Combine linear side-shake cleaning control system

A combine side-shaking control system includes a sieve for separating crop material from other materials and configured to move in a fore-aft direction. At least one side-shaking assembly includes a mounting device attached to a combine chassis, a lower plate configured to rotate about a lower plate axis and an upper plate configured to (i) have an upper plate rotational motion and rotate responsive to the rotation of the lower plate and (ii) have an upper plate substantially linear motion in a substantially linear direction. A fixed arm is rotatably coupled to the upper plate and attached to the sieve. An actuation device is configured to rotate the lower plate about the lower plate axis. Responsive to the rotation of the upper plate, the sieve is controlled to move diagonal to the fore-aft direction in the substantially linear direction of the upper plate substantially linear motion.

TECHNOLOGY FIELD

The present invention relates generally to a control system for a side-shake cleaning mechanism for use with a harvester, such as a combine harvester, and more particularly to methods and systems to control the movement of a side-shake cleaning mechanism in a combine harvester.

BACKGROUND

A combine harvester is a machine that is used to harvest grain crops. The objective is to complete several processes, which traditionally were distinct, in one pass of the machine over a particular part of the field. Among the crops that may be harvested with a combine are wheat, oats, rye, barley, corn, soybeans, flax or linseed, and others. The waste (e.g., straw) discharged on the field includes the remaining dried stems and leaves of the crop which may be, for example, chopped and spread on the field as residue or baled for feed and bedding for livestock.

A combine harvester cuts crop using a wide cutting header. The cut crop may be picked up and fed into the threshing and separating mechanism of the combine, typically consisting of a rotating threshing rotor or cylinder to which grooved steel bars commonly referred to as rasp bars or threshing elements may be bolted. These rasp bars thresh and aid in separating the grains from the chaff and straw through the action of the drum against the concaves, i.e., shaped “half drum,” that may also be fitted with steel bars and a meshed grill, through which grain, chaff and smaller debris may fall, whereas the straw, being too big or long, is carried through to the outlet. The chaff, straw, and other undesired material are returned to the field via a spreader mechanism.

In an axial flow combine, this threshing and separating system serves a primary separation function. The harvested crop is threshed and separated as it is conveyed between a longitudinally arranged rotor and the inner surface of an associated chamber comprising threshing and separating concaves, and a rotor cage or cover. The cut crop material spirals and is conveyed along a helical path along the inner surface of the chamber until substantially only larger residue remains. When the residue reaches the end of the threshing drum, it is expelled out of the rear of the combine. Meanwhile, the grain, chaff, and other small debris fall through the concaves and grates onto a cleaning device or shoe. For ease of reference, this smaller particulate crop material that contains the grain and chaff is referred to as threshed crop. The grain still needs to be further separated from the chaff by way of a winnowing process.

Clean grain is separated out of the threshed crop by way of a flat oscillating cleaning system that can include a combination of oscillating screens (sieves), a fan which blows air through/above/beneath the sieves, and some mechanism which transports the material to be cleaned from beneath the threshing system to the sieves. Clean grain that is separated from residue via the sieves is typically transported to a grain tank in the combine for temporary storage. The grain tank is typically located atop the combine and loaded via a conveyer that carries clean grain collected in the cleaning system to the grain tank. The grain may then be unloaded through a conveying system to a support trailer or vehicle, allowing large quantities of grain to be unloaded in the field without needing to stop harvesting when the grain tank fills.

Presently, combines may be equipped with hillside compensation mechanisms for combine cleaning systems which provide compensation to the cleaning system when the combine experiences a change in inclination (i.e., harvesting on uneven terrain). Under flat ground operation, the cleaning system of a combine moves in 2-dimensional motion, shaking fore/aft with some vertical component. Conventional side-shaking mechanisms, do not affect any changes to the 2-dimensional (fore/aft/vertical) movement of the cleaning system on flat ground. On inclined ground, however, the side-shaking mechanisms introduce an additional side-to-side component in the shake geometry of a sieve, causing material to resist its natural tendency to migrate to the lower side of the sieve and remain more evenly distributed across the width of the sieve. These conventional side-shaking mechanisms are fixed to the combine chassis and do not move as the sieve moves fore/aft/vertical. Due to the difference in relative motion between the sieve and the side-shaking mechanisms, a series of linkages is employed to move the sieve in the side-to-side motion as the sieve moves fore/aft/vertical. Because the linkages pivot on the fixed chassis, however, the sieve moves in an arc motion (non-linear), reducing the efficiency of the side-shaking motion and requiring less desirable smaller sieves to account for the arc movement between the sieves and the side sheets which enclose the cleaning system.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,322,882, which is incorporated herein for its teachings on cleaning system compensation mechanisms, describes a grain cleaning side-shaking mechanism which addresses the arc movement via a linkage configuration, causing the sieve to move in a more desirable diagonal line. To compensate for the arc movement, the conventional linkage configuration requires an actuator (which moves the sieve in the side-to side-motion) to be attached to the sieve, which vibrates at a high rate with the sieve, resulting in undesirable stress. Therefore, a larger and more expensive actuator is required to perform the side-to-side movement and deal with the vibrational stress, taking up space in the cleaning system which could be used for more desirable larger sieves. Accordingly, what is needed is an improved side-shaking assembly for a combine cleaning system.

SUMMARY

Embodiments are directed to a combine side-shaking control system that includes a sieve for separating crop material from other materials and configured to move in a fore-aft direction. The control system also includes at least one side-shaking assembly that includes a mounting device rigidly attached to a combine chassis. The at least one side-shaking assembly includes a lower plate rotatably coupled to the mounting device and configured to rotate about a lower plate axis and an upper plate coupled to the lower plate and configured to (i) have an upper plate rotational motion and rotate responsive to the rotation of the lower plate and (ii) have an upper plate substantially linear motion in a substantially linear direction. The at least one side-shaking assembly also includes a fixed arm rotatably coupled to the upper plate and rigidly attached to the sieve. The control system further includes an actuation device (i) rigidly attached to the combine chassis, (ii) coupled to the lower plate and (iii) configured to rotate the lower plate about the lower plate axis. Responsive to the rotation of the upper plate, the sieve is controlled to move diagonal to the fore-aft direction in the substantially linear direction of the upper plate substantially linear motion.

According to an embodiment, the side-shaking control system further includes a first pivot arm (i) coupled to the lower plate at a first lower plate pivot portion and (ii) coupled to the upper pivot plate at a first upper plate pivot portion. The side-shaking control system further includes a second pivot arm (i) coupled to the lower plate at a second lower plate pivot portion spaced from the first lower plate pivot portion and (ii) coupled to the upper pivot plate at a second upper plate pivot portion spaced from the first upper plate pivot portion. The sieve is further controlled to move in the substantially linear direction of the upper plate substantially linear motion which is substantially parallel to a line extending between the first upper plate pivot portion and the second upper plate pivot portion.

According to another embodiment, the side-shaking control system further includes a first pivot arm (i) coupled to the lower plate at a first lower plate pivot portion and (ii) coupled to the upper pivot plate at a first upper plate pivot portion. The side-shaking control system further includes a second pivot arm (i) coupled to the lower plate at a second lower plate pivot portion spaced from the first lower plate pivot portion, (ii) coupled to the upper pivot plate at a second upper plate pivot portion spaced from the first upper plate pivot portion, and (iii) substantially parallel to the first pivot arm. The sieve is further controlled to move in the substantially linear direction of the upper plate substantially linear motion which is substantially perpendicular to the first pivot arm and the second pivot arm.

In one embodiment, the lower plate and the upper plate are configured to rotate between a non-engaging position and at least one engaging position and the upper plate is configured to (i) have a non-engaging motion in a non-engaging substantially linear direction and (ii) have an engaging motion in an engaging substantially linear direction different from the non-engaging substantially linear direction. The sieve is controlled to (i) remain stationary or move in the fore-aft direction when the lower plate and the upper plate are in the non-engaging position, and (ii) move diagonal to the fore-aft direction in the engaging substantially linear direction of the upper plate substantially linear motion when the lower plate and the upper plate are in the at least one engaging position.

In an aspect of an embodiment, the at least one engaging position further includes a first engaging position and a second engaging position, the lower plate and the upper plate are further configured to (i) rotate to the first engaging position and (ii) rotate to the second engaging position and the upper plate is configured to (i) have a first engaging motion in a first engaging substantially linear direction and (ii) have an second engaging motion in a second engaging substantially linear direction different from the first engaging substantially linear direction. The sieve is controlled to (i) move diagonal to the fore-aft direction in the first engaging substantially linear direction of the upper plate motion when the lower plate and the upper plate are in the first engaging position and (ii) move diagonal to the fore-aft direction in the second engaging substantially linear direction of the upper plate motion when the lower plate and the upper plate are in the second engaging position.

According to one embodiment, the actuation device is selected from a group of actuation devices that include an electric actuator, a hydraulic actuator, a pneumatic actuator and a motor.

According to one embodiment, the at least one side-shaking assembly further includes a first side-shaking assembly and a second side-shaking assembly. The first side-shaking assembly includes a first mounting device rigidly coupled to the combine chassis, a first lower plate rotatably coupled to the first mounting device and configured to rotate about a first lower plate axis, a first upper plate coupled to the first lower plate and configured to (i) rotate responsive to the rotation of the first lower plate and (ii) configured to have first upper plate substantially linear motion in the substantially linear direction and a first fixed arm coupled between the first upper plate and the sieve. The second side-shaking assembly includes a second mounting device rigidly coupled to the combine chassis, a second lower plate rotatably coupled to the second mounting device and configured to rotate about a second lower plate axis, a second upper plate coupled to the second lower plate and configured to (i) rotate responsive to the rotation of the second lower plate and (ii) configured to have second upper plate substantially linear motion in the substantially linear direction and a second fixed arm coupled between the second upper plate and the sieve.

In an aspect of an embodiment, the side-shaking control system further includes a moving device (i) coupled to the first lower plate, the second lower plate and the actuation device and (ii) configured to rotate the first lower plate and the second lower plate. The actuation device is configured to rotate the first lower plate and the second lower plate by moving the moving device.

Embodiments are directed to a combine that includes a sieve for separating crop material from other materials and configured to move in a fore-aft direction and at least one side-shaking assembly. The at least one side-shaking assembly includes a mounting device rigidly attached to a combine chassis and a lower plate rotatably coupled to the mounting device and configured to rotate about a lower plate axis. The at least one side-shaking assembly also includes an upper plate coupled to the lower plate and configured to (i) have an upper plate rotational motion and rotate responsive to the rotation of the lower plate and (ii) have an upper plate substantially linear motion in a substantially linear direction and a fixed arm rotatable coupled to the upper plate and rigidly attached to the sieve. The combine also includes an actuation device (i) rigidly attached to the combine chassis, (ii) coupled to the lower plate and (iii) configured to rotate the lower plate about the lower plate axis. The combine further includes a controller configured to control the sieve to (i) move in the fore-aft direction or (ii) move diagonal to the fore-aft direction in the substantially linear direction of the substantially linear upper plate motion.

According to an embodiment, the combine further includes a first pivot arm (i) coupled to the lower plate at a first lower plate pivot portion and (ii) coupled to the upper pivot plate at a first upper plate pivot portion. The combine further includes a second pivot arm (i) coupled to the lower plate at a second lower plate pivot portion spaced from the first lower plate pivot portion and (ii) coupled to the upper pivot plate at a second upper plate pivot portion spaced from the first upper plate pivot portion. The sieve is further controlled to move in the substantially linear direction of the upper plate substantially linear motion which is substantially parallel to a line extending between the first upper plate pivot portion and the second upper plate pivot portion.

According to an embodiment, the combine further includes a first pivot arm (i) coupled to the lower plate at a first lower plate pivot portion and (ii) coupled to the upper pivot plate at a first upper plate pivot portion. The combine further includes a second pivot arm (i) coupled to the lower plate at a second lower plate pivot portion spaced from the first lower plate pivot portion, (ii) coupled to the upper pivot plate at a second upper plate pivot portion spaced from the first upper plate pivot portion, and (iii) substantially parallel to the first pivot arm. The sieve is further controlled to move in the substantially linear direction of the upper plate substantially linear motion which is substantially perpendicular to the first pivot arm and the second pivot arm.

In one embodiment, the lower plate and the upper plate are configured to rotate between a non-engaging position and at least one engaging position and the upper plate is configured to (i) have a non-engaging motion in a non-engaging substantially linear direction and (ii) have an engaging motion in an engaging substantially linear direction different from the non-engaging substantially linear direction. The sieve is controlled to (i) remain stationary or move in the fore-aft direction when the lower plate and the upper plate are in the non-engaging position, and (ii) move diagonal to the fore-aft direction in the engaging substantially linear direction of the upper plate motion when the lower plate and the upper plate are in the at least one engaging position.

In another embodiment, the actuation device is from a group of actuation devices comprising an electric actuator, a hydraulic actuator, a pneumatic actuator and a motor.

According to one embodiment, the combine further includes a first side-shaking assembly and a second side-shaking assembly. The first side-shaking assembly includes a first mounting device rigidly coupled to the combine chassis, a first lower plate rotatably coupled to the first mounting device and configured to rotate about a first lower plate axis. The first side-shaking assembly also includes a first upper plate coupled to the first lower plate and configured to (i) rotate responsive to the rotation of the first lower plate and (ii) configured to have first upper plate substantially linear motion in the substantially linear direction. The first side-shaking assembly further includes a first fixed arm coupled between the first upper plate and the sieve. The second side-shaking assembly includes a second mounting device rigidly coupled to the combine chassis and a second lower plate rotatably coupled to the second mounting device and configured to rotate about a second lower plate axis. The second side-shaking assembly also includes a second upper plate coupled to the second lower plate and configured to (i) rotate responsive to the rotation of the second lower plate and (ii) configured to have second upper plate substantially linear motion in the substantially linear direction of the first upper plate motion. The second side-shaking assembly further includes a second fixed arm coupled between the second upper plate and the sieve.

In an aspect of an embodiment, the combine further includes a moving device (i) coupled to the first lower plate, the second lower plate and the actuation device and (ii) configured to rotate the first lower plate and the second lower plate. The controller is further configured to control the sieve to (i) move in the fore-aft direction or (ii) move diagonal to the fore-aft direction in the substantially linear direction of the first upper plate substantially linear motion and the second upper plate motion by controlling the actuation device to move the moving device which rotates the first lower plate and the second lower plate.

Embodiments are directed to a method for controlling movement of a sieve in a combine that includes causing, by an actuation device rigidly attached to the combine chassis, a lower plate to rotate about a lower plate axis and rotating an upper plate, having a an upper plate rotational motion and an upper plate substantially linear motion in a substantially linear direction, responsive to the rotation of the lower plate. The method also includes controlling a sieve to at least one of (i) maintain a stationary position; (ii) move in a fore-aft direction and (iii) move diagonal to the fore-aft direction in the substantially linear direction of the upper plate substantially linear motion using a fixed arm coupled between the upper plate and the sieve.

In one embodiment, the rotating the upper plate further includes rotating the upper plate with a first pivot arm (i) coupled to the lower plate at a first lower plate pivot portion and (ii) coupled to the upper pivot plate at a first upper plate pivot portion and rotating the upper plate with a second pivot arm (i) coupled to the lower plate at a second lower plate pivot portion spaced from the first lower plate pivot portion and (ii) coupled to the upper pivot plate at a second upper plate pivot portion spaced from the first upper plate pivot portion. Controlling the sieve to move diagonal to the fore-aft direction in the substantially linear direction of the upper plate substantially linear motion further includes controlling the sieve to move substantially parallel to a line extending between the first upper plate pivot portion and the second upper plate pivot portion.

In another embodiment, rotating the upper plate further includes rotating the upper plate with a first pivot arm (i) coupled to the lower plate at a first lower plate pivot portion and (ii) coupled to the upper pivot plate at a first upper plate pivot portion. Rotating the upper plate with a second pivot arm (i) coupled to the lower plate at a second lower plate pivot portion spaced from the first lower plate pivot portion, (ii) coupled to the upper pivot plate at a second upper plate pivot portion spaced from the first upper plate pivot portion, and (iii) substantially parallel to the first pivot arm. Controlling the sieve to move diagonal to the fore-aft direction in the substantially linear direction of the upper plate substantially linear motion further comprises controlling the sieve to move substantially perpendicular to the first pivot arm and the second pivot arm.

According to one embodiment, the method further includes rotating the lower plate and the upper plate between a non-engaging position and at least one engaging position; and controlling the sieve further includes (i) maintaining the sieve in a stationary position or moving the sieve in the fore-aft direction when the lower plate and the upper plate are in the non-engaging position; and (ii) moving the sieve diagonal to the fore-aft direction in an engaging substantially linear direction of the upper plate substantially linear motion when the lower plate and the upper plate are in the at least one engaging position.

According to another embodiment, the at least one engaging position further includes a first engaging position and a second engaging position. Rotating the lower plate and the upper plate in at least one engaging position further includes (i) rotating the lower plate and the upper plate to the first engaging position and (ii) rotating the lower plate and the upper plate to the second engaging position. Controlling the sieve further includes (i) moving the sieve diagonal to the fore-aft direction in a first engaging substantially linear direction of the upper plate motion when the lower plate and the upper plate are in the first engaging position; and (ii) moving the sieve diagonal to the fore-aft direction in a second engaging substantially linear direction of the upper plate motion when the lower plate and the upper plate are in the second engaging position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the present invention utilize a side-shaking mechanism which includes moving portions so that the actuator may extend and retract without vibrating with the sieves. Embodiments of the present invention provide substantially linear diagonal movement of the sieves with a smaller, less expensive and easily mountable actuator coupled to the chassis which does not vibrate with the sieves, creating more space for larger, more efficient sieves. Embodiments of the present invention utilize a Watt's linkage configuration for converting rotational motion to substantially linear motion. Embodiments of the present invention utilize a Robert's linkage configuration for converting rotational motion to substantially linear motion.

FIG. 1throughFIG. 3shows exemplary agricultural combines in which exemplary embodiments of the present invention may be implemented.FIG. 1shows an exemplary agricultural combine100, which may also be referred as a combine or harvester throughout this specification. As shown inFIG. 1, the combine100may include a combine frame116and a feeding system114, having a header110and a movable feeding mechanism112. The movable feeding mechanism112may have a position which includes an angle α relative to a portion of the combine frame116. Combine100may also include a longitudinally axially arranged threshing and separation system12, and a concave20within the threshing and separation system12. The threshing mechanism may also be of any well-known construction and operation. In some embodiments, the concave20may also be used with combines having transversely aligned threshing and separation system in a combine.

As shown, threshing and separation system12is axially arranged, in that it includes a cylindrical threshing rotor14conventionally supported and rotatable in a predetermined direction about a rotational axis therethrough for conveying a flow of crop material in a helical flow path through a threshing chamber16extend circumferentially around the rotor14. As shown, concaves20may extend circumferentially around the rotor14and the flow of crop may pass in the space between the spinning rotor and the concaves. As the crop material flows through the threshing and separation system12, the crop material including, for example, grain, straw, legumes, and the like, will be loosened and separated from crop residue or MOG (material other than grain) such as, for example, husks, cobs, pods, and the like, and the separated materials may be carried away from the threshing and separation system12in a well-known conventional manner. Crop residue can be redistributed to the field via a spreader120, located at the back of the harvester.

The remaining threshed crop, which includes the grain to be collected, is then cleaned via a cleaning system. The cleaning system can include conventional winnowing mechanisms including a fan176that blows air across a series of reciprocating sieves172. Through the winnowing action of the air and the reciprocating sieves172, clean grain may be collected and sorted from the remaining chaff. Crop-handling systems, which include augers and elevators, may be used to transport cleaned crop, such as grain, to a grain tank150and from the grain tank150to a grain cart (not shown). Crop-handling systems may also transport tailings materials back to the cleaning system/threshing system through tailings elevator174. The clean grain may be conveyed to the grain tank150via a cross auger that conveys grain laterally from the bottom of the cleaning system to a vertical conveyor (or elevator) that conveys grain up a load tube to be spilled into grain tank150. At the bottom of grain tank150, one or more grain tank augers (such as cross augers) move grain laterally from the bottom of the grain tank150to vertical tube162of unload tube160, representing a turret style system of offloading. Vertical tube162may include a single unload conveying auger or multiple unload conveying augers, such as an auger for propelling grain up and to another auger within the unload tube160. Unload tube160may be rotated such that it may extend its full length laterally for unloading grain from the grain tank150to a support vehicle, such as a truck that is driving along the side of the combine100. Unload tube160may also be oriented to the rear for storage, as shown. In a swivel style offloading system (not shown), the vertical tube162and unload tube160is replaced by an unload conveying auger that is attached to the one or more cross augers conveying grain from the cleaning system and may pivot from side-to-side from the combine100, conveying grain from the combine100.

FIG. 2shows a transparent cross-sectional view of another agricultural combine200in which exemplary embodiments of the present invention may be implemented. Combine200includes a grain tank220and a threshing system12for threshing crop, such as grain. The threshed crop is then cleaned via the cleaning system30. The surface in cleaning system30separates out clean grain which collects along the path of the bottom of the cleaning system at cross auger205. The cross auger205moves the clean grain laterally to an elevator210, which includes a paddle chain lift212. The paddle chain lift212, wherein the paddles are uniformly spaced along the chain to lift grain, conveys the grain upward to a dispenser auger237that discharges the grain into the grain tank220. In other arrangements, the grain is lifted from the paddle chain lift212and then flipped at the top of the elevator to a sump, containing a bubble-up auger. The bubble-up auger transports grain from the sides of the grain tank220to the top center of the tank where the grain is discharged in the center of the tank220to naturally form a cone-shape pile, wherein the angles of the sides of the cone equal the angle of repose of the grain. Other arrangements implement other auger assemblies to either distribute the grain evenly along the bottom of the grain tank220or centrally in the middle of the grain tank220. In this arrangement of grain tank220, sloping side walls222and224are sloped such that as grain accumulates in the grain tank220as conveyed from dispenser auger237, the grain naturally slides down to cross augers226and228. These side walls222and224are sloped at such an angle that they convene at the bottom of the tank220to form the ‘W’ shape floor bottom, as shown. Grain tank cross augers226and228convey the accumulated grain laterally so that it may be collected into vertical tube262which includes an unload conveying vertical auger264that propels the grain upward. This allows grain to be moved into an unload vehicle via unload tube260, which may include another unload conveying internal auger and may rotate about a pivot coextensive with vertical tube262. Non-storable grain volume270is identified by slash marks inFIG. 2to show space effectively unusable between the grain tank, and the threshing system12due to the geometry of the sloped sides222and224forming the floor of the grain tank220.

FIG. 3shows another agricultural combine300in which exemplary embodiments of the present invention may be implemented. Combine300includes an engine370, cab380a grain tank320. Grain tank320includes vertical side walls322and324and generally flat bottom325. Along the bottom325of grain tank320, a conveying system330is placed. Bottom325includes an active conveying system330such that grain tank320need not rely on gravity to feed grain into the cross auger. Conveying system330, in some embodiments, conveys collected grain forward in the grain tank320to a single grain tank cross auger326. Cross auger326then conveys the grain laterally to be collected by vertical tube362, which includes a vertical unload conveying auger364to propel the grain upward. This sends grain into an unload tube360, which may include another unload conveying auger (not shown).

FIG. 4illustrates an exemplary combine side-shaking control system400for use with embodiments of the present invention. As shown atFIG. 4, the side-shaking control system400may include a sieve402for separating crop material from other materials. The sieve402may be configured to move in a fore-aft direction shown by arrows404. Side-shaking control system400may include side-shaking assembly406and actuation device408, which is rigidly attached to a combine chassis706(shown inFIG. 7A) by an actuation device mounting portion408a.

Exemplary combine side-shaking control systems may include side-shaking assemblies having different linkage configurations for converting rotational motion to approximate straight-line motion. In some embodiments, an exemplary combine side-shaking control system may include a side-shaking assembly406having a Robert's linkage configuration for converting rotational motion to approximate straight-line motion. In other embodiments, an exemplary combine side-shaking control system may include a side-shaking assembly800having a Watt's linkage configuration for converting rotational motion to approximate straight-line motion.FIG. 8is a perspective view of an exemplary side-shaking assembly illustrating a Watt's linkage for use with embodiments of the present invention. It is contemplated that other linkage configurations may be used for converting rotational motion to approximate straight-line motion.

Referring toFIG. 5AandFIG. 5B, the exemplary side-shaking assembly406(shown inFIG. 4) illustrates a Robert's linkage for use with embodiments of the present invention.FIG. 5Bis an exploded view of the exemplary side-shaking assembly406shown inFIG. 5A. As shown atFIG. 5AandFIG. 5B, side-shaking assembly406includes a side-shaking mounting device502rigidly attached to a combine chassis706(shown inFIG. 7A). Side-shaking assembly406also includes a lower plate504and an upper plate506coupled to the lower plate504. Side-shaking assembly406also includes a first pivot arm510coupled to lower plate504at a first lower plate pivot portion504aand coupled to upper plate506at a first upper plate pivot portion506a. Side-shaking assembly406also includes a second pivot arm512coupled to the lower plate504at a second lower plate pivot portion504bspaced from the first lower plate pivot portion504aand coupled to the upper plate506at a second upper plate pivot portion506bspaced from the first upper plate pivot portion506a. Side-shaking assembly406may further include a fixed arm508rotatably coupled to the upper plate506and rigidly attached to the sieve402(as shown atFIG. 7A). Fixed arm508may also include a fixed arm mounting portion508afor rigidly attaching fixed arm508to the sieve402. Side-shaking assembly406may further include a support device514rigidly attached to both fixed arm508and upper plate506. In some embodiments, the fixed arm508and the support device514may be separate components that are not included as part of the side-shaking assembly406.

When the lower plate504and the upper plate506are in the non-engaging position, the side-to-side component of the sieve402is not engaged. When the lower plate504and the upper plate506are in the engaging position, the side-to-side component of the sieve402is engaged.FIG. 6AthroughFIG. 7Cillustrate relative movements of elements of the exemplary side-shaking assembly406, actuation device408and sieve402shown atFIG. 4during a non-engaging position and first and second engaging positions.FIG. 6Ais a top view of actuation device408and side-shaking assembly406in a non-engaging position.FIG. 7Ais a schematic diagram illustrating sieve402, actuation device408and side-shaking assembly406in a non-engaging position and a controller712.FIG. 6Bis a top view of actuation device408and side-shaking assembly406in an engaging position.FIG. 7Bis a schematic diagram illustrating sieve402, actuation device408and side-shaking assembly406in an engaging position.

As shown atFIG. 6A, actuation device408may include fasteners408cand an actuation device mounting portion408a. Actuation device mounting portion408amay be used to rigidly attach the actuation device408to the combine chassis706(shown atFIG. 7A). It is contemplated that an exemplary actuation device may be directly attached to the chassis or may be attached to the chassis using a mounting portion having a different size and shape. Actuation device408is coupled to the lower plate504at an actuation coupling portion504c(shown atFIG. 7A).

Upper plate506may be configured to have a substantially linear upper plate motion in a substantially linear direction. For example, as shown atFIGS. 6A and 7A, when actuation device moving portion408bis in the position shown atFIG. 6AandFIG. 7A, the lower plate504and the upper plate506are in a non-engaging position. Further, as shown atFIG. 7A, when the lower plate504and the upper plate506are in the non-engaging position, the upper plate506is configured to have a non-engaging substantially linear motion in the fore-aft direction, shown by arrows514. The sieve402may be controlled to remain stationary or move in the fore-aft direction514, when the lower plate504and the upper plate506are in the non-engaging position. The fore-aft motion514may be controlled by an actuation device different from the actuation device408. When the sieve402moves in the fore-aft direction514, the fixed arm508may be configured such that the fore-aft motion514of the sieve402is in the substantially linear direction514of the upper plate motion.

Line B-E inFIG. 7Arepresents first pivot arm510(shown atFIG. 5B) coupled to lower plate504at a first lower plate pivot portion504a(point E) and coupled to upper plate506at a first upper plate pivot portion506a(point B). Line C-D inFIG. 7Arepresents second pivot arm512(shown atFIG. 5B) coupled to the lower plate504at a second lower plate pivot portion504b(point D) and coupled to the upper plate506at a second upper plate pivot portion506b(point C). Line B-C extends between the first upper plate pivot portion506a(point B) and the second upper plate pivot portion506b(point C). As shown atFIG. 7A, when the lower plate504and the upper plate506are in the non-engaging position, the sieve402is controlled to move in the substantially linear direction514of the upper plate substantially linear motion which is substantially parallel to line B-C extending between the first upper plate pivot portion506aand the second upper plate pivot portion506b.

According to some exemplary embodiments, lower plate504may be rotatably coupled to the mounting device502and configured to rotate about a lower plate axis502a. Actuation device408may be configured to rotate the lower plate504about the lower plate axis502. For example, as shown atFIG. 6BandFIG. 7B, when actuation device moving portion408bretracts, as indicated by arrow408cfrom the position shown atFIG. 6AandFIG. 7A, lower plate504, which is coupled to mounting device502, rotates, indicated by arrows702, relative to the mounting device502about lower plate axis502(shown atFIG. 4) to an engaging position. Upper plate506may be configured to have an upper plate rotational motion and rotate (also indicated by arrows702) responsive to the rotation of the lower plate504.

Upper plate506may also have an engaging motion in a substantially linear direction704different from the non-engaging substantially linear direction514(shown atFIG. 6AandFIG. 7A). Responsive to the rotation of the lower plate504, the sieve is controlled to move diagonal704to the fore-aft direction514(shown atFIG. 7A) in the substantially linear direction704of the upper plate engaging motion. For example, responsive to the rotation of the lower plate504, the fixed bar508is configured such that the sieve402moves diagonal704to the fore-aft direction514(shown atFIG. 7A). That is, the sieve402also moves in the substantially linear direction704of the upper plate engaging motion when the upper plate506is rotated to an engaging position. Further, as was the case in the non-engaging position, the sieve402moves in the corresponding substantially linear direction of the upper plate motion when the upper plate506is in its respective position. That is, when the upper plate506is rotated to an engaging position, the sieve402moves in the substantially linear direction704of the upper plate motion which is substantially parallel to the line B-C extending between the first upper plate pivot portion506aand the second upper plate pivot portion506b. Accordingly, a side-to-side component is added to the fore-aft component to move the sieve402diagonal704to the fore-aft direction514(shown atFIG. 7A) in the substantially linear direction704of the upper plate engaging motion. In the embodiments described herein, substantially linear may be indicated by the sieve's deviation from center as a function of the sieve's fore-aft movement. For example, substantially linear movement indicates that the motion may not deviate more than 2.5% from a straight line linear motion. That is, if the sieve402moves 100 mm in the fore-aft direction, indicted by arrows514, the sieve maintains substantially linear movement if the sieve402does not move further than 2.5 mm from the line of fore-aft direction.

In some exemplary embodiments, an exemplary side-shaking assembly406may include at a first engaging position and a second engaging position. For example, upper plate506and lower plate504may rotate to the first engaging position described above and shown atFIG. 6BandFIG. 7B. Upper plate506and lower plate504may also rotate to a second engaging position, as shown atFIG. 7C. For example, when actuation device moving portion408bexpands, as indicated by arrow408d, from the position shown atFIG. 6AandFIG. 7A, lower plate504rotates in the direction indicated by arrows708relative to the mounting device502about lower plate axis502a(shown atFIG. 4) to the second engaging position shown atFIG. 7C. Upper plate506, which may be configured to have an upper plate rotational motion, rotates (also indicated by arrows708) responsive to the rotation of the lower plate504.

Upper plate506may also have a second engaging motion in a substantially linear direction710different from the first engaging substantially linear direction704(shown atFIG. 7B) when the upper plate506rotates to the first engaging position. Responsive to the rotation of the lower plate504, the sieve402is controlled to move diagonal to the fore-aft direction514(shown atFIG. 7A) in the second engaging substantially linear direction710of the upper plate motion when the lower plate504and the upper plate506are in the second engaging position shown atFIG. 7C. For example, responsive to the rotation of the lower plate504, the fixed bar508is configured such that the sieve402moves diagonal to the fore-aft direction514(shown atFIG. 7A). That is, the sieve402also moves in the substantially linear direction710of the upper plate engaging motion when the upper plate506is rotated to the second engaging position. Further, as was the case in the non-engaging position and the first engaging position, the sieve402moves in the corresponding substantially linear direction of the upper plate motion when the upper plate506is in its respective position. That is, when the upper plate506is rotated to the second engaging position, the sieve402moves in the substantially linear direction710of the upper plate motion which is substantially parallel to the line B-C extending between the first upper plate pivot portion506aand the second upper plate pivot portion506b.

As described above, exemplary combine side-shaking control systems may include side-shaking assemblies having different linkage configurations for converting rotational motion to approximate straight-line motion.FIG. 8is a perspective view of an exemplary side-shaking assembly800illustrating a Watt's linkage for use with embodiments of the present invention. As shown atFIG. 8, side-shaking assembly800includes a lower plate804and an upper plate806coupled to the lower plate804. Lower plate804may be rotatably coupled to a mounting device, such as mounting device502(shown atFIG. 5B), which is rigidly attached to a combine chassis706(shown inFIG. 9A). Side-shaking assembly800also includes a first pivot arm810coupled to lower plate804at a first lower plate pivot portion804aand coupled to upper plate806at a first upper plate pivot portion806a. Side-shaking assembly800also includes a second pivot arm812coupled to the lower plate804at a second lower plate pivot portion804bspaced from the first lower plate pivot portion804aand coupled to the upper plate806at a second upper plate pivot portion806bspaced from the first upper plate pivot portion806a. Side-shaking assembly800further includes a fixed arm808rotatably coupled to the upper plate806and rigidly attached to the sieve402. Fixed arm808may also include a fixed arm mounting portion, such as fixed arm mounting portion508afor rigidly attaching fixed arm808to the sieve402. In some embodiments, fixed arm808and fixed arm mounting portion508amay be separate components that are not included as part of the side-shaking assembly406.

When the lower plate804and the upper plate806are in the non-engaging position, the side-to-side component of the sieve402is not engaged. When the lower plate504and the upper plate506are in the engaging position, the side-to-side component of the sieve402is engaged.FIG. 9AthroughFIG. 9Cillustrate relative movements of elements of the exemplary side-shaking assembly800, actuation device408and sieve402during a non-engaging position and first and second engaging positions.FIG. 9Ais a schematic diagram illustrating sieve402, actuation device408and side-shaking assembly800in a non-engaging position.

As shown atFIG. 9A, upper plate804may be configured to have a substantially linear upper plate motion in a substantially linear direction814. For example, when actuation device moving portion408bis in the position shown atFIG. 9A, the lower plate804and the upper plate806are in a non-engaging position. Further, when the lower plate804and the upper plate806are in the non-engaging position, the upper plate806is configured to have a non-engaging motion in a non-engaging substantially linear direction814. The sieve402may be controlled to remain stationary or move in a non-engaging substantially linear direction814, as shown by the arrows814at sieve402, when the lower plate502(shown atFIG. 5B) and the upper plate804are in the non-engaging position. When the sieve402moves in the fore-aft direction814, the fixed arm808may be configured such that the fore-aft motion814of the sieve402is in the substantially linear direction814of the upper plate motion.

Line B-E inFIG. 9Arepresents first pivot arm810(shown atFIG. 8) coupled to lower plate804at a first lower plate pivot portion804a(point E) and coupled to upper plate806at a first upper plate pivot portion806a(point B). Line C-D inFIG. 9Arepresents second pivot arm812(shown atFIG. 8) coupled to the lower plate804at a second lower plate pivot portion804b(point D) and coupled to the upper plate806at a second upper plate pivot portion806b(point C). Line B-C extends between the first upper plate pivot portion806a(point B) and the second upper plate pivot portion806b(point C). As shown atFIG. 9A, when the lower plate804and the upper plate806are in the non-engaging position, the sieve402is controlled to move in the substantially linear direction814of the upper plate substantially linear motion which is substantially perpendicular to the first pivot arm810and the second pivot arm812.

According to some exemplary embodiments, side-shaking assembly800having a Watt's linkage configuration may include a first engaging position.FIG. 9Bis a schematic diagram illustrating sieve402, actuation device408and side-shaking assembly800in a first engaging position. As shown atFIG. 9B, lower plate804may be rotatably coupled to the mounting device502and configured to rotate about a lower plate axis (not shown) at point F. Actuation device408may be configured to rotate the lower plate804about the lower plate axis. When actuation device moving portion408bretracts (indicated by arrow408c) from the position shown atFIG. 9A, lower plate804, which is coupled to mounting device502, rotates in the direction indicated by arrows902relative to the mounting device502about the lower plate axis to an engaging position. Upper plate806may be configured to have an upper plate rotational motion and rotate (also indicated by arrows902) responsive to the rotation of the lower plate804.

Upper plate806may also have an engaging motion in a substantially linear direction904different from the non-engaging substantially linear direction814(shown atFIG. 8). Responsive to the rotation of the lower plate804, the sieve402is controlled to move diagonal to the fore-aft direction814(shown atFIG. 7A) in the substantially linear direction904of the upper plate engaging motion. For example, responsive to the rotation of the lower plate804, the fixed bar808is configured such that the sieve402moves diagonal to the fore-aft direction514(shown atFIG. 9A). That is, the sieve402also moves in the substantially linear direction904of the upper plate engaging motion when the upper plate806is rotated to an engaging position. Further, as was the case in the non-engaging position, the sieve402moves in the corresponding substantially linear direction of the upper plate motion when the upper plate806is in its respective position. That is, when the upper plate806is rotated to the first engaging position shown atFIG. 9B, the sieve402moves in the substantially linear direction904of the upper plate motion which is substantially perpendicular to the first pivot arm810and the second pivot arm812.

According to some exemplary embodiments, side-shaking assembly800having a Watt's linkage configuration may include a second engaging position.FIG. 9Cis a schematic diagram illustrating sieve402, actuation device408and side-shaking assembly800in a second engaging position. As shown atFIG. 9C, upper plate806and lower plate804may also rotate to a second engaging position, different from the first engaging position described above and shown atFIG. 9B. For example, when actuation device moving portion408bexpands, as indicated by arrow408d, from the position shown atFIG. 9A, lower plate804rotates in the direction indicated by arrows908relative to the mounting device502about lower plate axis (at point F) to the second engaging position shown atFIG. 9C. Upper plate806, which may be configured to have an upper plate rotational motion, rotates (also indicated by arrows908) responsive to the rotation of the lower plate804.

Upper plate806may also have a second engaging motion in a substantially linear direction910different from the first engaging substantially linear direction904(shown atFIG. 9B) when the upper plate806rotates to the first engaging position. Responsive to the rotation of the lower plate804, the sieve402is controlled to move diagonal to the fore-aft direction814(shown atFIG. 9A) and move in the second engaging substantially linear direction910of the upper plate motion when the lower plate804and the upper plate806are in the second engaging position shown atFIG. 9C. For example, responsive to the rotation of the lower plate804, the fixed bar808is configured such that the sieve402moves diagonal to the fore-aft direction514(shown atFIG. 7A). That is, the sieve402also moves in the substantially linear direction910of the upper plate engaging motion when the upper plate806is rotated to the second engaging position. Further, as was the case in the non-engaging position and the first engaging position, the sieve402moves in the corresponding substantially linear direction of the upper plate motion when the upper plate806is in its respective position. That is, when the upper plate806rotates to the second engaging position shown atFIG. 9C, the sieve402moves in the substantially linear direction910of the upper plate motion which is which is substantially perpendicular to the first pivot arm810and the second pivot arm812.

Although the actuation device shown in the exemplary embodiments described above is a linear actuator, an exemplary actuation device may, for example, include an electric actuator, a hydraulic actuator, a pneumatic actuator and a motor. For example, as shown atFIG. 7DandFIG. 9D, an exemplary side-shaking control system700,900may include a motor720configured to rotate a lower plate904, about a lower plate axis.

Referring to the embodiment shown atFIG. 7D, side-shaking control system700may include a side shaking assembly730having a Robert's linkage configuration. Side-shaking assembly730may include a lower plate904having lower plate teeth904a. Side-shaking assembly730may also include other elements which are described above with reference toFIGS. 5A and 5B. Side-shaking control system700may also include motor720. As shown, motor720may be rigidly attached to the combine chassis706and coupled to the lower plate904. Motor720may be configured to rotate lower plate904, about a lower plate axis (at point F). For example, motor720may include a moving portion720bhaving a plurality of motor teeth720cwhich are configured to couple to lower plate teeth904afor rotating lower plate904about a lower plate axis at point F. When motor moving portion720brotates in the direction indicated by arrows722about motor axis724, lower plate904, which may be coupled to mounting device502, rotates in the direction indicated by arrows726, relative to the mounting device502about the lower plate axis at point F to first and second engaging positions. Upper plate506may also rotate in the direction indicated by arrows726responsive to the rotation of the lower plate904. Responsive to the rotation of the lower plate904and the upper plate506, the sieve402may be controlled to move diagonal to the fore-aft direction514in the corresponding substantially linear directions704and710of the upper plate engaging motion when the upper plate506is in its respective first and second engaging positions.

Referring to the embodiment shown atFIG. 9D, side-shaking control system900may include a side shaking assembly930having a Watt's linkage configuration. Side-shaking assembly930may also include lower plate904having lower plate teeth904a. Side-shaking assembly730may also include other elements which are described above with reference toFIG. 8. Side-shaking control system700may also include motor720. Responsive to the rotation of the lower plate904and the upper plate506, the sieve402may be controlled to move diagonal to the fore-aft direction814in the corresponding substantially linear directions904and910of the upper plate engaging motion when the upper plate806is in its respective first and second engaging positions.

According to some exemplary embodiments, a side-shaking control system, such as side-shaking control system760atFIG. 7Eand side-shaking control system960atFIG. 9E, may include a first side-shaking assembly740,940and a second side-shaking assembly750,950.FIG. 7Eis a schematic diagram of an exemplary side-shaking control system760illustrating the sieve402, actuation device408, a first side-shaking assembly740having a Robert's linkage configuration and a second side-shaking750assembly having Robert's linkage configuration.FIG. 9Eis a schematic diagram of an exemplary side-shaking control system960illustrating the sieve402, actuation device408, a first side-shaking assembly940having a Watt's linkage configuration and a second side-shaking assembly950having Watt's linkage configuration.

As shown atFIG. 7EandFIG. 9E, first side-shaking assembly740,940may include a first mounting device742,752rigidly coupled to the combine chassis706and a first lower plate744,944rotatably coupled to the first mounting device742,752and configured to rotate about a first lower plate axis at point X. First side-shaking assembly740,940may also include a first upper plate746,946coupled to the first lower plate744,944and configured to rotate responsive to the rotation of the first lower plate744,944and configured to have first upper plate substantially linear motion in the substantially linear direction514(shown atFIG. 7A) and 814(shown atFIG. 9A). First side-shaking assembly740,940may further include a first fixed arm748,948coupled between the first upper plate944and the sieve402. Second side-shaking assembly750,950may include a second mounting device752,952rigidly coupled to the combine chassis706and a second lower plate754,954rotatably coupled to the second mounting device752,952and configured to rotate about a second lower plate axis at point Y. Second side-shaking assembly750,950may also include a second upper plate756,956coupled to the second lower plate754,954and configured to rotate responsive to the rotation of the second lower plate754,964and configured to have second upper plate substantially linear motion in the substantially linear direction514(shown atFIG. 7A) and 814(shown atFIG. 9A). Second side-shaking assembly750,950may further include a second fixed arm758,958coupled between the second upper plate756,956and the sieve402.

According to an aspect of the embodiments shown atFIGS. 7E and 9E, a side-shaking control system760,960may also include a moving device760coupled to the first lower plate744,944, the second lower plate754,954and the actuation device408and configured to rotate the first lower plate744,944and the second lower plate754,794. The actuation device may be configured to rotate the first lower plate744,944and the second lower plate754,954by moving the moving device760. It is contemplated that a first actuation device may be configured to rotate the first lower plate744,944and a second actuation device may be configured to rotate the second lower plate754,794.

According to some embodiments, a controller712may receive an instruction to cause actuation device408,720to rotate the lower plate504,804,904,944,954to a non-engaging position, a first engaging position and a second engaging position. Controller712may receive an instruction from an operator of the combine. The instructions may also be based on sensed operating conditions of the combine from sensors (not shown). Controller712may be configured to control the sieve402to move in the fore-aft direction514,814by causing the actuation device408to rotate the lower plate504,804,904,944,954to a non-engaging position. The fore-aft direction514,814of the sieve402may also be directly controlled by controller712(e.g., controlling another actuation device coupled to sieve). The fore-aft direction514,814of the sieve402may also be controlled by another controller (not shown) different than controller712. Controller712may be also be configured to move the sieve402diagonal to the fore-aft direction514,814in the substantially linear direction of the substantially linear upper plate motion by causing the actuation device408to rotate the lower plate504,804,904,944,954to first and second non-engaging positions. It is also contemplated that an exemplary side-shaking mechanism may include more than two engaging positions and that controller712may receive an instruction to cause actuation device408,720to rotate the lower plate504,804,904,944,954to more than two engaging positions.

FIG. 10is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method for controlling movement of a sieve402in a combine100,200,300in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. As shown at block1002, the method includes causing, by an actuation device attached to the combine chassis, a lower plate to rotate about a lower plate axis. For example, in the exemplary embodiments shown atFIG. 7A through 7C, actuation device408, which is attached to the combine chassis706, may cause lower plate504to rotate about lower plate axis502a. Controller712may receive an instruction to cause actuation device408to rotate the lower plate504. In the exemplary embodiments shown atFIG. 9A through 9C, actuation device408, which is attached to the combine chassis706, may cause lower plate804to rotate about lower plate axis at point F. Accordingly, the lower plate504may be caused to rotate between a non-engaging position, a first engaging position and a second engaging position.

As shown at block1002a,1002band1002c, the method includes rotating, responsive to the rotation of the lower plate, an upper plate between a non-engaging position, a first engaging position and a second engaging position. For example, in the exemplary embodiments shown atFIG. 7A through 7C, the lower plate and the upper plate may be rotated between a non-engaging position at block1002a, a first engaging position at block1002band a second engaging position at block1002c. It is contemplated that the upper plate506may be defaulted to the non-engaging position when the side-shaking assembly is disengaged. In this case, the upper plate506may be controlled to remain in the non-engaging position shown atFIG. 7A. It is also contemplated that the upper plate506may be rotated to the non-engaging position from the first engaging position or the second engaging position. In the non-engaging position shown atFIG. 7A, upper plate506may have a substantially linear motion in a non-engaging substantially linear direction514. In the first engaging position shown atFIG. 7B, upper plate506may have a substantially linear motion in a first engaging substantially linear direction704. In the second engaging position shown atFIG. 7C, upper plate506may have a substantially linear motion in a second engaging substantially linear direction710.

As shown at block1004a, the method includes controlling the sieve to maintain a stationary position or move the sieve in the fore-aft direction when the lower plate and the upper plate are in the non-engaging position. For example, in the exemplary embodiment shown atFIG. 7A, when the sieve402is not moving and when the lower plate504and the upper plate506are in the non-engaging position, the sieve402may be controlled to maintain a stationary position. When the sieve402is in the fore-aft direction514and when the lower plate504and the upper plate506are in the non-engaging position, the sieve402may be controlled to move in the fore-aft direction514.

As shown at block1004b, the method includes controlling the sieve to move diagonal to the fore-aft direction in a first engaging substantially linear direction of the upper plate motion when the lower plate and the upper plate are in the first engaging position. For example, in the exemplary embodiment shown atFIG. 7B, when the lower plate504and the upper plate506are in the first engaging position, the sieve402may be controlled to move diagonal to the fore-aft direction514in a first engaging substantially linear direction704of the upper plate motion.

As shown at block1004c, the method includes controlling the sieve to move diagonal to the fore-aft direction in a second engaging substantially linear direction of the upper plate motion when the lower plate and the upper plate are in the second engaging position. For example, in the exemplary embodiment shown atFIG. 7C, when the lower plate504and the upper plate506are in the second engaging position, the sieve402may be controlled to move diagonal to the fore-aft direction514in a second engaging substantially linear direction710of the upper plate motion.

Although the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that numerous changes and modifications may be made to the preferred embodiments of the invention and that such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the true spirit of the invention. It is therefore intended that the appended claims be construed to cover all such equivalent variations as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.