Abstract:
An integrated axle and fan wrapper for an agricultural harvesting machine, including a fan wrapper structure connected between first and second spaced apart side sheets and extending sidewardly therebetween in spanning relation to the space, the wrapper structure incorporating at least one cross member connected between the first and second side sheets for holding the side sheets in the parallel spaced relation, and the fan wrapper structure defining and at least partially enclosing an internal cavity configured for receiving a fan for rotation therein. The integrated axle and fan wrapper includes a first axle structure mounted sidewardly outwardly of and integrated with the fan wrapper structure and having a first outer end portion configured for mounting a first wheel thereon, and a second axle structure mounted outwardly of the fan wrapper structure and integrated therewith and having a second outer end portion configured for mounting a second wheel thereon, the fan wrapper structure serving to support and stiffen, strengthen and integrate the axle structures.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    This invention relates generally to an axle and a cleaning fan of an agricultural harvesting machine, and more particularly, to an integrated structure which provides both an axle and a wrapper for a cleaning fan, particularly adapted for an agricultural combine. 
       BACKGROUND ART 
       [0002]    Agricultural harvesting machines, and particularly, large machines such as combines, commonly utilize an elongate axle or cross member extending sidewardly through or beneath a frame or chassis of the machine, on the opposite ends of which axle or cross member wheels are mounted for supporting the machine. In a combine, the forward wheels are commonly the primary drive wheels, and support the bulk of the weight of the machine, including a grain tank disposed thereabove which can be quite heavy when loaded with grain, as well as a header mounted on the front end of the machine, which can also be quite large, necessitating a particularly large and robust axle or cross member extending across the machine. 
         [0003]    Many agricultural operators presently desire combines that have greater harvesting and grain processing and handling capacity. However, this presents a substantial design challenge, as the overall size envelope into which a combine must fit is limited by width restrictions for passage over public roads, thoroughfares, bridges and the like, by height restrictions for passage under overhead wires and through doors of storage and service buildings, and trailer transport restrictions. A necessary component of the grain processing and handling apparatus of a combine is a cleaning fan used to generate a rearwardly directed flow of air to sieves of a cleaning system for removing material other than grain from the grain itself before it is conveyed to the grain tank or offloaded. The cleaning fan is typically enclosed or housed in a wrapper disposed between the sides of the frame or chassis, near the front axle or cross member. Increasing axle weight bearing capacity, particularly by increasing the vertical extent thereof, and, at the same time, increasing grain processing and handling capability, particularly cleaning fan output, can result in competing demands on limited interior space. 
         [0004]    As another challenge, as the harvesting and grain processing and handling capacity of a combine are increased, there can be a tendency for complexity, e.g. the number of components, weight and cost to also increase, which can be a disadvantage costwise. 
         [0005]    Thus, what is sought is axle and cleaning fan constructions for an agricultural harvesting machine which meets at least one of the challenges and overcomes one of the problems and disadvantages discussed above. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    What is disclosed is an integrated axle and cleaning fan wrapper for an agricultural harvesting machine which meets at least one challenge and overcomes one of the problems and disadvantages discussed above. 
         [0007]    According to one preferred aspect of the invention, the fan wrapper structure is connected between, or incorporates, first and second spaced apart side sheets of a frame of the machine. The fan wrapper structure defines and at least partially encloses an internal cavity configured for receiving and containing a cleaning fan for rotation therein, preferably an elongate, sidewardly extending centrifugal fan rotatable about a sidewardly extending rotational axis, which can be, for instance, a fan of conventional, well known construction. The wrapper structure defines an air inlet opening for flow of air to the fan, and an air outlet opening shaped to direct a flow of air generated by the fan to a cleaning system of the machine. The wrapper structure includes or incorporates at least one cross member connected between the first and second side sheets for rigidly supporting and holding the axle structures of the invention in a predetermined spaced apart and aligned relation. The integrated structure includes two axle structures, a first axle structure extending outwardly from one side of the fan wrapper structure and having a first outer end portion configured for mounting a first wheel thereon, and a second axle structure extending sidewardly outwardly from the opposite side of the fan wrapper structure and having a second outer end portion configured for mounting a second wheel thereon. As a result, the fan wrapper essentially serves the dual task of enclosing the cleaning fan and serving as a structural member disposed between the outer axle structures that replaces a conventional, continuous solid axle structure extending through the space between the side sheets or below the side sheets. The integrated fan wrapper and axle provide a stiff and strong combined structure that is more compact than using a separate fan wrapper and axle, and can be advantageously configured, including for good axle strength, air flow, simplicity and cost. 
         [0008]    According to another aspect of the invention, the outer end portions of the axle structures support drive units which can include motors for driving the wheels attached thereto, which motors can be, but are not limited to, fluid motors. Mounting elements such as flanges can be incorporated onto the axle outer end portions for this purpose. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]      FIG. 1  is a simplified side elevational view of the front end of an agricultural combine, showing generally the location of an integrated axle and cleaning fan wrapper structure according to the present invention; 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  is a fragmentary perspective view of the integrated axle and cleaning fan wrapper structure according to the invention, illustrating wheel drive units in connection with axle structures of the invention; 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of the structure of the invention, with a side sheet and axle thereof removed to reveal a representative cleaning fan installed therein and shown in hidden lines; 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of aspects of a fan wrapper structure of the invention. 
           [0013]      FIG. 5  is a fragmentary perspective view of an axle structure of the invention; 
           [0014]      FIG. 6  is a front view of the axle structure of  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0015]      FIG. 7  is a fragmentary front view of the combine of  FIG. 1 , showing an axle structure of the invention, including a tire connected thereto and a wheel drive unit there shown in dotted lines; and 
           [0016]      FIG. 8  is a fragmentary perspective view of the forward end of the combine of  FIG. 1 , illustrating elements of an alternative drive arrangement for the drive wheels thereof. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0017]    Referring now to the drawings, in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , an agricultural combine  10  is shown including an integrated axle and cleaning fan wrapper  12  constructed and operable according to the teachings of the present invention. Integrated axle and cleaning fan wrapper  12  includes a fan wrapper structure  14  enclosing and containing a cleaning fan  16  operable for blowing a flow of air upwardly and rearwardly, as denoted by arrows A in  FIG. 1 , through sieves of a cleaning system  18  of combine  10  operable in the well-known manner for separating material other than grain from grain harvested by combine  10 . Integrated axle and cleaning fan wrapper  12  additionally includes a first axle structure  20 , and a second axle structure  22 , on opposite sides of combine  10  for connection of drive wheels thereto, as represented by drive wheel  24  in  FIG. 1 . The forward and mid portions of combine  10  are illustrated in  FIG. 1 , and it is contemplated that the integrated axle and cleaning fan wrapper  12  of the invention is preferably configured for use in connection with forwardly located drive wheels of a combine, although the present invention is not intended to be limited by that application. 
         [0018]    Referring also to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , fan wrapper structure  14  includes a lower wrapper portion  26 , preferably of sheet metal construction, which extends sidewardly or laterally between lower regions of a first side sheet  28  and a generally parallel, second side sheet  30  (both side sheets shown in  FIG. 2 ) of a frame  32  of combine  10 . Fan wrapper structure  14  includes an upper wrapper portion  34 , also preferably of sheet metal construction, which extends sidewardly or laterally between first side sheet  28  and second side sheet  30 , in spaced relation to and generally above a portion of lower wrapper portion  26 , defining or forming an interior cavity  36  therebetween. Wrapper portions  26  and  34  can be suitably attached to side sheets  28  and  30 , such as by welding, fasteners, or the like. Lower wrapper portion  26  includes a surface  38  facing interior cavity  36  and which preferably has a concave shape including a lower portion  40  which defines and encloses a lower periphery of interior cavity  36 , and a forward portion  42  which defines and encloses a forward periphery of cavity  36 . Cavity  36  is of sufficient sideward and sectional extent so as to accommodate a conventional cleaning fan therein, such as fan  16  which is a centrifugal or cross flow fan of conventional construction and operation commonly used for combine cleaning systems. 
         [0019]    Lower wrapper portion  26  additionally includes or incorporates structural cross members  44 ,  46  and  48  therein, which cross members  44 ,  46  and  48  extend sidewardly along the wrapper portion  26 , preferably outside of interior cavity  36 , at predetermined locations between first and second side sheets  28  and  30 . Upper wrapper portion  34  includes a concave surface  50  which faces and defines a rearward periphery of interior cavity  38 , and an opposite convex surface  52  both of which function as air flow guides, concave surface  50  for directing air flow from wrapper portion  14  to the cleaning system  18  ( FIG. 1 ), and convex surface  52  for directing air flow into interior cavity  38 . Upper wrapper portion  34  additionally includes or incorporates a structural cross member  54  which extends sidewardly therealong outside of and above interior cavity  36 , between first and second side sheets  28  and  30 . Cross member  54  also is positioned beneath the inlet region of a threshing system of the combine, so as to serve as a deflector for deflecting grain onto an upper sieve of the cleaning system. Together, lower wrapper portion  26  and upper wrapper portion  34  define a forwardly facing air inlet opening  56  ( FIG. 3 ), and a rearwardly and upwardly facing air outlet opening  58 , both of which can extend the full width or sideward extent of the space between side sheets  28  and  30  as shown. In  FIG. 3 , lower portion  40  of lower wrapper portion  26  is shown in dotted lines, to illustrate that it is removable, such as for servicing fan  16  or cleaning. 
         [0020]    Additionally, lower wrapper portion  26 , upper wrapper portion  34 , and cross members  44 ,  46 ,  48  and  54  are positioned and configured to support first and second side sheets  28  and  30 , and to serve as structural members disposed between and in support of first and second axle structures  20  and  22 , as will be explained next. Here, it should be noted and understood that it is contemplated that a variety of other structural members, including, but not limited to, additional cross members  60  and  62 , will be provided at different locations in connection with side sheets  28  and  30  for stiffening those members, as well as for supporting other components of combine  10 , and for further enclosing interior cavity  36 , some of which additional structural members complement and function in concert with the components of integrated axle and cleaning fan wrapper  12  of the invention, for providing a robust and strong combine frame or chassis. 
         [0021]    Referring also to  FIGS. 5 ,  6  and  7 , as noted above, first and second axle structures  20  and  22  connect with forward drive wheels disposed on opposite sides of combine  10 , respectively, as illustrated by drive wheel  24 . Axle structures  20  and  22  are essentially mirror images of one another, and each comprises a multiple sided sheet metal three-dimensional structure which extends sidewardly or laterally outwardly from a mounting end portion  64  in connection with the respective side sheet  28  or  30  to an outer end portion  66 . Each of axle structures  20  and  22  is preferably hollow, and has a shape which tapers convergingly or narrowingly as it extends sidewardly outwardly from mounting end portion  64  toward the outer end portion  66  thereof. 
         [0022]    Referring in particular to  FIG. 5 , each axle structure  20  and  22  (as represented by axle structure  20 ) generally includes a rear sheet  68 , a bottom sheet  70 , a forward sheet  72  and an upper sheet  74 . Rear sheet  68  and the rearward portion of bottom sheet  70  are preferably fabricated from a single folded sheet, as are the forward portion of bottom sheet  70  and forward sheet  72 , the two sheets being joined at about the center of bottom sheet  70 , using a suitable sheet-metal joint and/or by welding. Upper sheet  74  overlays and is connected to the upper regions of sheets  68  and  72 , again, utilizing a suitable joint and/or by welding. Referring also to  FIG. 6 , it can be seen that the sides of axle structure  20  taper convergingly from mounting end portion  64  to outer end portion  66 . Suitable access openings  76  in rear sheet  68  and forward sheet  72  provide access to an interior  78 . 
         [0023]    Referring again to all of the Figures, mounting end portion  64  of each axle structure  20  or  22  is welded and/or otherwise suitably attached such as with fasteners, to the adjacent side sheet  28  or  30  at predetermined locations so as to essentially be aligned in the sideward direction and integrate with certain of the structural elements associated with fan wrapper structure  14 , in particular, cross members  44 ,  46 ,  48 ,  60  and  62 , so as to form a continuous structure extending between the opposite outer end portions  66  of the axle structures. In this regard, referring more particularly to  FIGS. 3 and 5 , it can be seen that cross members  44 ,  46 ,  60  and  62  define the corners or boundaries of a multiple sided shape, denoted by dotted line B, which shape matches or corresponds closely with the multiple sided shape and size of mounting end portion  64  of first axle structure  20 . Second axle structure  22  is a mirror image of first axle structure  20 , and thus it can be seen that it will overlay line B when attached to side sheet  30 . As a result, when assembled, corners  80 ,  82  and  84  of first and second axle structures  20  and  22  align in the sideward direction and are connected together by cross members  44 ,  60  and  62 , forming a continuous, sidewardly extending three-dimensional axle framework or structure. This axle framework or structure preferably envelopes or contains lower wrapper portion  26  which incorporates cross member  44  of this structure or framework, and also cross members  46  and  48 , thus integrating the axle structures  20  and  22  with fan wrapper structure  14 . Lower wrapper portion  26  and upper wrapper portion reinforce and stiffen and strengthen this integrated structure while also enclosing the interior cavity  36 . 
         [0024]    Addressing air flow, arrows C in  FIGS. 1 ,  2  and  3  illustrate air flow into fan wrapper structure  14  as generated by rotation of cleaning fan  16 , while arrows A illustrate air flow from structure  14  ( FIGS. 1 and 3 ) to cleaning system  18  ( FIG. 1 ). Thus, it is apparent that the structure of the invention is strong and robust, yet allows air flow directly therethrough. Addressing propulsion, each axle structure  20  and  22  connects to a drive wheel of combine  10 , illustrated by drive wheel  24  in  FIGS. 1 and 7 . Each drive wheel, in turn, is preferably drivingly rotated by a wheel drive unit  86  connecting the drive wheel to the respective axle structure  20  or  22 . Each axle structure  20  and  22  includes a circular mounting flange  88  attached to outer end portion  66  for this purpose. Each wheel drive unit  86  includes a mating flange  90 , and flanges  88  and  90  are suitably connected together, for instance, using bolts (not shown) through aligned arrays of bolt holes  92  around the respective flanges. Each wheel drive unit  86  is preferably a fluid powered planetary drive unit, including a fluid motor  94  ( FIG. 7 ) disposed within a hollow cavity of the respective axle structure  20  and  22 , and suitably connected to a source of pressurized fluid and a fluid reservoir (both not shown) of combine  10  in the conventional, well-known manner, via fluid lines  96  and  98  and a valve  100  ( FIG. 2 ). Rotation of motor  94  effects rotation of internal components of drive unit  86 , to effect rotation of the wheel  24 . 
         [0025]    Referring also to  FIG. 8 , an alternative drive arrangement for combine  10  is illustrated. Here, planetary wheel drive units  102  of conventional construction and operation are shown installable on mounting flanges  88  of axle structures  20  and  22  of integrated axle and cleaning fan wrapper  12  of the invention. A transmission  104  is illustrated mounted between the forward ends of side sheets  28  and  30 . Drive shafts (not shown) are then connectable between transmission  104  and respective drive units  102 , as illustrated by arrows D, for transmitting power from a power plant (not shown) of combine  10  to the drive wheels. 
         [0026]    Referring more particularly to  FIGS. 2 and 8 , integrated axle and cleaning fan wrapper  12  of the invention will be subjected to substantial static loading conditions, including, but not limited to, the weight of a significant portion of combine  10 , a header (not shown) mounted thereon, and any grain contained in a grain tank thereof, which loads are collectively denoted by arrows F. During operation, substantial dynamic loads, for instance, but not limited to, torque loads denoted by arrows T will be also generated by driving rotation of the drive wheels, and torque loads denoted by arrows T 1  will be generated by movement over uneven terrain, hillsides, and the like. Integrated axle and cleaning fan wrapper  12  is designed to maintain wheel drive units  86  in sidewardly aligned relation about a drive axis  106 , in opposition to all of the contemplated loading conditions, F, T and T 1 . To facilitate this, supplemental braces can be used, as required for reinforcement and integration of the structure of the invention with the structure of the combine, to direct and distribute loads to desired portions of integrated axle and cleaning fan wrapper  12 . For instance in this regard, braces  108  are illustrated integrating each axle structure  20  and  22  with a top rail  110  of the associated side sheet  28  and  30 . The shape and configuration of the various elements of integrated axle and cleaning fan wrapper  12 , the gauge of the sheet metal used, and the construction and selection of interlocking seams, welds and the like, for a particular application can be determined, for instance, by analysis, which can include, but is not limited to, finite element analysis. 
         [0027]    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.