Deflector for inter-row spreading of granular or powdered products, such as fertilizers and the like
The deflector's bracket and tensioning member design addresses the instability issue of existing deflectors, ensuring a stable and removable connection for fertiliser spreaders, improving maintenance efficiency and versatility.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- MASCHIO GASPARDO
- Filing Date
- 2025-11-04
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-15
AI Technical Summary
Existing deflectors for fertiliser spreaders with centrifugal distributors suffer from unstable fixing systems that are not robust enough to withstand vibrations, leading to unwanted displacement and complicating maintenance and cleaning processes.
A deflector design featuring a bracket with hook-like formations and a tensioning member for easy attachment and detachment, ensuring a stable and robust connection to the spreader, allowing quick assembly, disassembly, and transfer between different spreaders.
The solution provides a stable, easily removable connection that facilitates maintenance, reduces damage from corrosive fertilisers, and enhances versatility by enabling quick cleaning and transferability across different spreaders.
Smart Images
Figure IB2025061218_15052026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] DEFLECTOR FOR INTER-ROW SPREADING OF GRANULAR OR
[0002] POWDERED PRODUCTS, SUCH AS FERTILIZERS AND THE LIKE
[0003] DESCRIPTION
[0004] The present invention relates to a deflector for inter-row spreading of granular products such as fertilisers, insecticides and the like. This deflector is used to accompany a fertiliser spreader device with a centrifugal-type distributor to distribute the product thrown from the distributor to the plants in row crops, e.g. orchards or vineyards.
[0005] Inter-row spreading deflectors allow fertiliser to be diverted away from the spreading disc and directed towards a localised area close to the crop roots.
[0006] This allows fertilisation to be concentrated on the root development area only, avoiding wastage of fertiliser.
[0007] An important factor in defining the quality of these deflectors, in addition to the spreading quality and uniformity, is the speed and practicality of assembly and disassembly.
[0008] In fact, a quick system allows the switch from open field to vineyard / orchard scatter configuration in no time, making the machine more versatile and practical for the user.
[0009] In addition, for good routine maintenance, the machine should be washed at the end of each use. The ability to quickly remove the deflector makes the cleaning process more effective and faster.
[0010] The major manufacturers of fertiliser spreaders with centrifugal distributors offer such deflectors as an accessory. A well-known example for efficient assembly and disassembly is distributed by Kuhn SA. This company's deflector provides a quick fixing system by means of a drilled pin stopped by an elastic pin, the removal of which allows the accessory to be quickly removed. However, the system has some drawbacks. The fixing may not be sufficiently stable to withstand the vibrations to which this type of device is typically subjected during use. This can lead to unwanted displacement, which is usually not appreciated by users, especially in machines that have to operate on uneven terrain and in the presence of slopes and gradients.
[0011] A further deflector for fertiliser spreaders with centrifugal distributors is, for example, described in ES1065337U, which discloses a deflector with curved side wings fitted with respective visors, configured to be attached to a fertiliser spreader by means of a screw. It should be noted that also in this case the fixing system may not be sufficiently stable in use, due to the strong vibrations imposed on the entire system.
[0012] Further examples of such systems are for instance described in US6598812B1 or also in IT202100026546A1.
[0013] Other systems, which are more robust but less suitable for rapid assembly and removal, involve bolted connections that in turn require considerable mechanical intervention.
[0014] In practice, if the application and disassembly conditions are not simple and convenient enough, the attachment inevitably ends up being left assembled, neglecting maintenance and cleaning at the end of the work. This inevitably leads to damage to the machine as a whole, since in most cases fertilisers contain highly corrosive compounds.
[0015] The problem underlying the present invention is to provide a deflector for interrow spreading of granular products such as fertilisers and the like that is structurally and functionally designed to at least partially overcome the drawbacks complained of with reference to the prior art mentioned above.
[0016] In the context of this problem, it is an important aim of the invention to provide a deflector for inter-row spreading of granular products such as fertilisers and the like which can be used as an accessory on centrifugal distributors for fertiliser spreaders and which at the same time allows for easy assembly and removal so as to facilitate cleaning and maintenance of both the fertiliser spreader and the deflector accessory.
[0017] Another important purpose of the invention is to provide a deflector for interrow spreading of granular products such as fertilisers and the like, which allows a stable, robust and nevertheless easily removable connection to the supporting structure of the fertiliser spreader.
[0018] This problem is solved and these aims are achieved, at least in part, by a deflector for inter-row spreading of granular products such as fertilisers and the like made in accordance with at least some of the characteristics covered by the appended claims.
[0019] In an embodiment of the invention, a deflector for inter-row spreading of granular products such as fertilisers and the like, arranged to be mounted on a supporting structure of a centrifugal-type throwing distributor, comprises a supporting structure of the deflector on which there is mounted at least one collector of the product thrown by the centrifugal distributor and at least one throwing pipe which extends from the collector in order to deflect the thrown product in a spreading direction.
[0020] In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, removable fixing means are preferably provided for fixing the supporting structure of the deflector to the supporting structure of the distributor. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the fixing means preferably comprise a first attachment element which is designed to be fixed to the supporting structure of the distributor and a second attachment element which is designed to be fixed to the supporting structure of the deflector.
[0021] Preferably, the attachment elements have means and counter-means for mutual engagement in a mutual coupling position.
[0022] This structure provides a coupling that allows easy attachment and detachment of the deflector from the supporting structure of the spreader on which it is mounted to facilitate cleaning and maintenance operations. Furthermore, the deflector is easily transferred to even different spreaders by providing them with a suitable first attachment element.
[0023] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first attachment element comprises a bracket which forms the bracket of support for a plate of the second attachment element. More generally, in some embodiments, the first attachment element comprises a support bracket for the second attachment element.
[0024] Preferably the engaging means and counter-means include at least one hooklike formation, preferably formed on the bracket and preferably arranged to removably engage with the plate of the second attachment element when supported on the bracket of the first attachment element. This ensures stability of the coupling by providing a solid support base for the deflector.
[0025] In some embodiments, the engaging means and counter-means include at least one tensioning member provided on one of the first and second attachment elements and active on the other of said first and second attachment elements. This speeds up and simplifies the coupling between the first and second attachment element. It is also preferable that this tensioning member be of the lever type.
[0026] Preferably the tensioning member is oriented with respect to the hook-like formation in order to hold, when tensioned, the plate engaged to the hook-like formation. This stabilises the above-described coupling and promotes a firm hold of the deflector on the spreader supporting structure.
[0027] In some designs, the first attachment element comprises a bracket designed to receive said plate in support. This facilitates the mutual coupling of the two attachment elements and improves their stability.
[0028] Furthermore, in some preferred embodiments, the first attachment element has two wings, preferably parallel and / or spaced apart, supporting said bracket. It is also preferable for the second attachment element to have counter-wings susceptible to shape coupling with said wings when said attachment elements are mutually coupled. These features also facilitate the mutual coupling of the two attachment elements and improve their stability.
[0029] In some preferable embodiments, the tensioning member is placed between the wings and counter-wings and is preferably oriented to keep said plate of the second attachment element in engagement with the at least one hook-like formation of the first attachment element and resting on said bracket.
[0030] The characteristics and the advantages of the invention will become clearer from the following detailed description of a preferred but not exclusive embodiment illustrated, by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:
[0031] - Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a fertiliser spreader arranged to be equipped with a deflector accessory according to the present invention; - Fig. 2 is a perspective view with detached parts of the deflector accessory with which the spreader in Fig. 1 is prepared to be equipped;
[0032] Fig. 3 is a view of an enlarged scale detail of the spreader of Fig. 1 when equipped with the deflector attachment of Fig. 2;
[0033] Fig. 4 is a view of an enlarged scale detail of the spreader in Fig. 1;
[0034] Fig. 5 is a view of a detail of the deflector in the previous figures;
[0035] Fig. 6 is an enlarged scale view of a detail of the deflector in the previous figures;
[0036] Fig. 7 illustrates an embodiment of the same deflector.
[0037] In the figures, a fertiliser spreader (also briefly just "spreader") illustrated for illustrative purposes only is indicated by 1. Except as indicated below, the machine 1 is of a known type and structure in itself, such as the fertiliser spreader marketed under the trade name Primo S by the same applicant. The model shown comprises a distributor including a distributor supporting structure, overall indicated with reference 2, on which there is mounted a hopper 3 below which is a spreading device 4 of the double-disc centrifugal type 5, 6. The supporting structure of the distributor 2 incorporates a crossbar 7, for example, bearing a first surface 8 with an inclined plane. The crossbar 7 and the first surface 8 can take on any other conformation, involving for the remaining parts the appropriate shape adaptations that will be described later. The fertiliser spreader 1 is equipped with a spreading deflector for inter-row spreading indicated overall with 10 (Fig. 2). The deflector 10 is arranged to be removably attached to the supporting structure of the distributor 2 and comprises a supporting structure of the deflector, collectively referred to by the reference 11, in the illustrated example of a monocoque type but otherwise realisable (e.g. by means of a frame), on which a collector 12 of the product thrown by the spreading device 4 is mounted. The collector 12 is split into two parts 13, 14, one for each disc 5, 6, each flowing into a respective throwing pipe 15, 16.
[0038] The collector 12 and the throwing pipes 15, 16 have a tubular structure, in a preferred form having a rectangular cross-section. The throwing pipes 15, 16 are each extended from the respective part 13, 14 of the collector 12 and are terminated with a vane 17 which can be directed towards the throw destination of the emitted granular product by means of adjustable locking 18, e.g. a hinge and corresponding locking screw. It will be noted that the components shown are entirely self-supporting and form an individually manipulable unit.
[0039] Removable fixing means enable the supporting structure of the deflector 11 to be fixed (and removed) on the supporting structure of the distributor 2. In a preferred embodiment, the fixing means comprise a first attachment element 21 arranged to be fixed on the supporting structure of the distributor 11, for example by bolting or welding, at, for example, the first inclined plane surface 8 of the crossbar 7 and a second attachment element 22 arranged to be fixed, for example also by bolting or welding, onto the supporting structure of the deflector 2, preferably below the collector 12. In turn, the attachment elements bear respective engaging means and mutual counter-means in a mutual engagement position as explained below.
[0040] The first attachment element 21 comprises a bracket with a preferably quadrilateral plan, preferably made of bent sheet metal, forming a base 25 from which two wings 26 rise along opposite sides, in turn forming a bracket 27 for supporting the second attachment element 22. The base is fixed to the spreader supporting structure by means of screws 23.
[0041] The bracket 27 defines respective second surfaces 28 preferably parallel and coplanar derived by bending the wings 26 towards each other. At the same end, the second surfaces 28 terminate at a hook-like formation 29 whose groove is open towards the aforementioned second surfaces 28. The hook-like formations 29 can be placed at either of the longitudinally opposing ends of the second surfaces 28 (see Fig. 7).
[0042] The second attachment element 22 comprises a plate 31 fixed by screws 30 to the lower wall of the collector 12 and bearing a free longitudinal edge 35 arranged to be coupled with the groove of the hook-like formations 29 when the plate 31 is resting on the second surfaces 28. Thus, the plate 31 and hook-like formations 29 constitute engaging means to constrain the first and second attachment elements 21, 22 to each other. The restraint condition is also maintained by engaging counter-means arranged between the first and second attachment elements 22 in such a way as to retain when closed in an operational position the plate 31 engaged to the hook-like formation 29.
[0043] Preferably the engaging counter-means comprise at least one tensioning member 32 preferably of the lever type 33 in itself known and arranged on the first attachment member 21 to engage a hook 34 fixed on the second attachment member 22. The hook 34 is mounted on counter-wings 36 of the plate 31 arranged to flank the wings 26 of the first element 21 when the plate 31 is resting on the bracket 27. This results in a multiple coupling between the two engaging elements: a support coupling between the plate 31 and the bracket 27, an engagement coupling between the free edge of the plate 31 and the hook-like formations, a shape coupling between the wings 26 and counter- wings 36 as well as an additional lock between the engaging means and countermeans. Furthermore, the engaging counter-means are arranged in such a way that, by tensioning the tensioning member 32, the force generated has at least one non-zero component oriented to urge the plate 31 to engage with its edge 35 the respective hook-like formations 29 and simultaneously exert an action to press the plate 31 against the second surfaces 28 of the bracket 27.
[0044] In other unrepresented embodiments, the tensioning member 32 is arranged on the second coupling element 22, while the hook 34, with which it is configured to engage, is arranged on the first attachment element 21, preferably on the wings 26.
[0045] By releasing the tensioning member 32, it will be possible to briefly slide the plate 31 over the second surfaces 28 so as to disengage the hook-like formations 29 and allow the deflector 10 to be removed from the spreader 1.
[0046] The operation of the deflector 10 is as follows. It is first necessary to set up the spreader 1 with the application of the first attachment element 21. The deflector 10 is then applied to the spreader by placing the plate 31 on the bracket 27 and sliding it until it engages the hook-like formations 29 with the free edge 35. The tensioning members 32 are then tightened to obtain the desired coupling.
[0047] When the discs 5, 6 of the spreader device 4 are activated, the product thrown by the discs is collected by the collector 12 and distributed in the same amount to the throwing pipes 15, 16 from which it is dispensed to the base of the rows being treated by means of appropriate orientation of the vanes 17.
[0048] Once the product has been dispensed and after returning to the farm, it is sufficient to loosen the tensioning members 32 to allow the plate 31 to be disengaged from the hook-like formations 29 and thus allow the deflector 10 to be removed from the attachment element 21. This allows both the deflector and the spreader to be thoroughly cleaned. If the deflector 10 is to be transferred to another spreader, it will be sufficient to place an additional first attachment element 21 on the spreader and proceed as described above. The invention thus solves the problem posed and achieves numerous advantages including:
[0049] - A stable and easily releasable connection resulting from the coupling of the two attachment elements;
[0050] - Improved fixing stability due to multiple coupling between the above- mentioned elements;
[0051] - A high degree of adaptability makes the deflector easily transferable between different spreaders;
[0052] Easier maintenance of the whole.
Claims
CLAIMS1. A deflector (10) for inter-row spreading of granular or powdered products, such as fertilizers, insecticides and the like, which is designed to be mounted on a supporting structure of a distributor (2) of the centrifugal type, comprising a supporting structure of the deflector (11) on which there is mounted at least one collector (12) of the product which is thrown by the centrifugal distributor (2) and at least one throwing pipe (15; 16) which extends from the collector (12) in order to deflect the thrown product in a spreading direction, and removable fixing means for fixing the supporting structure of the deflector (11) to the supporting structure of the distributor (2), wherein the fixing means comprise a first attachment element (21) which is designed to be fixed to the supporting structure of the distributor (2) and a second attachment element (22) which is provided to be fixed to the supporting structure of the deflector (10), the attachment elements (21, 22) having means and countermeans for mutual engagement in a mutual coupling position.
2. The deflector (10) for inter-row spreading of granular products according to claim 1, wherein the first attachment element (21) comprises a bracket (27) which is designed to receive in a supporting manner a plate (31) of the second attachment element (22).
3. The deflector (10) for inter-row spreading of granular products according to claim 2, wherein the first attachment element (21) has two parallel and spaced apart wings (26) which support the bracket (27) and the second attachment element (22) has counter-wings (36) which are capable of form-fitting connection with the wings (26) when theattachment elements (21, 22) are coupled to each other.
4. The deflector (10) for inter-row spreading of granular products according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the first attachment element (21) comprises a bracket which forms the bracket (27) of support for the second attachment element (22), the engaging means and counter-means including at least one hook-like formation (29) which is designed to removably engage with the plate (31) of the second attachment element (22) when supported on the bracket (27).
5. The deflector (10) for inter-row spreading of granular products according to claim 4, wherein the at least one hook-like formation (29) is formed on the bracket (27).
6. The deflector (10) for inter-row spreading of granular products according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the engaging means and counter-means include at least one tensioning member (32) which is provided on one of the first and second attachment elements (21, 22), and which acts on the other of the first and second attachment elements (21, 22), the tensioning member (32) being positioned with respect to the hook-like formation (29) in order to keep, when it is tensioned, the plate (31) engaged with the hook-like formation (29).
7. The deflector (10) for inter-row spreading of granular products according to claim 6, wherein the tensioning member (32) is of the lever type.
8. The deflector (10) for inter-row spreading of granular products according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the tensioning member (32) is arranged between the wings (26) and counter-wings (36) and is orientated to maintain the plate (31) of the second attachment element (22) in engagement withthe at least one hook-like formation (29) of the first attachment element(21) and supported on the bracket (27).