U.S. patent application number 11/304333 was filed with the patent office on 2006-06-15 for stepped grate for an agricultural combine.
Invention is credited to Kelvin Eugene Bennett, Serge Deleersnyder, Jonathan E. Ricketts.
Application Number | 20060128451 11/304333 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35657947 |
Filed Date | 2006-06-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060128451 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ricketts; Jonathan E. ; et
al. |
June 15, 2006 |
Stepped grate for an agricultural combine
Abstract
A grate for an agricultural combine includes curved grate
segments, each of which include mounting holes in at least one end
segment. To provide a threshing grate, the end segments of the
grate segments are offset to provide a "step", or discontinuity in
the radius of the assembled grate, which improves the threshing
efficiency of the combine. The step can be provided by offsetting
mounting holes between adjacent grate segments, and securing the
grates to a frame member.
Inventors: |
Ricketts; Jonathan E.;
(Viola, IL) ; Bennett; Kelvin Eugene; (Geneseo,
IL) ; Deleersnyder; Serge; (Oostkamp, BE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CNH AMERICA LLC
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAW DEPARTMENT
PO BOX 1895, M.S. 641
NEW HOLLAND
PA
17557
US
|
Family ID: |
35657947 |
Appl. No.: |
11/304333 |
Filed: |
December 15, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10896569 |
Jul 22, 2004 |
|
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11304333 |
Dec 15, 2005 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
460/59 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01F 12/26 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
460/059 |
International
Class: |
A01F 12/00 20060101
A01F012/00 |
Claims
1-14. (canceled)
15. An apparatus for threshing grain comprising: a rotor provided
in a rotor housing; a threshing grate located between the rotor and
the housing, the threshing grate comprising at least a first and a
second curved grate member each grate member comprising first and
second curved side members extending between first and second
rectangular end members, at least one of the end segments of the
first grate member abutting at least one of the end segments of the
second grate member to form a grate having a radius extending
substantially around the rotor, the end segment of each of the
first and second grate members including a mounting tab extending
away from the grate member, the first grate member being offset
from the second grate member at the abutment surface to provide a
step in the radius of the grate at which one of the first and
second grate members is radially closer to the rotor than the other
of the first and second grate members and; a frame member having
first and second end segments, first and second parallel curved
sides extending between the first and second end segments, and at
least one longitudinally-extending mounting bar extending between
the first and second parallel curved sides at a location between
the first and second end segments, the area between each of the
first and second end segments and the longitudinally-extending
mounting bar being sized and dimensioned to receive one of the
first and second grate members, wherein the
longitudinally-extending mounting bar includes includes downwardly
extending tabs including aperatures for coupling the first grate
member and the second grate member to the frame.
16. The apparatus as defined in claim 15 wherein the mounting tabs
at the first and second grate members each comprise a plurality of
apertures.
17. (canceled)
18. The apparatus as defined in claim 15, wherein mounting tabs at
the end segments of each of the first and second grate members
includes an aperture for mounting the grate member to the
longitudinally extending mounting bracket.
Description
[0001] This divisional application claims priority under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn. 120 from co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No.
10/896,569 filed on Jul. 22, 2004 by Ricketts et al. with the same
title, the full disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by
reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates generally to rotary combines. It
relates particularly to an improved grate system in a rotary
combine for more effectively separating grain and MOG (material
other than grain) after it passes through the combine's threshing
concave.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Agricultural combines for harvesting and threshing of crop
materials are well known in the art. Typically, agricultural
combines includes a crop harvesting apparatus which reaps planted
grain stalks, and an infeed mechanism arranged at the forward end
of the combine to feed the grain stalks to a separating apparatus.
The separating apparatus acts on the crop materials to thresh and
separate grain from material other than grain (MOG).
[0004] Threshing takes place between an elongated rotor assembly
and a cylindrical housing which encases the rotor assembly. The
rotor assembly includes a cylindrical rotor drum having a plurality
of threshing elements radiating from it. The threshing elements are
mounted on the outer skin of the rotor, and may take the form of
rasp bars which can be, for example, arranged in a helical path
around the rotor, fastened to the outer skin of the rotor on
suitably configured brackets.
[0005] The separating apparatus typically includes an axially
elongated pierced casing or cage surrounding a rotor. Between the
upstream and downstream ends of the separating apparatus, the crop
materials are repeatedly threshed as the cage spirals around the
large diameter rotor. Suitable instrumentalities on the rotor
cooperate with an axially elongated threshing section on the lower
portion of the casing to thresh the crop materials such that most
of the grain will be separated and propelled downwardly through the
threshing section. The threshing section of the casing or cage is
comprised, at least in part, by a series of side-by-side
semi-cylindrical perforated concaves and semi-cylindrical grates.
The rotor cooperates with the semicylindrical concaves and
semicylindrical grates to thresh the crop materials such that most
of the grain will be separated and propelled downwardly through the
concaves and grates.
[0006] During this process, the primary separation of grain from
MOG is provided in the concave area. Here, the crop materials
including both grain and MOG are compressed, and then rotated
around the cage area, such that the easily-removed grain is
threshed from the MOG. The crop material mix progresses to the
semicylindrical grate area, where additional threshing is performed
to separate additional remaining grain from MOG.
[0007] While prior art axial combines have been largely successful
in separating grain, a significant portion of grain remains in the
crop mix after the grating process. There remains a need,
therefore, for an improved threshing system for separating grain
from other material.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] In one aspect, the present invention provides a grate
assembly for an agricultural combine. The grate assembly includes a
first and a second grate member, each grate member having first and
second ends and first and second curved sides. At least one of the
end members of each grate member includes a mounting hole sized and
dimensioned to receive a coupling element. The mounting hole in the
first grate member is offset from the mounting hole in the second
grate member such that, when the grate members are aligned and a
coupling member is positioned between the mounting holes, the
adjacent members provide a substantially semi-circular grate
assembly in which the radius is discontinuous, forming a step.
[0009] In another aspect of the invention, a separating grate for
an agricultural combine is provided. The separating grate includes
a frame having first and second offset end members, first and
second semi-circular side members extending between the offset end
members, and a longitudinally-extending mounting bracket extending
between the first and second semi-circular side members. The
longitudinally-extending mounting bracket includes at least one
mounting aperture. The separating grate further includes a first
and a second grate member sized and dimensioned to be received in
the frame between the first end member and the
longitudinally-extending mounting bracket. The grate members each
include first and second ends and first and second curved sides. At
least one of the end members of each of the first and second grate
member includes a mounting aperture for mounting the respective
grate member to the longitudinally-extending mounting bracket. The
mounting aperture in each of the first and second grate member is
offset from the top of the respective end member by a different
selected distance, such that when the first and second grate
members are positioned in the frame member, the grate assembly
includes a radius which is stepped at the interface between the
first and second grate members.
[0010] In yet another aspect of the invention, an apparatus for
threshing grain comprises a rotor provided in a rotor housing and a
separating grate located between the rotor and the housing. The
separating grate comprises at least a first and a second curved
grate member, each grate member comprising first and second curved
side members extending between first and second rectangular end
members. In the separating grate, at least one of the end segments
of the first grate member abuts at least one of the end segments of
the second grate member to form a grate having a radius extending
substantially around the rotor. The first grate is offset from the
second grate at the abutment surface to provide a step in the
radius of the separating grate at which one of the first and second
grate members is radially closer to the rotor than the other of the
first and second grate members.
[0011] These and other aspects of the invention will become
apparent from the following description. In the description,
reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part
hereof, and in which there is shown a preferred embodiment of the
invention. Such embodiment does not necessarily represent the full
scope of the invention and reference is made therefore, to the
claims herein for interpreting the scope of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view, partially broken away, of an
agricultural rotary combine.
[0013] FIG. 2 is partial side view of a separating apparatus for a
rotary combine.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a rotor assembly and
threshing cage constructed in accordance with the present
invention.
[0015] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a frame for constructing the
separating grate assembly of FIG. 3.
[0016] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a first grate member for
receipt in the frame of FIG. 4.
[0017] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a second grate member for
receipt in the frame of FIG. 4.
[0018] FIG. 7 is a partial close-up view of the separating grate
assembly mounted to the rotor as shown in FIG. 3.
[0019] FIG. 8 is a rear view of the rotor assembly of FIG. 3 as
assembled in a combine.
[0020] FIG. 9 is a rear view of a rotor assembly of a typical prior
art combine taken from the same angle as FIG. 8.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0021] Referring now to the figures and more particularly to FIG.
1, a typical self-propelled rotary combine 10 in which the grate of
the present invention can be used is shown. The combine 10 includes
a longitudinal or fore-and-aft extending frame 11 that includes a
body or housing 12 defining an internal open area or space 13 and
which is supported on front drive wheels 14 and steerable rear
wheels 16. The combine 10 is powered by an engine (not shown) and
controlled from an operator's station 18. A crop harvesting
apparatus or header 20 and an infeed mechanism 22 are attached at a
forward end of the combine. The infeed mechanism 22 feeds crop
materials to a rotor assembly 24 enclosed within housing 12.
[0022] Referring now to FIG. 2, the rotor assembly 24 threshes and
separates the crop materials presented into grain and material
other than grain (MOG). As shown, the rotor assembly 24 is mounted
in the internal area 13 defined by housing 12 and comprises an
elongated and generally cylindrical member 26 in the form of a
rotor casing or cage having a rotor 28 mounted for rotation therein
and about a fixed axis 30. Between the upstream and downstream ends
of the rotor assembly 24, the crop material is threshed repeatedly
as it spirals around the single large diameter rotor 28 and grain
is permitted to pass through the bored or pierced threshing cage
26. In a conventional manner, suitable instrumentalities mounted on
the periphery of the rotor 28 cooperate respectively with
semicylindrical concaves 34 and semicylindrical grates 36 provided
along the lower portion of the threshing cage 26 to thresh the crop
materials such that most of the grain will be separated and
propelled downwardly through the concaves 34 and grates 36.
[0023] Most of the grain drops onto a grain pan 38. The grain is
conveyed rearwardly from the pan 38 by an auger mechanism 40 for
subsequent cleaning and collection. Straw, tailings and other waste
material (collectively, mog) is impelled rearwardly out of the
discharge end 32 of the rotor assembly 24 where a rotary beater 42
throws the straw and other waste material rearwardly from the
combine.
[0024] The combine further includes a cleaning system for cleaning
chaff, straw, tailings and other foreign material from the grain.
As is well known, the cleaning system includes a cleaning fan 44, a
chaffer sieve 46, a grain sieve 48 and a clean grain collector 50.
A suitable auger mechanism 52 directs clean grain from the
collector 50 into a hopper (not shown).
[0025] Referring now to FIG. 3 a rotor assembly 24 constructed in
accordance with the present invention is shown. As described above
the rotor assembly includes a rotor 28 which is provided in a
threshing cage including semicircular concaves 34 and separating
grates 36. The rotor 28 includes a plurality of rasps 25 for
threshing grain from a crop mat. The semicircular concaves 34 and
grates 36 have a radius greater than the rotor 28, and surround at
least a portion of the rotor 28 such that, when the rotor is
rotated, crop materials are threshed between the rotor 28 and the
threshing concaves 34 and grates 36. Referring now specifically to
the grate construction, the grate 36 comprises a frame 54 in which
a plurality of grate members 82 and 84 are coupled. Referring now
also to FIG. 4 the frame 54 comprises first and second end segments
56 and 62 and curved rib or side members 57, 58, and 59 which
extend between the end segments 56 and 62. The end segment 56
comprises a mounting bracket for mounting the frame 54 to a rotary
case assembly. Each of the semicircular rib members 58 includes a
plurality of downwardly extending mounting tabs 80 including
apertures for mounting the frame 54 to a rotary case assembly. A
longitudinally extending bracket member 64 extends between pairs of
adjacent semicircular rib members 57 and 58 and 58 and 59,
respectively, and includes downwardly extending tabs 65 including
apertures 67 for coupling the grate members 82 and 84 in the frame
54 as described below. Although three side members 57, 58, and 59
are shown, the number of side members provided in the frame 54 can
vary depending on the number of grate members used in the threshing
operation.
[0026] Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, grate members 82 and 84,
which are sized and dimensioned to be received in the frame 54 are
shown. Each of the grate members 82 and 84 include a first end
member 66, a second end member 70, and substantially parallel
curved side member 74 and 76 extending between the end members 66
and 70. The radius of curvature of the side members 74 and 76 is
substantially equivalent to that of the side members 57, 58, and 59
of the frame 54 described above. Between the end members 66 and 70
and side members 74 and 76, the grate construction is formed by a
combination of parallel, longitudinally extending bar members 72
and transversely extending rib members 68. The bar members 72
extend between the end members 66 and 70, and are substantially
parallel to the side members 74 and 76. The rib members 68 extend
across the respective grate 82, 84 from side member 74 to side
member 76. Each of the rib members 68 and bar members 72 are
substantially evenly spaced to provide the grid or grate
construction. While a grid or grate construction of individual
crossed members 68 and 72 is shown, various other methods of
producing the grate construction, including piercing a plurality of
apertures in a plate, can also be used.
[0027] Referring still to FIGS. 5 and 6, the end members 66 and 70
of each of the grate members 82 and 84 include mounting apertures
86 and 88, respectively, for mounting the grate members 82 and 84
to the frame 54 (see FIG. 7). A distance 92 between the top edge of
the end segment 66 of the grate member 82 and the mounting hole 86
(see FIG. 5) is smaller than a distance 94 between the top of the
end segment 66 and the mounting hole 88 in the grate member 84 (see
FIG. 6). When installed in the frame 54, as shown in FIG. 8, this
difference in location between the mounting holes 86 and 88 causes
a "step" to be provided in the radius between the adjacent grate
members 82 and 84.
[0028] Referring now to FIG. 7, as described above, the grate
members 82 and 84 are shown coupled to the frame member 54 to form
the separating grate 36. The first grate member 82 is shown mounted
between rib members 57 and 59, and includes mounting apertures 86
which are provided at the distance 92 (see FIG. 5) from the top of
the end members 66 and 70. The second grate member 84 is provided
between rib members 57 and 58 (FIG. 4) and includes the mounting
aperture 88 which is offset at the second distance 94 (see FIG. 6)
and which, therefore, provides a "step" in the radius of the
assembled grate 36.
[0029] FIG. 8 illustrates a rear view of the rotor assembly 28
grates illustrating the relative position of grate members 82 and
84 the cage assembly constructed in accordance with the present
invention for comparison to a typical prior art assembly 110
illustrated in FIG. 9. Referring first to the typical prior art
assembly 110 shown in FIG. 9, a separating grate 115 is radically
offset from and substantially equidistant to a rotor 120. Referring
now to FIG. 8 and the separating grate 36 constructed in accordance
with the present invention, a discontinuity in the radial distance
from the rotor 28 to the grate 36 is produced as a "step". Here, on
the left hand side, the grate member 82 follows a radius of
curvature substantially equidistant from the rotor 28. On the right
hand side, the grate member 84 is offset from the grate member 82
such that the discontinuity or "step" is formed. At the step, the
distance between the rotor 28 and the grate 36 is decreased, such
that the grate member 84 is closer to the rotor 28 then the grate
member 82.
[0030] While the invention has been described as providing a single
step, it will be apparent that grates having a plurality of steps
could be constructed in a similar manner. Moreover, the size of the
steps can be easily varied by changing the reparation distance
between the grates.
[0031] It should be understood that the methods and apparatuses
described above are only exemplary and do not limit the scope of
the invention, and that various modifications could be made by
those skilled in the art that would fall under the scope of the
invention. To apprise the public of the scope of this invention,
the following claims are made:
* * * * *