Cooling sieve assembly for agricultural machine

Abstract

The invention relates to a cooling screen assembly (10) for an agricultural machine (1), comprising: a frame (11) which at least partially encloses a screen space (17) through which a cooling air flow (A) passes in a passage direction (D) from an environment side (U) to a cooler side (K) and in which a screen (63) extending along a screen surface (E) can be accommodated; a cleaning unit (70) for cleaning the screen (63), comprising at least one running unit (20, 30) which can be operated in translation on the frame (11) in a running direction (L) and which extends in the width direction (B) in a direction perpendicular to the running direction (L); and a drive unit (40) comprising a drive (41) and arranged to drive the at least one running unit (20, 30) in an oscillating manner in the running direction (L), in order to optimize the cleaning of the cooler screen in the agricultural machine, the invention is characterized in that the drive unit (40) is provided with a coupling rod (44) which can be pivoted about a coupling pivot axis (S) fixed relative to the frame (11) and which is at least indirectly drivingly connected to the drive (41), wherein at least one operating arm (45, 55) of the coupling rod (44) is at least indirectly drivingly connected to the operating unit (20, 30).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the cooling screen assembly as described in the preamble of claim 1. Background Technology

[0002] Agricultural machinery (such as silage harvesters) contains various components that require cooling during operation, such as drive motors and gearboxes. Typically, heat generated on these components is transferred to a cooling medium, which then releases the heat into the ambient air. To achieve adequate heat exchange, ambient air is drawn in by the cooler's fan and flows through the cooler. However, during harvesting operations, the drawn-in air is often severely polluted by dust, crop residue, and other contaminants. To prevent these pollutants from clogging the cooler and reducing cooling efficiency, the ambient air must be drawn in through a screen that traps particles larger than the smallest possible size.

[0003] However, cooler screens themselves can also clog quickly due to trapping particulate matter. Furthermore, sugary liquids are released during crop cutting and / or processing, which can cause cooler screens to stick. Therefore, such cooler screens are typically designed with a flip-up structure for easy cleaning. To ensure cleanliness during field operations, existing technology discloses equipping agricultural machinery with automatic cleaning systems that clean screens while in operation. These cleaning systems typically include a suction unit that uses negative pressure to remove dirt from the cooler screen. To avoid excessively disrupting airflow, the suction unit only covers a localized area of ​​the screen and must move along the screen to gradually clean different areas.

[0004] Although some existing technologies have proposed suction units with translational motion, most current systems still use rotary-driven suction units. This results in insufficient cleaning of rectangular screens, a necessary function given that the associated coolers typically have a rectangular cross-section. Furthermore, existing solutions often require the suspension mechanism to be located in the central area of ​​the screen, interfering with the strongest airflow in that area. Even worse, the drive or suspension components of the cleaning unit may affect the sealing of the components, creating gaps that allow contaminated air to bypass the screen and enter the cooler, or causing cooling airflow leakage, thereby reducing cooling efficiency.

[0005] DE 10 2018 006 701 A1 discloses a self-propelled harvester with a cooling unit that achieves contamination prevention through a filter device with a breathable filter element. The filter element has a multi-part structure, which is divided into two sections by a guide of a cleaning device, each containing a filter section. The cleaning device includes a dust suction unit that can move translationally along the guide.

[0006] EP 1 262 645 B1 discloses a self-propelled harvester with a cooling unit and a cleaning device for drawing in cooling airflow. The latter uses a circular screening device located in front of the cooling unit, which works in conjunction with a suction fan to clean the screen. Because the cooling unit is rectangular, the screen surface cannot completely cover the cooling unit.

[0007] EP 2 546 492 B1 discloses a rectangular material collecting sieve with a screen cleaning device. A hollow arm, connectable to a vacuum source, is movable along the sieve surface and has an opening on a first side adjacent to the sieve surface. The arm comprises an inner arm that is driven by a motor to swing and an outer arm that moves radially relative to the inner arm.

[0008] EP 2 754 873 B3 discloses a cooling airflow intake system with a rectangular screen. The system includes a suction device for cleaning the screen, which is specifically rectangular in structure and supported by a housing frame component. The suction device, acting as a trolley, is guided relative to the screen by a linear guide system.

[0009] EP 3 586 595 B1 also discloses a cooler basket with a cleaning device having two suction arms that can move along a surface and swing about a support point at a diagonal relative position on the rectangular surface of the cooler basket. Summary of the Invention

[0010] The purpose of this invention is to optimize the cleaning process of the screen in agricultural machinery coolers.

[0011] The object of the present invention is achieved by a cooling screen assembly having the features of independent claim 1, and the preferred embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

[0012] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a cooling screen assembly for agricultural machinery, comprising:

[0013] The frame at least partially encloses the screen space, through which cooling airflow can pass from the environmental side to the cooler side in the direction of passage, and the screen space can accommodate the screen extending along the screen surface;

[0014] A cleaning unit for cleaning a screen, comprising at least one operating unit capable of translating along a running direction on a frame and extending in the width direction perpendicular to the running direction; and

[0015] The driving unit is equipped with a driver and is configured to oscillate and drive at least one operating unit in the running direction.

[0016] The cooling screen assembly is suitable for agricultural machinery, especially for self-propelled harvesters or tractors. Such tractors can be used in combination with implements or tow non-self-propelled work equipment, thus enabling direct field operations.

[0017] The cooling screen assembly is associated with and optionally equipped with a cooling screen. The cooling screen and corresponding cooling screen assembly are used to purify the cooling airflow delivered to the cooler, wherein plant residues and other particulate matter carried by the airflow are at least partially trapped by the screen. The cooler typically cools the cooling medium by dissipating heat to the cooling airflow, which has pre-absorbed heat from components of the agricultural machinery requiring cooling (such as drive motors or transmissions). The term "cooling airflow" should not be construed as a limitation on air temperature or other characteristics, but refers only to the airflow used to absorb heat at the cooler; the cooling airflow may also be referred to as ambient air.

[0018] The cooling screen assembly includes a frame that at least partially encloses a screen space through which cooling airflow can pass from the ambient side to the cooler side in a flow direction. In some embodiments, the frame may also be referred to as a housing. It at least partially (typically circumferentially) surrounds the screen space. "Cooler side" refers to the side closer to the cooler along the airflow path in the installed state, while "ambient side" faces the external environment of the agricultural machinery, through which ambient air flows into the screen space. Hereinafter, "ambient side" means "located on the ambient side," and "cooler side" means "located on the cooler side." Although this is not central to the invention, the cooling airflow is typically generated by a cooler fan or suction device. The screen space serves both to guide the cooling airflow and to accommodate the screen (or cooler screen). The screen can be a single piece or a multi-piece structure, the latter consisting of multiple screen elements. The frame may be provided with positioning, fastening, and / or guiding elements to assist in the installation and / or fixation of the screen in a preset position. In the installed state, the screen extends along its surface, the geometry of which is determined by the screen's own structure and its installation position within the frame. Even without the screen installed, a specific screen surface orientation can still be determined. Preferably, the screen is rectangular, and individual screen elements are also rectangular. More preferably, the screen surface has a planar structure, and therefore can also be referred to as a screen plane.

[0019] In addition, the component includes a cleaning unit for cleaning the screen. "Cleaning" here primarily refers to removing contaminants (such as plant debris or other particulate matter) from the screen. The cleaning unit itself includes at least one operating unit that can translate along the frame in the operating direction and extends in a width direction perpendicular to the operating direction. Multiple operating units (particularly preferred) may also be provided. As part of the cleaning unit, the function of the operating unit is related to screen cleaning, which may involve direct cleaning operations or include auxiliary functions to the cleaning process. Each operating unit can translate along the frame, and its operating direction is referred to as the "direction of movement". Although the direction of movement can vary locally according to the invention (e.g., allowing the operating unit to translate along a slightly curved path), it is preferred to translate along a straight direction of movement. That is, the direction of movement is preferably consistent throughout the entire frame. To achieve translational movement, the frame may be provided with a guide structure that works in conjunction with the corresponding guide structure of the operating unit. Specifically, the operating unit may include at least one rolling element (such as a roller) that rolls along the guide of the frame. In a preferred embodiment, a forced guiding mechanism is used when the operating unit translates.

[0020] Each operating unit extends in a direction perpendicular to the operating direction (hereinafter referred to as the "width direction"), which is perpendicular to the width direction. In the installed state, the operating direction can be parallel to the vertical axis of the agricultural machinery, thus making the width direction horizontal, but is not limited thereto. Preferably, the extension dimension of the operating unit in the width direction is three times or more of its extension dimension in the operating direction. Furthermore, the extension dimension of the operating unit in the width direction preferably covers at least 90% or more of the screen's extension dimension, so that the operating unit can completely or substantially completely cover the screen in the width direction. In the operating direction, the extension dimension of the operating unit preferably does not exceed 25% or less of the screen's extension dimension, i.e., only covers a relatively small portion of the screen, thereby minimizing interference with the cooling airflow.

[0021] In addition, the component includes a drive unit equipped with a driver and configured to oscillate and drive at least one operating unit in the running direction. Although "one" driver is mentioned herein, the drive unit may also have multiple drivers. Preferably, only a single driver is provided. The drive unit is configured to cause at least one operating unit to reciprocate in the running direction, i.e., move back and forth. In terms of time sequence, the corresponding operating unit first moves in one direction, then moves in the opposite direction, and so on. For the case of multiple operating units, this motion mode is preferably applicable to each unit. The time sequence of each motion phase can be flexibly selected in different ways; for example, the movement of the operating unit may or may not include intermittent pauses. Preferably, the motion range should be set so that the operating unit covers at least 90% or more of the corresponding size of the screen in the running direction. Thus, even if the extension size of the operating unit is relatively small, a complete or substantially complete cleaning effect can be achieved.

[0022] According to the present invention, the drive unit is provided with a connecting rod that can swing about a connecting swing axis fixed relative to the frame. The connecting rod is at least indirectly connected to the drive unit, and at least one running arm of the connecting rod is at least indirectly connected to the running unit. The connecting swing axis can be realized by a suitable connecting swing bearing, preferably configured to extend along the through direction and / or perpendicular to the screen plane, and / or perpendicular to the running direction and the width direction. The connecting rod forms a simple and effective mechanical connection through which the drive motion of the drive unit can be directly or indirectly transmitted to the corresponding running unit via at least one intermediate element. The running arm of the connecting rod is directly or indirectly connected to the running unit, such that the oscillating translational motion of the running unit is at least indirectly guided by the running arm. The running arm, as a component of the connecting rod, can swing about the connecting swing axis. Preferably, the drive unit is configured to drive the connecting rod (including the running arm) to oscillate about the connecting swing axis, thereby realizing the translational motion of the running unit through the swinging motion of the connecting rod.

[0023] The operating arm enables a wide range of movement for the operating unit without requiring corresponding large movements from the drive unit, thus requiring relatively little installation space. The operating unit also allows for near-complete coverage of the screen surface for cleaning without the need for partitioning the screen.

[0024] To achieve a wide range of motion, the length of the operating arm can be 50%-100% of the diagonal length of the screen. Each operating arm preferably extends along the screen plane—located on the environmental side or the cooler side. The oscillation of the operating arm is converted into the translational motion of the operating unit, and there are several possible implementation methods (some of which will be detailed below).

[0025] Preferably, the cleaning unit includes a suction operation unit, which is equipped with a suction unit for connecting to a vacuum source, and the suction unit is arranged on the environmental side of the screen plane. The suction operation unit is an operation unit possessing the above-mentioned characteristics, and its suction unit is adapted to connect to a vacuum source, which can be achieved through a flexible hose. This vacuum source can also be called a negative pressure source, and can also be a component of agricultural machinery. The suction unit is located on the environmental side of the screen plane—this arrangement is applicable to the entire suction operation unit, used to suction plant residues and other contaminants from the screen. The suction unit extends perpendicular to the operating direction in the width direction. Preferably, the extension dimension of the suction unit in the width direction is at least three times or more than its extension dimension in the operating direction, its width extension dimension covers at least 90% or more of the screen extension dimension, and its operating direction extension dimension preferably does not exceed 25% or less of the screen extension dimension. The suction unit may include a suction hood or shell structure, which is open on one side facing the screen plane, while the remaining part is at least mostly closed, thereby defining the effective suction area.

[0026] Preferably, the suction operating arm of the connecting rod extends on the environmental side of the screen surface and is at least indirectly connected to the suction operating unit via a transmission mechanism. This suction operating arm, as part of the connecting rod, has the characteristics described above. It extends to the environmental side of the screen surface—an area that does not require contamination protection; therefore, the arrangement and operation of the operating arm does not increase the risk of contaminants entering the cooler side. The swinging motion of the suction operating arm is converted into the translational motion of the suction operating unit.

[0027] In addition to the suction unit, the suction operating unit may also be equipped with other components, particularly at least one brush element. This brush element enhances the suction effect by bridging the gap between the suction unit and the screen in the passing direction. Therefore, the brush element can be specifically positioned on the edge side of the suction unit, for example, arranged along the periphery of the aforementioned suction hood. More importantly, the brush element can apply mechanical action to and loosen contaminants on the screen, thereby enabling the suction unit to remove them more effectively.

[0028] Preferably, the connecting swing shaft is offset relative to the screen space. That is, the connecting swing shaft is neither located within the screen space nor aligned with it in the passage direction. Therefore, the swing bearing or other components of the connecting swing shaft will neither interfere with the screen structure nor affect the cooling airflow. The connecting swing shaft may be offset relative to the screen space in the operating direction, but is preferably offset in the width direction. More preferably, the connecting swing shaft is located on the outer side of the frame opposite to the screen space. The frame completely or partially surrounds the screen space, such that the screen space is located on the "inner side" of the frame, and the opposite side of the frame is referred to herein and hereinafter collectively as the "outer side". This outer arrangement avoids potential sealing problems associated with the connecting swing shaft.

[0029] Given the intensity of the cooling airflow, effective suction of the screen from the environmental side is very difficult or even impossible when the suction unit needs to operate against the cooling airflow. Therefore, it is necessary to partially block the cooling airflow at the operating position of the suction unit, which can be achieved through a shielding element. According to a preferred embodiment, the cleaning unit is equipped with a shielding operation unit, which includes a planar shielding element located on the cooler side of the screen plane, opposite to the suction unit. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the movement of the shielding operation unit along the operating direction is forcibly linked with the suction operation unit by a drive unit. In the installed state, the screen is positioned between the environmental side suction unit and the cooler side shielding element. The shielding element can be, for example, made of sheet metal, and at least partially blocks the cooling airflow, enabling the suction unit to operate effectively. The cross-section of the shielding element is preferably at least equal to the cross-section of the suction unit, or slightly larger. To achieve effective shielding, the shielding element and the suction unit need to move synchronously. In this embodiment, synchronization is achieved by forcibly linking the movement of the shielding operation unit with the suction operation unit through a drive unit; correspondingly, the shielding movement unit is also driven by the drive unit.

[0030] In principle, the shielding operation unit can employ different driving methods. Preferably, the connecting rod is equipped with a shielding operation arm, which is at least indirectly connected to the shielding operation unit via a transmission method. The shielding operation arm preferably extends along the cooler side of the screen plane to achieve optimal connection with the shielding operation unit. When the suction operation arm described above is present, the shielding operation arm and the suction moving arm are connected in a fixed rotational manner—specifically, fixedly rotated relative to the connecting swing shaft. The suction operation arm and the shielding operation arm can be designed as an integral structure or directly connected. Preferably, they are connected by a pivot pin, which is coaxially arranged with the connecting swing shaft and can be oscillating relative to the frame. Preferably, both the suction operation unit and the shielding operation unit are driven by corresponding operation arms. The transmission method from the suction operation arm to the suction operation unit can be the same as the transmission method from the shielding operation arm to the shielding operation unit, but different transmission principles can also be used.

[0031] Preferably, at least one operating unit is supported at both ends of the frame via two side sections in the width direction. That is, the operating unit is movably installed in opposite side regions along the width direction of the frame, with one side section of the operating unit supported on one side of the frame and the other side section supported on the opposite side of the frame. For this purpose, guides are preferably provided in the opposite side regions to ensure stable guidance and prevent accidental twisting of the operating unit. The middle section of the operating unit located between the two side sections has no direct contact with the frame—it is only supported and guided by the frame through the two end regions, and may be assisted by the drive unit. Therefore, no frame-side guide structures are provided on the environmental side and the cooler side of the screen space. Such structures not only obstruct airflow but may also create gaps or weak points for contaminant intrusion. The double-end support guides avoid these problems. Advantageously, the drive unit can be connected to the middle section in a drive manner—that is, the mechanical connection between the drive unit and the operating unit is achieved through the middle section. In particular, the operating arm corresponding to the operating unit can be directly or indirectly connected to this middle section.

[0032] The swing motion of the operating arm needs to be converted into the translational motion of the corresponding operating unit. This conversion can be achieved in different ways. One implementation involves at least one operating arm and its corresponding operating unit working in concert through a moving element and a guiding element. The guiding element defines a guide trajectory at a certain angle to the operating direction, along which the moving element can move and be guided. The corresponding or associated operating unit specifically refers to the unit that is drivenly connected to the operating arm, such as the suction operating unit in the case of a suction operating arm. The moving element can perform translational guiding motion along the guiding element. For example, the moving element can slide along the guiding element, or one or more rolling elements can roll along the guiding element. The guiding element and the moving element form a partial shape fit, retaining only a single degree of translational freedom of motion. In addition, the moving element can rotate and swing relative to the guiding element. The guide trajectory defined by the guiding element is preferably a straight line, but other forms are also possible, such as an arc or a broken line. In particular, the guiding element can be provided with a guide groove into which the moving element is embedded.

[0033] In one embodiment, the operating arm may be provided with a movable element, and a guide element is fixedly disposed on the operating unit. In another embodiment, the operating unit may be provided with a movable element, and a guide element is fixedly disposed on the operating arm. Both embodiments have advantages. Furthermore, the two embodiments can be combined. For example, one operating arm (such as a suction operating arm) may be provided with a movable element, and its corresponding operating unit may be provided with a guide element; another operating arm (such as another suction operating arm) may be provided with a guide element, and its corresponding operating unit may be provided with a movable element.

[0034] Another possible implementation is that at least one operating arm is designed as a telescopic structure and connected to the corresponding operating unit via a swing bearing. The swing bearing, which can be called an operating arm swing bearing, is fixedly mounted on the operating unit and can have a simple structure, such as a sliding bearing. When the swing bearing compensates for the relative rotation between the operating arm and the operating unit, the changing distance between the swing bearing and the connecting swing shaft is compensated by the telescopic structure of the operating arm. The operating arm may comprise two or more arm elements that can be nested and slidably interlocked. It should be noted that the telescopic movement and the accompanying length change are passively achieved, originating from the swinging movement of the connecting rod and the guiding action of the operating unit along the frame.

[0035] There are several ways to apply torque to the connecting rod to drive its oscillating motion. For example, a rotary actuator can act coaxially with the connecting oscillating shaft; or a gear fixedly connected to the connecting rod can mesh with another gear or rack driven by the actuator. However, a preferred embodiment is that the connecting rod has an actuator arm, which is fixedly and rotatably connected to at least one running arm and at least indirectly connected to the actuator. The fixed rotatable connection between the running arms can be achieved through an integral structure. In another preferred embodiment, the fixed rotatable connection between the running arms can also be composed of two separately manufactured components, which can be directly connected or, for example, connected by the aforementioned pin.

[0036] Preferably, the actuator is designed as a linear actuator, such as an electric, hydraulic, electro-hydraulic, or pneumatic linear actuator. Ideally, the end position of the linear actuator corresponds to the end position of at least one operating unit, allowing the linear actuator to retract and extend to its maximum extent. If this is not the case, the actuator can be controlled by detecting the end position of the operating unit using a sensor (such as a contact sensor). Such sensors can be arranged on the outside of the frame, and in particular, the sensors can work in conjunction with the actuator arm to indirectly reflect the position of the operating unit by detecting the position of the actuator arm.

[0037] Linear actuators can cooperate with connecting rods in various ways to convert the linear motion of the linear actuator into the rotational motion of the connecting rod. Different mechanical solutions can be used for this purpose, all of which are known in principle. Preferably, one end of the linear actuator is pivotally connected to the frame via a first actuator swing bearing, and the other end is pivotally connected to the actuator arm via a second actuator swing bearing. The swing bearings can be fixedly mounted on the frame and the actuator arm. Through these pivotable connections, the linear actuator can follow the swinging motion of the connecting rod. By properly designing the linear actuator, the distance between the second actuator swing bearing and the connecting swing axis, i.e., the effective length of the actuator arm, can be only a small fraction of the running arm length, for example, at most 20% or 10%. One advantage of the linear actuator cooperating with the actuator arm is that the linear motion of the actuator is further converted into the linear motion of the running unit through the swinging motion of the actuator arm and the suction running arm or shielding running arm. This makes the motion of the running unit, while not precise, approximately proportional to the motion of the linear actuator. That is, when the linear actuator operates at a constant speed, the speed of the running unit is also approximately constant. The latter ensures that all areas of the screen are thoroughly cleaned to at least a similar degree.

[0038] In one embodiment, at least one operating arm (preferably a shielded operating arm) passes through a frame through-hole in the frame. This design is based on the fact that the connecting swing shaft is preferably arranged on the outside of the frame along the width direction. Since the frame needs to have a certain depth in the passage direction to ensure stability, it is structurally difficult to bypass each operating arm from the front or rear of the frame. This solution may be easier to implement for suction operating arms, but not for shielded operating arms. In particular, shielded operating arms can be guided from the outside to the inside of the frame through the frame through-hole. Since the frame through-hole may allow particles to enter in principle, its size should be as small as possible, while ensuring that the swinging movement of the operating arm is not obstructed. Therefore, it is particularly preferred that the connecting swing shaft is arranged close to the frame. This makes the swing angle traversed by the connecting rod near the frame during swing smaller, thereby correspondingly reducing the required frame through-hole size.

[0039] Although the frame through-holes are relatively small, they remain potential weak points where contaminants can enter. Therefore, a further preferred embodiment is that the running element is movably mounted on the frame along the running direction, partially covering and having its own running through-hole, with a running arm passing through it, and the running element serving to seal the frame in the through-hole area. The running element can be, for example, constructed from a flat metal sheet or plastic piece, movably mounted on the frame along the running direction, and the frame can have simple guide elements on the side of the frame through-hole that engage with the running element. Preferably, the running element is forcibly guided by these guide elements. The running element can be arranged on the inner side, i.e., facing the screen space, or on the outer side, i.e., the side facing away from the screen space.

[0040] On the one hand, the running element preferably covers at least most of the frame through-hole; on the other hand, it is further preferred to have a running through-hole through which the running arm passes. If the running element is movable relative to the frame, it can be pushed or driven during the swinging motion of the running arm without hindering the movement. Therefore, the extension dimension of the running through-hole in the running direction does not need to match the entire range of motion of the running arm, but is substantially matched with or only slightly larger than the extension dimension of the running arm, unlike the frame through-hole. Therefore, the extension dimension of the running through-hole in the running direction is preferably smaller than the extension dimension of the frame through-hole. The dimension can be determined based on the cross-section of the running arm in the plane of the running element and in combination with the end position of the running arm. Therefore, only a (very) small gap is maintained between the running through-hole and the running arm, so that the cross-section through which dirt particles pass can be reduced to a fraction compared to the embodiment without a running element. In addition, since the size of the running through-hole is very small, only a very small amount of cooling airflow will be lost through the frame through-hole or the running through-hole. Therefore, the cooling screen assembly has almost no impact on the cooling performance.

[0041] Although regular cleaning of the screen is performed by suction and / or brushing, occasional deeper and / or more effective cleaning may be required. Therefore, it is particularly preferred that the screen be reversibly detachable from the frame. For this purpose, the frame preferably has an inlet on at least one side through which at least one screen element, for example, is pushed into the screen space. The inlet allows for very simple removal and reinstallation of the screen. Thus, the screen can also be cleaned externally, for example, using a high-pressure cleaner.

[0042] The screen can consist of a single screen element or contain multiple screen elements. An inlet is located on the side of the frame, sized to allow the screen element to be inserted into or removed from the screen space. The screen element can be designed to close the inlet in the installed state to prevent the intrusion of crop or contaminant particles and / or the loss of cooling airflow through the inlet. The screen element is inserted or removed along the screen surface to avoid collisions with suction units, suction operating arms, shielding elements, or shielding operating arms located on the environmental side, or on the cooler side. A separate inlet can be provided for each screen element. Preferably, the inlet does not extend to the side in the width direction and extends along the operating direction.

[0043] Specifically, the frame may have two inlets offset from each other along the operating direction, with the connecting swing shaft positioned between the two inlets in the operating direction. This design is particularly necessary when the shielding operating arm connects to the suction operating arm via the area of ​​the connecting swing shaft. Such connections, for example via a pin, need to extend from the environmental side to the cooler side, which could potentially lead to collisions with the screen elements. However, if the connecting swing shaft is positioned between the two inlets, the associated screen elements can smoothly bypass from both sides.

[0044] The present invention also provides an agricultural machine. This machine includes, in particular as described above, a cooling screen assembly comprising: a frame that at least partially encloses a screen space through which a cooling airflow can pass from an environmental side to a cooler side in a passing direction, and the screen space can accommodate a screen extending along a screen surface; a cleaning unit for cleaning the screen, comprising at least one operating unit that can translate along a running direction on the frame and extends in a width direction perpendicular to the running direction; and a drive unit comprising a driver and configured to oscillate and drive at least one operating unit in the running direction.

[0045] According to the present invention, the drive unit includes a connecting rod that is oscillating about a connecting swing axis fixed relative to the frame and is at least indirectly connected to the drive unit, wherein at least one running arm of the connecting rod is at least indirectly connected to the running unit.

[0046] The agricultural machinery preferably includes components that require cooling during operation (e.g., drive motors and / or gearboxes). A cooling screen assembly is used to clean the cooling airflow delivered to the cooler to cool these components.

[0047] Since the cutting mist formed by crop particles and liquid is generated only during field operations (i.e., during harvest), it is preferable to perform screen cleaning only during field operations via the oscillating motion of the connecting rod.

[0048] The terms used above have been described in conjunction with the cooling screen assembly of the present invention, and therefore will not be repeated. The preferred embodiments of the agricultural machinery of the present invention correspond to the embodiments of the cooling screen assembly of the present invention. Attached Figure Description

[0049] The invention will now be described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The drawings are merely illustrative and do not limit the overall concept of the invention. The drawings show:

[0050] Figure 1 A schematic side view of agricultural machinery according to the present invention;

[0051] Figure 2 A front view of a first embodiment of a cooling screen assembly according to the present invention;

[0052] Figure 3 and Figure 4 : Figure 2 Perspective view of the intermediate cooling screen assembly;

[0053] Figure 5 : Figure 2 A detailed cross-sectional view of the intermediate cooling screen assembly;

[0054] Figure 6A , 6B : Figure 2 Perspective detail of the intermediate cooling screen assembly;

[0055] Figure 7 : A perspective view of a second embodiment of the cooling screen assembly (containing two screen elements) according to the present invention;

[0056] Figure 8 A perspective view of a portion of the structure of a cooling screen assembly according to a third embodiment of the present invention; and

[0057] Figure 9 : A front view of a portion of the cooling screen assembly according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0058] Figure 1 The agricultural machinery 1 according to the invention is shown in a highly simplified form, in this example a field shredder. A harvesting device 3, such as a corn harvester, is mounted on the front side of the vehicle body 2 along the longitudinal axis X. The crops collected by the harvesting device 3 are shredded and processed in multiple stages and then ejected by a throwing bend 4, for example, onto a matching vehicle (not shown). The agricultural machinery 1 has a drive motor 4, which provides driving force to the walking mechanism, the harvesting device 3, and other components. The drive motor 4 and other systems require cooling during operation. Heat is transferred to a cooling medium in a cooling circuit (not shown), which in turn transfers the absorbed heat to a cooling airflow A at a cooler 6. The cooling airflow A is drawn from the environment and flows through the cooler 6, a process assisted by a suction device (not shown). To prevent the cooler 6 from clogging due to crop debris and other contaminants contained in the cooling airflow A, a cooling screen assembly 10 is provided upstream of the cooler 6. The cooling airflow A passes through the cooling screen assembly 10 in a direction D, which in this embodiment coincides with the longitudinal axis X. The running direction L is aligned with the vertical axis Z, and the width direction B is aligned with the horizontal axis Y. However, in other embodiments, this correspondence is not unique.

[0059] Figures 2 to 6B A first embodiment of a cooling screen assembly 10 according to the present invention is shown. The assembly includes a frame 11 made of steel plate surrounding a screen space 17 for receiving a screen 63. The screen 63 is only used for... Figure 5 The diagram shows and labels the screen surface or screen plane E, along which the screen 63 extends in the installed state. The screen plane E extends parallel to the running direction L and the width direction B. In the illustrated embodiment, the screen space 17 has an approximately square cross-section, especially in... Figure 2As can be seen in the front view. Cooling airflow A can pass through the screen space 17 from the environmental side U to the cooler side K along the passage direction D. When the screen 63 is installed, as previously described, contaminants in the screen plane E are filtered from the cooling airflow A. To prevent the screen 63 from clogging, a cleaning unit 70 is provided, which includes a suction operation unit 20 and a shielding operation unit 30. The suction operation unit 20 is mounted on the frame 11 in a translationally movable manner and moves along the operating direction L. For this purpose, the frame 11 has a pair of first guide rails 12 that extend parallel to the operating direction L and are arranged opposite to each other in the width direction B. Rollers 21 are provided on the two side sections 20.2 arranged at both ends of the two width directions B of the suction operation unit 20, respectively. The rollers cooperate with the first guide rails 12 to ensure precise and low-friction guidance. The middle section 20.1 located between the side sections 20.2 has no direct contact with the frame 10. The drive unit 40, which will be described in detail below, is configured to drive the suction operation unit 20 to oscillate in the operating direction L.

[0060] The suction operation unit 20 specifically includes a suction unit 22, which is arranged on the environmental side of the screen plane E and extends along the width direction B. In the installed state, the suction unit 22 is connected to a vacuum source 7 via a connecting pipe 24 and a flexible hose (not shown). The vacuum source 7 may, for example, be an auxiliary accelerator associated with the throwing bend 4. Figure 5 As shown in the cross-sectional view, the suction unit 22 has a suction hood 23 that opens toward the screen plane E. Brush elements 25 are mounted at the edge of the suction hood 23, contacting the surface of the screen 63. These elements serve two purposes: firstly, to provide a seal to improve the suction effect; and secondly, to mechanically loosen contaminants on the surface of the screen 63 as the suction unit 20 moves along the operating direction L. The suction hood 23 of the suction unit 22 almost completely covers the width of the screen space 17 and the screen 63 installed therein in the width direction B. However, in the operating direction L, the extension dimension of the suction hood 23 is only about 10% of the extension dimension of the screen space 17.

[0061] On the cooler side of the screen plane E, that is, on the side opposite to the suction unit 22, a shielding element 32 of the shielding operation unit 30 is arranged. Its cross-sectional area perpendicular to the through direction D is approximately the same as the cross-sectional area of ​​the suction hood 23. The shielding element 32 can also be called a shielding plate or a baffle. The movement of the shielding operation unit 30 is forcibly coupled with the movement of the suction operation unit 20, which will be explained later. The shielding operation unit 30 is mounted on the frame 11 in a translationally movable manner and moves along the running direction L. For this purpose, the frame 11 has a pair of second guide rails 13, which extend parallel to the running direction L and are arranged opposite to each other along the width direction B. In the two side sections 30.2 arranged at both ends of the two width directions B of the shielding operation unit 30, each is provided with a roller 31, which cooperates with the second guide rail 13. The middle section 30.1 located between the side sections 30.2 has no direct contact with the frame 10.

[0062] The drive unit 40 includes a driver 41, which in this embodiment is designed as a hydraulic cylinder. Specifically, the driver 41 is a linear driver, mounted on one side of the frame 11 via a first driver swing bearing 42. The other side is oscillatingly connected to the actuator arm 59 of the connecting rod 44 via a second driver swing bearing 43. The connecting rod 44 has a pin 60, which is connected to the frame 11 via the pin and the connecting swing bearing 61. More precisely, the connecting rod 44 can swing about a connecting swing axis S extending perpendicular to the running direction L and the width direction B. Therefore, the swing motion of the connecting rod 44 is parallel to the screen plane E.

[0063] The suction operating arm 45 and the shielding operating arm 55 of the connecting rod 44 are connected to the actuating arm 59 in a fixed-rotational manner via the pivot pin 60. The suction operating arm 45 has a moving element 47 at its end, which works in conjunction with the guide element 26 in the middle section 20.1 of the suction operating unit 20. The guide element 26 defines a guide trajectory extending parallel to the width direction B for the moving element 47 to move. The shielding operating arm 55 also has a similar moving element 57 at its end, which works in conjunction with the guide element 36 in the middle section 30.1 of the shielding operating unit 30. Here, the guide element 36 also defines a guide trajectory extending parallel to the width direction B for the moving element 57 to move. In this embodiment, each moving element 47, 57 is connected to the corresponding operating arm 45, 55 in a swingable manner. Through the movement of the moving elements 47, 57 relative to the guide elements 26, 36, the swinging motion of each operating arm 45, 55 can be converted into the translational motion of the corresponding operating units 20, 30. The actuator 41 is controlled to alternately extend and retract, thereby driving the connecting rod 44 to perform an oscillating swing motion. The control of the actuator 41 must ensure that the suction unit 22 reliably reaches the target. Figure 2 The solid line indicates the first terminal position and the dashed line indicates the second terminal position. For this purpose, a sensor 35 (such as...) fixed to the frame 11 is used. Figure 9 (As shown) The position of the detection execution arm 59 corresponds to the aforementioned terminal position.

[0064] The connecting swing shaft S is offset relative to the screen space 17 along the width direction B and is arranged on the outer side of the frame 11 opposite to the screen space 17. On the other hand, the shielding operation unit 30 is arranged on the inner side of the frame 11. The suction operation arm 45 passes around the frame 11 along the environmental side U, while the shielding operation arm 55 passes through the frame through-hole 14 in the frame 11. Since contaminants may enter through this through-hole, a movable operation element 15 is provided on the frame 11 along the operation direction L. This operation element partially covers the frame through-hole 14, especially in Figure 6A and 6BAs can be seen, the operating element 15 has an operating through-hole 16 through which the shielded operating arm 55 passes. The extension dimensions of the operating through-hole 16 in both the operating direction L and the through-direction D are smaller than those of the frame through-hole 14, thereby minimizing the risk of contamination and / or potential loss of cooling performance of the cooler 6. When the shielded operating arm 55 swings, the operating element 15 moves synchronously along the operating direction L, ensuring that the operating through-hole 16 is always in the correct position. In addition, the frame through-hole 14 is thus always kept well sealed.

[0065] Figure 7 A perspective view of a second embodiment of the cooling screen assembly 10 according to the present invention is shown, which is substantially the same as the first embodiment. However, in this embodiment, the guide element 26 is arranged in front of the suction unit 22 in the running direction L. Furthermore, in Figure 3 In the first embodiment shown, for clarity, part of the structure of frame 11 is omitted, which is in Figure 7 As shown in the diagram, the frame 11 has two elongated inlets 19 extending parallel to each other along the running direction L. One inlet 19 is located in front of the shaft pin 60, and the other is located behind the shaft pin 60. The inlets 19 are used to load or unload the two screen elements 64 of the screen 63. Due to their arrangement, there is no collision between the shaft pin 60 and the screen elements 64. Inside the frame 11, the screen elements 64 are guided by a guide rail type screen guide 18. Figures 2 to 4 For clarity, the middle part is also omitted.

[0066] Figure 8 A partial structure of a third embodiment of the cooling screen assembly 10 according to the present invention is shown. This embodiment is basically the same as the first embodiment. However, in this embodiment, the actuating arm 59 and the shielding operating arm 55 are integrated into a single structure. Furthermore, the suction operating arm 45 and the shielding operating arm 55 are provided with guide elements 46 and 56 as guide structures, while the suction operating unit 20 and the shielding operating unit 30 are provided with corresponding moving elements 27. The moving elements 27 may be designed as rollers.

[0067] Figure 9 A partial structure of a fourth embodiment of the cooling screen assembly 10 according to the present invention is shown. This embodiment is also basically the same as the first embodiment. However, in this embodiment, the suction operating arm 45 is designed as a telescopic structure. The outer arm 45.1 is connected to the shaft pin 60, while the inner arm 45.2 is slidably nested therein and connected to the suction operating unit 20 via the operating arm swing bearing 48. The shielding operating arm, not shown here, may have a similar or identical structure.

[0068] Figure Labels

[0069] 1. Agricultural machinery

[0070] 2. Vehicle body

[0071] 3. Harvesting device

[0072] 4. Material throwing bend

[0073] 5. Drive motor

[0074] 6. Cooler

[0075] 7. Vacuum source

[0076] 10. Cooling screen assembly

[0077] 11. Framework

[0078] 12, 13. Guide rails

[0079] 14. Frame through hole

[0080] 15. Running elements

[0081] 16. Running through hole

[0082] 17. Screen space

[0083] 18. Screen guide

[0084] 19. Maintenance opening

[0085] 20. Suction Operation Unit

[0086] 20.1, 30.1. Middle Section

[0087] 20.2, 30.2. Lateral segments

[0088] 21, 31. Rollers

[0089] 22. Suction component

[0090] 23. Suction hood

[0091] 24. Connection Interface

[0092] 25. Brush body components

[0093] 26, 36, 46, 56. Guide elements

[0094] 27, 47, 57. Shifting elements

[0095] 30. Shielded Operation Unit

[0096] 32. Shielding element

[0097] 35. Sensor

[0098] 40. Drive Unit

[0099] 41. Driver

[0100] 42, 43. Drive swing bearing

[0101] 44. Connecting rod

[0102] 45. Suction Operating Arm

[0103] 45.1, 45.2. Sub-arms

[0104] 48. Swing bearing of the running arm

[0105] 55. Shielded Operating Arm

[0106] 59. Execution arm

[0107] 60. Axle pin

[0108] 61. Connecting the oscillating bearing

[0109] 63. Sieve

[0110] 64. Screen element

[0111] 70. Cleaning Unit

[0112] A. Cooling airflow

[0113] B. Width direction

[0114] D. Direction

[0115] E. Screen surface or screen mesh plane

[0116] K. Cooler side

[0117] L. Direction of movement

[0118] S. Connecting the swing shaft

[0119] U. Environmental side

[0120] X. Longitudinal axis

[0121] Y. Lateral axis

[0122] Z. Vertical axis

Claims

1. A cooling screen assembly (10) for agricultural machinery (1), comprising: A frame (11) at least partially encloses a screen space (17), through which a cooling airflow (A) passes from the ambient side (U) to the cooler side (K) in the direction of flow (D), and the screen space can accommodate a screen (63) extending along the screen surface (E). The cleaning unit (70) for cleaning the screen (63) includes at least one operating unit (20, 30) which can translate along the operating direction (L) on the frame (11) and extend in the width direction (B) in a direction perpendicular to the operating direction (L); and The drive unit (40) includes a driver (41) and is configured to oscillate and drive at least one operating unit (20, 30) in the running direction (L). Its features are: The drive unit (40) includes a connecting rod (44) that can swing about a connecting swing axis (S) fixed relative to the frame (11) and is at least indirectly connected to the driver (41) for transmission. At least one of the operating arms (45, 55) of the connecting rod (44) is at least indirectly connected to the operating unit (20, 30) via transmission.

2. The cooling screen assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cleaning unit (70) has a suction operation unit (20) with a suction unit (22) for connection to a vacuum source (7). The suction unit is disposed on the environmental side of the screen surface (E). Preferably, the suction operation arm (45) of the connecting rod (44) extending along the environmental side of the screen surface (E) is at least indirectly connected to the suction operation unit (20) in a drive connection.

3. The cooling screen assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The connecting swing shaft (S) is offset relative to the screen space (17), preferably offset relative to the screen space (17) in the width direction (B), and / or disposed on the outer side of the frame (11) opposite to the screen space (17).

4. The cooling screen assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The cleaning unit (70) includes a shielded operation unit (30) equipped with a planar shielding element (32) disposed on the cooler side of the screen surface (E) opposite to the suction unit (22). The movement of the shielded operation unit (30) along the running direction (L) is forcibly coupled to the movement of the suction operation unit (20) through the drive unit (40).

5. The cooling screen assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The connecting rod (44) has a shielded operating arm (55), which is at least indirectly connected to the shielded operating unit (30) and preferably fixedly connected to the suction operating arm (45).

6. The cooling screen assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, At least one operating unit (20, 30) is supported on the frame (11) at both ends in the width direction (B) by its side portion (20.2).

7. The cooling screen assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, At least one operating arm (45, 55) and its corresponding operating unit (20, 30) work together through moving elements (27, 47, 57) and guiding elements (26, 36, 46, 56). The guiding elements (26, 36, 46, 56) define a moving track that extends at an angle to the running direction (L), and the moving elements (27, 47, 57) slide along this track.

8. The cooling screen assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, At least one operating arm (45, 55) is designed as a telescopic structure and is connected to the corresponding operating unit (20, 30) via a swing bearing (48).

9. The cooling screen assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The connecting rod (44) has an actuating arm (59) which is rotatably fixedly connected to at least one operating arm (45, 55) and is at least indirectly connected to the drive (41).

10. The cooling screen assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The driver (41) is designed as a linear driver.

11. The cooling screen assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The linear actuator (41) is oscillatingly connected to the frame (11) on one side and oscillatingly connected to the actuator arm (59) on the other side.

12. The cooling screen assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, At least one operating arm (45, 55), preferably a shielded operating arm (55), is guided through a frame through-hole (14) on the frame (11).

13. The cooling screen assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The running element (15) is movably disposed on the frame (11) along the running direction (L), the running element partially covers the frame through hole (14) and has a running through hole (16), the running arms (45, 55) are guided through the running through hole, and the running through hole (16) preferably extends in the running direction (L) in a dimension smaller than the frame through hole (14).

14. The cooling screen assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The frame (11) has at least one side inlet (19) through which at least one screen element (64) of the screen (63) can be introduced into the screen space (17), wherein the inlet (19) is preferably arranged on the side in the width direction (B) and extends in the running direction (L).

15. The cooling screen assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The frame (11) has two inlets (19) offset from each other along the running direction (L), wherein the connecting swing shaft (S) is arranged between the inlets (19) in the running direction (L).

16. An agricultural machine (1), comprising: A cooling screen assembly (10) has a frame (11) that at least partially encloses a screen space (17) through which a cooling airflow (A) passes from the ambient side (U) to the cooler side (K) in the passing direction (D), and the screen space can accommodate a screen (63) extending along the screen surface (E). The cleaning unit (70) for cleaning the screen (63) includes at least one operating unit (20, 30) which can translate along the operating direction (L) on the frame (11) and extend in the width direction (B) in a direction perpendicular to the operating direction (L); and The drive unit (40) includes a driver (41) and is configured to oscillate and drive at least one operating unit (20, 30) in the running direction (L). Its features are, The drive unit (40) includes a connecting rod (44) which is swayable about a connecting swing axis (S) fixed relative to the frame (11) and is at least indirectly connected to the driver (41) for transmission. At least one of the operating arms (45, 55) of the connecting rod (44) is at least indirectly connected to the operating unit (20, 30) via transmission.

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