Abstract:
A pressurized air cleaning system is provided for a harvesting apparatus having a grain tank for holding harvested crop. The cleaning system can include an air manifold and tubing network for receiving pressurized air and distributing the pressurized air to an outlet port near to the grain tank of the harvesting apparatus. The outlet port is located and configured for connecting a short portable air cleaning hose and wand to be wielded by an operator to clean the grain tank. The air manifold and tubing network can also include an outlet port near to the header, and/or next to the straw chopper, both accessible from grade level. The cleaning system can include air cleaning nozzles, fixed in position on the harvesting apparatus and connected to the network, the nozzles directing air streams onto hard-to-access areas of the harvesting apparatus. The nozzles can be located inside the grain compartment along the horizontal augers and in the unloader tube.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention relates to harvesting apparatus, such as combines. Particularly, the invention relates to a cleanout system for an unloader tube of a grain compartment of a harvesting apparatus. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Horticultural crops may be classified as edible crops, inedible crops, genetically modified organisms (GMO&#39;s), non-GMO, organic, pesticide-free, or in accordance with other crop attributes. Inedible crops may include crops such as fiber, cotton or rubber, for example. Genetically modified crops may include vegetables that are genetically manipulated to hold their shelf life longer than traditionally cultivated vegetables. Organic crops are harvested from plants that are grown without exposure to certain pesticides, herbicides or other chemicals. 
     Crops may be grown to specific crop attributes or specifications. Crop attributes may be based on the genetic composition of a crop, the growing practices for a crop, or both. For example, a certain variety of corn may be grown that has greater oil content than other varieties because of genetic or environmental factors. Similarly, a certain variety of soybeans may be grown that has a different protein content or other crop attribute that is desirable. A processor, a pharmaceutical company, a manufacturer or another concern may desire to purchase agricultural products with specific crop attributes from a grower or another supplier. The grower or supplier may wish to charge a premium for crops with specific crop attributes compared to a commodity-type crop. The purchaser of the agricultural product may desire sufficient assurance that the agricultural product that is being purchased actually possesses the crop attributes that are sought. 
     Thus, a need exists to accurately identify crops with specific crop attributes throughout the growing and distribution of crops with specific crop attributes and any products derived therefrom. Further, a purchaser of an agricultural product or a crop may desire or demand the ability to trace the identity of the crop with specific crop attributes to verify the presence of the crop attributes, or the absence of undesired attributes, as a condition for a commercial transaction. 
     Therefore, there is a need to segregate crops during harvesting such that no mixing of crops or crop residue with different attributes occurs. It is desirable to thoroughly clean combines between harvesting crops of different attributes. However, after unloading a combine grain compartment, there may be crops, grain and residue left in portions of the combine that cannot be easily mechanically removed. 
     Presently, to thoroughly clean grain compartments, the operator must sometimes crawl into a very small space that is not accessible from the ground and vacuum out or sweep out the grain and residue. The typical time and effort to completely remove all the grain and residue from the combine, particularly from the grain tank and unloader tube, is very long and the task difficult due to access limitations in the unloader tube and other areas. During the cleanout of the grain tank, it is difficult to clean under the cross auger covers and in hidden areas of the tank as well. Another difficult problem in the combine cleanout procedure is getting the horizontal unloader tube clean. There is limited access and no effective method to inspect the tube for adequate cleaning. 
     Presently, one method of cleaning the combine is by the use of pressurized air to blow crops, grain and residue from confined areas of the combine. One of the more difficult problems in the cleanout procedure is handling a large and long air hose and a long wand around and over the combine to reach different areas. Areas such as in the grain tank and in the engine compartment are especially difficult to access and clean without causing damage to expensive parts such as trim panels which are easily scratched by the air hose draped over, and sliding over, trim panels. 
     The present inventors have recognized that it would be desirable if harvesting apparatus, such as combines, were more easily and quickly thoroughly cleaned between harvesting of crops of different attributes. 
     The present inventors have recognized that it would be desirable to use an air stream method of cleaning a combine which was less strenuous on the cleaning person and which was less prone to damage or scratching of trim panels or other combine components. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A cleaning system is provided for a farming apparatus having a grain compartment for holding grain or other crop material. Particularly, the cleaning system is provided for a harvesting apparatus having a grain tank for holding harvested crop. 
     The cleaning system can include an air manifold and tubing network for receiving pressurized air and distributing the pressurized air to an outlet port near to the grain tank of the harvesting apparatus. The outlet port is located and configured for connecting a short portable air cleaning hose and wand to be wielded by an operator to clean the grain tank. The air manifold and tubing network can also include an outlet port near to the header, and/or next to the straw chopper, both accessible from grade level. Outlet ports can be located at each of four corners of the harvesting apparatus. 
     The cleaning system can include air cleaning nozzles, fixed in position on the harvesting apparatus and connected to the network, the nozzle directing an air stream onto an area of the harvesting apparatus, and the network comprises a shutoff valve located between the nozzle and the manifold. 
     The air manifold can be located on the harvesting apparatus where an external source of pressurized air can be easily connected. Outlet ports can be located around the harvesting apparatus where a short air hose could be easily connected and used at the basic four corners of the harvesting apparatus as well as in the grain tank area. 
     According to the invention, an effective air hose can be made short, light, and easy to handle. The remote outlet ports are at locations where grain or debris accumulates. Additionally, supplying the system with strategically placed nozzles and associated shutoff valves is effective to clean areas without manual cleaning and noticeably reduces cleaning time for a harvesting apparatus. 
     Numerous other advantages and features of the present invention will be become readily apparent from the following detailed description of the invention and the embodiments thereof, from the claims and from the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a harvesting apparatus that incorporates the present invention; 
     FIG. 1A is an enlarged side view of a grain compartment area of the apparatus of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of the harvesting apparatus of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a pressurized air cleaning system of the invention; 
     FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a light bracket carrying an air outlet port; 
     FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an air nozzle; and 
     FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken generally along line  6 — 6  in FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 7 is an enlarged, exploded perspective view, shown partly in section, all of an alternate embodiment nozzle mounted to the grain tank; and 
     FIG. 8 is an enlarged, exploded perspective view, shown partly in section, all of a further alternate embodiment nozzle. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there are shown in the drawings, and will be described herein in detail, specific embodiments thereof with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated. 
     FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a harvesting apparatus, such as an agricultural combine  10 . Such combines are of a type described for example in U.S. Pat. No. 6,285,198, herein incorporated by reference, and are also of the type commercially available as a JOHN DEERE 9650 STS or 9750 STS combine. Although the invention is being described as being incorporated into a rotary combine, it may also be used on other combines, such as conventional straw walker machines. 
     FIG. 1 shows an agricultural combine  10 , also known as a combine thresher. The combine  10  comprises a supporting structure  12  having ground engaging means  14  extending from the supporting structure. A harvesting platform  16  is used for harvesting a crop and directing it to a feederhouse  18 . The harvested crop is directed by the feederhouse  18  to a beater  20 . The beater directs the crop upwardly through an inlet transition section  22  to the axial crop processing unit  24 . The axial crop processing unit is located between, and supported by the sidesheets of the combine. 
     The axial crop processing unit  24  comprises an axial rotor housing  26  and an axial rotor  28  located in the housing. The harvested crop enters the housing through the inlet transition section  22 . The rotor is provided with an infeed portion, a threshing portion and a separating portion. The rotor housing has a corresponding infeed section, a threshing section and a separating section. 
     Both crop processing portions, the threshing portion and the separating portion, are provided with crop engaging assemblies. The threshing section of the rotor housing is provided with a concave and the separating section is provided with a grate. Grain and chaff released from the crop mat falls through the concave and the grate. The concave and grate prevent the passage of crop material larger than grain or chaff from entering the cleaning system  34 . 
     As illustrated in FIG. 1, grain and chaff falling through the concave and grate is directed to cleaning system  34  which removes the chaff from the grain. The clean grain is then directed by a clean grain elevator  36  to a fountain auger (not shown). The fountain auger directs the grain into a grain tank or grain compartment  40 . The clean grain elevator  36  and the fountain auger comprise a means for moving the clean grain from the grain floor of the combine to a storage bin formed by the grain tank  40 . The grain is removed from the grain tank  40  by an unloading auger  57 . As the straw reaches the end of the crop processing unit it is expelled through an outlet to a beater  46 . The beater  46  propels the straw out the rear of the combine. The operation of the combine is controlled from the operator&#39;s cab  48 . 
     When the clean grain compartment is to be unloaded, transverse unloading augers  56  and  58  direct the grain to the side of the compartment where it comes into contact with an unloading auger  57  which directs the clean grain through a vertical unloading tube  61  and a horizontal unloading tube  59 . The auger  57  includes a vertical section  57   a , at least partially within the tube  61 , a right angle gear  57   b , and a horizontal section  57   c  within the tube  59 . During an unloading operation, tube  59  would normally be extended outwardly from the side of the combine so that clean grain can be more readily directed into a wagon or truck. 
     The grain compartment  40  includes a trough  60 , which includes a major trough region  70  and a minor trough region  72  that house the horizontal augers  56 ,  58 , respectively. The trough  60  is open to a charge housing or sump  64 . The vertical auger section  57   a  extends through the vertical tube  61  and into the sump  64 . The grain which is fed through the trough horizontally by the horizontal augers  56 ,  58  is delivered into the sump  64  and is removed by the vertical auger section  57   a  through the tube  61 , and by the horizontal auger section  57   c  through the tube  59 . 
     FIG. 3 illustrates in schematic fashion an air system  90  of the invention. An air supply  100  delivers pressurized air into a tubing system  102  that extends throughout the harvesting apparatus  10 . The air supply  100  can be external to the combine  10 . The tubing system  102  includes branch lines  104  that deliver air to stationary nozzles  106 ,  106   a  or alternate nozzles  306 ,  406  (described in FIGS. 7 and 8) that each includes a nozzle body  107 , or alternately  307 ,  407  that delivers air to the nozzle element  108 , or alternately  314 ,  414 . Air passes at high velocity through an orifice  109  (FIG. 5) or alternately  316 ,  416  (FIGS.  7  and  8 ), of the element  108  or alternately  314 ,  414 . Although, for simplicity, only two nozzles  106 ,  306  and one nozzle  106   a ,  406  are shown, it is to be understood that many nozzles could be deployed throughout the harvesting apparatus  10  and located at hard-to-access or confined locations such as within the unloader tube  59 , around the augers  56 ,  57 ,  58 , or under the horizontal auger covers  56   a ,  58   a  (FIG. 1A, and shown in phantom in FIG.  2 ). Each branch lines  104  can include a shutoff valve  112 . 
     The tubing system  102  further includes branch lines  116  that each terminate in a quick connect fitting  120   a ,  120   b ,  120   c ,  120   d . A portable air wand  122  can be connected to the fittings  120   a - 120   e  via a coiled air hose  126  and a compatible quick connect fitting  130 . The fittings  120   a - 120   e ,  130  can alternately be threaded fittings or any other known fluid-containing connector for pressurized air. 
     Although a few branch lines  116  and fittings  120   a - 120   e  are shown, many branch lines  116  and fittings can be provided throughout the harvesting apparatus  10 . The branch lines  116  can also be provided with shutoff valves  134 . 
     To enhance the cleaning operation, the augers  56 ,  57 ,  58  are slowly turned by an auxiliary rotary power system  136 . The auxiliary rotary power system  136  for slowly turning the augers  56 ,  57 ,  58  during cleanout is described in detail in U.S. application Ser. No. 10/309,977, filed on the same day as the present application, herein incorporated by reference. 
     As a brief description, the auxiliary rotary power system  136  includes a 12 volt DC motor  138  that, when activated during cleanout operation, drives a pulley  140  that drives a belt  142 . The belt  142  drives a pulley  144  that drives a sprocket  146  that is driven at high speed in normal unloading operation by the combine drivetrain. The sprocket  146  drives a chain  148  that drives a sprocket  150  that drives a right angle gear  152  that turns the auger  57 . The chain also drives sprockets  154 ,  156  that rotate the augers  56 ,  58 . The relatively small motor  138  drives the augers  56 ,  57 ,  58  at slow speeds during cleanout operation. A pneumatic cylinder  160  is controlled by a pneumatic control  162  to rotate the motor  138  to tighten the belt  142  to drive the pulley  144 . The pneumatic control  162  is supplied with pressurized air from the air source  100 . 
     Returning to FIGS. 1 and 2, the fittings  120   a - 120   e  are preferably arranged as follows. A grain tank fitting  120   a  is located at an elevated position on a rear side of the grain tank  40 . This allows an operator standing on an access platform  163  to connect the fitting  130  to the fitting  120   a , and using the wand  122  blow clean the grain tank area  40  and the engine area  164 . 
     A rear fitting  120   b  is arranged at an elevation accessible from grade level adjacent to the straw chopper  44 . This position allows the fitting  130  of the wand  122  to be connected to the fitting  120   b  and the wand used by the operator to blow clean the straw chopper  44  and other rear areas of the harvesting apparatus  10 . 
     A front left connector  120   c  is also mounted to be accessed from grade. When the wand connector  130  is connected to the left connector  120   c  the wand  122  can be used to blow clean a left side portion of the harvesting platform  22 . A front right connector  120   d  is mounted at about the same elevation as the connector  120   c , on an opposite side of the operator cab, and can be used to connect the wand  122  for cleaning the right side of the harvesting platform  22 . 
     FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary mounting system for each of the fittings  120   b ,  120   c ,  120   d  and  120   e , with the fitting  120   b  being an example. According to the embodiment, the tubing branch  116  and the fitting  120   b  are fixed to a bracket  170  that is fixed to chassis structure  169  by welding or fasteners. The fitting  120   b  can be secured by threaded nuts  171  located on opposite sides of the bracket  170 , and threaded on a threaded portion  116   a  of the tubing  116 , to clamp the bracket  170  between the nuts  171 . The bracket  170  also serves to mount a driving light  172  that is electrically connected to vehicle electric power by a cable  173 . The light  172  and cable  173  can be secured by threaded nuts  175  located on opposite sides of the bracket  170 , and threaded on a threaded portion  173   a  of the cable  173 , to clamp the bracket  170  between the nuts  175 . By mounting these two elements  120   b ,  172  on a single bracket  170 , the number of separate parts for the harvesting apparatus is minimized. Assembly time is correspondingly reduced. The tubing  116  and cable  173  can be routed together on the chassis, further reducing assembly time. A similar bracket and light arrangement can be used at the elevated fitting  120   a . 
     Returning to FIGS. 1,  1 A and  2 , it is shown that plural fixed nozzles  106 ,  106   a  or alternately  306 ,  406  are provided within the grain compartment  40  adjacent to and along each auger  56 ,  58 . The nozzles can be spaced apart by a foot or so along the length of the augers  56 ,  58  and can have their orifices arranged so that air flow is directed axially and/or down the sloping wall of the grain compartment. Nozzles  106   a  or  406  are provided through the sidewall of the compartment  40  that is farthest from the sump  64  directing air axially down the augers  56 ,  58 . Plural nozzles  106  or  406  are also provided within the horizontal unloader tube  59 . 
     The nozzles  106 ,  306  can be configured, located and spaced as shown and described in U.S. application Ser. No. 10/309,978, filed on the same day as the present application, herein incorporated by reference. 
     One nozzle  106  is illustrated in FIG.  5 . The nozzles  106   a  would be similarly configure but with the orifice turned 90 degrees. The nozzle body  107  includes a base block portion  107   a  and an inside block portion  107   b . A slot  107   c  is formed in the base block portion  107   a  adjacent to the inside block portion  107   b  at an upstream end of the nozzle body  107 . At a downstream end of the base block portion  107   a  the inside block portion  107   b  overhangs the base block portion  107   a . A clamp bracket  220  is fastened with a bolt  222  to a downstream face  107   d  of the base block portion  107   a . A gap  107   e  is formed between a bottom surface of the inside block portion  107   b  and a top surface of the bracket  220 . The bracket includes a slot  220   a  for sliding the bracket  220  tight against a combine wall  223 , such as the wall of the unloader tube  59  or of the grain compartment trough  60 , before the bolt  222  is tightened. 
     As shown in FIG. 6, the nozzle  106  includes the nozzle element  108  which is threaded into an opening  228  in the inside block portion  107   b . A through bore  232  is plugged with a weld plug  234  after its formation through the base block portion  107   a  and the inside block portion  107   b . The through bore  232  connects to the opening  228 . The nozzle element  108  can be installed using an Allen wrench. An inlet bore  238  extends substantially perpendicular to a bottom face of the base block portion  107   a  and intersects the through bore  232 . The inlet bore  238  is threaded to accept an air supply fitting. 
     The inside block portion  107   b  is tapered to form an inclined top surface  244  that increases in distance from the inside surface of the tube  59  or sump in the direction of grain flow  248 . Because of this taper, the nozzle body  107  is protected from undue wear from impingement by grain. Plugging of the unloader auger or sump with grain due to grain flow drag or interference is also prevented. 
     The nozzle  106  is installed onto, and into, a rectangular opening  250  in the wall  223 . The slot  107   c  receives a portion of the wall  223  and the bracket  220  is slid against the wall  223  and the bolt  222  is tightened to capture the wall  223 . The inside block portion of  107   b  is effectively inside the wall  223  and the base block portion  107   a  is effectively outside the wall  223 . 
     FIG. 7 illustrates an alternate nozzle  306 . The nozzle  306  includes a nozzle body  307  having a threaded, tubular base portion  307   a  and a threaded tubular inside portion  307   b , separated by a wrench-engageable block  308 . The base portion  307   a  receives a threaded, pressurized air connection (not shown). The inside portion  307   b  is inserted through a hole  310  in the wall  223 . The inside portion  307   b  also passes through a hole  311  formed through a mounting plate  223   a  that is welded to the wall. A lock nut  312  and a hex cap  314  are threaded onto the inside portion  307   b  to clamp the nozzle  306  to the plate  223   a . The hex cap  314  includes an orifice  316 , and the inside portion  307   b  includes a triangular slot  318 . By selecting the position of the hex cap  314  along the length of the inside portion  307   b , the effective size of the air opening through the orifice  316  from inside the inside portion  307   b  can be adjusted. The lock nut  312  is then positioned along the inside portion  307   b  to clamp the plate  223   a  against the hex cap  314 . 
     By use of this nozzle  306 , the orientation of the orifice  316  inside the tube  59 , or sump  60  can be easily changed by loosening the lock nut  312  and reorienting the body  307 . Preferably, the orifice is positioned at about 1-2 mm above the inside surface of the wall  223 . 
     FIG. 8 illustrates an alternate nozzle  406 . This nozzle  406  can be used in the positions shown in FIG.  2 . The nozzle  406  includes an alternate nozzle body  407  identical to the nozzle body  307  of FIG. 7, except having no slot  318 . An alternate hex cap  414  includes an axially arranged orifice  416 . The installation of the nozzle  406  onto the wall  223 , such as the end wall of the trough  60 , is the same as the installation of the nozzle  306  shown in FIG.  7 . The lock nut  312  (not shown) is positioned along an inside portion of the nozzle body  407  to clamp the plate  223   a  (not shown) against the hex cap  414 . 
     From the foregoing, it will be observed that numerous variations and modifications may be effected without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is to be understood that no limitation with respect to the specific apparatus illustrated herein is intended or should be inferred. It is, of course, intended to cover by the appended claims all such modifications as fall within the scope of the claims.