U.S. patent application number 10/731664 was filed with the patent office on 2005-06-09 for rotary accelerating apparatus for a vertical straw and chaff spreader of an agricultural combine.
Invention is credited to Ricketts, Jonathan E., Schmidt, James R..
Application Number | 20050124400 10/731664 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34574710 |
Filed Date | 2005-06-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050124400 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Schmidt, James R. ; et
al. |
June 9, 2005 |
ROTARY ACCELERATING APPARATUS FOR A VERTICAL STRAW AND CHAFF
SPREADER OF AN AGRICULTURAL COMBINE
Abstract
Rotary accelerating apparatus for a vertical crop residue
spreader of an agricultural combine capable of receiving, combining
and accelerating a relatively high velocity of voluminous flow of
relatively heavy, bulky crop residue including straw and the like
deflected downwardly from the thresher of the combine, and a
weaker, less voluminous flow of chaff and air from the cleaning
system of the combine located forwardly of the spreader, by
generating a negative pressure or suction condition in the vicinity
of the chaff flow for overcoming any undesirable back pressure
condition that interferes with induction of the crop residue flow
from the cleaning system and which facilitates air flow through the
chassis region of the combine to reduce conditions leading to
undesirable dust buildup and other problems.
Inventors: |
Schmidt, James R.; (Blue
Grass, IA) ; Ricketts, Jonathan E.; (Viola,
IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CNH AMERICA LLC --ISSUED PATENTS
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAW DEPARTMENT
PO BOX 1895, M.S 641
NEW HOLLAND
PA
17557
US
|
Family ID: |
34574710 |
Appl. No.: |
10/731664 |
Filed: |
December 9, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
460/111 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01D 41/1243
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
460/111 |
International
Class: |
A01F 012/30 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. Rotary crop residue accelerating apparatus for a vertical side
discharge crop residue spreader for an agricultural combine,
comprising: a rotatable member mountable in an upwardly and
forwardly open housing of the spreader for rotation therein in a
predetermined rotational direction about a generally forwardly and
rearwardly extending rotational axis through a center of the
rotatable member; and a plurality of blades connected to and
supported by the rotatable member at angularly spaced locations
around the rotational axis, respectively, for rotation with the
rotatable member within the housing adjacent to a forwardly and
upwardly facing opening thereof through which a downwardly directed
first flow of crop residue is to be received, each of the blades
having a surface oriented to face in the rotational direction for
propelling and accelerating the crop material flow through and from
the housing, and each of the blades including a forward surface
portion disposed to rotate adjacent to a forwardly facing portion
of the opening through which a second flow of crop material is to
be received, the first surface portion including a radial outer tip
portion that extends radially outwardly and forwardly from the
blade and has a shape and orientation which during the rotation
will generate a negative pressure condition in a region forwardly
of the forwardly facing opening of the housing for inducting the
second flow into the housing therethrough.
2. Rotary crop residue accelerating apparatus of claim 1, wherein
the radial outer tip portion of each of the blades is curved or
bent so as to extend forwardly in the rotational direction and
terminates at an edge portion spaced in the rotational direction
from the surface of the blade.
3. Rotary crop residue accelerating apparatus of claim 1, wherein
the radial outer tip portion of each of the blades includes a
radially inner edge portion which tapers forwardly and radially
outwardly to a forwardmost edge portion of the outer tip
portion.
4. Rotary crop residue accelerating apparatus of claim 1, wherein
the radial outer tip portion of each of the blades is curved or
bent so as to extend forwardly in the rotational direction and
terminates at an edge portion spaced in the rotational direction
from the surface of the blade and oriented at an acute angle
relative to the rotational direction greater than zero and less
than about 40 degrees.
5. Rotary crop residue accelerating apparatus of claim 4, wherein
the edge portion is oriented at from about a 30 to 40 degree angle
relative to the rotational direction.
6. Rotary crop residue accelerating apparatus for a crop residue
spreader of an agricultural combine, the spreader including a
forwardly and upwardly open enclosure for receiving a downward flow
of straw from threshing apparatus of the combine and a lower,
rearward flow of lighter chaff and air from a cleaning system of
the combine, the crop residue accelerating apparatus comprising: a
hub mountable on a rotatable member of the spreader for rotation
therewith in a predetermined rotational direction about a generally
forwardly and rearwardly extending rotational axis; a plurality of
blades connected to and supported by the hub at angularly spaced
locations around the axis, respectively, for rotation with the hub,
each of the blades having a surface oriented to face in the
rotational direction including a forward surface portion, a
rearward surface portion, and a mounting portion therebetween, the
forward surface portion terminating at a forward axial edge that
extends radially outwardly and forwardly from about the hub to a
forwardly extending radial outer tip portion, the radial outer tip
portion having a curve or angled shape so as to extend forwardly
and toward the rotational direction and terminating at an edge
portion spaced in the rotational direction from the surface of the
blade, for generating a negative pressure condition in a region
located immediately forwardly of the blade when rotated in the
rotational direction for inducting the rearward flow of chaff and
air into a path of rotation of the blades so as to mix with the
flow of straw and be accelerated by the rotating blades through and
radially outwardly from the spreader.
7. Rotary crop residue accelerating apparatus of claim 6, wherein
the radial outer tip portion of each of the blades includes a
radially inner edge portion which tapers forwardly and radially
outwardly to a forwardmost edge portion of the outer tip
portion.
8. Rotary crop residue accelerating apparatus of claim 6, wherein
the radial outer tip portion adjacent to the edge portion thereof
is oriented at an acute angle relative to the rotational direction
greater than zero and less than about 40 degrees.
9. Rotary crop residue accelerating apparatus of claim 8, wherein
the radial outer tip portion adjacent to the edge portion is
oriented at from about a 30 to 40 degree angle relative to the
rotational direction.
10. A vertical crop residue spreader for an agricultural combine,
comprising: a housing having a forwardly and upwardly facing
opening for receiving a downward flow of straw from threshing
apparatus of the combine and a lower, rearward flow of lighter
chaff and air from a cleaning system of the combine; at least one
crop residue accelerating apparatus supported for rotation within
the housing, the crop residue accelerating apparatus including a
central hub drivingly rotatable in a predetermined rotational
direction about a rotational axis therethrough oriented generally
horizontally or at a small acute angle to horizontal; a plurality
of blades connected to and supported by the hub at angularly spaced
locations around the axis, respectively, for rotation with the hub,
each of the blades having a surface oriented to face in the
rotational direction including a forward surface portion, a
rearward surface portion, and a mounting portion therebetween, the
forward surface portion terminating at a forward axial edge that
extends radially outwardly and forwardly from about the hub to a
forwardly extending radial outer tip portion, the radial outer tip
portion being curved or angled so as to extend forwardly and toward
the rotational direction and terminating at an edge portion spaced
in the rotational direction from the surface of the blade, for
generating a negative pressure condition in a region located
immediately forwardly of the blade when rotated in the rotational
direction for inducting the rearward flow of chaff and air into a
path of rotation of the blades so as to mix with the flow of straw
and be accelerated by the rotating blades through and radially
outwardly from the spreader.
11. The spreader of claim 10, wherein the radial outer tip portion
of each of the blades of the crop residue accelerating apparatus
includes a radially inner edge portion which tapers forwardly and
radially outwardly to a forwardmost edge portion of the outer tip
portion.
12. The spreader of claim 10, wherein the radial outer tip portion
adjacent to the edge portion of each of the blades is oriented at
an acute angle relative to the rotational direction greater than
zero and less than about 40 degrees.
13. The spreader of claim 12, wherein the radial outer tip portion
adjacent to the edge portion is oriented at from about a 30 to 40
degree angle relative to the rotational direction.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] This invention relates generally to a vertical straw and
chaff spreader for an agricultural combine, and more particularly,
to rotary crop residue accelerating apparatus for a vertical
spreader including blades having features for improving induction
of chaff and air into the spreader from a cleaning system of the
combine and improving air flow through the combine chassis, for
mixing with a flow of heavier straw from above and accelerating and
discharging the mixture sidewardly from the spreader.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Rotary crop residue spreaders for agricultural combines are
well known in the art. Commonly, such spreaders are of the
horizontal type, that is, they include one or more horizontal disks
supported for rotation about an axis oriented vertically or at a
small acute angle to vertical, and a plurality of radially
extending blades attached to an upper surface of the disk for
receiving straw from the threshing system of the combine and/or
chaff from the cleaning system and directing a flow of the residue
sidewardly and/or rearwardly from the spreader. Reference in this
regard, the spreaders shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,406,368; 6,343,986;
and 6,209,808. Reference also U.S. Pat. No. 4,591,102 which
discloses a horizontal chaff spreader including blades rotatable in
a horizontal plane above a base plate for receiving crop residue
blown and/or dropped from above and accelerating and discharging
the residue through sidewardly directed chutes. An advantage of the
known horizontal crop residue spreaders is that the crop residue,
be it straw and/or chaff, essentially falls from above into the
spreader such that induction and mixing of the crop residue for
acceleration and discharge from the spreader is not problematic.
However, a disadvantage of the known horizontal type crop residue
spreaders such as those disclosed above, include that they have a
relatively large forward to rearward horizontal extent, and must be
located beneath an outlet or other pathway of crop residue from the
spreader, for instance, a rear opening to a cleaning system of the
combine, so as to make access to the cleaning system and other
components in the rear of the combine inconvenient and more
difficult than is desirable.
[0003] To overcome the above referenced disadvantages, it is
desired to utilize a vertical spreader, that is, one including
accelerating apparatus or elements that rotate in a vertical plane,
or a plane oriented at only a small acute angle to vertical, about
a rotational axis oriented horizontally or at a small acute angle
to horizontal generally less than about 45 degrees, and located in
a rear opening of a combine. It is also desired for the spreader to
be to movable away from the opening to allow access to the cleaning
system and other components in the rear of the combine. However, by
using the vertical orientation, the spreader must have the
capability for simultaneously receiving or inducting both the
heavier, bulkier crop residue discharged from the threshing
mechanism of the combine, which heavier residue typically includes
straw, husks, cobs, stems, and the like and is typically propelled
rearwardly by a rapidly rotating and powerful beater or straw
walker and is deflected downwardly toward the rear opening of the
combine, and the lighter, fluffier, and less bulky chaff which
includes pod fragments and the like which are separated by the
cleaning system from the grain or other crop and blown much more
gently rearwardly toward the rear opening.
[0004] More particularly, typically, the straw and other heavier,
bulkier crop residue is blown or propelled rearwardly from the
threshing region with considerable force, and then is deflected
downwardly toward the rear opening. In contrast, the chaff and
other crop residue from the cleaning system is propelled much less
forcefully, using air flow from a fan, as it is not desired for the
grain or other crop, which is relatively lightweight, to be blown
out of the rear opening and lost. It is typical to desire for the
crop residue to be spread relatively evenly over the swath of the
combine as it moves along a field, it being possible for a swath to
have an extent of 40 feet or more for some large farming
operations. Therefore, for a vertical spreader including two
counter-rotating crop accelerating elements, it would be expected
for each element to be capable of propelling crop residue a
distance equal to about one-half of the combine swath, or up to as
much as 20 feet or so, in the instance of the larger combines. To
achieve such a propulsion requirement, it is necessary for the
rotary accelerating apparatus to be rotated at a relatively high
rotational speed. It is also desirable for blades or other
impellers of the rotary accelerating apparatus to be sufficiently
large for handling anticipated volumes of crop residue,
particularly the bulkier material from the thresher. However,
vertical crop residue spreaders including rapidly rotating rotary
accelerating apparatus having such relatively large blades have
been found to generate an undesirable back pressure condition
forwardly of the blades in the region for receiving and inducting
the chaff from the cleaning system, which results in a build-up of
crop residue in that region and even blow back of crop residue into
the cleaning system area. Also, a less than desirable degree or
level of rearward flow of air through the rear opening of the
combine may be achieved, which can cause an undesirable dust
buildup in the more forward chassis region of the combine.
[0005] Still another variable to be factored when using a vertical
spreader which is not as problematic for a horizontal spreader is
the size and rearward extent of the rear wheels of the combine.
That is, some combines have driven rear wheels and/or may be larger
machines so as to require larger rear wheels that extend rearwardly
to beside the rear opening of the combine. As a result, for the
sideward discharge of the spreader to pass the larger rear wheels
it may be required to tilt the spreader rearwardly to an
orientation at an angle to vertical. This can result in at least
the lower portion of the spreader being located farther rearwardly
of or in the rear opening, such that desired air and chaff flow
characteristics into the spreader are more difficult to
achieve.
[0006] Thus, what is sought is apparatus that overcomes the
problems, shortcomings and disadvantages set forth above.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] What is disclosed is rotary accelerating apparatus for a
vertical crop residue spreader of an agricultural combine, that is
capable of receiving, combining and accelerating a relatively high
velocity of voluminous flow of relatively heavy, bulky crop residue
including straw and the like deflected downwardly from the thresher
of the combine, and a weaker, less voluminous flow of chaff and air
from the cleaning system of the combine located forwardly of the
spreader, by generating a negative pressure or suction condition in
the vicinity of the chaff flow for overcoming any undesirable back
pressure condition that interferes with induction of the crop
residue flow from the cleaning system and which facilitates air
flow through the chassis region of the combine to reduce conditions
leading to undesirable dust buildup and other problems.
[0008] According to one aspect of the invention, the rotary crop
residue accelerating apparatus includes a rotatable member
mountable in an upwardly and forwardly open housing of the spreader
for rotation therein in a predetermined rotational direction about
a forwardly and rearwardly extending rotational axis oriented
generally horizontally or at a small acute angle to horizontal and
extending through a center of the rotatable member. The apparatus
includes a plurality of blades connected to and supported by the
rotatable member at angularly spaced locations around the
rotational axis, respectively, for rotation with the rotatable
member within the housing adjacent to a forwardly and upwardly
facing opening thereof through which a downwardly directed first
flow of crop residue is to be received, each of the blades having a
surface oriented to face in the rotational direction for propelling
and accelerating the crop material flow through and from the
housing, and each of the blades including a forward surface portion
disposed to rotate adjacent to a forwardly facing portion of the
opening through which a second flow of crop material is to be
received, the first surface portion including a radial outer tip
portion that extends radially outwardly and forwardly from the
blade and has a shape and orientation which during the rotation
will generate a negative pressure condition in a region forwardly
of the forwardly facing opening of the housing for inducting the
second flow into the housing therethrough.
[0009] According to a preferred aspect of the invention the radial
outer tip portion of each of the blades is curved or bent so as to
extend forwardly in the rotational direction and terminates at an
edge portion spaced in the rotational direction from the surface of
the blade. According to another preferred aspect the radial outer
tip portion of each of the blades includes a radially inner edge
portion which tapers forwardly and radially outwardly to a
forwardmost edge portion of the outer tip portion. According to
another aspect the radial outer tip portion adjacent to the edge
portion or the edge portion itself is oriented at an acute angle
relative to the rotational direction greater than zero and less
than about 40 degrees and more preferably at an angle from about 30
to about 40 degrees relative to the rotational direction.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 is a fragmentary, simplified representation of a rear
end of an agricultural combine, including a vertical straw and
chaff spreader including rotary accelerating apparatus according to
the present invention;
[0011] FIG. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of the
spreader and rotary accelerating apparatus of FIG. 1, illustrating
crop residue flow into and out of the spreader;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a front view of the spreader and rotary
accelerating apparatus of FIG. 1, showing crop residue flow;
[0013] FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary side representation of the
rear end of the combine and the spreader of FIG. 1, illustrating
crop residue flow into the spreader;
[0014] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of rotary accelerating
apparatus of FIG. 1;
[0015] FIG. 5B is a perspective view of an alternative rotary
accelerating apparatus of the invention;
[0016] FIG. 6 is an enlarged side view of the accelerating
apparatus of FIG. 5B;
[0017] FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of the accelerating
apparatus of FIG. 5B; and
[0018] FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective representation of another
rotary accelerating apparatus of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0019] Referring now to the drawings, wherein preferred embodiments
of the present invention are shown, in FIG. 1, a rear end 10 of a
typical self-propelled agricultural combine 12 is shown, including
a rotary crop residue spreader 14 including rotary crop residue
accelerating apparatus 16 constructed and operable according to the
teachings of the present invention. Briefly, combine 12 includes a
threshing mechanism 18 which separates straw, including stalks,
cobs, stems, weeds and other larger plant matter, from the
harvested crop, and feeds that material to a rotating straw walker
or beater mechanism 20 which carries or propels a flow 22 of the
straw rearwardly, denoted by arrows A through an internal duct of
combine 12 and against a deflector plate 24, which helps deflect
the flow 22 downwardly, denoted by arrows B, into spreader 14. At
the same time, cleaning apparatus 26 of combine 12 separates chaff,
such as seed pods and husks, from the threshed grain, using a
rearwardly and upwardly directed flow of air from a forwardly
located fan (not shown) and blows and directs a flow of the air and
chaff, denoted by arrows C, rearwardly toward spreader 14.
[0020] Referring also to FIGS. 2 and 3, wherein only spreader 14 is
shown, spreader 14 includes a housing 28 having a rear wall 30 and
side walls 32 and 34, defining and partially enclosing a pair of
side-by-side spaces 36, each including a crop residue accelerating
apparatus 16 for rotation therein in a predetermined rotational
direction, as denoted by arrows D. Housing 28 defines an upwardly
and forwardly open inlet region 38 positioned to receive the
generally downwardly extending flow of straw, denoted by arrows B,
and a forwardly and upwardly open region 40 positioned for
receiving the forward to rearward flow of chaff, denoted by arrows
C, such that rotation of crop residue accelerating apparatus 16 in
the rotational directions D will accelerate and discharge the flows
through opposite sidewardly facing openings 42, as denoted by
arrows E. Each crop residue accelerating apparatus 16 is mounted on
a rotatable shaft 44 for rotation therewith, each shaft 44
extending through an opening in rear wall 30 and being drivingly
connected to a motor 46, which can be, for instance, an electric
motor, fluid motor, or the like (FIG. 1), operable for rotating
shaft 44 and crop residue accelerating apparatus 16 for
accelerating and propelling or discharging the crop residue, as
denoted by arrows E, a desired distance from spreader 14.
[0021] In FIG. 4, rear end 10 of combine 12 is shown, to better
illustrate crop residue flow to spreader 14. Here, the downward
direction of flow 22, denoted by arrows B is better shown, as is
the rearward flow, denoted by arrows C of the chaff. The more
rearward of arrows C adjacent to spreader 14 are shown as enlarged
relative to the more forwardly located arrows C. This is to
represent the improved induction of the chaff flow into spreader
14, as achieved by the improved design of rotary accelerating
apparatus 16 according to the present invention, as will be
explained.
[0022] Referring also to FIG. 5A, which shows the crop residue
accelerating apparatus 16 of FIGS. 1-4, and FIGS. 5B, 6 and 7,
which show an alternative embodiment of the crop residue
accelerating apparatus 16, each apparatus 16 includes a central hub
48 which mounts on shaft 44 for rotation therewith in the
rotational direction D (FIGS. 2 and 3), about a rotational axis 50
of shaft 44. Hub 48 is preferably a tubular or hollow cylindrical
or similar shape member including a first axial end portion 52, a
second axial end portion 54 axially spaced from and opposite axial
end portion 52, and an axial hole 56 at least partially through hub
48 for receiving shaft 54. First axial end portion 52 preferably
includes a radially outwardly extending annular flange 58
therearound, supported by a plurality of axially extending ribs 60
connected to flange 58 and hub 48 at angularly spaced locations
therearound. A blade support member 62, preferably of sheet metal
construction, is mounted to flange 58 of first axial end portion 52
of hub 48 in a suitable manner such as by a plurality of bolts 64
which pass through holes in flange 58 and member 62, and which are
secured by nuts 66, for rotation with hub 48 about rotational axis
50. Member 62 preferably extends at least substantially around hub
48 and includes a plurality of arms 68 located at angularly spaced
locations around axis 50 and extending radially outwardly relative
to hub 48. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5A there is a pair of
arms 68 at each angularly spaced location, one arm 68 being
oriented so as to extend at a forwardly directed angle relative to
axis 50, and one arm 68 being oriented to extend at a rearwardly
directed angle. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5B, 6 and 7; in
contrast, only a single arm 68 is utilized at each location. Each
arm 68 preferably has a generally radially outwardly extending
leading edge portion 70, and a trailing edge portion 72 which is
angularly related to leading edge portion 70. In the embodiment of
FIGS. 5B, 6 and 7, each leading edge portion 70 includes an
elongate tab 74 oriented so as to have a surface facing the
rotational direction.
[0023] A blade 76 is suitably mounted to the arm or arms 68 at each
location around hub 48 so as to extend radially outwardly and
forwardly relative to hub 48. In the embodiment of FIG. 5A, blades
76 are shown welded to arms 68, whereas in the embodiment of FIGS.
5B, 6 and 7, blades 76 are attached by a plurality of bolts 64
which pass through holes in tabs 74 and are secured by nuts 66. In
both embodiments, either bolts or welds can be used for attachment.
Each blade 76 has a surface 78 oriented to face in the rotational
direction (arrows D) and including a first axial edge 80, and a
second axial edge 82 opposite edge 80, edges 80 and 82 extending
generally radially outwardly relative to rotational axis 50,
and-each blade 76 including an intermediate or mounting portion 84
preferably located intermediate or in spaced relation between edges
80 and 82.
[0024] Surface 78 of each blade 76 is relatively large and includes
a first surface portion 86 extending from first axial edge 80
generally or about to mounting portion 84, and a second surface
portion 88 extending generally or about from mounting portion 84 to
second axial edge 82. First surface portion 86 is positioned to be
in the downward path of the flow of straw denoted by arrows B
(FIGS. 1-4) and also in or just rearwardly of region 40 (FIGS. 2-4)
so as to be in or adjacent to the rearward flow of chaff denoted by
arrows C. Second surface portion 88 is positioned to be directly in
the downward path of the flow of straw denoted by arrows B.
[0025] As a result of the relatively large extent of blades 76, the
relatively fast rotational speed of rotation, and the volume and
force of the downward straw flow denoted by arrows B, it has been
observed that back pressure can be generated in region 40 (FIGS.
2-4) forwardly of accelerating apparatus 16, which back pressure
can be sufficient to inhibit and significantly reduce the chaff and
air flow denoted by arrows C into spreader 14. As a result, the
chaff and other crop residue can build up in the area of the rear
opening of the combine, thereby reducing the efficiency of the
cleaning system, and the intended spreading function of spreader
14. Additionally, it is desirable to have a forward to rearward
flow of air through the chassis region of the combine for cooling
and dust control purposes, which flow is also reduced or inhibited
by the back pressure conditions, and can result in dust buildup on
surfaces in the chassis.
[0026] To counter this problem, first surface portion 86 of each
blade 76 has a forward radial outer tip portion 90 thereof which,
importantly, during rotation of the crop residue accelerator 14
counteracts and eliminates the positive pressure or back pressure
condition generated by blades 76, and instead, generates a negative
pressure or suction condition in region 40. As a result, instead of
inhibiting or rejecting the chaff flow C, the shape of blades 76
function as a fan or impeller for positively inducting or pulling
the chaff and air flow into the path of blades 76. This is achieved
by the shape and orientation of outer tip portion 90. Tip portion
90 has a gently angled or curved shape which extends forwardly and
toward the direction of rotation D from surface portion 86 to a
radially extending outermost edge portion 92 spaced from surface
portion 86 in the direction of rotation D. Edge portion 92 of tip
portion 90 is preferably oriented at a small acute angle to the
rotational direction as determined in the vicinity of the
respective tip portion 90 so as to generate a rearward air flow
during the rotation, which angle can be within a range of from just
a few degrees to up to about 40 degrees, depending on the
conditions of a particular application.
[0027] As a result, the lighter flow of chaff denoted by arrows C
inducted into the path of the rotating blades 76 by the negative
pressure condition generated by tip portions 90 is mixed with the
flow of the heavier straw. The large axial and radial outward
extents of blades 76, provides a large surface area for receiving
the straw and chaff for mixing them and accelerating the mix
outwardly from spreader 14 in a relatively wide discharge pattern
for distributing it over a desirably large area of a field.
[0028] The construction of blades 76 and the attachment to arm or
arms 68 also results in a favorable resultant force loading on
blades 76 and distribution or transfer of the force loads to arms
68. More particularly, blades 76 are shaped and sized, and mounting
portions 84 thereof are located, such that the flow of straw
denoted by arrows B, which is relatively heavy and powerful, is
directed more toward and propelled by the stronger and better
supported region of each blade 76 which primarily includes second
surface portion 88 and mounting portion 84. In this regard, it
should be observed that the single or pair of arms 68 are generally
aligned with about the center of the path of the heavier flow of
straw. In the embodiment of FIG. 5A, the use of a pair of angularly
related arms 68, one of which extends more forwardly, provides
better support for the forwardly located first surface portion 86
and tip portion 90 of the blade. In the embodiment of FIGS. 5B, 6
and 7, the central region 96 of second surface portion 88 of each
blade 76 is backed up and supported by tab 74 of arm 68. In both
mounting arrangements the result is to advantageously strengthen
central region 96 and better transfer resulting loads thereon to
arm or arms 68. It should also be noted that rear wall 30 of
housing 28 includes an optional deflector plate 98 positioned for
deflecting or guiding more rearwardly located portions of the flow
of straw B forwardly toward blades 76.
[0029] Second axial edges 82 of blades 76 are positioned in
sufficiently close axially spaced relation to deflector plate 98
(FIG. 4) and rear wall 30 such that apparatus 16 is able to contact
and carry the straw into space 36 such that the straw has less of a
tendency to build up in the rear regions of spreader 14. Still
further, it should be noted that the extent of blade support
members 62 between adjacent ones of blades 76 provides at least a
partial barrier to keep longer plant material from wrapping around
blades 76 and hub 48.
[0030] Referring to FIG. 8, another rotary crop accelerating
apparatus 100 constructed and operable according to the teachings
of the present invention is shown, like parts of accelerating
apparatus 100 and apparatus 16 being identified by like numbers.
Crop residue accelerating apparatus 100 includes a central hub 48
which mounts on a shaft of a motor 46 (FIG. 1) which can be, for
instance, an electric motor, fluid motor, or the like, operable for
rotating the shaft and crop residue accelerating apparatus 100 in a
rotational direction, denoted by arrows D (FIG. 2 and 3) for
accelerating and propelling or discharging the crop residue a
desired distance from spreader 14 as denoted by arrows E (FIG. 2).
Hub 48, again, is preferably a tubular or hollow cylindrical or
similar shape member including a first axial end portion 52, a
second axial end portion 54 axially spaced from an opposite axial
end portion 52, and an axial hole (not shown) for receiving the
shaft of motor 46. Also as before, first axial end portion 52 of
hub 48 includes a radially outwardly extending annular flange 58
therearound (FIGS. 6 and 7), supported by a plurality of axially
extending ribs 60 connected to flange 58 and hub 48 at angularly
spaced locations therearound. A generally planar or flat blade
support member 62 is mounted to flange 58, again in a suitable
manner, such as by a plurality of bolts for a rotation with hub 48
about a rotational axis 50. Member 62 preferably extends at least
substantially around hub 48, and includes a plurality of arms 68
located at angularly spaced locations around axis 50 and extending
radially outwardly relative to hub 48. Accelerating apparatus 100
is shown including the arm configuration of FIG. 5A wherein only a
single arm 68 is utilized at each location around hub 48, but the
dual arm configuration of FIGS. 5B, 6 and 7 could alternatively be
used. Again, each arm 68 preferably has a generally radially
outwardly extending leading edge portion 70, and a trailing edge
portion 72 which is angularly related to leading edge portion 70.
Each leading edge portion 70 includes an elongate tab 74 oriented
so as to have a surface facing the rotational direction. A blade
116 is mounted to each arm 68 so as to extend radially outwardly
relative to hub 48, preferably by a plurality of bolts 64 secured
by nuts or the like. Each blade 116 has a surface 78 oriented to
face in the rotational direction (arrows D in FIG. 2) and including
a first axial edge 80, and a second axial edge 82 opposite edge 80,
edges 80 and 82 extending generally radially outwardly relative to
rotational axis 50, and each blade 116 including an intermediate or
mounting portion 84 preferably located intermediate or in spaced
relation between edges 80 and 82.
[0031] Surface 78 of each blade 116 includes a first surface
portion 86 extending from first axial edge 80 generally or about to
mounting portion 84, and a second surface portion 88 extending
generally or about from mounting portion 84 to second axial edge
82, first surface portion 86 being positioned generally or
primarily adjacent to the path of the flow of chaff and air denoted
by arrows C (FIGS. 1-4), and a second surface portion 88 being
positioned primarily in the path of the flow of straw, denoted by
arrows B. First surface portion 86 of each blade 116 has a forward
radial outer tip portion 118 thereof which is gradually curved or
bent such that a radially extending outermost edge portion 92
thereof is oriented at small acute angle relative to the rotational
direction within the above range, which is important for achieving
the operational benefits set forth above, namely, the generation of
a negative pressure condition or suction in region 40 for drawing
or inducting chaff and air-flow C into the path of blades 116.
[0032] It will be understood that changes in the details,
materials, steps, and arrangements of parts which have been
described and illustrated to explain the nature of the invention
will occur to and may be made by those skilled in the art upon a
reading of this disclosure within the principles and scope of the
invention. The foregoing description illustrates the preferred
embodiment of the invention; however, concepts, as based upon the
description, may be employed in other embodiments without departing
from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following claims
are intended to protect the invention broadly as well as in the
specific form shown.
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