Patent ID: 12207593

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The terms “grain”, “straw” and “tailings” are used principally throughout this specification for convenience but it is to be understood that these terms are not intended to be limiting. Thus “grain” refers to that part of the crop material which is threshed and separated from the discardable part of the crop material, which is referred to as non-grain crop material, MOG or straw. Incompletely threshed crop material is referred to as “tailings”. Also, the terms “forward”, “rearward”, “left” and “right”, when used in connection with the agricultural harvester and/or components thereof are usually determined with reference to the direction of forward operative travel of the harvester, but again, they should not be construed as limiting. The terms “longitudinal” and “transverse” are determined with reference to the fore-and-aft direction of the agricultural harvester and are equally not to be construed as limiting. The terms “downstream” and “upstream” are determined with reference to the intended direction of crop material flow during operation, with “downstream” being analogous to “rearward” and “upstream” being analogous to “forward.”

Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly toFIG.1, there is shown an embodiment of an agricultural harvester100in the form of a combine; combine100shown inFIG.1and described herein merely by way of example, not by way of limitation, such that any and all different types or versions of combines are intended to fall within the scope of the present invention. Combine100generally includes a chassis101, ground engaging wheels102and103, header110, feeder housing120, operator cab104, threshing and separating system130, cleaning system140, grain tank150, and unloading conveyance160. Front wheels102are larger flotation type wheels, and rear wheels103are smaller steerable wheels. Motive force is selectively applied to front wheels102through a power plant in the form of a diesel engine105and a transmission (not shown). Although combine100is shown as including wheels, is also to be understood that combine100may include tracks, such as full tracks or half tracks.

Header110is mounted to the front of combine100and includes a cutterbar111(shown schematically) for severing crops from a field during forward motion of combine100. A rotatable reel112feeds the crop into header110, and side drapers113(shown schematically) feed the severed crop laterally inwardly from each side toward center drapers and onward to feeder housing120. Feeder housing120conveys the cut crop to threshing and separating system130, and is selectively vertically movable using appropriate actuators, such as hydraulic cylinders (not shown). Header110also includes a frame114and can include a multicoupler storage assembly115(shown schematically inFIG.1) coupled with frame114, multicoupler storage assembly115being positioned, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, left of a fore-to-aft centerline of header110, more specifically, left of feeder housing120(when header110is attached to combine100), such that a multicoupler assembly222(FIG.2) of multicoupler storage assembly115can readily couple with a coupling mechanism of combine100on or about feeder housing120(or to the frame associated with feeder housing120) which enables the hydraulic and electrical system of header110to interconnect (mechanically, fluidly, and electrically) with the hydraulic and electrical system of combine100, in known manner. Alternatively, according to another embodiment of the present invention, multicoupler storage assembly115can be attached to feeder housing120(or to the frame associated with feeder housing120), rather than to header100. This alternative embodiment is shown schematically as multicoupler storage assembly115A inFIG.1, but it is understood that only one of multicoupler storage assembly115and115A is needed to make the connections and that115and115A are provided as alternative locations for essentially the same assembly (though both115and115A can be employed). That is, multicoupler storage assemblies115and115A are identical, or substantially similar, to one another, such that a description of one serves as a sufficient description of the other. Further, if multicoupler storage assembly115A is used, then a coupling mechanism would be located on header, to enable the hydraulic and electrical system of combine100to interconnect with the hydraulic and electrical system of header110. Further, multicoupler storage assembly115A can mount to, for example, feeder housing120(or to the frame associated with feeder housing120) by way of a holder (not shown) that is similar to holder216(below), including, for instance, a pivotal connection between the holder and a cradle mechanism of assembly115A, a slot221in the holder, a spring224attached to the holder, and a linchpin assembly225together with storage and locking holes343,344of the holder for a linchpin241(all described below with specific reference to assembly115).

Threshing and separating system130is of the axial-flow type, and generally includes a threshing rotor131at least partially enclosed by a rotor cage and rotatable within a corresponding perforated concave132. The cut crops are threshed and separated by the rotation of rotor131within concave132, and larger elements, such as stalks, leaves and the like are discharged from the rear of combine100. Smaller elements of crop material including grain and non-grain crop material, including particles lighter than grain, such as chaff, dust and straw, are discharged through perforations of concave132. Threshing and separating system130can also be a different type of system, such as a system with a transverse rotor rather than an axial rotor, etc.

Grain which has been separated by the threshing and separating assembly130falls onto a grain pan133and is conveyed toward cleaning system140. Cleaning system140may include an optional pre-cleaning sieve141, an upper sieve142(also known as a chaffer sieve or sieve assembly), a lower sieve143(also known as a cleaning sieve), and a cleaning fan144. Grain on sieves141,142and143is subjected to a cleaning action by fan144which provides an air flow through the sieves to remove chaff and other impurities such as dust from the grain by making this material airborne for discharge from a straw hood171of a residue management system170of combine100. Optionally, the chaff and/or straw can proceed through a chopper180to be further processed into even smaller particles before discharge out of the combine100by a spreader assembly200. It should be appreciated that the “chopper”180referenced herein, which may include knives, may also be what is typically referred to as a “beater”, which may include flails, or other construction and that the term “chopper” as used herein refers to any construction which can reduce the particle size of entering crop material by various actions including chopping, flailing, etc. Grain pan133and pre-cleaning sieve141oscillate in a fore-to-aft manner to transport the grain and finer non-grain crop material to the upper surface of upper sieve142. Upper sieve142and lower sieve143are vertically arranged relative to each other, and likewise oscillate in a fore-to-aft manner to spread the grain across sieves142,143, while permitting the passage of cleaned grain by gravity through the openings of sieves142,143.

Clean grain falls to a clean grain auger145positioned crosswise below and toward the front of lower sieve143. Clean grain auger145receives clean grain from each sieve142,143and from a bottom pan146of cleaning system140. Clean grain auger145conveys the clean grain laterally to a generally vertically arranged grain elevator151for transport to grain tank150. Tailings from cleaning system140fall to a tailings auger trough147. The tailings are transported via tailings auger147and return auger148to the upstream end of cleaning system140for repeated cleaning action. A pair of grain tank augers152at the bottom of grain tank150convey the clean grain laterally within grain tank150to unloader160for discharge from combine100.

Referring now toFIGS.2-4, there is shown frame114and multicoupler storage assembly115. InFIG.2, multicoupler storage assembly115is at least partially attached to, or otherwise coupled with, frame114. Frame114can include a holder216. Holder216can be attached to, or otherwise coupled with, other portions of frame114by way of fasteners217, such as rivets or any other suitable fasteners (as shown inFIG.2)(and can thus be referred to as a bracket), or can be welded to frame114, or can be otherwise formed integral with frame114. Holder216can be made of any suitable material, such as a metal, such as steel. Holder216can be stamped or otherwise formed and serves to pivotably hold a cradle mechanism223and thereby couple cradle mechanism223with other portions of frame114. Holder216can include two substantially parallel side walls218, a top wall319interconnecting side walls218, and an attachment device320(which can be referred to as a projection, tab, or lug) connected to top wall319, such as by way of welding. Side walls218can each define an arcuate slot221that has been cut or otherwise machined into side walls218. Attachment device320can include a through-hole which receives one end of a spring224therethrough.

Multicoupler storage assembly115can include a multicoupler assembly222, a cradle mechanism223, a spring224, and a linchpin assembly225.FIG.2shows multicoupler assembly222separated from, and thus not yet coupled with, cradle mechanism223. Multicoupler assembly216includes a base226, a plurality of hydraulic and/or electrical connectors227(meaning, at least two hydraulic connectors, at least two electrical connectors, or at least one hydraulic connector and at least one electrical connector), at least one guide pin228(two such guide pins being shown inFIG.2), and side pins229. Multicoupler assembly222is to be stored when not in use by way of holder216and cradle mechanism223, as explained below. Further, multicoupler assembly222, when in use, couples with a coupling mechanism (not shown) of combine100so as to matingly connect hydraulic and/or electrical connectors227of multicoupler assembly222with a plurality of hydraulic and/or electrical connectors (not shown) of combine100, so as to interconnect header110with combine100hydraulically and electrically for the various hydraulic and electrical functions of header110, as is well-known in the art. Base226, which can be made of a metal or a plastic which can be injection molded, includes holes for holding hydraulic and/or electrical connectors227. Hydraulic and/or electrical connectors227extend on both sides of base226, one side (the right side inFIG.2) of connectors227to mate with hydraulic and/or electrical connectors of combine100, the other side (the left side inFIG.2) of connectors227to connect with hydraulic hoses and/or electrical lines or cables248(hoses/lines/cables248are shown schematically only inFIG.2), as is known in the art. Guide pins228, which can be made of steel for example, or any suitable polymer or other material, are attached to and project from base226to the right inFIG.2. Guide pins228, when multicoupler assembly222is mounted to cradle mechanism223, insert into guide pin receivers234of cradle mechanism223. Side pins229extend from opposing lateral sides of base226and can be made of, for example, steel, which can be welded or otherwise bonded to base226. Side pins229can be accommodated in slots221of holder216, which are configured for slidably receiving respectively side pin229when cradle mechanism223moves, together with the multicoupler assembly222, between a receiving position230(FIGS.2and5) and a storage position631(FIG.6) of cradle mechanism223(explained more fully below). Further, an alternative embodiment of slots221is shown inFIG.3. That is, while both slots221should be substantially similar to one another, the left slot221(in the background ofFIG.3) is shown to include a detent349in broken lines, by way of example. In other words, both slots221, according to one embodiment of the present invention, can be shaped so as not to include detent349. On the other hand, both slots221, according to another embodiment of the present invention, can include a detent349(it being understood that the right slot221could include detent349, though not shown).

Cradle mechanism223is attached to, or otherwise coupled with, frame114. Cradle mechanism223can include a base mechanism232(which can be referred to as a base), a pivot233, and a plurality of guide pin receivers234. Base mechanism232can include a main wall235and a plurality of side walls236(such as four, as shown inFIG.2) extending from main wall235, main wall235and side walls236defining a space237therebetween (despite that cradle mechanism223does not include another main wall facing main wall235and attached to side walls236). Main wall235can further include a plurality of holes238aligned respectively with or otherwise formed respectively integral with guide pin receivers234. Base mechanism232can further include opposing supports339positioned on a backside of main wall235, each support339including a through-hole. By way of example and not limitation, base mechanism232can be made of a plastic and can be formed by way of injection molding; alternatively, base mechanism232can be formed from a sheet metal weldment. Pivot233can be formed as a bolt with a shaft extending between and through the holes of supports339. Thus, pivot233can include a head positioned on an outside portion of a side wall218of holder216, with the shaft of pivot233extending through a hole in that side wall218of holder216, through the hole in one of the supports339, across the backside of main wall235, through the hole in the other of the supports339, and through a hole in the opposing side wall218of holder216, and can be fastened to holder216by way of, for example, a nut threaded onto an end of pivot233opposite the head of pivot233. Thus, by way of pivot233, cradle mechanism223is pivotably connected to holder216. Guide pin receivers234(which can be substantially similar to one another) can be formed as blind holes extending from the backside of main wall235, which can be attached to or formed integral with main wall235(and thus be formed of the same material as, and integral with, base mechanism232). Guide pin receivers234are configured to receive respectively therein guide pins228of multicoupler assembly222. At least one guide pin receiver234can include an external hole340. Guide pin receivers234are vertically and horizontally offset from one another and include triangular supports extending to the backside of main wall235(three such supports, for example, can be provided spaced apart about a respective guide pin receiver234). Base mechanism232and guide pin receivers can be formed integral with one another by way of injection molding.

Thus, by way of space237formed between main wall235and side walls236(space237accommodating connectors227projecting to the right of base226inFIG.2), cradle mechanism223is configured for matingly receiving multicoupler assembly222. Further, cradle mechanism223is configured for storing multicoupler assembly222and for selectively pivoting between the receiving position230associated with cradle mechanism223receiving multicoupler assembly222(FIGS.2and5showing cradle mechanism223in the receiving position230, andFIG.5showing cradle mechanism223, together with multicoupler assembly222, in the receiving position230) and the storage position631associated with cradle mechanism223storing multicoupler assembly222(FIG.6showing cradle mechanism223, together with multicoupler assembly222, in the storage position631)(as explained more fully below). The numbered receiving and storage positions230,631are made herein with specific reference to cradle mechanism223; however, it is understood that, when multicoupler assembly222is mated and thereby attached to cradle mechanism223, multicoupler assembly222occupies its own receiving position (when cradle mechanism223is in its receiving position230) and storage position (when cradle mechanism223is in its storage position631).

Spring224(which can also be referred to as a resilient member) can be a coil spring with opposing ends formed as open loops, one loop releasably attached to the through-hole of tab320, the other loop releasably attached to the through-hole340of one of the guide pin receivers234. Spring224can be attached to both the hole of tab320and guide pin receiver hole340, as shown inFIGS.2,5, and6. Spring224serves, in part, to keep cradle mechanism223in the proper position in order to insert multicoupler assembly222into, and couple multicoupler assembly222with, cradle mechanism223, with respect to receiving position230. With respect to storage position631, spring224is stretched, maintaining connection in holes320,340.

Linchpin assembly225(which is shown in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, but can be omitted as optional structure) can include a linchpin241, a ring242, and a retainer mechanism243. Linchpin241and ring242can be, for example, made of steel. Linchpin241can have a head with a through-hole. Ring242can extend through the through-hole of linchpin241, ring242for handling or otherwise manually manipulating linchpin241by an end user. Retainer mechanism243can be a rope, a string, a cable, or another suitable mechanism for tying and thereby attaching linchpin241to holder216by way of ring242. That is, one end of retainer mechanism243can be attached to holder216, and the other end of retainer mechanism243can be tied to ring242. Linchpin241, when not in use, can be stored in a hole343of a generally horizontal tab formed on holder216. When in use, linchpin241can be removed from this hole343on holder216and inserted into another hole344on holder216, which can be referred to as a locking hole344, such that linchpin241extends substantially horizontal and across at least a portion of base226of multicoupler assembly222. ThoughFIG.2shows only one such linchpin241, it can be readily appreciated by the opposing locking hole344formed in holder216shown inFIG.2that another linchpin241can be positioned in the opposing locking hole344so as to further enhance the securing of multicoupler assembly222to cradle mechanism223in the storage position631of cradle mechanism223and that of multicoupler assembly222. Alternatively, one long linchpin241can be used (rather than two shorter linchpins241), extending through both locking holes344. Thus, linchpin241, whether one or more such linchpins241, is configured for securing cradle mechanism223, together with multicoupler assembly222, in the storage position631of cradle mechanism223and that of multicoupler assembly222.

Referring now toFIG.5, there is shown holder216affixed to other portions of frame114and multicoupler assembly222inserted into cradle mechanism223using guide pins228, with cradle mechanism223in receiving position230and multicoupler assembly222in its accompanying receiving position. More specifically, multicoupler assembly222is positioned adjacent to cradle mechanism223in mating fashion, with the right side of connectors227occupying space237, guide pins228being in guide pin receivers234, and walls236of base232of cradle mechanism223being aligned with base226of multicoupler assembly222so as to form an enclosure enclosing connectors227and thereby to seal off connectors227from the elements when cradle mechanism is in storage position631and multicoupler assembly222is in its accompanying storage position. Cradle mechanism223is shown in its receiving position230inFIG.5, having received multicoupler assembly222(multicoupler assembly222can be said to be in its receiving position as well). Side pins229are poised to enter arcuate slots221when base232of cradle mechanism223pivots about bolt233, and linchpin241is still in its unused position in hole343of holder216. To move cradle mechanism223and multicoupler assembly222as a unit from the receiving position230to the storage position631of cradle mechanism223, cradle mechanism223and multicoupler assembly222are moved as a unit down into slots221in the direction indicated by arrow547.

Referring now toFIG.6, there is shown holder216affixed to other portions of frame114and multicoupler assembly222inserted into cradle mechanism223using guide pins228, with cradle mechanism223in storage position631and multicoupler assembly222in its accompanying storage position. More specifically, multicoupler assembly222is positioned adjacent to cradle mechanism223in mating fashion, as inFIG.5. However, the primary difference betweenFIG.5andFIG.6is that cradle mechanism223is in storage position631, with multicoupler assembly222in its accompanying storage position. An end user has moved side pins229into arcuate slots221of holder216and pivoted cradle mechanism223and thus also multicoupler assembly222as a single unit downward—that is, counter-clockwise (when viewingFIGS.5-6)—until side pins229rest or otherwise seat against a respective end surface345of slots221, the arcuate shape of slots221being configured to correspond with the track that side pins229make as cradle mechanism223and multicoupler assembly222pivot. As indicated inFIGS.5-6, cradle mechanism223and multicoupler assembly222can pivot through an angular displacement of about fifty-five degrees, though this is not intended to be a limiting amount. Bi-directional arrow646inFIG.6indicates that cradle mechanism223can pivot about bolt233in either direction about an arc defined by slots221. Linchpin241can be removed from its holding position in hole343of holder216and placed in hole344, such that linchpin241can abut a side of base226of multicoupler assembly222or can otherwise block cradle mechanism223and multicoupler assembly222from moving back towards receiving position230. Though only one such linchpin241is shown, it will be appreciated that two such linchpins241can be used, the other linchpin241being stored in a hole on holder216opposite hole343and being used for blocking in a hole on holder216opposite hole344; alternatively, as indicated above, one long linchpin241can be used, extending through both holes344, rather than a short linchpin241(as shown in the figures), or two such short linchpins241. Though not shown, a padlock can be used in conjunction with linchpin241, inserting a locking arm of the padlock through ring242and around the shaft of linchpin241to the left of side wall218of holder216in the foreground ofFIG.6. In the storage position631of cradle mechanism223and that of multicoupler assembly222shown inFIG.6, base232of cradle mechanism223is seated atop base226of multicoupler assembly222, both being substantially horizontal, such that base232of cradle mechanism223forms a sealed enclosure with base223of multicoupler assembly222that protects connectors227against dirt, debris, and moisture while being stowed. Further, the weight of multicoupler assembly222helps to retain multicoupler assembly222and cradle mechanism223together in storage positions631of cradle mechanism223and that of multicoupler assembly222. Stated another way, cradle mechanism223, the at least one side pin229, and the at least one slot221co-act and thereby together at least partially hold multicoupler assembly222in a horizontal position as cradle mechanism223is atop, and thereby covers, multicoupler assembly222when cradle mechanism223is in its storage position631. Even so, linchpin(s)241are provided for positive retention. Further, each slot221is shaped and dimensioned relative to pivot233such that there is a shorter distance from side pin229to pivot233when multicoupler assembly222and cradle mechanism223are in storage position631compared to when multicoupler assembly222and cradle mechanism223initially enter slot221by way of side pins229. As a result, multicoupler assembly222and thus also cradle mechanism223are held tight in storage position631, the tightness increasing as multicoupler assembly222and cradle mechanism223proceed from receiving position230to storage position631. Further, each slot221is configured to close any gap existing between multicoupler assembly222and cradle mechanism223as multicoupler assembly222and cradle mechanism223rotate from receiving position230to storage position631.

In use, an end user, such as an operator of combine100, may initially find cradle mechanism223and multicoupler assembly222in their respective storage positions, as shown inFIG.6. To use multicoupler assembly222, the operator can remove linchpin241from hole344and insert linchpin241into hole343. The operator pivots cradle mechanism223and thus also multicoupler assembly222as a unit upward back out of slots221. Spring224stays attached to hole340of guide pin receiver234so as to hold cradle mechanism223in its receiving position230. Multicoupler assembly222is pulled away from cradle mechanism223and is detached thereby. Multicoupler assembly222can then be employed by attaching it to a coupling mechanism of combine100(or vice versa, if multicoupler storage assembly115A is being used). When the operator is finished using header110or otherwise needs to transport header110, the operator can detach multicoupler assembly222from the combine100and stow away multicoupler assembly222on header110for future use. To do so, multicoupler assembly222is again mated with base232of cradle mechanism223, spring224stays attached to hole340in guide pin receiver234, and base232of cradle mechanism223is pivoted downwards so that side pins229are fully inserted into slots221and slide all the way to the end surface345of slots221and thus seat therein. Cradle mechanism223and multicoupler assembly222are now substantially horizontal, and linchpin(s)241can be inserted into holes344so as to secure cradle mechanism223and multicoupler assembly222in their respective storage positions as a unit. Thus, linchpin241serves to positively secure cradle mechanism223and multicoupler assembly222in the respective storage position as a unit, for example, when header110is transported, so that multicoupler assembly222does not become disengaged from its storage position and potentially receive damage. Alternatively, if multicoupler storage assembly115A were used, it could be operated in the same way as multicoupler storage assembly115, except that assembly115A would be attached to, for example, feeder housing120(or to the frame associated with feeder housing120), such as by way of a holder similar to holder216, as indicated above (the way of attaching the holder to structure associated with feeder housing120could be adapted so as to be suitable under that scenario).

Referring now toFIG.7, there is shown a flow diagram of a method700of using multicoupler storage assembly115of agricultural harvester100including header assembly110. Method700includes the steps of: providing701multicoupler storage assembly115, which includes multicoupler assembly222and cradle mechanism223, multicoupler assembly222including a plurality of hydraulic and/or electrical connectors227; receiving702multicoupler assembly222by cradle mechanism223; pivoting703, selectively, cradle mechanism223between a receiving position230associated with cradle mechanism223receiving multicoupler assembly222and a storage position631associated with cradle mechanism223storing multicoupler assembly222; and storing704multicoupler assembly222by cradle mechanism223. Thus, multicoupler storage assembly115can be coupled with header110, or, alternatively, multicoupler storage assembly115A can be coupled with feeder housing120(or to the frame associated with feeder housing120). Header assembly can include frame114and multicoupler storage assembly115, frame114including holder216, cradle mechanism223being pivotably connected to holder216and configured for matingly receiving multicoupler assembly222. Method700can further include the step of sliding at least one side pin229of multicoupler assembly222in at least one slot221of holder216when cradle mechanism223moves, together with multicoupler assembly222, between receiving position230and storage position631. Cradle mechanism223, the at least one side pin229, and the at least one slot221together at least partially hold multicoupler assembly222in a horizontal position as cradle mechanism223is atop, and thereby covers, multicoupler assembly222when cradle mechanism223is in storage position631. Method700can (optionally) further include the step of securing, by linchpin241of multicoupler storage assembly115, cradle mechanism223, together with multicoupler assembly222, in storage position631. Multicoupler storage assembly115includes resilient member224that releasably retains cradle mechanism223in the receiving position.

These and other advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing specification. Accordingly, it is to be recognized by those skilled in the art that changes or modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the broad inventive concepts of the invention. It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments described herein, but is intended to include all changes and modifications that are within the scope and spirit of the invention.