CONSTRUCTIONAL ARRANGEMENT IN A SEED DOSER WITH POSITIVE AIR PRESSURE

Description

1 / 14 CONSTRUCTIONAL ARRANGEMENT IN A SEED DOSER WITH POSITIVE AIR PRESSURE

[001] Split application BR 20 2024 015087 8, filed on 07 / 23 / 2024, the report of which is incorporated herein for reference in its entirety.

[002] The present utility model patent application claims internal priority from process BR 20 2023 015343 2, filed on 07 / 31 / 2023, under the terms of Law No. 9,279, of May 14, 1996. Technical field

[003] This Utility Model refers to technical and functional improvements introduced in a pneumatic seed metering device with positive air pressure for use in different seeders. State of the art

[004] Currently, a wide variety of seed metering devices are known, as shown, for example, in the documents: US3999690, BR102015033036, BR1020180148990 and BR102015033036.

[005] It is well known that seed drills come in different sizes, from manual ones to large ones. Thus, depending on the size of the seeder, it can be equipped with a few or dozens of seed metering devices.

[006] Technological advances in seed drills, in general, have always been accompanied by improvements introduced in seed metering devices.

[007] Currently, the vast majority of seeders use metering devices that operate via a vacuum system; consequently, several vacuum lines (hoses) are required for their operation, since each metering device is controlled and operates independently of the others.

[008] Nowadays, seeders that use vacuum seed metering systems require at least one central turbine to generate vacuum or positive pressure, so that several metering devices can serve many planting rows.

[009] Some seed drills require more than one large turbine to generate the necessary vacuum in all the metering devices, each to serve a planting row. Currently, seed drills are already being produced where the number of metering devices exceeds 70. Petition 870250003773, dated 16 / 01 / 2025, page 9 / 57 units.

[010] In this way, central vacuum turbine generation systems present a number of drawbacks such as: pressure losses due to the distances of each line between the metering unit and the central turbine; large quantities of piping and connections between the two parts; they require more maintenance; and all this ends up increasing the final costs for the farmer. Innovation objectives

[011] A new constructive arrangement applied in a pneumatic metering device with positive air pressure that, in addition to being compact, offers the farmer a new pneumatic system with positive air pressure, where each metering device generates its own pressure through the operation of a motor that drives the individual internal turbine.

[012] Another objective of the model is the realization of a constructive arrangement that provides a single circular casing with all the means for mounting two integrated electric motors, one inside the other, also radially aligned, where the internal electric motor drives a fan or turbine, while the external electric motor rotates a perforated seed metering disc, resulting in a very compact unit.

[013] The electric and dual motorization drastically reduces the complexity of assembling the unit and its final cost, including completely eliminating the use of the air / vacuum hoses found in conventional seeders used to power each seed metering device in each planting row.

[014] Therefore, the ultimate goal is a pneumatic seed metering system, with positive air pressure and electric drive, both for the perforated disc and for the turbine of each seed metering system, making its operation more efficient in each planting row.

[015] Since these drive motors are integrated, i.e., mounted one inside the other, they consequently outperform conventional systems, not only because they allow a significant reduction in the size of the doser, but also because they guarantee synchronized operation, which does not occur in the state of the art, since all of them operate by means of physically separate motors.

[016] Another advantage of the model in question is the fact that the two integrated motors Petition 870250003773, dated 16 / 01 / 2025, page 10 / 57 Sections 3 / 14 and other parts of the metering device offer means for easy integration with an electronic control system, primarily those developed to detect faults or double seeds. This control will automatically adjust the metering device's pressure to correct these anomalies. This is possible due to the presence of a turbine in each metering device, i.e., in each planting row.

[017] Additionally, another objective of the present invention is to provide a first constructive variant of said dispenser, which maintains the same functionalities and advantages of its main configuration, however, allows the arrangement of an external electric motor for actuating the perforated disc.

[018] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a second constructive variant of said metering device, which maintains the same functionalities and advantages of its main configuration, however, without using an electric motor to drive the perforated disc, so that the perforated disc is driven by an agricultural machine or seeder.

[019] Furthermore, a final objective of the present invention is to provide a third constructive variant of said metering device, which maintains the same functionalities and advantages of its main configuration, however, without using an electric motor to drive the perforated disc, so that the perforated disc is driven by an agricultural machine or seeder, said third constructive variant also being equipped with a clutch component, which allows admitting or blocking the entry of seeds into the conducting duct, controlling the fall of seeds onto the soil.

[020] Furthermore, both the main configuration and the constructive variants of the doser are equipped with a brushless DC motor or Brushless motor (BLDC) for turbine drive, and in the main configuration of the present doser, said brushless motor is also used as a means of driving the perforated disc, bringing the advantages of the brushless motor to all configurations of the present doser. Moreover, both the main configuration and its constructive variants preferentially use a motor with an external rotor for turbine drive, which makes the assembly more compact and efficient for heat dissipation and doser operation, especially the pneumatic circuit. Petition 870250003773, dated 16 / 01 / 2025, page 11 / 57 4 / 14

[021] Finally, a last objective of the present invention is to present new elements and features endowed with functional improvements both in the use and in the manufacture of a seed metering device, more specifically, functional elements and features of said metering device, which comprise a duct or conducting tube, an outlet nozzle or additional outlet piece, a seed ejection chamber or ejector device, an air outlet arrangement, among other elements, which are detailed and claimed by the present invention. Brief description of the figures

[022] For a better understanding of the present Utility Model, a detailed description thereof is given below, with reference to the attached drawings listed below: Figure 1 represents a perspective view from the perforated disc side, showing the fully assembled dispenser; Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the dispenser from the opposite side, where the seed inlet and outlet are located; Figure 3 illustrates an elevation view with the indications of sections AA and BB; Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view, showing each component of the dispenser; Figure 5 shows an enlarged view of section AA indicated in Figure 3; Figure 6 represents an isometric view of section AA shown in Figure 3; Figure 7 is an enlarged view of section BB shown in Figure 3; Figure 8 is a perspective view of the conduit; Figure 9 shows a side view of the conductor duct; Figure 10 shows a second perspective view of the conduit; Figure 11 shows a perspective view of the outlet nozzle; Figure 12 shows a front view of the outlet nozzle; Figure 13 shows a top view of the outlet nozzle; Figure 14 shows a bottom view of the outlet nozzle; Figure 15 shows a rear view of the outlet nozzle; Figure 16 shows a right side view of the outlet nozzle; Figure 17 shows a left side view of the outlet nozzle; Petition 870250003773, dated 16 / 01 / 2025, page 12 / 57 5 / 14 Figure 18 shows a perspective view of the ejector device; Figure 19 shows a perspective view of the front cover, displaying a portion of the ejector device; Figure 20 shows a top view of the ejector device; Figure 21 shows a bottom view of the ejector device; Figure 22 shows a left side view of the ejector device; Figure 23 shows a right side view of the ejector device; Figure 24 shows a front view of the ejector device; Figure 25 shows a rear view of the ejector device; Figure 26 shows a front view of the ejector device adjacent to the perforated disc; Figure 27 shows a perspective view of the dispenser, showing the air outlet of the device; Figure 28 shows a perspective view of the dispenser with the front cover removed, revealing the internal elements of the device's air outlet; Figure 29 shows a perspective view of the inner portion of the front cover, showing the internal elements of the device's air outlet; Figure 30 shows an enlarged view of the inner portion of the front cover, showing the internal elements of the device's air outlet; Figure 31 shows a perspective view of the air outlet plate; Figure 32 shows a front view of the air outlet plate; Figure 33 shows a rear view of the air outlet plate; Figure 34 shows a top view of the air outlet plate; Figure 35 shows a bottom view of the air outlet plate; Figure 36 shows a right side view of the air outlet plate; Figure 37 shows a left side view of the air outlet plate; Figure 38 shows a front perspective view of an early variant of the dispenser, showing the external motor; Figure 39 shows a rear perspective view of an early variant of the dispenser, showing the external motor; Figure 40 shows a top view of an early variant of the dispenser, showing Petition 870250003773, dated 16 / 01 / 2025, page 13 / 57 6 / 14 the external motor; Figure 41 shows a side view of an early variant of the dispenser, showing the external motor; Figure 42 shows a front perspective view of a second and third variant of the dispenser; Figure 43 shows a rear perspective view of a second and third variant of the dispenser; Figure 44 shows a top view of a second and third variant of the dispenser; Figure 45 shows a side view of a second and third variant of the dispenser; Figure 46 shows a perspective view of the assembled dosing turbine unit; Figure 47 shows an exploded view of the metering turbine assembly, in a configuration with the rotor external to the stator; Figure 48 shows a second exploded view of the metering turbine assembly, in a configuration with the rotor external to the stator; and Figure 49 shows a perspective view of the turbine motor core of the metering pump, in a configuration with the rotor external to the stator. Detailed description of the innovation

[023] According to these illustrations and their details, more particularly Figures 1, 2 and 3, the present Utility Model, constructive arrangement in a seed metering device with positive air pressure, is of the type to be used in different automatic seeders, as it also presents itself in the form of a box totally closed by an external fairing (12A), truncated conical, where its smaller base is closed by a circular lid (12B) and, on the opposite side, the closure is made by a perforated disc (17), rotating, with at least one collar of holes (F) which, on the inside, are selectors of the seeds to be metered, these seeds being introduced through the lower part of the said circular lid (12B), where there is an inlet (13), while the exit of the seeds occurs by means of a seed conducting duct (27) tangentially inserted in a lateral flattening of the external fairing (12A).

[024] As illustrated in Figures 4, 5 and 6, the model in question refers to the configuration Petition 870250003773, dated 16 / 01 / 2025, page 14 / 57 7 / 14 main of the present doser is characterized by comprising two integrated electric motors (1-2) concentrically mounted one inside the other and radially aligned in the same circular housing (3) which, in turn, is defined with two diameters, a smaller one (4) and a larger one (5), between which rises a mounting collar (6).

[025] The inner stator (7) and its respective outer rotor (8) of the electric motor (1) are fixed on the smaller diameter (4), while the sealing ring (9A), thrust ring (9B) and a bearing (10) are arranged on the larger diameter (5), with the corresponding end of the outer rotor (8) resting on the latter.

[026] In front of said rings are concentrically anchored a circular element (11) and the outer fairing (12A) and its respective cover (12B), both covering the entire assembly, as well as said cover (12B) having the lower seed inlet (13).

[027] The outer fairing (12A) and the cover (12B) combine to form a positive air pressure chamber (14) generated by a fan (15) which, in turn, is mounted on the shaft (16) of the electric motor (2) and is oriented towards the interior of said chamber (14) which, on the opposite side of said cover (12B), is closed by the usual perforated disc (17), annular, whose inner diameter is fixed to the outer diameter of the corresponding end of the outer rotor (8) of the electric motor (1) and, at this same end, but on the inner diameter of the outer rotor (8), is positioned a cover (18) with an air inlet formed by a central opening (19),around which the inner side of the cover includes a collar (20A) spaced apart by radial fins (20B), where support and ventilation of the corresponding end of the electric motor (2) are configured, which, at this same point, is fixed in a circular housing (21), concentric to the smaller diameter (4) with which it is interconnected by radial fins (22), where an air passage (23) is formed and, on the inner side, said housing (21) has two complementary details for fixing the electric motor (2), being a step (24), at the front, and a rear cover (25), this is internally grated and externally threaded to the corresponding end of the circular housing (21), thus trapping and ventilating said electric motor (2) of the fan (15), so that its rotation can establish an airflow that enters through the opening (19) of the cover (18) and follows through the passage (23) to the chamber (14), where positive pressure is created.

[028] As shown in Figure 7, the fairing (12A) is tangentially positioned, Petition 870250003773, dated 16 / 01 / 2025, page 15 / 57 8 / 14 a small discharge chamber (26) combined below with the end of the conductor duct (27), which extends vertically downwards, where there is no positive pressure, as well as its open upper end having an outlet nozzle (28), which has a vertically cut side facing the inner surface of the usual disc (17) and over the collar of holes (F), so that the seeds retained in such holes can be released over the outlet nozzle (28) to be directed into the interior of said conductor duct (27) and, from there, to the cultivation furrow existing in the soil.

[029] As can be seen from the whole set of figures, especially figures 1, 2, 3 and figures 8 to 10, the conductor duct (27) has a substantially cylindrical shape throughout its length. Furthermore, the conductor (27) has at least one curved portion between its ends, preferably having the greatest curvature in the portion near or adjacent to its lower end, as best illustrated in figure 9.

[030] The conductor duct (27) has angles between the straight surfaces or cross-sections or fictitious circular planes of the upper and lower ends that vary from 30° to 55°, preferably 41.4°. The angle between the straight cross-section or fictitious circular plane of the lower end of the conductor duct (27) and the horizontal surface / plane or between said cross-section and the ground varies from 0° to 60°, preferably 45°.

[031] The length of the conductor duct (27), along its entire length, varies from 405 to 755 mm, preferably 582 mm. Furthermore, the conductor duct (27) has an internal diameter varying from 13 to 32 mm, preferably 19 mm. Also, the conductor duct (27) has an internal surface that is preferably flat or uniform, without any internal protrusions.

[032] The aforementioned measurements of the conductor duct (27) are particular to allow for better efficiency of said conductor duct (27) and consequently of the metering device in releasing seeds into the soil, so that the set of seeds is released into the soil uniformly, with each seed or set of seeds deposited in the soil at regular and uniform distances from each other.

[033] The conducting duct (27) is connected at its upper end by a seed outlet nozzle (28), which has the function of receiving and guiding or directing the seeds. Petition 870250003773, dated 16 / 01 / 2025, page 16 / 57 9 / 14 to exit towards said conductor duct (27) after said seeds are expelled from the holes (F) of the perforated disc (17) by an ejector device (29).

[034] The outlet nozzle (28) is illustrated by figure 7, and is further detailed by figures 11 to 17. Said outlet nozzle (28) is connected to the conductor duct (27) through its lower end or portion, which preferably has a substantially cylindrical shape, or a shape adaptable to connect to the shape of the upper end of the conductor duct (27).

[035] In a preferred configuration, the lower end of the outlet nozzle (28) is coupled to the upper end of the conductor duct (27), so that both elements maintain the same internal diameter, keeping the internal cross-section of the assembly (27, 28) flat and free of protrusions or imperfections. This configuration allows the seeds to pass or flow through both elements uniformly, without any mechanical obstacles in the way.

[036] In an alternative configuration, the lower portion of said outlet nozzle (28) may have at least two sections with different diameters, having a first section with diameter D1 and a second section with diameter D2, wherein diameter D2 is smaller than diameter D1, allowing the insertion of the lower end of the outlet nozzle (28) into the interior of the conductor duct (27), so that the outer surface of the second section with diameter D2 is in contact with the inner surface of the upper end of the conductor duct (27). Said outlet nozzle (28) has a side cutout or additional piece with a cutout (28a) that connects the duct on at least one of its sides, as best illustrated by figure 11. Such side cutout (28a) is arranged against or adjacent to the surface of the perforated disc (17), so as not to create friction between the perforated disc (17) and the outlet nozzle (28).More specifically, the side cutout (28a) surrounds the entire area of ​​the holes (F) that pass through the path of the outlet nozzle (28).

[037] Furthermore, the outlet nozzle (28) is provided with a vertical flap (28b), which prevents the seeds from falling out of the area of ​​said nozzle (28). This arrangement of the outlet nozzle (28) creates an outlet compartment that ensures that all seeds from the holes (F) always fall inside said outlet nozzle (28) and flow towards the conducting duct (27).

[038] Additionally, the outlet nozzle (28) has a rounded (28c) or curved edge. Petition 870250003773, dated 16 / 01 / 2025, p. 17 / 57 10 / 14 towards the conductor duct (27), which facilitates the movement or sliding into the conductor duct (27) of any seed that may become lodged on the upper surface of said nozzle (28).

[039] The outlet nozzle (28) is fixed to the dispenser by means of fasteners. More particularly, the outlet nozzle (28) is fixed inside the dispenser housing by at least one fastener (28d), comprising screws, nuts, washers, or any other fasteners by pressure and / or threading.

[040] To allow the ejection of the seeds from the holes (F) of the perforated disc (17), the metering device of the present invention is provided with an ejector device (29), which is disposed adjacent to the perforated disc (17), more specifically, adjacent to the side or face of the perforated disc (17) opposite to the face that houses the seeds in the holes (F). That is, the ejector device (29) is disposed adjacent to the face of the perforated disc (17) that has the holes (F) of smaller diameter of said disc (17) or the portion of the holes (F) of smaller diameter of said disc (17).

[041] Said ejector device (29) refers to a seed ejection chamber and can be seen in figures 18 to 26, being best illustrated by figure 18. As can be seen in figures 18 and 19, the ejector device (29) consists of a first portion (29a) disposed adjacent to the perforated disc (17), and a second portion (29b) disposed in the front cover (12C). Both portions (29a, 29b) are held together and closed by prior art fastening elements, preferably screws.

[042] The closing of the ejector device (29) is essential because it is a pneumatic element that receives and directs an airflow generated by the doser turbine. The operation of the ejector device (29) occurs from the generation of an airflow by the doser turbine, a flow that enters the ejector device (29) through the circular and wider portion of said ejector device (29), located in the central portion of the doser and the disc, and flows to the most extreme portion of said ejector device (29).

[043] Said portion of the end of the ejector device (29) refers to the thinner or more slender portion of said ejector device (29), which terminates with a projection (29c). Said projection (29c) extends towards the perforated disc (17), being the portion of the device Petition 870250003773, dated 16 / 01 / 2025, page 18 / 57 11 / 14 ejector (29) effectively closer or adjacent to said disc (17).

[044] As can be seen from figure 26, the projection (29c) has an opening that covers the passage line of the holes (F) of the perforated disc (17), so that the airflow flowing through the projection (29c) of the ejector device (29) impinges on the seeds lodged in the holes (F), causing the seeds to be expelled from said holes (F) and fall into the outlet nozzle (28), then following towards the conductor duct (27) and consequently ending up deposited in the soil.

[045] The projection (29c) of the ejector device (29) covers or surrounds at least one hole (F) of the perforated disc (17). Preferably, the projection (29c) covers at least two holes (F), and may also cover three or more holes (F), so that during operation, the ejector device (29) expels all seeds that are lodged in each hole (F) located under the exit area of ​​the projection (29c).

[046] The ejector device (29) is shaped as a piece having a larger diameter, width or volume at its air inlet end and a smaller diameter, width or volume at its air outlet end. In a preferred configuration, the ejector device (29) is shaped as a piece composed of three sections, a first section (29d) of larger width or volume, a second section (29e) of intermediate width or volume and a third section (29f) of smaller width or volume, as can be best observed from figure 24.

[047] Additionally, the dispenser is equipped with an air outlet (S) located in the lower portion of the front cover (12C), wherein said air outlet (S) has the function of exhaling the air flowing in the internal portion of the dispenser and preventing dust, debris or other dirt from entering the interior of the dispenser, especially in the dispenser's air circuit.

[048] Said air outlet (S) is configured by means of a perforated grid (G) disposed in a plate (C), said plate (C) having two holes (O) disposed at its ends. Furthermore, disposed adjacent to each hole (O) are two protrusions (P), as illustrated in figures 27 to 37, said details being better observed in figure 31.

[049] The said plate (C) is fixed to the lower portion of the front cover (12C) of the dispenser, so that the holes (O) are inserted and coupled into fittings (E) arranged in Petition 870250003773, dated 16 / 01 / 2025, page 19 / 57 12 / 14 inner surface of said front cover (12C), wherein said latches (E) attach to the protrusions (P), as better illustrated in figure 30, giving stability and keeping the plate (C) fixed to the body of the front cover (12C).

[050] Said air outlet configuration (S) of the present doser formed by the plate (C) makes said element modular, facilitating its placement and removal in cases of maintenance or cleaning.

[051] The doser of the present invention is further characterized by having three constructive variants, wherein the first constructive variant is endowed with all the elements and functional characteristics of the main configuration, with the exception of the concentric electric motors, wherein in said first constructive variant, the electric motor for driving the perforated disc (17), previously concentric to the turbine motor, is disposed externally to the body or casing of the doser, more specifically, the electric motor (M) for driving the perforated disc (17) is disposed in the rear portion of the doser, as illustrated in figure 38, being fixed to the doser casing by means of fastening elements, which comprise at least one of screws, nuts, washers, or any other fastening elements by pressure, threading or engagement.

[052] In a second constructive variant, the metering device is equipped with all the elements and functional characteristics of the main configuration, except for the drive motor of the perforated disc (17), so that, in place of said motor, the perforated disc (17) is driven by means of at least one cardan shaft, chain or flexible shaft, coupled externally to an agricultural machine or seeder. Additionally, said second constructive variant is equipped with a mechanical or electronic clutch that has the function of allowing or preventing the entry of seeds into the conductor duct, allowing control of the seed drop from the metering device. Said clutch is preferably disposed adjacent to the conductor duct or to the lower portion of the metering device, preferably having direct mechanical or electrical contact with the seed outlet portion.

[053] In a third constructive variant, the doser is still equipped with all the elements and functional characteristics of the main configuration, with the exception of the drive motor for the perforated disc (17), so that, in place of said motor, the perforated disc (17) is driven by means of a cardan shaft, chain or flexible shaft, coupled to Petition 870250003773, dated 16 / 01 / 2025, page 20 / 57 13 / 14 an agricultural machine or seeder; unlike the second constructive variant, the third variant excludes the use of said seed drop control clutch, being a less complex and more comprehensive constructive variant of said metering device.

[054] In both the main configuration and the constructive variants, the doser is equipped with a brushless direct current motor or Brushless motor (BLDC) for turbine drive, as well as in the main configuration, said brushless motor is also used as a means of driving the perforated disc (17), which makes the doser of the present innovation more reliable, more energy efficient and less susceptible to stops and maintenance.

[055] Optionally, in the constructive variants of the doser of the present invention, all the mechanical and / or electrical elements necessary for fixing or coupling the previously concentric electric motor of the main configuration may be retained, replaced or removed from the doser, for coupling the external motor or the cardan shaft, chain or flexible shaft of the constructive variants.

[056] Optionally, the turbine assembly of the doser of the present invention makes use of a motor with an external rotor (30) to the stator (32), as illustrated in figures 47 to 49, said elements being mounted around a stator support (31), said motor also making use of permanent magnets (33) and preferably being configured as a brushless motor. Furthermore, the same mechanical mounting elements of the motor assembly of the main doser configuration are preferably used for mounting the turbine assembly in the external rotor configuration of the turbine assembly.

[057] As can be seen from what has been presented and illustrated, the object in question, a constructive arrangement in a seed metering device with positive air pressure, fits perfectly within the criteria that define the present innovation, both in its main configuration and in its constructive variants, since, in addition to being susceptible to industrial application, it also presents a new form or arrangement, involving an inventive act or inventive activity, which results in an improvement in its manufacture and use, since the advantages previously mentioned are realized with an arrangement of two electric motors or with a brushless electric motor for driving the turbine, in which, in its main configuration, said electric motors (1) and (2) are concentrically mounted in the. Petition 870250003773, dated 16 / 01 / 2025, page 21 / 57 14 / 14 same housing (3), where the first electric motor (1) rotates the perforated disc (17), while the other electric motor establishes a continuous airflow from outside to inside created by the fan (15) and, with this, inside the chamber (14) the positive pressure airflow establishes the movement of the seeds towards the inner face of the perforated disc (17), where the seeds also undergo centrifugal force and, thus, go towards the collar of holes (F) of said disc, where each hole accommodates a seed and keeps it stable in this position until they reach the chamber (26), where there is no positive pressure and, with this, each seed is released inside the conducting duct (27) until it falls inside the cultivation furrow previously made in the soil. Petition 870250003773, dated 16 / 01 / 2025, page 22 / 57

Claims

1 / 1 CLAIM 1. CONSTRUCTIONAL ARRANGEMENT IN A SEED DOSER WITH POSITIVE AIR PRESSURE, characterized by comprising an air outlet (S) configured by means of a perforated grid (G) disposed in a plate (C), said plate (C) having two holes (O) disposed at its ends, also containing two protrusions (P) adjacent to said holes (O), in which said plate (C) is fixed to the lower portion of the front cover (12C) of the doser, such that said holes (O) are inserted and coupled to engagements (E) disposed on the inner surface of said front cover (12C), said engagements (E) which attach to the protrusions (P). Petition 870250003773, dated 16 / 01 / 2025, p. 23 / 57

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