Improvement introduced in a rotor for shredding vegetation developed to shred vegetation above or level with the ground in high-abrasion areas

The rotor design with carbide inserts and rotatable nozzles addresses the issue of rapid wear in abrasive environments, enabling efficient shredding near the ground with reduced maintenance and improved cutting performance.

WO2026006893A1PCT designated stage Publication Date: 2026-01-08AGROTRITUS LOCACAO E COMML EIRELI
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Patent Information

Application Number
PCT/BR2025/050289
Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2024-07-04
Filing Date
2025-07-04
Publication Date
2026-01-08

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing rotors for shredding vegetation are unsuitable for use close to the ground in abrasive regions due to rapid wear and breakage of steel blades, requiring frequent maintenance and unable to perform finishing cuts flush with the ground.

Method used

A rotor design featuring carbide inserts and a double spiral arrangement with rotatable cutting nozzles and optional cutting limiters, allowing operation near the ground without excessive wear, enabling uniform shredding and reducing maintenance needs.

Benefits of technology

The rotor effectively shreds vegetation close to the ground with reduced wear, minimizing maintenance and improving operational efficiency by extending the life of cutting elements and eliminating the need for resharpening, while allowing smoother cuts and uniform shredding.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The present utility model patent application is intended for the agricultural and forestry sectors; due to the robustness of the rotor and its cutting elements, this rotor design allows the rotor to be in contact with the ground during operation without premature wear of its elements; in addition, the rotor can include a mounting version comprising a cutting depth limiter, which limits how deeply the cutting tips penetrate the material, allowing for smoother cutting in certain operations; this equipment shreds trees, branches, and other organic matter level with the ground;; the main novelty of the patent is the ability to use the rotor level with the ground without concern for excessive wear or breakage caused by occasional contact with soil and stones; the rotors available on the market typically have steel knives with an acute sharpening angle that wear quickly due to soil abrasion, which phenomenon does not occur with the use of hard metal inserts (6).
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Description

[0001] IMPROVEMENT INTRODUCED IN A ROTOR FOR VEGETABLE SHREDDING DEVELOPED FOR SHREDDING VEGETATION ABOVE OR CLOSE TO THE GROUND IN HIGHLY ABRASIVENESS REGIONS

[0002]

[0001] INNOVATION FIELD:

[0003]

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

[0004]

[0003] The equipment reported here is a new model of rotor for plant shredding developed to shred vegetation above or close to the ground in highly abrasive regions (sandy regions).

[0005]

[0004] Due to the robustness of the rotor and its cutting elements, this rotor model allows the rotor to have contact with the ground during operation without premature wear of its elements. In addition, this rotor can have a mounting variation that includes a cutting limiting element, which limits the depth to which the cutting nozzles will enter the material, allowing for a smoother cut in certain operations.

[0006]

[0005] This is equipment that shreds trees, branches and other organic matter close to ground level.

[0007]

[0006] DISCUSSION OF THE STATE OF THE ART:

[0008]

[0007] Currently, the rotor models present in shredders only allow shredding above ground, but not flush with the ground with occasional contact.

[0009]

[0008] Patent BR 202020001408-6 refers to a woody vegetation suppression equipment, whose function is to shred woody vegetation up to 25 cm, shrubs, grass, fruit tree pruning debris, pine and eucalyptus branches, orange groves, coffee plantations, coconut trees, coconut husks and vegetation in general where there is wood mixed with soil and / or sand; composed of: two hitch options; two rows of chains; skid with height adjustment; push bar with three height adjustment options; skid radius; air outlet; external greasing point; reinforcement of the hitch arm in four positions; oblong access; rotor nozzle positioning; lifting hole; double chain protection; and rotor with carbide nozzles; it also has a nozzle, composed of: tool with hard metal; specific angle; Two mounting holes with hexagonal screws; inserts welded on both sides; induction welding system and alloy material with a percentage of silver;and special material in the tool body where the insert is welded.

[0010]

[0009] The problem solved is the possibility of using the rotor both for shredding trees, branches and other organic matter above ground and for finishing cuts flush with the ground, without premature wear of the cutting elements, in addition to allowing easier and more timely maintenance when the pads show wear or breakage.

[0011]

[0010] Current rotors have two parallel rows of blades that cut the wood abruptly every 180° of rotor rotation, generating a large impact on the system. Furthermore, the blade is larger, and when there is any wear or breakage in a specific area of ​​the blade, it needs to be completely replaced. Due to this geometry and construction, they are unsuitable for shredding close to the ground or in sandy areas, as they wear out very quickly and consequently require a lot of maintenance.

[0012]

[0011] CHARACTERISTICS:

[0013]

[0012] The rotor is composed of the following components:

[0014]

[0013] Tube (1): It is the base element of the assembly. Responsible for the rotor structure and anchoring point for the other elements.

[0015]

[0014] Flange (2): It is responsible for making the connection between the rotor tube (1) and the transmission / support shaft (8).

[0016]

[0015] Nozzle support (3): It is responsible for supporting the cutting nozzle (5) and dissipating the impact energy on the other elements.

[0017]

[0016] Nozzle support reinforcement (4): It is responsible for increasing the resistance of the nozzle support (3) to lateral bending due to objects and materials that may hit this component laterally.

[0018]

[0017] Cutting tip (5): It is responsible for supporting the carbide inserts (6). They are rotatable and interchangeable, that is, they can be rotated when one side shows wear or replaced when both sides are worn.

[0019]

[0018] Inserts (6): They are effectively responsible for cutting the material and also for protecting the nozzle holder (3) and the nozzle against abrasion. They are made of hard metal and have a special geometry for cutting.

[0020]

[0019] Screws (7): These are responsible for rigidly and securely fixing the cutting tip (5) to its support (3).

[0021]

[0020] Shafts (8): They may be responsible only for supporting the rotor in the bearings of the crushing equipment or they may also be coupled to pulleys for torque transmission.

[0022]

[0021] Shaft fasteners (9): Composed of a screw and a pressure washer, they are responsible for rigidly and securely fixing the shaft (8) to the rotor flange (2).

[0023]

[0022] Cutting limiter (10): For specific rotor applications, this component can be added to the rotor during the welding process and has the function of limiting the cutting depth of the cutting nozzles (5), ensuring a smoother cut in certain operations and also preventing overload on the equipment.

[0024]

[0023] DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES:

[0024] Figure 1 illustrates the equipment in front view and profile section, making reference points to: tube (1), flange (2), threaded holes (2.1), central hole (2.2), nozzle support (3), nozzle support reinforcement (4), cutting nozzle (5), inserts (6), screws (7), shafts (8), screw holes (8.1), adjustable diameter protrusion (8.2), adjusted diameter (8.3), adjusted cylindrical face (8.4) and elastic ring channels (8.6).

[0025]

[0025] Figure 2 illustrates in front view and profile section the equipment with cutting limiter, making reference signs to: tube (1), nozzle support (3), cutting nozzle (5), inserts (6), screws (7) and cutting limiter (10).

[0026]

[0026] Figure 3 illustrates in front view and profile section the equipment without cutting limiter, making reference marks to: tube (1), nozzle support (3), cutting nozzle (5), inserts (6) and screws (7).

[0027]

[0027] Figure 4 illustrates in perspective view the equipment with cutting limiter, making reference signs to: tube (1), nozzle support (3), nozzle support reinforcement (4), cutting nozzle (5), inserts (6), screws (7), shafts (8), keyway channels (8.5), shaft fasteners (9) and cutting limiter (10).

[0028]

[0028] Figure 5 illustrates in perspective view the equipment without cutting limiter, making reference signs to: tube (1), nozzle support (3), nozzle support reinforcement (4), cutting nozzle (5), inserts (6), screws (7), shafts (8), keyway channels (8.5) and shaft fasteners (9).

[0029]

[0029] Figure 6 illustrates in perspective view and profile cut the equipment with cutting limiter, making reference marks to: tube (1), nozzle support (3), protrusions (3.2), nozzle support reinforcement (4), cavities (5.1), threaded holes (5.2), channels (5.3), inserts (6), screws (7) and cutting limiter (10).

[0030]

[0030] Figure 7 illustrates in perspective view and profile cut the equipment without cutting limiter, making reference marks to: tube (1), nozzle support (3), protrusions (3.2), nozzle support reinforcement (4), cavities (5.1), threaded holes (5.2), channels (5.3), inserts (6) and screws (7).

[0031]

[0031] DESCRIPTION OF THE INNOVATION:

[0032]

[0032] The great novelty of the patent is the possibility of using the rotor close to the ground, without the concern of excessive wear or breakage due to occasional contact with the ground and stones. The rotors found on the market generally have steel blades with sharp edges that are quickly worn out due to abrasion with the ground, a phenomenon that does not occur with the use of carbide inserts (6).

[0033]

[0033] Due to the use of a system with cutting pads (6), the rotor is able to shred stumps and roots close to the ground without excessive wear to the rotor due to abrasion. This allows the same equipment to knock down vegetation and finish the ground close to the ground, leaving it ready for use, without the need to use other equipment for final finishing.

[0034]

[0034] Another new feature is the ability to rotate the cutting nozzles (5), which have two opposing sets of inserts (6). This way, when there is wear on one side, simply rotate the component to extend the life of the cutting nozzle (5) before replacement. Currently, there are no rotors on the market that have this option, which makes this model much more economical and versatile in terms of maintenance.

[0035]

[0035] The possibility of adding cutting limiters (10) during the production process is also a novelty, thus enabling different applications with the same basic rotor model. Furthermore, in certain applications the use of these cutting limiters (10) replaces the need for counter knives in the shredder.

[0036]

[0036] Improvement brings with it the following technical and economic advantages:

[0037]

[0037] Due to the arrangement of the cutting nozzles on the rotor, in a double spiral shape, it allows for more uniform shredding and with less tractor power required, since the cutting is done gradually and in small pieces. When necessary, this can be improved by adding cutting limiters (10) during the manufacturing process.

[0038]

[0038] Due to the use of carbide inserts (6) and special nozzle shape, it allows for crushing close to the ground, preventing premature wear from occasional contact between the rotor and the ground. In this way, the work finish is improved, as no visible stumps are left after crushing. Crushing close to the ground is a major problem for rotors on the market, as they use sharp steel blades. These blades do not have resistance to abrasion caused by the soil, and are easily damaged when in contact with rocks during crushing.

[0039]

[0039] There is no need to resharpen the carbide inserts (6), as happens in rotors that use sharp steel blades. The nozzles (5) can be rotated 180° when the first set of inserts (6) wears out and, when completely worn, can be easily replaced.

[0040]

[0040] FUNCTIONALITY:

[0041]

[0041] The rotor to be patented is an element of a forestry shredding equipment, this being the element responsible for cutting the material.

[0042] The rotor is rotated by a torque source, which can be a hydraulic motor, a tractor's power take-off, or even a motor specifically designed for this purpose. This rotation must be constant and sufficient to cut the wood; excessive rotation can pose safety risks and damage the equipment.

[0042]

[0043] When the inserts (6) hit the wood at the determined speed, their sharpening angle cuts the material. As the inserts (6) are positioned forming two spirals towards the center of the rotor, the material is directed to the center by these spirals and each cutting tip (5) performs its cut independently and gradually, which allows for a smooth and efficient cut, minimizing vibrations.

[0043]

[0044] The cutting nozzles (5) were developed with symmetrical geometry that allows rotation when worn. As the nozzles (5) have two sets of inserts (6) welded on opposite sides, it is possible to reuse the other side of the cutting nozzle (5) when there is excessive wear on the inserts (6).

[0044]

[0045] Explaining the structural part in more detail, the rotor tube (1) is the main structural element and serves as a base for the flanges (2) and the nozzle supports (3). The flanges (2) are welded to the rotor and through them the shafts (8) are connected to the rotor via the shaft fasteners (9). The flange (2) has threaded holes (2.1) for the use of screws and also a central hole (2.2) with an adjusted diameter to serve as a centering device for the shaft (8). The shafts (8) in turn have holes for the screws (8.1) and a protrusion with an adjusted diameter (8.2) for centering on the flange (2). The shaft (8) also has another adjusted diameter (8.3) for sealing in the retainers present in the implement bearing in which it will be used and also an adjusted cylindrical face (8.4) that will serve for mounting the bearings and also the pulleys used in the implement. The shaft (8) may also contain keyway channels (8.5) for coupling with the implement pulleys and also elastic ring channels (8.6) used to lock the bearings.

[0045]

[0046] The nozzle supports (3) are welded to the tube (1) and are responsible for supporting the cutting nozzle (5). For this purpose, these elements have two holes (3.1) for the passage of the nozzle fixing screws (7) and also two protrusions (3.2) that serve as a lock for the cutting nozzle (5). The nozzle supports (3) are reinforced by welding a reinforcement to the nozzle support (4) on each side. These elements are responsible for increasing the lateral rigidity of the nozzle support (3), thus preventing distortion or tearing of the component.

[0047] Attached to the nozzle support (3) is the cutting nozzle (5), which has two cavities (5.1) that work together with the protrusions (3.2) to serve as support and lock for the movement of the cutting nozzle (5). This element also has two threaded holes (5.2) for mounting the screws (7) and two channels (5.3) that serve to house the inserts (6). These channels (5.3) have a specific angle for correct positioning of the inserts (6), ensuring better performance in the material cutting process.

[0046]

[0048] The inserts (6) are in turn welded to the cutting tip (5) by means of special welding, being arranged parallel within the channels (5.3). The inserts (6) have specific shapes and sharpening angles for cutting the material.

[0047]

[0049] Depending on the type of equipment in which the rotor will be mounted, it is also possible to add a cutting limiter (10) during the welding process. Produced in high mechanical resistance steel, these components are welded to the front of the nozzle supports (3) and serve as a limiter of the penetration depth of the cutting nozzles (5) into the material. In this way, the cutting happens gradually and smoothly, without overloading the equipment.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. IMPROVEMENT INTRODUCED IN A ROTOR FOR VEGETABLE SHREDDING DEVELOPED FOR SHREDDING VEGETATION ABOVE OR CLOSE TO THE GROUND IN HIGHLY ABRASIVENESS REGIONS - This rotor model allows the rotor to have contact with the ground during operation without premature wear of its elements. In addition, this rotor can have a mounting variation that includes a cutting limiting element, which limits the depth to which the cutting nozzles will enter the material, allowing for a smoother cut in certain operations. It is characterized by comprising: a tube (1), which is the rotor structure and anchoring point for the other elements, being the base for the flanges (2) and for the nozzle supports (3); flange (2), is the connection between the rotor tube (1) and the transmission / support shaft (8), the flanges (2) are welded to the rotor and through it the shafts (8) are connected to the rotor through the shaft fasteners (9), the flange (2) has threaded holes (2.1) for use with screws and also a central hole (2.2) with diameter adjusted to serve as a centering device for the shaft (8); nozzle support (3), are welded to the tube (1) and they are responsible for supporting the cutting nozzle (5), for this purpose, these elements have two holes (3.1) for the passage of the screws (7) for fixing the nozzles and also two protrusions (3.2) that serve as a lock for the cutting nozzle. (5), the nozzle supports (3) are reinforced by welding a nozzle support reinforcement (4) on each side; cutting nozzle (5), serving as a support for the carbide inserts (6), are rotatable and interchangeable, the cutting nozzles (5) were developed with symmetrical geometry and have two sets of inserts (6) welded on opposite sides, the cutting nozzle (5) has two cavities (5.1) that work together with the protrusions (3.2) in order to serve as support and lock for the movement of the cutting nozzle (5), this element also has two threaded holes (5.2) for mounting the screws (7) and also two channels (5.3) that serve to house the inserts (6), these channels (5.3) have a specific angle for correct positioning of the inserts (6), the nozzles (5) can be rotated 180° when there is wear of the first set of inserts (6); inserts (6), are made of hard metal and have a special geometry for cutting, the inserts (6) are positioned forming two spirals towards the center of the rotor, the inserts (6) are welded to the cutting nozzle (5) by means of special welding, being arranged parallel inside the channels (5.3), the inserts (6) have specific shapes and sharpening angles; screws (7), are responsible for fixing the cutting nozzle (5) in its support (3); shafts (8), responsible only for supporting the rotor in the bearings of the crushing equipment or also being coupled to pulleys for torque transmission, the shafts (8) in turn have holes for the screws (8.1) and a shoulder with adjusted diameter (8.2) for centering on the flange (2), the shaft (8) also has another adjusted diameter (8.3) for sealing in retainers present in the implement bearing and also an adjusted cylindrical face (8.4) that will serve for mounting the bearings and also the pulleys used in the implement, the shaft (8) may also contain keyway channels (8.5) for coupling with the implement pulleys and also elastic ring channels (8.6) used to lock the bearings; and shaft fasteners (9), composed of screw and pressure washer are responsible for fixing the shaft (8) to the rotor flange (2); 2. IMPROVEMENT INTRODUCED IN A ROTOR FOR VEGETABLE SHREDDING DEVELOPED FOR SHREDDING VEGETATION ABOVE OR CLOSE TO THE GROUND IN HIGHLY ABRASIVENESS REGIONS - In accordance with claim 1, characterized by comprising: cutting limiter (10), produced in high mechanical strength steel, these components are welded to the front of the nozzle supports (3).

Citation Information

Patent Citations

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