Improvement to an agricultural implement for shredding and clearing vegetation

Abstract

The present utility model application pertains to the agricultural and forestry sectors, and relates to a rotor for a forestry shredder, which machine combines forest area clearance with care for the environment, being used for a wide range of tasks such as clearing grasslands, bushlands, orange groves, coffee and tea plantations, and stumps during reforestation, among others, and also being highly efficient for forest clearing along electrical lines; the equipment offers the option of utilising two innovative rotors (2.1) (2.2), wherein the first, known as the knife rotor (2.1), performs controlled and gradual cutting due to its cutting limiter system and knives (2.1) positioned in a double-spiral configuration, ensuring smoother cutting, reducing excessive strain on the transmission system (4) and, consequently, the tractor, while eliminating the need for a counter-knife system, and the second, known as the spike rotor (2.2), is capable of efficiently cutting and shredding above and below ground level without excessive wear of the hard metal inserts, and can even grind small stones.

Description

IMPROVEMENT INTRODUCED IN AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENT FOR CRUSHING AND VEGETABLE SUPPRESSION

[0001] FIELD OF INNOVATION:

[0002] The aforementioned equipment, whose protection will be claimed in this report, was developed with the aim of addressing deficiencies, alleviating difficulties and solving problems previously encountered by users in the sector, more specifically, the agricultural and forestry sectors.

[0003] The Forestry Shredder is a machine that combines forest clearing with environmental care. It's used for a wide range of tasks, including clearing pastures, secondary forests, orange groves, coffee and tea trees, and clearing stumps in reforestation projects, among others. It's also highly effective for clearing power lines in forests.

[0004] The equipment is a new model of agricultural implement for shredding and plant suppression that features innovations compared to those already on the market.

[0005] The implement to be patented through this report is used to shred trees, branches and stumps above ground and also stumps, roots and small rocks below ground depending on the rotor model used, reducing the material to small pieces of shredded wood, which when decomposed can become organic matter for soil fertilization.

[0006] The implement is used both for cleaning areas for pasture creation, plantations, constructions, etc., and for changing the planting culture or renewing it.

[0007] The equipment is indicated for: lowering pine and eucalyptus stumps, cleaning branches for the forestry and cellulose industry, eradicating coffee and orange tree plantations at the end of their useful life, opening and maintenance of electrical and telephone lines, opening and maintenance of gas and oil pipelines, construction and maintenance of roadsides, land clearing, forest fire prevention and expansion of agricultural and livestock areas.

[0008] DISCUSSION OF THE STATE OF THE ART:

[0009] Most equipment has manual adjustments for the push arms, requiring the operator to stop work every time adjustment is needed.

[0010] Furthermore, the equipment generally only has chain curtains or rubber flaps to control the debris thrown out, making it a system that is often ineffective and lacks versatility.

[0011] In these cases, the rotor is hidden behind these artifacts, often preventing it from making direct contact with the vegetation to help with felling, which is the sole responsibility of the push arm.

[0012] Another major limitation of existing products is that they were not designed with the option of crushing below ground level, meaning there is no possibility of using a specific rotor for this application.

[0013] The problem solved is the difficulty or lack of a movement and adjustment system for the push arms and debris protections generally found in equipment on the market, in addition to the options for using different rotors for crushing above and below ground.

[0014] Patent BR 202020011537-0 refers to a woody vegetation suppressor equipment, being a forestry implement, whose function is to act in the shredding of woody vegetation, bushes, grass, stumps and pruning remains; it is composed of: a metal structure entirely reinforced in steel, with coupling at the three points of the tire tractor, drive cardan, bidirectional transmission box with lateral transmission made with belts and pulleys and in the lower part a shaft with knives positioned offset; the The equipment is attached to the front of a tire tractor, where it is driven by the tractor's power take-off. The power take-off rotates at high speed through the main and secondary transmission, activating the cutting system, causing the shaft underneath the equipment, which is equipped with cutting blades, to reach a high torque, being able to shred all the vegetation that comes into contact with it; the benefit is to mechanize the vegetation cleaning process, using shredding instead of traditional burning, providing a faster and more environmentally friendly operation, in addition to an increase in productivity compared to traditional methods.

[0015] FEATURES:

[0016] Metal frame: This is the base of the machine. All other components are attached to it.

[0017] Rotor (3): It is responsible for accommodating the knives (2.1) or cutting nozzles (2.2), depending on the model used. The rotor (3) has the function of rotating with enough energy to cut and crush the wood or also break small rocks when using the nozzle rotor (2.2).

[0018] Knives (2.1): When using the rotor with cutting knives (2.1), these are responsible for cutting the wood. They are made of special heat-treated steel to withstand the cutting stresses.

[0019] Cutting Nozzles (2.2): When using the rotor with cutting nozzles (2.2), these support the carbide inserts, which effectively cut the material and protect the nozzle support and nozzle against abrasion. These inserts are made of carbide and have a special geometry for cutting. The nozzles (2.2) are interchangeable and can be replaced when the inserts are worn.

[0020] Transmission box (4): It is responsible for transmitting the torque coming from the tractor's power take-off, in addition to distributing the movement of rotation to both sides of the equipment.

[0021] Pulleys (6) and belts (7): These are components of the transmission system and are responsible for transmitting the tractor's rotation to the rotor (3).

[0022] Bearings: They are responsible for accommodating and supporting the weight of the rotating elements.

[0023] Shafts (5): Responsible for transmitting torque and rotation.

[0024] Cardan shafts: They are assembled together with the shafts (5) and the transmission box (4) and serve to compensate for angular misalignment between the components.

[0025] Bearings: Present in the rotor bearings (3) and on the transmission shafts, they are responsible for allowing the rotation of the elements with a low level of friction.

[0026] Seals: They are responsible for protecting the inside of the bearings from dirt and also preventing the grease used for lubrication from being expelled outside the equipment.

[0027] Screws: Responsible for fixing the components.

[0028] Hoses: Used to conduct lubricating grease to the bearings and also to conduct hydraulic oil to the cylinders (10).

[0029] Chain curtain (12): Responsible for restricting the passage of debris thrown during crushing, ensuring safety.

[0030] Side skis (11): Responsible for supporting the machine and delimiting the maximum cutting and shredding height.

[0031] Movable debris cover (8): With a hydraulic drive system, it can be opened or closed depending on the shredding objective. Its function is to restrict the release of debris generated during work and also to direct branches and low vegetation towards the shredding rotor (3) when open.

[0032] Push bar (9): Also with a hydraulic drive movement system, it has the function of pushing the trees that will be felled trees, causing them to tilt in such a way that the rotor (3) cuts them at their lowest point, knocking them down and then shredding them. This item also has the important function of protecting the operator by preventing the trees from leaning towards the tractor during work.

[0033] Hydraulic cylinders (10): Their function is to transform hydraulic energy into mechanical movement through hydraulic oil. The cylinders (10) are connected to the tractor's hydraulic unit via hoses and are responsible for moving the movable debris cover (8) and the push bar (9).

[0034] DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES:

[0035] Figure 1 illustrates the equipment in perspective view, making reference signs to: three fixing points (1), push bar (9), hydraulic cylinders (10) and side skis (11).

[0036] Figure 2 illustrates the equipment in perspective view, being the rotor with knives (2.1), making reference signs to: knives (2.1), rotor (3), push bar (9), hydraulic cylinders (10), side skis (11) and chain curtain (12).

[0037] Figure 3 illustrates the equipment in perspective view, with the rotor with nozzles (2.2), making reference signs to: cutting nozzles (2.2), rotor (3), push bar (9), hydraulic cylinders (10), side skis (11) and chain curtain (12).

[0038] Figure 4 illustrates the equipment in front view, with the rotor with knives (2.1), making reference signs to: rotor (3), transmission box (4), axles (5), pulleys (6), belts (7) and side skis (11).

[0039] Figure 5 illustrates the equipment in front view, with the rotor with nozzles (2.2), making reference signs to: rotor (3), transmission box (4), shafts (5), pulleys (6), belts (7) and side skis (11).

[0040] Figure 6 illustrates the equipment in perspective view, making signals of references to: movable debris cover (8), push bar (9), hydraulic cylinders (10) and side skis (11).

[0041] DESCRIPTION OF INNOVATION:

[0042] The equipment's new features are:

[0043] Robust construction of the metal structure with the connection points to the tractor fixed directly to the chassis of the implement, ensuring greater rigidity and robustness in operation.

[0044] The transmission system (gearbox (4), axles (5), and driveshafts) is fully protected and securely enclosed within the machine's frame, preventing dirt buildup and eliminating the possibility of damage to the system from falling vegetation or impacts. Furthermore, it ensures greater safety in the event of mechanical failure of one of these components.

[0045] Push bar adjustment system (9) using hydraulic cylinders (10), which allows for better handling of the equipment when cutting down vegetation, allowing for quick adjustment of the bar height (9).

[0046] System for adjusting the mobile debris cover (8) using hydraulic cylinders (10), allowing the rotor (3) to be exposed during vegetation felling and closed during the crushing phase when the material is already on the ground, increasing the safety of the operator and those close to the equipment, in addition to better direction of the crushed material.

[0047] Option of using two innovative rotors (2.1) (2.2), the first of which, known as the blade rotor (2.1), performs a controlled and gradual cut due to its cutting limiter system and knives (2.1) positioned forming a double spiral, making the cut more smooth without excessively straining the transmission system (4) and consequently the tractor, in addition to not requiring a counter-knife system.

[0048] The second, known as the nozzle rotor (2.2), is capable of cutting and crushing above and below ground level effectively without excessive wear on the carbide inserts, and can crush even small rocks. Both rotors (2.1) and (2.2) produce a crushing process with smaller pieces, providing a better finish and enhancing decomposition.

[0049] The patent's technical advantages include the possibility of moving the push bar (9) and opening the mobile debris cover (8), which allows for more versatile and safer operation of the equipment, as the operator can reach different vegetation using the adjustment of these components.

[0050] As the adjustment is made remotely through the hydraulic cylinders (10), the operator does not need to stop the equipment operation to make the adjustment, saving time and increasing productivity, in addition to providing much greater safety.

[0051] The lid opening system (8) also allows the rotor (3) to be fully exposed, meaning that taller and thicker vegetation can be cut down through the combined action of tilting the push bar (9) and cutting by the rotor (3) knives (2.1), meaning there is no need to force the equipment too much on the vegetation.

[0052] Furthermore, the patent includes the possibility of using two rotors (2.1) (2.2) with specific applications, the first being a blade rotor (2.1) with a cutting limiter system and with knives (2.1) positioned in a double spiral that reduce the cutting effort, ensuring a longer useful life for the knives (2.1) and also requiring less effort from the tractor, reducing maintenance costs and saving fuel when compared to the previous model.

[0053] The second option is a rotor with cutting tips (2.2) with carbide inserts positioned in a spiral that allows grinding below the ground level, an application that is not possible with the first option due to wear and breakage of the knives (2.1) due to abrasion on the ground and impact with rocks. This rotor (2.2) can also be used in above-ground operations, but with lower efficiency.

[0054] FUNCTIONALITY:

[0055] The machine is attached to the rear of the tractor using the three attachment points (1).

[0056] The equipment performs cutting and shredding through the knives (2.1) or cutting nozzles (2.2) that are attached to the rotor (3) that rotates at a certain speed. This rotor (3) is moved by the torque coming from the tractor's PTO, which rotates a cardan shaft (5) connected to the transmission box (4) that in turn distributes the rotation to both shafts (5) that rotate a transmission system of pulleys (6) and belts (7) and finally rotates the rotor (3). Once the implement's rotor (3) is already rotating at the determined speed, the operator positions the equipment towards the vegetation to be shredded and advances the tractor slowly.

[0057] The operator must adjust the opening of the movable debris cover (8) and the push bar (9) according to the height and type of vegetation. It is recommended to always use the push bar (9) to clear vegetation and keep the cover (8) open while the tractor is moving forward, so that the rotor (3) is exposed to reach the vegetation. After clearing, it is recommended to close the cover (8) so that debris is not thrown and to allow control of the shredded material.

[0058] These items are adjusted using hydraulic cylinders (10) that are connected to the tractor's hydraulic unit. The operator controls them remotely using the control already present on the tractor.

[0059] To determine the maximum crushing height, the adjustment must be done using the side skis (11), loosening the screws and moving these components up or down as needed.

[0060] When using the nozzle rotor (2.2), to enable grinding below ground level, the skis (11) must be adjusted to their minimum height so that the nozzles (2.2) are below the level of the ski support (11).

[0061] Debris thrown in the opposite direction to the movable cover (8) is restricted by the chain curtain (12).

Claims

CLAIM 1. IMPROVEMENT INTRODUCED IN AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENT FOR SHREDDING AND VEGETABLE SUPPRESSION - The equipment is indicated for shredding trees, branches and stumps above the ground, reducing them to small pieces of shredded wood, which when decomposed can become organic matter for soil fertilization, it is a machine that combines the cleaning of forest areas with care for the environment, composed of: three attachment points (1), rotor (3), transmission box (4), shafts (5), pulleys (6), belts (7), side skis (11) and chain curtain (12), characterized by: knives (2.1), are made of special steel with heat treatment, performs a controlled and gradual cut due to its cutting limiter and knife system (2.1) positioned forming a double spiral, it is attached to the rotor (3) that rotates at a certain speed; mobile debris cover (8) with hydraulic drive movement system, can be opened or closed according to the shredding objective, adjustment system through hydraulic cylinders (10), allowing the exposure of the rotor (3) during the felling of vegetation and the closing during the shredding phase when the material is already on the ground, the cover opening system (8) also allows the complete exposure of the rotor (3) making the felling of the tallest and thickest vegetation to be done through the joint action of inclination by the push bar (9) and cutting by the knives (2.1) rotor (3); push bar (9) with hydraulic drive movement system (10) up and down and is located at the top of the equipment; and hydraulic cylinders (10) connected to the tractor's hydraulic unit through hoses, are responsible for moving the mobile debris cover (8) and the push bar (9), with adjustment made remotely by the control already present on the tractor;.

2. IMPROVEMENT INTRODUCED IN AN AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENT FOR CRUSHING AND VEGETABLE SUPPRESSION - in accordance with claim 1, characterized by: cutting nozzles (2.2), are interchangeable and can be changed when the tablets are worn, the cutting nozzle rotor (2.2) contains carbide tablets positioned in a spiral, they are attached to the rotor (3) that rotates at a certain speed and when the nozzle rotor (2.2) is used, in order to allow crushing below ground level, the skis (11) must be adjusted to their minimum height so that the nozzles (2.2) are below the level of the ski support (11).

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