US2376857A - Loading machine - Google Patents

Description

May 29, 1945. E. M. ARENTZEN LOADING MACHINE Original Filed Aug. 20, 1941 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 .MMA SWR? ne# IIJ Q fumml mimi il +R SMN 1 May 29, 1945 E. M. ARENTZEN K 2376,85?

LOADING MACHINE Y Original Filed Aug. 20, 1941 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 May 29, 1945. E. M. ARENTZEN LOADING MACHINE 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Original Filed Aug. 20, 1941 May 29, 1945. E. M. AREN'rzL-:N

LOADING MACHINE Original Filed Aug. 20, 1941 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 May 29, 1945.

E. M. ARENTZEN LOADING MACHINE 5 sheets-sheet 5 Original Filed Aug. 20, 1941 www www SHQ Patented Nay 29, 1945 2,376,857 f LOADING MACHINE Einar M. Arentzen, Charleroi, Pa., assigner to Joy Manufacturing Company, Franklin, Pa., a. corporation of Pennsylvania Original application August 20, 1941, Serial No.

407,525, now Patent No. 2,338,160, dated January 4, 1944. Divided and this application November 27, 1943, Serial No. 511,936

16 Claims.

This invention relates to improvements `in loading machines particularly adapted for gathering and loading coal at the working face of a mine. This application is a division of my copending application, Serial No. 407,525, filed August 20, 1941, now Patent No. 2,338,160 granted January 4, 1944, for Loading machine.

Among the objects of my invention is to provide a simple and eflicient machine of the character described. A further object of the invention is to provide an improved construction and mounting for the material-discharge conveyor at the rear of the machine to facilitate the elevation and lateral swinging movement thereof. Other objects of the invention will appear from time to time as the following description proceeds.

The invention may best be understood by reference to the accompanying drawings, in which Fig. 1 is a view in side elevation of a loading machine constructed in accordance with my invention;

Fig. 2 is a plan view of the machine shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is `an enlarged transverse section taken along ythe front axle of the machine and looking rearwardly thereof;

Fig. 4 is a transverse section taken along the rear axle of the machine and looking rearwardly thereof;

Fig. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary detail view showing the chain drive connections for the gathering arms and mat conveyor;

Fig. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary plan View showing details of the discharge conveyor in the zone of its articulated connection; with the rear conveyor section swung toward one side of the machine; and

Fig. 7 is a vertical section taken longitudinally of the machine, showing details of the articulated connection of the discharge conveyor and the fluid-operated elevating mechanism therefor.

In the embodiment of the-invention illustrated in the drawings, the loading machine consists generally of a Wheel-supported main frame I0 havingk a gathering head indicated at I I pivotally connectedr on a transverse axis lat the front end thereof and having an elevating and discharge conveyorI2 extending `rearwardly from the gathering head and projecting beyond .the rear end of the main frame fork discharge into mine cars or the like. .In the preferred form shown, the wheeled supports consist of front and rear pairs of pneumatic tired wheels I3, I3 and I4, I4,.re spectively. Both front and rear wheels are power driven, and are also arranged for steering the vehicle so as to facilitate .the maneuvering of the latter in limited spaces such asare commonly encountered in coal mines.

The gathering or loading head II includes a pair of gathering devices I5. I5 having a gathering motion somewhat similar to that heretofore employed in familiar Joy type loading machines, but said arms cooperate in a novel manner with an endless mat type conveyor I6 extending to the front edge of the gathering head so as to provide an improved gathering action covering a wider gathering area thanhas heretofore been possible with gathering heads of similar character. i

Referring now to details of the machine illustrated in the drawings, the main frame I0 consisbs of a pair of side frame members 20, 20 herein consisting of upright plates extending lengthwise ofthe vehicle and supported on vfront and rear drop-axle structures indicated at 2| and 22, respectively, designed to give an especially low-slung body.

In the form shown herein, said drop-axle structures and the steered wheel mountings and drive means associated therewith are similarto those employed in the co-pending applications of Arthur L. Lee, bearing Serial Nos. 383,329 and 383,331, both filed March 14, 1941. The rst of these applications is now Patent No. 2,317,623

granted April 27, 1943. The front wheels I3, I3 are pivoted for steering on universal drive mountings indicated generally at 23, 23, which mountings are driven' through horizontal shafts journaled in upright drive gear housings 25, 25 mounted on the opposite ends of an axle member 26 (see Fig. 3). Said axle member is in the form of a relatively flat metal slab and is arranged for equalizing action wherein the axle member 26 extends through an elongated housing 3| which is rockably mounted on a pivot pin 32 mounted centrally of the frame between a pair of transverse supporting plates 33, 33 connected between the side frame members 20, 20, as shown in Fig. '3. The pivot pin 32 engages the upper face of the axle.26 at its center point, so as to permit limited lateral rocking movement of 'the axle structure, thereby providing in effect a three-point suspension of the main frame. It will also be noted that the axle 26 is loosely fitted within the housing 3l so as to permit limited flexing of said axle member under varying loads.

The rear wheels I4, I4 are also vmounted for steering on universal drive mountings 21, 21,

which mountings are driven through horizontal shafts journaled in upright drive gear housings 29, 29 at opposite ends of a fiat drop-axle mem ber 30. The latter member has the side frame members 20, 28 supported thereon adjacent its ends, so as .to permit limited flexing of said axle member under varying loads, as described and l l claimed in the Lee applications previously re` ferred to.

The gathering or loading head II is disposed as usual at the front end of the vehicle and includes a frame I1 having twoupright, laterally spaced side plates 34, 34, each having an upward` ly and rearwardly inclined gathering plate 35 connected along its upper edge and extending out` wardly therefrom. Said loading head is pivotal-` ly connected to the front ends of the main frame members 20, by rearward extensions 34a,` 34a on side plates 34, 34. Pivotal adjustment of the gathering head is controlled by a pair of fluid motor devices, such as hydraulic cylinders I8, I8v mounted on opposite sides of Y, the main frame members 20, 20 and having their pistons I8a, I8a pivotally connected to upstanding wings34b, 34h at the rear ends ofthe gathering plates 35, 35. Hydraulic pressure may be supplied as usual to the cylinders I8, I8 under` control of suitable valves (not shown). l

The mat conveyor I6 includes an endless belt' like steel conveyor structure disposed between the side frame plates 34, 34, and having its up-` per carrying surface substantially in the same plane as the gathering plates 35, 35. As herein shown, said conveyor structure is made up of a plurality of chain-like, U-shape links.

lThe upper reach of the mat conveyor I6 is supported for movement along a deck plate rigf idly secured between the upright side plates 34, 34. Said mat passes/over a transverse bearing bar 4I of relatively small diameter secured be tween the side plates 34, 34 close to the front of the gathering head, so that themat presents a relatively sharp, wedge-like digging edge which may be projected into direct operative engagement beneath the material being loaded.

The conveyory I6 is driven by a motor 52 mounted centrally of the main frame through the following dive connections:

The motor 52 has an armature shaft connected by coupling shaft 53 to reduction gears and al l about, and driven by,.shaft 60, as will hereinafter more fully appear. Said shaft also has a sprocket 6I keyed near one end thereof, and engaged by a. chain 62 which extends forwardly about a sprocket 63 keyed on the shaft 49a by whichV the mat conveyor is driven. The drive chains 58 and 62 may pass over the usual tension,- ing idler sprockets 58a and 62a, respectively.

In the preferred arrangement illustrated herein, the transmission casing 55 has one end detachably mounted on an upstanding bracket 64 disposed between vthe side frame plates 20, 20. The power delivery end of said casing is mounted in an aperture 55a formed in one of said side frame members and has an end flange 65h thereon which is detachably bolted to the exterior of said side frame member. The casing also has a removable bearing member for the coupling shaft 53 connected to the motor. With this arrangement, the entire transmission casing can be bodily withdrawn laterally through the aperture 55a, after the bearing member and coupling shaft 53 have been detached and the bolted connectving means to the frame has been removed.

kThe gathering devices I5, I5, as previously mentioned, include gathering arms 65, 65, generally of the Joy type, but in the present instance the motion of said gathering arms is modified to provide an improved arrangement and operation in conjunction with the mat conveyor I6. Said arms each includer a pick or claw 66 curved at its outer end and having a plurality of teeth 61, 61 thereon. Arm 65 has pivotal connection with a crank pin carried on the edge of a rotary disc 10 mounted on a gathering plate 35 at each side of the mat I6. In the form shown,v the crank. pin

is journaled in a bearing housing 1I on each arm 65. Each of said arms also has a rearwardly extending curved guide bar 12 which has suitable sliding engagement with a swivel pin 13 mounted on the gathering plate 35 to the rear of 'the adjacent disc 10. A block 13a, pivotally mounted on swivel piny 13, is slidable along a downwardly-opening guide slot 12a formed along each guide bar 12. Each of said guide bars also has an upstanding rib 14 therealong, to assist in directing the material toward and along the mat I6, as will presently appear.

The rotary discs 10 each have a depending shaft journaled in the gear housing 42 rigidly mounted beneath the adjacent gathering plate 35. In these gear housings the depending shafts of discs 10 are operatively connected to shaft 49a (Fig. 5) which is driven from motor 52 through the driving mechanism for the mat conveyor I6.

so that the gathering arms are driven simultane-V ously with said mat conveyor.

The inclined gathering plates 35 are preferably arranged at a slightly steeper angle adjacent the front of the gathering head, the change in irrclination of said plates occurring along a trans verse line approximately intersecting the axes of the rotary discs 10. With this arrangement, it will be observed that the rear half of each rotary disc is -countersunk in its respective gathering plate 35 along curved lines 18, 18, so that the upper surface of said discs are substantially flush with the adjacent surface of the plate 35 to the rear of said disc, while the front edge of each disc extends at a slight angleabo've the adjacent surface of said plate.

It will be observed in Fig. 2 that rotation of the discs 10, while the guide bars 12 of arms 65 are'y slidably and rockably' engaged with the swivel pins 13, causes the outer ends of picks 66 to move in the irregular orbital paths indicated in dotted lines in said figure. These two paths are generally reniform or kidney-shaped and enclose What'is commonly termed the gathering area of the arms. 'Ihe gathering arms 65, 65 are arranged only, to engage and move the loose material inwardly in a generally transverse direction toward the opposite sides of the mat I6, so that said material will be picked up and loaded out by the latter.

The discharge conveyor I2 is .generally of trough-'like form with an endless ight type conveyor member movable therealong, consisting of a centrally disposed continuous chain having a plurality o! laterally extending nights 8|, 8| thereon. In the ferm shown herein, the conveyor Il consists vof three aligned sections alongwhich the upper and lower reaches o! chain 80 extend continuously. The iront section 82 has upper and lower deck plates 88 and It rigidly mounted between the'side members, 28 oi' base, i8. 'I'he second conveyor section 8l has side walls 88, 88 and upper and lower deck plates" and 88. and is pivotallyconnectedtoapivotrodll attherear end o'f the front section 82, to permit vertical ad- Justment of the second conveyor section Il rela-l tive to the iront section 82. The third or rear conveyor section 80 is mounted i'or verticaladiustment with the second section 8l, but an articulated connectlon is provided between the second and third sections to permit lateral swinging adjustment oi' the third section, for discharging material at opposite sides of the machine, as will presentlybe descrlbedin detail. i.

The upper strand ofthe' conveyor chain 80 moves rearwardly along the upper deck plate 88 of the front conveyor section 82 and the lower strand returns on the lower deck plate Il, as shown in Fig. 3.` Said conveyor chain ls driven by a drive sprocket keyed on shai't Il which, as previously described, is Journaled'in the front ends .ot the side frame members-2l concentric with the pivotal axis of the gathering head Il, and is driven from the motor l2 through chain ll.

The rear conveyor section 88 has side walls 80,

8l and upper and lower deck plates 8| and 82.A

An vidler shaft 88 is rotatably mounted at the rear end of said rear section about which the conveyor chain 88 is trained, as usual,

The articulated connection between conveyor sections 8l and 8l is of the same type shown in Arentzen Patent No. 1,785,402, but in the present be later described indetta. In the :crm shown herein, the jack sleevey Il is formed integrally with and depends from a supporting bracket 80 connected to the lower deck plate 82 oi the rear section and extends beneath the rear endofthev widened lower deck portion 88a of conveyor sec-l tion 8l, as shownin Fig. 7. A cooperating. supe. porting bracket |00 is secured to the lower surface of the deck plate 88 of conveyory section 8l. and has a depending bearing ring |8| surrounding the lower end of the cylindrical Jack sleeve 88. In the form shown, the bearing ring |0| is dlvided on a transverse plane, with a semicircular rear half |02 having detachable ilanged connection with thev front half, as indicated in dotted lines in Fig. '1.

With the lower deck platearrangement disclosed, it will be observed that for simplicity and economy in construction, the upper surfaces oi' the rear deck plate 82 and its spporting bracket 88 are in a lower plane than the rear end of the widened front deck'portion 88a, instead of having the abutting portions 0i' said lower deck plate ilush with each other, as in the ease with the upperdeck plates. of the lower plates is relatively unimportant, howver, since the latter plates only serve to support the return strand of the conveyor chain 80, which readily rides upwardly over the rear edge of the 80 front deck plate, as shown in Fig. '1.

As will be seen from Figs. 2 and 6, the side walls 80 of the conveyor section 85 are continued -along opposite sides of the widened lower deck section 88a, and are ilared outwardly at |08, |08. 'l'he side walls '80 of the rear section 88 rare also ilared outwardly at |08, |08, leaving a gapalong opposite :sides of both deck plates 8| and 82,.between the adjacent ends of said flared side wall portions at bothsides of the conveyor, to

instance it includes an improved arrangement for` 40 permitthe desired pivotal swinging movement of guiding the return strand of the conveyor chain, and 'it is also combined with an improved fluid operated elevating mechanism y'for the conveyor sections 8i and 88, as shown in detail in Figs. 4.,

6, and?.

Therear ends of the upper and lower deck plates 81. and 88 of the conveyor section 88 are both widened and terminate along circular edges to form-similar enlarged deck members 81a and 88a respectively. The' two circular-deck members each have coaxial pivotal connection with the corresponding deck plates of the rear conveyor section 88. In the form shown herein, the pivotal connection for the `upper deck plates consists of an upright pivot pin 84 extending between-v the front deck'plate 81a and a supporting bracket 8l secured yto itsunder face in spaced relation therefrom, and pivotally engaged by an annular bearing ring 88 carried.- on the front end of a,

supporting plate 81 which is rigidly secured, as by welding, to the under iace of the upper deck plate 8| of the rear section 88,:beneath the rear end of the front deck member 81a (see Fig. '1). The abutting end of the upper `deck plate 0| is also widened and terminates in a concave arc concentric with the 'pivot pin 84, so that the upper surfaces of the upper deck plates 81 and 0| are iiushfwith each other to ail'ord uninterrupted movement ofthe conveyor chain. and the matey rial carried thereby. in all positions of lateral swinging movement oi' the rear section 88.

The lower deck plates 8l and 8 2 are pivotally connected about an upright cylindrical Jack sleeve 88 concentric with the pivot pin 84. Said Ilack sleeve contains a nuid operating jack device to hanging guide members |08, |08 mounted on thel walls 80, of the rear section 88. 'I'he arrangement is such that the flexible wall members |01, |01 will ilex laterally in all positions of pivotal adjustment of the rear conveyor section to form a guide for the ends of the conveyor nights 8|, 8| along the upper deck plates 81 and 8| in the zone of turning movement of the latter, as shown in Fig. 6.

It`wil1 especially be noted -thatby reason oi' the nared wall portions |05 and I 08along oppoV site sides of the lower deck plates 88 and 82, respectively, the lower or return strand of the conveyor is also guided laterally in its return movem'ent in all vpositions of swinging adjustment oir the rear conveyor section. yWhen ysaid rear conveyor is swung to its extreme position toward one side of` the machine, as shown in full lines in Fig. 6 (approximately 45), the.

gap between the adjacent ,ends of the ilared wall portions |05 and |08 will be entirely closed at one side oi' the conveyor so as `to form a continuous curved guiding surface i'or the adjacent ends of the conveyor flights 8|, which always tend to engage the side with the This difference in elevationl 4 v aardse? shorter radius. Whenthe rear section is adjusting bracket |08 (see Fig. 1). The upper vend o! ed at any intermediate angie, asy indicatedin dotted lines iii-the same iigure, the ends ofthe; i conveyor fiig'hts'which bear on the ilared wall 1 portionsy |88 and |88, will be guided along a tangentialpath which is removed inwardly of the open "gapibetween the-ends of said. flared wall portions. This feature constitutes' animprove; ment; ove'rA previous conveyor structures of this general character, wherein no' provision is made for-guidingthe lower or return strand of the conveyor, with the result thatl the ends ofl the con-` veyor flights 'tend .to interfere with'the ends lof `the sidewalls lat the open gap formed therebetween, andmoreover the conveyor chain has an objectionable tendency tobecome slackwhen the rear`r section is swung laterally. 'With my improved construction, the conveyor chain moves smoothly and is-maintainedat substantially'uniform tension in all positions o1' the'swinging rear section.,y Y Q As-an additional-'means yfor centering the conveyor chain 88 in its troughpcentrally disposed 1 guidey ribs ||0 and may be provided along the uppersurfaces of both deck plates of conveyor sections, 82 rand 85, respectively, which ribs are engaged between thev side links of the chain, as

show n in Figs. 3 and 7. vThe'ribs v| on section ing zonebetween said section and the rear section, as Ashown 'in Figs.' 2 and 7. Similar guide ribs I|2 may also tbe provided along the deck` plates 8| and 82` of the rearv conveyor section 89.

The rear section 89 is swung laterally by uid ,means, hereinconsisting of a pair of longitudi- .l nally disposed hydraulic cylinders ||8,-II8 piv-j otally, connected at their bases to opposite sides of a cross member |80a of the supporting bracket |80 beneath the conveyor section 85, and having? their respective piston rods-||9 pivotallyconof the conveyor is preferably swung in one di` rection or the other by exerting rearward pres sure on the proper Apiston rod, whereby such rearwardL pressure tendsv to counteract the normali forward stress exerted by the conveyor chain on the y.pivotal members 98 and 89. `Thus less power is required to swing the rear conveyor section than is the caseiwith previous constructions, in` which the swinging section is actuated by pulling one `or the other side of the conveyor toward the front vof the machine. l

A fluid jack device forbodilyvelevating the conl veyor sections 88 and 89 is contained within the', sleeve 98 whichas-previously mentioned, forms? 1 the pivotal axis for the supporting bracket 991` relative to bracket |80. Said jackdevice includes inner and outer cylinders `I I8 and ||8, which are mounted for telescopic movement relative to each* other' within the bore of the sleeve 98. The lower` ;V end of the inner cylinder I|8 'rests on a crss brace "III8 rigidly. connected between thef sidey frame members 20, 28, as shown in Figs. 4 and '1,\y so that the conveyor sections 85 and l89 are, in` eiect, fluid` supported in t heir various positions of verticaladjustment. -The lower'end of the outer jack cylinder ||9` extends through a sealing ring |20 having kva packing gland |2| therein and detachabl'y connected to the lower end of the jack sleeve 88. In* 1 the forml shown.' said sealing ring projects be? vyond the lower periphery of said'sleeve so as to retain-thelower bearing ring |0| -oi the support-`v 75 the outer jack cylinder has a nange |22 engaging the inner vwall of the Jack sleeve 98. lower? end ofthe inner ylack cylinder Ill extends"- f through a sealing ring |28 having a packinggland |28 therein carried on the lower end of the outerl 1 cylinder I8. The inner cylinder has a flange |28 at its upper end, engaging the inner wall of vthe outer cylinder. A suitable stop, herein consisting of a ring' |28, is securedI within the upper' end of the outer cylindertor engagementby' the upper end'of the'innercylinder to limit upward move-y ment of the latter inthe fully collapsed -position ofthejackdevice. f' j f 'y Fluid pressure, as for instance,r oil, is introduced` intoA the jack device through" a flexible pipe :|21 under control of valves, as usual. `The pipev |21 communicates with the upper ends of both cylinders' ||8 and ||9 througha.verticallyy disposed slot |28 formed in the side -wall of the sleeve j 98, so that `flluid 'pressure exerted therein will extend "said cylindersany amount desiredwithin the limitsA of extension ail'rded by both cylinders; f'It will be observed thatthe end of the lower cylinder is' slidably mounted relative 'to the cross brace .I I8, so as to readjust itself `along vsaidbrace as the conveyor troughl sections 88- and 89 swing vertically lrelative to the transverse pivot rod 19 on which said sec-y tions are hinged. In casey it is 'found that the `friction between' the lowery end ofcylinder I'|8 and the'top of cross brace ||8 is too great to permit the cylinder to slide on the brace, a caster I or j other suitable antifriction member can be mounted on the bottom of the cylinder.l

vThe `supporting bracket 98 of the rear con'-` veyor section.' 89 has an extension wing |80 con-l necte'd at its rearend on a transverse pivot rod |8-I, and the side walls and deck plates of said rear section are divided along the vertical plane including the axis of said pivot pin, 'so as to permit limited downwardly tilting adjustment of the rear end of conveyor section 89, when desired. 'In the form shown herein, the

abutting portions of side plates 98, 88 are flanged outwardly at |82, |82 and are normally connectedv together by bolts |88, |88. To-fadjust theangle of the rear end of section 89 downwardly on its `pivot rod |8I, the bolts |88 are temporarily re-A moved, and shims of suitable shape and size v Referring now todetailsof the wheel drive, vthe frontand rear wheels I8 and I8 on each side of the main frame I0 are driven independently by motors I85,. |85 in the manner broadly disclosedin the copending application of Arthur L. Lee bearing Serial No. 383,329, i'lled March 14, 1941, now Patent' No. 2,317,623. Each of said motors is mounted on the outer side of -its respective side frame member 28, near the rear of the main `frame,` and is lconnectedfthrough 'a suitable gear reduction in housing |88, and universal coupling |81 to a worm shaft |88l rotat- V ably mounted in the rear drive gear housing 29 previously' mentioned herein as lparts of the mounting for the rear wheels I8 (seeFig. 4).

Finally the bolts |88 are rein--I Each worm shaft III has a worm |30 thereon, meshed with a worm gear |40 on the shaft which drives the adjacent rear wheel i4.

'I'he front wheel I3 on the same side of the vehicle is similarly driven by a worm |4| on worm shaft |42 engaging worm gear |43 on the front shaft. The w'orm shaft |42 is connected to the rear worm shaft |38 by a connecting shaft |44 and universal coupling |45.

The steering mechanism is operated by fluid means, herein including a hydraulic steering cylinder (not shown) mounted on one of the side frame members 2l and operatively connected to an upright arm |49 of an L-shaped bell crank lever pivotally carried bya supporting bracket Ill at the side of the frame member 20. A similar L-shaped'bell crank lever having an upright arm |56 is also mounted on said supporting bracket, but in reversed or opposed relation to the first bell crank lever. That is, the horizgntal arms at the bottom of the two levers extend toward each other with their adjacent ends connected by a'. pin and slot connection of well known form indicated at |50 in Fig. 2 so that when one upright arm is swung forward, the other will be swung backward.

'I'he upright arm |49 of the first bell crank lever is connected by rod |59 to a steering arm |60 which controls the steering movement of the adjacent rear wheel i4, while the upright arm |56 of the second bell crank lever is connected by rod |6| to steering arm |62 of the front wheel I3.' `The arrangement 'is such that any rocking movement imparted by the hydraulic steering cylinder to bell cranklever arm |48 will be transmitted to the second bell crank lever arm |58 to rock the latter in the opposite direction, thereby causing the two wheels to be swung simultaneously at equal angles but in opposite directions. l

The front and rear wheels I3 and |4on the opposite side of the frame are connected, respectively, with their companion front and rear wheels so as to be swung simultaneously therewith. In the preferred form shown herein, the operativev connections include a compensating arrangement to provide a slight differential in pivotal movement between the two pairs of wheels. Said .differential connecting devices 4are similar for the front pair and the rear pair vof wheels, in each case consisting of a tie rod |65 pivotally connected at opposite en'ds to lever arms |66, |86 rigidly connected to the steering arms of the two opposite wheels. Said lever arms |86, |86, however, are eachV normally arranged at equal intermediate anglestof the tie rod, as herein'shown, at angles of approximately 45. It will be observed that with this arrangement, when the wheels areswung to steer the vehicle toward one side, the wheel on the side toward which the vehicle is steered will be `turned at a slightly greater angle than 'the opposite wheel. Moreover, since the two front wheels swing one way when thetwo rear wheels swing the other, as previously described, it will be understood that the two wheels on the inner side,

fore mentioned, including the cylinders |87, i8 forl umn; and lowering the gathering hess Il, the cylinders III, il! for-,swinging the rear conveyor section 88 laterally, the lack device for elevating n the conveyor sections 8l and u, and-the cylinder for steering all four wheels, may receive operating pressure from a pump |68, herein -shown as mounted on'the main framenear the ytransmission casing l5, and driven from the shaft of motor I2. The several valves for controlling the various fluid actuating devices namedmay be of any conventional form mounted in convenient position on the operators platform |10 which, as herein shown, is disposed between the front and rear wheels at one side of the main frame. The corresponding space at the opposite side vof the machine may be occupied by -a box lll containing the usual switches, controllers. and electrical reslstances of theusual form required for the electric motors 52 and |35, III.

Although the various fluid actuating devices are herein described as being hydraulically operated, it will be understood that with suitable modifications they may be operated by air, if desired.

While I have herein shown and described one form in which my invention may be embodied, it will be understood that the construction thereof and the arrangement of the various parts may be altered without departing from thespirlt and scope thereof. Furthermore, I do not wishto be construed as limiting my invention to the specic embodiment illustrated, excepting as it may be limited in the appended claims.

I claim: n

1. A loading machine conveyor structurecomprising a frame, a discharge leonveyorextending rearwardly along the frame, said conveyor being pivotally connected on a transverseaxis near its front end to the frame, the portion of the conveyor behind said pivotal connection being divided into two sections, means pivotally connecting said two sections together on a vertical axis to enable the rear section to be swung laterally, and means carried by the conveyor coaxially of s aid connecting means for elevating said two sections of the conveyor.

2. A loading machine conveyor structure comprising a frame, a discharge conveyor extending rearwardly along the frame, said conveyor being pivotally connected on a transverse axis near its front end to the frame,` the portion of the conveyor behind said pivotal connection being divided into two sections, means pivotally connecting said two sections together ony a vertical axis to enable the rear section to be swung laterally, said connecting means including extensible fluid-operated means disposed coaxially'` with said vertical axis for elevating said two sections of the conveyor, and means for maintaining fluid to enable the rear section to be swung laterally,

said connecting means includingvan open bottom' vertical cylinder carriedby one of said sections, a pair of telescoping pistons slidably mounted in `said cylinder, means supported by said frame on which the inner piston rests, and means for supplying fluid under pressure to `said cylinder to raise it `relative tothe pistons, whereby to elevate said two sections'of the conveyor.

4. A loading machine conveyor structure comprising` a frame, a discharge conveyor extending rearwardly along the frame, said conveyor being pivotally connected on atransversegaxis near its front to the frame andhaving upper and lower decks,the portion ofthe conveyor behind said pivotal connection beingA divided intojtwo sections, means pivotally connecting the upper decks of said two sections together on a vertical axis,

- an open-bottom vertical cylinder rigidly connected to the lower deckof oney of said sections in axial augment with said connecting means, a vcollar journaled on said cylinder and rigidly connected to the lowerv deck ofy the'other section,

piston means slidably mounted in said cylinder and projecting from its bottom, means supported to enable the rear section to be swung laterally,

said rear section being divided into two longitudinally aligned parts pivotally connected together on va transverse axis to enable' the rear part to be tilted downwardly relative tothe front part, adjustable means for rigidly connecting said l partstogether, and means carried by the conveyor coaxially f said pivotal connecting means for elevating said two' sections of the conveyor.

6. A loading machine conveyor structure comprising a frame, a discharge conveyor extending rearwardly along the framasaid conveyor being pivotally connected on a transverse axis near its frontend to the frame and having upper and lower decks, the portion of the conveyor behind said pivotal connection being dividedinto two sections, means pivotally connecting said two sectionstogether on a vertical axis to enable the rear section to be swung laterally, means carried by thec'onveyor coaxially of said connecting 8. A loading machine conveyor structure comprising a frame, adischargej conveyor extending rearwardly along the frame.' said conveyor being pivotally connected on a transverse axis near its front end to the frame, the portion of the conveyor behind said pivotal connection being divided into twosections, means pivotally connecting said two sections together on a vertical axis to enable the rear section to be swung laterally, substantially horizontal iluld ,cylinders pivotally connected at their. front ends to the front section of the conveyor, pistons in said cylinders pivotally connected .to said rear rection, means for supplying iluid under pressure to said cylinders to selectively force one of the pistons rearwardly for swinging said rear section laterally,` and means carried by the conveyor coaxially of said connectingmeans for elevatingsaid two sections of the conveyor. A

9. A loading machine conveyor structure comprising upper and lower decks each divided into two sections, means pivotally connecting said two sections together on a vertical axisto enable the rear section to be swung laterally, an endless traveling conveyor element moving rearywardly on'the top deck and l forwardly on the bottom deck, said decks being widened at the pivotally connected ends of said sections, side walls for the decks having outwardly curved portions extending along the sides of said widened portions of4 the bottom deck, the side walls for said iront and rear sections of the conveyor being separated with a gap .between their vadjacent ends to permit said lateral swinging ofthe rear section, and upright flexible plates spanning said gap above the top deck and connected to the side walls to keep material from escaping throughk the side'of the conveyor. s

10. In a loading machineconveyor structure,

a .discharge conveyor and means for. swivelling the rear portion of said discharge conveyor'laterally, vsaid swivelling means including .a concentrically mounted huid-operated elevating d evice affording a fluid-cushionedv support for said discharge conveyor relative to, said main frame.

11. In a loading machine conveyor structure,

, a discharge conveyor andhaving a section theremeans for elevating said two rsections of the conveyor, the decks of said rear section being divided transversely into front and rear parts, means pivoting said parts of the lower deck togetherl on va transverse axis, and adjustable means rigidly connecting together the front and rear parts of the upper deck. I 7. A loadingmachine conveyor structure comprising a vframe, adischarge conveyer extending rearwardly along the frame, said conveyorbeing pivotally connected on 'a transverse axis near its front endl to the frame, the'portion of the conveyor behind said pivotall connection' being divided into two sections( means pivotally connectsectionto swing it laterally, vand means carried by the conveyor coaxially yof said connecting means for elevating said two sections oi the conveyor.

of pivoted for vertical adjustment relative to said main frame, and meansior swivelling the rear portion of said pivoted section laterally, said swivelling means including a: concentrically 'Y mounted, fluid-operated, telescopic elevating de' vice affording a duid-cushioned support for. said pivoted section relativeto said mainframe.

12. In aloading machine, a supporting frame having anendless discharge conveyer structure extending therealong having a rear section thereof having swivelling means affording lateral kad justment relative to aforward section, said swivelling means including an upright cylinder carried byone of said sectionsabout which the' other of said sections is pivoted, and a huida-operated jackmember telescopically mounted in said cylinder and disposed in supporting engagement withisaid frame for elevating sai'dconveyor sections.

13. In a loading machine, va .supporting frame having an endless discharge conveyer structure Iextending therealong having a rear section there` oi having swivellingfmeans affording lateral adjustment relative to a forward section, said swivelling means including an upright cylinder car-y and disposed in supporting engagement with said frame for elevating said conveyor sections.

14. A conveyor structure, comprising a main frame including a pair of longitudinally extending upright side plates, and a continuous discharge conveyer structure including bottom and side walls extending along and rearwardly of said main frame, said conveyer structure including a forward section rigid with said side plates yand upright walls along opposite sides thereof,

16. A loading machine conveyor structure comprising a frame, a discharge conveyor extending rearwardly along the frame, said conveyor .being pivotally connected on a transverse axis near its front end to the frame and having upper and lower decks, the portion of the conveyor behind said pivotal connection being' divided into two sections, means pivotally connecting said two sections together on a vertical axis to enable the rear section tcbe swung laterally, an endless traveling conveyor element moving rearwardly on the top deck and forwardly on the bottom deck, said the deck plates at the' ends of both of said sections being widened at and adjacent the area of articulation, the lower deckplates having their respective side walls ilared outwardly along their respective widened end portions, but saidA side walls being normally spaced apart at their extreme ends to form an open gap therebetween to permit lateral swivelling movement of said articulated sections relative to each other, and the l flared portions of said side walls being arranged to anord tangential guiding engagement for the adjacent sides of the conveyer element in all permissible angles of swivelling adjustment of the conveyer sections relative to each other.

decks being widened at the pivotally connected ends of said sections, side walls for the decks having outwardly curved portions extending along the sides of said widened portions of the bottom deck, the side walls for said front and rear sections of the conveyor being'separated with a gap between their adjacent outer ends to permit said lateral swinging of the rear section, all of said outwardly curved portions having substantially the same length and degree of curvature with their said outer ends all spaced substantially theA same distance from said pivoted connection. and upright flexible plates spanning said gap above the top deck and connected to the side walls to EINAR M. ARENTZEN.

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