BE1024662B1 - Grain bowl for a combine harvester - Google Patents

Abstract

A grain bowl (1) for a combine harvester (100) contains a series of grain bowl parts (5, 25, 29) with a grain contact surface (6) that has a closed surface and is suitable for carrying the harvested crop. More than one of the grain tray parts (5, 25, 29) are parts (5) of the main body of the grain tray consisting of a first connecting element and a second connecting element, the first connecting element being adapted to establish a releasable connection to the second connecting element of another part of the main part of the grain dish and vice versa. The grain tray parts (5, 25, 29) are releasably connected to each other, one behind the other via their respective first and second connecting element, in a direction that is substantially parallel to the main direction of the grain transport (4).

Description

(30) Priority data:

(73) Holder (s):

CNH Industrial Belgium NV 8210, ZEDELGEM Belgium (72) Inventor (s):

VANSTAEN Patrick 8650 HOUTHULST Belgium

DERYNCK Bart

8211 AUSTRIA Belgium

VANHEE Kris S.

9800 DEINZE

Belgium

DE CONINCK Willem 9400 NINOVE Belgium

DUQUESNE Frank R.G.

8550 ZWEVEGEM Belgium

VANDERSTICHELE Michiel J.

8650 MERKEM

Belgium (54) Combine Harvester Caling Scale (57) A Combine Harvester Crop Scale (1) contains a series of cereal shell parts (5, 25, 29) with a grain contact surface (6) which is closed surface and suitable for harvested crop. More than one of the

cereal shell parts (5, 25, 29) are parts (5) of the main body of the cereal shell, consisting of a first connecting element and a second connecting element, the first connecting element being suitable for establishing a releasable connection with the second EiaX connecting element from another part of the main part of the grain scale and vice versa. The cereal shell parts (5, 25, 29) are releasably connected one behind the other via their respective first and second connecting element, in a direction substantially parallel to the main direction of the grain transport (4).

BELGIAN INVENTION PATENT

FPS Economy, K.M.O., Self-employed & Energy

Publication number: 1024662 Filing number: BE2016 / 5784

Intellectual Property Office

International Classification: A01F 12/44 A01D 61/00 Date of Issue: 22/05/2018

The Minister of Economy,

Having regard to the Paris Convention of 20 March 1883 for the Protection of Industrial Property;

Having regard to the Law of March 28, 1984 on inventive patents, Article 22, for patent applications filed before September 22, 2014;

Having regard to Title 1 Invention Patents of Book XI of the Economic Law Code, Article XI.24, for patent applications filed from September 22, 2014;

Having regard to the Royal Decree of 2 December 1986 on the filing, granting and maintenance of inventive patents, Article 28;

Having regard to the application for an invention patent received by the Intellectual Property Office on 19/10/2016.

Whereas for patent applications that fall within the scope of Title 1, Book XI, of the Code of Economic Law (hereinafter WER), in accordance with Article XI.19, § 4, second paragraph, of the WER, the granted patent will be limited. to the patent claims for which the novelty search report was prepared, when the patent application is the subject of a novelty search report indicating a lack of unity of invention as referred to in paragraph 1, and when the applicant does not limit his filing and does not file a divisional application in accordance with the search report.

Decision:

Article 1

CNH Industrial Belgium NV, Leon Claeysstraat 3A, 8210 ZEDELGEM Belgium;

represented by

BEETZ Joeri, Leon Claeysstraat 3A, 8210, ZEDELGEM;

a Belgian invention patent with a term of 20 years, subject to payment of the annual fees as referred to in Article XI.48, § 1 of the Code of Economic Law, for: Grain scale for a combine harvester.

INVENTOR (S):

VANSTAEN Patrick, Scharenslijpersstraat 6, 8650, HOUTHULST;

DERYNCK Bart, Brugse Heirweg 73, 8211, AARTRIJK;

VANHEE Kris S., Mussenbulk 15, 9800, DEINZE;

DE CONINCK Willem, Heirebaan 3, 9400, NINOVE;

DUQUESNE Frank R.G., Mollenvangerstraat 9, 8550, ZWEVEGEM;

VANDERSTICHELE Michiel J., Westbroekstraat 112, 8650, MERKEM;

PRIORITY:

BREAKDOWN:

Split from basic application: Filing date of the basic application:

Article 2. - This patent is granted without prior investigation into the patentability of the invention, without warranty of the Merit of the invention, nor of the accuracy of its description and at the risk of the applicant (s).

Brussels, 22/05/2018,

With special authorization:

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BE2016 / 5784 i.

Grain scale for a combine harvester.

SCOPE OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to the field of combine harvesters and their grain scale.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Combine harvesters are used to harvest crop from a field, such as wheat, oats, rye, barley, corn, sorghum, soybeans, sunflowers, rapeseed, etc. After the threshing separation process, a grain bowl transfers the harvested crop to the next stage, for example, the cleaning unit . This is usually accomplished by shaking the grain bowl. The grain bowl can be part of a cleaning shoe.

Traditionally, the grain bowl is a welded steel construction with a thin steel plate. The grain bowl is welded, usually spot welded, on the side bars. Cross sections provide additional support under the steel sheet. This conventional construction is susceptible to fatigue failure. Due to the high cyclic loads to which the grain scale is exposed, breakage is a frequently occurring problem. In the event of breakage, the entire grain bowl must be replaced, often together with the side bars.

Gaps are provided in the conventional construction between the grain bowl and the side bars. Deformation of the various parts due to the high cyclic loads increases the gaps. These gaps form so-called grain leaks, since crop falls through these gaps. This not only results in loss of product, but also in crop that is stuck in exposed places, eg between the thin steel plate and the side beams and / or the cross sections.

The object of this invention is to provide an improved grain scale.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This object is achieved by a grain bowl, the grain bowl being capable of being reciprocated in at least one main conveying direction to transport the harvested crop in at least the main grain of the grain conveyor, the grain bowl consisting of:

a range of closed grain grain contact areas suitable for carrying the harvested crop, where:

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BE2016 / 5784 more than one of the cereal shell parts are parts of the main body of the cereal shell, consisting of a first connecting element and a second connecting element, wherein the first connecting element is suitable for establishing a releasable connection with the second connecting element of another part of the main part of the grain bowl and vice versa, and wherein the grain bowl parts are releasably connected to each other, one behind the other via their respective first and second connecting element, in a direction substantially parallel to the main direction of the grain transport.

The object of the invention is accomplished by a combine harvester grain bowl, sometimes also referred to as a picker. The combine is suitable for harvesting crop from the field, such as wheat, oats, rye, barley, corn, sorghum, soybeans, sunflowers, cage seed, etc. After the threshing and separation process, the grain bowl transfers the crop to the next stage, for example the remediation unit. Within the context of this invention, crop is to be understood as the harvested product as a whole. This can contain the desired product, e.g. grain, but also other parts that can enter the combine during the harvesting process, such as sand, dirt, leaf stems, etc.

The grain bowl is suitable for transporting the crop in at least one main direction of the grain transport. This is done by moving the grain bowl back and forth in the main grain transport direction, which leads to a kind of shaking movement of the grain bowl. The shaking movement can be accomplished by drive means that directly or indirectly drive the grain bowl. In addition to transport, the shaking movement can also lead to a desired distribution of the crop. Such a desired distribution can include, for example, the heavier parts at the bottom and the lighter parts at the top. In some embodiments, the grain bowl may be suitable for transporting the crop in more than one grain transport direction, e.g. to compensate for sloping soil.

Traditionally, the crop will eventually fall off the grain scale after being transported in the main grain transport direction. In some embodiments, a rake is connected to the end of the grain bowl. The falling crop can be collected by one or more sieves, which are suitable for separating the grain from the other parts in the crop. In some cases, the fallen crop is collected by another grain bowl, which may or may not be connected to the same drive means as the first grain bowl. That is generally the way

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-3BE2016 / 5784 referred to as a multistage grain scale. It is understood that, in the context of this invention, in such a multistage grain scale, each step should be viewed as an independent grain scale. Each independent grain scale may or may not conform to the invention.

In accordance with the invention, the grain bowl contains a series of grain bowl parts which are connected to each other. So the grain scale is a modular system. Preferably, the connected grain shell parts behave as a single graft. Such a modular system makes it possible to tailor a grain bowl by adding or removing grain bowl parts. This further makes it possible to replace one grain bowl part instead of the entire grain bowl, e.g. in case of fatigue failure.

The cereal shell parts contain a surface which contacts the grain, hereinafter referred to as grain contact surface. The surface that makes contact with the grain is suitable for carrying the harvested crop. When the grain bowl is at rest, i.e., not subject to the shaking motion, the grain contact surface can transport at least a portion of the crop present on the grain bowl. When the grain bowl is subjected to the shaking motion, the grain can move from a first place to a second place. The first and / or second place may be on the same grain contact surface, since the grain bowl contains more than one grain bowl portion, one of them may be on the grain contact surface of another grain bowl portion. The first place can also be on an element suitable for transferring the harvested crop to the grain bowl. The second place can also be on a rake, a sieve, another grain bowl or other element suitable to receive the crop when it leaves the grain bowl.

The grain contact surface is a closed surface In this context, a closed surface is to be understood as a continuous, non-porous surface. In other words, there are no holes in the grain contact surface, unlike the top surface of a sieve. The main purpose of the grain contact surface is to carry the harvested crop to be transported in the main direction of the grain transport.

The grain contact surface essentially extends in a first direction. The first direction in which the grain contact surface extends essentially parallel to the main direction of the grain transport. In case the grain contact surface is a non-flat profile, eg a sawtooth profile, the direction in which it is

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-4BE2016 / 5784 grain contact surface which is essentially understood to be understood as the direction in which the successive profiles, e.g. saw teeth, are arranged. The grain contact surface of the grain bowl parts is part of an effective surface of the grain bowl.

More than one of the grain shell parts are parts of the main body of the grain bowl. The parts of the main body of the grain bowl contain a first and a second connecting element. The first connecting element is suitable for establishing a releasable connection with the second connecting element of another grain shell part and vice versa. The different grain shell parts can thus be connected to each other. Since the parts of the main body of the grain bowl contain the same first and the same second connecting elements, each part of the main body of the grain bowl can be removably connected to any other grain bowl part. The parts of the main body of the grain bowl are releasably connected one behind the other in a direction substantially parallel to the main grain transport direction. Thus, the parts of the main body of the grain bowl are modular elements and the grain bowl is a modular system. As a practical example, a grain bowl portion may be 200mm long, and a grain bowl may contain eight grain bowl members connected in series in the main grain transport direction.

In one embodiment, the parts of the main body of the grain bowl are identical. Consequently, they are interchangeable. Alternatively, they may differ from one another and there is a predetermined order in which they must be connected. The differences may arise in size, material, means of connecting them to the surrounding structures, the grain contact surface profile, etc.

In one embodiment, different grain shell parts may be connected to each other by mating male and female parts. For example, a first grain bowl portion can be attached to a second grain bowl portion. The first connecting element is a part of the grain shell part which is suitable to form a male part. The second connecting element is a part of the grain shell part which is suitable for forming a female part. The male part and the female part are suitable to fit together. The parts of the main body of the cereal bowl in the cereal bowl according to the invention contain both the first and the second connecting element. However, as below

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BE2016 / 5784

- 5 explained, the grain bowl may contain even more grain bowl parts containing only one of the two connecting elements.

In a further embodiment, the first grain bowl portion may be attached to the second grain bowl portion by snapping them together with a snap connection. For example, the male and female parts may be shaped such that the male part of the first grain bowl part can be inserted into the female part of the second grain bowl part, while the first grain bowl part is held at an angle, e.g. between 0 and 90 degrees, at relative to the second grain bowl section.

Once the male part of the first cereal part has been placed in the female part of the second cereal part, one of the two cereal parts can be subjected to a rotational movement relative to the other, so that at the end of the rotational movement the first and the the second grain bowl section is aligned.

During the rotary movement, the male part of the first grain bowl part clicks into the female part of the second grain bowl part. Because of the bias and / or friction between the male part and the female part, the first and the second grain shell part are now firmly connected to each other. However, it is contemplated to also use other common fasteners known by an experienced person to attach various grain shell parts.

In one embodiment, the grain bowl may include a grain bowl portion that is a front grain bowl portion. "Front" in this context is to be interpreted as being the most upstream when looking in the main direction of grain transport,

The front grain shell portion may contain only one of the connecting elements, the first or the second. In this way, the front grain bowl part can only be attached to one other grain bowl part. In this way, the front grain shell portion is suitable to be the most upstream grain shell portion, viewed in the main direction of grain transportation.

In an embodiment. the grain bowl may contain a grain bowl portion which is a rear grain bowl portion. In this context, "rear" is to be interpreted as the most downstream, seen in the main direction of grain transport.

The rear grain shell portion may contain only one of the connecting elements, the first or the second. In this way, the rear grain bowl portion is suitable to form the most downstream grain bowl portion, seen in the

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-6BE2016 / 5784 main direction of grain transport. When both are present, the front and rear grain shell members each contain the other first and second joint members.

In one embodiment, the grain bowl can include both the front and rear grain bowl parts.

In one embodiment, at least one grain bowl portion has a cross-section suitable to reinforce the grain bowl portion, so that the grain contact surface is prevented from sagging when subjected to gravity and / or loads during operation. Thus, the grain portion is designed so that its shape makes the grain portion stronger. Due to this reinforcement, the grain shell part does not sag during operation without the need for additional support. In this way, the grain shell part is a self-supporting structure, which means that it is stable when exposed to gravity and / or workloads. This is in contrast to the usual grain shell construction where the grain contact surface is a thin steel sheet supported by support rods or cross sections to prevent bending. In this embodiment, support bars or transverse profiles are no longer required.

In this embodiment, the self-supporting grain shell part is a monolithic whole. Consequently, the grain scale part is a single entity. It does not contain a series of parts that are connected at any connection point by means of any connecting medium. Such connection sites, i.e. welds, i.e. spot welds, which are present in the conventional construction of grain shells, are prone to fatigue. Thus, in the monolithic grain shell portion in this embodiment, there are no weak spots inherent in such junction sites. As a result, fatigue and breakage can be reduced, and the life span can be increased. In addition, dimensional stability is improved by the monolithic construction. Thus, distortions due to high cyclic loads are eliminated or at least reduced. This reduces the gaps caused by the deformation and the corresponding grain leaks.

In a further embodiment, at least one grain bowl part is an extruded element. This makes it possible to create complex monolithic profiles with a high-quality surface finish. However, other production methods, which may or may not lead to a monolithic whole, can also be used, such as casting, hydroforming or 3D printing.

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BE2016 / 5784

-7 In one embodiment, the grain section is an aluminum element. This advantageously reduces weight compared to a comparable steel structure. The shaking motion to which the grain bowl is subjected creates a high cyclic load. Thus, the weight reduction is very favorable in terms of fatigue, the required dimensions of the structure and the drive means of the combine, energy consumption, etc. In addition, it allows surface treatments, eg anodizing, to improve certain characteristics such as corrosion and wear resistance. However, alternative materials such as plastic-like materials, fiber-reinforced materials or plastic materials could also be used. In one embodiment, the corn grain portion is an extruded aluminum module.

The combine in which the grain scale is optional! must be used, it contains a fan, which can be used to blow air on crop falling from the grain bowl or rake. The falling crop can be collected by a sieve or, for example in a multistage grain bowl, by another grain bowl. The fan can blow air onto the crop to blow the lighter, usually unwanted, deys out of the harvested crop. Usually, the fan is located somewhere below the grain scale and the air will stream through the bottom of the grain bowl onto the falling crop.

In the conventional construction, the cereal bowl is onion with a support structure under the thin steel plate. The support structure is intended to support the weight of the grain bowl. This is usually achieved by relatively thick and heavy steel profiles. In order to minimize the weight of the grain dish and to optimize the weight distribution, the steel profiles are only applied where necessary. This leads to an uneven surface. Such a surface is disadvantageous for guiding the air from the fan. It causes more disturbances that can cause a sub-optimal, turbulent dehite.

The monolithic whole, if any, and the presence of an additional support structure and the grain section make it possible to design the grain dish so that it is convenient to direct air to the crop. This may allow a lighter and / or smaller construction of the fan.

For this purpose, in one embodiment, the grain grain part may further comprise a bottom surface, the bottom surface being substantially opposite the grain contact surface. The bottom surface and the grain contact surface can have different profiles. In such a case, it is essentially to be understood opposite as situated on a prior

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-8BE2016 / 5784 spaced and mainly extending in substantially the same directions, eg, in the main grain transport direction and a direction perpendicular to the main grain transport direction. In case the bottom face and the grain grain contact surface extend in a non-parallel direction, the angle between these directions will usually be relatively small. Such minor non-parallelism is to be interpreted as essentially extending in the same directions.

The bottom surface is suitable for conducting the air in a convenient way. In one embodiment, the bottom surface can be a substantially closed surface. In this context, an essentially closed surface is to be understood as a continuous, non-porous surface. However, one or more cavities, e.g. intended for connecting means, may be present, such as screw holes, tapped holes, T-shaped grooves, etc. The substantially closed surface is advantageous for guiding the air blown by the fan with limited disturbances. This can allow a lighter and / or smaller construction of the fan.

In an embodiment. the bottom surface may be an essentially flat surface. In this context, an essentially flat surface is to be understood as a profile intended to be flat. Irregularities inherent in a specific material should not be taken into account. But even now there may be cavities intended for connecting means.

In one embodiment, the air guide may include an air guide profile. The air guiding profile can be adapted to conduct the air in an even more comfortable way. In addition, the air guiding profile can guide the air in such a way that this leads to better transverse and longitudinal air distribution on the sieves.

In one embodiment, the grain contact surface of the grain bowl portion has a sawtooth profile in side view. This allows a better distribution of the heavy and lighter parts. During the shaking movement of the grain bowl, the heavy parts will fall into the grooves of the sawtooth profile. As a practical example, the height of elite land can be 30 mm (0.39 inch) and the width 40 mm (1.57 inch). However, the grain contact surface can also have a different shape or a combination of shapes, e.g. flat, curved, wavy, etc.

The cereal bowl can be suitable to be connected to a frame. The frame is suitable for holding the grain bowl. In the conventional construction, the grain bowl is joined to the frame by welding, usually spot welding. This has the necessary consequence that there are gaps between the spot welds between the grain scale

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BE2016 / 5784 _ 9 and the frame. Distortion of the various parts of the non-monolithic construction due to the high cyclic loads can cause the gaps to widen. These gaps form so-called grain leaks, since crop falls through these gaps. This not only results in loss of product, but also in crop that remains stuck in undesired places, e.g. between the thin steel plate and the frame and / or the cross profiles.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, at least one of the cereal shell parts is suitable for connection, preferably detachably, with a frame. The frame is suitable for holding the grain bowl, and the frame and grain bowl 206 are adapted so that, when connected together, at least one side of the frame is adjacent to at least one side of the grain bowl in at least one overlap area. The frame may be longer or shorter than the grain bowl, and may be adjacent to the grain bowl on one or more sides of the grain bowl. Overlap area means a part where the frame and the grain bowl are next to each other. These sides are adjacent to each other. As a practical example, the frame may have a rectangular shape and enclose the grain bowl. In such a case, there are four overlapping areas corresponding to the four sides of the grain scale. The connection makes it possible, when joined together, to bring the sides of the grain bowl and the frame into contact with each other along at least one overlap area. So the sides are adjacent to each other. In this context, contiguous means that the sides of the grain bowl and the frame come into contact with each other. In this way, the gap between the grain bowl and the frame is minimized or even eliminated. This precludes, or at least reduces grain leakage.

In a preferred embodiment of this invention, at least one grain cutter is suitable for being removably connected to the frame by a mechanical connection means. So it is possible. to replace only one of the two, the grain bowl or the frame, when necessary, eg in case of fatigue failure. The frame can contain a vertical part. The vertical part is located next to the grain scale. In side view, this can be front, rear left or right of the grain bowl.

The grain cutter may be provided with at least one screw opening, a screw hole, a T-shaped groove, or other means to ensure a releasable connection known to those skilled in the art. The frame is equipped with a recess. The recess is intended for the mechanical connector for the releasable

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- 10BE2016 / 5784 connection. The grain bowl portion and thus the grain bowl can be attached to the frame by inserting the mechanical connection through the recess in the grain bowl portion. However, other joining methods known to those skilled in the art can also be used. For example, a mechanical connector such as a screw or bolt can be attached to the grain bowl part. The frame can still be provided with a recess. The mechanical connector can then be inserted through the recess and secured, e.g. through a nut.

The frame can contain a horizontal part. The horizontal part extends below the grain scale at a limited distance. Limited in this context should be interpreted as sufficient to provide a connector, but not as providing additional support to the cereal section. The horizontal portion does not extend below the full width or length of the grain bowl. The frame can contain one or both of the horizontal and vertical parts, or it can be shaped differently. In case the frame contains both the horizontal and the vertical part, the horizontal part can extend inwards with respect to the vertical part. Obviously, in this embodiment, this horizontal portion is adapted to attach the grain bowl to the frame. It has not been adapted to provide additional support for the grain scale. It should therefore not be interpreted as part of the grain scale, but as part of the frame.

In one embodiment, the cereal shell portion is equipped with a T-shaped groove and the frame is equipped with a recess in the horizontal portion. An element with a screw hole, eg a slot stone (slot stone) or a nut, can be inserted into the T-shaped groove. The slotted stone may be suitable to receive a bolt. The bolt can be screwed into the trench through the recess in the frame, so that the grain part can be connected to the frame. However, other conventional ways can also be used to obtain a mechanical releasable joint, such as those described in connection of joining the grain bowl to the vertical portion. Conversely, a T-shaped groove can also be used to connect the grain bowl to the vertical part of the frame.

In one embodiment, the grain bowl includes a front profile. A connector suitable for connecting a front seal to the grain bowl is different. The front seal is used to prevent crop from falling in front of the grain bowl. The connector can be any conventional one

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- ΒΕ ΒΕ2016 / 5784 are known to those skilled in the art, eg a snap connection, a wired connection, etc. In one embodiment, the front grain shell portion includes the front profile.

In one embodiment, the grain bowl includes a rear profile. A connector is provided which is suitable for connecting a rake to the grain bowl. The rake is used to separate the grain from the non-grain material, with the aim of ensuring that the grain is placed on the bottom of the sieve so that it falls through. The connector may be any conventional solution known to those skilled in the art, e.g., a snap connector, a wired connector, etc. In one embodiment, the rear grain shell portion includes the rear profile.

In side view there may be a recess between the grain contact surface and the bottom surface. In one embodiment, this recess can be at least partially filled with a material, for example a foam-like material. In this way, the stiffness of the grain shell part can be increased, which allows the use of a thin grain contact surface and / or bottom surface. This can lead to even more weight reduction.

Various possible embodiments of a grain bowl according to the invention have been described herein, with respect to the different features. It is understood that all embodiments can be combined with each other unless otherwise stated.

The invention further relates to a combine harvester containing a grain bowl according to the invention. This grain bowl can have any of the above-described embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the figures, in which non-limiting exemplary embodiments of the invention will be shown. In the different figures, the same reference numbers were used to indicate the same characteristics. The different figures show the same embodiment or at least part of it. It should be noted that the invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiment. In addition, a grain bowl must not contain all of the features shown to be in accordance with the invention.

In the Figures illustrates or illustrates:

Figure I: a combine with a grain bowl in it;

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Figure 2: an isometric view of a possible embodiment of a grain bowl according to the invention;

Figure 3: a side view of a possible embodiment of a grain bowl according to the invention;

Figure 4: a side view of a possible embodiment of a part of the main body of a grain bowl according to the invention;

Figure 5: a possible way to connect two grain shark parts according to the invention:

Figure 6: a possible way of connecting the grain bowl to a frame according to the invention;

Figure 7: a possible embodiment of a front grain bowl part according to the invention;

Figure 8: a possible embodiment of a rear grain shell part according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 shows a combine 100 with a grain bowl 1 in it. The combine harvester is suitable for harvesting crop in the field, such as wheat, oats, rye, barley, corn, sorghum, soybeans, sunflowers, cage seeds, etc. Na. the threshing and separation process, the grain scale transfers the crop to the next stage, for example the braking unit.

Figure 2 and Figure 3 show an isometric view and a side view of a possible embodiment of a grain bowl 1 according to the invention, respectively. The grain bowl 1 as shown in Figure 2 and Figure 3 contains multiple grain shark parts, specifically measures a front grain bowl part 25, a rear grain bowl part 29 and eight parts of the main body of grain bowl 5.

The grain bowl 1 is suitable for a combine harvester 100. The grain bowl 1 is suitable for transporting crop in at least one main direction of the grain transport 4. This is achieved by moving the grain bowl 1 back and forth in the main direction of the grain transport 4, which results in a kind of shaking movement of the grain bowl 4. The shaking movement can be effected by driving means (not shown) which drive the grain bowl 1 directly or indirectly.

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Figure 4 shows a side view of a possible embodiment of a part 5 of the main body of the grain bowl. The cereal bowl 1 contains a series of parts of the main body of the cereal bowl 5, which are connected to each other. The grain shell parts 5 contain a grain contact surface 6. The grain contact surface 6 is suitable for carrying the crop. When the grain bowl is at rest, ie not subject to the shaking movement, the grain contact surface 6 can transport the crop present on the grain bowl part 5. When the grain bowl 1 is subjected to the shaking movement, the crop can move from a first place to a move second place. The first and / or second place may be on the same grain contact surface 6, or since the grain bowl 1 contains more than one grain bowl portion 5, one may be on the grain contact surface 6 of another grain bowl portion 5. The first place may also lie on an element (not shown) which is suitable for transferring the harvested crop to the grain bowl 1. The second place can also be on a rake, a sieve (not shown), another grain bowl 1 or any other element suitable to receive the crop as it leaves the grain bowl 1.

The grain contact surface 6 is a closed surface. In this context, a closed surface "should be understood as a continuous, non-porous surface.

In other words, there are no holes in the grain contact surface 6, unlike the top surface of a sieve. The main purpose of the grain contact surface 6 is to transport the harvested crop.

The grain contact surface 6 essentially extends in a first direction 7. The first direction 7 in which the grain contact surface 6 essentially extends extends parallel to the main direction of the grain transport 4. The first direction 4 and the main direction of the grain transport 4 are the same arrow in Figure 4. In the illustrated embodiment, the grain contact surface 6 has a sawtooth profile.

In the case of such a non-planar profile, the first directions in which the grain contact surface 6 extends essentially must be regarded as the direction in which the successive profiles, i.e. the saw teeth, are arranged.

The part 5 of the main body. of the grain bowl contains a first connecting element, which is a male part 19, and a second connecting element, which is a female part 20. The first connecting element is adapted to establish a releasable connection with the second connecting element of another grain dish part 5 and vice versa, as will be explained in more detail further with reference to Figure 5.

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The grain section 5 has a cross section, the shape of which is shown in Figure 4. The cross section shape is suitable for reinforcing the grain section 5, so that the grain contact surface is prevented from sagging when subjected to gravity and / or workloads. Thus, the grain bowl portion 5 is designed so that its shape reinforces the grain bowl portion 5. Thanks to this reinforcement, the grain section does not bend during operation without the need for additional support. In this way, the grain bowl part is a self-supporting structure, which means that it is stable! is when it is exposed to gravity and / or workloads. Thus, as can be seen in the figures, no support bars or transverse profiles are required. Thus, there is no additional support, e.g., by cross sections or support bars under the grain bowl 1 or the grain bowl part 5.

The self-supporting grain dish part 5 is further a monolithic main part. Consequently, the grain scale part is a single entity. It does not contain a series of parts that are connected at any other connection point by means of any connecting medium. Such connection sites, i.e. welds, i.e. spot welds, which are present in the conventional grain shell construction, are prone to fatigue.

The cereal shell part 5 is an extruded element. This makes it possible to create complex monolithic profiles with a high-quality surface finish. However, other production methods could also be used to make a monolithic main body, such as casting, hydroforming or 3D printing.

The grain bowl part is an aluminum element. This advantageously reduces weight compared to a comparable rebar construction. The shaking motion to which the grain bowl 1 is subjected causes a high cyclic loading. Thus, the weight reduction is very favorable in terms of fatigue, in terms of the dimensions of the structure and the drive means of the combine, the energy consumption, etc. In addition, it allows surface treatments, such as anodizing, to determine the characteristics, such as corrosion and wear resistance, to improve. However, other materials such as plastic-like materials, fiber-reinforced materials or plastic materials could also be used. In one embodiment, the grain shell portion is an extruded aluminum module.

The grain contact surface of the grain shell part has a sawtooth profile in side view. This makes a better distribution of the heavy and the lighter parts

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- 15BE2016 / 5784 possible, During the shaking movement of the grain bowl, the heavy parts will fall into the grooves of the sawtooth profile. For example, the height of each tooth can be 10 mm (0.39 inch) and the width eg 40 mm (1.57 inch). However, the grain contact surface may also have a different shape or contain a combination of shapes, e.g. flat, curved, corrugated, etc.

The Combine Harvester 100 optionally includes a fan (not shown), which can be used to blow air on crop that drops from the grain bowl or rake.

Usually, the fan is located somewhere below the grain scale, and the air will stream through the bottom of the grain scale onto the falling crop. The monolithic main part of the cereal dish 5 makes it possible to design the cereal bowl 206 1 in a manner that is convenient for guiding the air to the crop. This may allow a lighter and / or smaller construction of the fan. For this purpose, the grain dish egg 5 further comprises a bottom surface 9. The bottom surface 9 is essentially opposite to the grain contact surface 6. The bottom surface 9 and the grain contact surface 6 have different profiles. In such a case, substantially opposite should be understood as located at a predetermined distance from each other and extending mainly in essentially the same directions, in this case in the main direction of the grain transport 4 and a direction perpendicular to the main direction of the grain transport

The bottom surface 9 is suitable for conducting the air in a smooth manner. The bottom surface 9 is an essentially closed surface. In this context, an essentially closed surface is to be understood as a continuous, non-porous surface. However, one or more cavities intended for connection means may be present, such as a T-shaped groove 15. Other connection means are possible, eg screw holes or screw holes.

The bottom surface 9 is further an essentially flat surface. ln this context, an essentially flat surface. be understood as a profile that is meant to be flat. Irregularities inherent in a specific material should not be taken into account. In addition, cavities intended for connecting means may still be present. In a possible embodiment, the bottom surface 9 can contain an air guiding profile (not shown). The air guiding profile can be suitable for conducting the air in a useful manner.

The grain scale 1 is a modular system. The grain bowl 1 contains a series of grain bowl parts 5, as can be seen in Figure 3. Such a modular system makes it possible to tailor a grain bowl 1 by adding or removing

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- 16BE2016 / 5784 grain scale parts 5. Another advantage is the possibility to replace one grain scale part 5 instead of having to replace the entire grain scale 1, eg in case of fatigue breakage. In the example shown, each grain bowl part 5 is 200 mm long, and the grain bowl 1 contains eight grain bowl parts 5 which are connected to each other in the main direction of the grain transport 4.

Figure 5 illustrates a possible way to connect two grain dish parts 5. A first grain bowl section 5a. contains a male part 19. A second grain bowl part 5b contains a female part 20. In the embodiment shown, both grain bowl parts 5a, 5b are identical grain bowl parts, and both contain a male part 19 and a female part 20. This is the case for the parts of however, the main body of grain bowl 5. As will be further explained, however, the grain bowl 1 also includes a front grain bowl portion 25 and a rear grain bowl portion 29 containing only one of the two reinforcing elements. They can be joined in the same way as described below with respect to the parts of the main body of the grain bowl 5.

The first grain bowl portion 5a can be attached to the second grain bowl portion 5b by inserting the male portion 19 of the first grain bowl portion 5a into the female portion 20 of the second grain bowl portion 5b, while holding the first grain bowl portion 5a at an angle 21, e.g. in a range between 0 and 90 degrees, with respect to the second grain bowl part 5b. The male part 19 and the female part 20 have an interlocking shape so that the male part 19 can be inserted into the female part 20 in this angular range.

Once the male portion 19 of the first grain bowl portion 5a has been introduced into the female portion 20 of the second grain bowl portion 5b, one of the two grain bowl portions 5a, 5b can be rotated relative to the other so that at the end of the rotary movement, the first grain bowl portion 5a and second grain bowl portion 5b are aligned.

During the rotary movement, the male part 19 of the first grain bowl part 5a snaps into the female part 20 of the second grain bowl part 5b.

Because of the bias and / or friction between the male part 19 and the female part, the first grain bowl part 5a and the second grain bowl part 5b are now firmly connected to each other. However, it is contemplated to also use other common fasteners known by an experienced person to fix various cereal parts.

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Figure 6 shows the first grain bowl portion 5a and the second grain bowl portion 5h in the aligned position. The cereal bowl 1, which contains a plurality of grain bowl parts 5a, 5b, further comprises a working surface 18. The grain contact surface 6 of the grain bowl parts 5a, 5b is a part of the working surface 18 of the grain bowl 1. Preferably the connected grain bowl parts 5a, 5b behave as a single entity.

Figures 2, 3 and 6 show a frame 11. The frame 11 is suitable for holding the grain bowl 1. The frame 11 and the grain bowl 1 are joined together such that the sides of the grain bowl 1 and the frame 11 abut when they are joined. To adjoin each other in this context means that the sides of the grain bowl and the frame contact each other, thereby minimizing or eliminating the possible gaps between the frame 11 and the grain bowl 1.

The frame contains a vertical part 31, as shown in Figure 2. In side view, the vertical part 31 extends from the adjacent grain bowl 1. The grain bowl 1 is suitable to be removably connected to the frame 11 by a mechanical connecting means 30, as shown in Figure 6. The mechanical connecting means 30 contains a screw hole in the grain bowl 1 in which a screw is arranged. However, any other connecting means, e.g., a bolt, a T-shaped groove, etc. known to those skilled in the art, could be used.

By connecting the grain bowl 1 to the frame 11 in this way, the grain bowl 1 and the frame 11 are adjacent to each other and are preferably parallel to each other. This can reduce or even completely eliminate the gaps between the grain bowl 1 and the frame 11. That way the grain leak can be eliminated or at least reduced.

The frame 11 further comprises a horizontal part 14. The horizontal part 14 of the frame 11 and the grain bowl 1 adjoin each other in an area where they overlap 80 (the so-called overlap area), as best seen in Figure 3,

The overlapping area 80 is the area where one side of the frame 11 is adjacent to one side of the grain bowl 1. The horizontal part 14 extends a limited distance below the grain bowl 1. Limited in this context is to be interpreted as sufficient to provide a connecting means, but not to provide additional additional support to the self-supporting grain bowl portion 5. The horizontal portion 14 does not extend below the full width or length of the grain bowl 1. The horizontal portion 14 extends inwardly relative to the vertical portion 31. In Figure 6, the horizontal portion 14 extends backward (in the paper) below the grain bowl 11.

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It is clear that this horizontal part 14 is suitable for attaching the grain bowl 1 to the frame, and is not suitable for providing additional support to the grain bowl 1.

Thus, it should not be interpreted as part of the grain dish 1. In practice, the frame 11 may contain only one of the two parts (the vertical part 31 and the horizontal part 16), or it may be differently shaped.

The grain dish parts 5 have a T-shaped groove 15 in the bottom and the frame 11 contains a hole, as shown in Figure 6. A slit stone 16 can be slid into the T-shaped groove 15. The slit stone 15 is suitable for receiving a bolt 17. The bolt 17 can be inserted into the slit stone 15 through the hole in the frame 11, so that the grain bowl 1 can be connected to the frame 11.

Referring now to Figure 7, the grain bowl 1 includes a front profile 23.

The front profile 23 includes a connector 24 suitable for connection to a front seal 22 of the grain bowl 1. The front seal 22 is used to prevent crop from falling in front of the grain bowl 1. The connector may be any conventional solution known to those skilled in the art, e.g., a snap connection, a wired connection, etc.

The grain bowl 1 contains a front grain bowl part 25. The front grain bowl part 25 contains the front profile 23. The front grain bowl part 25 contains a female part 20, but not a male part 19. In this way, the front grain bowl part 25 can only be connected to one other grain bowl part. 5, and it can only serve as the most upstream grain shell part, viewed from the main grain transport direction 4.

With reference now to Figure 8, the grain bowl 1 at the back contains a profile 27 (hereinafter referred to as the rear profile). This rear profile 27 contains a connecting means 28 for connecting a rake 26 to grain bowl 1. The rake is used to separate the grain from the non-grain material, meaning that the grain is deposited on the bottom of the screen so that it falls through. The connector may be any conventional solution known to those skilled in the art, e.g., a snap connection, a wired connection, etc.

The grain bowl 1 contains a rear grain bowl part 29, the rear grain bowl part 29 contains the rear profile 27. The rear grain bowl part 29 contains a male part 19, but not a female part 20. In this way, the rear grain bowl part 25 can only be connected to one other cereal part 5 and can

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- 19BE2016 / 5784 are only the most downstream grain section if seen in the main direction of grain transport 4.

Referring again to Figure 4, the side view shows a recess 30 between the grain contact surface 6 and the bottom surface 9. In one embodiment, this recess 30 may be at least partially filled with a material, for example, a foam-like material. In this way, the stiffness of the grain section can be increased, which allows the use of a thin grain contact surface 6 and / or bottom surface 9. This can lead to even more weight reduction.

The invention further relates to an agricultural vehicle 100 containing a grain bowl 1 according to the invention.

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Claims (14)

CONCLUSIONS Cereal scale (1) for a combine (100), the grain scale (1) being adapted to be moved back and forth in at least one main transport direction (4) to harvest crop in at least the main direction of the grain transport (4) to be transported, the grain dish (1) consisting of: a series of grain dish parts (5, 25, 29) with a closed grain contact surface (6) and suitable for carrying the harvested crop, where: more than one of the cereal shell parts (5, 25, 29) parts (5) are of the main body of the cereal shell, consisting of a first connecting element and a second connecting element, the first connecting element being capable of establishing a releasable connection with the second connecting element of another part of the main part of the grain bowl (5, 25, 29) and vice versa, and wherein the grain bowl parts (5, 25, 29) are releasably connected one behind the other via their respective first and second connecting element, in a direction substantially parallel to the main direction of the grain transport (4). Grain bowl (1) according to claim 1, wherein at least one grain bowl part (5, 25, 29) has a cross section suitable for reinforcing the grain bowl part (5, 25, 29), so that the grain contact surface (6) is covered by bending when subjected to gravity and / or loads during operation; and the at least one self-supporting grain bowl portion (5, 25, 29) forms a monolithic whole. Grain bowl (1) according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the grain bowl parts (5, 25, 29) is suitable to be connected, preferably detachably connected, to a frame (11), wherein the frame (11) is suitable is to hold the grain bowl (1) and the frame (1!) and the grain bowl (1) are adjusted so that, when connected together, at least one side of the frame (11) next to at least one side of the grain bowl (1) is in at least one overlap area (80), where, when interconnected, the edges of the grain bowl (1) and the frame (11) are in contact in at least one overlap area (80). 53373 2016/5784 The cereal bowl (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first connecting element is a part of the cereal bowl part suitable for forming a male part (19), and wherein the first connecting element is a part (5) of the main body of the cereal bowl which is suitable to form a male part (20), the male part (20) and the female (19) part being suitable for fitting together. Grain dish (1) according to claim 4, wherein: one part (5) of the main body of the grain bowl is a first grain bowl part (5a) and another part (5) of the main body of the grain bowl is a second grain bowl part (5b), the first grain bowl part (5a) being suitable for being attached to the second grain bowl portion (5b); and wherein the male part (19) and the female part (20) are suitable: to insert the male part (19) into the female part (20) while holding the first cereal part (5a) at an angle (21) between 0 and 90 degrees with respect to the second cereal part (5b), around the first cereal part (5a) and bring the second grain bowl portion (5b) into the aligned position. by subjecting the first grain bowl portion (5a) to a rotational movement relative to the second grain bowl portion (5b), wherein, during the rotary movement, the angle (21) is essentially reduced to 0 degrees, whereby the male portion (19) the female portion can snap (20) resulting in a snap connection between the first grain bowl portion (5a) and the second grain bowl portion (5b), and wherein: when the male part (19) and the female part (20) sit together, the pretension and / or friction between the male part (19) and the female part (20) causes the first (5a) and the second grain shell part (5b) are firmly connected to each other. The cereal bowl (1) according to claim 1, wherein the series of parts (5) of the main body of the cereal bowl are identical with each other. 53373 -22BE2016 / 5784 Grain bowl (1) according to claim 1, wherein at least one grain bowl part (5, 25, 29) is an extruded element. Grain bowl (1) according to claim 1, wherein at least one grain bowl part (5, 25, 29) is an aluminum element. Grain bowl (1) according to claim 1, wherein the grain contact surface (6) of the grain bowl parts (5, 25, 29) has a sawtooth profile. Grain dish (1) according to claim 1, wherein: one of the cereal parts (5, 25, 29) is a front cereal part (25), the front cereal part containing only one of the first connecting element and the second connecting element and suitable for the most upstream part of the cereal parts (5, 25) , 29), viewed in the main transport direction (4) and one of the grain shell parts (5, 25, 29) is a rear grain shell part (29), the rear grain shell part containing only the other of the first connecting element and the second connecting element , and is suitable to be the most downstream part of the grain shell parts (5, 25, 29) viewed in the main transport direction (4). Grain bowl (1) according to claim 10, wherein the front grain bowl part (2) includes the front profile (23), and the front profile (23) includes a connector (24) suitable for being connected to a front seal ( 22) of the grain bowl (1). Grain bowl (1) according to claim 10, wherein the rear grain bowl part (29) includes a rear profile (27), said rear profile (27) comprising a connector (28) about a rake (26) with the grain bowl (1) to connect. Grain bowl (1) according to claim 1, wherein at least one grain bowl part (5, 25, 29) comprises a bottom surface (9), and the bottom surface substantially opposite the grain contact surface (6) of the respective grain bowl part (5, 25, 29) with a recess (30) between the grain contact surface (6) and the bottom surface 53373 BE2016 / 5784 (9), wherein the recess (30) is at least partially filled with a material, preferably a foamy material. Grain bowl (1) according to claim 1, wherein at least one grain bowl part (5, 25, 5 29) comprises a bottom surface (9), the bottom surface being substantially opposite the grain contact surface (6) of the respective grain bowl part (5, 25, 29), and wherein the bottom surface (9) contains an air guide profile suitable for guiding air. Combine harvester (100) containing a grain bowl (1) according to claim 1. 53373 BE2016 / 5784 i. 53373 - 25 BE2016 / 5784 53373 - 26 BE2016 / 5784 53373 - 27 - BE2016 / 5784 4.7 -y 19 6 53373 -28BE2016 / 5784 5b 53373 -29BE2016 / 5784 11.14 53373 - 30 BE2016 / 5784 53373 -31 BE2016 / 5784 BE2016 / 5784 53373