Floating leveler for pneumatic seed metering devices.

Description

1 / 12 Floating leveler for pneumatic seed metering devices.

[0001] This utility model belongs to the technical field of devices and implements for agricultural machinery. More precisely, it refers to devices and implements for seeders, especially precision seeders with pneumatic drive. Even more particularly, this utility model refers to components of metering equipment for the individual distribution of seeds in a furrow opened in the soil, especially those intended for the singularization and individualization of grains within the metering devices. Specifically, this utility model refers to a floating leveling assembly for pneumatic individual seed metering devices. PREVIOUS TECHNIQUE AND PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED

[0002] As is widely known today, levelers are crucial components in pneumatic individual seed meters for seeding machines and play a vital role in the accuracy and efficiency of the seeding process. Their main function is to ensure that seeds are placed individually and uniquely in the seed plates, contributing to homogeneous seeding and optimizing crop yield. These assemblies regulate the amount of seeds entering the metering cells, ensuring that only one seed occupies each cell, thus preventing over- or under-dosing. This is achieved through a mechanism that removes excess seeds before the cells move to the discharge point. There are several types of levelers, each designed to perform specific functions and adapt to different working conditions and seed types.

[0003] There are fixed levelers, which are permanently installed on the pneumatic metering device and do not require frequent adjustments. These levelers are ideal for seeders operating in stable conditions and with seeds of varying sizes and shapes. Petition 870250085441, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, p. 42 / 65 2 / 12 uniform. Their robust and simple design minimizes maintenance and reduces the risk of mechanical failures. However, their lack of flexibility can be a limitation when working with different types of seeds or in varying conditions, which is why they are practically obsolete.

[0004] The versatility and adaptability of machines to diverse operating and sowing conditions are currently a determining factor when selecting and choosing equipment. This is why adjustable levelers are more widely used today, as they can be adjusted to accommodate different seed sizes and shapes, as well as various field conditions. This adjustability allows for more precise and efficient sowing, as changes can be made quickly and easily to optimize yield.

[0005] Similarly, floating levelers are widely used today, consisting of a support or bridge that holds the leveling elements and allows a degree of mobility and flexibility. In this way, floating levelers can dynamically adjust to unevenness or deformations in the seed plates, ensuring ideal seed surface reproduction at all times.

[0006] Leveling elements vary according to the type of leveler and the seeds or grains to be metered. The most commonly adopted configurations currently comprise one or two blades with a type of relief in the seed contact zone that eliminates double or multiple occupations in the alveoli of the metering plates. The types of blades, or lips, as they are also known, are determined for a specific type of crop or group of crops, and the configuration possibilities generally consist of adjusting the position of said blades, the degree of opening of the pitch between them, the angle of attack, among others. When it is necessary to replace Petition 870250085441, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, page 43 / 65 3 / 12 of the blades, or adopting a different configuration of leveling elements, generally the entire leveling assembly must be replaced with the appropriate one.

[0007] Although individualizing assemblies with the possibility of adjusting and modifying the leveling elements are known in the state of the art, such as, for example, the one described in US patent application 5740747A, they are not really practical and advantageous.

[0008] The leveling assembly described in document US5740747A mentions a singularization assembly for seeds distributed in a pneumatic metering device, comprising two height-adjustable bridges that regulate the intermediate passage between them. A plurality of individual, teardrop-shaped singularization elements can be mounted on each of these adjustable bridges, which can be removed and positioned in the desired configuration. This significantly expands the range of possible configurations for the leveling assembly, but the arrangement of independent tubular elements is not very effective for individualizing the seeds in the cells. Furthermore, because it is not a floating leveling assembly, it does not offer the advantages mentioned above compared to modern levelers.

[0009] Another frequent problem that arises when handling seed levelers is related to their position and mounting. As is known, pneumatic seed levelers are composed of two housings that divide the equipment into two halves, respectively. The seed plate rotating inside the metering device marks the median division between both parts, defining a vacuum or suction chamber on one side and a seed chamber on the other. When making changes or performing maintenance and opening the metering device, the removable cover in most models usually consists of the half of the housing that belongs to the vacuum chamber; on the other hand, the seed chamber remains fixed, mounted on the seeding train. Petition 870250085441, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, p. 44 / 65 4 / 12 of the machine.

[0010] Conveniently, the seed plate is removed while mounted on the half of the housing that corresponds to the vacuum chamber, facilitating disc changes, cleaning, and other maintenance operations. However, the leveling assembly is coupled to the seed chamber, on the half that remains fixed, mounted on the seeding train.

[0011] This makes handling, maintenance and replacement of parts difficult, as the maneuvering space in this area is considerably reduced, making the work complicated and heavy, even requiring the disassembly of the doser if the task requires a finer or more precise intervention.

[0012] The vast majority of current seed metering devices adopt this configuration. As an example of this problem, one can consider publication US2013192504A1.

[0013] This problem is addressed, for example, in US patent 11980121B2, which describes metering plate assemblies with integrated supports that include the leveling elements. In this way, the complications associated with the difficulty of handling the levelers during maintenance or configuration tasks of the metering devices are eliminated, since they are already incorporated into the seed disc assembly. However, this strictly limits the possibilities to the assemblies supplied by the manufacturer, without the possibility of additional adjustments, which entails a considerable disadvantage in terms of adaptability and versatility of the equipment.

[0014] The leveling elements incorporated into the plate assemblies described in this U.S. patent function as fixed singulators, with the limitations explained above. OBJECT OF THE UTILITY MODEL

[0015] The object of the present utility model, therefore, is to provide a floating leveling assembly for pneumatic seed dispensers that overcomes the drawbacks of the technique. Petition 870250085441, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, page 45 / 65 5 / 12 previous.

[0016] More particularly, the object of the present utility model is to provide a leveling assembly which, in addition to comprising all the advantages associated with the dynamic adjustment implied by the floating arrangement, allows the leveling elements to be adjusted and modified to achieve a greater variety of configurations that allow its use with a wide variety of different grains.

[0017] It is also an object of the present utility model to provide a floating leveling assembly mounted on the removable lid of the dispenser, so that, when the dispenser equipment is opened for maintenance and / or configuration tasks, it is easily accessible and manipulable. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0018] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the leveling assembly according to the present utility model.

[0019] Figure 2 is a front view of the leveling assembly according to the present utility model.

[0020] Figure 3 is a rear view of the leveling assembly according to the present utility model.

[0021] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the leveling assembly according to the present utility model.

[0022] Figure 5a is an isolated perspective view of the lower blade of the leveling assembly according to the present utility model.

[0023] Figure 5b is an exploded perspective view of the lower blade of the leveling assembly according to the present utility model.

[0024] Figure 6a is a perspective view of the removable lid of a dosing device, illustrating the assembly of the leveling unit according to the present utility model.

[0025] Figure 6b is a perspective view of the lid. Petition 870250085441, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, p. 46 / 65 6 / 12 removable from a dosing equipment with the leveling assembly according to the present utility model mounted. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE UTILITY MODEL

[0026] As can be seen in Figures 1 to 4, the leveler (100) of the present utility model is a singularization assembly for pneumatic individual grain dosers, of the floating type, easy to assemble and disassemble, without the need to use external tools for its installation.

[0027] The leveler (100) is mainly formed by two leveling blades or lips, upper (120) and lower (140), to individualize the grains located in the row of alveoli of the seed plate as it advances in its rotation. In their working positions, the upper blade (120) and the lower blade (140) are positioned so that the row or rows of alveoli of the metering disc pass between them. In this way, when more than one seed occupies the same alveolus of the plate, due to the suction of the meterer, the contact with the blades eliminates the excess grains, ensuring the correct individual distribution of the seeds with the desired frequency and spacing.

[0028] As can be seen in the figures, the upper blade (120) has three teeth (121), which remove excess seeds from the alveoli by direct contact; on the other hand, the lower blade (140) has two teeth (142), which are arranged interspersed with the teeth (121) of the upper blade (120) and operate in an analogous manner.

[0029] The upper blade (120) is mounted on a skid (110), which is made of a rigid metallic material with a low coefficient of friction. This latter characteristic is of particular importance, since the skid (110) is permanently in contact with the seed plate, so high friction would affect the efficiency of the metering device. Particularly, in preferred embodiments, the skid (110) is made of steel, aluminum or Zamac. In other embodiments, the skid (110) may be made of Petition 870250085441, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, page 47 / 65 7 / 12 plastic with tungsten carbide inserts.

[0030] The upper blade (120) is mounted on the skid (110) by means of screws (122) located respectively in the holes (123; 124) of said blade (120), conveniently coinciding with the holes (113; 114) of the skid (110), and are adjusted with nuts (125) to fix the position.

[0031] It can be seen in Figure 1, but in more detail in Figures 2 and 4, that the hole (123), located above the tooth (121) at the right end of the blade (120), has an oblong shape. This particular arrangement of the adjustment hole (123) allows modifying the angle of attack of the upper blade (120), allowing it to rotate in relation to the point defined by the hole (124), located at the opposite end. In this way, it is possible to position the blade at the desired angle and then adjust the screw (122) with the nut (125) to fix the position.

[0032] The skid (110), with the upper blade (120) mounted, is connected to a support frame (150), which forms the main structure of the leveler (100).

[0033] The joint between the pad (110) and the support frame (150) is fixed by means of screws (111) that pass through holes (116) and fit directly, by threading, into holes arranged in the support frame (150). To facilitate the assembly and alignment of the holes (116) with the threaded holes of the support frame (150), and also to provide an additional connection point that gives rigidity to the joint, the pad (110) includes, in its middle zone, a hole (115) intended to receive a protrusion (155) arranged in the support frame (150). In this way, by first positioning the pad assembly (110) and upper blade (120), positioning the protrusion (155) in the hole (115) under pressure, a first connection is produced with the support frame (150) and the holes (116) are positioned and aligned directly with the threaded holes to facilitate adjustment and fixing by means of screws (116). Petition 870250085441, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, page 48 / 65 8 / 12

[0034] The support frame (150) constitutes the central structure of the leveling assembly (100) and holds the upper (120) and lower (140) blades connected, coordinated and firm.

[0035] This support frame (150) is formed by a bridge (151) containing the threaded holes and the protrusion (155) to support the skid (110) together with the upper blade (120); two upper arms (152), extending from both ends of the bridge (151); two lower arms (153), each ending in a ball joint (154); wherein the upper (152) and lower (153) arms converge to a flat portion called the back (156).

[0036] The ball joints (154), which terminate each of the lower arms (153), are the connection and coupling point of the support frame (150) with the lower blade (140).

[0037] As can be seen in Figures 5a and 5b, the lower blade (140) has a particular and characteristic design which gives the present leveling assembly (100) a distinct advantage over other known singulators of the prior art.

[0038] The aforementioned lower blade (140) comprises a metal plate or edge (141), which is the active singularizing element that acts on the seeds sucked into the doser plate by means of the two teeth (142). In its middle part, the edge (141) has two pairs of tabs (143) that curve over themselves to connect and fix to the plastic coupling (144) by means of crimping. This solution facilitates the joining of the edge (141) to the plastic coupling (144), since it maintains the solid connection between both parts in a solid manner.

[0039] This plastic coupling (144) comprises, at its opposite ends, two female ball joints (145), which extend in the opposite direction to the edge (141), arranged to receive the corresponding ball joints (154) of the lower arms (153) of the support frame (150) mentioned above. The joints of Petition 870250085441, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, page 49 / 65 9 / 12 female ball joints (145) are of the clip type, that is, they have a plurality of grooves in their side walls that allow these walls to deform slightly in an elastic manner when the ball joint heads (154) are pressed, contracting after their passage, ensuring coupling, but allowing a certain degree of freedom that allows clearance of the lower blade (140).

[0040] This ability of the lower blade (140) to move when mounted on the support frame (150) gives the leveler (100) greater copying ability for the seed plate in operation; that is, it facilitates permanent contact of the leveling elements against the seed plate in case of disturbances, imperfections, unevenness of the discs and the like.

[0041] Similarly, the female clip-type ball joints (145) make the entire lower blade (140) easily removable, which implies a notable advantage in handling the leveler (100) for its adjustment and configuration. Similarly, a novelty arising from this feature, given the symmetry of the plastic coupling (144), is the possibility of connecting the lower blade (140) in an inverted manner, i.e., with the teeth (142) facing downwards. Thus, a different configuration of the leveler assembly (100) can be adopted, in which only the upper blade (120) acts as an active leveling element. This can be particularly useful for those seeds more sensitive to the mechanical action of singulators, or in the dosing of grains that, due to their size or geometry, require, more conveniently, only upper leveling. These conditions would imply the replacement of the entire leveler assembly in the equipment of the prior art.

[0042] In addition to the possibilities of adjusting and configuring the leveling elements, another advantage of the leveling assembly (100) of the present utility model lies in its mounting method on the dosing equipment. As foreseen, Petition 870250085441, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, pp. 50 / 65 10 / 12 unlike the levelers of the prior art, which are connected to the seed chamber, in the half of the metering device that remains fixed to the seeding train, the present leveler (100) is coupled to the removable lid of the metering equipment, as shown in Figures 6a and 6b.

[0043] Figure 6a illustrates one half of the casing (200) of a dosing equipment which corresponds to the vacuum or suction chamber. That is, the part of the equipment where the negative pressure is generated which causes the seeds that enter the other half of the equipment to be lodged in the alveoli (211) of the seed plate (210) which rotates inside it. This figure illustrates the leveling assembly (100) of the present utility model, shown in the position for its assembly.

[0044] To couple the leveler (100) to the housing (200) of the dispenser, the latter includes two snap-type fitting clamps (220), comprising a sharp point, the inclination of which is interrupted by a cutout that serves as a lock. In this way, the movement is limited only in the direction of insertion, allowing the said clamps (220) to be simply inserted with pressure into the leveler assembly (100) and remain fixed, once the cutout zone has passed through the engagement.

[0045] In this way, when it is necessary to manipulate or configure the dosing equipment, whether to perform cleaning or maintenance tasks on the mounted implements, or to make changes to the configuration or replace any of the components, the user can remove half of the housing (200) of the doser that contains all the active elements and work comfortably, with easy access to all parts.

[0046] It should be considered that seeding machines that use this type of equipment typically comprise a large number of seeding rows, where the space between them is often not large enough for comfortable work. Therefore, when having to perform maintenance tasks Petition 870250085441, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, pp. 51 / 65 11 / 12 or replacement of levelers on equipment of the previous technique, this work is uncomfortable due to the limited space for movement, the low visibility and the impossibility of handling the equipment in a more comfortable environment, since the seed chamber where the levelers are mounted usually remains fixed to the seeding trains.

[0047] The engagement element that holds the leveler (100) coupled is a spring (130), whose particular geometry is observed in detail in Figure 4. This spring (130) is located between the assembly formed by the skid (110) with the upper blade (120) and the support frame (150).

[0048] Essentially, the spring (130) consists of a linear, arc-shaped spring comprising a fork (131) in its middle zone, from which two arms (132) extend, ending in curved ends (133), respectively.

[0049] The fork (131) of the middle zone is positioned around the protrusion (155) of the support frame (150), and the arms are located in a guide groove provided in the bridge (151) of said frame (150).

[0050] This particular arrangement implies a constructive advantage over the levelers of the prior art, as it gives the spring (130) a double effect. Firstly, the compression exerted on the arms (132) in relation to the midpoint defined by the fork (131) exerts a radial force that pushes the leveler (100) towards the axis of the metering plate (210), so as to maintain the correct alignment with the row of alveoli (211) of the same. On the other hand, the locking that occurs when the arms (132) are engaged in the snap-type clamps (220) of the housing (200) exerts an axial force, which maintains the contact of the leveler assembly (100) against said seed plate (210).

[0051] This action is complemented by a double torsion spring, located in the seed chamber, which presses against the back (156) of the support frame (150). Petition 870250085441, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, pages 52 / 65 12 / 12

[0052] In other words, the spring (130) is a linear spring with simultaneous radial and axial action that exerts the forces necessary to position the leveler (100) and keep it aligned in both directions.

[0053] Generally, in prior art levelers, these forces are generated independently by individual radial and axial action springs, respectively, which are placed in the same singulator assembly, making their shaping, assembly and handling more complex.

[0054] In this way, the leveling assembly (100) has a simple and compact design, with fewer components and moving parts, but with great versatility and configuration possibilities, as well as allowing easy handling when located on the removable cover of the doser housing (200).

[0055] Its installation, as explained, is extremely simple. The leveling assembly (100) is inserted by pressing against the housing (200), passing the snap-type clips (220) through the holes (112) in the skid (110) provided for this purpose, until the spring (130) touches the cutout of the clips (220). Once the leveler (100) is coupled and fixed to the housing (200) of the metering device, the engagement produced by the snap-type clips (220) prevents the said leveling assembly (100) from coming loose and falling, even when the housing is tilted or inverted. This is particularly useful in carrying out cleaning tasks and removing dirt or debris stuck to the metering device, as well as in transport arrangements of seeding machines, where the seeding trains are usually lifted off the ground. To detach the leveler (100) from the housing (200), simply apply slight radial pressure to the curved ends (133) to disengage the spring (130) from the snap-type clamps (220), and the entire assembly is removed.Thus, the leveler (100) is completely released, so that it can be handled separately or to allow the removal of the seed plate for replacement or maintenance. Petition 870250085441, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, pp. 53 / 65

Claims

1 / 3 CLAIMS 1. Floating leveler (100) for pneumatic seed dispensers, characterized in that it comprises: a support frame (150) consisting of a bridge (151) containing holes and a protrusion (155), two upper arms (152) extending from both ends of the bridge (151), two lower arms (153), each ending in a ball joint (154), wherein the upper arms (152) and the lower arms (153) converge to a flat portion called the back (156); an upper blade (120) with three teeth (121) and mounted on a skid (110); wherein said skid (110) is, in turn, connected to the support frame (150);a lower blade (140), comprising an edge (141) with two teeth (142), connected to a plastic coupling (144), which in turn comprises, at its opposite ends, two female ball joints (145), extending in the opposite direction to the edge (141), arranged to receive the corresponding ball joints (154) of the lower arms (153) of the support frame (150) mentioned above; and a linear arc-shaped spring (130), located contained between the assembly that the slide (110) forms with the upper blade (120) and the support frame (150).

2. Floating leveler (100) for pneumatic seed dispensers, according to claim 1, characterized in that the upper blade (120) is connected to the skid (110) by means of screws (122) which are located respectively in holes (123; 124) of said blade (120), conveniently coinciding with the holes (113; 114) of the skid (110), and are adjusted with nuts (125) to fix the position.

3. Floating leveler (100) for pneumatic seed dispensers, according to claim 2, characterized in that the orifice (123), located above the tooth (121) that is found at the right end of the blade (120), has an oblong shape that allows modifying the angle of attack of the upper blade (120), being able to pivot it in relation to the point defined by the orifice (124) located at the opposite end.

4. Floating leveler (100) for pneumatic seed dispensers, according to claim 1, characterized in that the skid (110) is connected to the support frame (150) by means of fitting the protrusion (155) into a hole (115) located in the middle zone of said skid (110) and by means of screws (111) that pass through holes (116) and fit directly into the holes located in the support frame (150).

5. Floating leveler (100) for pneumatic seed dispensers, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the female ball joints (145) are of the clip type and have a plurality of grooves in their side walls that allow said walls to deform slightly in an elastic manner when the ball heads (154) are pressed, contracting after their passage, ensuring coupling.

6. Floating leveler (100) for pneumatic seed dispensers, according to claim 5, characterized in that the union of the ball joint heads (154) with the female ball joints (145) allows clearance of the lower blade (140).

7. Floating leveler (100) for pneumatic seed dispensers, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plastic coupling (144) has a symmetry that allows the connection of the lower blade (140) in an inverted manner, with the teeth (142) facing downwards.

8. Floating leveler (100) for pneumatic seed dispensers, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring (130) is a linear spring with radial and axial action simultaneously. Petition 870250085441, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, page 55 / 65 3 / 3 9. Floating leveler (100) for pneumatic seed dispensers, according to claim 8, characterized in that the spring (130) comprises a fork (131) in its middle zone, from which two arms (132) extend, each ending in curved ends (133). Petition 870250085441, dated 22 / 09 / 2025, pp. 56 / 65

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