Patent ID: 6422376
Filing Date: 2002-07-23
Classification: B65G

Abstract:
An auger coupler for a folding grain conveyor having first and second conveyor sections connected by a hinge, the first and second conveyor sections including respective first and second augers, the first and second augers having respective first and second auger shafts, said auger coupler operating to connect the first auger to the second auger upon unfolding of the conveyor along the hinge, said auger coupler comprising:a) a coupler drive member including a pilot shaft, said coupler drive member being securable to a distal end of the first auger such that said pilot shaft extends in axial alignment with the first auger shaft and outwardly therefrom, said coupler drive member further including: i) an annular first thrust bearing surface located immediately radially outward from and perpendicular to said pilot shaft, ii) an annular drive tooth base surface parallel to and concentric with said first thrust bearing surface; and iii) a plurality of drive teeth arranged in an annular row and projecting axially away from said drive tooth base surface to a drive tooth extremity; and b) a coupler driven member including a pilot shaft receiver, said coupler driven member being securable to a proximate end of the second auger such that said pilot shaft receiver extends in axial alignment with the second auger shaft and outwardly therefrom, said coupler driven member further including: i) a second annular thrust bearing surface located immediately radially outward from and perpendicular to said pilot shaft receiver, ii) an annular driven tooth base surface parallel to and concentric with said second thrust bearing surface; and iii) a plurality of driven teeth arranged in an annular row and projecting axially away from said driven tooth base surface to a driven tooth extremity; and wherein c) said coupler driven member is engagable with said coupler drive member to transfer rotational movement from the first auger to the second auger; and when so engaged: i) said pilot shaft receiver accepts said pilot shaft; ii) said second thrust bearing surface engages said first thrust bearing surface; iii) said driven teeth engage said drive teeth; iv) a first set of clearance gaps are formed between said driven tooth extremities and said drive tooth base surface; and v) a second set of clearance gaps are formed between said drive tooth extremities and said driven tooth base surface.