CA2093456A1 - Plastic sprockets and feeder chain slats for combines - Google Patents
Plastic sprockets and feeder chain slats for combinesInfo
- Publication number
- CA2093456A1 CA2093456A1 CA 2093456 CA2093456A CA2093456A1 CA 2093456 A1 CA2093456 A1 CA 2093456A1 CA 2093456 CA2093456 CA 2093456 CA 2093456 A CA2093456 A CA 2093456A CA 2093456 A1 CA2093456 A1 CA 2093456A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- plastic
- feeder
- chain
- slat
- slats
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01D—HARVESTING; MOWING
- A01D61/00—Elevators or conveyors for binders or combines
- A01D61/008—Elevators or conveyors for binders or combines for longitudinal conveying, especially for combines
Landscapes
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Environmental Sciences (AREA)
- Chain Conveyers (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Plastic feeder chain slats for conveying material in a feeder house are described. The slats are molded from a material such as urethane elastomer. Molded, two-part sprockets are also described. The sprockets, also of plastic material such as urethane elastomers, find particular application in feeder housings of combines.
Plastic feeder chain slats for conveying material in a feeder house are described. The slats are molded from a material such as urethane elastomer. Molded, two-part sprockets are also described. The sprockets, also of plastic material such as urethane elastomers, find particular application in feeder housings of combines.
Description
~3~5~
PLASTIC SPROCKETS AND FEEDER CHAIN SLATS FOR COMBINES
This invention relates to the feeder housing of a combine and more particularly to molded plastic sprockets and feeder chain slats for use in a feeder housing.
In combines for harvesting cereal grains and the like the standing crop is cut by a forwardly located cutter bar as the combine is driven through the field. The cut material is transferred by augers or the like from the cutting area to the feeder housing. The feeder housing conveys the cut material to the threshing cylinder where the grain is separated from the stocks. -The feeder housing conventionally comprises a feeder housing floor which is a smooth, usually steel surface slanting upwardly from the cutter section to the threshing cylinder. The cut material is conveyed upwardly along the feeder house floor by means of transverse feeder slats attached to endless chains on either side of the floor. The chains travel over sprockets, at least one of which is driven by power means on the combine.
Conventionally, the feeder house slats are made of steel as are the sprockets over which the endless chains travel.
When weather conditions are favorable for harvesting, it is extremely important that down time of the combine be reduced to a minimum. Thus, any breakage of feeder slats or sprockets which will require significant repair time is undesirable. Metal fe~der house slats when contacted by stones or other foreign objects are prone to bending and when bent remain in this condition. This causes undue stress on the feeder chains, sprockets and other elements of the drive chain. The 9 3 a~ 5 ~
usual result is further damage necessitating major repair work to the combine at the most inappropriate time. Thus, there is a need for feeder chain slats which will flex when contacted by foreign objects but will return to their original shape after the foreign ob~ect has cleared the system.
Additionally, metal sprockets are subject to wear particularly if the feeder chain is misaligned due to bent slats. The replacement of sprockets can also result in a time consuming operation particularly if the sprockets must be removed axially from the shaft.
Thus, there is also a need for a sprocket which has a longer life and which can be easily replaced without total disassembly of the feeder housing.
Therefore, in accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a plastic feeder house slat for use in a combine, the slat comprising a molded, elongate substantially channel-shaped member having means therein for removable attachment to a feeder chain.
According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a plastic sprocket comprising a pair of molded, complementary half-sections each half-section having a radial tooth section, a semi-hub section and a flange section, the semi-hub sections each having apertures therethrough such that when said half-sections are in meeting relationship the apertures are aligned to receive removable fastening means, the hub having a central axial aperture adapted to be received on a shaft.
The invention will now be described in greater detail with reference to the attached drawings wherein:
Figure 1 is a cross sectional view of a feeder housing;
PLASTIC SPROCKETS AND FEEDER CHAIN SLATS FOR COMBINES
This invention relates to the feeder housing of a combine and more particularly to molded plastic sprockets and feeder chain slats for use in a feeder housing.
In combines for harvesting cereal grains and the like the standing crop is cut by a forwardly located cutter bar as the combine is driven through the field. The cut material is transferred by augers or the like from the cutting area to the feeder housing. The feeder housing conveys the cut material to the threshing cylinder where the grain is separated from the stocks. -The feeder housing conventionally comprises a feeder housing floor which is a smooth, usually steel surface slanting upwardly from the cutter section to the threshing cylinder. The cut material is conveyed upwardly along the feeder house floor by means of transverse feeder slats attached to endless chains on either side of the floor. The chains travel over sprockets, at least one of which is driven by power means on the combine.
Conventionally, the feeder house slats are made of steel as are the sprockets over which the endless chains travel.
When weather conditions are favorable for harvesting, it is extremely important that down time of the combine be reduced to a minimum. Thus, any breakage of feeder slats or sprockets which will require significant repair time is undesirable. Metal fe~der house slats when contacted by stones or other foreign objects are prone to bending and when bent remain in this condition. This causes undue stress on the feeder chains, sprockets and other elements of the drive chain. The 9 3 a~ 5 ~
usual result is further damage necessitating major repair work to the combine at the most inappropriate time. Thus, there is a need for feeder chain slats which will flex when contacted by foreign objects but will return to their original shape after the foreign ob~ect has cleared the system.
Additionally, metal sprockets are subject to wear particularly if the feeder chain is misaligned due to bent slats. The replacement of sprockets can also result in a time consuming operation particularly if the sprockets must be removed axially from the shaft.
Thus, there is also a need for a sprocket which has a longer life and which can be easily replaced without total disassembly of the feeder housing.
Therefore, in accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a plastic feeder house slat for use in a combine, the slat comprising a molded, elongate substantially channel-shaped member having means therein for removable attachment to a feeder chain.
According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a plastic sprocket comprising a pair of molded, complementary half-sections each half-section having a radial tooth section, a semi-hub section and a flange section, the semi-hub sections each having apertures therethrough such that when said half-sections are in meeting relationship the apertures are aligned to receive removable fastening means, the hub having a central axial aperture adapted to be received on a shaft.
The invention will now be described in greater detail with reference to the attached drawings wherein:
Figure 1 is a cross sectional view of a feeder housing;
2~93~5~
Figure Z is a partial perspective view of a plastic slat according to the invention;
Figure 3 is a plan view of the slat of Figure 2;
Figure 4 is a plan view of the split sprocket of the present invention; and Figure 5 is a cross sectional view of the sprocket of Figure 4 taken at line 5-5.
As shown in Figure 1, feeder housing showing generally at 10 comprises a feeder house floor 12 which in a preferred embodiment is a flat metal surface slanting upwardly from the cutter section at the left of Figure 1 (not shown) to the threshing cylinder located at the right of Figure 1 (not shown).
Endless chains 14, only one of which is shown in Figure 1, travels around sprockets 16 as is known in the art. Sprockets 16 have radial teeth adapted to fit within links in the chain 14. Sprockets 16 are attached to shafts 8 which run transverse to the feeder house floor and are positioned a suitable distance thereabove. Again, as i9 known in the art at least one of the shafts 18 is driven by a power source on the combine. Usually the second shaft is free to rotate with the chain.
Attached to the chain 14 are spaced transverse feeder slats 20. The slats, according to the present invention are attached to appropriate means on the chain by bolts or other removable fastening means. As the feeder chain travels in the direction as shown by arrow A, the cut material is conveyed up the feeder house floor by slats 20.
According to the present invention, slat 20 as shown in Figures 2 and 3, comprises an elongated channel member having side arms 22 and 24 with interconnecting web 26 and flange 28 integrally molded on the ` 20934~6 trailing edge of arm 24. It is to be understood, however, that feeder slats of alternate configuration may be preferable for certain applications. For example, certain more delicate crops may require different shaped slats. Inasmuch as the slats are prepared by a molding operation the shape may be changed by varying the mold. Holes 30 permit the slat to be attached to the feeder chain by means of bolts and nuts or other suitable removable means. Because the slats are fastened to the chain by bolts rather than rivets as is common for metal slats replacement is much easier.
The slat is made from a moldable plastic material such as an urethane elastomer.
An important aspect of the slat is that the particular shape selected in combination with the plastic material is capable of flexing so as to avoid damage when coming in contact with a foreign object or obstruction in the transfer path. Because the slat can flex around such a foreign ob~ect, a sudden load transfer to the drive components does not occur as in the case of conventional steel slats. Additionally, a slat according to the invention when bent by contacting a foreign ob~ect straightens again almost immediately. This reduces side load on the chain and sprockets. Conversely, a steel slat when ben~ will remain bent putting considerable strain on all of the drive components. As mentioned herein before, steel slats are more likely to break when excessively stressed meaning considerable down time to replace the broken components.
In operation, a feeder chain using heavy steel slats must be run relatively tight so as to keep the slats from scrapping the bottom of the feeder house floor. When the chain is run tight, empty it causes extra wear on the chain and sprockets. When loaded with grain, the chain has 2~93~5~
no slack to use up so the wear becomes worse on the roller chain and sprockéts. Using the plastic slat of the present invention, the chain can be run with a couple of inches of slack, thereby allowing the chain to absorb the load easier. Further, the load is reduced inasmuch as the slats are lighter than comparable steel slats.
A further advantage of the slats of the present invention is that they run much quieter. When the combine operator conducts an inspection of the machine, it is customary to detect wear of defective components by listening for telltale sounds. When the feeder house chain having steel slats is running, the noise is sufficient to mask other sounds of pending trouble. The reduced sounds generated by the plastic slat of the present invention allows the operator to conduct a more meaningful inspection.
In addition, the reduced weight of the plastic slats of the present invention makes them much easier and safer to handle, transport and install in the combine.
The plastic slats, being more flexible and lighter than steel slats and by virtue of the feeder chain being operable with greater slack results in improved handling of fragile small seed crops such as popcorn and edible beans.
Sprocket 16 as better shown in Figures 4 and 5 is also, according to the present invention molded of a plastic material. The sprocket comprises two half-sections 40 and 42 as best seen in Figure 4. Each half-section has radial teeth 44 adapted to engage feeder house chain 14. Each half-section of the sprocket has an elongate channel 46 which results in an axial opening therethrough when the two halves are in nested condition.
2~93~5~
As best seen in Figure 5, each half-section has the radial teeth portion 44, reduced diameter hub portion 48 and flange 50. Apertures 52 on opposite sides of axial channel 46 are aligned so that fastening means such as bolts can be placed therethrough and secured with nuts in order to locate the sprocket onto a shaft 18. Although opening 46 is shown as hexangonal, it is to be understood that this may he circular or square.
Should it become necessary to replace sprocket 16, it is only necessary to remove bolts 54, separate the two half members and remove the sprocket halves from the shaft. This avoids extensive repair timeO
As discussed in relation to the feeder chain slat, sprockets made of a plastic material such as urethane elastomer run smoother and quieter.
It has also been found that the plastic is more resistant to dirt and easier on the chain rollers, thus extending the life of other components of the drive system. As a further feature of the urethane elastomer sprockets, it has been found that the material has a self-lubricating quality which extends the life of the feeder chain and the sprockets.
The reduced weight allows easier handling and less expensive shipping and as previously indicated the two-part structure renders replacement much quicker and simpler.
Applicant has found by way of in use testing that the life of urethane elastomer slats and sprockets is appropriate twice the life of steel sprockets and slats.
The plastic sprocket has been described for use in combines. It is to be understood, that this sprocket will be equally useful in other 25 applications such as sugarbeat harvesters, potato diggers, etc. -- ~093~
. . , While aspects of the invention have been described in detail with respect to specific embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that variations and modifications may be made without departing from the essential features thereof. ...
::
Figure Z is a partial perspective view of a plastic slat according to the invention;
Figure 3 is a plan view of the slat of Figure 2;
Figure 4 is a plan view of the split sprocket of the present invention; and Figure 5 is a cross sectional view of the sprocket of Figure 4 taken at line 5-5.
As shown in Figure 1, feeder housing showing generally at 10 comprises a feeder house floor 12 which in a preferred embodiment is a flat metal surface slanting upwardly from the cutter section at the left of Figure 1 (not shown) to the threshing cylinder located at the right of Figure 1 (not shown).
Endless chains 14, only one of which is shown in Figure 1, travels around sprockets 16 as is known in the art. Sprockets 16 have radial teeth adapted to fit within links in the chain 14. Sprockets 16 are attached to shafts 8 which run transverse to the feeder house floor and are positioned a suitable distance thereabove. Again, as i9 known in the art at least one of the shafts 18 is driven by a power source on the combine. Usually the second shaft is free to rotate with the chain.
Attached to the chain 14 are spaced transverse feeder slats 20. The slats, according to the present invention are attached to appropriate means on the chain by bolts or other removable fastening means. As the feeder chain travels in the direction as shown by arrow A, the cut material is conveyed up the feeder house floor by slats 20.
According to the present invention, slat 20 as shown in Figures 2 and 3, comprises an elongated channel member having side arms 22 and 24 with interconnecting web 26 and flange 28 integrally molded on the ` 20934~6 trailing edge of arm 24. It is to be understood, however, that feeder slats of alternate configuration may be preferable for certain applications. For example, certain more delicate crops may require different shaped slats. Inasmuch as the slats are prepared by a molding operation the shape may be changed by varying the mold. Holes 30 permit the slat to be attached to the feeder chain by means of bolts and nuts or other suitable removable means. Because the slats are fastened to the chain by bolts rather than rivets as is common for metal slats replacement is much easier.
The slat is made from a moldable plastic material such as an urethane elastomer.
An important aspect of the slat is that the particular shape selected in combination with the plastic material is capable of flexing so as to avoid damage when coming in contact with a foreign object or obstruction in the transfer path. Because the slat can flex around such a foreign ob~ect, a sudden load transfer to the drive components does not occur as in the case of conventional steel slats. Additionally, a slat according to the invention when bent by contacting a foreign ob~ect straightens again almost immediately. This reduces side load on the chain and sprockets. Conversely, a steel slat when ben~ will remain bent putting considerable strain on all of the drive components. As mentioned herein before, steel slats are more likely to break when excessively stressed meaning considerable down time to replace the broken components.
In operation, a feeder chain using heavy steel slats must be run relatively tight so as to keep the slats from scrapping the bottom of the feeder house floor. When the chain is run tight, empty it causes extra wear on the chain and sprockets. When loaded with grain, the chain has 2~93~5~
no slack to use up so the wear becomes worse on the roller chain and sprockéts. Using the plastic slat of the present invention, the chain can be run with a couple of inches of slack, thereby allowing the chain to absorb the load easier. Further, the load is reduced inasmuch as the slats are lighter than comparable steel slats.
A further advantage of the slats of the present invention is that they run much quieter. When the combine operator conducts an inspection of the machine, it is customary to detect wear of defective components by listening for telltale sounds. When the feeder house chain having steel slats is running, the noise is sufficient to mask other sounds of pending trouble. The reduced sounds generated by the plastic slat of the present invention allows the operator to conduct a more meaningful inspection.
In addition, the reduced weight of the plastic slats of the present invention makes them much easier and safer to handle, transport and install in the combine.
The plastic slats, being more flexible and lighter than steel slats and by virtue of the feeder chain being operable with greater slack results in improved handling of fragile small seed crops such as popcorn and edible beans.
Sprocket 16 as better shown in Figures 4 and 5 is also, according to the present invention molded of a plastic material. The sprocket comprises two half-sections 40 and 42 as best seen in Figure 4. Each half-section has radial teeth 44 adapted to engage feeder house chain 14. Each half-section of the sprocket has an elongate channel 46 which results in an axial opening therethrough when the two halves are in nested condition.
2~93~5~
As best seen in Figure 5, each half-section has the radial teeth portion 44, reduced diameter hub portion 48 and flange 50. Apertures 52 on opposite sides of axial channel 46 are aligned so that fastening means such as bolts can be placed therethrough and secured with nuts in order to locate the sprocket onto a shaft 18. Although opening 46 is shown as hexangonal, it is to be understood that this may he circular or square.
Should it become necessary to replace sprocket 16, it is only necessary to remove bolts 54, separate the two half members and remove the sprocket halves from the shaft. This avoids extensive repair timeO
As discussed in relation to the feeder chain slat, sprockets made of a plastic material such as urethane elastomer run smoother and quieter.
It has also been found that the plastic is more resistant to dirt and easier on the chain rollers, thus extending the life of other components of the drive system. As a further feature of the urethane elastomer sprockets, it has been found that the material has a self-lubricating quality which extends the life of the feeder chain and the sprockets.
The reduced weight allows easier handling and less expensive shipping and as previously indicated the two-part structure renders replacement much quicker and simpler.
Applicant has found by way of in use testing that the life of urethane elastomer slats and sprockets is appropriate twice the life of steel sprockets and slats.
The plastic sprocket has been described for use in combines. It is to be understood, that this sprocket will be equally useful in other 25 applications such as sugarbeat harvesters, potato diggers, etc. -- ~093~
. . , While aspects of the invention have been described in detail with respect to specific embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that variations and modifications may be made without departing from the essential features thereof. ...
::
Claims (8)
1. A plastic feeder chain slat for use in a combine, said slat comprising a molded, elongate, substantially channel-shaped member having means therein for removable attachment to a feeder chain.
2. The plastic feeder chain slat of claim 1, wherein said molded, substantially channel-shaped member has an integrally formed flange on one arm thereof.
3. The slat of claim 1 or 2 wherein said plastic is a urethane elastomer.
4. The feeder chain slat of claim 3 wherein said elastomeric material permits said slat to flex without breaking.
5. A plastic sprocket comprising a pair of molded complementary half-sections, each half section having a radial tooth section, a semi-hub section and a flange section, said semi hub sections having apertures therethrough such that when said half sections are in mating relationship, said apertures are aligned to receive removable fastening means, said hub having a central, axial aperture adapted to be received on a shaft.
6. The plastic sprocket of claim 5 molded of urethane elastomer plastic.
7. The elastomeric sprocket of claim 5 or 6 for use in a feeder housing of a combine.
8. In a feeder housing of a combine, a shaft at each end of said housing, a plastic sprocket comprising a pair of complementary half-sections secured to each end of each of said shafts; and endless sprocket chain adapted to rotate about said sprockets and a plurality of plastic slats removably attached in a spaced arrangement between said chains wherein said slats when rotated with said chain causes material in said housing to be conveyed.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2093456 CA2093456A1 (en) | 1993-04-06 | 1993-04-06 | Plastic sprockets and feeder chain slats for combines |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2093456 CA2093456A1 (en) | 1993-04-06 | 1993-04-06 | Plastic sprockets and feeder chain slats for combines |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2093456A1 true CA2093456A1 (en) | 1994-10-07 |
Family
ID=4151415
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2093456 Abandoned CA2093456A1 (en) | 1993-04-06 | 1993-04-06 | Plastic sprockets and feeder chain slats for combines |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2093456A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN106429212A (en) * | 2016-11-03 | 2017-02-22 | 江苏建筑职业技术学院 | Scraper conveyor with float coal cleaning device |
-
1993
- 1993-04-06 CA CA 2093456 patent/CA2093456A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN106429212A (en) * | 2016-11-03 | 2017-02-22 | 江苏建筑职业技术学院 | Scraper conveyor with float coal cleaning device |
| CN106429212B (en) * | 2016-11-03 | 2018-11-27 | 江苏建筑职业技术学院 | A kind of drag conveyor with float coal cleaning plant |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Dead |