Sealing system for an axial harvester feeder module

Abstract

The present invention relates to the creation of a grain feeder module (32, 32a or 32b), whereby the said module is constructed using concave segments (1, 2 and 3), which form a cylinder (8) and can be assembled and disassembled, guaranteeing serviceability and the said assembly allows the product to be sealed, by means of specific seals (9, 10, 11 and 21), so that impurities resulting from harvesting do not accumulate inside the cylinder.

Description

[0001] SEALING SYSTEM FOR AXIAL COMBINE HARVESTER FEEDER MODULE - TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002]

[0001] The following descriptive report for the invention refers to the creation of a grain feeding module, where said module is constructed from concave segments forming the cylinder, capable of being assembled and disassembled ensuring serviceability, and said assembly provides sealing to the product, by means of specific seals, so that impurities resulting from the harvest do not accumulate inside the cylinder, as happens currently.

[0003] STATE OF THE ART

[0004]

[0002] Axial rotor harvesters are machines in which the flow of threshed material follows along the threshing cylinder (axial), which is mounted longitudinally on the machine body. As feeding occurs from the front, the actuation of the mechanisms is carried out from the rear. The feeding system of axial harvesters, from the cutting platform, passes through the feeder which has a system of chains and crossbars. The transverse feeder module consists of a series of blades on the outside for feeding the main rotor.

[0005]

[0003] It is important to note that the function of the feeder module in a grain harvester is to convey the material from the chain conveyor, which is composed of chains and crossbars, to the beginning of the industrial system, which is the rotor (preventing the formation of a dead triangle in this region). The feeder module is formed by bars or teeth that surround the cylinder and its main function is to make a

[0006] RECTIFIED SHEET (RULE 91) provides more homogeneous feeding to the rotor, as well as avoiding threshing in this area to prevent damage to the grains, which arrive in homogeneous layers. From the rotor inlet, the threshing process begins in the first part of the rotor. At this stage, the threshed grains pass to the cleaning system through the concaves. The threshed material that has not yet detached from the straw in the threshing area continues to the rotor separation area. In the second stage, it enters the separation area, where it is separated and descends through the grates to the cleaning system, as straw and chaff are conveyed to the cleaning system. The feeder module is an important component for grain harvesting, as it influences the quality of the harvested grains, machine performance, and fuel consumption.

[0007]

[0004] In any axial machine manufacturer, one or more axial rotors perform the threshing operation in the front part (about 1 / 3) and the remaining part is used for grain and straw separation. The cleaning system consists of air blower and sieve systems, where the blower originates from a shaft with blades driven by a mechanical or hydraulic system that rotate around this shaft. This movement generates an air displacement, where the geometry of the structure directs the air to blow onto the sieve system so that the fine straw that falls with the grain from the threshing system is blown away, preventing it from falling with the clean grain onto the sieves.

[0008]

[0005] The John Deere feeder module (cylinder), mounted on axial machines, is equipped with a series of radially arranged straight blades, i.e., mounted transversely, in the original arrangement or in the rice arrangement. These two models, in terms of construction and serviceability, are interchangeable, i.e., the producer can change the standard blade systems to rice blades according to the machine model (for example, John Deere S400, S600, S700) and vice versa, as they are composed of 5 concave covers that are welded together to form the feeder module, which can have radially or transversely straight blades, mounted on flanges and shaft.

[0009] PROBLEMS WITH THE TECHNIQUE

[0010]

[0006] During the use of the grain harvester, the feeder module, composed of welded concave segments, presents the problem of accumulating impurities inside it, due to the openings in its construction. These impurities gain access to the interior of the cylinder through the openings and gaps in the covers and also through the sides of the cylinder. This can be seen in figures 01 and 02, which correspond to the state of the art.

[0011]

[0007] These impurities generate vibrations in the combine harvester cabin due to imbalance caused by this non-uniform solid mass and, if not cleaned correctly, it is prone to fire, as this dry mass remains close to the heat-generating bearings during harvesting.

[0012] PROPOSED SOLUTION

[0013]

[0008] Thus, due to the considerations pertinent to the problems of the technique previously mentioned, it is one of the objectives of the present invention to develop a feeder module that does not present the current problems of allowing impurities to enter inside it.

[0014]

[0009] The proposed feeder module is constructed from concave curved plates, forming a cylinder. In this construction system, these concave plates are joined together by means of screws, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly of the cylinder, unlike welded assembly which does not allow disassembly, as in the case of BR202021011209-9.

[0015]

[0010] To ensure that no impurities enter the joining region of each of the concave plates, sealing methods have been developed. Three preferred sealing methods are exemplified, which can be used independently or together. These seals were developed to enable the construction of a sealed cylinder that is only bolted together, without the need for welding between the parts or even the use of a tube as an axis in its structural part.

[0016] DESCRIPTION

[0017]

[0011] The present invention is characterized by means of representative drawings of the sealing system for the feeder module applied in axial harvesters, in such a way that the product can be fully reproduced by appropriate technique, allowing full characterization of the functionality of the object claimed.

[0018]

[0012] Based on the elaborated figures that express the best or preferred way to carry out the product now conceived, the descriptive part of the report is based, through a detailed and consecutive numbering, where it clarifies aspects that may be implied by the representation adopted, in order to clearly determine the protection now intended.

[0019]

[0013] These figures are merely illustrative and may present variations, provided they do not deviate from what was initially requested.

[0020]

[0014] In this case, it is necessary to:

[0021] Figure 01 shows an exploded view of the feeder module belonging to the state of the art (John Deere - S680 Combine);

[0022] Figure 2 shows an assembled perspective of the John Deere S680 Combine feeder module for the rice farming system;

[0023] Figure 03 shows the cylinder composed of three curved plates joined together by fasteners, for example, screws;

[0024] Figure 04 shows three sealing possibilities (A, B and

[0025] C) of the curved plates forming the cylinder;

[0026] Figure 5 shows the cylinder structure in its front view and without the curved plates;

[0027] Figure 6 shows the assembly of the side seals of the cylinder structure, using a drawer mechanism;

[0028] Figure 7 shows four moments in the assembly of the curved plates that form the cylindrical component of the proposed feeder module;

[0029] - FIGURE 08 shows the cylinder assembled from the curved plates, containing the metal inserts that make up the P11107417-5 system;

[0030] Figure 9 shows the cylinder assembled from the curved plates, containing the metal inserts for the rice planter;

[0031] RECTIFIED SHEET (RULE 91) - FIGURE 10 shows the cylinder assembled from the curved plates, containing the hybrid metal inserts, as per P11107417-5 and knife-type blades in the central part; and

[0032] Figure 11 shows details of the blade and razor attachments.

[0033]

[0015] The proposed invention employs three curved metal sheets (1, 2 and 3) which, when joined by the joining lines (4, 5 and 6), by means of fasteners, for example, screws (7), form a hollow cylinder (8).

[0034]

[0016] The joining lines (4, 5 and 6) have closing elements which may preferably be sealing by joining with an O' Ring channel (9), 45° chamfer sealing by means of a band (10) and overlapping joint in stamped sheet metal (11), in order to conform the hollow cylinder (8) perfectly watertight on the side surface.

[0035]

[0017] The cylinder (8) formed by the curved metal sheets (1, 2 and 3) has an internal structure configured by the external flanges (12 and 13), the internal flanges (14, 15 and 16) and the shaft (17), with both ends closed by means of circular covers (18 and 19).

[0036]

[0018] The circular covers (18 and 19) have openings (20) through which drawers (21) slide, forming a two-part sealing system, where said drawers (21) employ a set of grooves (22 and 23) providing a watertight closure of the cylinder (8) at its ends, with reversibility for maintenance and cleaning.

[0019] It is important to note that the aforementioned feeding module (32a) is completely demountable by removing the drawers (21), covers (18 and 19) and curved metal plates (1, 2 and 3).

[0037]

[0020] The curved metal plates (1, 2 and 3) are shaped to receive a set of blades (24) which are fixed to the lateral surface of the cylinder (8) by means of fasteners such as screws and nuts (25 and 26). Another option is for the cylinder (8) to receive a set of blades (27), also fixed by means of screws and nuts (28 and 29) in metal inserts (30) welded to the lateral surface of said cylinder (8). Yet another option is the combination of the blades (24) with the blades (27), forming the hybrid system.

[0038]

[0021] With this construction it is possible to assemble the beater module completely sealed, eliminating the need for a tube (schedule or mechanical) whether it is welded or seamless.

[0039]

[0022] Some axial machines have a feed cylinder or inlet cylinder and a rear cylinder or outlet cylinder, which, after exiting the threshing system, passes through this cylinder before reaching the straw chopper / spreader. This cylinder has the same problem as the front cylinder already mentioned, and the purpose of this patent is to act on both the feed and outlet cylinders. However, both the feed and outlet cylinders have the same flange and shaft system (Fig. 03), only the plates (1, 2, and 3) are different. By removing these plates (1, 2, and 3), the situation shown in Figure 03 is obtained, where the beater module structure, the external flanges (12 and 13), the internal flanges (14, 15, and 16), and the shaft (17) are present. The tube (31) composed of plates and embedded inserts will be fixed by screws to this original machine structure, forming the beater module or feed module (32, 32a or 32b).

[0040]

[0023] At the ends of the tube (31) a two-part sealing system was developed, which has a drawer system (21) and screw fastening, in order to eliminate the entry of impurities through the ends, enabling lateral sealing without using welds with the concave parts. In this way, it is possible to assemble the new sealed system without the need to disassemble the machine shaft. This seal is composed of a non-flammable and / or flame-retardant material.

[0041]

[0024] After assembling the side seals (18 and 21), the concave plates and embedded inserts will be mounted. This system allows the original covers to be removed and the sealing system installed without the need to disassemble the machine feeder (feeder).

[0042]

[0025] With regard to the output or rear cylinder, it may be composed of concave plates (1, 2 and 3) and embedded inserts (30) for a hybrid system, which has blades (24) and knife-type blades (27) in the central part, avoiding overloading the machine's original chopping system.

[0043]

[0026] The features that highlight the proposed invention are the feeder modules with a sealing system to eliminate dirt buildup in the center of the cylinders, preventing imbalance generated over time by the harvester; improved serviceability, guaranteeing module replacement without the need to remove the feeder, and safety, where the accumulation of dry matter inside the cylinders, if not cleaned, can cause a fire; and for the rear or output modules, a hybrid system with knife-type blades, helping to chop straw and avoid overloading the machine's original chopper.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1 - SEALING SYSTEM, comprising the use of three curved metal plates (1, 2 and 3) to form a cylinder, wherein said cylinder is characterized by: a) - said curved metal plates (1, 2 and 3) being joined by the joining lines (4, 5 and 6), by means of fasteners, such as screws (7), so as to form the hollow cylinder (8); b) - said joining lines (4, 5 and 6) having closing elements which may preferably be sealing by joining with an O-ring channel (9), or a 45° chamfer seal. Q by means of a band (10) and overlapping joint in stamped sheet metal (11), so as to form the hollow cylinder (8) sealed on the side surface; and c) - have circular covers (18 and 19) equipped with drawers (21) forming a two-part sealing system, closing the cylinder (8) at its ends. 2- SEALING SYSTEM, in accordance with claim 1 and characterized by said cylinder (8) formed by curved metal plates (1, 2 and 3) having an internal structure configured by the external flanges (12 and 13), the internal flanges (14, 15 and 16) and the shaft (17), having both ends closed by means of circular covers (18 and 19). 3- SEALING SYSTEM, in accordance with claims 1 and 2, and characterized in that said circular covers (18 and 19) have openings (20) through which drawers (21) slide, forming a two-part sealing system, where said drawers (21) employ a set of grooves (22 and 23) providing a watertight closure. of the cylinder (8) by its ends. 4- SEALING SYSTEM, in accordance with claims 1, 2 and 3, and characterized in that said curved metal plates (1, 2 and 3) are shaped to receive: a) - a set of blades (24) that are fixed to the lateral surface of the cylinder (8) by means of fasteners such as screws and nuts (25 and 26), forming the feeding module (32a); b) - a set of blades (27), also fixed by means of screws and nuts (28 and 29) in metal inserts (30) welded to the lateral surface of said cylinder (8) forming the feeding module (32); and c) - having a combination of the blades (24) with the blades (27), forming the hybrid system (32b). 5- SEALING SYSTEM, in accordance with any of the preceding claims and characterized in that said power supply module (32a) is completely demountable by removing the drawers (21), covers (18 and 19) and curved metal plates (1, 2 and 3).

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