Patent ID: 12207594

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

Although the concepts of the present disclosure are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described herein in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intent to limit the concepts of the present disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives consistent with the present disclosure and the appended claims.

References in the specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “an illustrative embodiment,” etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may or may not necessarily include that particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. It should further be appreciated that although reference to a “preferred” component or feature may indicate the desirability of a particular component or feature with respect to an embodiment, the disclosure is not so limiting with respect to other embodiments, which may omit such a component or feature. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to implement such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.

As used herein, the terms “longitudinal,” “lateral,” and “transverse” are used to denote motion or spacing along three mutually perpendicular axes. These terms are used for ease and convenience of description, and are without regard to the orientation of the system with respect to the environment. For example, descriptions that reference a longitudinal direction may be equally applicable to a vertical direction, a horizontal direction, or an off-axis orientation with respect to the environment. Furthermore, motion or spacing along a direction defined by one of the axes need not preclude motion or spacing along a direction defined by another of the axes. For example, elements that are described as being “laterally offset” from one another may also be offset in the longitudinal and/or transverse directions, or may be aligned in the longitudinal and/or transverse directions. The terms are therefore not to be construed as limiting the scope of the subject matter described herein to any particular arrangement unless specified to the contrary.

Additionally, it should be appreciated that items included in a list in the form of “at least one of A, B, and C” can mean (A); (B); (C); (A and B); (B and C); (A and C); or (A, B, and C). Similarly, items listed in the form of “at least one of A, B, or C” can mean (A); (B); (C); (A and B); (B and C); (A and C); or (A, B, and C). Items listed in the form of “A, B, and/or C” can also mean (A); (B); (C); (A and B); (B and C); (A and C); or (A, B, and C). Further, with respect to the claims, the use of words and phrases such as “a,” “an,” “at least one,” and/or “at least one portion” should not be interpreted so as to be limiting to only one such element unless specifically stated to the contrary, and the use of phrases such as “at least a portion” and/or “a portion” should be interpreted as encompassing both embodiments including only a portion of such element and embodiments including the entirety of such element unless specifically stated to the contrary.

In the drawings, some structural or method features may be shown in certain specific arrangements and/or orderings. However, it should be appreciated that such specific arrangements and/or orderings may not necessarily be required. Rather, in some embodiments, such features may be arranged in a different manner and/or order than shown in the illustrative figures unless indicated to the contrary. Additionally, the inclusion of a structural or method feature in a particular figure is not meant to imply that such feature is required in all embodiments and, in some embodiments, may be omitted or may be combined with other features.

With reference toFIGS.1and2, illustrated therein is a cleaning system100for separating grain from chaff. In the illustrated embodiment, the cleaning system100is provided in a combine or another form of mobile agricultural equipment. It is also contemplated that the cleaning system100may be provided in a stationary facility. The cleaning system100generally includes a chaffer assembly110that receives an agricultural mixture including grain and chaff, a sieve assembly120that receives agricultural mixture from the chaffer assembly110and separates grain from chaff, an auger assembly130that receives clean grain from the sieve assembly120, and a blower140that aids in blowing the separated chaff away from the sieve assembly120for disposal.

The chaffer assembly110generally includes a chaffer frame112and a plurality of chaffer louvers114mounted to the chaffer frame112. During operation of the cleaning system100, the chaffer assembly110receives a mixture of grain and chaff from above, and the chaffer louvers114act as an initial or upper sieve that aids in removing at least some of the chaff from the mixture. In certain forms, the chaffer assembly110may alternatively be referred to as an upper sieve assembly110. The removed chaff is directed in a rearward direction (to the right inFIG.1) for disposal. In certain embodiments, the cleaning system100may vibrate to facilitate the filtering action of the chaffer assembly110. Additionally or alternatively, at least a portion of the cleaning system100may pivotably oscillate to facilitate the direction of the separated chaff rearward for disposal. The remainder of the mixture falls through the chaffer assembly110and is received by the sieve assembly120.

In the illustrated form, the chaffer louvers114are evenly spaced and are substantially identical to one another. It is also contemplated that the chaffer louvers114may be unevenly spaced and/or include various different configurations. For example, the chaffer louvers114in a first region may be spaced apart by a first distance while the chaffer louvers114in a second region may be spaced apart by a second distance different from the first distance. Additionally or alternatively, the chaffer louvers114in a first region may have a first configuration and the chaffer louvers114in a second region may have a second configuration different from the first configuration. In the illustrated form, the chaffer louvers114are adjustable to adjust the size of an opening between the chaffer louvers114. For example, the chaffer louvers114may be connected to one or more actuators operable to adjust the opening angle of one or more of the louvers114. In certain embodiments, all chaffer louvers114may be opened to the same opening angle. In other embodiments, the chaffer louvers114in a first region may be open to a first opening angle and the chaffer louvers114in a second region may be opened to a second opening angle different from the first opening angle. In the illustrated form, the chaffer frame112is fully louvered. As described herein, it is also contemplated that the chaffer assembly110may include an unlouvered region.

With additional reference toFIG.3, the sieve assembly120generally includes a sieve frame122and a partially-unlouvered sieve mechanism200mounted to the sieve frame122. The sieve frame122generally includes a mounting frame124sized and shaped to receive the sieve mechanism200, and a pan126is disposed below the mounting frame124. The mounting frame124extends from the pan126to a nose125that is positioned nearer the blower140than the pan126. The pan126may be angled in a downward direction to aid in directing clean grain sifted by the sieve mechanism200toward a collection area136of the auger assembly130. As described herein, the sieve mechanism200generally includes a frame210and a plurality of sieve louvers220movably mounted to the frame210.

During operation of the illustrated cleaning system100, the sieve assembly120receives a mixture of grain and chaff from the chaffer assembly110, and the sieve louvers220act as a secondary or lower sieve that aids in removing at least some of the remaining chaff from the mixture. The removed chaff is directed in a rearward direction (to the right inFIG.1) for disposal at least in part by the blowing action of the blower140. As noted above, the cleaning system100may vibrate, which may facilitate the filtering action of the sieve assembly120. Additionally or alternatively, at least a portion of the cleaning system100may pivotably oscillate to facilitate the direction of the separated chaff rearward (to the right inFIG.1) for disposal. The clean grain separated from the mixture falls through the sieve assembly120and is received at the auger assembly130.

The auger assembly130generally includes an auger132that is positioned within a collection area136defined by one or more walls137. The auger132includes at least one helical ramp133, and may further include a central post134about which the helical ramp133is wrapped. Clean grain sifted by the sieve assembly120falls from the sieve assembly120into the collection area136, and is directed by the auger132into a grain bin for collection. More particularly, rotation of the auger132in a collecting direction causes the helical ramp133to push the clean grain toward and into the grain bin. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the auger132may be connected either directly or indirectly to a motor, engine, or power takeoff that causes such rotation of the auger132.

The blower140is mounted in the vicinity of the sieve assembly120and is configured to blow air through an outlet142at a speed and volumetric flowrate sufficient to urge chaff toward the disposal location. In the illustrated form, the disposal location is rearward of the sieve assembly120(to the right inFIG.1), and the blower140is positioned forward of the sieve assembly120and blows air rearward to urge the chaff toward the disposal location. For example, in embodiments in which the cleaning system100is mounted to a vehicle, the chaff may be disposed of by dumping the chaff behind the vehicle as the vehicle moves forward and harvests the crop. Positioned adjacent the blower140is a floor102that extends from the outlet142toward the collection area136.

With additional reference toFIGS.4-7, the partially-unlouvered sieve mechanism200generally includes a frame210and a plurality of sieve louvers220movably mounted to the frame210. More particularly, the sieve mechanism200includes a louvered region230that includes louvers220and an unlouvered region240that lacks louvers220. As described herein, the louvered region230aids in separating grain from chaff while the unlouvered region240discourages the unwanted spilling of mixture over the nose125.

The frame210generally includes a forward lateral slat211positioned near the nose125, a rear lateral slat212, and a plurality of laterally-spaced longitudinal slats214extending between and connecting the lateral slats211,212. In the illustrated form, each longitudinal slat214includes a plurality of slots215for receiving wires202to which the louvers220are mounted. The wires202may be connected with an actuator to facilitate rotation of the louvers220between a closed position for blocking passage of grain and a plurality of open positions for permitting passage of grain through the sieve mechanism200.

Each of the illustrated louvers220generally includes a body portion222through which a wire202extends, a first flange224extending from the body portion222in a first direction, and a second flange226extending from the body portion222in a second direction generally opposite the first direction. In the illustrated form, the second flange226is angularly offset from the first flange224such that the louver220has a bent or angled configuration. When the louvers220are rotated from a closed position (FIG.6) to an open position (FIG.7), gaps appear between the louvers220to permit the passage of clean grain while discouraging the passage of chaff. As should be appreciated, the illustrated open position may be just one of many open positions to which the louvers220can be rotated. For example, the louvers220may be rotated to a less-open position for smaller grain, and rotated to a more-open position for larger grain.

The louvered region230generally includes a plurality of the louvers220. In the illustrated form, the sieve louvers220are evenly spaced and are substantially identical to one another. It is also contemplated that the sieve louvers220may be unevenly spaced and/or include various different configurations. For example, the sieve louvers220in a first portion of the louvered region230may be spaced apart by a first distance while the sieve louvers220in a second portion of the louvered region230may be spaced apart by a second distance different from the first distance. Additionally or alternatively, the sieve louvers220in a first portion of the louvered region230may have a first configuration and the sieve louvers220in a second portion of the louvered region230may have a second configuration different from the first configuration. In the illustrated form, the sieve louvers220are adjustable to adjust the size of an opening between the sieve louvers220. For example, the sieve louvers220may be connected to one or more actuators operable to adjust the opening angle of one or more of the louvers220. In certain embodiments, all sieve louvers220may be opened to the same opening angle. In other embodiments, the sieve louvers220in a first portion of the louvered region230may be open to a first opening angle and the sieve louvers220in a second portion of the louvered region230may be opened to a second opening angle different from the first opening angle. In certain embodiments, one or more of the louvers220may have a fixed orientation relative to the sieve mechanism frame210.

Within the louvered region230, the body portions222of adjacent louvers220are spaced apart by an average offset distance232. In the illustrated form, all adjacent pairs of louvers220in the louvered region230are spaced apart by the same distance such that the average distance232is the same as the distance between the body portions222. As noted above, however, it is also contemplated that the louvers220may be spaced apart by varying distances, in which case some adjacent louvers220may be spaced apart from one another by distances greater than the average offset distance232while other pairs of adjacent louvers220are offset from one another by distances less than the average offset distance232. When the louvers220are in their fully open positions, the gap between adjacent louvers220corresponds to the offset distance between the body portions222of those louvers220.

As should be appreciated, the unlouvered region240lacks louvers220such that one or more gaps241are formed in the sieve mechanism200. In the illustrated form, the unlouvered region240is formed adjacent the forward lateral slat211such that the gaps241are defined between the foremost louver220′ and the forward lateral slat211. It is also contemplated that the unlouvered region240may be provided at a different location within the sieve mechanism200, such that at least one of the louvers220is positioned forward of the unlouvered region240.

The unlouvered region240has a longitudinal dimension242that is greater than the average offset distance232. In certain forms, the longitudinal dimension242of the unlouvered region240is at least twice as large as the average offset distance232such that there is space for at least one additional louver220in the unlouvered region240. In the illustrated form, the longitudinal dimension242of the unlouvered region240is approximately three times the average offset distance232such that there is space for two additional louvers220in the unlouvered region240. It is also contemplated that the longitudinal dimension242may be greater than three times the average offset distance such that there is space for more than two additional louvers220in the unlouvered region240. In the illustrated form, the unlouvered region240includes slots215by which such additional louvers220may be mounted in the unlouvered region240. In other embodiments, the slots215may be absent from the unlouvered region240.

As should be evident from the foregoing, in certain embodiments, the longitudinal dimension242of the unlouvered region240may be selected based at least in part upon the average longitudinal offset distance232. Additionally or alternatively, the longitudinal dimension242of the unlouvered region240may be selected based at least in part upon the dimensions of a flange of one or more adjacent louvers220. For example, in the arrangement illustrated inFIGS.6and7, the first flange224of the foremost louver220′ projects by a first distance d224into the unlouvered region240, which is defined between the forward lateral slat211and the slot215in which the wire202of the foremost louver220′ is seated. Thus, in order to ensure the presence of the gap241, the longitudinal dimension242of the unlouvered region240may be selected to be greater than the longitudinal dimension d224of the first flange224of the foremost louver220′, thereby providing the gap241with a non-zero longitudinal dimension d241. In certain embodiments, the longitudinal dimension d241may be greater than the first distance d224. In certain embodiments, the longitudinal dimension d241may be greater than the longitudinal dimension of one or more of the louvers220, such as the forward-most louver220′.

With additional reference toFIG.8, it is also contemplated that the unlouvered region240may be provided between a first or rearward louvered region230and a second or forward louvered region230′. In such forms, the second flange226of the rearmost louver220″ of the forward louvered region230′ may project by a second distance d226into the unlouvered region240, which is defined between the slots215in which the louvers220′,220″ are mounted. Thus, in order to ensure the presence of the gap241, the longitudinal dimension242of the unlouvered region240may be selected to be greater than the sum of the longitudinal dimension d224of the first flange224of the first louver220′ and the longitudinal dimension d226of the second flange226of the second louver220″, thereby providing the gap241with a non-zero longitudinal dimension d241. In certain embodiments, the longitudinal dimension d241may be greater than the first distance d224. In certain embodiments, the longitudinal dimension d241may be greater than the second distance d226. In certain embodiments, the longitudinal dimension d241of the gap241may be greater than the longitudinal dimension of the louvers220, which corresponds to the sum of the distances d224, d226.

In the illustrated form, the upper sieve (i.e., the sieve of the chaffer assembly110) is fully louvered, and the lower sieve (i.e., the sieve of the sieve assembly120) is partially unlouvered. It is also contemplated that the sieve of the chaffer assembly110may be provided with an unlouvered region analogous to that described with reference to the sieve mechanism200. In such forms, the lower sieve (i.e., the sieve of the sieve assembly120) may be provided with an unlouvered region, or may be fully louvered.

With additional reference toFIG.9, illustrated therein is a schematic representation of the cleaning system100with a traditional sieve mechanism200′ installed in place of the partially-unlouvered sieve mechanism200. More particularly,FIG.8illustrates the cleaning system100being supplied with a grain-chaff mixture101at a relative high volumetric flowrate while the combine to which the cleaning system100is mounted travels downhill. These conditions lead to an excess of the mixture101at the fore of the traditional sieve mechanism200′, with the excess mixture101spilling over the sieve assembly nose125and falling into the blower outlet142. This results in clogging of the blower outlet142, which exacerbates the situation by allowing the mixture101to spill over the nose125at a higher rate, leading to further clogging of the blower outlet142.

With additional reference toFIG.10, illustrated therein is a schematic representation of the cleaning system100with the partially-unlouvered sieve mechanism200installed and operating under the same conditions as those present inFIG.9. As is evident, the unlouvered region240permits the mixture101to fall toward the collection area136at a higher volumetric flowrate, thereby preventing the above-described buildup of excess mixture101and clogging of the blower outlet142. While the grain falling through the unlouvered region240does not necessarily undergo the same degree of sifting as that experienced by the mixture101that is sifted through the louvered region230, it has been found that the increase in chaff mixed with the clean grain is relatively low.

With additional reference toFIG.11, illustrated therein is an exemplary process300according to certain embodiments. Blocks illustrated for the processes in the present application are understood to be examples only, and blocks may be combined or divided, and added or removed, as well as re-ordered in whole or in part, unless explicitly stated to the contrary. Additionally, while the blocks are illustrated in a relatively serial fashion, it is to be understood that two or more of the blocks may be performed concurrently or in parallel with one another. Moreover, while the process300is described herein with specific reference to the cleaning system100and sieve mechanism200illustrated inFIGS.1-8, it is to be appreciated that the process300may be performed with cleaning systems and/or sieve mechanisms having additional or alternative features.

The process300includes block310, which generally involves providing a partially-unlouvered sieve mechanism, such as the sieve mechanism200. The partially-unlouvered sieve mechanism provided in block310may include a frame210, a louvered region230comprising a plurality of louvers220mounted to the frame210, and an unlouvered region lacking louvers220. In certain embodiments, block310involves retrofitting an existing sieve mechanism. For example, block310may involve removing at least one louver from a fully-louvered sieve mechanism, such as the fully-louvered sieve mechanism200′ illustrated inFIG.9. It is also contemplated that block310may involve providing the partially-unlouvered sieve mechanism as an original product. For example, block310may involve movably mounting the plurality of louvers220to the frame210with an average longitudinal offset distance232to thereby define the louvered region230, and providing the unlouvered region240with a longitudinal dimension242greater than the average longitudinal offset distance232(e.g., at least twice the average longitudinal offset distance232).

The process300may further include block320, which generally involves installing the partially-unlouvered sieve mechanism200to a cleaning system, such as the cleaning system100. For example, block320may involve installing the sieve mechanism200above a collection area136such that grain sifted by the sieve mechanism200falls toward the collection area136. In certain embodiments, the cleaning system100may further include a second sieve mechanism. In such forms, installing the partially-unlouvered sieve mechanism200may involve installing the sieve mechanism200between the second sieve mechanism (e.g., the sieve mechanism of the chaffer assembly110) and the collection area136. It is also contemplated that installing the partially-unlouvered sieve mechanism200may involve installing the sieve mechanism200above the second sieve mechanism, for example to provide the partially-unlouvered sieve mechanism200to the upper sieve assembly110.

The process300may further include block330, which generally involves supplying a mixture of grain and chaff to the partially-unlouvered sieve mechanism200. In embodiments in which the partially-unlouvered sieve mechanism is installed in the lower sieve assembly120, supplying the mixture to the partially-unlouvered sieve mechanism200may involve supplying the mixture from the upper sieve assembly110. In embodiments in which the partially-unlouvered sieve mechanism200is installed to the upper sieve assembly110, the mixture may be supplied from another component, such as a thresher.

The process300may further include block340, which generally involves sifting the mixture using the partially-unlouvered sieve mechanism200, thereby allowing grain to fall through the partially-unlouvered sieve mechanism200while retaining chaff above the partially-unlouvered sieve mechanism200. While some chaff may fall through the partially-unlouvered sieve mechanism200, the majority of the chaff in the mixture will generally be sifted out by the louvered region230. The grain passing through the partially-unlouvered sieve mechanism200falls toward the collection area136, either directly or via an intermediate sieve mechanism.

The process300may further include block350, which generally involves directing clean grain from the collection area136to a grain bin. For example, block350may involve operating the auger132to drive grain from the collection area to the grain bin.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only the preferred embodiments have been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the inventions are desired to be protected.

It should be understood that while the use of words such as preferable, preferably, preferred or more preferred utilized in the description above indicate that the feature so described may be more desirable, it nonetheless may not be necessary and embodiments lacking the same may be contemplated as within the scope of the invention, the scope being defined by the claims that follow. In reading the claims, it is intended that when words such as “a,” “an,” “at least one,” or “at least one portion” are used there is no intention to limit the claim to only one item unless specifically stated to the contrary in the claim. When the language “at least a portion” and/or “a portion” is used the item can include a portion and/or the entire item unless specifically stated to the contrary.