A QUICK-RELEASE FIELD CHOPPER AND ITS ATTACHMENT FRAME

Abstract: A laterally attached, rear wheel supported field chopper quick-release attached to the attachment frame (24) joined to a tractor's lifting means and power transmission, said field chopper featuring, for quick-release, a power transmission receiving shaft and guiding means mounted on the side of the attachment frame (24), ie. to the left as seen from behind, for adjusting the attachment; and in which the height of the stubble is adjusted with the tractor's lifting means, which lifts/lowers the front end of the chopper (1) via the attachment frame (24) so that is corresponds to the desired stubble height; and in which power transmission to the flail shaft takes place via a belt transmission (4) or corresponding transmission immovably mounted to the side of the chopper (1). The present invention also concerns the attachment frame (24) which makes the quick-release possible. In a chopper in accordance with the invention, the quick-release is realized such that the said belt transmission (4) is positioned to the right of the chopper (1), as seen from behind, and the bearing-mounting of the power transmission receiving shaft is movable such that when attached to the attachment frame (24), the structure allows for changes in the position of the chopper (1) in relation to the attachment frame (24). At its most advantages, the said bearing-mounting is attached to the attachment counterpart (9), which can twist at the end of the traction beam and travel vertically, thus making it possible to still realize the adjustment of stubble height in the usual manner and enabling the chopper to swing according to the shape of the terrain.

Description: A Quick-Release Field Chopper and its Attachment Frame The present invention concerns a laterally attached, rear wheel supported field chopper quick-release attached to the attachment frame joined to a tractor's lifting means and power transmission, said field chopper featuring, for quick-release, a power transmission receiving shaft and guiding means mounted on the side of the attachment frame, ie. to the left as seen from behind, for adjusting the attachment; and in which the height of the stubble is adjusted with the tractor's lifting means, which lifts/lowers the front end of the chopper via the attachment frame so that it corresponds to the desired stubble height; and in which power transmission to the flail shaft takes place via a belt transmission immovably mounted to the side of the chopper. The present invention also concerns the attachment frame which makes the quick- release possible. A common way of driving a field chopper is such that, using a chopper mounted laterally to a tractor, the wagon is blown full, after which the tractor driver must leave the cabin in order to release the chopper from the attachment frame. After the load of the wagon has been evacuated, the attachment frame is driven laterally to the chopper, at which point, in some known choppers, the traction pole of the attachment frame is locked to the chopper. However, the driver still must leave the cabin and lower himself to attach at least the power transmission to the " chopper via the jointed shaft. Usually, also the cable.s and electric cords for controlling the discharge channel must be separately connected. During a work day, the tractor driver must often repeat these same routines dozens of times. First, this attachment operation takes time and second, it has been found to entail, in practice, a particularly high risk of occupational hazard. So far, no solutions making a quick-release possible have been presented for a rear wheel supported field chopper. A great difficulty for a quick-release mechanism is caused by the fact that the attachment must allow for the chopp.er to swing sideways according to the terrain and must preseTve the current way of adjusting the stubble height. From the GB patent publication 1309822 is known a quick-release wheat or hay cutting apparatus, in which the stubBle height is 'adjusted with the tractor's lifting means. The structure of the cutting apparatus and. the front wheel support allow for the quick-release power transmission to be permanently joined to the other attachment members, thus obviating the need for a moveable power transmission connection. The quick-release solution presented in the said GB publication cannot be employed in connection with a rear wheel supported field chopper. This is because the structure presented requires that the axis line of the support wheels be close to the rotary axis of the lifting means . It_is the purpose of the present invention to realize a simple and easy-to-use quick—release system for field choppers. This is achieved with a field chopper in accordance with Claim 1 and for instance with an attachment frame in accordance with Claim 6. Of course, the structures can be realized in mirror-image desing according to the same basic idea. In Claim 2 there is defined a principle solution for realization of the movability of the mounting in bearings of the receiving shaft of the power transmission such that it can be locked to the attachment frame. In addition to the shaft attachment, the traction handle is of course supported for instance with a curved slide attachment to the frame of the chopper. The shaft attachment of the traction handle can be a joint attachment allowing for the traction handle to twist in relation to the frame of the chopper, in which case the traction pole can be locked fully immovably to the traction handle. According to the mode of operation in accordance with Claim 3, the twisting attachment of the traction handle to the frame of the chopper can he achieved only with the said transverse shaft design. Here, swiweling movement of the chopper is made possible such ' that the counterpart is allowed to twist around a longitudinal axis at the end of the traction handle. However, this presupposes that also the front traction point allows for twisting, as for instance in known and generally used choppers. The twisting axes must be coincident. The bushing-and-pivot combination in accordance with Claim 4 is a fairly straightforward alignment and locking structure, which is most advantageously made parallel to the receiving shaft. A method of realization of the attachment frame in accordance with Claim 8 is very advantageous in practice, as the attachment itself and the lateral shift of the traction hook can be controlled using only one hydraulic cylinder. The most advantageous way of realization presupposes that the shift of the hooking apparatus is free, after the attachment has been carried out, for instance with a locking device, which locks the attachment apparatus into the attachment position. The lateral shift of the traction hook makes it possible for the wagon to be loaded full. Practical use has shown that with a lateral shift of 40 cm the loading capacity is increased by several cubic meters. With the help of the lateral shift, the traction hook is exposed to the view for the duration of the attachment of the wagon, while usually the tractor must be driven to the attachment position blindfolded. In the following, the present invention is explained by making reference to the attached Figures, which show one application of the invention. Figure 1 side view of the chopper and its quick-release apparatus . Figure 2 back view of chopper according to Figure 1. Figure 3 cross-section at point 3-3 of chopper according to Figure 1. Figure 4 partially cross-sectional and magnified view of the attachment apparatus of the ^ chopper according to Figure 1, without the protective cover . Figure 5 back view of attachment frame without protective cover . Figure 6 top view of attachment frame according to Figure 5. The frame (1) of the chopper features a welded beam (5) and a curved U-shaped rail (6). The traction handle (8) is attached via shaft (7) to the beam (5) and via slide (13) to the U-shaped rail (6). To the rear end of traction handle (8) is attached the attachment counterpart (9) such that it can twist around the shaft 10 in order for the chopper to be able to swing according to the shape of the terrain, Figures 1-3. The telescopic joint shaft (11) is attached between the receiving shaft (15) of the power transmission situated in the attachment counterpart (9) and the driving roller of the belt transmission (4), as shown in Figures 3 and 4. The belt transmission (4) to the flail shaft is on the opposite side from that of known choppers. In Figure 4 is shown the structure of the attachment counterpart (9). The attachment counterpart (9) is joined immovably to the attachment frame (24), the structure allowing for swinging having been realized with the shaft (10). At the end of the traction handle (8) there is a bushing (18), through which the shaft (10) is mounted, the locking being realized with the locking device (19) and the cotter pin (20) . To , the plate (17) of the counterpart (9) there is welded a bearing housing (16) and the bushing (21). The receiving shaft (15) of the power transmission and the bushing (21) are both perpendicular to the plate (17) . Remote control of the discharge channel can be realized electrically, hydraulically or pneumatically. For this, the counterpart (9) features corresponding connectors such as an electric coupler (22) , into which the plug slides at the time the attachment is made. The traction handle (8) can twist, at the side of the chopper, around shaft (7). The slide (13) in the U-shape rail (6) diminishes the bending load to which shaft (7) is subjected. The twisting; movement of the traction handle (8) is limited with appropriate members. The attachment itself of the traction handle (8) resembles that used in known choppers; however, in known choppers the traction handle is always locked into a specific position during use and the adjustment only serves to preadjust the stubble height to a desired adjustment range. The attachment frame (24) making the quick-release possible is attached to the three-point suspension device of the tractor via the forks (38) welded to the beam (23) . To the beam (23) is attached an angle gear (25) . Against the beam (23) is prodded via rails the hook apparatus (26) and the attachment apparatus (27) . The hook apparatus (26) is moved laterally via the hydraulic cylinder (28). By shifting the hook apparatus (26), also the attachment apparatus (27) can be shifted to an attachment position, ie. to the right-hand end of its travel, while the counterplate (33) pushes the shift bar (32), which is welded to the attachment apparatus (27) . The first section (39) of the take-off shaft of the power transmission is attached to the take-off shaft of the angle gear (25) and the second section (29) is allowed to move inside the first section (39), in order to make an axial shift possible. The second section (29) is attached with bearings to the attachment apparatus (27) . The rails of the attachment apparatus (27) are parallel to the take-off shaft (29, 39), thus obviating the need for joints. Attachment is initiated as in known choppers, by attaching the fastening pivot (35) of the traction beam (34) into the hole (12) of the traction handle (8) and by driving the tractor a slight distance forward, thus bringing the adjustment plates (36) and (17) opposite each other. By lifting now the attachment frame (24), the locking ridge (37) meets the plate (17) of the attachment counterpart "(9) and binds it laterally. Via the hook " apparatus (28) are moved the attachment apparatus (27), the pointed guidance pivot (30) in it, and the power transmission shaft (29). The guidance pivot (30) extends slightly further than the shaft (29) and aligns and locks the attachment accurately with the help of the bushing (21) of the counterpart (9). The take-off shaft (29) extends to the inside of the receiving shaft and power transmission takes place with the help of the wedge-and- groove connection formed by the shafts. The attachment apparatus (27) is locked into attachment position with an appropriate locking device (not shown), thus making it possible for the hook apparatus (26) to be freely used in adjusting the position of the traction hook. When the locking device is released, the attachment apparatus (27) shifts under the traction of the spring (31) back to the off-position and the chopper can be removed in a reverse order from the one described. Practical use has shown that the quick-release system functions in a reliable manner and saves time as compared to the use of ordinary choppers.

Claims: C l aims 1. A laterally attached, rear wheel supported field chopper quick-release attached to the attachment frame (24) joined to the tractor's lifting means and power transmission, said field chopper featuring, for quick- release, a power transmission receiving shaft and guiding means mounted on the side of the attachment frame (24), ie. to the left as seen from behind, for controlling the attachment; and in which the height of the stubble is adjusted for by means of the tractor's lifting means, which lifts/lowers the front end of the chopper (1) via the attachment frame (24) so that it corresponds to the desired stubble height; and in -which power transmission to the flail shaft (2) takes place via a belt transmission (4) permanently mounted on the side of the chopper or via a corresponding transmission, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n t h -a t the said belt transmission (4) is positioned to the right of the chopper (1), as seen from behind, and that the joint shaft (11) is attached between the receiving shaft (15) of the power transmission and the driving belt roller of the said belt transmission (4), and that the said guidance members (21) and the bearings-mounting (14, 16) of the receiving shaft (15) of the power transmission is fitted to move with the structure (9, 17) communicating the attachment forces of the chopper such that when attached to the corresponding members (23, 24) of the attachment frame (24), connection (10, 8, 7) of the said structure (9, 17) to the frame of the chopper (1) allows for the position of the chopper (1) to shift in relation to the attachment frame (24). 2. A field chopper in accordance with Claim 1, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n t h a t the receiving shaft (15) of the power transmission is mounted in bearings on the attachment counterpart (9), which is fitted to be locked to the attachment frame (24) and which is attached to the rear end of the traction handle (8), which traction handle (8) in turn is attached, via the transverse shaft (7) in the front part of the chopper (1), in a twisting fashion to the frame of the chopper (1). 3. A field chopper in accordance with Claim 2, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n t h a t the attachment counterpart (9) is attached in a twisting manner to the traction handle (8), essentially via a shaft (10) parallel to the traction handle . 4. A field chopper in accordance with Claims 2 or 3, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n t h a t to the said attachment guidance members (17, 21) belong at least one bushing (21) attached to the attachment counterpart (9), said bushing (21) having been fitted to receive the guidance pivot (30) of the attachment frame (24) in order to align/lock the connection. 5. A field chopper in accordance with Claims 2, 3 or 4, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n t h a t to the attachment counterpart (9) belongs an electric, hydraulic or pneumatic connector (22) which is fitted to connect the remote control of the chopper's discharge channel in •connection with the connection of the power transmission. 6. An attachment frame (24) to be joined to the lifting means and power transmission of a tractor, meant for quick-release lateral attachment to a rear wheel supported field chopper, to which attachment frame (24) belong guidance members (30, 36) for alignment of the connection, a power transformation take-off shaft (29, 39), a traction beam (34) , an angle gear (25) and locking members (30, 37) for the connection, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n t h a t the said power transmission take-off- shaft (29, 37) is transversely mounted and of telesecopic structure, containing a fi-rst section (39) which is linked to the angle gear (25) and a second section (29), which is fitted to move inside the first section and which is mounted in bearings to the attachment apparatus (26), which is fitted to move in the direction of the shaft (39, 29) with the help of rails or corresponding members in the frame beam (23), and the said locking members (30, 37) have been fitted to lock the bearings (14, 16) of the power transmission receiving shaft (15) immovably to the attachment frame (24). 7. An attachment frame (24) in accordance with Claim 6, c h a r a c t e r i z e d- i n t h a t to the locking members (30, 37) belongs a guiding pivot (30) parallel to the take-off shaft (29) and attached to the attachment apparatus (26), said guiding pivot (30) extending further; than the take-off shaft (29) and having been fitted, via the guiding bushing (21) in the chopper, to align/lock the power transmission connection (15, 20). 8. An attachment frame (24) in accordance with Claims 6 or 7, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n t h a t the shifting of the attachment apparatus (26) takes place via an other apparatus (27) fitted in a movable fashion to the beam (23), the traction hook having been attached to the said apparatus (27), and the said hook apparatus (27) being moved laterally with the help of a hydraulic or pneumatic device (28) prodded against the frame beam (23) or a corresponding part.

Inventors: JUTTUNIEMI AULIS EELI ENSIO, JUTTUNIEMI, AULIS, EELI, ENSIO
Applicants: JUTTUNIEMI AULIS EELI ENSIO, JUTTUNIEMI, AULIS, EELI, ENSIO
Application year: 1985
Main classification: A01B59
IPC codes: A01D43, A01D67