formed, which can become as large as the curtain or all the protection of the plant is crushed. The channels, according to the invention, are supported along substantially their entire length and hang on the support lines 30 with a spacing c-c of about 30 to 40 cm. , which means that water bags can not be formed even during a possible heavy rain. The spacers 37 are appropriately lines, belts or the like, for example, composed of the so-called loop rope, see Figure 15, which consists of a rope with a continuous series of woven loops 51, placed at uniform distances from each other, corresponding at the distance between the stretching lines 22. The loops 51 slide over the connectors 29, whereby the spacing of the channels is determined. The stretching lines 22 are placed parallel to each other and at a relatively short distance between them, for example from 40 to 50 cm. , and its narrow stretching between the support elements 14 means that, in the extended position, the curtain can be stretched completely flat during a dry climate, ie, the spacers are absent and channel formation occurs only with the water load during a rainfall. The stretch lines 22 need not be attached to the upper parts of the channels, as shown in the previous examples, but they can be joined in the bottom parts of the channels, as shown in Figures 9, 10 and 11, that is to say just between the upper folded portions 31 of the curtain track 16, in this case the guide 27 is placed at a lower level. The reinforcing lines 22a that distribute the load to the fittings over a greater distance are placed in the upper folded portions 31. One reason for placing the stretch lines 22 at the bottom of the channels instead of the upper portions 31 is that the bottoms of the channels can be stretched better upwards, thus preventing bends in the channel 36. Likewise, the spaces 37 are not necessary, since the curtain, in the stretched position, is formed with natural channels 36. The lines of Stretching 22 can also be arranged asymmetrically in relation to the upper, folded portions 31, as shown in Figure 11, whereby the width of folded curtain packages can be reduced compared to the previous exemplification. It is also possible to have stretching lines both in the upper folded parts 31 and between them. The connectors 29 can be configured in a number of different ways, such as the hooks 29a, which are applied manually to the curtains, or as shown in Figures 13 and 14, as fasteners 29b of a suitable plastic material. The fasteners are U-shaped in cross section, between the legs 45 of which the curtain 16 can be placed with the stretch line 22 or the reinforcement line 22a included. Two rivets or a double rivet 46 is inserted into a hole in the legs and through the curtain. The own securing effect to retain signature curtain can be obtained in different ways. In the exemplification shown, the leg pressure is achieved by pliers (not shown) that with the use of heat can simultaneously flatten the ends of rivets, so that the heads of the same are formed. The internal surfaces of the legs, opposite the stretching lines, are configured with a recess 47, which is sufficiently large so that the stretch line 22 can move freely along its length. The recess 47 is made with a cantilever 53 in the passageway to the groove, between the legs 45, where the curtain is fastened. The stretch line may be integrated with the curtain 16 or may also be loose and, for example, may be ready to stretch between the support element before the curtain is placed on the stretch lines and fixed to it by the connectors 29. In its upper part the fastener 29b is configured with a hook 48, equipped with a wide part 49 at the free end thereof, this wide part can be inserted in a correspondingly shaped recess, so that the hook can be secured from withdraw from your connected position. This hook 48 is hooked onto the support line 30 and secured. In the transition from the fastener and the hook 48, this fastener 29b has a neck 50, around which the loop 51 of the spacer 37 can be adjusted. The frame 12 has a slight inclination, for example of 2 degrees, in the direction of the length of the support element, so that the channels 36 of the curtain are inclined in the same extension and thus a good drainage of the water is obtained. At the lower end of the channels, by the transverse support element 14, the trenches 52 for the water are placed, which lead the water to the discharge pipes (not shown). As shown in Figure 17, the invention is not limited to plant protection devices with flat roofs, and can also be applied to ridge-shaped roofs. In that case, each frame area 15 forms a part of the sloped trestle roof, while the upper frame of the roof frame of the skirt corresponds to the transverse support element 14 and the main bar of the longitudinal support element 13. The stretching lines 222 are thus stretched between the upper frames of the support lines 30 that follow the inclinations of the trestle roof. In the same manner as in the exemplification according to Figure 6, the curtain track is stretched uninterrupted from the first main bar 13a to the roof ridge, which corresponds to the support element 13b and thus to the roof beam , which is also a support element 13b and upwards to the next roof flange 13b, to the last main bar 13a. Plant protection devices up to 100 meters in length or more are completely possible. All curtains in each frame area can be maneuvered simultaneously and extended or folded in a single stage of work. In the example shown in Figure 17, the stretch curtain is essentially flat, because the stretch lines are oriented transverse to the direction of runoff and actual channel formation is not desired. The valleys in the channels between two frame areas 15 are inclined to each other, that is to say, the support element acting as roof beams 13b, must be tilted slightly so that the water within the channels can run.

In the case of snow, in the first instance the usual heat to heat the protection of the plants must melt the snow so that no thick covering of snow can accumulate and when this heat is not enough, electrical wires can be attached to the curtains in the longitudinal and / or transverse directions to an electrical source (alternatively a low voltage source), so that direct heating of the curtains can be achieved. In the previous examples, the stretch of the curtain is achieved by means of the stretching lines 22, which, by means of the runners 26 or the like, can be moved by the transverse support member 1 of the frame 12. In Figure 18 , the stretching lines 22 are replaced by bars 51, which are fastened to the upper folded part of the curtain or otherwise adhered. The purpose of the bars is to keep the curtain stretched along the entire length between the transverse support elements 14, however, without being connected to them. These bars 51 are carried by the connectors 29, for example, by means of hooks 29, by the support lines 30. Alternatively, the bars 54 can be designed with rigid connection devices in a similar manner as the fasteners 29b in Figures 13 and 14, where these bars constitute carriers extended laterally. LIST OF REFERENCE DESIGNATIONS 9 carrier device 10 plant protection device 11 poles 12 framework 13 longitudinal support elements 14 transversal support elements 15 rectangular areas 16 plant protection curtain 17 strips 18 framework 19 connection line 20 fixing lines 21 fixing lines 22 stretch line 22a strengthening line 23 surface layer = plastic coating 24 reinforcement lines 25 weft lines 26 friction reducing device, for example a runner 27 guide 28 stretching device 29 connector 29a hook 29b fastener 30 support lines 31 upper folded part 32 lower folded part 33 carrier 34 sliding shoe 35 traction lines 36 channels 37 spacer 38 pulleys 39 accessory 40 flange 41 accessory 42 trench for water 43 supports 44 angled part 45 legs or spikes 46 double rivet 47 recess 48 hook 49 wide part 50 neck 51 loop 52 trench for water 53 cantilever 54 bars.

Claims (18)

1. CLAIMS 1. A device for the protection of plants, in the form of a climate protection element which can be extended over the crop, which includes a framework, consisting of longitudinal and transverse support elements, within which the less a foldable curtain, water proof, for the protection of the plants, it can be extended from a folded position and vice versa, and this curtain, by means of the connectors, hangs on support s, attached to the longitudinal support element of the frame, characterized in that the curtain is supported or carried, along a significant part of its length, by movable carrier devices, in rows essentially parallel by the curtain through the support s and the curtain, in its position extended, it is arranged to form channels between the carrier devices. The plant protection device, according to claim 1, characterized in that at least some of the carrier devices are separated by spacers shorter than the arc-shaped width of the channels, in the extended position of the curtain. 3. The plant protection device, according to claim 1, characterized in that the carrier devices are stretch s that can be adjusted with respect to the curtain and stretched in a mobile way through the support s, between the support elements cross sections of the frame. The plant protection device, according to claim 1, characterized in that the carrier devices are rods that hang freely on the support s in the frame and these rods are fastened to the upper folded portions of the curtains. The plant protection device, according to claim 3, characterized in that the ends of the stretch s are equipped with friction reducing devices, preferably with a runner, which moves in guides placed along the element of frame support. The plant protection device, according to claim 1, characterized in that the stretching s are arranged inside or in the upper folded portions of the curtain and / or within the curtain between them, for example in their folded portions inferior or asymmetrically in relation to the upper folded parts. The plant protection device, according to claim 3, characterized in that the stretch s separated from the curtain can be attached to the connectors covering at least a portion of the upper folded portion of the curtain, these connectors being they configure to be integrated with the curtain. 8. The plant protection device according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the connectors are arranged at the intersection between the support s and the stretch s. 9. The plant protection device according to claim 6, characterized in that the connectors are equipped with a recess, to join firmly, but longitudinally mobile, the s of stretch or reinforcement. The plant protection device, according to claim 6, characterized in that the connectors are configured to include overhangs to transfer the tensile forces in the stretching or reinforcing s to the connector, in their assembled position on the curtain. The plant protection device, according to claim 1, characterized in that one of the longitudinal side edges of the curtain is attached to one of the longitudinal support elements of the frame, and the opposite lateral edge of the curtain is held to a carrier, which, by means of a drive mechanism, can move between the longitudinal support elements. 12. The plant protection device, according to claim 1, characterized in that a stationary trench for the water is arranged along the second longitudinal support element of the frame, under the extendible curtain, so as to form a runoff for the water, and the curtain is so that, in an open position, in which a strip narrower than the width of the trench is opened, together with this trench, forms a vent opening discharged. 13. The plant protection device, according to claim 1, characterized in that a spacer, consisting of a loop cord, which includes a continuous series of loops, with a distance between them that corresponds to the distance between them. folded upper parts of the curtain, when they form channels between them. 14. A folding curtain, as a protection of plants for crops, this curtain has a high resistance to tension, in its longitudinal and transverse directions, and hangs on a number of support lines, stretched across the curtain, this curtain it can extend from a folded position to an extended position, and vice versa, for which the curtain includes a frame consisting of strips or strips and / or lines, characterized in that the curtain is made of a waterproof laminate and because it includes movable lines of stretch or reinforcement, in essentially parallel rows, which extend by the lorigitud of the curtain, this curtain is provided with elements that, in the extended position of this curtain, form channels and the lines of stretching are preferably integrated in the curtain and arranged in the upper collapsed portions and / or in the arc-shaped part of a curtain channel. 15. A curtain for the protection of plants, according to claim 14, of the type that includes strips of flexible material, fixed by the frame, characterized in that the curtains are covered by a waterproof layer on at least one side, which forms a laminate, which is obtained by pressing together, at least partially, the molten cover material and the curtain. The plant protection curtain of claim 14, characterized in that some of the flexible strips are supplemented by longitudinal lines of stretch or reinforcement, these strips are configured to cover the respective stretch line on the side against which the strip is applied. cover material, so that the stretch line can move freely longitudinally in the laminate. 17. The plant protection device of claim 15, characterized in that the stretch lines have a surface or are covered by a material which prevents the surface layer from sticking to the stretch lines. 18. The plant protection device of claim 14, characterized in that the curtain, in its length and / or width, is provided with wires of electrical resistance, which can be plugged into an electrical source, these wires of electrical resistance are place in the area around the intermediate part, in the form of an arch, of the curtain.