WO2024138256A1 - Disc fastening hub and disc shaft assembly for an agricultural implement - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an assembly (100) of a disc fastening hub (10) and a disc shaft (50) for an agricultural implement, and more specifically to an improved structure of the disc fastening hub (10) and of the disc shaft (50), wherein the assembly (100) is formed by association with a fitting element (20), the disc shaft (50) comprising a circumferential channel (51) that can be aligned with the inner end of the fitting element (20); the disc fastening hub (10) comprises one end provided with a circumferential slot (11), and the fitting element (20) comprises an outer end provided with a circumferential protrusion (21), so that the association of the fastening hub (10) with the fitting element (20) forms an interlocking fit between the slot (11) and the protrusion (21).

Description

Descriptive Report of the Invention Patent for "DISC FIXATION HUB AND DISC AXLE ASSEMBLY FOR AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENT".

[001] The present invention relates to a disc fixing hub and disc shaft assembly for agricultural implements, more specifically, the present invention relates to an improved construction of the disc fixing hub and disc shaft.

Description of the State of the Art

[002] Agricultural implements are equipment coupled to some traction system, such as machines and tractors, whose function is to perform a specific activity. They are present in various tasks, from soil preparation to the end of the crop cycle.

[003] As mentioned, each type of implement performs a specific function, with plow-type implements acting in soil preparation and serving to plow and loosen the land for cultivation. Its action is in the surface layer of the earth and its main function is to provide better aeration conditions; infiltration; water storage and homogenization of soil fertility.

[004] Plow implements, of the disc type, are basically formed by discs, columns and cubes. Disks can have different numbers and sizes. Its main function is to promote the cutting, elevation and mobilization of the furrow created by the plow.

[005] As an example, for sandy soils, smooth discs are recommended. For clayey soils and with greater amounts of straw, discs with cut edges are recommended, as they allow for greater penetration.

[006] This type of implement has a large free space between the discs, which provides a greater straw flow; as well as the individual oscillation capacity of each disc to overcome any obstacles encountered on the ground. [007] A structure with wheels/tires is also common to provide mobility for this equipment when equipped with a greater working width (greater number of discs); especially for traveling on rural roads.

[008] In this context, it is observed that in the main crops, more than 50% of the chopped residue is mixed with the soil profile, returning the nutrients from the residue to the soil, instead of being exposed to climatic conditions. The remaining 50% of the chopped residue remains above the ground as a protective layer, preventing the loss of nutrients and protecting the soil profile against wind and water erosion [009] As such, an agricultural implement that meets this need has the function aggressively breaking up the soil, cutting, sizing and incorporating waste at shallow levels and at high speed, in addition to comprising front and rear disc sections. The front disc section cuts, sizing the residue, breaking, lifting and passing the soil and waste mixture to the rear disc section, incorporating and leveling the soil profile. The rear disc section cuts again, resizes and finishes the soil inversion and places the mix back into the soil. The loosening roller levels and textures the soil.

[0010] In other words, disc plow type agricultural implements operate at high performance at high speed and comprise high resistance components.

[0011] In detail, in agricultural implements of this type, the disc is mounted, either on the front disc arm or rear disc arm, by associating the disc fixing hub with washers and nuts to the disc axle.

[0012] The clamping hub comprises an adjusting nut at the end of the hub that is associated with the disc shaft on the side of the disc arm and at the other end of the hub, facing the base of the shaft. disc, a sealing ring and therefore the disc are associated. Both ends of the disc shaft and clamping hub are threaded with washers and nuts.

[0013] In more detail, plow-type agricultural implements that operate at high performance and speed, have double conical bearings mounted internally to the fixing hub, which also define a volume and grease chamber.

[0014] Not least, the fixing hubs comprise retainers, and at least one retainer is associated between the adjusting nut and the fixing hub.

[0015] As an example, plow-type agricultural implements that operate at high performance and speed feature disc operation at a rotation of 160 with an average temperature of 44C°.

[0016] The state of the art comprises several documents that deal with the use of individual discs for high-speed soil preparation such as US3223178, AU2015201532; US7048069; US9398737; US2022192071 ; WO0219792 and

WO201 3030183, among countless others.

[0017] However, these documents are silent on the issue of the useful life of the disc hub and disc axle assembly, as well as the accumulation of weather, dirt and chopped residue in the assembly when operating in high performance and extreme conditions.

[0018] Among these problems, the breakage of the disc shaft stands out, mainly at the end of the disc shaft thread with the adjusting nut, and damage to the retainer and the hub, due to the accumulation of dirt between the adjusting nut and the end of the hub, beyond the ground inlet into the grease chamber.

Objectives of the Invention

[0019] Thus, a first objective of the present invention is to provide a disc fixing hub and disc shaft assembly for an implement. agricultural equipment in which the useful life of the assembly is extended in order to prevent the disc shaft from breaking when working in extreme conditions.

[0020] A second objective of the present invention is to provide a disc fixing hub and disc shaft assembly for an agricultural implement in which the useful life of the assembly is extended by means of an improved sealing system while maintaining adequate operating conditions. heating and rotational resistance of the disc when working in extreme conditions.

Brief Description of the Invention

[0021] The present invention relates to a disc fixing hub and disc shaft assembly for an agricultural implement, the assembly configured for association with an adjustment element, wherein the disc shaft comprises a channel surrounding and alignable to the inner end of the adjustment element.

[0022] In a possible embodiment, the disc shaft channel allocates a sealing element.

[0023] In another possible embodiment, the disc shaft comprises an end, distal to the disc, associated with a fixing element with a class G8 fine thread.

[0024] In another possible embodiment, the fastening element comprises a zinc-plated surface treatment.

[0025] In another possible embodiment, the disc shaft comprises hardness in the range of 38 to 42 HRC.

[0026] The present invention also deals with a disc fixing hub and disc shaft assembly for agricultural implements, the set configured for association with an adjustment element, wherein the disc fixing hub comprises an end provided with a surrounding slot , the adjustment element comprises an external end equipped with a surrounding projection, in which the association of the cu- The fixing element with the adjusting element forms a fit between the slot and the boss.

[0027] In a possible embodiment, the disc fixation hub comprises a housing adjacent to the slot and configured to receive a protective element.

[0028] In another possible embodiment, the protective element is composed of Polyurethane.

[0029] In another possible embodiment, the adjustment element comprises a flap extending from its external end.

[0030] The present invention also relates to an agricultural implement comprising a disc fixing hub and disc shaft assembly as described above.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0031] The present invention will now be described in more detail based on an example of execution represented in the drawings. The Figures show:

[0032] Figure 1 - is a side sectional view of the disc fixing hub and disc shaft assembly for agricultural implements;

[0033] Figure 2A - is an exploded front perspective view of the disc fixing hub and disc shaft assembly for agricultural implement shown in Figure 1;

[0034] Figure 2B - is an exploded front perspective view of the disc fixing hub and disc shaft assembly for agricultural implements in an alternative embodiment;

[0035] Figure 2C - is a perspective view of the adjustment element of Figure 2B in an alternative embodiment;

[0036] Figure 3 - is an exploded rear perspective view of the disc fixing hub and disc shaft assembly for agricultural implement shown in Figure 1;

[0037] Figure 4 - is a front and rear perspective view and the set shown in Figure 1.

Detailed Description of Figures

[0038] Firstly, it should be noted that the term "preferred" used here should not be understood as "imperative" or "obligatory". The term "preferred" aims to characterize a particularly efficient embodiment of the invention among the multiple possible ones, with the scope of the invention limited only by its characteristics that are absolutely essential for obtaining the proposed technical effects.

[0039] For the purposes of understanding the present invention, the term "means" and "elements" should be understood as any mechanism, part, device or arrangement of elements that performs the function for which a specific result is expected within the context of this invention .

[0040] Figures 1 to 4 disclose two possible configurations of the invention, referring to the disc fixing hub 10 and referring to the disc shaft 50, considered to be of particular efficiency, and hereinafter referred to as "preferred configuration". It should be noted, however, that the preferred configuration disclosed herein should not be understood as imperative or mandatory for carrying out the invention and its advantageous technical effects.

[0041] Starting from Figure 1, it is seen that the assembly of the present invention comprises a central assembly generally represented by the numeral 100. This central assembly 100 is associated with a disc and a disc arm of an agricultural implement.

[0042] The disc fixing hub 10 comprising an internal area that accommodates, from the end associated with the disc to the end facing the disc arm, a pair of retainers 40 and a pair of conical bearings 13. disc fixation 10 comprising a projection to assist the positioning of the wheels. conical laments 13 on the clamping hub 10.

[0043] As seen in Figure 1, the retainers 40 are distinct from each other and define, together with the conical bearings 13, the area 12 for filling with special grease for work in extreme conditions.

[0044] Grease filling occurs before mounting the seals 40 and tapered bearings 13 so that, advantageously, the lubrication will be permanent. Preferably, the working temperature of the grease is -30° to +120°C.

[0045] Advantageously, at the end proximal to the disc arm, the fixing hub 10 comprises a housing and a slot 11.

[0046] As will be described in detail below, this improved configuration provides a sealing system that prevents damage to the retainer 40 and the fixing hub 10, in addition to the entry of earth into the internal area of the fixing hub 10, while maintaining adequate heating conditions and disc rotation resistance when working in extreme conditions.

[0047] The housing and the slot 11 are adjacent and concurrent with each other, each defining a channel surrounding the external area of the fixing hub 10, so that the slot 11 is associable to an adjustment element 20 by means of a projection 21 .

[0048] As seen in Figure 1, the fit between the slot 11 and the shoulder 21 defines a zigzag-type configuration, like a labyrinth, in the disc fixing hub 10 and disc shaft 50 assembly for agricultural implements. Said configuration being adjacent to retainer 40.

[0049] Therefore, when assembling, the labyrinth formed between these elements 11, 21 is filled with grease to advantageously result in a sealing area close to the retainer 40 and, therefore, both, preventing the accumulation of bad weather, dirt and chopped residue in the set 100. Additional protection against corrosion of these elements is also highlighted.

[0050] Additionally, the housing of the disc fixing hub 10 can be associated with a protective element 30, such as a dust cover, to improve the sealing system of the assembly 100. Preferably, the protective element 30 is composed of Polyurethane. The housing can be treated by induction hardening in the region of action of the protective element 30.

[0051] Furthermore, in this embodiment of the invention, the adjusting element 20 comprises a flap 22 extending from the outer end of the adjusting element to the housing so as to cover the protective element 30. The flap 22 extends parallel to projection 21.

[0052] Thus, advantageously, the object of the invention provides even more improved protection to the retainer 40, preventing the entry of weather, dirt and crushed residue into the assembly 100. There is an alignment of the fixing hub 10 and the corresponding adjustment element 20 closure, lid type.

[0053] It is noteworthy that incorporation of these elements 11, 20, 21, 22, 30 into the disc fixing hub 10, according to the embodiments of the invention, does not alter the high performance conditions at high speed of the assembly 100, and this It operates at a rotation speed of 160 and an average temperature of 48°C. This becomes extremely advantageous in increasing the useful life of the fixing hub, reducing the need for maintenance and/or breakage.

[0054] However, in the context of the invention, the adjustment element 20 can be understood as being a new and inventive configuration in relation to the adjustment nuts existing in prior art sets. [0055] In an alternative configuration, such as that seen in Figures 2B and 2C, the adjusting element 20' may comprise recesses 20" to facilitate handling of said adjusting element 20" (for example, by fitting a tool in said recesses 20”).

[0056] Furthermore, in a preferred configuration, the disc fixing hub 10 is made of SAE 0050 steel, guaranteeing the standard of the cast material, increasing the resistance of the material, and improving the quality of the disc fixing thread. This becomes advantageous in comparison with prior art disc clamping hubs made of FE Nodular 42012.

[0057] Furthermore, in a preferred configuration, the internal area of the fixing hub 10, corresponding to the volume and grease chamber, has an opening of 13mm. This becomes advantageous in comparison to prior art cubes that have a 9mm opening.

[0058] Continuing, the present invention also deals with a disc axis 50, internal to the disc fixing hub 10, for associating the disc with the disc arm of the agricultural implement.

[0059] The disc shaft 50 has its end positioned with one end of the disc fixing hub 10, being aligned with a retainer 40. A sealing ring, of the 0'Ring type, is superimposed around the disc shaft 50 and the retainer 40, being in contact and aligned with an inner edge of the fixing hub 10.

[0060] The other end of the disc shaft 50 extends beyond the other end of the clamping hub 10 and the adjusting element 20, passing through a disc arm.

[0061] As seen in Figure 1, a central portion of the axis 50 is in contact with the inner end of the adjustment element 20, in order to keep the assembly 100 aligned.

[0062] The contact surface between the central portion of axis 50 of disk and the inner end of the adjusting element 20 is a threaded surface, defining two thread termination points.

[0063] The first thread termination point is positioned between the tapered bearing and the inner end edge of the adjusting element 20.

[0064] The second thread termination point is positioned between the other edge of the inner end of the adjusting element 10. [0065] Here, the prior art problem of disc shaft breakage stands out, mostly at the end of the thread. disc shaft thread with the adjusting nut.

[0066] Thus, advantageously in the present invention, the disc axis 50 comprises a channel 51 surrounding and alignable to the end of the adjusting element 20, configured as a relief channel for the thread, increasing the useful life of the assembly 100 and delaying breakage of the disc shaft when working in extreme conditions.

[0067] However, the disc shaft 50 comprises heat treatment, quenching and tempering, so as to result in a hardness in the range of 38 to 42 HRC. Preferably, the disc shaft 50 is composed of ABNT 5160 Steel.

[0068] Preferably, channel 51 is positioned at the first thread termination point.

[0069] In one embodiment of the invention, the channel 51 comprises a section to accommodate a sealing element 52, such as an O'Ring.

[0070] Thus, any possibility of leakage of the assembly 100 through the thread is advantageously eliminated.

[0071] In another embodiment of the invention, the disc shaft portion 50 passing through the disc arm is associated with a flanged fastening element 60, with class G8 fine thread.

[0072] Additionally, the fixing element 60 of the set 100 includes zinc surface treatment.

[0073] In this embodiment, an improved fixation of the assembly 100 is advantageously guaranteed, avoiding possible adjustments caused by material fatigue.

[0074] Having described a preferred embodiment example, it must be understood that the scope of the present invention covers other possible variations, being limited only by the content of the attached claims, including possible equivalents.

Claims

1. Set (100) disc fixing hub (10) and disc shaft (50) for agricultural implement, the set (100) configured for association with an adjustment element (20), characterized in that the shaft (50) of disc comprises a channel (51) surrounding and alignable to the inner end of the adjusting element (20). 2. Assembly (100), according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the channel (51) is configured to receive a sealing element (52). 3. Assembly (100), according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the fact that the end of the disc shaft (50), distal to the disc, is configured for association with a fastening element (60) flanged, with class G8 fine thread. 4. Set (100), according to claim 3, characterized by the fact that the fastening element (60) comprises zinc-plated surface treatment. 5. Assembly (100), according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by the fact that the disc shaft (50) has a hardness in the range of 38 to 42 HRC. 6. Set (100) disc fixing hub (10) and disc shaft (50) for agricultural implement, the set (100) configured for association with an adjustment element (20), characterized in that the fixing hub (10 ) of the disc comprises an end provided with a surrounding slot (11), the adjustment element (20) comprises an external end provided with a surrounding projection (21), in which the association of the fixing hub (10) with the adjustment element ( 20) configures a fitting between the slot (11) and the projection (21). 7. Assembly (100), according to claim 6, characterized in that the disc fixing hub (10) comprises a housing adjacent to the slot (11) configured to receive a protective element (30). 8. Set (100), according to claim 7, characterized in that the protective element (30) is composed of Polyurethane. 9. Assembly (100), according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the adjusting element (20) comprises a flap (22) extending from its external end. 10. Agricultural implement, characterized by the fact that it comprises set (100) disc fixing hub (10) and disc shaft (50), as defined in any of the preceding claims.