CA2151872C - Propulsion and steering mechanism for auger - Google Patents

Propulsion and steering mechanism for auger Download PDF

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Publication number
CA2151872C
CA2151872C CA002151872A CA2151872A CA2151872C CA 2151872 C CA2151872 C CA 2151872C CA 002151872 A CA002151872 A CA 002151872A CA 2151872 A CA2151872 A CA 2151872A CA 2151872 C CA2151872 C CA 2151872C
Authority
CA
Canada
Prior art keywords
auger
propulsion unit
steering
propulsion
hydraulic
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.)
Expired - Fee Related
Application number
CA002151872A
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
CA2151872A1 (en
Inventor
Marvin Utigaard
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
S/M VENTURES Ltd
Original Assignee
Marvin Utigaard
S/M Ventures Ltd.
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Marvin Utigaard, S/M Ventures Ltd. filed Critical Marvin Utigaard
Priority to CA002151872A priority Critical patent/CA2151872C/en
Publication of CA2151872A1 publication Critical patent/CA2151872A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of CA2151872C publication Critical patent/CA2151872C/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01BSOIL WORKING IN AGRICULTURE OR FORESTRY; PARTS, DETAILS, OR ACCESSORIES OF AGRICULTURAL MACHINES OR IMPLEMENTS, IN GENERAL
    • A01B51/00Undercarriages specially adapted for mounting-on various kinds of agricultural tools or apparatus
    • A01B51/02Undercarriages specially adapted for mounting-on various kinds of agricultural tools or apparatus propelled by a motor
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01BSOIL WORKING IN AGRICULTURE OR FORESTRY; PARTS, DETAILS, OR ACCESSORIES OF AGRICULTURAL MACHINES OR IMPLEMENTS, IN GENERAL
    • A01B69/00Steering of agricultural machines or implements; Guiding agricultural machines or implements on a desired track
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62DMOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
    • B62D55/00Endless track vehicles
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65GTRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
    • B65G33/00Screw or rotary spiral conveyors
    • B65G33/24Details

Abstract

The invention relates to a propulsion and steering arrangement for fluent material handling apparatus for example, a grain auger. A small endless tracked propulsion unit hydraulically driven and independently controlled is releasably coupled to the main axle of the auger, between the wheels. A steering mechanism including a rotating platform attached directly to the propulsion unit is provided, a steering cylinder causes rotation of the platform and hence a change in direction of the propulsion unit. The hydraulic circuit includes a 3-spool control valve equipped with a joystick-on-valve mechanism whereby the propulsion unit can be steered while in motion.

Description

The invention relates to a propulsion system for fluent material handling equipment, and in particular to apparatus for propelling a grain auger and controlling the direction of travel.
Portable grain augers have been in existence for many years. A major problem, especially with regard to large augers used in present day farming is the difficulty in driving and maneuvering the apparatus around a farm, particularly where the ground is soft or uneven.
Various arrangements are in existence which attempt to overcome these difficulties, the most widely used method being to attach the auger to a tractor hitch, and utilize the tractor to move the auger and position for use. One such arrangement can be found in United States Patent No. 4,526,265, which issued July 2nd, 1985 to Enns.
The major problem with such systems is that they require considerable space to be operable and are relatively difficult to maneuver.
Prior systems also exist where the main wheels of the auger, or an auxiliary wheel, is powered by a small electric or gasoline engine. One such system can be seen from U.S. Patent 4,726,459, which issued February 23rd, 1988 to Dirk Vos.
Finally, Canadian Patent No. 1,258,829 was issued in August 1989 to Edward Tiede. The invention disclosed here provided a form of self-propelled auger which comprised the combination of an auger and a small independently operator driven vehicle. By positioning the vehicle within the frame of the auger and driving and steering wheels of the auger, some degree of additional maneuverability was achieved over the aforementioned use of a farm tractor.
While it is accepted, that on dry and somewhat uneven ground, these wheeled propulsion systems were acceptable, in wet, heavy, or snow covered ground, it could prove very difficult to prevent wheel slip and the eventual "bogging down" of the wheels.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a simple, self-propelled relatively small traction unit that can be readily attached to the main axle of a conventional auger.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a self-contained independently powered traction unit, which is used to propel an auger in forward or reverse directions and to steer the auger to thus change the direction of travel.
Accordingly, the invention comprises a small tracked propulsion unit, driven by a first power source, the external power source being powered from a second power source such as conventionally associated with an ~, auger. A beam is positioned above the propulsion unit, the beam having a plurality of arm means extending longitudinally and radially therefrom, the distal end of each arm being fixedly attached to the axle of the auger.
A steering mechanism is included comprising a platform assembly positioned above the beam, the platform being supported on a kingpin, the kingpin extending vertically downwardly through a sleeved or bearing aperture in -the beam to be fixedly connected with the propulsion unit. At least one hydraulic steering cylinder is pivotally attached at one end to the beam, the piston rod end or the cylinder being attached to a second pin located on the upper surface of the platform adjacent the peripheral edge. Means are provided to supply hydraulic operating fluid to the hydraulic steering- cylinder, such that actuation of the piston causes the rotation of the platform and the propulsion unit which is directly coupled therewith, thus consequently affecting the change in the direction of travel of the auger being moved.
The invention will now be described by way of example only, reference being had to the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a side elevational view of the traction unit according to the present invention, attached to a conventional grain auger, the latter being shown in -maximum lift position for transportation purposes;
Figure 2, is a plan view of the traction unit according to Figure 1, the steering mechanism positioned for forward travel;
5Figure 2A is a side elevational view of the traction unit according to Figure 2;
Figure 3 is a plan view of the traction unit according to the invention, the steering mechanism position for forward travel and full steer to the right;
10Figure 3A is a side elevational view of the traction unit according to Figure 3;
Figure 4 is a plan view, partly in section, showing the arrangement of the drive system of the traction unit according to Figure l;
15Figure 4A is a side elevational view of the traction unit of Figure 4;
Figure 5 is a plan view of the turntable and kingpin assembly for the steering mechanism;
Figure SA is a side elevational view of the arrangement according to Figure 5;
Figure 6 is a side elevational view, partly in section showing the turntable mounting assembly; and Figure 7 is a hydraulic schematic flow diagram.
Referring now the accompanying drawings, a preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described. Only the essential components of the invention are shown.
Since the traction unit of the invention can be used in conjunction with any conventional form of auger, the latter does not form part of the invention. Thus it is considered unnecessary for the drawings and description to discuss in depth, structural details of the auger or its commonly associated components. For example, for clarity, all hydraulic circuitry is omitted, with the exception of the inclusion of a schematic flow diagram, Figure 7, and its related description.
Figure 1 shows a conventional auger 10 in its maximum lift position, operably attached to the traction unit 11 of the present invention. Traction unit 11 is connected to the auger axle 12 via a main support beam 13 from which extend two arms 14, attached at their outer extremities to axle 12. The attachment of the arms to the axle 12 can be by any preferred form, but it is preferred that the attachment could be readily releasable so as to permit disconnection of the propulsion system when required.
Traction unit 11, as shown in Figures 2 through 4, is what is generally referred to as a "crawler tractor" style system and comprises a main rectangular sub-frame 15 which includes two side members 16 spaced apart and parallel one with the other. Shafts 17 are mounted transversely of the sub-frame 15, one carrying an idler sprocket assembly 18, ., .

the other carrying a drive sprocket assembly 19. Each said shaft and sprocket assembly being journalled for rotation. As shown in Figure 4 a drive sprocket and shaft are preferably driven by a directly coupled hydraulic motor 20, hydrostatically powered by conventional gas engine driven gear pump (not shown). However, a chain and sprocket reduction system could also be utilized. This type of hydrostatic drive is commonly referred to as an open centre type. The gas engine used as the prime mover, is the same engine that is used to power the screw flighting for the auger.
The sprocket assemblies co-act with and drive an endless rubber track 21, having cleats 22 on the outer ground engaging surface, thus providing for effective ground engagement and increased traction. A lower guide assembly 23 is included, attached to the sub-frame 15, between the sprocket assemblies to guide and support the track during operation. In the embodiment shown, a cover or splash guard is attached to the main frame above the sprocket and drive assembly.
The manner in which the traction unit 11 is pivotally mounted to the main support beam 13 can be seen from Figures 2A, 3A and 6. Referring specifically to Figure 3A, traction unit 11 is transversely spanned by an inverted U-shaped member 24 and is mounted between the arms 25 on journalled stub-shaft 26, which provide for limited pivotal movement about the axis of stub-shaft 26.
An upper, transverse cross member 27 is inserted between arms 25 and located above traction unit 11. The ends of cross member 27 extend through arms 25 and are pinned fixedly in place. A second generally U-shaped member 28 is centrally attached as by welding, to transverse cross member 27.
Extending through support beam 13, and welded to beam 13, is a sleeve member 29 which serves as a pivot bushing for a vertically positioned kingpin 32. Kingpin 32 also carries the traction unit 11, at its lower end, and the steering mechanism generally indicated at 30 at its upper end.
The steering assembly 30 includes a circular platform 31 ~Figure 5) mounted on the top of kingpin 32 and pinned in place. At a location adjacent the peripheral edge of platform 31, and on the upper surface of the platform 31 there is located a second vertically extending pin 33.
Attached to and mounted for pivotal movement relative to the upper surface of the support beam 13 is a hydraulic steering cylinder 34 (see for example, Figures 2 and 2A).
Piston 35 of cylinder 34 is attached by a U-joint 36 to the top of pin 33. Kingpin 32 extends through the sleeve member into the framework of the traction unit 11 (see Figure 6) where it is connected by a sheer bolt 37 to a knuckle joint (not shown). Thus assembled, there is provided a system where extension or retraction of the piston 35 of steering cylinder 34 rotates the platform 31 and since the kingpin 32 is fixedly attached to the traction unit 11, causes the unit when being driven in either forward or reverse modes to be directionally steered. While only one steering cylinder has been shown, it will be appreciated that twin cylinders could be utilized one on either side of the platform, or alternatively, a mechanical cranking method could be used with rack and pinion driven by a hydraulic orbit motor or electric motor. It will be further appreciated that with such a system as has been described, an auger can be caused to be rotated about its axle center for final positioning, a feature that has not been successfully achieved by the prior art.
Finally, with reference to Figure 7, there is shown a schematic hydraulic circuit. The use of a 3-spool control valve 38 equipped with a joystick-on-valve mechanism simultaneously controls the hydraulic drive motor 39 and the steering cylinder 34. This permits the traction unit 11 to be steered while in motion with little or not physical effort by an operator. In other words, the tractor unit 11 can be controlled completely by a single 2l5l872 lever joystick. The addition and implementation of the lift cylinder 40 (Figure 1) to elevate the intake end of auger 10, allows the operator to use hydraulic power to connect the auger to a tractor or truck for towing or to reach into a grain bin for unloading purposes. The system shown in Figure 7 also includes an oil reservoir 41 and oil filter 32, and a drive motor 43. With the exception of the lifting cylinder 40 and the steering cylinder 34, the location of all other hydraulic operating components and lines is a matter of design choice and therefore does not form part of this invention.
Since modifications can be made to the invention as described herein without departing from the scope of the claims appended hereto, it is intended that the text of the accompanying specification shall be accepted as illustrative only and in no manner limiting.
The invention will now be defined by the appended c laims .

Claims (4)

1. A propulsion and steering arrangement for fluent material handling apparatus of the type including a longitudinal fluent material handling tube containing an auger, the tube being mounted on a supporting structure having a main axle and ground engaging wheel; said apparatus including a small tracked propulsion unit driven by a first power source said first power source being powered from a second power source such as conventionally associated with said auger; beam means positioned above said unit, said beam means having a plurality of arm means extending longitudinally and radially therefrom, the distal end of each said arm means being releasably attached to the axle of said auger; steering means comprising a platform assembly positioned above said beam means said platform assembly being supported on first pin means, said first pin means extending vertically downwardly through a sleeved aperture in said beam means for fixed connection with said propulsion unit; at least one hydraulic steering cylinder, pivotally attached to said beam means, the piston end of said cylinder being pivotally attached to second pin means located on the upper surface of said platform, adjacent the peripheral edge thereof; means to supply hydraulic operating fluid to power said propulsion unit and supply said hydraulic steering cylinder, such that actuation of said piston causes the rotation of said platform and the propulsion unit directly coupled therewith, consequently affecting a change in the direction of travel of said auger.
2. The arrangement according to claim 1 wherein said steering cylinder and said drive motor are simultaneously controlled by a 3-spool control valve equipped with a joystick-on-valve mechanism, whereby said propulsion unit can be steered while in motion.
3. The arrangement according to claim 2 including a lifting cylinder mounted between said material handling tube and said beam means, hydraulic fluid being supplied to power said lifting cylinder via said control valve.
4. The arrangement according to Claim 1 wherein said first power source is a directly coupled hydraulic drive motor.
CA002151872A 1995-06-15 1995-06-15 Propulsion and steering mechanism for auger Expired - Fee Related CA2151872C (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA002151872A CA2151872C (en) 1995-06-15 1995-06-15 Propulsion and steering mechanism for auger

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA002151872A CA2151872C (en) 1995-06-15 1995-06-15 Propulsion and steering mechanism for auger

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
CA2151872A1 CA2151872A1 (en) 1996-12-16
CA2151872C true CA2151872C (en) 2002-09-03

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
CA002151872A Expired - Fee Related CA2151872C (en) 1995-06-15 1995-06-15 Propulsion and steering mechanism for auger

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CA2151872A1 (en) 1996-12-16

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Effective date: 20140617