Adjustable centrifugal spreader for solids and liquids with variable flow rate

Abstract

The object of the invention is a variable-flow, steerable centrifugal spreader for solids and liquids, for use in agricultural applications such as the distribution of solid fertilizers, fungicides, insecticides, seeds, irrigation water, or the suppression of grassland fires. It is characterized by the fact that a single machine can be used to disperse a wide variety of solid and liquid products, even combined in a single application. Additionally, it has several means to regulate and achieve a homogeneous distribution of the material being spread, without impacting or breaking the solid material, thus achieving greater distribution coverage.

Description

DESCRIPTIVE MEMORANDUM OF THE INVENTION PATENT relating to “ADJUSTABLE CENTRIFUGAL SPREADER FOR SOLIDS AND LIQUIDS OF VARIABLE FLOW RATE” Requested by Luciano Damián Armoa domiciled in the city of Carcarañá (CP 2138), Province of Santa Fe, Argentine Republic For a term of twenty years 1968257 of 24 DESCRIPTIVE MEMORANDUM TITLE OF THE INVENTION Adjustable centrifugal spreader for solids and liquids with variable flow rate. TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION Agricultural machinery, especially applicable to spreaders of powders in general, solids, liquids such as fungicides, fertilizers, insecticides, seeds, water for irrigation or extinguishing grassland fires, etc., or combined. STATE OF THE ART AND PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED The invention relates to a new way of distributing seeds, solid, liquid or combined fertilizers, since in the current state of the art there is no machine that can be used to spread any of them, as the producer sees fit. For example, the fertilizer spreader known as a "centrifugal type" can distribute broadcast seeds and solid fertilizers such as urea, gypsum, and other materials, but it is not suitable for distributing liquid fertilizers or manure. This machine is widely used in Argentina, holding over 70% of the local market share. It can have one or two rotating discs mounted below the hopper that holds the material to be distributed. The material falls by gravity onto these discs, which, rotating at high speed and equipped with one or more spreading vanes on their surface, propel the material a certain distance from the machine. The higher the rotation speed, the greater the coverage, the wider the working area, and the more efficient the operation for the producer. They typically achieve an application range of between 12 and 36 meters.This spreading system achieves a fairly homogeneous distribution of the material, especially if two discs are used instead of one, and paddles. The system, number 1968257, consists of 24 spreaders of varying lengths and shapes. The shorter spreaders distribute the material closer to the machine, while the longer ones eject it at a greater distance. However, it also presents some problems, such as the way the material reaches the discs. Falling vertically onto them, the material is subjected to a strong impact upon hitting the spreading vanes, which often breaks the seed or fertilizer. This results in reduced seed germination and coverage for both products, as the decreased mass also reduces the distance the material travels. In fact, fertilizers are generally spherical particles to achieve greater coverage, but when they break apart, the fragments take on different shapes. Since each fragment has less mass, they fall closer to the machine, affecting the quality of the distribution.In general, it is estimated that in the central area of ​​the distribution surface, that is, behind the machine, there can be up to 25% more material than at the edges of the surface. This affects the uniformity of the distribution in the soil, and obviously ends up affecting the farmer due to the disparity in crop yields. However, the impact of the paddles and the resulting breakage of the material not only affects the uniformity of the distribution but also brings with it another problem. For example, in the case of urea, the particle is coated with acidifying additives or sulfur to minimize volatilization, since in hot weather it can lose up to 80% of its volume and therefore its fertilizing capacity. But if the particle breaks, the protection is lost and the ammonia volatilizes, affecting not only its fertilizing capacity but also the quality of the distribution due to the loss of mass. In other words, breakage of the material to be spread reduces the reach and therefore the working area and the homogeneity of the distribution, but it also decreases the capacity to 1968257 of 24 germination in the case of seeds and fertilization in the case of fertilizers, economically affecting the producer. However, this is a problem that has not always been considered by manufacturers of this type of machine, and that is why the object of the invention represents an advance for the broadcast distribution of agricultural material, especially because several parameters can be regulated to ensure that the distribution in the central area, behind the machine, is the same as at the ends of the working surface, and furthermore, it does not break the particles to be spread. There is another type of machine, the so-called pneumatic fertilizer spreader / air drill, although it doesn't have a large share of the Argentine market—less than 10% of the market—and the most advanced models have working widths of up to 30 meters, allowing for a reduced fertilizer dose while maintaining a very homogeneous distribution. The problem with this type of machine is that the working width is limited by the width of the wings, and obviously, its cost increases with the length of the wings. Furthermore, these machines cannot spread liquid fertilizers or solid / liquid mixtures and also have problems spreading solid fertilizers in the form of mud or guano. There are also manure spreaders, which consist of a pressurized tank. When a lower rear valve is opened, the liquid / mud / guano is released under pressure and then strikes a surface very close to the material's outlet, creating an arc or fan that spreads the product across the field. The problem with these machines is their limited working width and the fact that they can only work with liquid fertilizers. In the current state of the art, there are some solutions aimed at solving the problems of seed or solid breakage when they collide with the paddles in the 1968257 of 24 cases of centrifugal fertilizer spreaders. For example, the American patent “US6209808B1” varies the point of material access on the rotating discs in order to reduce the impact from the spray vanes. A similar approach is proposed in the translation of patent “ES2315964T3”, in which the loading point on the discs is moved with a pre-adjusted dosage amount. In the case of publication AR118393A1, a system for tangential access of the solid material to be distributed onto the rotating discs of a seeder / fertilizer spreader is presented as a mechanism to prevent breakage and increase the distribution range. However, none of these solutions allow for fine-tuning the homogeneity of the distribution, nor are they suitable for dispersing liquid products; for that, other types of machines must be used. In summary, it can be stated that each of the systems currently used for spreading agricultural materials involves a specific type of machine and that they also have their problems and limitations, so the aim is to solve these problems through a new distribution system that allows the use of seeds, water or fertilization with manure, granules and liquids or a combination of any of them but using the same machine. It is therefore an object of the invention to achieve a distribution system for manure, seeds and solid, powder and liquid fertilizers that can be applied with a single machine. Another object of the invention is to prevent breakage of the material to be distributed. Another object of the invention is to have regulatory tools that allow for less variability in distribution and at the same time achieve working widths greater than the current ones. 1968257 of 24 And it is yet another object of the invention that can be extended to other applications where it is necessary to spread liquids, such as water for extinguishing forest and field fires or also for irrigating plots for agricultural use. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The invention consists of a new spreader for solids and liquids, whether seeds, fertilizers, water, manure, insecticides, etc., with which all these applications can be achieved in the same machine, and which is characterized by being able to guide, through various tools, the amount of material spread and its position with respect to the line of advance of the machine, whether trailed or self-propelled. To facilitate understanding of the object of the invention, it is presented in one of the possible applications for agricultural use, replacing the two rotating discs that are usually used by centrifugal fertilizer spreaders and broadcast seeders, but making it clear that this is not a limitation of the invention to said application. Having said this, we will now briefly explain the essential aspects of the invention, which consists of using two rotating tanks with an upper opening through which the product to be spread enters from a larger hopper or tank. Each rotating tank has two or more material outlet nozzles. Each outlet nozzle has an off-center spherical valve, and an adjustable nozzle pivots on the body of each valve, through which the material to be spread is discharged. Each spherical valve is connected to a rotating plate that can be tilted relative to the ground plane located below the rotating tank. When this plate is parallel to the ground, the valves remain closed throughout the 360° circular path of the product outlet nozzles. The 1968257 plate of 24 tilts, opening the valves in a predetermined section of their circular path. This allows the product to exit through the nozzle linked to the opening valve, which remains closed for the rest of its circular travel. The angle formed by the center of the rotating axis and the ground surface receiving the product sprayed during the valve opening is called the "fan," because the distribution "draws" that shape on the ground. This angle can vary between 1° and 180°, depending on how long the valve takes to close. In other words, the width of the fan generated by the material exiting a nozzle can be regulated by adjusting the position of the valve that enables or disables the product's passage. The longer the valve remains open, the wider the fan generated, and vice versa. Assuming that each rotary tank has four outlet nozzles, each controlled by an off-center spherical valve that opens and closes according to the inclination of the rotary plate, which is common to all, and the regulation previously made to each of them, four fans will be generated for each of the rotary tanks, that is, eight fans in total in the case of a machine with two rotary tanks, as will be explained later. In turn, the rotating and tilting plate is linked by a bearing to a pivot base, which is in turn linked to a pedestal. This base pivots on the pedestal to tilt the plate when a hydraulic or electric cylinder, also linked to the pivot base and the pedestal, opens or closes. That is, the cylinder's piston rod, acting in conjunction with the pedestal and the pivot base, tilts the rotating plate, which sequentially opens the spherical valve of each outlet nozzle, thus regulating the amount of product applied. When the cylinder is fully extended, the rotating plate reaches its maximum tilt, and the 1968257 of 24 applied doses is the maximum. Conversely, when the cylinder closes, the rotating plate remains in a horizontal position, parallel to the ground, and all valves close throughout the entire circular path of the tank, and therefore the applied dose is zero. The invention also allows for the adjustment of not only the fan width between 1° and 180°, but also its orientation relative to the machine's feed line, which represents the zero angle. This enables more precise control of the distribution and ensures uniformity for each type of product being spread. How to modify its orientation will be explained in more detail using the figures described later. The nozzles used are of different lengths; the shorter one is suitable for spraying closer to the machine, while the longer one is better suited for spraying at a greater distance. In other words, the nozzle length defines the spray pattern's range, while the adjustment of the ball valve connected to the nozzle defines its width. In summary, the invention consists of using one or two rotating hoppers that receive the material to be distributed from their upper part, each of which has at least two nozzles of different lengths to achieve material distribution at shorter and longer distances from the machine. Each nozzle is connected to an off-center spherical valve that opens or closes depending on the degree of inclination of a tilting and rotating plate. Furthermore, the width of the fan generated by the material exiting each nozzle can be regulated according to the time each valve is open. It is also possible to orient this fan with respect to the zero angle, which is the imaginary line described by the advance of the 1968257 of 24 machine. In this way, a very homogeneous distribution can be achieved, as will be explained in more detail using the following figures. In this way, it doesn't matter if the material to be distributed is solid, liquid, or a combination of both; the distribution system works the same way. At most, some of the possibilities offered by the invention may need to be adjusted. Furthermore, there is no element that can break the seed or the fertilizer used, thus ensuring better germination or fertilization and a more homogeneous distribution across the entire working width compared to currently used systems. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIGURE 1: It is a side view of a fertilizer machine, pulled by a tractor, and which has on its rear part the object of the invention, which replaces the centrifugal discs used in most fertilizer and broadcast seeders. FIGURE 2: It is a top plan view of the object of the invention, in the case where two rotary tanks are used. FIGURE 3: This is a simplified perspective view of the rotary tank and one of the outlet nozzles, which makes it easier to understand its structure. FIGURE 4: It is a vertical cross-sectional view of one of the rotary devices that are part of the object of the invention. FIGURE 5: It is a top plan and cross-section view on a horizontal plane that allows visualization of the interior of the rotary device that is part of the object of the invention. 1968257 of 24 FIGURE 6: This is a view of the object of the invention, with a single nozzle to better show the connection of the rotating and tilting plate with the rotating tank. FIGURE 7: This is a similar view to the previous one, but with the rotating and tilting plate removed. FIGURES 8 A and 8 B: This is a diagram of the displacement obtained from the different fans generated by a single rotating tank made up of four outlet nozzles. FIGURE 9: It is one of the object of the invention with a vertical cut that allows visualization of a closed valve and an open one. FIGURE 10: It is a view similar to the previous one but in perspective. FIGURE 11: It is a rendered image of the object of the invention that allows visualization of the interior of the valve after having previously removed the nozzle linked to it. FIGURE 12: This is a rendered view that allows visualization of the internal component of the valve mounted on the base of each nozzle. FIGURE 13: This is a rendered view of the mechanism used to open and close the valve that limits the flow of the material. FIGURE 14: This is a rendered view of the mechanism used to adjust the flow and width of the generated fan. FIGURE 15: It is a view, with a cut section, of the configuration used to modify the nozzle angle with respect to the ground. 1968257 of 24 FIGURE 16: This is a view of the nozzle at a zero angle with respect to the ground. FIGURE 17: This is a view of the nozzle at an angle of -20° with respect to the ground. FIGURE 18: This is a view of the nozzle at an angle of +30° with respect to the ground. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to a new type of spreader applicable to agricultural fertilizer and broadcast seeding machines. This spreader allows for the broadcasting of powders, liquids, manure, or seeds, and in addition to distributing four different types of products, it does so without breaking solid particles, if used, over distances of 1 to 60 meters in total working width. Its optimal implementation will be detailed in the following paragraphs. It should be noted that the applications of the invention may include the construction of a specific machine for use in agricultural fertilization with different products and in broadcast seeding. It could also be used as a machine for irrigating agricultural plots or for fighting forest or grassland fires, when used with water-filled tanks. Figure 1 depicts a fertilizer spreader (1), towed by a tractor, which, instead of having rotating discs at its rear and below the level of the hopper containing the material to be distributed, has one or more rotating tanks (2). Its essential characteristics will be analyzed in detail in the following figures. However, as mentioned earlier, this is only one possible application of the invention. Figure 2 is a top plan view of the object of the invention in the case where two rotary tanks (3) are used, and it allows visualization that each rotary tank 1968257 of 24 has an opening (4) at its top through which the material to be spread enters, and four nozzles (5) for the material to exit. For example, the object of the invention could replace the rotating discs in a centrifugal fertilizer spreader. The left disc rotates counterclockwise and the right disc clockwise. Figure 3 is a simplified perspective view of part of the invention, showing the rotating reservoir (3), one of the outlet nozzles (5), and the outer body of the spherical valve (6) to which it is attached and on which it can pivot vertically, as shown in Figures 16, 17, and 18. Although four outlets are shown here, there could be between two and six, depending on the application of the invention. Note that there is an opening (4) at the top through which the material to be dispensed enters, as mentioned in the previous figure. The "nozzle and spherical valve" configuration is repeated in the remaining outlets, as will be shown in the following figures. Figure 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view of one of the rotating tanks (3), showing two of the outlet nozzles (5), the spherical valve (6) mounted at the base of each, and how these are in turn linked to a rotating and tilting plate (7) via their respective rods (8). With this configuration, when the rotating plate (7) is parallel to the ground, the spherical valves (6) are all closed along the 360° circular path of the outlet nozzles (5), so the material is not dispersed. Conversely, when the plate (7) tilts, one or more of the spherical valves (6) begin to open, since their respective rods (8) rotate the internal component (10) corresponding to the spherical valve (6) by a certain angle, thus opening it. 1968257 of 24 enabling the product outlet in proportion to the degree of valve opening and for a certain time or distance. Since the plate (7) is constantly rotating, the valves (6) that were open (such as the nozzle valve on the left of the figure) begin to close and vice versa, depending on the circular path of the plate (7). Figure 5 illustrates the operation of the rotating tank (3), which is key to understanding the innovation introduced by the invention. It shows a top plan view of the invention, with a horizontal cut along line AA', visible in Figure 4. This cut reveals the interior of the rotating tank, where four plates (9) slow the material's exit until it reaches an angular velocity similar to that of the tank. These plates also channel the material to each of the spherical outlet valves (6), as the tank rotates at high speed, in this case, clockwise.This explains why the solid material is not struck, as is the case with the paddles of the rotating discs used in centrifugal fertilizer spreaders and broadcast seeders, and therefore does not break. This represents a significant difference compared to these types of machines belonging to the current state of the art. Inside each of the spherical valves (6), the internal component (10) that allows or prevents the passage of the material to be dispersed can also be observed, and this will be shown in more detail in Figures 11a-14. It can be seen that the internal component (10) of the nozzle valve (5) on the left of the figure is fully open, which is why a multitude of particles are shown flowing through it, while the other three valves are closed, preventing the material from exiting.It should be made clear that not necessarily a single valve opens at a time, as that depends on the inclination of the plate (7) and the number of nozzles that are. 1968257 of 24 are arranged in the rotary hopper. In turn, it can be seen that the length of the nozzles (5) is different, and therefore the material will come out at a higher speed through the longer nozzle and thus reach a greater distance from the machine, regardless of the type of material being distributed. Having explained the internal workings of the rotating tank, we will now explain how to tilt the tilting and rotating plate (7) and how to orient the flow of the material that is spread through each tank. Figure 6 shows that three nozzles have been removed to facilitate the explanation of the configuration that allows the plate (7) to tilt. This figure shows that the plate (7) is linked via two double-jointed connecting rods (11) to the base of the rotating tank (3). When the tank rotates due to the mechanical action transmitted from the tractor's power take-off (PTO) through the shaft (16), or alternatively by the action of an electric / hydraulic motor, the plate (7) also rotates. In turn, this plate (7) is linked by means of a bearing, not shown in this figure, to a pivot base (12) mounted beneath it. This base is, in turn, connected to the piston rod (13) of a hydraulic cylinder (14) actuated by the tractor's hydraulic system, although it could also be electrically powered.Thus, when the rod (13) of the cylinder (14) is fully extended, the inclination of the rotary plate (7) is at its maximum, and therefore the valves (6) will be fully open, while if the rod (13) is inside the body of the cylinder (14), the rotary plate (7) is parallel to the ground and all the valves (6) are closed, as explained in Figure 4. It can also be seen in this figure that the cylinder sleeve (14) is pivotally linked to a pedestal (15), whose function is explained in the following figure. 1968257 of 24 In Figure 7, the tilting plate (7) has been removed to allow for a more detailed view of the pivoting connection of the cylinder (14) to the pedestal (15), the connection of the cylinder's (14) rod (13) to the pivoting base (12), and the connection of this component to the pedestal (15), which allows it to pivot depending on the opening or closing of the cylinder's (14) rod (13). Also visible is the shaft (16) that rotates the tank (3) using mechanical or hydraulic power supplied by the tractor, or electrical power if an electric motor is used, regardless of whether the implement is self-propelled or not, and the bearing (17) on which it is mounted on the pivoting base (12). Finally, it can be observed that the pedestal (15) is fixed by a bolt (18) to a plate (19) with multiple perforations, between 12 and 16 holes, and is attached to the machine's structure.The possibility of linking the pedestal (15) to the perforated plate or ruler (19) via the bolt (18) allows the material outlet to be oriented to one side or the other with respect to the machine's feed line, without modifying the material flow or the fan width explained above, since both depend on the time the respective spherical valve (6) remains open, which can vary between 1° and 180°. The separation of the holes made on the perforated plate or ruler (19) represents a shift in the orientation of the pedestal (15) of 8 to 12 degrees each, and therefore the material outlet of each nozzle will shift to one side or the other, considering the machine's feed line as degree 0. Figures 8A and 8B are intended to illustrate the set of spaces occupied by the material spread on the ground by each outlet nozzle. As can be seen in these figures, these spaces are fan-shaped, as explained previously. To simplify the drawing and explanation, only one reservoir is shown, but the situation is similar for the other side when considering both reservoirs. Assuming that the letters A, B, C, and D identify the four 1968257 of 24 fan patterns generated by each of the four outlet nozzles (5), the opening angle of each depends on the time each spherical valve (6) remains open. The position of segments A1, B1, C1, and D1 with respect to the tractor's forward line E E' differs from the position of segments A2, B2, C2, and D2 because the connection of the pedestal (15) to the perforated plate (19) via the bolt (18), as shown in the previous figure, was modified. However, the width of each fan pattern or segment is not modified, as it depends on the adjustment given to each of the spherical valves (6) mounted on the bases of each outlet nozzle (5), as will be explained in the following figures. That is to say, the perforated plate (19) and the bolt (18) constitute one of the tools that allow adjusting the shape of the distribution, and not the amount of material spread. Figure 9 is similar to Figure 4, and shows that the internal component (10), the spherical valve (6) on the right, is closed, while the one on the left is partially open because the plate (7) is tilted to that side. Consequently, the rod (8) actuates the connecting rod (20), allowing the material to exit through the nozzle (5), which is what the visualized particles represent. Conversely, the spherical valve (6) on the right is closed because the rod (8) is not actuating it from that side, although this is not visible as it is on the other side of the nozzle. Figure 10 is virtually the same as Figure 9, but shown in perspective to better understand how the spherical valves (6) operate in each outlet nozzle (5). Note that the rod (8) of the valve on the left in the figure actuates the connecting rod (20) downwards because the plate (7) is inclined, and therefore the valve (6) in question opens proportionally to the inclination of the plate (7). Additionally, a very precise adjustment of the valve can be made using the knob (21). 1968257 of 24 moment when the spherical valve (6) begins to open, and therefore is another tool that allows homogenizing the distribution, but its operation will be explained in figures 11 to 14. On the other hand, the internal component (10) of the other valve (6) (has the displaced channel 22 as mentioned in the previous figure, is blocking the material exit. Figure 11 shows the interior of the spherical valve (6) mounted on the base of an outlet nozzle (5), the end of which has been removed to better illustrate the object's construction. For this same reason, the figure is presented in rendered mode. Specifically, the rotating plate (7) is tilted, causing the valve to partially open. The inner body (10) of the valve (6) is cylindrical, and in the position shown, the valve is open, allowing the material to be sprayed to pass through. This is because the rotating plate (7) is tilted, and the rod (8) in this position moves the connecting rod (20) downwards, allowing the valve to partially open. The valve has a groove or channel (22) in its center through which the material to be sprayed passes.It is also observed in the channel (22) that there is a small hole (23) that will house a screw connecting the inner body (10) of the valve (6) to the shaft of the knob (21), the relationship of which will be explained in Figure 13. In this way, the vertical movement of the rod (8) acts on the connecting rod (20), which is linked to the inner body (10) of the valve (6), and thus rotates it a few degrees so that the channel (22) allows the material to be spread to exit. It is also observed that on the left side of the valve body (6), there are some teeth whose function will be explained in more detail in Figure 15. 1968257 of 24 Figure 12 is a rendered view, a frontal perspective view of the internal component (10) of the spherical valve (6), to better illustrate the object. It shows that the channel (22) through which the material passes for distribution is offset with respect to the axis of symmetry BB'. This is why this valve is identified as "asymmetrical," "off-center," or a "segmented ball" valve, terms commonly used in the field of industrial valves. This offset allows for precise control of the material flow and the spray pattern, which will be explained in the following two figures. In Figure 13, the internal component (10) of the spherical valve (6) has been removed to better understand how this tool works for the precise control of the flow of spread material and the width of the fan generated when distributing the material. It is visualized in rendered mode to better understand the interaction of the teeth (25) and (26). Specifically, it can be seen that the shaft (27), which is the same piece as the knob (21), has a hole (28) that will allow the insertion of a screw to fix this shaft (27) to the internal component (10) of the spherical valve (6), as shown in Figures 11 and 12. In turn, it can also be seen that the connecting rod (20) has a multiplicity of teeth (25) that are inserted into the teeth of the base (26), which is also solidly linked to the shaft (27) and the knob (21) precisely by the pressure exerted by the spring (24), mounted between the knob (21) and the connecting rod (20).Now, since the connecting rod (20) is linked to the bar (8), as the bar moves up or down, depending on the rotation of the turntable (7), the shaft (27) rotates a few degrees, allowing the ball valve (6) to open or close, as explained previously. However, if the equipment operator manually pushes the connecting rod (20) back and simultaneously turns the knob (21) slightly, the ball valve (6) can be opened. 1968257 of 24 before or after, thus modifying the flow spread by each nozzle. In this way, a second tool is obtained that allows adjusting, in this case, the amount of material spread by each nozzle. However, this does not explain in sufficient detail the fine regulation of the fan width and the flow of spread material, which will be understood in the next figure. Figure 14 illustrates the mechanism used by the invention to determine the position of the channel (22) of the internal body (10) of the spherical valve (6), in order to achieve fine adjustment of the fan width and the amount of material spread. These adjustments depend on when the material to be distributed begins to circulate, that is, when the corresponding spherical valve (6) opens. As in the previous figure, a rendered image has been used to better visualize the connection between elements (29) and (30). It can be seen at the base that there are five adjustment positions (29), and that one of them coincides with an index (30) belonging to the connecting rod (20), which ultimately indicates the forward position of the internal component (10) of the valve (6).This causes the internal component (10) of the spherical valve (6) to have a specific opening position, which must be modified if the connecting rod (20) is pulled outwards (right of the figure). In this case, the teeth (25) of the connecting rod (20) separate from the teeth of the base (26), and therefore, the connecting rod (20) can be rotated a small angle, as explained in the previous figure. This allows the index (30) to be linked with another regulating position (29) of the base (26), causing the channel (22) to allow the circulation of the material, earlier or later than in the previous position. This allows the fan width and the spread dose to be finely reduced or increased for each nozzle, and each nozzle can be modified as desired. 1968257 of 24 In short, the main regulation of the fan width and the spread rate is determined by the opening of the cylinder (14). That is, when the cylinder (14) is fully open, the material flow is at its maximum and the fan has a maximum amplitude of 180°. Inserting the index (30) into the different elements (29) of the base (26) allows for a reduction, a "fine-tuning," of the fan width and the spread rate. When the cylinder rod (14) is in its fully open position, and the aforementioned linkage point is changed, the fan width will be less than 180°, since each insertion point of the index (30) into the elements (29) reduces it by approximately 20°, in addition to slightly modifying the spread rate. Each clockwise adjustment of the index (30) to the position of element (29) delays the valve's opening by five degrees, thus making it take longer to open and also closing five degrees earlier, and therefore closing faster than the previous index (30) position. In conclusion, it can be stated that each time the index (30) is rotated clockwise from position (29), the valve will take longer to open, but will also close sooner, reducing the fan width. Having explained how the tool for varying the fan width works, we now proceed to explain another tool of the object of the invention, which is achieved by modifying the angle of the nozzle (5) of the material outlet with respect to the ground, thus making it possible to disperse the material closer to or further from the machine. Figure 15 is a perspective view of a nozzle (5) and its outlet valve (6), illustrating how its angle relative to the ground is adjusted to increase or decrease the reach of the distributed material. Specifically, the external body of the valve (6) is shown, along with a magnified image revealing a series of teeth (31) on its side that mesh with... 1968257 of 24 teeth (32) of the knob (33). The teeth (31) are spaced 10° apart, with the center of the valve as the reference point for measuring the angles of inclination. The teeth (32) are driven against the teeth (31) by the force of a spring (34), which is compressed when the knob (33) is pushed outward, thus releasing the outer body of the valve (6) from the teeth (32). In this way, the nozzle (5) can be oriented a few degrees in either direction relative to the ground, thereby regulating the range of the spray pattern produced by the material as it is dispersed. This prevents the material falling in each spray pattern from overlapping. Directly on the outer body of the valve (6) there are a series of numbers -60 -30 0 30 and 60 that represent the angle of exit of the material through the nozzle (5).In short, by pulling the knob (33) outwards and rotating the nozzle (5) on the outer body of the valve (6), the spray pattern can be made to extend further from or closer to the machine, as this modifies the angle of the nozzle (5) with respect to the ground, considering that angle 0 is parallel to the ground. This provides another tool for regulating material distribution and preventing overlap. Figures 16, 17, and 18 show the material outlet nozzle (5) and the valve (6) at three different angles relative to the ground. In Figure 16, note that the arrow (F), aligned with the knob (33), indicates "degree 0," and therefore the nozzle (5) is parallel to the ground plane. Conversely, in Figure 17, the arrow (F) indicates -20, which is the angle assigned to the nozzle, pointing downwards and causing the material to be dispersed close to the machine. Finally, Figure 18 represents the opposite situation, with the nozzle (5) pointing upwards at an angle of 30°, thus dispersing the material at a greater distance from the machine. 1968257 of 24 In summary, we can state that the object of the invention is characterized by its ability to spread various types of solid and liquid materials, or any combination thereof, thus eliminating the need for different machines as is currently the case. It could also be used for irrigation or for fighting forest or grassland fires. If deemed appropriate, it can replace the rotating discs used in centrifugal fertilizer spreaders, which are the most common type in the national and international market (see Figures 1, 2, and 4), or those used in broadcast seeders. Due to the configuration of the rotating hoppers (3), there is no impact on the particles entering them, preventing breakage of the material being distributed (see Figure 5), resulting in greater coverage and efficiency of the seeds or fertilizers spread.The dosage of the material to be distributed can also be regulated according to the degree of inclination of the rotating and tilting plate (7). Additionally, distribution can be adjusted at a greater or lesser distance from the machine using nozzles of greater or lesser length, even by first modifying the angle of the outlet nozzle with respect to the ground. Crucially, the distribution of the material can be homogenized by adjusting the "fan width" and the amount of material spread by each outlet nozzle, regulating the opening time of each valve (6) according to the position enabled by the knob (21) and the connecting rod (20) (see figures 12 to 14) of each one.Additionally, the set of “fans” of each rotary tank (3) can shift its orientation with respect to the direction of advance of the implement / tractor by a certain angle to one side or the other, since that position is determined based on the position of the bolt (18) on the perforated plate (19) (see figures 7, 8 A and 8 B) of each of the rotary tanks (3). In this way, not only can the same machine be used to spread different types of products, but various means or tools are also available to 1968257 of 24 ensure proper homogenization of the distribution, since it is possible to act on each of the outlet nozzles, which represents an innovation in the current state of the art in this field of application. It can also be added that, if the object of the invention replaces the rotating discs of a centrifugal fertilizer spreader or broadcast seeder of the type that achieves the desired dosage based on the speed of the conveyor belt located within the hopper, the inclination of the rotating disc (7) is the maximum possible since the material dosage no longer depends on its inclination. In this case, the amount to be distributed over a given width depends on the speed of the belt, and what is achieved with this spreader is a homogenized dose across the entire working width without breaking the material. 1968257 of 24 Gerardo Pedro Bellotti - 20112706292 Digitally signed by PORTALTRAMITES - INPI Date: 2022.09.25 17:09:25 -03:00 Reason: Digitally Signed by the INPI Location: Buenos Aires, Argentina 1968257

Claims

1. A steerable centrifugal spreader for solids and liquids of variable flow, such as fertilizers, seeds or water, applicable to agricultural uses such as fertilization and broadcast sowing, irrigation of plots or even for fighting forest or field fires, characterized in that it comprises: - at least one rotating tank (3) having in its upper part an orifice (4), with at least two outlet nozzles (5), which are linked by means of the knob (33) and the lock (32) and in a vertical pivoting manner with the external body of a spherical valve (6), mounted on the base of each of them, - a rotating and tiltable plate (7) linked by means of at least two double-jointed connecting rods (11) to the rotating tank (3) and by a bar (8) to their respective connecting rods (20), - the connecting rods (20) which are linked to the inner body (10) of their corresponding spherical valve (6), to the teeth of the base (26) and to the spring (24), - a cylinder (14),whose sleeve is pivotally linked to a pedestal (15), which is related to a perforated plate or ruler (19), - a pivot base (12), related to the rod (13) of the cylinder (14) and pivotally linked to the pedestal (15). Four claims follow,