Abstract:
The invention provides an enclosure assembly configured to enhance accessibility to a drive unit of an agricultural applicator. The enclosure assembly generally includes a first panel and a second panel pivotally connected to the enclosure assembly and moveable between closed and open positions. In the closed position, the first panel is positioned in general alignment with the second panel. The enclosure assembly also accommodates an exhaust outlet extending upward from the drive unit. The forward end of the first panel includes a first cutout portion and the rearward end of the second panel includes a second cutout portion each configured in the closed position to receive the exhaust outlet. From the closed position, the first panel pivots in a rearward direction and the second panel pivots in a forward direction, relative to the forward direction of travel, to access the drive unit.

Description:
FIELD OF INVENTION 
   The invention relates to a drive unit enclosure assembly and, more particularly, to an agricultural applicator with a drive unit and an associated enclosure assembly having a first hinged panel and a second hinged panel configured to enhance access to the drive unit. 
   BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 
   Numerous types of agricultural applicators are available today. These can include a pull type unit or a self-propelled unit. A certain known agricultural applicator is also referred to a “floater.” The floater is a large vehicle that uses large, oversized floatation tires to carry the vehicle across firm to muddy agricultural environments. The chassis assembly of the floater generally includes three or more floatation tires. One particular chassis assembly includes a pair of rear floatation tires and a pair of front floatation tires. The chassis assembly is configured to support one or more bulk storage tanks or bins of product for application in an agricultural environment, usually before planting in the spring or after harvest in the fall. The types of agricultural products e.g., fertilizer, herbicide, pesticide, nutrients, etc. can vary. The floater can also be utilized to tow various agricultural implements. The oversized-tired agricultural applicators are generally desired for their ability to maneuver heavy loads over extremely rough and difficult agricultural terrain with minimal soil compaction. 
   However, these floater-type of agricultural applicators have drawbacks. For example, certain known floater-type agricultural applicators include an enclosure for a drive unit mounted toward a rearward end of the chassis assembly and behind a cab relative to a forward direction of travel of the agricultural applicator. A raised platform or walkway is provided from the cab to the drive unit enclosure. The drive unit enclosure typically includes a single-piece hood operable to open and provide access to the drive unit. The single piece hood generally does not provide adequate access to routine service points (e.g., air filter, oil level dipstick, engine valve backlash, etc.) of the drive unit. In addition, the single-piece hood generally extends the length of the drive unit and therefore is too heavy and cumbersome for a single person to move between a closed position and an open position. 
   U.S. Publication No. US 2003/0051931 to Johansson et al. discloses an engine housing for a motor mounted on a forward vehicle section. The engine housing includes a vertically aligned door and grille extending the height of the forward vehicle section. The door is pivotally attached about a lower horizontal end by a hinge arrangement disposed adjacent to the lower end of the motor. The inside of the door includes a pair of girders and steps mounted thereon operable in an open position to provide a ladder for accessing the motor. The door further includes a pair of locking devices mounted on each side of the hood and a structure of steps mounted on the hood. As with other known enclosures, the Johansson et al. vertical door and the structure of steps mounted thereon is heavy and cumbersome for a single person to move when accessing or servicing the motor. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 6,508,323 to Burgo discloses a hood for an earthmoving machine. The hood includes a front panel and a pair of side panels that extend the longitudinal length of the drive unit relative to a forward direction of travel of the machine. Again, the Burgo hood does not provide ready access to routine service points (e.g., air filter, oil level dipstick, engine valve backlash, etc.) of the drive unit, and the hood is of a length that is heavy and cumbersome to move between an open and closed positions. 
   Thus, there is a need for an enclosure for a drive unit configured to enhance ease of access to routine service points of the drive unit, and that is operable for a single person to readily move between an open and closed positions. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention provides an enclosure assembly for a drive unit of an agricultural applicator. The agricultural applicator includes a frame assembly to support the drive unit on a plurality of wheel assemblies. The drive unit includes a housing to receive the drive unit. The drive unit includes an exhaust outlet extending upward from the drive unit. The enclosure assembly generally includes a first panel and a second panel. The first and second panels are pivotally connected to the housing and moveable between a closed position and an open position. The first and second panels each include a forward end and a rearward end relative to a forward direction of travel. In the closed position, the first panel adjoins, and is positioned in general alignment with, the second panel. The enclosure assembly also accommodates the exhaust outlet extending upward from the drive unit. The forward end of the first panel includes a first cutout portion configured in the closed position to receive a first portion of the exhaust outlet. The rearward end of the second panel includes a second cutout portion configured in the closed position to receive a second portion of exhaust outlet. From the closed position, the first panel pivots to the open position in a rearward direction relative to the forward direction of travel. From the closed position, the second panel pivots to the open position in a forward direction relative to the forward direction of travel. The pivoting first and second panels enhance the ease and readiness in accessing and servicing the drive unit. 
   In a preferred embodiment of the enclosure assembly, the enclosure assembly further comprises a first latch mechanism having a first latch portion releaseably connected to a second latch portion. The first latch portion is centrally mounted at the top surface of, and at the forward end of, the first panel. The second latch portion of the first latch mechanism is mounted at the top surface of, and at the rearward end of, the second panel. The first latch mechanism releaseably secures the first panel in the closed position with the second panel in the closed position. 
   The preferred enclosure assembly further includes a support structure positioned in the interior of the housing and coupled to the frame assembly of the agricultural applicator. The support structure includes a first lateral extending arm and a second lateral extending arm. The first lateral extending arm is positioned to support the forward end of the first panel in the closed position. The second lateral extending arm is positioned to support the rearward end of the second panel in the closed position. 
   The preferred enclosure assembly further includes a second latch mechanism having a first latch portion releaseably secured to a second latch portion. The first latch portion of the second latch mechanism is attached at the bottom surface of the second panel. The second latch portion of the second latch mechanism is mounted at the second lateral extending arm. The second latch mechanism releaseably secures the second panel in the closed position to the support structure of the enclosure assembly and the frame assembly of the agricultural applicator. 
   In another embodiment, the present invention provides an agricultural applicator that includes a frame assembly mounted on a plurality of wheel assemblies, and a drive unit mounted on the frame assembly. The drive unit is configured to drive the agricultural applicator in at least a forward direction of travel. The agricultural applicator further includes an enclosure assembly for the drive unit in accordance with the present invention. The enclosure assembly includes a first panel in combination with a first pivotal hinge assembly. The first panel generally has a forward end and a rearward end relative to the forward direction of travel. The first pivotal hinge is coupled to the rearward end of the first panel. The enclosure assembly further includes a second panel in combination with a second pivotal hinge. The second panel is generally aligned with the first panel above the drive unit. The second panel also generally includes a forward end and a rearward end relative to the forward direction of travel. The second pivotal hinge is coupled to the forward end of the second panel, and is disposed opposite and forward relative to the first pivotal hinge. The first and second panels in a closed position are in general alignment and positioned such that the forward end of the first panel adjoins the rearward end of the second panel. From the closed position, the first and second panels each swing toward an open position in opposite directions relative to the other. 
   The present invention also provides a method of accessing a drive unit of an agricultural applicator, the agricultural applicator including a frame assembly with housing configured to receive the drive unit. The method includes providing a first panel and a second panel, the first and second panels pivotally connected to the housing and being movable between an open position and a closed position, and a support structure located in the housing having at least one lateral arm in support of the first and second panels; providing a first latch mechanism releaseably coupling the first panel to the second panel, and a second latch mechanism releaseably coupling the second latch mechanism to the internal support structure; releasing the first latch mechanism; and swinging the first panel in a rearward direction relative to the forward direction of travel so as provide access to a first portion of the drive unit without releasing the second panel from second latch mechanism. The method can further include releasing the second latch mechanism, and swinging the second panel in a forward direction relative to the forward direction of travel so as to provide access to a second portion of the drive unit. 
   Other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the present invention, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention without departing from the spirit thereof, and the invention includes all such modifications. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals represent like parts throughout. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of a four-wheeled agricultural applicator having a drive unit enclosure in accordance with the present invention in a closed position. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a detailed perspective view of the engine enclosure of the four-wheeled agricultural applicator in  FIG. 1 , the engine enclosure in a fully-open position. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a detailed perspective view of the engine enclosure in  FIG. 1  in a partially-open position. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a detailed perspective view of the engine enclosure in  FIG. 3  in a fully-open position. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a side view of the engine enclosure in  FIG. 4 . 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a plan view of the engine enclosure in  FIG. 4 . 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   A wide variety of vehicles could be constructed in accordance with the invention defined by the claims. Hence, while preferred embodiments of an enclosure in accordance with the invention will now be generally described with reference to a drive unit for a four-wheeled agricultural applicator, it should be understood that the invention is in no way so limited. The enclosure can be configured for any type of drive unit (e.g., hydraulic, pneumatic, mechanical, electrical, etc.) or combinations thereof of any type of mobile vehicle. 
     FIG. 1  illustrates an enclosure assembly  20  in accordance with the present invention enclosing a drive unit  25  of an agricultural applicator  30 . The preferred agricultural applicator  30  includes a frame assembly  35  configured to support the drive unit  25  on a series of wheel assemblies  38 . Although a four-wheeled agricultural applicator  30  is shown, it is understood that the number of wheel assemblies  38  can vary. The agricultural applicator  30  further includes a cab  40  positioned on the frame assembly  35 . The drive unit  25  is positioned rearward from the cab  40  relative to a forward direction of travel (illustrated by arrow  41 ) of the agricultural applicator  30 . The frame assembly  35  further includes a housing  42  configured to at least partially encloses the drive unit  25 . 
   Still referring to  FIG. 1 , as is commonly known in the art, the preferred drive unit  25  includes a radiator (not shown) disposed at a forward end of the drive unit  25 , a hydraulic reservoir (not shown) disposed at a rearward end of the drive unit  25 , and an engine drive (not shown) disposed therebetween. The radiator cools the engine drive in a known manner. The hydraulic reservoir provides hydraulic flow and pressure to various hydraulically-driven systems of the agricultural applicator  30 . The engine drive is interconnected to drive at least one of the wheel assemblies  38  of the agricultural applicator  30  in the forward direction of travel  41 . Although a preferred drive unit  25  is described and shown, the type (e.g., diesel, etc.) and components (e.g., hydraulic system, pneumatic system, etc.) and combinations thereof comprising the drive unit  25  can vary and is not limiting on the invention. A raised walkway or platform  45  (partially illustrated) extends from the cab  40  toward the enclosure assembly  20 . The raised walkway  45  allows an operator ready access to the enclosure assembly  20  and the respective drive unit  25  enclosed therein. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 3–6 , a preferred housing  42  includes a forward fixed portion  50 , a rearward fixed portion  55 , and a top portion  60  relative to the forward direction of travel  41  of the agricultural applicator  30 . A first side support  65  and a second side support  70  are attached and extend between the forward fixed portion  50  and the rearward fixed portion  55  of the enclosure assembly  20 . The forward fixed portion  50  of the housing  42  includes a radiator grille  80  located adjacent to the radiator of the drive unit  25  enclosed by the enclosure assembly  20 . 
   The enclosure assembly  20  in accordance with present invention is mounted on the housing  42 . The preferred enclosure assembly  20  includes a first hinged panel  90  positioned adjacent a second hinged panel  95 . The first hinged panel  90  includes a forward end  96  and a rearward end  98 . The preferred first hinged panel  90  further includes a first sidewall  100  and a second sidewall  102  positioned on opposite sides of the first hinged panel  90 . The second hinged panel  95  includes a forward end  104  and a rearward end  106 , and a first sidewall  108  and a second sidewall  110  in a generally similar construction relative to the first hinged panel  90 . 
   The first hinged panel  90  is located rearward from the second hinged panel  95 . In a closed position as shown by  FIG. 1 , the first and second hinged panels  90  and  95  are generally aligned with one another and with the remaining top portion  60  of the enclosure assembly  20 . The first and second hinged panels  90  and  95  are generally the same length and width, but their relative dimensions can vary. Moreover, the first and second hinged panels  90  and  95  can occupy all or a portion of the top portion  60  of the housing  42 . 
   The forward end  96  of the first hinged panel  90  includes a first cutout portion  115  configured to receive at least a first portion of an exhaust outlet  118  (e.g., muffler) extending vertically upward from the enclosed drive unit  25 . The rearward end  106  of the second hinged panel  95  includes a second cutout portion  120  configured to receive a remaining portion of the exhaust outlet. The first and second cutout portions  115  and  120  are preferably curvilinear-shaped to receive the cylindrical-shaped exhaust outlet  118  shown in  FIG. 1 . However, the shape (e.g., polygonal, cylindrical, etc.) of the cutout portions  115  and  120  can vary. 
   The enclosure assembly  20  further includes a first hinge assembly  125  and a second hinge assembly  130 . The first hinged panel  90  is coupled by the first hinge assembly  125  to the rearward fixed portion  55  of the housing  42 . The first hinge assembly  125  is attached at the rearward end  98  of the first hinged panel  90  such that the first hinged panel  90  swings or pivots open in a rearward direction (shown as direction arrow  132 ) relative to the forward direction of travel  41 . The second hinged panel  95  is coupled by the second hinge assembly  130  to the top portion  60  of the housing  42 . The second hinged panel  95  is attached at the forward end  106  of the second hinged panel  95  such that the second hinged panel  95  swings or pivots open in forward direction (shown as direction arrow  134 ) relative to the forward direction of travel  41  and opposite the rearward swing direction  132  of the first hinged panel  90 . The first and second hinged panels  90  and  95  thus swing open in opposite directions  132  and  134  to provide ready access to the enclosed drive unit  25  (See  FIGS. 1 and 2 ). 
   The enclosure assembly  20  further includes a support structure  150  positioned or located inside the housing  42 . The support structure  150  is preferably coupled to the frame assembly  35 . The preferred support structure  150  includes a first extending lateral arm  155  and a second lateral extending arm  160 . The first lateral arm  155  extends in a generally lateral direction in support of the forward end  96  of the first hinged panel  90  in the closed position shown in  FIG. 1 . The second lateral arm  155  extends in a generally lateral direction in support of the rearward end  106  of the second hinged panel  95  in the closed position. The first and second lateral arms  155  and  160  have a generally flat configuration to engage the bottom surfaces  162  and  164  of the first and second hinged panels  90  and  95 , respectively. The composition (e.g., plastic, metallic, etc.) and type (e.g., bar, rod, tube, etc.) of support structure  150  can vary. 
   A first latch mechanism  170  secures the first hinged panel  90  in the closed position as shown in  FIG. 1 . The preferred first latch mechanism  170  is configured to releaseably couple the first hinged panel  90  in the closed position to the second hinged panel  95  in the closed position. The first latch mechanism  170  includes a first latch portion  175  releaseably connected to a second latch portion  180 . The first latch portion  175  is centrally mounted at the forward end  96  of the top surface of the first hinged panel  90 . The second latch portion  180  is centrally mounted at the rearward end  106  of the top surface of the second hinged panel  95 . The number, location, and type (e.g., hook assembly, sliding bolt assembly, etc.) of first latch mechanism  170  can vary. 
   The second hinged panel  95  is secured in a closed position by a second latch mechanism  190 . The preferred second latch mechanism  190  is configured to releaseably couple the second hinged panel  95  in the closed position to the frame assembly  35 . The second latch mechanism  190  includes a first latch portion  195  releaseably connected to a second latch portion  198 , similar to the first latch mechanism  170  described above. The first latch portion  195  of the second latch mechanism  190  is mounted or attached at the rearward end  106  of the bottom surface of the second hinged panel  95 . The second latch portion  198  of the second latch mechanism  190  is mounted on the second lateral arm  160  of the support structure  150 . The number, location, and type (e.g., hook assembly, sliding bolt assembly, etc.) of second latch mechanism  190  can vary. 
   In operation, an operator releases the first latch mechanism  170  and swings the first hinged panel  90  of the enclosure assembly  20  in a rearward direction (i.e., a clockwise direction), relative to the forward direction of travel  41 , from the closed position (See  FIG. 1 ) to an open position (See  FIGS. 2–6 ) to gain access to routine service points of the drive unit  25 . The routine service points of the drive unit  25  can include the engine oil dipstick, the hydraulic reservoir dipstick, and the air filter. To gain access to a remainder of the drive unit  25 , the operator releases second latch mechanism  190  and swings the second hinged panel  95  in a forward direction (i.e., counterclockwise direction), relative to the forward direction of travel  41 , from the closed position (See  FIG. 1 ) to an open position (See FIGS.  2  and  4 – 5 ). The first hinged panel  90  and the second hinged panel  95  are hinged at opposite ends such that the first and second hinged panels  90  and  95  swing open in opposite directions to provide full access to service the enclosed drive unit. In contrast, certain known engine enclosure assemblies include a single-piece hood assembly that is typically too high as well as too heavy for an operator to readily open. Moreover, these certain known engine enclosure assemblies do not provide adequate access to routine service points of the enclosed engine and hydraulic drive unit. 
   In addition, the first and second hinged panels  90  and  95  of the enclosure assembly  20  of the preferred embodiment do not extend as high as these certain known one-piece hood assemblies. In further addition, the enclosure assembly  20  of the preferred embodiment does not require lift assistance components because the individual weight of the first and second hinged panels  90  and  95  is less than the certain known single-piece hood assemblies. 
   Many changes and modifications could be made to the invention without departing from the spirit thereof. The scope of these changes will become apparent from the appended claims.