US20040110551A1 - Unloader tube cleaning system for harvesting apparatus - Google Patents

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.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
• 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.[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• 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.[0002]
• 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.[0003]
• 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.[0004]
• 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.[0005]
• 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.[0006]
• 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.[0007]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• The invention provides an air nozzle system and an air nozzle design for use in cleaning areas of a harvesting apparatus.[0008]
• 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.[0009]
• 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.[0010]
• 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.[0011]
• 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.[0012]
• The auger can be turned while the air is directed into the unloader tube to assist in the cleaning operation.[0013]
• 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.[0014]
• 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.[0015]
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• FIG. 1 is a schematic elevation view of a harvesting apparatus that incorporates the present invention;[0016]
• FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of the harvesting apparatus of FIG. 1;[0017]
• FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a pressurized air cleaning system of the invention;[0018]
• FIG. 4 is a fragmentary perspective view of a portion of the unloader tube;[0019]
• FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an air nozzle shown in FIG. 4;[0020]
• FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken generally along line[0021]6-6 in FIG. 4; and
• FIG. 7 is an enlarged, exploded perspective view, shown partly in section, all of an alternate embodiment nozzle mounted to the unloader tube.[0022]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
• 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.[0023]
• FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a harvesting apparatus, such as an[0024]agricultural combine10. 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.
• FIG. 1 shows an[0025]agricultural combine10, also known as a combine thresher. Thecombine10 comprises a supportingstructure12 havingground engaging means14 extending from the supporting structure. Aharvesting platform16 is used for harvesting a crop and directing it to afeederhouse18. The harvested crop is directed by thefeederhouse18 to abeater20. The beater directs the crop upwardly through aninlet transition section22 to the axialcrop processing unit24. The axial crop processing unit is located between, and supported by the sidesheets of the combine.
• The axial[0026]crop processing unit24 comprises anaxial rotor housing26 and anaxial rotor28 located in the housing. The harvested crop enters the housing through theinlet transition section22. 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.
• 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[0027]cleaning system34.
• As illustrated in FIG. 1, grain and chaff falling through the concave and grate is directed to cleaning[0028]system34 which removes the chaff from the grain. The clean grain is then directed by aclean grain elevator36 to afountain auger38. Thefountain auger38 directs the grain into a grain tank orgrain compartment40. Theclean grain elevator36 and thefountain auger38 comprise a means for moving the clean grain from the grain floor of the combine to a storage bin formed by thegrain tank40. The grain is removed from thegrain tank40 by unloadingauger57. As the straw reaches the end of the crop processing unit it is expelled through an outlet to abeater46. Thebeater46 propels the straw out the rear of the combine. The operation of the combine is controlled from the operator'scab48.
• When the clean grain compartment is to be unloaded, transverse unloading augers[0029]56 and58 direct the grain to the side of the compartment where it comes into contact with an unloadingauger57 which directs the clean grain through avertical unloading tube61 and ahorizontal unloading tube59. Theauger57 includes avertical section57a, at least partially within thetube61, aright angle gear57b, and ahorizontal section57cwithin thetube59. During an unloading operation,tube59 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.
• The[0030]grain compartment40 includes atrough60, which includes amajor trough region70 and aminor trough region72 that house thehorizontal augers56,58, respectively. Thetrough60 is open to a charge housing orsump64. Thevertical auger section57aextends through thevertical tube61 and into thesump64. The grain which is fed through the trough horizontally by thehorizontal augers56,58 is delivered into thesump64 and is removed by thevertical auger section57athrough thetube61, and by thehorizontal auger section57cthrough thetube59.
• FIG. 3 illustrates in schematic fashion an[0031]air cleaning system90 of the invention. Anair supply100 delivers pressurized air into a manifold102 via aquick connect coupling103. Alternatively, a threaded or other type coupling can be used. Theair supply100 can be external to thecombine10. The manifold102 includesbranch lines104 that deliver air tostationary nozzles106 or alternate nozzles306 (as described below). Ashutoff valve105 is provided in eachbranch line104. As described below, pressurized air is provided to thenozzles106,306 to clean grain and residue from thetube59.
• To enhance the cleaning operation, the[0032]auger57, including thehorizontal auger section57c, is slowly turned by a rotary power system112. A rotary power system112 for slowly turning theauger57 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.
• The rotary power system includes a 12[0033]volt DC motor138 that, when activated during cleanout operation, drives apulley140 that drives abelt142. Thebelt142 drives apulley144 that drives asprocket146 that in normal grain unloading operation is driven at high speed by the combine drivetrain. Thesprocket146 drives achain148 that drives asprocket150 that drives aright angle gear152 that turns theauger57. During cleanout operation, the relativelysmall motor138 drives theauger57 at a slow speed.
• FIG. 4 illustrates the[0034]horizontal unloader tube59 in perspective cross-section. Onenozzle106 is shown. Thenozzle106 includes anozzle body207 that delivers pressurized air to anozzle element208 having adischarge orifice209. Thenozzle body207 extends into thetube59 and thenozzle element208 is opened toward a downstream end of thetube59. Thenozzle106 is located at an angle G up from a 0 degree bottom of thetube59. Preferably the angle G is approximately 45 degrees. Theorifice209 of thenozzle element208 is directed downwardly at approximately an angle H. The angle H is preferably about 10 degrees.
• One[0035]nozzle106 is illustrated in FIG. 5. Thenozzle body207 includes abase block portion207aand aninside block portion207b. Aslot207cis formed in thebase block portion207aadjacent to theinside block portion207bat an upstream end of thenozzle body207. At a downstream end of thebase block portion207atheinside block portion207boverhangs thebase block portion207a. Aclamp bracket220 is fastened with abolt222 to adownstream face207dof thebase block portion207a. Agap207eis formed between a bottom surface of theinside block portion207band a top surface of thebracket220. The bracket includes aslot120afor sliding thebracket220 tight against a combine wall223, such as the wall of theunloader tube59, before the bolt122 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.
• As shown in FIG. 6, the[0036]nozzle106 includes thenozzle element208 which is threaded into anopening228 in theinside block portion207b. A throughbore232 is plugged with aweld plug234 after its formation through thebase block portion207aand theinside block portion207b. The throughbore232 connects to theopening228. Thenozzle element208 can be installed using an Allen wrench to thread theelement208 into theopening228 in thenozzle body207. An inlet bore238 extends substantially perpendicular to a bottom face of thebase block portion207aand intersects the throughbore232. The inlet bore238 is threaded to accept an air supply fitting.
• The[0037]inside block portion207bis tapered to form an inclined top surface244 that increases in distance from the inside surface of thetube59 in the direction ofgrain flow248. Because of this taper, thenozzle body207 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.
• The[0038]nozzle106 is installed onto, and into, a rectangular opening250 in the wall223. The slot107creceives a portion of the wall223 and thebracket220 is slid against the wall223 and thebolt222 is tightened to capture the wall223. The inside block portion of107bis effectively inside the wall223 and the base block portion107ais effectively outside the wall223. According to the exemplary embodiment, the nozzle body107 extends into thetube59 approximately 12 mm and clears the auger flights by about 4 mm.
• FIG. 7 illustrates an[0039]alternate nozzle306. Thenozzle306 includes anozzle body307 having a threaded,tubular base portion307aand a threaded tubular insideportion307b, separated by a wrench-engageable block308. Thebase portion307areceives a threaded, pressurized air connection (not shown). Theinside portion307bis inserted through ahole310 in theauger tube59. Theinside portion307balso passes through ahole311 formed through a mountingplate59athat is welded to thetube59. Alock nut312 and ahex cap314 are threaded onto theinside portion307bto clamp thenozzle306 to theplate59a. Thehex cap314 includes anorifice316, and theinside portion307bincludes atriangular slot318. By selecting the position of thehex cap314 along the length of theinside portion307b, the effective size of the air opening through theorifice316 from inside theinside portion307bcan be adjusted. Thelock nut312 is then positioned along theinside portion307bto clamp theplate59aagainst thehex cap314.
• By use of this[0040]nozzle306, the orientation of theorifice316 inside thetube59 can be easily changed by loosening thelock nut312 and reorienting thebody307. Preferably, the orifice is positioned at about 1-2 mm above the inside surface of thetube59.
• The[0041]air cleaning system90 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 fournozzles306 were used, each group served by aseparate branch line104 andshutoff valve105. Given the length of thetube59, the nozzle spacing was equal to about 14 inches (about 350 mm) along thetube59. The nozzles each had an effective {fraction (3/32)}inch diameter orifice316 that was located at the angle G on the tube59 (see FIG. 4) equal to about 45 degrees, and aimed downwardly at the angle H (see FIG. 4) equal to about 10 degrees. While thehorizontal auger section57cwas slowly turned, the groups A, B, C, D ofnozzles306 were sequentially charged with pressurized air at about 80 psig, from group A, thenozzles306 closest to theright angle gear57b, to group D, thenozzles306 closest to anopen end59aof thetube59, for a period of about 10 seconds for each group A, B, C, D. Very effective cleaning results were achieved.
• A method of the invention for cleaning grain from an unloader tube is provided includes the steps of: providing a plurality of fixed[0042]air nozzles106,306 inside thetube59, 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 theauger57c, and out of thetube outlet59a.
• The nozzles of the plurality can be sequentially operated, and operated in groups A, B, C, D of nozzles, in a direction along the[0043]tube59 from an upstream end adjacent to theright angle gear57btoward thetube outlet59a. Preferably, each group of nozzles should be operated for about 30 seconds to ensure complete cleaning.
• To enhance the cleaning operation, the[0044]horizontal auger section57ccan be slowly turned while thenozzles106,306 are operated, i.e., discharging high velocity air streams into thetube59.
• 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.[0045]

Claims (7)

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 toclaim 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 toclaim 1, wherein said plurality of nozzles is arranged longitudinally spaced apart along said tube.

4. The improvement according toclaim 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 toclaim 5, wherein said step of directing air is further defined in that said nozzles of said plurality are sequentially operated.

7. The method according toclaim 6, wherein said nozzles of said plurality are sequentially operated in a direction along the tube from an upstream end toward said tube outlet.

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