Integrated step-up device in a combine harvester trailer

Abstract

The present invention relates to an integrated step-up device within a combine harvester towed piece. An integrated tow and step assembly (100) for coupling with a base member (102) of an agricultural machine (10). The tow and step assembly includes a support member (104) configured for coupling with the base member (102), a tow assembly (106) configured for movement between a tow storage position (110) and a tow operating position (112), and at least one step piece coupled with the tow assembly (106), wherein the step piece (108) is in a step operating position (116) when the tow assembly (106) is in the tow storage position (110). Additionally, an agricultural machine (10) includes the integrated tow and step assembly (100).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to agricultural machinery such as agricultural combine harvesters, and more specifically, to access step components used with such machinery. Background Technology

[0002] Agricultural harvesters have historically been called "combination harvesters" because they combine multiple harvesting functions into a single harvesting unit, such as picking, threshing, separating, and cleaning. A combination harvester includes a harvesting platform that removes crops from the field and a feed housing that conveys the crop material into a threshing rotor. The threshing rotor rotates within a perforated housing (which may be in the form of an adjustable concave body) and threshes the crop to remove the grain. Once the grain is threshed, it falls through perforations in the concave body onto a grain pan. A cleaning system cleans the grain from the grain pan and then transports it to a grain bin onboard to the combine harvester. The cleaning system includes a cleaning fan that blows air through a oscillating screen to expel chaff and other debris toward the rear of the combine harvester. Non-grain crop material, such as straw, from the threshing section travels through a straw shredder and exits from the rear of the combine harvester. When the grain bin is full, the combine harvester is positioned near the vehicle to which the grain is to be unloaded, such as a semi-trailer, a gravity bin, or a straight-line truck, and the unloading system on the combine harvester is activated to transfer the grain into the vehicle.

[0003] Agricultural equipment, including combine harvesters, must operate under all conditions and climates. Therefore, such equipment typically has a high ground clearance. The equipment also has numerous moving parts, including the aforementioned sieve, all of which require maintenance. Operators and maintenance personnel may find these maintenance points difficult to access due to the high ground clearance. To make these elevated maintenance points more easily accessible, access ramps can be provided at appropriate locations on the equipment. There is a need in the art for a way to improve the accessibility of components requiring maintenance or adjustment without sacrificing ground clearance or functionality.

[0004] Previous approaches to step assemblies were complex, bulky, and relatively expensive to produce. US 9,308,868 discloses a trailer assembly for agricultural machinery. A support member for the trailer assembly is mounted to the machinery and is movable between a storage position and an operating position. A trailer and a rotating step assembly having at least one step member are attached to the support member. The step assembly is movable relative to the support member between a storage position and an operating position. When the support member is in the storage position and the step assembly is in the storage position, the trailer assembly is in the storage position. When the support member is in the operating position and the step assembly is in the operating position, the trailer assembly is in the operating position. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention provides an integrated trailer and step assembly for agricultural vehicles, which improves accessibility to maintenance or adjustment points without sacrificing ground clearance or functionality by using fewer parts, requiring less under-vehicle space, and needing fewer tools to manufacture. The trailer and step assembly is advantageously mounted to the rear of a combine harvester for access to the screen and other nearby maintenance areas. The step storage location is advantageously chosen so that the step occupies minimal space and does not obstruct the functional components of the combine harvester. The trailer storage location is advantageously chosen so that the trailer is positioned above ground clearance to avoid collision with the ground.

[0006] By integrating the step component with the trailer, fewer installation spaces and parts are required to attach both the trailer and the step component to the vehicle. The assembly has a movable part for switching between a storage position and an operating position. The integrated trailer and step assembly also takes advantage of the fact that the trailer mounting point is a robust attachment point and an advantageous location for mounting the step component. Another advantage is that the step is stored in a location that minimizes debris accumulation when chaff and residue are discharged from the rear of the combine harvester. Surprisingly, the inventors have discovered that these and other objectives can be achieved by providing an integrated trailer and step assembly according to the invention.

[0007] In an exemplary aspect, an integrated trailer and step assembly is provided for connection to a base member of agricultural machinery. The assembly includes: a support member configured to be connected to the base member in a fixed position relative to the base member; a trailer assembly configured to be connected to the support member and to move relative to the support member between a trailer storage position and a trailer operation position; and at least one step member connected to the trailer assembly, wherein the step member is in a step storage position when the trailer assembly is in the trailer operation position, and in a step operation position when the trailer assembly is in the trailer storage position. The trailer assembly is pivotally connected to the support member, wherein the trailer assembly moves between the trailer storage position and the trailer operation position as the trailer assembly rotates relative to the support member, the trailer assembly being configured to pivot about an axis between the trailer storage position and the trailer operation position.

[0008] In some exemplary aspects, the trailer and step assembly includes a trailer piece coupled to the trailer turntable in a fixed position relative to the trailer turntable.

[0009] In some exemplary aspects, the step member is coupled to the tow truck turntable in a fixed position relative to the turntable. In some exemplary aspects, the tow member is coupled to the tow truck turntable on the outward-facing side when the tow assembly is in the tow operation position. In some exemplary aspects, the step member is coupled to the tow truck turntable on the inward-facing side when the tow assembly is in the tow operation position.

[0010] In some exemplary aspects, the axis is angled such that when the towing assembly moves from the towing operation position to the towing storage position, the towing member rises vertically relative to the ground, and the step member is leveled for access in the step operation position. In some exemplary aspects, the axis forms an angle of approximately ten degrees with the vertical direction relative to the ground. In some exemplary aspects, the step member is horizontal in the step operation position.

[0011] In another exemplary aspect, an agricultural machine is provided, comprising a base member and an integrated trailer and step assembly according to the invention for attachment to the base member. In some exemplary aspects, the agricultural machine is an agricultural combine harvester, a forage harvester, or a cotton harvester. In some exemplary aspects, the base member of the agricultural machine includes a support member for the trailer assembly. Attached Figure Description

[0012] The above and other features and advantages of the invention, as well as the ways in which they are implemented, will become more apparent and the invention will be better understood by taking into account the accompanying drawings and the following description of embodiments thereof, wherein:

[0013] Figure 1 It is a schematic side view of agricultural machinery;

[0014] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the integrated trailer and step assembly according to the present invention;

[0015] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A perspective view of the integrated tow hook and step assembly, showing it locked in the tow hook operation position;

[0016] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A perspective view of the integrated tow and step components, showing them unlocked between the tow operation position and the step operation position;

[0017] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 A perspective view of the integrated tow hook and step assembly, showing it unlocked in the step operating position;

[0018] Figure 6 yes Figure 2A perspective view of the integrated tow hook and step assembly, showing it locked in the step operating position;

[0019] Figure 7 It is a side elevation view of an agricultural machine including an integrated trailer and step assembly according to the present invention, wherein the integrated trailer and step assembly is shown in the trailer operation position;

[0020] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A side elevation view of agricultural machinery, in which the integrated trailer and step assembly are shown in the step operation position;

[0021] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 A perspective view of agricultural machinery, in which the integrated trailer and step assembly is shown in the step operation position;

[0022] Figure 10 yes Figure 8 A top view of agricultural machinery, showing the integrated trailer and step assembly in the step operation position.

[0023] In the various views, corresponding reference numerals indicate the corresponding parts. The examples described herein illustrate embodiments of the invention, and such examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any way. Detailed Implementation

[0024] For convenience, the terms “grain,” “straw,” and “tailings” are used primarily in this specification; however, it should be understood that these terms are not intended to be restrictive. Thus, “grain” refers to the portion of crop material threshed and separated from the discardable portion of the crop material, referred to as non-grain crop material, MOG, or straw. Incompletely threshed crop material is referred to as “tailings.” When used with mobile agricultural equipment and / or components thereof, such as agricultural harvesters, the terms “forward,” “backward,” “left,” and “right” are generally determined with reference to the forward operating direction of the harvester; however, again, they should not be construed as restrictive. The terms “longitudinal” and “lateral” are determined with reference to the longitudinal direction of the agricultural harvester and are similarly not construed as restrictive.

[0025] Now refer to the accompanying drawings and more specifically to... Figure 1 The image shows an agricultural harvester in the form of a combine harvester 10, which typically includes a chassis 12, ground contact wheels 14 and 16, a harvesting platform 18, a feeder housing 20, an operator's cab 22, a threshing and separating system 24, a cleaning system 26, a grain bin 28, and an unloading screw conveyor 30.

[0026] The front wheel 14 is a larger floating wheel, while the rear wheel 16 is a smaller steerable wheel. Power is selectively applied to the front wheel 14 via a power unit in the form of a diesel engine 32 and a transmission (not shown). Although the combine harvester 10 is shown to include wheels, it should also be understood that the combine harvester 10 may include tracks, such as full tracks or half tracks.

[0027] A harvester 18 is mounted to the front of a combine harvester 10 and includes a cutter bar 34 for chopping crops in the field during the forward movement of the combine harvester 10. A rotatable reel 36 feeds crops into the harvester 18, and a twin-helix conveyor 38 (or conveyor belt (not shown)) feeds the chopped crops laterally inward toward a feeder housing 20 from each side. The feeder housing 20 conveys the chopped crops to a threshing and separating system 24 and can be selectively moved vertically using a suitable actuator (e.g., a hydraulic cylinder (not shown)).

[0028] The threshing and separating system 24 is axial-flow type and typically includes a rotor 40, which is at least partially surrounded by corresponding perforated concave bodies 42 and is rotatable within the corresponding perforated concave bodies. By rotating the rotor 40 within the concave bodies 42, the cut crop is threshed and separated, and larger elements, such as stems and leaves, are discharged from the rear of the combine harvester 10. Smaller elements of crop material, including cereals and non-cereal crop material, including particles lighter than cereals (e.g., chaff, dust, and straw), are discharged through the perforations in the concave bodies 42.

[0029] The grain separated by the threshing and separating assembly 24 falls onto the grain pan 44 and is conveyed toward the cleaning system 26. The cleaning system 26 may include an optional pre-cleaning screen 46, an upper screen 48 (also called a chaff screen), a lower screen 50 (also called a cleaning screen), and a cleaning blower 52. The grain on the screens 46, 48, and 50 is cleaned by the blower 52, which provides airflow through the screens to remove chaff and other impurities (such as dust) by sending them into the air for discharge from the straw hood 54 of the combine harvester 10. The grain pan 44 and the pre-cleaning screen 46 oscillate back and forth to convey the grain and finer non-grain crop material to the upper surface of the upper screen 48. The upper screen 48 and the lower screen 50 are arranged vertically relative to each other and also oscillate back and forth to spread the grain on the screens 48 and 50 while allowing the cleaned grain to pass through the openings of the screens 48 and 50 by gravity.

[0030] The cleaned grain falls onto a cleaning grain screw conveyor 56, which is laterally positioned below and in front of the lower screen 50. The cleaning grain screw conveyor 56 receives cleaned grain from each screen 48, 50 of the cleaning system 26. The cleaning grain screw conveyor 56 laterally conveys the cleaned grain to a generally vertically arranged grain elevator 60 for conveying to the grain bin 28. The tailings from the cleaning system 26 fall via a bottom plate 58 into a tailings screw conveyor trough 62. The tailings are conveyed via a tailings screw conveyor 64 and a return screw conveyor 66 to the upstream end of the cleaning system 26 for repeated cleaning. A pair of grain bin screw conveyors 68 at the bottom of the grain bin 28 laterally convey the cleaned grain within the grain bin 28 to an unloading screw conveyor 30 for discharge from the combine harvester 10.

[0031] According to one aspect of the invention and now referred to Figure 2-7 The base component 102 for use with agricultural machinery 10 is shown (see Figure 102). Figure 7 An integrated tow hook and step assembly 100 is coupled together. Assembly 100 includes a support member 104 configured to be coupled to the base member 102 in a fixed position relative to the base member 102. Tow hook assembly 106 is configured to be coupled to the support member 104 and to move relative to the support member 104 between a tow hook storage position 110 and a tow hook operation position 112. At least one step member 108 is coupled to tow hook assembly 106, and when tow hook assembly 106 is in tow hook operation position 112, step member 108 is in step storage position 114 (see step storage position 114). Figure 3 When the towing assembly 106 is in the towing storage position 110, the step member 108 is in the step operation position 116 (see...). Figure 6 The tow assembly 106 is pivotally coupled to the support member 104, wherein when the tow assembly 106 rotates relative to the support member 104, the tow assembly 106 moves between a tow storage position 110 and a tow operation position 112, the tow assembly 106 being configured to pivot about an axis 118 between the tow storage position 110 and the tow operation position 112 (see [link]). Figure 3-6 ).

[0032] like Figure 2-6As shown, the towing assembly 106 includes a towing member 120, which is connected to the towing turntable 122 in a fixed position relative to the towing turntable 122. A step member 108 is also connected to the towing turntable 122 in a fixed position relative to the towing turntable 122. The towing member 120 is connected to the towing turntable 122 on a rearward (more generally, outward, away from the support member 104 and / or agricultural machinery 10) face 124 when the towing assembly 106 is in the towing operation position 112, and the step member 108 is connected to the towing turntable 122 on a forward (more generally, inward, toward the support member 104 and / or agricultural machinery 10) face 126 when the towing assembly 106 is in the towing operation position 112.

[0033] like Figure 7-8 As shown, the tow assembly 106 is angled relative to the support member 104 at the pivot joint 128 about its pivot axis 118, such that when the tow assembly 106 moves from the tow operation position 112 to the tow operation position 113, the tow member 120 rises vertically relative to the ground and the step member 108 is leveled in the step operation position 116 for approach. Preferably, the axis 118 forms an angle of up to approximately ten degrees with respect to the vertical direction relative to the ground, and the step member 108 is approximately horizontal in the step operation position 116.

[0034] like Figure 2 As shown, the tow assembly 106 is connected to the support member 104 at a pivot joint 128. The pivot joint 128 is formed by a U-shaped clamp 130 inserted through a through hole 132 in the support member 104 and a through hole 134 in the tow turn plate 122. The tow member 120 is connected to the tow turn plate 122 in a fixed position relative to the tow turn plate 122 by means of bolts (not shown) or other suitable fasteners inserted or secured through through holes 136 in the tow member 120 and through holes 138 in the tow turn plate 122. Similarly, the step member 108 is connected to the tow turn plate 122 in a fixed position relative to the tow turn plate 122 on a face 126 opposite to the face 124 on which the tow member 120 is connected to the tow turn plate 122, or is integrally formed with the tow turn plate 122. The support member 104 is provided with a through hole 140 for connecting the support member 104 to the base member 102 by bolts or other means in a fixed position relative to the base member 102.

[0035] exist Figure 3The image shows a tow and step assembly 100, wherein the tow assembly 106 is locked in the tow operation position 112 and the step member 108 is locked in the step storage position 114. In this position 114, the step member 108 is housed within the support member 104, where it is prevented from accumulating debris and, if any, minimally interferes with any adjacent structures on the agricultural machinery 10. The tow assembly 106 is held in place by U-shaped clamps 142 inserted through through holes 144 in the support member 104 and through holes 146 in the tow turntable 122.

[0036] exist Figure 4 In the middle, the U-shaped clamping pin 142 is removed from the through holes 144 and 146 to release the tow assembly 106 from the tow operation position 112 and the step member 108 from the step storage position 114. Then the tow assembly 106 rotates to the tow storage position 110, and the step member 108 rotates to the step operation position 116, as... Figure 5 As shown. Then, by inserting the U-shaped clamping pin 142 through the through hole 148 in the support member 104 and the through hole 150 in the tow plate 122, the tow assembly 106 can be locked in positions 110, 116, as shown. Figure 6 As shown.

[0037] Figure 7 and 8 A portion of an agricultural machine 10, including an integrated trailer and step assembly 100, is shown, wherein a support member 104 is connected in a fixed position relative to a base member 102. Figure 7 The image shows the towing assembly 106 locked in the towing operation position 112, and the step member 108 in the step storage position 114 within the support member 104. Figure 8-10 In this configuration, the trailer assembly 106 has been rotated to the trailer storage position 110, and the step component 108 is in the step operation position 116. (As...) Figure 8 As shown, due to the non-vertical position of axis 118, the tow hook 120 has been raised to a higher storage position 110 than in the tow operation position 112, wherein the storage position 110 of the tow hook 120 does not interfere with the ground clearance. Additionally, the step 108 is now in a substantially horizontal position to allow for maintenance access to the screen 152. The screen 152 can be similar to... Figure 1 The grain tray is any of the aforementioned sieves or connected to one of these sieves. Additionally, as... Figure 9 and 10 As shown, the tow piece 120 has rotated away from the step piece 108, so that it will not obstruct access to the nearby maintenance points on the step piece 108 and the machine 10.

[0038] While the invention has been described with respect to at least one embodiment, further modifications may be made to the invention within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Therefore, this application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Furthermore, this application is intended to cover any deviations from this disclosure that fall within the known or customary practice of the field to which this invention pertains and fall within the limitations of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An integrated hitch and step assembly (100) for coupling with a base member (102) of an agricultural machine (10), characterized by, The hitch and step assembly (100) comprises: a support member (104) configured for coupling with the base member (102) in a fixed position relative to the base member (102); a hitch assembly (106) configured for coupling with the support member (104) and for moving relative to the support member (104) between a hitch storage position (110) and a hitch operating position (112); and at least one step member (108) coupled with the hitch assembly (106), the step member (108) being in a step storage position (114) when the hitch assembly (106) is in the hitch operating position (112) and being in a step operating position (116) when the hitch assembly (106) is in the hitch storage position (110), wherein the hitch assembly (106) is pivotably coupled with the support member (104), wherein the hitch assembly (106) moves between the hitch storage position (110) and the hitch operating position (112) when the hitch assembly (106) is rotated relative to the support member (104), the hitch assembly (106) being configured for pivoting about an axis (118) between the hitch storage position (110) and the hitch operating position (112).

2. The trailer and step assembly (100) of claim 1, characterized in that, The hitch assembly (106) comprises a hitch member (120) coupled with a hitch turn plate (122) in a fixed position relative to the hitch turn plate (122).

3. The trailer and step assembly (100) of claim 2, characterized in that, The step member (108) is coupled with the hitch turn plate (122) in a fixed position relative to the hitch turn plate (122).

4. The trailer and step assembly (100) of claim 2, wherein, The hitch member (120) is coupled with the hitch turn plate (122) on a face (124) of the hitch turn plate (122) that faces outward when the hitch assembly (106) is in the hitch operating position (112).

5. The trailer and step assembly (100) of claim 2, wherein, The step member (108) is coupled with the hitch turn plate (122) on a face (126) of the hitch turn plate (122) that faces inward when the hitch assembly (106) is in the hitch operating position (112).

6. The trailer and step assembly (100) of claim 2, wherein, The axis (118) is angled such that the hitch member (120) is vertically raised relative to the ground when the hitch assembly (106) is moved from the hitch operating position (112) to the hitch storage position (110) and such that the step member (108) is levelled for access in the step operating position (116).

7. The trailer and step assembly (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that The axis (118) is angled at about ten degrees relative to a vertical direction relative to the ground.

8. The trailer and step assembly (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that The step member (108) is horizontal in the step operating position (116).

9. An agricultural machine (10) comprising a base member (102) and a hitch and step assembly (100) according to any one of the preceding claims coupled to the base member (102).

10. The agricultural machine (10) of claim 9, characterized in that, The agricultural machine (10) is an agricultural combine harvester, a forage harvester or a cotton harvester. The agricultural machine (10) is an agricultural combine harvester, a forage harvester or a cotton harvester. The agricultural machine (10) is an agricultural combine

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