Top-mounted unloader fold mechanism for combine harvester

Abstract

An agricultural combine (102) has an auger assembly (116) for unloading grain that includes first and second auger tubes (202, 204) each having a longitudinal axis and are pivotally connected with a hinge assembly (206). The auger tubes are pivotable between a first coaxial condition and a second condition in which the auger tubes form an angle. A folding linkage (208) connects the first and second auger tubes. The folding linkage includes a first link (402) pivotally connected to said first auger tube and a second link (406) pivotally connected to said second auger tube and a crank (410) connected to the first and second links at a movable pivot joint (412). An actuator (210) connected to the crank causes the folding linkage to pivot the auger tubes. The folding linkage and the actuator are positioned on top of the auger tubes.

Description

TOP-MOUNTED UNLOADER FOLD MECHANISM FOR COMBINE HARVESTERBACKGROUNDFIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to agricultural harvesters such as combines, and, more particularly, to auger assemblies used to unload grain in such combines.DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

[0002] An agricultural harvester known as a "combine" is historically termed as such because it combines multiple harvesting functions with a single harvesting unit, such as picking, threshing, separating, and cleaning. A combine includes a header which removes the crop from a field, and a feeder housing which transports the crop matter into a threshing rotor. The threshing rotor rotates within a perforated housing, which may be in the form of adjustable concaves and performs a threshing operation on the crop to remove the grain. Once the grain is threshed it falls through perforations in the concaves onto a grain pan. From the grain pan the grain is cleaned using a cleaning system, and is then transported to a grain tank onboard the combine. When the grain tank becomes full, the combine is positioned adjacent a vehicle into which the grain is to be unloaded, and an unloading system on the combine is actuated to transfer the grain into the vehicle.

[0003] Typical unloading systems for combines involve unloading augers that are formed from first and second tubes with rotatable augers inside that can be actuated to move grain longitudinally through the tubes. The tubes are pivoted to the combine so that they may be displaced laterally relative to the movement of the combine to an unload position in which grain is deposited in a wagon or other vehicle for transport. When the unloading function is completed, the auger tubes are retracted to a fold position in which the first auger tube is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the combine and the second auger tube is bent to an angle about a hinge so that its free end is maintained within the overall configuration of the combine to reduce the overall length of the combine. The auger tubes are displaced between the fold and unload position by either an electric actuator or a hydraulic cylinder to swing the second auger tube to its unload position. The actuator is connected to a foldingmechanism situated beneath the unloader tube. One such unloading system is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 9,609,805 entitled "Folding Auger Assembly for an Agricultural Harvester."

[0004] When the combine is operating in the field, the forces of gravity and the bouncing motion caused by movement through the field can induce distortions in the hinge assembly. These distortions can lead to the formation of a gap at the top of the hinge, giving the unloader tube a sagging appearance and potentially causing crop leakage. The presence of the folding mechanism mounted beneath the tube can exacerbate this issue, further widening the gap at the top of the hinge. This can potentially increase the risk of grain leakage.

[0005] It is an advantage of the present invention that an improved unloading auger folding mechanism is provided.BRIEF SUMMARY

[0006] One aspect of the invention is directed to an agricultural combine having a chassis supporting a grain tank and an auger assembly for unloading grain from the grain tank. The auger assembly includes first and second auger tubes each having a longitudinal axis and are pivotally connected to one another with a hinge assembly. The auger tubes are pivotable between a first condition in which said auger tubes are coaxial and a second condition in which the second auger tube forms an angle with the first auger tube such that the second auger tube is positioned adjacent a rear portion of the chassis. A folding linkage connects the first and second auger tubes. The folding linkage includes a first link pivotally connected to said first auger tube and a second link pivotally connected to said second auger tube and a crank connected to the first and second links at a movable pivot joint. An actuator is connected to the crank, wherein the actuator causes the folding linkage to pivot the auger tubes between the first and second conditions. The folding linkage and the actuator are positioned on top of the first and second auger tubes.

[0007] This summary is provided to introduce concepts in simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the disclosed or claimed subject matter and is not intended to describe each disclosed embodiment or every implementation of the disclosed or claimed subject matter. Specifically, features disclosed herein with respect to one embodiment may be equally applicable to another. Further, this summary is not intended to be used as an aid indetermining the scope of the claimed subject matter. Many other novel advantages, features, and relationships will become apparent as this description proceeds. The figures and the description that follow more particularly exemplify illustrative embodiment.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] To easily identify the discussion of any particular element or act, the most significant digit or digits in a reference number refer to the figure number in which that element is first introduced.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a side view of an embodiment of an agricultural harvester in the form of a combine with an unloading auger of the present invention;

[0010] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an unloader folding mechanism in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

[0011] FIG. 3 is another perspective view of the unloader folding mechanism of FIG. 2;

[0012] FIG. 4 is a plan view of the unloader folding mechanism in an unloading condition;

[0013] FIG. 5 is a plan view of the unloader folding mechanism in a folded condition; and

[0014] FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of the unloader folding mechanism of FIG. 2.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] The invention will now be described in the following detailed description with reference to the drawings, wherein preferred embodiments are described in detail to enable practice of the invention. Although the invention is described with reference to these specific preferred embodiments, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to these preferred embodiments. But to the contrary, the invention includes numerous alternatives, modifications and equivalents as will become apparent from consideration of the following detailed description. Many of the fastening, connection, processes and other means and components utilized in this invention are widely known and used in the field of the invention described, and their exact nature or type is not necessary for an understanding and use of the invention by a person skilled in the art, and they will not therefore be discussed in significant detail. Also, any reference herein to the terms "left" or "right" are used as a matter of mere convenience and are determined by standing at the rear of the machine facing in its normal direction of travel. Furthermore, the various components shown or described herein for anyspecific application of this invention can be varied or altered as anticipated by this invention and the practice of a specific application of any element may already by widely known or used in the art by persons skilled in the art and each will likewise not therefore be discussed in significant detail.

[0016] As used herein, the singular forms following "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. As used herein, the term "may" with respect to a material, structure, feature, or method act indicates that such is contemplated for use in implementation of an embodiment of the disclosure, and such term is used in preference to the more restrictive term "is" so as to avoid any implication that other compatible materials, structures, features, and methods usable in combination therewith should or must be excluded. As used herein, the term "configured" refers to a size, shape, material composition, and arrangement of one or more of at least one structure and at least one apparatus facilitating operation of one or more of the structure and the apparatus in a predetermined way.

[0017] As used herein, any relational term, such as "first," "second," "top," "bottom," "upper," "lower," "above," "beneath," "side," etc., is used for clarity and convenience in understanding the disclosure and accompanying drawings, and does not connote or depend on any specific preference or order, except where the context clearly indicates otherwise. Also, the terms "forward", "rearward", "left" and "right", when used in connection with the disclosure and / or components thereof are usually determined with reference to the direction of forward operative travel, but again, they should not be construed as limiting. The terms "longitudinal" and "transverse" are determined with reference to the fore-and-aft direction and are equally not to be construed as limiting.

[0018] As used herein, the term "about" used in reference to a given parameter is inclusive of the stated value and has the meaning dictated by the context (e.g., it includes the degree of error associated with measurement of the given parameter, as well as variations resulting from manufacturing tolerances, etc.). As used herein, the term "substantially" in reference to a given parameter, property, or condition means and includes to a degree that one skilled in the art would understand that the given parameter, property, or condition is met with a small degree of variance, such as within acceptable manufacturing tolerances. By way of example,depending on the particular parameter, property, or condition that is substantially met, the parameter, property, or condition may be at least 90.0% met, at least 95.0% met, at least 99.0% met, or even at least 99.9% met.

[0019] The term "grain' is used principally throughout this specification for convenience, but it is to be understood that this term is not intended to be limiting. Thus "grain" refers to that part of the crop material which is threshed and separated from the discardable part of the crop material.

[0020] Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIG. 1, there is shown an agricultural harvester in the form of a combine 102, which generally includes a chassis 104 supported by ground engaging wheels 106 and tracks 108 and an operator cab 110. Motive force is selectively applied to tracks 108 through a power plant in the form of a diesel engine and a transmission (not shown). Although the illustrated combine 102 is shown as including half-tracks 108 and wheels 106, is also to be understood that combine 102 may include full tracks or drive wheels as are known in the art. A feeder house 112 receives cut crop material from a harvesting header (not shown) and delivers the cut crop material to known threshing, separating, and cleaning systems (not shown) of the combine 102. The clean grain is delivered by the cleaning system to a temporary storage grain tank 114 carried by the combine 102. The clean grain is discharged from the grain tank 114 through an unloading auger assembly 116. The unloading auger assembly 116 is pivotally connected to the combine 102 so as to deliver clean grain to an adjacent grain cart (not shown) as is known in the art. The unloading auger assembly 116 has an unloader folding mechanism 118 that positions a portion of the unloading auger assembly 116 adjacent a rear portion 120 of the chassis 104 as will be explained below.

[0021] Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, the unloading auger assembly 116 is made of a first auger tube 202 and a second auger tube 204. The auger tubes 202, 204 contain a longitudinally extending auger (not shown) to convey crop material along the axis of the tubes. The second auger tube 204 is pivotally connected to the first auger tube 202 by a hinge assembly 206 and the unloader folding mechanism 118. The unloader folding mechanism 118 comprises a folding linkage 208 controlled by an actuator 210. The auger tubes 202, 204 each come with end sections 212, 214, respectively. End sections 212, 214 each have plates 216,218 which are pivotally interconnected at the junction between end sections 212, 214 by a hinge pin 220. Duplicate plates are found on the top and bottom portions of the end sections 212, 214.

[0022] Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, there is shown plan views looking down from above the combine 102 of the first and second auger tubes 202, 204 and the unloader folding mechanism 118 that is configured to pivot the second auger tube 204 relative to the first auger tube 202. The auger tubes 202, 204 are positioned between two conditions, the first of which is an unloading position as shown in FIG. 4. As can be seen, in the unloading condition the end section 212 of the first auger tube 202 is configured to mate with the end section 214 of the second auger tube 204. In this condition, the auger tubes 202, 204 are coaxial as indicated by axis A of auger tube 202 and axis B of auger tube 204 and provide a path for grain to be unloaded from the grain tank 114 of the combine 102. In FIG. 5 the second auger tube 204 is pivoted and indicated by axis B to an angle in what is known as a folded condition to reduce the overall length that the unloading auger assembly 116 extends beyond the chassis 104 of the combine 102. In the folded condition, the first auger tube 202 extends alongside the combine 102 and the second auger tube 204 is folded to be maintained within the width of the combine 102 and align with behind a rear end of the chassis 104. Thus, the first and second auger tubes 202, 204 each have longitudinal axes A and B and are pivotally connected to one another such that the auger tubes may pivot between the first condition in which the auger tubes 202, 204 are coaxial and the second condition in which the auger tubes 202, 204 form an angle less than 180 degrees. The auger tubes 202, 204 are displaced between the first and second conditions by the folding linkage 208 as controlled by the actuator 210. As shown in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 5, the folding linkage 208 is such that the folding linkage 208 can move the second auger tube 204 by an amount greater than 90°, but other angles close to or less than a right angle may be employed. The auger tubes 202, 204 are generally maintained in the folded position, except when grain is being discharged from the grain tank 114, in which case the auger tubes 202, 204 are pivoted to be coaxial for discharging grain and the unloading auger assembly 116 is pivoted to a position generally laterally from the combine102.

[0023] The folding linkage 208 comprises a first link 402 having a distal end 404 pivotally connected to the first auger tube 202 and a second link 406 having a distal end 408 pivotally connected to the second auger tube 204. Opposite ends of the first and second links 402, 406 are connected to a crank 410 at pivot joint 412. In the illustrated embodiment, the actuator 210 utilizes a conventional hydraulic cylinder 414 and piston rod 416. The hydraulic cylinder 414 is connected to the first auger tube 202 at an appropriate location. The longitudinally displaceable rod 416 of the actuator 210 is connected to an offset edge 418 of the crank 410. However, one skilled in the art will understand that the actuator 210 can use other means to move the actuating rod 416 using sound engineering judgment. The crank 410, as shown, has a generally triangular shape with one point of the crank 410 forming the pivot joint 412, one point of the crank 410 forming the offset edge 418 and one point of the crank secured to the first link 402.

[0024] Movement of the second auger tube 204 from the first condition as shown in FIG. 4 to the second condition as shown in FIG. 5 is effected by extending the rod 416 to push the crank 410 toward and partially past the end section 212 of the first auger tube 202. This causes the first link 402 to pivot about its distal end 404 displacing the movable pivot joint 412. The second link 406 is shaped with a neck 502 so that displacement of the pivot joint 412 causes the second link 406 to pivot the second auger tube 204 about the hinge pin 220 connecting the plates 216, 218 at the end sections 212, 214.

[0025] With the unloader folding mechanism 118 positioned on top of the auger tubes 202 204, the unloader folding mechanism 118 counteracts the effects of gravity and field bouncing that are more pronounced and lead to deformations in the hinge assembly 206 when the unloader folding mechanism 118 is positioned below the auger tubes 202, 204. With the unloader folding mechanism 118 at the top, any minor distortions that occur are less likely to result in a gap at the top of the hinge assembly 206. This may reduce sagging of the unloading auger assembly 116 and significantly decreases the potential for crop leakage from any gap formed. Furthermore, it is believed that the illustrated design inherently resists the widening of any gaps that might form between the end sections 212, 214 thereby providing a more robust and reliable solution for the unloading auger assembly 116.

[0026] Turning also now to FIG. 6, the crank 410 is formed with an upper plate 602 and a lower plate 604 that sandwich portions of the first link 402 and second link 406. Thus, the rod 416, crank 410, first link 402 and second link 406 are in line with a plane 606 as illustrated in FIG. 6 and not stacked on top of each other, thereby providing for a lower profile assembly, which is desirable due to height constraints placed on combines 102.

[0027] The foregoing has broadly outlined some of the more pertinent aspects and features of the present invention. These should be construed to be merely illustrative of some of the more prominent features and applications of the invention. Other beneficial results can be obtained by applying the disclosed information in a different manner or by modifying the disclosed embodiments. Accordingly, other aspects and a more comprehensive understanding of the invention may be obtained by referring to the detailed description of the exemplary embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. An agricultural combine 102 having a chassis 104 supporting a grain tank 114 and an auger assembly 116 for unloading grain from the grain tank, wherein the auger assembly comprises: first and second auger tubes 202, 204 each having a longitudinal axis and pivotally connected to one another with a hinge assembly 206, the first and second auger tubes pivotal between a first condition in which the auger tubes are coaxial and a second condition in which the second auger tube forms an angle with the first auger tube such that the second auger tube is positioned adjacent a rear portion 120 of the chassis; a folding linkage 208 connecting the first and second auger tubes, the folding linkage including a first link 402 pivotally connected to the first auger tube and a second link 406 pivotally connected to the second auger tube and a crank 410 connected to the first and second links at a movable pivot joint 412, and an actuator 210 connected to the crank, wherein the actuator causes the folding linkage to pivot the auger tubes between the first and second positions; wherein the folding linkage and the actuator are positioned on top of the first and second auger tubes.

2. The agricultural combine of claim 1 wherein in the first condition an end section 212 of the first auger tube mates with an end section 214 of the second auger tube such that the auger tubes are coaxial and provide a path for grain to be unloaded from the grain tank of the combine.

3. The agricultural combine of claim 2 wherein a longitudinally displaceable rod 416 of the actuator is connected to an offset edge 418 of the crank.

4. The agricultural combine of claim 3 the crank has a shape with one point of the crank forming the pivot joint, one point of the crank forming the offset edge and one point of the crank secured to the first link.

5. The agricultural combine of claim 4 wherein movement of the second auger tube from the first condition to the second condition as shown is effected by extending the rod to push the crank toward and partially past the end section of the first auger tube, thereby causing the first link to pivot about its distal end 404 to displace the movable pivot joint, thereby causing the second link to pivot the second auger tube about a hinge pin 220 connecting the end sections of the first and second auger tubes.

6. The agricultural combine of any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the crank is formed with an upper plate 602 and a lower plate 604 that sandwich portions of the first link and second link.

7. The agricultural combine of any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein the actuator, the crank, the first link and the second link are in line in a common plane.

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