U.S. patent application number 10/309978 was filed with the patent office on 2004-06-10 for unloader tube cleaning system for harvesting apparatus.
Invention is credited to Pope, Glenn E..
Application Number | 20040110551 10/309978 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32298093 |
Filed Date | 2004-06-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040110551 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Pope, Glenn E. |
June 10, 2004 |
UNLOADER TUBE CLEANING SYSTEM FOR HARVESTING APPARATUS
Abstract
An air cleanout system is provided for a grain unloader tube for
a harvesting apparatus. The unloader tube has an auger therein and
a plurality of air nozzles located at least partially within the
unloader tube. The air nozzles have air outlets directed
substantially longitudinally within the tube to deliver air into
the tube to effect cleaning of grain and residue from the unloader
tube. A pressurized air manifold is flow-connected to the plurality
of air nozzles. The air nozzles comprise nozzle housings that
penetrate a wall of the unloader tube, the housings having a
tapered profile in an upstream direction within the tube to
minimize resistance to grain flow through the tube during normal
unloading operation. The nozzles are arranged longitudinally spaced
apart along the tube. The nozzles of the plurality can be
sequentially operated in a direction along the tube from an
upstream end toward a tube outlet.
Inventors: |
Pope, Glenn E.; (Viola,
IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
THE LAW OFFICES OF RANDALL T. ERICKSON, P.C.
425 W. WESLEY ST. SUITE 1
WHEATON
IL
60187
US
|
Family ID: |
32298093 |
Appl. No.: |
10/309978 |
Filed: |
December 4, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
460/119 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01D 41/1208 20130101;
B65G 2201/0202 20130101; B65G 45/005 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
460/119 |
International
Class: |
A01F 012/60 |
Claims
The invention claimed is:
1. In a grain unloader tube for a harvesting apparatus, the
unloader tube having an auger therein, the improvement comprising:
a plurality of air nozzles located at least partially within said
unloader tube, said air nozzles having air outlets directed
substantially longitudinally within said tube to deliver air into
said tube to effect cleaning of grain from the unloader tube;
pressurized air tubing that is flow-connected to said plurality of
air nozzles.
2. The improvement according to claim 1, wherein said air nozzles
comprise nozzle housings that penetrate a wall of said unloader
tube, said housings having a tapered profile in an upstream
direction within said tube to minimize resistance to grain flow
through said tube during normal operation.
3. The improvement according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of
nozzles is arranged longitudinally spaced apart along said
tube.
4. The improvement according to claim 1, wherein each of said
nozzles is located about 45 degrees up from a bottom of the tube,
said nozzles oriented with air outlets directed at about 10 degrees
downward from horizontal.
5. A method of cleaning grain from an unloader tube, the unloader
tube having an auger therein, and a tube outlet, comprising the
steps of: providing a plurality of air nozzles inside said tube,
said air nozzles of said plurality arranged longitudinally spaced
apart; and using said nozzles, directing air into said tube to move
grain from said tube and around said auger out of said tube
outlet.
6. The method according to claim 5, wherein said step of directing
air is further defined in that said nozzles of said plurality are
sequentially operated.
7. The method according to claim 6, wherein said nozzles of said
plurality are sequentially operated in a direction along the tube
from an upstream end toward said tube outlet.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention relates to harvesting apparatus, such as
combines. Particularly, the invention relates to a cleanout system
for an unloader tube of a grain compartment of a harvesting
apparatus.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Horticultural crops may be classified as edible crops,
inedible crops, genetically modified organisms (GMO's), non-GMO,
organic, pesticide-free, or in accordance with other crop
attributes. Inedible crops may include crops such as fiber, cotton
or rubber, for example. Genetically modified crops may include
vegetables that are genetically manipulated to hold their shelf
life longer than traditionally cultivated vegetables. Organic crops
are harvested from plants that are grown without exposure to
certain pesticides, herbicides or other chemicals.
[0003] Crops may be grown to specific crop attributes or
specifications. Crop attributes may be based on the genetic
composition of a crop, the growing practices for a crop, or both.
For example, a certain variety of corn may be grown that has
greater oil content than other varieties because of genetic or
environmental factors. Similarly, a certain variety of soybeans may
be grown that has a different protein content or other crop
attribute that is desirable. A processor, a pharmaceutical company,
a manufacturer or another concern may desire to purchase
agricultural products with specific crop attributes from a grower
or another supplier. The grower or supplier may wish to charge a
premium for crops with specific crop attributes compared to a
commodity-type crop. The purchaser of the agricultural product may
desire sufficient assurance that the agricultural product that is
being purchased actually possesses the crop attributes that are
sought.
[0004] A need exists to accurately identify crops with specific
crop attributes throughout the growing and distribution of crops
with specific crop attributes and any products derived therefrom.
Further, a purchaser of an agricultural product or a crop may
desire or demand the ability to trace the identity of the crop with
specific crop attributes to verify the presence of the crop
attributes, or the absence of undesired attributes, as a condition
for a commercial transaction.
[0005] Thus, there is a need to segregate crops during harvesting
such that no mixing of crops or crop residue with different
attributes occurs. Thus, after harvesting a crop, a harvesting
apparatus, such as a combine, is preferably cleaned each time
before its use in harvesting a subsequent crop having different
attributes.
[0006] The typical time and effort to completely remove all the
grain and residue from the combine is very long and the task
difficult. One of the more difficult problems in the cleanout
procedure is cleaning the horizontal unloader tube. There is
limited access and no effective method to inspect the tube for
adequate cleaning.
[0007] The present inventor has recognized that in order to ensure
segregation of crops with different attributes, it would be
desirable if the combine, particularly the unloader tube, could be
thoroughly cleaned of grain and residue between harvesting of crops
of different attributes.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The invention provides an air nozzle system and an air
nozzle design for use in cleaning areas of a harvesting
apparatus.
[0009] An exemplary embodiment of the invention provides an air
cleanout system for a grain unloader tube for a harvesting
apparatus, such as a combine. The unloader tube has an auger
therein and a plurality of air nozzles located at least partially
within the unloader tube. The air nozzles have air outlets directed
substantially longitudinally within the tube to deliver high
velocity air streams into the unloader tube to effect cleaning of
grain and residue from the unloader tube. A pressurized air
manifold is flow-connected to the plurality of air nozzles.
[0010] The air nozzles can comprise nozzle housings that penetrate
a wall of the unloader tube, the housings having a tapered profile
in an upstream direction within the tube to minimize resistance to
grain flow through the tube during normal unloading operation.
[0011] The nozzles are arranged longitudinally spaced apart along
the tube. The nozzles are preferably located about 45 degrees up
from a bottom of the tube, the nozzles being oriented with air
outlets directed at about 10 degrees downward from horizontal.
[0012] A method of cleaning grain from an unloader tube is provided
including the steps of: providing a plurality of air nozzles inside
the tube, the air nozzles of the plurality arranged longitudinally
spaced apart; and using the nozzles, directing air into the tube to
move grain from the tube and in and around the auger out of the
tube outlet.
[0013] The auger can be turned while the air is directed into the
unloader tube to assist in the cleaning operation.
[0014] The nozzles of the plurality can be sequentially operated,
and operated in groups of nozzles, in a direction along the tube
from an upstream end toward a tube outlet.
[0015] Numerous other advantages and features of the present
invention will be become readily apparent from the following
detailed description of the invention and the embodiments thereof,
from the claims and from the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1 is a schematic elevation view of a harvesting
apparatus that incorporates the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of the harvesting apparatus
of FIG. 1;
[0018] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a pressurized air cleaning
system of the invention;
[0019] FIG. 4 is a fragmentary perspective view of a portion of the
unloader tube;
[0020] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an air nozzle shown in FIG.
4;
[0021] FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken generally along line 6-6 in
FIG. 4; and
[0022] FIG. 7 is an enlarged, exploded perspective view, shown
partly in section, all of an alternate embodiment nozzle mounted to
the unloader tube.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0023] While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many
different forms, there are shown in the drawings, and will be
described herein in detail, specific embodiments thereof with the
understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an
exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not
intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments
illustrated.
[0024] FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a harvesting apparatus, such as an
agricultural combine 10. Such combines are of a type described for
example in U.S. Pat. No. 6,285,198, herein incorporated by
reference, and are also of the type commercially available as a
JOHN DEERE 9650 STS or 9750 STS combine. Although the invention is
being described as being incorporated into a rotary combine, it may
also be used on other combines, such as conventional straw walker
machines.
[0025] FIG. 1 shows an agricultural combine 10, also known as a
combine thresher. The combine 10 comprises a supporting structure
12 having ground engaging means 14 extending from the supporting
structure. A harvesting platform 16 is used for harvesting a crop
and directing it to a feederhouse 18. The harvested crop is
directed by the feederhouse 18 to a beater 20. The beater directs
the crop upwardly through an inlet transition section 22 to the
axial crop processing unit 24. The axial crop processing unit is
located between, and supported by the sidesheets of the
combine.
[0026] The axial crop processing unit 24 comprises an axial rotor
housing 26 and an axial rotor 28 located in the housing. The
harvested crop enters the housing through the inlet transition
section 22. The rotor is provided with an infeed portion, a
threshing portion and a separating portion. The rotor housing has a
corresponding infeed section, a threshing section and a separating
section.
[0027] Both crop processing portions, the threshing portion and the
separating portion, are provided with crop engaging assemblies. The
threshing section of the rotor housing is provided with a concave
and the separating section is provided with a grate. Grain and
chaff released from the crop mat falls through the concave and the
grate. The concave and grate prevent the passage of crop material
larger than grain or chaff from entering the cleaning system
34.
[0028] As illustrated in FIG. 1, grain and chaff falling through
the concave and grate is directed to cleaning system 34 which
removes the chaff from the grain. The clean grain is then directed
by a clean grain elevator 36 to a fountain auger 38. The fountain
auger 38 directs the grain into a grain tank or grain compartment
40. The clean grain elevator 36 and the fountain auger 38 comprise
a means for moving the clean grain from the grain floor of the
combine to a storage bin formed by the grain tank 40. The grain is
removed from the grain tank 40 by unloading auger 57. As the straw
reaches the end of the crop processing unit it is expelled through
an outlet to a beater 46. The beater 46 propels the straw out the
rear of the combine. The operation of the combine is controlled
from the operator's cab 48.
[0029] When the clean grain compartment is to be unloaded,
transverse unloading augers 56 and 58 direct the grain to the side
of the compartment where it comes into contact with an unloading
auger 57 which directs the clean grain through a vertical unloading
tube 61 and a horizontal unloading tube 59. The auger 57 includes a
vertical section 57a, at least partially within the tube 61, a
right angle gear 57b, and a horizontal section 57c within the tube
59. During an unloading operation, tube 59 would normally be
extended outwardly from the side of the combine so that clean grain
can be more readily directed into a wagon or truck.
[0030] The grain compartment 40 includes a trough 60, which
includes a major trough region 70 and a minor trough region 72 that
house the horizontal augers 56, 58, respectively. The trough 60 is
open to a charge housing or sump 64. The vertical auger section 57a
extends through the vertical tube 61 and into the sump 64. The
grain which is fed through the trough horizontally by the
horizontal augers 56, 58 is delivered into the sump 64 and is
removed by the vertical auger section 57a through the tube 61, and
by the horizontal auger section 57c through the tube 59.
[0031] FIG. 3 illustrates in schematic fashion an air cleaning
system 90 of the invention. An air supply 100 delivers pressurized
air into a manifold 102 via a quick connect coupling 103.
Alternatively, a threaded or other type coupling can be used. The
air supply 100 can be external to the combine 10. The manifold 102
includes branch lines 104 that deliver air to stationary nozzles
106 or alternate nozzles 306 (as described below). A shutoff valve
105 is provided in each branch line 104. As described below,
pressurized air is provided to the nozzles 106, 306 to clean grain
and residue from the tube 59.
[0032] To enhance the cleaning operation, the auger 57, including
the horizontal auger section 57c, is slowly turned by a rotary
power system 112. A rotary power system 112 for slowly turning the
auger 57 during cleanout is described in more detail in U.S.
application Ser. No. ______, filed on the same day as the present
application, and identified by attorney docket No. 6301 P0070US,
herein incorporated by reference.
[0033] The rotary power system includes a 12 volt DC motor 138
that, when activated during cleanout operation, drives a pulley 140
that drives a belt 142. The belt 142 drives a pulley 144 that
drives a sprocket 146 that in normal grain unloading operation is
driven at high speed by the combine drivetrain. The sprocket 146
drives a chain 148 that drives a sprocket 150 that drives a right
angle gear 152 that turns the auger 57. During cleanout operation,
the relatively small motor 138 drives the auger 57 at a slow
speed.
[0034] FIG. 4 illustrates the horizontal unloader tube 59 in
perspective cross-section. One nozzle 106 is shown. The nozzle 106
includes a nozzle body 207 that delivers pressurized air to a
nozzle element 208 having a discharge orifice 209. The nozzle body
207 extends into the tube 59 and the nozzle element 208 is opened
toward a downstream end of the tube 59. The nozzle 106 is located
at an angle G up from a 0 degree bottom of the tube 59. Preferably
the angle G is approximately 45 degrees. The orifice 209 of the
nozzle element 208 is directed downwardly at approximately an angle
H. The angle H is preferably about 10 degrees.
[0035] One nozzle 106 is illustrated in FIG. 5. The nozzle body 207
includes a base block portion 207a and an inside block portion
207b. A slot 207c is formed in the base block portion 207a adjacent
to the inside block portion 207b at an upstream end of the nozzle
body 207. At a downstream end of the base block portion 207a the
inside block portion 207b overhangs the base block portion 207a. A
clamp bracket 220 is fastened with a bolt 222 to a downstream face
207d of the base block portion 207a. A gap 207e is formed between a
bottom surface of the inside block portion 207b and a top surface
of the bracket 220. The bracket includes a slot 120a for sliding
the bracket 220 tight against a combine wall 223, such as the wall
of the unloader tube 59, before the bolt 122 is tightened. An
alternate design for the nozzle includes a plastic, snap-in nozzle
body shaped similarly to the aforementioned nozzle body, including
the base block portion and the inside portion formed as a unitary
structure, that requires no clamping hardware.
[0036] As shown in FIG. 6, the nozzle 106 includes the nozzle
element 208 which is threaded into an opening 228 in the inside
block portion 207b. A through bore 232 is plugged with a weld plug
234 after its formation through the base block portion 207a and the
inside block portion 207b. The through bore 232 connects to the
opening 228. The nozzle element 208 can be installed using an Allen
wrench to thread the element 208 into the opening 228 in the nozzle
body 207. An inlet bore 238 extends substantially perpendicular to
a bottom face of the base block portion 207a and intersects the
through bore 232. The inlet bore 238 is threaded to accept an air
supply fitting.
[0037] The inside block portion 207b is tapered to form an inclined
top surface 244 that increases in distance from the inside surface
of the tube 59 in the direction of grain flow 248. Because of this
taper, the nozzle body 207 is protected from undue wear from
impingement by grain, and also plugging of the unloader auger with
grain due to grain flow drag or interference within the tube is
also prevented.
[0038] The nozzle 106 is installed onto, and into, a rectangular
opening 250 in the wall 223. The slot 107c receives a portion of
the wall 223 and the bracket 220 is slid against the wall 223 and
the bolt 222 is tightened to capture the wall 223. The inside block
portion of 107b is effectively inside the wall 223 and the base
block portion 107a is effectively outside the wall 223. According
to the exemplary embodiment, the nozzle body 107 extends into the
tube 59 approximately 12 mm and clears the auger flights by about 4
mm.
[0039] FIG. 7 illustrates an alternate nozzle 306. The nozzle 306
includes a nozzle body 307 having a threaded, tubular base portion
307a and a threaded tubular inside portion 307b, separated by a
wrench-engageable block 308. The base portion 307a receives a
threaded, pressurized air connection (not shown). The inside
portion 307b is inserted through a hole 310 in the auger tube 59.
The inside portion 307b also passes through a hole 311 formed
through a mounting plate 59a that is welded to the tube 59. A lock
nut 312 and a hex cap 314 are threaded onto the inside portion 307b
to clamp the nozzle 306 to the plate 59a. The hex cap 314 includes
an orifice 316, and the inside portion 307b includes a triangular
slot 318. By selecting the position of the hex cap 314 along the
length of the inside portion 307b, the effective size of the air
opening through the orifice 316 from inside the inside portion 307b
can be adjusted. The lock nut 312 is then positioned along the
inside portion 307b to clamp the plate 59a against the hex cap
314.
[0040] By use of this nozzle 306, the orientation of the orifice
316 inside the tube 59 can be easily changed by loosening the lock
nut 312 and reorienting the body 307. Preferably, the orifice is
positioned at about 1-2 mm above the inside surface of the tube
59.
[0041] The air cleaning system 90 was tested on an unloader tube of
a JOHN DEERE 9750 STS combine, having an inside diameter of about
13 inches, and a length of about 20 feet. Four groups A, B, C, D of
four nozzles 306 were used, each group served by a separate branch
line 104 and shutoff valve 105. Given the length of the tube 59,
the nozzle spacing was equal to about 14 inches (about 350 mm)
along the tube 59. The nozzles each had an effective {fraction
(3/32)} inch diameter orifice 316 that was located at the angle G
on the tube 59 (see FIG. 4) equal to about 45 degrees, and aimed
downwardly at the angle H (see FIG. 4) equal to about 10 degrees.
While the horizontal auger section 57c was slowly turned, the
groups A, B, C, D of nozzles 306 were sequentially charged with
pressurized air at about 80 psig, from group A, the nozzles 306
closest to the right angle gear 57b, to group D, the nozzles 306
closest to an open end 59a of the tube 59, for a period of about 10
seconds for each group A, B, C, D. Very effective cleaning results
were achieved.
[0042] A method of the invention for cleaning grain from an
unloader tube is provided includes the steps of: providing a
plurality of fixed air nozzles 106, 306 inside the tube 59, the air
nozzles of the plurality arranged longitudinally spaced apart; and
using the nozzles, directing air into the tube to move grain along
the tube, and in and around the auger 57c, and out of the tube
outlet 59a.
[0043] The nozzles of the plurality can be sequentially operated,
and operated in groups A, B, C, D of nozzles, in a direction along
the tube 59 from an upstream end adjacent to the right angle gear
57b toward the tube outlet 59a. Preferably, each group of nozzles
should be operated for about 30 seconds to ensure complete
cleaning.
[0044] To enhance the cleaning operation, the horizontal auger
section 57c can be slowly turned while the nozzles 106, 306 are
operated, i.e., discharging high velocity air streams into the tube
59.
[0045] From the foregoing, it will be observed that numerous
variations and modifications may be effected without departing from
the spirit and scope of the invention. It is to be understood that
no limitation with respect to the specific apparatus illustrated
herein is intended or should be inferred. It is, of course,
intended to cover by the appended claims all such modifications as
fall within the scope of the claims.
* * * * *