US20040110547A1 - Auxiliary drive for combine augers for cleanout - Google Patents
Auxiliary drive for combine augers for cleanout Download PDFInfo
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- US20040110547A1 US20040110547A1 US10/309,977 US30997702A US2004110547A1 US 20040110547 A1 US20040110547 A1 US 20040110547A1 US 30997702 A US30997702 A US 30997702A US 2004110547 A1 US2004110547 A1 US 2004110547A1
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- Prior art keywords
- auger
- rotary drive
- motor
- auxiliary rotary
- grain
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01D—HARVESTING; MOWING
- A01D41/00—Combines, i.e. harvesters or mowers combined with threshing devices
- A01D41/12—Details of combines
- A01D41/1208—Tanks for grain or chaff
- A01D41/1217—Unloading mechanisms
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01D—HARVESTING; MOWING
- A01D41/00—Combines, i.e. harvesters or mowers combined with threshing devices
- A01D41/12—Details of combines
- A01D41/1208—Tanks for grain or chaff
Definitions
- the invention relates to harvesting apparatus, such as combines. Particularly, the invention relates to a cleanout system for a harvesting apparatus.
- Horticultural crops may be classified as edible crops, inedible crops, genetically modified organisms (GMO's), non-GMO, organic, pesticide-free, or in accordance with other crop attributes.
- Inedible crops may include crops such as fiber, cotton or rubber, for example.
- Genetically modified crops may include vegetables that are genetically manipulated to hold their shelf life longer than traditionally cultivated vegetables.
- Organic crops are harvested from plants that are grown without exposure to certain pesticides, herbicides or other chemicals.
- Crops may be grown to specific crop attributes or specifications. Crop attributes may be based on the genetic composition of a crop, the growing practices for a crop, or both. For example, a certain variety of corn may be grown that has greater oil content than other varieties because of genetic or environmental factors. Similarly, a certain variety of soybeans may be grown that has a different protein content or other crop attribute that is desirable.
- a processor, a pharmaceutical company, a manufacturer or another concern may desire to purchase agricultural products with specific crop attributes from a grower or another supplier. The grower or supplier may wish to charge a premium for crops with specific crop attributes compared to a commodity-type crop. The purchaser of the agricultural product may desire sufficient assurance that the agricultural product that is being purchased actually possesses the crop attributes that are sought.
- the present inventors have recognized that it would be desirable if the grain compartment and unloader tube of a harvesting apparatus could be more easily and quickly thoroughly cleaned, minimizing the need to vacuum out or sweep out grain or residue.
- the invention provides an auxiliary rotary drive for at least one auger that in normal operation is rotatable to transport grain from a grain tank of a harvesting apparatus.
- the auxiliary rotary drive is configured to rotate the at least one auger during cleanout to assist air nozzles or other means to remove residual grain or residue from the harvesting apparatus.
- the auxiliary rotary drive can be arranged to transfer power to the auger via a clutch arrangement arranged between the auxiliary rotary drive and the auger.
- the auxiliary rotary drive has sufficient power to turn the auger via the clutch arrangement.
- the auxiliary rotary drive turns the auger at a speed slower than a normal operating speed of the auger.
- the auxiliary rotary drive is in an off condition during normal operation of the auger.
- the auxiliary rotary drive preferably comprises an electric motor.
- the clutch arrangement preferably comprises a drive sheave fixed to a rotary output shaft of the drive, an input pulley rotationally coupled to the auger, and a belt coupled to the output and input pulleys.
- the clutch arrangement further comprises a belt tensioning system operatively connected to tension the belt.
- the belt tensioning system comprises a cylinder operative to increase the distance between the input and output pulleys to tension the belt.
- the system further comprises an operator-actuated switch for activating the auxiliary rotary drive and the belt tensioning system.
- the operator-actuated switch comprises an elongated cable having a switch element at an end of the cable.
- a control system can be provided, the control system including the operator-actuated switch, a timer, and an audible alarm.
- the control system can be configured such that once the operator-actuated switch is actuated, the timer delays operation of the auxiliary rotary drive for a pre-selected time during which time the audible alarm sounds.
- the system is preferably configured for turning the unloader auger and grain tank cross augers during cleaning to assist in cleaning out the grain tank and unloader tube.
- a sequence and method for triggering mechanical parts to turn is provided.
- the system provides a method of jogging the system for cleanout. During actuation, the system incorporates a delay and simultaneous audible alarm.
- the unloader tube and grain tank cross auger areas are blown clean without risk of entanglement.
- FIG. 1 is a schematical side view of a harvesting apparatus that incorporates the present invention
- FIG. 2 is a schematical plan view of the harvesting apparatus of FIG. 1;
- FIG. 3 is an enlarged, fragmentary perspective view of a grain compartment area of the harvesting apparatus of FIG. 1;
- FIG. 4 is an enlarged, fragmentary bottom perspective view of the grain compartment area shown in FIG. 3;
- FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken generally along line 5 - 5 of FIG. 2;
- FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of an unloading auger driving system
- FIG. 7 is an enlarged, fragmentary, front side perspective view of an auxiliary drive system for augers.
- FIG. 8 is a back side perspective view of the auxiliary drive system as shown in FIG. 7.
- FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a harvesting apparatus, such as an agricultural combine 10 .
- Such combines are of a type described for example in U.S. Pat. No. 6,285,198, herein incorporated by reference, and are also of the type commercially available as a JOHN DEERE 9650 STS or 9750 STS combine.
- the invention is being described as being incorporated into a rotary combine, it may also be used on other combines, such as conventional straw walker machines.
- FIG. 1 shows an agricultural combine 10 , also known as a combine thresher.
- the combine 10 comprises a supporting structure 12 having ground engaging means 14 extending from the supporting structure.
- a harvesting platform 16 is used for harvesting a crop and directing it to a feederhouse 18 .
- the harvested crop is directed by the feederhouse 18 to a beater 20 .
- the beater directs the crop upwardly through an inlet transition section 22 to the axial crop processing unit 24 .
- the axial crop processing unit is located between, and supported by the sidesheets of the combine.
- the axial crop processing unit 24 comprises an axial rotor housing 26 and an axial rotor 28 located in the housing.
- the harvested crop enters the housing through the inlet transition section 22 .
- the rotor is provided with an infeed portion, a threshing portion and a separating portion.
- the rotor housing has a corresponding infeed section, a threshing section and a separating section.
- Both crop processing portions, the threshing portion and the separating portion, are provided with crop engaging assemblies.
- the threshing section of the rotor housing is provided with a concave and the separating section is provided with a grate. Grain and chaff released from the crop mat falls through the concave and the grate.
- the concave and grate prevent the passage of crop material larger than grain or chaff from entering the cleaning system 34 .
- grain and chaff falling through the concave and grate is directed to cleaning system 34 which removes the chaff from the grain.
- the clean grain is then directed by a clean grain elevator 36 to a fountain auger 38 .
- the fountain auger 38 directs the grain into a grain tank or grain compartment 40 .
- the clean grain elevator 36 and the fountain auger 38 comprise a means for moving the clean grain from the grain floor of the combine to a storage bin formed by the grain tank 40 .
- the grain is removed from the grain tank 40 by unloading auger 57 .
- As the straw reaches the end of the crop processing unit it is expelled through an outlet to a beater 46 .
- the beater 46 propels the straw out the rear of the combine.
- the operation of the combine is controlled from the operator's cab 48 .
- transverse unloading augers 56 and 58 direct the grain to the side of the compartment where it comes into contact with an unloading auger 57 which directs the clean grain through a vertical unloading tube 61 and a horizontal unloading tube 59 .
- the auger 57 includes a vertical section 57 a , at least partially within the tube 61 , a right angle gear 57 b , and a horizontal section 57 c within the tube 59 .
- tube 59 would normally be extended outwardly from the side of the combine so that clean grain can be more readily directed into a wagon or truck.
- the grain compartment 40 includes a trough 60 , which includes a major trough region 70 and a minor trough region 72 that house the horizontal augers 56 , 58 , respectively.
- the trough 60 is open to a charge housing or sump 64 .
- the vertical auger section 57 a extends through the vertical tube 61 and into the sump 64 (see FIG. 5).
- the grain which is fed through the trough horizontally by the horizontal augers 56 , 58 is delivered into the sump 64 and is removed by the vertical auger section 57 a through the tube 61 , and by the horizontal auger section 57 c through the tube 59 .
- the major trough region 70 includes a forward inclined wall 76 and a rearward inclined wall 78 .
- the minor trough region 72 includes a rearward inclined wall 82 that curves into the rearward inclined wall 78 of the major trough region 70 .
- the sump 64 includes parallel sidewalls 84 that extend substantially parallel and vertical and are fastened substantially continuously to the inclined walls 78 , 82 . Only the left side sump sidewall 84 is visible in the Figures, the right side sump sidewall is substantially the same shape as the left side sidewall.
- the augers 56 , 58 are driven by sprockets 108 , 110 .
- the auger 57 is driven by a right angle gear drive 112 that is driven by a sprocket 116 via an input shaft 116 a.
- the sump includes a front oblique wall 118 , a rear oblique wall 119 , and an auger casting 120 .
- the auger casting 120 is fastened to the oblique walls 118 , 119 .
- the front oblique wall 118 is fastened to the forward inclined wall 76 and the sidewalls 84 , 86 .
- the rear oblique wall 119 is fastened to the rearward inclined wall 82 and the sump sidewalls 84 .
- the sump sidewalls 84 , the auger casting 120 , and the walls 118 , 119 form a substantially enclosed sump 64 except for drain openings described below. When plugs, or covers and gaskets bolted over openings, are installed into, or onto, the casting 120 , the sump 64 is substantially sealed against the trough region 70 , 72 .
- the auger casting 120 includes journals 122 , 124 for rotatably holding a horizontal axis gear assembly 126 for the right angle gear drive 112 .
- the auger casting 120 also includes a journal 130 (FIG. 5) for supporting and rotationally holding a vertical axle 132 of the auger 57 .
- a vertical axis gear 134 is fixed to the axle 132 . Turning of the gear 134 turns the auger 57 .
- the auger casting 120 includes drain openings 170 that allow the lowest portion of the sump 64 to be drained of water and/or grain. In operation, gaskets and plates, or plugs close the drain openings 170 . For faster cleanout of the sump 64 and trough 60 , the walls 118 , 119 of the sump can be replaced by a casting having grate hole patterns such as disclosed in U.S. application Ser. No. ______ filed on the same day as the present application and identified by attorney docket No. 6301 P0050US, herein incorporated by reference.
- FIG. 6 illustrates a drive system 200 for the clean grain unloading system.
- the grain unloading system is driven by a first sheave 238 that is driven by the driving means 30 , as is known, such as described for example in U.S. Pat. No. 4,967,863.
- a belt 239 is driven by the sheave 238 .
- the belt 239 drives a second sheave 240 .
- a clutch arrangement 250 instigates rotary motion of the sheave 240 .
- the clutch arrangement 250 is controlled by controls 254 in the operator's cab.
- a tensioning sheave 256 is selectively pressed into the belt 239 to instigate drive of the second sheave 240 .
- the tensioning sheave 256 is driven into the belt 239 by a hydraulic cylinder 257 that is controlled by the associated controls 254 .
- the sheave 240 is operatively coupled to a sprocket 302 which is provided with a chain 304 .
- the chain 304 engages sprockets 108 , 110 for driving the unloading transverse augers 56 , 58 , and a sprocket 116 for driving the auger 57 for directing grain from the sump 64 through the vertical tube 61 and the horizontal unloading tube 59 .
- the sprocket 312 is a spring biased tensioning sprocket for maintaining tension in the chain 304 .
- an auxiliary rotary drive 340 is provided to rotate the augers 56 , 57 , 58 .
- the auxiliary rotary drive 340 includes a third sheave 350 fixedly mounted to the second sheave 240 and to the sprocket 302 to rotate therewith.
- a motor 354 is mounted to a lever 356 that is pivotally connected at one end 357 to a fixed structure on the combine chassis.
- the motor 354 includes an output shaft 355 fixed to a drive sheave 360 .
- the motor 354 is preferably a 12 volt DC electric motor; although a pneumatic, hydraulic or other type motor is also encompassed by the invention.
- the motor 354 can be within a preferred range of 1 ⁇ 5 HP to 20 HP and 20 RPM to 200 RPM.
- the motor 354 can be a 1 ⁇ 5 HP motor having 135 inch pounds torque and 18.5 full load amps.
- a gear box 354 a (FIG. 8) with about a 20:1 gear ratio, the motor drives the output shaft 355 at about 80 RPM under load.
- a belt 370 is wrapped around the third sheave 350 and the drive sheave 360 .
- a spring 374 is connected between a free end portion 375 of the lever 356 and the lever end 357 .
- a pneumatic cylinder 378 is connected between the free end portion 375 of the lever and the lever end 357 . Expansion of the cylinder 378 against tension force from the spring 374 causes the lever to pivot downwardly, clockwise about the point 357 , to tension the belt 370 between the sheaves 350 , 360 .
- the sheave 360 drives the sheave 350 into rotation.
- the second sheave 240 and the sprocket 302 are also driven into rotation.
- the second sheave 240 is rotated slowly.
- the augers 56 , 57 , 58 run at about 420 RPM during grain unloading. Under power from the motor 354 during cleanout operation, the augers 56 , 57 , 58 run at about 25 RPM.
- Such slow rotation is advantageous for a cleaning operation of the grain compartment 40 , the horizontal unloader tube 59 , and around the unloading augers 56 , 58 , 57 .
- the cylinder 378 includes a ram side 380 and a piston side 382 .
- Pneumatic tubing connects the piston side 382 to a port of a solenoid valve 386 .
- FIG. 6 shows the solenoid valve 386 in the energized position. In this position, pressurized air from a supply 388 is connected to the piston side 382 .
- the air supply 388 can be an external supply that is connected to the piston side 382 by a quick connect coupling 389 , or other type coupling.
- a vent to atmosphere 390 is connected to the ram side 380 of the cylinder 378 .
- pressurized air to the piston side 382 causes an extension of a cylinder rod 378 a from the cylinder body 378 b .
- An electronic control 406 includes necessary switching, 12 volt supply, and timer electronics to operate the system.
- the actuation switch 408 is preferably on a coiled tether cable 409 that can be plugged into the control system 406 .
- the control system 406 includes a cable 406 a that extends to an elevated position adjacent to the grain tank top and terminates in a plug 406 b .
- the control system also includes a cable 406 c that extends to a position accessible from grade adjacent the motor 354 and terminates in a plug 406 d .
- the tether cable 409 can be plugged into either plug 406 b or 406 d to operate the control system 406 via the switch 408 . This allows the operator cleaning the grain tank 40 at an elevated position from grade to conveniently start or stop rotation of the augers 56 , 57 , 58 during cleaning, or allows an operator at grade to start or stop the augers 56 , 57 , 58 .
- the control system 406 includes a switching line 410 that selectively provides power to the motor 354 .
- the control also provides an actuation line 412 to the solenoid valve 386 .
- the control system 406 provides actuation lines 416 to one or more audible alarms 420 a , 420 b .
- the switch 408 and tether cable 409 can be plugged into the system 406 at plural locations such as at ground level and at grain tank level.
- the control system 406 incorporates a timer circuit or a timer relay switch to provide a delay while sounding alarms 420 a , 420 b.
- FIG. 7 illustrates the structural configuration of the auxiliary rotary drive 340 .
- the lever 356 is pinned for rotation to a bracket 520 by a stud/pin 524 .
- the bracket 520 is fastened to a stationary structure 528 of the combine by fasteners 532 .
- FIG. 8 illustrates a bracket 538 fixed to the lever 356 , and a bracket 540 fixed to stationary structure 542 of the combine.
- the cylinder 378 is connected to the brackets 538 , 540 with pins or bolts (not shown).
- the spring 374 is also connected to the brackets 538 , 540 .
- the motor 354 can be connected to the output shaft 355 via a gearbox 354 a , as necessary.
- a method of the invention includes engaging and disengaging the system.
- the procedure for engaging the system comprises the following steps:
- a remote location is chosen to plug in the remote tether, either at ground level or and grain tank level.
- Air is supplied to the system.
- the remote switch 408 being a momentary switch, is manually depressed and held down.
- the timer circuitry shuts off the audible alarms and sends twelve volts to the motor 354 , wherein the motor starts turning.
- the motor turns at about 80 RPM with the belt still loose.
- the unloader augers 56 , 57 , 58 turn at about 25 RPM due to the ratios of the sprockets.
- the momentary tether switch 408 is de-activated by releasing finger or thumb pressure on the switch.
- the solenoid valve 386 shifts and shuts off air supply 388 to the cylinder 378 .
- the return spring 374 pulls the motor sheave 360 out of engagement with the belt 370 by overpowering the force of the cylinder.
- the system of the invention provides safety advantages.
- the timer circuit delays the start of the moving parts of the system while audible alarms sound before the parts begin moving.
- the auxiliary motor 354 turns the augers at a slow speed.
- the system force is relatively low.
- the system effectively turns off with loss of voltage or air.
- the system requires both air and voltage to be engaged.
- the air pressure has to be maintained high enough to overcome return spring force, which can be 40 pounds.
- the switch 408 is manually operated and is a momentary switch.
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Abstract
Description
- The invention relates to harvesting apparatus, such as combines. Particularly, the invention relates to a cleanout system for a harvesting apparatus.
- Horticultural crops may be classified as edible crops, inedible crops, genetically modified organisms (GMO's), non-GMO, organic, pesticide-free, or in accordance with other crop attributes. Inedible crops may include crops such as fiber, cotton or rubber, for example. Genetically modified crops may include vegetables that are genetically manipulated to hold their shelf life longer than traditionally cultivated vegetables. Organic crops are harvested from plants that are grown without exposure to certain pesticides, herbicides or other chemicals.
- Crops may be grown to specific crop attributes or specifications. Crop attributes may be based on the genetic composition of a crop, the growing practices for a crop, or both. For example, a certain variety of corn may be grown that has greater oil content than other varieties because of genetic or environmental factors. Similarly, a certain variety of soybeans may be grown that has a different protein content or other crop attribute that is desirable. A processor, a pharmaceutical company, a manufacturer or another concern may desire to purchase agricultural products with specific crop attributes from a grower or another supplier. The grower or supplier may wish to charge a premium for crops with specific crop attributes compared to a commodity-type crop. The purchaser of the agricultural product may desire sufficient assurance that the agricultural product that is being purchased actually possesses the crop attributes that are sought.
- Thus, a need exists to accurately identify crops with specific crop attributes throughout the growing and distribution of crops with specific crop attributes and any products derived therefrom. Further, a purchaser of an agricultural product or a crop may desire or demand the ability to trace the identity of the crop with specific crop attributes to verify the presence of the crop attributes, or the absence of undesired attributes, as a condition for a commercial transaction.
- Accordingly, there is a need to segregate crops during harvesting such that no mixing of crops or crop residue with different attributes occurs. After unloading a combine grain compartment, there may be grain and residue left in the lower portions of the grain compartment and in the unloader tube that cannot be easily mechanically removed. The present inventors have recognized that in order to ensure segregation of crops with different attributes, it would be desirable if the combine was able to be thoroughly cleaned of grain and residue between harvesting of crops of different attributes.
- Presently, to thoroughly clean grain compartments, the operator must sometimes crawl into a very small space that is not accessible from the ground and vacuum out or sweep out the grain and residue. During the cleanout of the grain tank, it is difficult to clean under the cross auger covers and in hidden areas of the tank as well. It is also difficult to clean, and verify adequate cleaning of, unloader tubes because of limited access and no effective method to inspect the tube for adequate cleaning. The typical time and effort to completely remove all the grain and residue from the combine, particularly from the grain tank and unloader tube, is very long and the task difficult.
- The present inventors have recognized that it would be desirable if the grain compartment and unloader tube of a harvesting apparatus could be more easily and quickly thoroughly cleaned, minimizing the need to vacuum out or sweep out grain or residue.
- The invention provides an auxiliary rotary drive for at least one auger that in normal operation is rotatable to transport grain from a grain tank of a harvesting apparatus. The auxiliary rotary drive is configured to rotate the at least one auger during cleanout to assist air nozzles or other means to remove residual grain or residue from the harvesting apparatus. The auxiliary rotary drive can be arranged to transfer power to the auger via a clutch arrangement arranged between the auxiliary rotary drive and the auger. The auxiliary rotary drive has sufficient power to turn the auger via the clutch arrangement. Preferably, the auxiliary rotary drive turns the auger at a speed slower than a normal operating speed of the auger.
- According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the auxiliary rotary drive is in an off condition during normal operation of the auger. The auxiliary rotary drive preferably comprises an electric motor. The clutch arrangement preferably comprises a drive sheave fixed to a rotary output shaft of the drive, an input pulley rotationally coupled to the auger, and a belt coupled to the output and input pulleys.
- The clutch arrangement further comprises a belt tensioning system operatively connected to tension the belt. The belt tensioning system comprises a cylinder operative to increase the distance between the input and output pulleys to tension the belt. The system further comprises an operator-actuated switch for activating the auxiliary rotary drive and the belt tensioning system. The operator-actuated switch comprises an elongated cable having a switch element at an end of the cable.
- A control system can be provided, the control system including the operator-actuated switch, a timer, and an audible alarm. The control system can be configured such that once the operator-actuated switch is actuated, the timer delays operation of the auxiliary rotary drive for a pre-selected time during which time the audible alarm sounds.
- The system is preferably configured for turning the unloader auger and grain tank cross augers during cleaning to assist in cleaning out the grain tank and unloader tube. A sequence and method for triggering mechanical parts to turn is provided. The system provides a method of jogging the system for cleanout. During actuation, the system incorporates a delay and simultaneous audible alarm. The unloader tube and grain tank cross auger areas are blown clean without risk of entanglement.
- Numerous other advantages and features of the present invention will be become readily apparent from the following detailed description of the invention and the embodiments thereof, from the claims and from the accompanying drawings.
- FIG. 1 is a schematical side view of a harvesting apparatus that incorporates the present invention;
- FIG. 2 is a schematical plan view of the harvesting apparatus of FIG. 1;
- FIG. 3 is an enlarged, fragmentary perspective view of a grain compartment area of the harvesting apparatus of FIG. 1;
- FIG. 4 is an enlarged, fragmentary bottom perspective view of the grain compartment area shown in FIG. 3;
- FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken generally along line5-5 of FIG. 2;
- FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of an unloading auger driving system;
- FIG. 7 is an enlarged, fragmentary, front side perspective view of an auxiliary drive system for augers; and
- FIG. 8 is a back side perspective view of the auxiliary drive system as shown in FIG. 7.
- While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there are shown in the drawings, and will be described herein in detail, specific embodiments thereof with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated.
- FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a harvesting apparatus, such as an
agricultural combine 10. Such combines are of a type described for example in U.S. Pat. No. 6,285,198, herein incorporated by reference, and are also of the type commercially available as a JOHN DEERE 9650 STS or 9750 STS combine. Although the invention is being described as being incorporated into a rotary combine, it may also be used on other combines, such as conventional straw walker machines. - FIG. 1 shows an
agricultural combine 10, also known as a combine thresher. Thecombine 10 comprises a supportingstructure 12 havingground engaging means 14 extending from the supporting structure. Aharvesting platform 16 is used for harvesting a crop and directing it to afeederhouse 18. The harvested crop is directed by thefeederhouse 18 to abeater 20. The beater directs the crop upwardly through aninlet transition section 22 to the axialcrop processing unit 24. The axial crop processing unit is located between, and supported by the sidesheets of the combine. - The axial
crop processing unit 24 comprises anaxial rotor housing 26 and an axial rotor 28 located in the housing. The harvested crop enters the housing through theinlet transition section 22. The rotor is provided with an infeed portion, a threshing portion and a separating portion. The rotor housing has a corresponding infeed section, a threshing section and a separating section. - Both crop processing portions, the threshing portion and the separating portion, are provided with crop engaging assemblies. The threshing section of the rotor housing is provided with a concave and the separating section is provided with a grate. Grain and chaff released from the crop mat falls through the concave and the grate. The concave and grate prevent the passage of crop material larger than grain or chaff from entering the cleaning system34.
- As illustrated in FIG. 1, grain and chaff falling through the concave and grate is directed to cleaning system34 which removes the chaff from the grain. The clean grain is then directed by a
clean grain elevator 36 to a fountain auger 38. The fountain auger 38 directs the grain into a grain tank orgrain compartment 40. Theclean grain elevator 36 and the fountain auger 38 comprise a means for moving the clean grain from the grain floor of the combine to a storage bin formed by thegrain tank 40. The grain is removed from thegrain tank 40 by unloadingauger 57. As the straw reaches the end of the crop processing unit it is expelled through an outlet to a beater 46. The beater 46 propels the straw out the rear of the combine. The operation of the combine is controlled from the operator'scab 48. - When the
clean grain compartment 40 is to be unloaded, transverse unloading augers 56 and 58 direct the grain to the side of the compartment where it comes into contact with an unloadingauger 57 which directs the clean grain through avertical unloading tube 61 and ahorizontal unloading tube 59. Theauger 57 includes avertical section 57 a, at least partially within thetube 61, a right angle gear 57 b, and ahorizontal section 57 c within thetube 59. During an unloading operation,tube 59 would normally be extended outwardly from the side of the combine so that clean grain can be more readily directed into a wagon or truck. - The
grain compartment 40 includes a trough 60, which includes amajor trough region 70 and aminor trough region 72 that house thehorizontal augers sump 64. Thevertical auger section 57 a extends through thevertical tube 61 and into the sump 64 (see FIG. 5). The grain which is fed through the trough horizontally by thehorizontal augers sump 64 and is removed by thevertical auger section 57 a through thetube 61, and by thehorizontal auger section 57 c through thetube 59. - As illustrated in FIG. 3, the
major trough region 70 includes a forwardinclined wall 76 and a rearwardinclined wall 78. Theminor trough region 72 includes a rearwardinclined wall 82 that curves into the rearwardinclined wall 78 of themajor trough region 70. Thesump 64 includesparallel sidewalls 84 that extend substantially parallel and vertical and are fastened substantially continuously to theinclined walls side sump sidewall 84 is visible in the Figures, the right side sump sidewall is substantially the same shape as the left side sidewall. - The
augers sprockets auger 57 is driven by a right angle gear drive 112 that is driven by asprocket 116 via an input shaft 116 a. - One drive arrangement for turning the
sprockets - As illustrated in FIG. 4, the sump includes a front oblique wall118, a
rear oblique wall 119, and anauger casting 120. The auger casting 120 is fastened to theoblique walls 118, 119. The front oblique wall 118 is fastened to the forwardinclined wall 76 and thesidewalls rear oblique wall 119 is fastened to the rearwardinclined wall 82 and thesump sidewalls 84. The sump sidewalls 84, the auger casting 120, and thewalls 118, 119 form a substantially enclosedsump 64 except for drain openings described below. When plugs, or covers and gaskets bolted over openings, are installed into, or onto, the casting 120, thesump 64 is substantially sealed against thetrough region - The auger casting120 includes
journals 122, 124 for rotatably holding a horizontalaxis gear assembly 126 for the rightangle gear drive 112. The auger casting 120 also includes a journal 130 (FIG. 5) for supporting and rotationally holding avertical axle 132 of theauger 57. Avertical axis gear 134 is fixed to theaxle 132. Turning of thegear 134 turns theauger 57. - The auger casting120 includes
drain openings 170 that allow the lowest portion of thesump 64 to be drained of water and/or grain. In operation, gaskets and plates, or plugs close thedrain openings 170. For faster cleanout of thesump 64 and trough 60, thewalls 118, 119 of the sump can be replaced by a casting having grate hole patterns such as disclosed in U.S. application Ser. No. ______ filed on the same day as the present application and identified by attorney docket No. 6301 P0050US, herein incorporated by reference. - FIG. 6 illustrates a
drive system 200 for the clean grain unloading system. The grain unloading system is driven by afirst sheave 238 that is driven by the driving means 30, as is known, such as described for example in U.S. Pat. No. 4,967,863. Abelt 239 is driven by thesheave 238. When thebelt 239 is taught, thebelt 239 drives asecond sheave 240. A clutch arrangement 250 instigates rotary motion of thesheave 240. The clutch arrangement 250 is controlled bycontrols 254 in the operator's cab. Atensioning sheave 256 is selectively pressed into thebelt 239 to instigate drive of thesecond sheave 240. Thetensioning sheave 256 is driven into thebelt 239 by ahydraulic cylinder 257 that is controlled by the associated controls 254. - The
sheave 240 is operatively coupled to asprocket 302 which is provided with achain 304. Thechain 304 engagessprockets transverse augers sprocket 116 for driving theauger 57 for directing grain from thesump 64 through thevertical tube 61 and thehorizontal unloading tube 59. Thesprocket 312 is a spring biased tensioning sprocket for maintaining tension in thechain 304. - According to the invention, an
auxiliary rotary drive 340 is provided to rotate theaugers auxiliary rotary drive 340 includes athird sheave 350 fixedly mounted to thesecond sheave 240 and to thesprocket 302 to rotate therewith. Amotor 354 is mounted to alever 356 that is pivotally connected at oneend 357 to a fixed structure on the combine chassis. Themotor 354 includes anoutput shaft 355 fixed to adrive sheave 360. Themotor 354 is preferably a 12 volt DC electric motor; although a pneumatic, hydraulic or other type motor is also encompassed by the invention. Themotor 354 can be within a preferred range of ⅕ HP to 20 HP and 20 RPM to 200 RPM. For example themotor 354 can be a ⅕ HP motor having 135 inch pounds torque and 18.5 full load amps. By use of a gear box 354 a (FIG. 8) with about a 20:1 gear ratio, the motor drives theoutput shaft 355 at about 80 RPM under load. - A
belt 370 is wrapped around thethird sheave 350 and thedrive sheave 360. Aspring 374 is connected between afree end portion 375 of thelever 356 and thelever end 357. Apneumatic cylinder 378 is connected between thefree end portion 375 of the lever and thelever end 357. Expansion of thecylinder 378 against tension force from thespring 374 causes the lever to pivot downwardly, clockwise about thepoint 357, to tension thebelt 370 between thesheaves sheave 360 drives thesheave 350 into rotation. Thus, thesecond sheave 240 and thesprocket 302 are also driven into rotation. - Because the
motor 354 has a relatively small power output and is geared for slow output rotation, thesecond sheave 240 is rotated slowly. As a comparison, theaugers motor 354 during cleanout operation, theaugers grain compartment 40, thehorizontal unloader tube 59, and around the unloading augers 56, 58, 57. - The
cylinder 378 includes aram side 380 and apiston side 382. Pneumatic tubing connects thepiston side 382 to a port of asolenoid valve 386. FIG. 6 shows thesolenoid valve 386 in the energized position. In this position, pressurized air from a supply 388 is connected to thepiston side 382. The air supply 388 can be an external supply that is connected to thepiston side 382 by aquick connect coupling 389, or other type coupling. A vent toatmosphere 390 is connected to theram side 380 of thecylinder 378. Thus, pressurized air to thepiston side 382 causes an extension of a cylinder rod 378 a from the cylinder body 378 b. This movement tensions thebelt 370. When thesolenoid valve 386 is not energized, a spool 386 a of thesolenoid valve 386 is shifted upwardly as shown in FIG. 6, by spring force of a solenoid spring 386 c, into the alternate position. In the alternate position, under force from thespring 374, thepiston side 382 of thecylinder 378 compresses the air therein as the rod 378 a retracts into the body 378 b, the compressed air limited in pressure by arelief valve 400 that is set to vent the compressed air at about 5 psig. - An
electronic control 406 includes necessary switching, 12 volt supply, and timer electronics to operate the system. Theactuation switch 408 is preferably on acoiled tether cable 409 that can be plugged into thecontrol system 406. In this regard, thecontrol system 406 includes a cable 406 a that extends to an elevated position adjacent to the grain tank top and terminates in a plug 406 b. The control system also includes a cable 406 c that extends to a position accessible from grade adjacent themotor 354 and terminates in a plug 406 d. Thetether cable 409 can be plugged into either plug 406 b or 406 d to operate thecontrol system 406 via theswitch 408. This allows the operator cleaning thegrain tank 40 at an elevated position from grade to conveniently start or stop rotation of theaugers augers - The
control system 406 includes aswitching line 410 that selectively provides power to themotor 354. The control also provides anactuation line 412 to thesolenoid valve 386. Additionally, thecontrol system 406 providesactuation lines 416 to one or more audible alarms 420 a, 420 b. Theswitch 408 andtether cable 409 can be plugged into thesystem 406 at plural locations such as at ground level and at grain tank level. - The
control system 406 incorporates a timer circuit or a timer relay switch to provide a delay while sounding alarms 420 a, 420 b. - FIG. 7 illustrates the structural configuration of the
auxiliary rotary drive 340. Thelever 356 is pinned for rotation to abracket 520 by a stud/pin 524. Thebracket 520 is fastened to a stationary structure 528 of the combine byfasteners 532. - FIG. 8 illustrates a bracket538 fixed to the
lever 356, and abracket 540 fixed to stationary structure 542 of the combine. Thecylinder 378 is connected to thebrackets 538, 540 with pins or bolts (not shown). Thespring 374 is also connected to thebrackets 538, 540. Themotor 354 can be connected to theoutput shaft 355 via a gearbox 354 a, as necessary. - In operation, the unloader tube and grain tank cross auger areas are blown clean while the auger system is slowly turned, for efficient and quick cleaning.
- A method of the invention includes engaging and disengaging the system. The procedure for engaging the system comprises the following steps:
- 1. A remote location is chosen to plug in the remote tether, either at ground level or and grain tank level.
- 2. Air is supplied to the system.
- 3. The
remote switch 408, being a momentary switch, is manually depressed and held down. - 4. Twelve volts is sent to timer circuitry and audible alarms420 a, 420 b are activated for a preselected period of time, such as two seconds. During the preselected time, the
motor 354 is not activated. - 5. After the preselected time elapses, the timer circuitry shuts off the audible alarms and sends twelve volts to the
motor 354, wherein the motor starts turning. The motor turns at about 80 RPM with the belt still loose. - 8. Twelve volts are sent to the
air solenoid valve 386 wherein the solenoid valve spool slides and supplies pressurized air to theair cylinder 378. - 9. Air enters the
piston side 382 of the air cylinder and air pressure overcomes force from thereturn spring 374. - 10. The air cylinder ram side (380) air is vented to atmosphere through
vent 390. - 11. The air cylinder pushes the turning motor downward into the
belt 370 and theunloader sheave 240 starts turning. - 12. The unloader augers56, 57, 58 turn at about 25 RPM due to the ratios of the sprockets.
- 13. Strategically positioned remote air nozzles and/or manually directed air wands, are used while the augers are turning to provide for effective cleanout. Air systems for cleanout are disclosed in U.S. application Ser. No. ______, filed on the same day as the present application and identified as attorney docket No. 6301 P0080US, and in U.S. application Ser. No. ______, filed on the same day as the present application and identified as attorney docket No. 6301 P0090US, both herein incorporated by reference.
- The disengagement of the cleanout system is as follows:
- 1. The
momentary tether switch 408 is de-activated by releasing finger or thumb pressure on the switch. - 2. The twelve volt supply is immediately shut off to the timer circuit or element, the
solenoid valve 386, and themotor 354. - 3. The
solenoid valve 386 shifts and shuts off air supply 388 to thecylinder 378. - 4. The
return spring 374 pulls themotor sheave 360 out of engagement with thebelt 370 by overpowering the force of the cylinder. - 5. The
ram side 380 of thecylinder 378 is vented to let atmospheric air into the cylinder. - 6. The air on the
piston side 382 of the cylinder is pressurized back to thesolenoid valve 386. - 7. The air from the cylinder is pushed against the 5
PSI relief valve 400. - 8. The spring-induced pressure being higher than the 5 PSI relief valve-controlled pressure, allows air to discharge, allowing the cylinder to retract.
- 9. The system is then effectively off.
- The system of the invention provides safety advantages. The timer circuit delays the start of the moving parts of the system while audible alarms sound before the parts begin moving. Once moving, the
auxiliary motor 354 turns the augers at a slow speed. The system force is relatively low. The system effectively turns off with loss of voltage or air. The system requires both air and voltage to be engaged. The air pressure has to be maintained high enough to overcome return spring force, which can be 40 pounds. Theswitch 408 is manually operated and is a momentary switch. - From the foregoing, it will be observed that numerous variations and modifications may be effected without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is to be understood that no limitation with respect to the specific apparatus illustrated herein is intended or should be inferred. It is, of course, intended to cover by the appended claims all such modifications as fall within the scope of the claims.
Claims (10)
Priority Applications (8)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/309,977 US6743093B1 (en) | 2002-12-04 | 2002-12-04 | Auxiliary drive for combine augers for cleanout |
AU2003257875A AU2003257875B2 (en) | 2002-12-04 | 2003-10-24 | Auxiliary drive for combine augers for cleanout |
CA002448752A CA2448752C (en) | 2002-12-04 | 2003-11-07 | Auxiliary drive for combine augers for cleanout |
BRPI0305342-3B1A BR0305342B1 (en) | 2002-12-04 | 2003-11-27 | harvesting equipment |
DE50302948T DE50302948D1 (en) | 2002-12-04 | 2003-12-02 | Harvester with unloading conveyor |
DK03027713T DK1425953T3 (en) | 2002-12-04 | 2003-12-02 | Autumn food kine with unloading conveyor |
EP03027713A EP1425953B1 (en) | 2002-12-04 | 2003-12-02 | Harvester with unloading conveyor |
ARP030104438A AR042270A1 (en) | 2002-12-04 | 2003-12-02 | AUXILIARY DRIVING TO BE USED IN BARRIERS OF COMBINED HARVESTERS DURING CLEANING |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/309,977 US6743093B1 (en) | 2002-12-04 | 2002-12-04 | Auxiliary drive for combine augers for cleanout |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US6743093B1 US6743093B1 (en) | 2004-06-01 |
US20040110547A1 true US20040110547A1 (en) | 2004-06-10 |
Family
ID=32312261
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/309,977 Expired - Fee Related US6743093B1 (en) | 2002-12-04 | 2002-12-04 | Auxiliary drive for combine augers for cleanout |
Country Status (8)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US6743093B1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1425953B1 (en) |
AR (1) | AR042270A1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU2003257875B2 (en) |
BR (1) | BR0305342B1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2448752C (en) |
DE (1) | DE50302948D1 (en) |
DK (1) | DK1425953T3 (en) |
Families Citing this family (12)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US7367881B2 (en) | 2006-02-10 | 2008-05-06 | Agco Corporation | High capacity combine grain bin unload system |
DE102006049779A1 (en) * | 2006-10-21 | 2008-05-21 | Deere & Company, Moline | Überladewagen |
CN104012236B (en) * | 2007-07-31 | 2016-04-27 | 株式会社久保田 | Combine |
DE102008003758A1 (en) * | 2008-01-10 | 2009-07-16 | Claas Selbstfahrende Erntemaschinen Gmbh | Harvester |
US9254773B2 (en) * | 2008-05-22 | 2016-02-09 | Cnh Industrial America Llc | Adaptive rate control for feeding grain to a grain unloader conveyor |
US9156624B2 (en) * | 2011-10-11 | 2015-10-13 | Cnh Industrial America Llc | Grain unloading control system |
US9011222B2 (en) | 2011-10-21 | 2015-04-21 | Pioneer Hi Bred International, Inc. | Combine harvester and associated method for gathering grain |
WO2013188398A1 (en) | 2012-06-13 | 2013-12-19 | Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. | Separably-driven rotor portions and associated method for threshing grain |
US20150257338A1 (en) * | 2014-03-14 | 2015-09-17 | Deere & Company | Agricultural harvester with bevel gear drive |
US9510514B2 (en) * | 2015-04-14 | 2016-12-06 | Deere & Company | Lockout closure mechanism for agricultural vehicle |
JP6838481B2 (en) * | 2017-04-26 | 2021-03-03 | 井関農機株式会社 | combine |
US20230192411A1 (en) * | 2021-12-16 | 2023-06-22 | Cnh Industrial America Llc | Crop unloader drive with tensioner |
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US3561681A (en) * | 1969-05-16 | 1971-02-09 | Letco Inc | Spreader apparatus with auxiliary conveyor means |
US3575306A (en) * | 1969-01-24 | 1971-04-20 | Helix Corp | Integrated single-pivot auger box |
US3872982A (en) * | 1974-06-05 | 1975-03-25 | Sperry Rand Corp | Grain unloading assembly |
US4253946A (en) * | 1979-05-29 | 1981-03-03 | Louis Ludwig | Cleaning attachment for grain augers |
US5409344A (en) * | 1994-03-07 | 1995-04-25 | United Farm Tools, Inc. | Portable grain cart auger system |
US5655872A (en) * | 1995-12-20 | 1997-08-12 | Plotkin; David S. | Grain cart with front unload auger |
US6508705B1 (en) * | 2000-10-23 | 2003-01-21 | New Holland North America, Inc. | Grain storage tank for an agricultural harvester |
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GB1310896A (en) * | 1969-07-25 | 1973-03-21 | Massey Ferguson Gmbh | Grain tank unloading devices |
US4037745A (en) | 1976-02-09 | 1977-07-26 | Deere & Company | Combine grain tank unloading mechanism |
US4138837A (en) | 1976-10-26 | 1979-02-13 | Deere & Company | Variable speed reversible drive for a harvesting apparatus |
US4430847A (en) | 1982-07-23 | 1984-02-14 | Allis-Chalmers Corporation | Combine feed reverser |
US4512139A (en) | 1983-12-12 | 1985-04-23 | Sperry Corporation | Drive reverser actuating mechanism |
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US4470243A (en) | 1983-12-12 | 1984-09-11 | Sperry Corporation | Combine drive control |
EP0183870B1 (en) | 1984-12-07 | 1989-09-27 | Deere & Company | Unloading device for the storage container of a harvester |
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US4888940A (en) | 1989-01-27 | 1989-12-26 | Deere & Company | Method and apparatus for compacting cotton within a cotton harvester basket |
GB2289201A (en) | 1994-05-07 | 1995-11-15 | Ford New Holland Nv | Drive reversal for agricultural harvester |
CA2182989C (en) * | 1995-09-01 | 2001-03-27 | Frederick William Nelson | Grain moisture sensor |
JPH11137064A (en) * | 1997-11-07 | 1999-05-25 | Mitsubishi Agricult Mach Co Ltd | System for removing remaining in combine harvester |
JP4331334B2 (en) * | 1999-07-21 | 2009-09-16 | セイレイ工業株式会社 | Lost grain recovery device in grain harvester |
-
2002
- 2002-12-04 US US10/309,977 patent/US6743093B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2003
- 2003-10-24 AU AU2003257875A patent/AU2003257875B2/en not_active Ceased
- 2003-11-07 CA CA002448752A patent/CA2448752C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2003-11-27 BR BRPI0305342-3B1A patent/BR0305342B1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2003-12-02 DK DK03027713T patent/DK1425953T3/en active
- 2003-12-02 DE DE50302948T patent/DE50302948D1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2003-12-02 AR ARP030104438A patent/AR042270A1/en active IP Right Grant
- 2003-12-02 EP EP03027713A patent/EP1425953B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Patent Citations (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3575306A (en) * | 1969-01-24 | 1971-04-20 | Helix Corp | Integrated single-pivot auger box |
US3561681A (en) * | 1969-05-16 | 1971-02-09 | Letco Inc | Spreader apparatus with auxiliary conveyor means |
US3872982A (en) * | 1974-06-05 | 1975-03-25 | Sperry Rand Corp | Grain unloading assembly |
US4253946A (en) * | 1979-05-29 | 1981-03-03 | Louis Ludwig | Cleaning attachment for grain augers |
US5409344A (en) * | 1994-03-07 | 1995-04-25 | United Farm Tools, Inc. | Portable grain cart auger system |
US5655872A (en) * | 1995-12-20 | 1997-08-12 | Plotkin; David S. | Grain cart with front unload auger |
US6508705B1 (en) * | 2000-10-23 | 2003-01-21 | New Holland North America, Inc. | Grain storage tank for an agricultural harvester |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CA2448752A1 (en) | 2004-06-04 |
AU2003257875A1 (en) | 2004-06-24 |
EP1425953B1 (en) | 2006-04-12 |
AU2003257875B2 (en) | 2009-05-28 |
CA2448752C (en) | 2007-06-26 |
US6743093B1 (en) | 2004-06-01 |
EP1425953A1 (en) | 2004-06-09 |
BR0305342A (en) | 2004-08-31 |
DE50302948D1 (en) | 2006-05-24 |
DK1425953T3 (en) | 2006-08-21 |
AR042270A1 (en) | 2005-06-15 |
BR0305342B1 (en) | 2013-08-06 |
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