Abstract:
Bellows structure for a cotton module builder or packager, for enclosing or covering slots or passages through walls of a cotton module builder, for preventing entry of cotton into the slots or passages, to allow free movement of cross members therethrough of apparatus for distributing and compacting cotton within the module builder. The bellows can include telescoping rigid members below the cross members, and more flexible bellows thereabove.

Description:
[0001]     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/557,853, filed Mar. 30, 2004. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD  
       [0002]     This invention relates generally to a bellows structure for enclosing or covering slots through walls of a cotton module builder or packager, and more particularly, to bellows which prevent passage through, and compaction in, cotton in slots through walls of a cotton module builder or packager for movement of apparatus for distributing and compacting cotton within the module builder or packager.  
       BACKGROUND ART  
       [0003]     Cotton harvesting machines having an on-board cotton module building capability, also known as a cotton packager, include a cotton compacting chamber in which the compacted cotton module is built, formed by a floor and upstanding walls. Supported within this cotton compacting chamber is cotton compactor apparatus supported for vertical upward and downward movement for compacting cotton received in the chamber into the lower region thereof, for forming the module. It is important for the thus formed cotton module to have a cohesive, unitary composition which will be free standing when unloaded from the cotton compacting chamber, and which will remain substantially intact when subsequently handled. In particular, it is desirable for the upstanding sides of the thus formed compacted cotton module to be firm and relatively smooth to facilitate the subsequent handling, and also the removal of the module from the compacting chamber.  
         [0004]     As a result, it is desirable for the structure and driving apparatus supporting the compactor apparatus to be located outwardly or outside of the compacting chamber. Such support structure and driver apparatus could be located above the compactor apparatus. However, the overall height of cotton harvesting machines must be limited so as to be able to pass through storage building doorways and under bridges, utility lines, and other overhead obstructions when moving from field to field. Therefore, it is sought to provide support structure and actuating drivers outside of the side walls of the compacting chamber.  
         [0005]     Reference in this regard, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,530,199 and 6,536,197, wherein external driver apparatus for the movement of the compactor structure or apparatus include four fluid cylinders, arranged two on each side of the compacting chamber. Such cylinders are disclosed as being double cylinders, one of which is used to index the compactor apparatus upwardly as the height of the module is increased, and the other for moving the compactor apparatus downwardly from the indexed location against the cotton in the compacting chamber for compacting the cotton.  
         [0006]     It is contemplated to provide supporting structure and drivers on the exterior sides or ends of a module builder or packager connected to compactor apparatus within the cotton compacting chamber of the module builder or packager, for effecting downward movement under pressure and upper movement of the compactor apparatus. To accomplish this, it is contemplated that structural members will extend through vertical slots in walls of the module builder or packager, connecting the external structure to the compactor apparatus within the compacting chamber. However, a problem that can arise is passage of cotton from the compacting chamber through the vertical slots or passages, and/or collection and compaction of the cotton in the slots, so as to inhibit movement of the connecting structure through the slots, and also removal of the compacted body of cotton or module from the chamber due to integration with the cotton compacted into the slots. Additionally, it is contemplated that the structural members extending through the slots may vary in orientation as a result of uneven movement and tilting of the compactor apparatus.  
         [0007]     Thus, what is sought is structure for a compactor apparatus of a cotton module builder or packager including external support and driver elements, which provides the advantages and overcomes the problems set forth above.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0008]     What is disclosed is structure for compactor apparatus of a cotton harvester which provides the advantages and overcomes one or more of the disadvantages and problems set forth above.  
         [0009]     According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the compactor apparatus includes a frame to be disposed within the cotton compacting chamber of a cotton module builder or packager including one or more structural elements which are movable downwardly within the chamber against the cotton for compacting the cotton against the floor and walls of the chamber. The frame includes cross members, preferably at the front and rear ends of the chamber, which extend across the chamber and protrude outwardly therefrom through upwardly and downwardly extending slots or passages through the side walls defining the chamber. The ends of the cross members which protrude through the slots or passages on each side of the chamber are connected together by an exterior side structure so as to be jointly movable upwardly and downwardly within the slots or passages, such that the frame is correspondingly moved upwardly and downwardly within the interior of the compacting chamber. Importantly, to maintain the frame at a horizontal orientation within the compacting chamber, or at an orientation relative to the floor within a permissible range, the exterior side structure on each side of the compacting chamber is guided by at least one vertically extending guide member. The side structure and at least one guide member can include members cooperatively engageable during the movement of the side structure such as rollers or the like. The exterior side structure on each side of the compacting chamber is connected to the module builder by a suitable driver, such as a fluid cylinder or the like, for moving the exterior side structure, and the frame upwardly and downwardly as desired or required for compacting the cotton within the chamber.  
         [0010]     The frame of the compactor apparatus located within the compacting chamber preferably includes, in addition to the structural elements for compacting the cotton, at least one cotton driver, such as an auger or the like, extending in a horizontal orientation, and actuatable for moving the cotton within the chamber for more evenly distributing it therein for forming a more even cotton module.  
         [0011]     According to another preferred aspect of the invention, bellows are disclosed for disposition in slots through the walls of the cotton module builder or packager for operation in cooperation with cross members extending therethrough for prevent passage of cotton through the slots and compaction of cotton therein. The bellows can optionally include elements for connection to the compactor apparatus which allow some relative misalignment therebetween as a result of tilting movement of the compactor apparatus. Below the compactor apparatus, in the region of the compacting chamber in which the cotton is being compacted, the bellows have a rigid surface which faces the interior of the chamber, and is supported such that compacting forces will not compress or deform the bellows. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0012]      FIG. 1  is a side view of a cotton harvesting machine having an on-board cotton module builder including compactor apparatus according to the present invention thereon;  
         [0013]      FIG. 2  is an enlarged fragmentary side view of the harvesting machine of  FIG. 1  showing the compactor apparatus of the invention in an uppermost position;  
         [0014]      FIG. 3  is another enlarged fragmentary side view of the harvesting machine of  FIG. 1  showing the compactor apparatus in a lowered, compacting position;  
         [0015]      FIG. 4  is an enlarged fragmentary top view of the module builder and compactor apparatus;  
         [0016]      FIG. 5  is still another enlarged fragmentary side view of the module builder and exterior side structure and a guide member of the apparatus, showing rollers for controlling and guiding movement of the side structure along the guide member;  
         [0017]      FIG. 6  is a simplified schematic perspective representation of the compactor apparatus of the invention in a raised position;  
         [0018]      FIG. 7  is another simplified schematic perspective representation of the compactor apparatus of the invention in a lowered position;  
         [0019]      FIG. 8  is an enlarged fragmentary side view of the front end of the module builder, showing bellows according to the invention in the vertical slot of the module builder;  
         [0020]      FIG. 9  is a sectional view along line  9 - 9  of  FIG. 8 ;  
         [0021]      FIG. 10  is an enlarged fragmentary top view of the bellows of  FIG. 8 ;  
         [0022]      FIG. 11  is a side view of a guide frame of the bellows of  FIG. 8 ;  
         [0023]      FIG. 12  is an end view of the guide frame of  FIG. 11 ;  
         [0024]      FIG. 13  is a top view of a cover member of the bellows of  FIG. 8 ;  
         [0025]      FIG. 14  is another side view of the bellows of  FIG. 8 ;  
         [0026]      FIG. 15  is a side view of a guide frame for a rear bellows of the invention; and  
         [0027]      FIG. 16  is an end view of the guide frame of  FIG. 15 . 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0028]     Referring now to the drawings, in  FIGS. 1, 2 ,  3  and  4 , a cotton harvesting machine  10  is shown, including an on-board cotton module builder  12 , including compactor apparatus  14 . Generally, cotton harvesting machine  10  is self-propelled for movement over a field of cotton plants, and includes a plurality of cotton harvesting units  16  extending in a side-by-side array across a front end  18  of machine  10 . Cotton harvested by harvesting units  16  is conveyed by flows of air through ducts  20  which extend rearwardly and upwardly from harvesting units  16  to an upper region of a cotton compacting chamber  22  of module builder  12 , in the well known conventional manner. The cotton conveyed into cotton compacting chamber  22  will then collect on a floor  24  within chamber  22 , against which the cotton will be compacted by compactor apparatus  14 , as will be explained.  
         [0029]     Cotton compacting chamber  22  is a four-sided cavity defined on the bottom by floor  24  and upwardly extending opposing front and rear end walls  26  and  28 , and side walls, represented by side wall  30 , extending therebetween. Walls  26 ,  28  and  30  typically include openings or perforations therethrough, to allow passage and dissipation of the air used to convey the cotton into chamber  22 , while retaining the cotton therein. The upper region of cotton compacting chamber  22  of module builder  12  is enclosed by a roof  32  which can also include openings or perforations for the passage of air but not cotton therethrough. Importantly, the side walls, as represented by side wall  30 , each include a vertical forward slot  34  adjacent front end wall  26 , and a vertical rearward slot  36  adjacent rear end wall  28 , slots  34  and  36  extending substantially the entire vertical height of the compacting chamber.  
         [0030]     Referring also to  FIG. 4 , compactor apparatus  14  of module builder  12  includes a compactor frame  38  which is generally horizontal and substantially entirely disposed within cotton compacting chamber  22 , for movement downwardly against cotton contained therein for compacting the cotton against floor  24 . Compactor frame  38  includes a front cross member  40  disposed in chamber  22  adjacent front end wall  26 , and having opposite ends which extend through slots  34 . Similarly, a rear cross member  42  is disposed in chamber  22  adjacent rear end wall  28  and has opposite ends extending through slots  36 . A plurality of front and rear extending members  44  extend between and connect front and rear cross members  40  and  42 . Additionally, preferably at least one, and most preferably, several augers  46  are supported for rotation on front and rear cross members  40  and  42 , and extend forwardly and rearwardly therebetween. Augers  46  can be rotated using any suitable commercially available drivers, such as a gear drive driven by a motor such as a fluid or electric motor, or directly by fluid or electric motors, as desired, for distributing the collected cotton in chamber  22  as required or desired. In this regard, it is particularly desirable to distribute the cotton evenly with respect to the plane of floor  24 , such that the resultant compacted cotton module will have a substantially uniform height along its length and width.  
         [0031]     Compactor frame  38  of compactor apparatus  14  is supported in compacting chamber  22  on each side by an exterior side structure  48 , each structure  48  including a substantially horizontal, forwardly and rearwardly extending main beam  50  which extends between and connects front and rear cross members  40  and  42 . Each side structure  48  additionally includes a pair of braces  52  which extend downwardly and at converging angles from front and rear cross members  40  and  42 , and which are connected together by a gusset  54  located spacedly below about the middle of main beam  50 . Here, it should be noted that compactor frame  38  located within compacting chamber  22  and exterior side structures  48  on the exterior of the side walls represented by side wall  30  are movable upwardly and downwardly together.  
         [0032]     The upward and downward movement of exterior side structures  48  and compactor frame  38  is preferably achieved and controlled by drivers  56  extending, respectively, between gusset  54  of each exterior side structure  48  and a support frame  58  supported by and extending upwardly from a frame  60  of module builder  12 . Drivers  56  each preferably comprise a fluid cylinder which receives fluid under pressure from a suitable pressurized fluid source, such as a fluid pump of machine  10 , for moving exterior side structure  48 , and thus compactor frame  38  of compactor apparatus  14 , upwardly and downwardly as required or desired for performing a cotton distributing and/or compacting operation. Each driver  56  includes a fluid cylinder  62  connected to support frame  58  and a rod  64  connected to gusset  54  of exterior side structure  48 .  
         [0033]     In  FIGS. 1 and 2 , rod  64  is shown in a retracted position in cylinder  62  such that exterior side structure  48  and compactor frame  38  are located at an elevated position.  FIG. 3  shows rod  64  extended to a substantially extended position, to position side structure  48  and compactor frame  38  at a lowered position, representing about a maximum compacting position of compactor apparatus  14 .  
         [0034]     Referring also to  FIG. 5 , as noted above, it is a sought after feature of the present module builder  12  to form and produce complete cotton modules having a substantially uniform height over the front-to-rear and side-to-side extent thereof. Generally, the harvested cotton conveyed through ducts  20  into compacting chamber  22  will have a tendency to collect in the more rearward region of chamber  22 , such that distribution in a forward direction by augers  46  is typically required. However, the cotton, even though more evenly distributed within chamber  22 , can have various inconsistencies in density and other conditions which make various regions of the collected cotton more difficult or easy to compact relative to other regions. As a result, if the downward movement of compactor frame  38  is not restrained or controlled, compactor frame  38  can be tilted undesirably and lateral loads and stresses can be exerted against driver  56 , both in the forwardly and rearwardly, and side-to-side directions.  
         [0035]     To limit lateral loading, and facilitate the even distribution and compaction of the cotton within cotton compacting chamber  22  by compactor apparatus  14 , each exterior side structure  48  includes upper guide roller assemblies  66 , and lower guide roller assemblies  68 , each of which rollingly engage and are movable upwardly and downwardly along vertical guide members  70  disposed at spaced locations adjacent each side of module builder  12 , for controllably guiding the upward and downward movement of side structures  48  and compactor frame  38 , for holding or maintaining compactor frame  38  in a substantial horizontal orientation as it compacts the cotton in chamber  22 . Guide members  70  are fixedly mounted to frame  60  by brackets  72  which comprise sleeves which receive the respective guide members  70  and hold them in upstanding position and orientation beside module builder  12 . Guide members  70  are fixedly mounted at the top to roof  32  of module builder  12 . Each guide member  72  is preferably maintained in such upstanding orientation and position in bracket  72  by a pin  74 , which can be removed to allow lowering guide members  70  with upper portions of module builder  12 , for reducing the overall height of machine  10  for transport on trucks and rail cars, and other purposes as desired or required.  
         [0036]     Each upper guide roller assembly  66  includes a bracket  76  mounted to main beam  50  of exterior side structure  48  and is of bifurcated or U-shaped construction so as to receive a guide member  70  therethrough. Bracket  76  supports a pair of rollers  78  for rotation about forwardly and rearwardly extending axes on opposite sides of guide member  70 , for controlling or substantially limiting side-to-side movement of exterior side structure  48 , and thus compactor frame  38 . To facilitate contact between rollers  78  and guide member  70 , rollers  78  each preferably has a concave outer surface  80  which engages the guide member  70 .  
         [0037]     Similarly, each lower guide roller assembly  68  includes a bracket  82  mounted to brace  52  of exterior side structure  48  and is of bifurcated or U-shape construction so as to receive a guide member  70  therethrough. Bracket  82  supports a pair of rollers  78  for rotation about side-to-side extending axis on opposite sides of guide member  70 , for controlling or substantially limiting forward and rearward movement of exterior side structure  48 , and thus compactor frame  38 . To facilitate contact between rollers  78  and guide member  70 , rollers  78  each preferably has a concave outer surface  80  which engages the guide member  70 .  
         [0038]     Referring to  FIG. 6 , a schematic representation of compactor apparatus  14  in a raised position above floor  24  is shown. Here, drivers  56  can be observed supporting exterior side structures  48  on opposite sides of compactor frame  38 , and the positions of guide members  70  relative to exterior side structures  48  is evident.  
         [0039]      FIG. 7  is a schematic representation showing compactor apparatus  14  in a lowered, compacting position, with compactor frame  38  supported by drivers  56  and exterior side structures  48 . Again, the position of guide members  70  adjacent exterior side structures  48  is evident.  
         [0040]     Referring again to  FIGS. 1, 2 ,  3  and  4 , to contain the cotton and prevent passage through and compacting of cotton in slots  34  and  36 , each slot  34  and  36  includes an upper bellows  84  which encloses the slot above cross member  40  or  42 , and a lower bellows  86  which encloses the slot beneath the cross member  40  or  42  constructed and operable according to the teachings of the present invention. Bellows  84  and  86  include elements movable with the respective cross member  40  and  42 , and retractable and extendible elements for varying the height of the bellows during the movement of the cross member. Lower bellows  86  additionally include an interior surface which faces compacting chamber  22  which is of substantially rigid construction, to prevent the forces of compaction from forcing the cotton into the slot.  
         [0041]     Referring also to  FIG. 8 , upper bellows  84  and lower bellows  86  in slot  34  at the front end of module builder  12  are shown, above and below front cross member  40  of compactor apparatus  14 , respectively. Here, cross member  40  is shown at a raised position, representative of a non-compacting position, such that upper bellows  84  are in a compacted or retracted state, and lower bellows  86  are in an extended state. Each of bellows  84  and  86  are contained in and guided for vertical movement by a pair of opposing vertically extending C-shape channels  116  telescopically received in guide channel portions  88  and  90  of a guide frame  92  mounted in occupying relation to slot  34 . Guide frame  92  is preferably mounted to frame  60  and front end wall  26  of module builder  12 , by a plurality of conventional fasteners, here including conventional bolts  94 . Upper bellows  84  preferably comprise commercially available bellows or way protectors, such as, but not limited to, those available under the Gortite tradename from A&amp;A Manufacturing, Inc. of New Berlin, Wis., USA. Upper bellows  84  have a lower portion  96  which is attached or connected to cross member  40  for upward and downward movement therewith as denoted by arrow A, and an upper portion  98  suitably attached or connected to module builder  12  such as to roof  32  so as to remain stationary as cross member  40  is moved upwardly and downwardly, such that bellows  84  will expand during the downward movement, and contract or retract during the upward movement, respectively, to occupy and cover the space between opposing channels  116  to prevent passage of cotton therethrough and accumulation of cotton therein.  
         [0042]     Lower bellows  86  are preferably of different construction than upper bellows  84 , and instead include a rigid, box shape cover member  100  having a sectional extent when viewed from above only marginally smaller than the space defined between C-shaped guide channels  116  so as to be cooperatively slidable therebetween in covering relation to the space.  
         [0043]     Referring to  FIGS. 11 and 12 , guide channels  88  and  90  of guide frame  92  are connected by lower intermediate panel  102  on the side which faces cotton compacting chamber  22 . Intermediate panel  102  is shorter in height compared to guide channels  88  and  90 , to thereby form an opening  104  between the guide channels above intermediate panel  102 . Cover member  100  and C-shaped channels  116  are telescopically received between guide channels  88  and  90 , such that cover member  100  can slide up and down within C-shaped channels  116  that are contained within guide channels  88  and  90 , between a position extending upwardly therefrom in covering relation to opening  104 , and a lower position wherein all or a portion of cross member  40  will be located in opening  104 . In this way, a rigid, pressure resistant structure is provided in covering relation to slot  34  which will prevent passage of cotton therethrough and entry of cotton therein during the compaction process.  
         [0044]     Cover member  100  is preferably connected to a lower end of cross member  40  by a linkage arrangement  106  including a link  108  having an upper end pivotally connected to cross member  40 , and a lower end pivotally connected to cover member  100 . This is desirable as cross member  40  can be subjected to loadings which can cause it to tilt or rotate within the space between guide channels  88  and  90 , as denoted by arrows B, which movements are not desired to transferred to cover member  100 . This is advantageous as it allows the front-to-rear extent and sideward extent of cover member  100  to be only marginally smaller between those extents of the space defined between opposing channels  116 , such that there is less space therebetween for passage or collection of cotton.  
         [0045]     Referring also to  FIGS. 9 and 10 , which are each a top view of lower bellows  86 , angle brackets  110  for attachment of guide frame  92  to frame  60  by bolts  94  is better shown. Angle brackets  112  and  114  for attachment to front end wall  26  at side wall  30  are also shown. C-shape channels  116  are also shown telescopically disposed within guide frame  92  and  88  at the opposite ends thereof and define the interface with cover member  100 . As noted above, channels  116  also serve as guide channels for containing and guiding the upward and downward movement of upper bellows  84 . Channels  116  can attach to roof  32  and move downwardly therewith, so as to be more telescopically received in guide frame  92  and  88  when roof  32  is lowered for transport.  
         [0046]     Referring also to  FIG. 13 , which is a bottom view of cover member  100 , outer surfaces of that member which oppose inner surfaces of channels  116  and inner surface of  102  in guide support  92 , include longitudinally extending strips  118  of a low friction polymer material to facilitate movement of member  100  in telescopic relation to channels  116  and guide frame  92 , and also to block passage of cotton between member  100  and the other components.  
         [0047]     Referring also to  FIG. 14 , linkage arrangement  106  is better shown, including brackets  120  which connect to cover member  100  at the bottom and cross member  40  at the top for pivotally connecting those members together. Brackets  120  can be attached directly to cross member  40 , and to an end closure  122  which is suitably connected such as by fastening or welding in closing relation to the upper end of cover member  100 .  
         [0048]     It should be noted that upper and lower bellows  84  and  86  at the rear of module builder  12  are constructed essentially in the above-described manner, and are retained in position and guided by similar guide frames.  
         [0049]     Referring also to  FIGS. 15 and 16 , a representative guide frame  124  for bellows  86  at the rear are shown, including guide channels  88  and  90  defining a space therebetween for receiving C-shape channels  116  for guiding and controlling upward and downward movement of bellows  84  and  86 , and also an intermediate panel  102  on the side facing cotton compacting chamber  22  which does not extend the full height of the guide frame, so as to provide an opening  104  for receiving rear cross member  42 . Guide frame  124  is attached to rear end wall  128  of the module builder and side wall  30 , and frame  60 , in the above-described manner.  
         [0050]     Here it should be noted that the bellows structure described herein has utility for a wide variety of other compactors, module builders and packagers and other structures, such as those disclosed in the above-referenced U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,530,199 and 6,536,197, and therefore is not intended to be limited to use with the structure described herein.  
         [0051]     It will be understood that changes in the details, materials, steps, and arrangements of parts which have been described and illustrated to explain the nature of the invention will occur to and may be made by those skilled in the art upon a reading of this disclosure within the principles and scope of the invention. The foregoing description illustrates the preferred embodiment of the invention; however, concepts, as based upon the description, may be employed in other embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following claims are intended to protect the invention broadly as well as in the specific form shown.