U.S. patent application number 14/844938 was filed with the patent office on 2017-03-09 for self-locking hinge mechanism.
The applicant listed for this patent is CNH INDUSTRIAL AMERICA, LLC. Invention is credited to BRIAN P. CROW, ERIC L. WALKER.
Application Number | 20170064906 14/844938 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 58017402 |
Filed Date | 2017-03-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170064906 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
WALKER; ERIC L. ; et
al. |
March 9, 2017 |
SELF-LOCKING HINGE MECHANISM
Abstract
A self-locking hinge for agricultural machine panels includes a
receptacle configured to slidingly receive an insert along a
receiving axis. A hinge with fixed and movable portions and pivot
axis transverse to the receiving axis is connected to the insert. A
locking retainer is connected to the movable portion and engages an
opening in the receptacle as the movable portion is moved toward a
first position corresponding with panel closure. Engagement of the
locking retainer in the opening precludes movement of the insert
portion along the receiving axis. Moving the hinge in an opposite
direction disengages the locking retainer from the opening and
permits sliding movement of the insert. The locking retainer
further includes an arcuate surface configured to engage an edge of
the opening which may further be eccentrically arranged about the
hinge axis to enable the locking retainer to move the insert into a
desired position as the hinge is moved toward the first
position.
Inventors: |
WALKER; ERIC L.; (NARVON,
PA) ; CROW; BRIAN P.; (ROCK ISLAND, IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
CNH INDUSTRIAL AMERICA, LLC |
NEW HOLLAND |
PA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
58017402 |
Appl. No.: |
14/844938 |
Filed: |
September 3, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01D 75/00 20130101;
E05D 7/1061 20130101; E05D 11/1007 20130101; E05D 11/06 20130101;
Y10T 16/5408 20150115; A01D 75/20 20130101; E05D 7/1066 20130101;
E05D 3/02 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A01D 75/00 20060101
A01D075/00; E05D 3/02 20060101 E05D003/02; E05D 11/06 20060101
E05D011/06 |
Claims
1. A self-locking hinge assembly for an agricultural machine
comprising: a receiver portion; an insert portion configured to be
inserted into the receiver portion by movement along a receiving
axis; a movable connector hingedly connected to the insert portion
and pivotable about a pivot axis between generally opposing first
and second positions; and a locking member connected to the movable
connector for movement therewith, the locking member configured to
engage the receiver portion when the insert portion is engaged with
the receiver portion and the moveable connector is in the first
position, engagement thereof inhibiting movement of the insert
portion along the receiving axis, the locking member being
disengaged from the receiver portion when the hinge is in the
second position and allowing movement of the insert portion along
the receiving axis.
2. The hinge assembly of claim 1, wherein the pivot axis is
transversely aligned to the receiving axis.
3. The hinge assembly of claim 2, wherein the receiver portion
includes an opening transversely aligned with the receiving axis,
the locking member being configured to extend through the opening
to retain the insert portion in a fixed position relative to the
receiver portion.
4. The hinge assembly of claim 3, wherein the locking member
includes an arcuately shaped surface configured to engage an edge
of the opening as the moveable connector pivots.
5. The hinge assembly of claim 4, wherein the arcuately shaped
surface is eccentrically arranged about the pivot axis.
6. The hinge assembly of claim 5, wherein the eccentricity reduces
the radial separation between the pivot axis and the arcuately
shaped surface as the hinge is moved toward the first position.
7. A self-locking hinge assembly for an agricultural machine
comprising: a receptacle defined by a side wall affixed to the
machine, the receptacle having a receiving axis and at least one
opening in the side wall; an elongate insert portion having distal
and proximal ends, the insert portion configured to be slidingly
received by the receptacle by movement along the receiving axis and
positionable within the receptacle in at least an engaged position;
a hinge having a fixed and a movable portion, the fixed portion
connected to the proximal end, the moveable portion being moveable
between generally opposing first and second positions; and a
locking member connected to the movable portion for movement
therewith, the locking member configured to engage the at least one
opening when the insert portion is in the engaged position and the
hinge is in the first position, engagement thereof inhibiting
movement of the insert portion along the receiving axis, the
locking member being disengaged from the at least one opening when
the hinge is in the second position and allowing movement of the
insert portion along the receiving axis.
8. The hinge assembly of claim 7, wherein the hinge is movable
about a pivot axis transversely aligned to the receiving axis.
9. The hinge assembly of claim 8, wherein the locking member
includes an arcuately shaped surface configured to engage an edge
of the opening as the moveable connector pivots.
10. The hinge assembly of claim 9, wherein the arcuately shaped
surface is eccentrically arranged about the pivot axis.
11. The hinge assembly of claim 10, wherein the eccentricity
reduces the radial separation between the pivot axis and the
arcuately shaped surface as the hinge is moved toward the first
position.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to agricultural
machines having moveable panels to provide access to internal
areas, and, more particularly to a hinge mechanism that enables
easy removal of the access panel in one position while preventing
removal of the panel while in a second position.
[0002] Many harvesting machines and headers employ movable hoods or
panels to provide access to the machine internals. These panels are
typically hingedly connected to provide convenient access for
routine inspections. Oftentimes the panels are removable to afford
even greater access to the machine internals, such as for component
service or replacement. The conventional method for panel removal
involves detaching the hinges on which the panel swings from the
machine structure, typically secured by bolted connections. Panel
removal thus requires a time-consuming removal of multiple
fasteners. Furthermore, loose fasteners are easily misplaced which
adds further complication to reinstalling the panels.
[0003] It would be advantageous to provide an improved connection
for an access panel on an agricultural machine that would permit
hinged opening and closing of the panel for routine access as well
as allow the panel to be easily removed from the machine without
requiring tools for removal.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] Accordingly, the present invention, in any of the
embodiments described herein, may provide one or more of the
following advantages:
[0005] It is an object of the present invention to provide a
self-locking hinge for movable panels used on agricultural machines
that enable easy, tool-free removal of the panel from the machine.
A machine mounted receptacle slidingly receives an insert. A hinge
having a fixed and a movable portion is connected to the insert. A
locking retainer is connected to the movable portion and configured
to engage an opening in the receptacle as the movable portion is
moved toward a first position. Engagement of the locking retainer
and the opening, caused when moving the hinge toward the first
position precludes sliding movement of the insert portion. Moving
the hinge in a direction opposite of the first direction disengages
the locking retainer from the opening and permits sliding movement
of the insert relative to the receptacle, including removal of the
insert from the receptacle which detaches the panel from the
machine.
[0006] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
self-locking hinge for movable panels used on agricultural machines
that replaces a conventional movable panel hinge and permits
conventional hinged movement of the panel. A conventional hinge is
connected to an insert which is selectively disposed in a
receptacle fixed to the machine chassis. The hinge permits movement
of the panel in generally opposing first and second directions
without requiring that the insert be slidingly disengaged from the
receptacle.
[0007] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
self-locking hinge for movable panels used on agricultural machines
that includes a machine mounted receptacle configured to slidingly
receive an insert. A hinge having a fixed and a movable portion is
connected to the insert. A locking retainer is connected to the
movable portion and configured to engage an opening in the
receptacle as the movable portion is moved toward a first position.
The locking retainer includes an arcuate surface configured to
engage an edge of the opening to prevent the insert from being
slidingly removed from the receptacle. The arcuate surface is
eccentrically arranged about the hinge pivot so that the insert is
slidingly moved to a desired position as the hinge is pivoted
toward the first position by interaction between the arcuate
surface and the edge.
[0008] It is a still further object of the present invention to
provide a self-locking hinge for movable panels used on
agricultural machines that is durable in construction, inexpensive
of manufacture, carefree of maintenance, easily assembled, and
simple and effective to use.
[0009] These and other objects are achieved by providing a
self-locking hinge for movable panels used on agricultural machines
includes a machine mounted receptacle configured to slidingly
receive an insert along an receiving axis. A hinge having a fixed
and a movable portion and pivot axis transverse to the receiving
axis is connected to the insert. A locking retainer is connected to
the movable portion and configured to engage an opening in the
receptacle as the movable portion is moved toward a first position
corresponding with panel closure. Engagement of the locking
retainer in the opening, caused when the hinge is moved toward the
first position, precludes movement of the insert portion along the
receiving axis. Moving the hinge in a direction opposite of the
first direction disengages the locking retainer from the opening
and permits sliding movement of the insert relative to the
receptacle. The locking retainer further includes an arcuate
surface configured to engage an edge of the opening which may
further be eccentrically arranged about the hinge axis to enable
the locking retainer to move the insert into a desired position as
the hinge is moved toward the first position.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The advantages of this invention will be apparent upon
consideration of the following detailed disclosure of the
invention, especially when taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings wherein:
[0011] FIG. 1 is a side view of an agricultural harvesting machine,
which is a combine, including a header on which the present
invention is useful;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a partial elevation view of a movable panel from
the header of FIG. 1 showing the self-locking hinge mechanism of
the present invention;
[0013] FIG. 3 is side view of the self-locking hinge mechanism
shown in FIG. 2;
[0014] FIG. 4 is a side view of the self-locking hinge mechanism
shown with the insert portion positioned for insertion into the
receptacle;
[0015] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the self-locking
hinge mechanism of FIG. 4; and
[0016] FIG. 6 is a side view of the self-locking hinge mechanism
shown in the first (closed and locked) position.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)
[0017] 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. Likewise, "forward" and "rearward"
are determined by the normal direction of travel. "Upward" and
"downward" orientations are relative to the ground or operating
surface as are any references to "horizontal" or "vertical" planes.
Furthermore, the various components shown or described herein for
any specific 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 be widely known or used in
the art by persons skilled in the art and each will likewise not
therefore be discussed in significant detail. When referring to the
figures, like parts are numbered the same in all of the
figures.
[0018] Referring to the figures, FIG. 1 illustrates a conventional
agricultural machine, a crop harvester 10 in this instance, having
a forwardly mounted header 15 for processing a standing crop as the
harvester moves across a field. It is common to provide one or more
moveable panels 20 at various locations on the header as part of an
overall protective shroud for the header. The panels 20 are
conventionally hinge-connected to the machine chassis and may be
positioned in a first position (closed, panel 20a in FIG. 1) to
contain crop and other debris within the machine, prevent the
expulsion debris made airborne by impact with a rotary cutter,
and/or generally create, in conjunction with the remainder of the
shroud, a boundary separating the inner mechanism of the machine
from exterior locations where people may be present. Moving the
panels to a second position (opened, panel 20b in FIG. 1) allows an
individual to gain access to the interior of the machine to permit
access for maintenance or repair of the machine internals. The
panels may include latches to retain them in the closed position or
they may be oriented so that gravity maintains them in the closed
position. Such arrangements are well known in the art.
[0019] It is often necessary to detach the moveable panels 20 from
the machine to provide additional access for certain repairs to or
replacement of the machine internals. The present invention reduces
the effort necessary to remove the panels from the machine by
providing a self-locking hinge assembly 30 that connects the panels
to the machine chassis. Multiple mechanisms may be used dependent
upon the number and size of the moveable panels on the machine.
[0020] Referring now to FIGS. 2-6, the self-locking hinge assembly
30 includes a receiver 32 attached to the machine chassis 17 and an
insert 34. The receiver 32 and insert 34 are configured to be
engaged and disengaged by movement along a receiving axis 110. In
the embodiment illustrated, the receiver 32 includes a wall member
322 surrounding an interior space 328 having a generally
rectangular cross-section area. The insert 34 is an elongate member
configured with a generally rectangular exterior cross-section area
that may be slidingly received within the interior space 328. The
relative sizing of the cross sectional areas is sufficiently
similar to limiting lateral movement between the insert 34 and the
receiver 32 while permitting sliding movement along the receiving
axis 110. It is also anticipated that the relative orientation and
configuration of the receiver 32 and the insert 34 could be
reversed such that the insert 34 is externally disposed on the
receiver 32.
[0021] The length of the insert 34 and the receiver 32 is
sufficient to provide a stable interface when the insert 34 is
fully engaged in the receiver 32, as shown in FIG. 6.
[0022] The self-locking hinge assembly 30 further includes a hinge
36 having a fixed portion 362 connected to the insert 34 and
moveable connector 364 pivotally connected thereto by a pivot ping
361 or the like. The moveable connector 364 is pivotable about a
pivot axis 120 in generally opposing directions between extremes
corresponding to first (open) (FIG. 6) and second (closed) (FIG. 2)
positions. The pivot axis 120 is generally transversely oriented to
the receiving axis 110. The moveable panel 20 is connected to the
moveable connector 364 and thus may also be pivoted between open
and closed positions.
[0023] Detachment of the movable panel 20 from the machine 10
requires moving the insert 34 (connected to the panel by the hinge
36) upwardly along the receiving axis 110 until it disengages from
the receiver 32. The movable panel 20 may be reconnected to the
machine by aligning the insert 34 with the receiver 32 and then
moving the insert 34 along the receiving axis 110 until it is
engaged (surrounded by) the receiver 32. A stop 327 may be provided
to prevent the insert 34 from being inserted too far into the
receiver 32. Engagement of the insert in the receiver to an extreme
position could interfere with movement of the panel 20.
[0024] In order to prevent unintended or accidental movement of the
insert that could lead to disengagement from the receiver, a
locking assembly 40 is provided which engages the fixed portion,
preferably the receiver 32, when the hinge and panel are in
specific positions, ideally corresponding to the panel being in the
closed position (FIG. 6). Apertures 42, 44 may be provided in both
the receiver 32 and the insert 34, the apertures aligning when the
insert 34 is fully engaged in the receiver (FIG. 6). A locking
member 366 is connected at a proximal end 367 to the movable
connector 364 or the panel 20 for movement therewith. The locking
member 366 includes an generally arc-shaped arcuate surface 365
which may be symmetric with an arc center coinciding with the pivot
axis 120 and a cross sectional profile that generally matches the
configuration of the apertures 42, 44 thereby allowing the locking
member 366 to be extended through the apertures. The locking member
366 is aligned so that pivotal movement of the panel/movable
connector causes the distal end 368 to be inserted into the
apertures 42, 44, which are displaced from the pivot axis 120 a
similar amount as the radial displacement of the locking member
arcuate surface 365, when the insert 366 is fully engaged and the
panel is pivoted toward the closed position. The locking member 366
terminates at a distal end 368, the positioning of the distal end
368 being such that the locking member 366 may be fully disengaged
from the apertures 42, 44 within the range of pivoting movement
afforded by the hinge 30. When the locking member 366 is inserted
into the apertures 42, 44, the insert 34 is prevented from
disengagement movement along the receiving axis 110.
[0025] In another embodiment, the length of the insert 34 is less
than the length of the radius of the arcuate surface 365 or
similarly configured to preclude interaction with the arcuate
surface 365. In this arrangement, only the receiver 32 requires an
aperture 42 into which the locking member 366 may be engaged.
[0026] In another embodiment, the arcuate surface 365 is
eccentrically arranged about the pivot axis 120 and configured so
that the radial distance from the pivot axis 120 to arcuate surface
365 decreases as the hinge 36 pivots toward the closed position. An
initial radius R.sub.1 is established at a hinge pivot position
corresponding to initial contact between edge 422 of the aperture
42 and the arcuate surface 365 proximate to the distal end 368. The
radial distance between the pivot axis 120 and the arcuate surface
365 is reduced with continued pivoting movement of the hinge 36
from the initial contact pivot position toward the closed position,
at which point the radial separation is shown as R.sub.2. As the
radial distance is reduced, the locking member 366 pulls the insert
34 more fully into engagement with the receiver 32 until the closed
position is reached. The radial separation from the pivot axis 120
is similar for the arcuate surface 365 and the edge 422 in the
closed position. FIG. 6 best illustrates the varying radial
separations wherein the initial radius R.sub.1, is greater than the
final radius R.sub.2, corresponding to the pivot position at which
the locking member 366 is fully engaged and the movable portion has
reached the first (closed) position. The configuration provides a
secure connection between the hinge 36 and the machine chassis 17
which reduces the likelihood of rattles and other unwanted movement
during machine operation.
[0027] 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.
* * * * *