Apparatus For Precision Volumetric Metering And Distribution Of Solid Inputs Used In Agriculture

Abstract

An apparatus 100 is described for precision volumetric metering and distribution of solid inputs used in agriculture, the apparatus being coupled to sowing devices and comprising a frame 1 with a through-hole 12 through which an axle 3 radially locked to a turbine 4 extends, the axle 3 driving the metering turbine 4; an opening 21 in the floor of the frame leads the agricultural input 31 to the output nozzle 13. The geometry of the turbine 4 comprises cutouts of various shapes which form chambers 5 for distributing the agricultural input 31 uniformly. A labyrinth 25 is formed by the frame 1, the inner grater 6 and the turbine 4. The structural geometry of the turbine 4 only allows metering of the input 31 while the turbine is rotating, while the agricultural input 31 is retained inside and on the turbine 4 when the turbine does not rotate.

Claims

1. An apparatus for the accurate metering and volumetric distribution for solid agricultural inputs as applied to planting machinery, said apparatus being characterized by comprising: a supporting, hollow frame 1, for housing said solid agricultural inputs 31 the upper section of said frame 1 being flat for connection via flange 22 with the planting machinery while the lower section is of cylindrical shape in coincidence with a metering centrifugal turbine 4, said frame 1 being provided with a through-hole 12 designed for traversing an axle 3 locked radially to said turbine 4, the floor of said frame 1 being provided with an outlet opening 21 for conveying said solid agricultural input 31 up to an output nozzle 13 towards the soil; a centrifugal turbine 4 for distribution and metering said solid agricultural inputs 31, the turbine 4 being accommodated within said supporting frame 1, the body of said turbine 4 being shaped into a non-hollow section 32 and a hollow chambers section or metering chambers 5 of identical volumetric and geometric sizes, the non-hollow section 32 delimiting said chambers 5 so that when one chamber is coincident with the agricultural solid input 31 outlet opening 21 of said frame 1 the agricultural solid input 31 is expelled towards the soil, while the agricultural solid input 31 which is out of the chamber 5 which is coincident with the said outlet opening 21 will be retained in the adjacent chambers 5, the metering volume being pre-determined by the structural geometry of said chambers 5, the solid agricultural inputs 31 being displaced and conveyed through successive chambers 5 under continuous cycling of same towards the lower section of said turbine 4; in the lower section of said metering turbine 4 and internally to it, a grater travel stop 6, attached to a cover 2 and positioned in the inner side of the centrifugal turbine 4 for withdrawal of the agricultural solid input 31 which is out of the chambers 5 of said turbine 4 and designed to create, together with frame 1, a passage labyrinth 25, so as to gauge or calibrate the volumetric amount of the agricultural solid input 31 and consequently the weight, acting as shutter and closing system for the outlet opening 21 of said frame 1 when the turbine 4 is in the inertial or static state so that in the absence of rotational movement the agricultural solid input will be retained inside said labyrinth 25, within the turbine 4 and on said turbine 4; a driving axle 3 radially locked relative to said turbine 4, mounted on bearings 7 at both ends, with one external bearing 7 mounted on the frame 1 and another bearing 7a attached to said cover 2, said axle 3 being provided with roller bearings 8 attached to said supporting frame 1 and said cover 2; said axle 3 being mounted transversally and through the frame 1 and said cover 2 and being cooperative with said centrifugal turbine 4 so that said centrifugal turbine 4 is cooperative with the driving axle 3; and where said axle 3 receives a rotational force straight from the planting machinery kinematic system, developing a turbine controlled rotational movement which associated to the regular geometrical figures of the chambers 5 results always in the same volume among the centrifugal turbine chambers 5, promoting metering regularity and agricultural solid inputs 31 homogeneity and consequent absence of variable pulses or gulfs; and a discharge system, comprising an output nozzle 13 for connection with a conveying pipe for conveying the agricultural solid input 31 up to the soil, the inner section of said nozzle 13 having the shape of the solid agricultural input 31 to be metered, that is, a rectangle, a lozenge, a square, a circle or any geometric shape coincident with the apparatus's outlet opening 21.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the cover 2 comprises an upper section comprising a horizontal plate provided with hole 14 for connection with the planting machinery and a lower, semi-circle section provided with a through-hole 11 for the passage of axle 3, said cover 2 engaging a bearing 7a and roller bearings 8 provided with a locking ring 9, said cover 2 being attached to frame 1 through fixation means 15 and 17.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that axle 3 traverses roller bearing 8, hole 11 of cover 2, hole 12 of frame 1 and the radial center of turbine 4 to be radially locked to same with the aid of key 19.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the geometrical shapes of metering chambers 5 of said metering distribution centrifugal turbine 4 are selected among helicoids 5, rectangles 5a, circles 5b and squares 5c.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that axle 3 comprises constructive concepts such as massive 10a, hexagonal through-hole 10b, square through-hole 10c or internal or external attachment threads 10d.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that in operation, turbine 4 receives the solid agricultural input 31 to be metered, and conveys same throughout the metering chambers 5 up to the lower section 24 of frame 1, the excess of solid agricultural input 31 being withdrawn by the internal travel stop grater 6, enabling said turbine 4 with its metering chambers 5 to convey said solid agricultural inputs 31 throughout labyrinth 25 formed by frame 1, travel stop grater 6 and turbine 4, the solid agricultural input 31 being expelled through opening 21 of frame 1 up to the output nozzle 13.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the metering of the solid agricultural input 31 through the turbine 4 rotation movement is effected solely when said turbine 4 is under rotational movement, while in the absence of rotational movement said solid agricultural input 31 is retained within and on the said turbine 4.

8. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that for said apparatus to be actuated according to the perpendicular lateral mode, support 28 for conical gears 26, 27 is added, said support 28 being mounted on bearing 7a of cover 2 and attached by screws 20 and nuts 18.

9. The apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that the perpendicular side of support 28 accommodates the conical gear 26 mounted on rollers bearings 29 attached to support 28 through fixation ring 30, the conical gear 26 being engaged on axle 3 thus forming the set of perpendicular lateral actuation of said apparatus 100.

10. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that alternatively bearings 7, 7a are manufactured integrated respectively either to said supporting frame 1 or to said cover 2.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0060] FIG. 1 depicts a frontal orthogonal view of the assembled device for the accurate metering and volumetric distribution of agricultural solid inputs according to the invention.

[0061] FIG. 2 depicts an orthogonal view of the right side of the same apparatus of FIG. 1.

[0062] FIG. 3 depicts an orthogonal view of the rear of the same apparatus of FIG. 1.

[0063] FIG. 4 depicts an orthogonal view of the left side of the same apparatus of FIG. 1.

[0064] FIG. 5 depicts a right upper view in perspective of the same apparatus of FIG. 1.

[0065] FIG. 6 depicts a left upper view in perspective of the same apparatus of FIG. 1.

[0066] FIG. 7 depicts an orthogonal view of the lower section of the same apparatus of FIG. 1.

[0067] FIG. 8 depicts an orthogonal view of the upper section of the same apparatus of FIG. 1.

[0068] FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the same apparatus of FIG. 1, depicting a preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0069] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the metering distribution turbine with various kind of axes and chambers of the apparatus of the invention.

[0070] FIG. 11 is a cut view representing the working principle of the apparatus of the invention.

[0071] FIG. 12 is a cut view representing the working principle of the labyrinth of the apparatus of the invention.

[0072] FIG. 13 represents an exploded view of the apparatus of the invention picturing another preferred embodiment of same.

[0073] FIG. 14 is a right upper view of the apparatus of the invention with lateral actuation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0074] The invention will be described below by reference to the attached Figures, which should not be construed as limiting same.

[0075] As of FIG. 1, the present apparatus is generally represented by numeral 100. Generally the two distinct preferred embodiments of the invention are represented by FIGS. 9 and 13 as exploded views.

[0076] FIG. 9 is the most preferred mode of the invention, the actuation being by the through-axle. This mode is preferably directed to new devices built in agreement with the concept of the present invention.

[0077] On the other hand FIG. 13 depicts the embodiment with lateral-perpendicular actuation. This mode is directed to providing the inventive apparatus to the replacement market of existing plantation machinery. Such agricultural planting machinery makes use of lateral-perpendicular actuation.

[0078] According to the invention, the expression solid agricultural inputs or simply solid inputs refer to mineral and chemical fertilizers, soil acidity regulators and seeds.

[0079] Generally speaking, frame 1 is a hollow part the upper section of it being flat for connection with the planting machinery (not represented) while the lower section is of cylindrical shape in coincidence with a metering centrifugal turbine 4.

[0080] frame 1 is provided with a) a through-hole 12 to traverse an axle 3 radially blocked to the turbine 4 by key 19, axle 3 being aimed at driving said metering turbine 4; and b) outlet opening 21 (FIG. 9) at the floor of said frame 1 to convey the agricultural input 31 up to the output nozzle 13. Further, frame 1 lodges a bearing 7. A cover 2 houses an inner grater 6 and a bearing 7a, all elements being traversed by axle 3.

[0081] The geometry of turbine 4 comprises a non-hollow section 32 and a hollow section, the hollow section being provided with cutouts of several shapes, forming metering chambers 5 which uniformly distribute the solid agricultural input 31.

[0082] The metering chambers 5 of turbine 4 convey the agricultural input 31 throughout labyrinth 25 formed by frame 1, inner grater 6 and turbine 4, the agricultural input 31 being expelled through output nozzle 13. The non-hollow section of turbine 4 limits said chambers 5 so that when one chamber 5 is coincident with the opening 21 of said frame 1 the agricultural input 31 will be expelled towards the soil, while the agricultural input 31 which is outside of said chamber 5, and is not coincident with said opening 21 will be retained in the adjacent chamber 5. The foregoing description depicts the shutter process as performed by the apparatus 100 of the invention. It should be noted that such principle is a distinguishing feature of the apparatus 100 of the invention, and is not to be found in any state-of-the-art document.

[0083] The apparatus of the invention for the accurate metering and volumetric distribution of agricultural solid inputs and generally designed by numeral 100 (FIG. 1) comprises as structuring element frame 1 for supporting all of the elements of the system, said frame 1 being provided with flange 22 and holes 14 for attachment of apparatus 100 to the planting and metering machinery of agricultural inputs (not represented).

[0084] The side section of said frame 1 bears a through-hole 12 designed for the passage of axle 3. A closing cover 2 makes one side of a rectangle at the upper section of frame 1, the other three sides of the said rectangle being formed by flange 22. Frame 1 is generally a portion of the present apparatus 100, it being similar to other state-of-the-art frames or housings.

[0085] Cover 2 comprises an upper section constituted by a horizontal plate and hole 14 for connection with the agricultural machinery (not represented) and a lower section as a semi-circle provided with a through-hole 11 for axle 3, and engages bearing 7a and roller bearings 8 with blocking rings 9, said cover 2 being connected to frame 1 with the aid of fixation means 15 and 17. See FIGS. 9 and 13.

[0086] Axle 3 traverses roller bearing 8, hole 11 of cover 2, through-hole 12 of frame 1 as well as the radial center of turbine 4. Axle 3 is radially locked to turbine 4 with the aid of key 19.

[0087] The inner grater 6 is attached to cover 2 and withdraws excess material which fills chambers 5. This enables the accurate volumetric metering of the agricultural input while turbine 4 is in a state of movement.

[0088] On the other hand, in a static state said grater 6 works as the system shutter, hindering the involuntary exit of agricultural input 31 throughout the volumetric opening outlet 21 which leads up to the output nozzle 13.

[0089] The geometric shapes of the said metering chambers 5 of said distribution metering centrifugal turbine 4 (FIG. 10) are variable, being helicoids 5, rectangle 5a, circle 5b, square 5c or even any other geometric shape as required by the different uses and needs to perform the metering and distribution functions of the said agricultural solid inputs 31.

[0090] As regards axle 3, it admits several constructive concepts such as solid 10a, hexagonal through-hole 10b, square through-hole 10c, internal or external attachment threads 10d, or any other formats as required by special purposes (see FIG. 10).

[0091] The kinematic movement created by the agricultural machinery is conveyed to said actuating through-axle 3 locked at said distribution metering centrifugal turbine 4 with the aid of ends of 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d. The kinematic movement is conveyed to the volumetric distribution apparatus 100 of the invention by means of square, hexagonal, chains, gear couplings or any other actuating means designed for driving the rotation of centrifugal turbine 4.

[0092] In operation, turbine 4 receives the solid agricultural input 31 to be metered, and conveys same throughout the metering chambers 5 up to the lower section 24 of frame 1, the excess of solid agricultural input 31 being withdrawn by the inner travel stop grater 6. This enables turbine 4 with its metering chambers 5 to convey solid agricultural inputs 31 throughout labyrinth 25 formed by frame 1, travel stop grater 6 and turbine 4, the solid agricultural input 31 being expelled through opening 21 up to the output nozzle 13. The shuttering process is as described above in the present specification. See FIG. 12.

[0093] Therefore, the centrifugal turbine 4 in combination with the inner side of frame 1 and the outer side of the travel stop grater 6 forms labyrinth 25 and performs, with the aid of the non-hollow section 32 of turbine 4 the shuttering and closing function of involuntary or non-programmed exit of solid agricultural input 31, through the opening of outlet 21 of frame 1 up to the output nozzle 13 when in a static state.

[0094] The receiving format of said output nozzle 13 reproduces the geometry which is coincident with that of frame 1 outlet 21. At the outlet of the solid agricultural inputs 31 to be metered, the geometric shape of nozzle 13 can be adapted for coupling of sleeves, hoses or telescopic pipes (non-represented) of the agricultural machinery and designed for conveying said solid agricultural inputs 31 to be metered up to the soil.

[0095] When in operation, the upper section 23 of frame 1 of the present apparatus 100 takes the solid agricultural inputs 31 to be metered, filling up chambers 5 with same volumes and conveying said solid agricultural input 31 throughout labyrinth 25 up to the outlet opening 21.

[0096] The rotation movement of turbine 4 does not allow volumetric variations of metering because the constructive and working geometry of same performs metering solely when under rotational movement, that is, in the absence of rotational movement the solid agricultural input 31 will be kept within and on said turbine 4. In this way there is no involuntary or non-programmed metering since the system formed by turbine 4, inner grater 6 and frame 1, besides forming labyrinth 25 is in charge of shuttering and closing the outlet opening 21, because of the positioning of these components relative to said outlet opening 21.

[0097] This unique and patentably distinguishing feature of the invention, that is, of continuous and regular metering during the rotation movement of the distribution metering centrifugal turbine 4 and of closure of outlet 21 of solid agricultural inputs 31 when the said turbine 4 is in a static state, advantageously enables the system to work at constant, regular metering during operations in inclined ground, both in ascending and descending angles, towards right or left side, and performing the accurate and regular metering without volume and weight variations throughout the planting row, that is, without pulses in the metering. Such feature is not to be suggested nor found in state-of-the-art documents.

[0098] The guarantee of fine tune in volume and weight of solid agricultural input 31 to be metered is controlled and defined by the variation in slewing rotation of the distribution metering turbine 4, distribution with flow reducers, since the apparatus is previously calibrated and the only required adjustment is the rotation adjustment as a function of the need of each plantation.

[0099] The concept of the invention comprises further creating a turbulence of said solid agricultural inputs 31 within said centrifugal turbine 4 which by centrifugal force avoids the build-up of agricultural inputs 31 at the center of said turbine 4, cycling the particles of same for filling up the metering chambers 5 and conveying said particles throughout labyrinth 25 to be expelled through opening outlet 21 towards the output nozzle 13 up to the soil.

[0100] Further, the rotation movement of the centrifugal turbine 4 leads to crushing of soil lumps and homogenization of solid agricultural inputs 31 rendering compaction very difficult or nearly impossible and securing that all the material within said turbine 4 is continuously and regularly dispensed, avoiding build-ups and losses, without metering pulses.

[0101] The assembling and connection of apparatus 100 of the invention for the accurate volumetric distribution for metering of mineral and chemical fertilizers, soil acidity regulators and seeds to the agricultural machinery for planting is performed through flange 22 and attachment holes 14 which enable the coupling of the apparatus 100 to the container boxes of this machinery or still directly at the planting row on the seeds distribution system or still on the soil cut line.

[0102] In the embodiment of the invention with perpendicular side actuation (see FIGS. 13 and 14) of the apparatus 100 for accurate volumetric distribution for metering of mineral and chemical fertilizers, soil acidity regulators and seeds 31, a support 28 for conical gears 26, 27 is added, said support 28 being mounted on bearing 7a of cover 2 and attached by screws 20 and nuts 18.

[0103] The perpendicular side of support 28 accommodates the conical gear 26 mounted on roller bearings 29 attached to support 28 through fixation ring 30, the conical gear 26 being engaged on axle 3 thus forming the set of perpendicular lateral actuation of apparatus 100. See FIG. 13 and FIG. 14.