CA2440082A1 - Boost to improve straw chopper spreading - Google Patents
Boost to improve straw chopper spreading Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2440082A1 CA2440082A1 CA 2440082 CA2440082A CA2440082A1 CA 2440082 A1 CA2440082 A1 CA 2440082A1 CA 2440082 CA2440082 CA 2440082 CA 2440082 A CA2440082 A CA 2440082A CA 2440082 A1 CA2440082 A1 CA 2440082A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- chopper
- air
- straw
- fan
- air source
- 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
- A01D41/00—Combines, i.e. harvesters or mowers combined with threshing devices
- A01D41/12—Details of combines
- A01D41/1243—Devices for laying-out or distributing the straw
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01F—PROCESSING OF HARVESTED PRODUCE; HAY OR STRAW PRESSES; DEVICES FOR STORING AGRICULTURAL OR HORTICULTURAL PRODUCE
- A01F29/00—Cutting apparatus specially adapted for cutting hay, straw or the like
- A01F29/09—Details
- A01F29/12—Discharge means
Landscapes
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Environmental Sciences (AREA)
- Threshing Machine Elements (AREA)
- Structures Of Non-Positive Displacement Pumps (AREA)
Abstract
A straw buncher is provided for collecting straw in bunches when towed across a field and for releasing the straw at desired locations into large piles.
The straw buncher includes a hitch for connecting to a towing implement and a frame extending generally upward and rearward therefrom for maximising ground clearance. The frame is supported on a pair of wheels. A basket is pivotally mounted on a rear end of the frame. The basket includes a pair of side collecting members and a rear collecting member extending therebetween. The collecting members are in the form of mesh sheets extending generally upright from the ground. The rear collecting member is spaced upward from the ground and includes a plurality of ground engaging tines extending downward from a bottom end for turning up the straw from the soil such that it may be collected by the collecting members. Hydraulics are provided for raising the basket relative to the frame for releasing the collected straw.
The straw buncher includes a hitch for connecting to a towing implement and a frame extending generally upward and rearward therefrom for maximising ground clearance. The frame is supported on a pair of wheels. A basket is pivotally mounted on a rear end of the frame. The basket includes a pair of side collecting members and a rear collecting member extending therebetween. The collecting members are in the form of mesh sheets extending generally upright from the ground. The rear collecting member is spaced upward from the ground and includes a plurality of ground engaging tines extending downward from a bottom end for turning up the straw from the soil such that it may be collected by the collecting members. Hydraulics are provided for raising the basket relative to the frame for releasing the collected straw.
Description
AiR BOOST TO IMPROVE STRAW CHOPPER SPREADING
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generallly to the field of agricultural machinery.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Combine development in recent years have put greater demands on the straw choppers and chaff spreaders. The main reason s are:
~ Larger combines and larger cutting widths are creating higher flows of straw and chaff;
~ Wider cutting widths create more demanding spreading widths;
~ Reduced tilling practices have put more demand on even spreading of both straw and chaff; and ~ Plant breeding has resulted in tougher straw, higher yields and more reside.
Problems with existing technology ~ Air flow created with fan blades mounted within the chopper or a fan mounted to the chopper drive are restricted to a previously designed airflow proportional to the chopper's set rotational speed.
~ Airflow distribution created by either fan blades or a fan impeller mounted in the chopper is designed for the average condition and is not adjustable.
~ Air flow entering the chopping region of the chopper assembly is far more susceptible to plugging than in either the inlet or outlet of the chopper ~ Air flow created with fan blades mounted internally in the chopper is not as efficient as with an impeller Such devices are known in the prior art, i~or example, US 4,526,180, US
4,637,406, US 4,711,253, US 4,735,216, US 5,120,27F~, US 5,232,405, US
5,482,508, US 5,556,042, US 6,113,491, US 6,416,405, US200210004417A1, US2002/0142814A1, US2003I0003974A1, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.
Clearly, a more efficient method for creating the air pressure and velocity required for a wide spread chopper is need. This method should control the air velocity out of the chopper and therefore the distance of the straw spread, and control the air velocity distribution within the chopper and therefore evenness and distance of the straw spread. The distribution from the chopper should be independently and remotely controlled and the system should be flexible enough so that the air source can be remotely mounted and remotely controlled.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an objective of the invention to provide an enhanced method to control the air velocity out of the chopper and therefore the distance of the straw spread and the air velocity distribution with-in the chopper and therefore evenness and distance of the straw spread.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIGURE 1 shows a side view of one embodiment of the invention.
FIGURE 2 shows a top view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1.
FIGURE 3 shows a top view of an embodiment of the invention wherein the air source is mounted to the chopper shaft.
FIGURE 4 shows a top view of an embodiment of the invention wherein the air source cavity is within the chopper assembly.
FIGURE 5 is a side view of an embodiment of the invention including an internal chopper and secondary air outlets.
FIGURE 6 is a rear view of an embodirnent of the invention shown in Figure 5.
DESCRIPTION OF THE. PREFERRED EM~ODIIVIENTS
Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention belongs. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, the preferred methods and materials are now described. All publications mentioned hereunder are incorporated herein by reference.
Described herein and in the accompanying figures is a chopper with the means to increase the spread width utilizing a pneumatic air source directed at the chopper's means for directing the spread. As discussed below, the air source may be mounted remotely from the chopper or mounted to the chopper shaft. The air source's pressure and/or flow may be remotely controlled.
The exit air velocity may be controlled. In some embodiments, the exit air velocity of each section may be independently controlled andlor remotely controlled.
The air source may be a fan, for example, but by no means limited to a fan that utilizes fan blades or a fan that utilizes an impeller.
The spread directing means may be a chopper's tailboard or remote fins distal to the chopper, for example, at a substantial distance from the chopper.
In another embodiment of the invention, there is provided a chopper with the means to increase the spread width utilizing a pneumatic air source directed at the chopper's inlet.
The air source rnay be mounted remotely from the chopper or mounted to the chopper shaft.
The air source's pressure andlor flow may be remotely controlled The exit air velocity may be controlled. The exit air velocity of each section may be independently controlled andlor remotely controlled.
The air source may be a fan, for example, a fan that utilizes fan blades or a fan that utilizes an impeller.
In the embodiment shown in Figures '1 and 2, the air source is a pneumatic fan (10) which is remotely mounted on the combine (11), the speed of which may be controlled from the cab. An air distribution line (12) serves to deliver the pressurized air from the fan (10) to the chopper's am plenum (14). The air plenum can be either mounted externally, as shown or can be integrated into the chopper's (13) design. The air plenum consists of airflow control (15) and incorporates air into the chopper's inlet (16) - as shown or alternately incorporates air into the discharge region (17) of the chopper. This reduces plugging - as compared to the air inlet mounted between the choppers inlet and outlet as described in US Patent 6,118,491.
The air control may consist of a variable sized air jet entry area across the width of the chopper or a number of controllable nozzles (18) directed either at the inlet or discharge region of the chopper. it is advantageous to control the air input with a variable control - each nozzle is adjustable to control the air speed and therefore affect the distance of the spread. The nozzle air control may be remotely mounted to independently control the spread distance of each fin.
In other embodiments of the invention, the inlet for the chopper's air 5 control is mounted to between the inlet and outlet of the chopper.
In yet another embodiment, shown in Figure 3, a pneumatic fan (20) is mounted to the chopper shaft (21 ) drawing air from outside of chopper housing. The fan is shown as an integral part of the chopper assembly, although in other embodiments, the fan could be a separate component. The output from the fan (22) is directed either at the inlet (23) or outlet (24) of the straw chopper (25) as described above. The air serves to accelerate the exiting material providing a much wider spread than normal.
In yet another embodiment, the invention includes a pneumatic fan cavity (31 ) created internally in the chopper assembly (;32) ~ on both sides of the chopping area. A fan impeller (33) is mounted to the chopper shaft (34) drawing air from the inside of chopper housing (optionally drawing air from the outside of the housing). The air serves to accelerate the exiting material providing a much wider spread than normal, as shown in Figure 4.
In another embodiment, the invention includes an internal chopper (40) which utilizes the fan blades on the ends of the chopper. Secondary air outlets (41 ) -in this case airflow provided by fan (42) - boosts the spread width, as shown in Figures 5 and 6. The air plenum maintains similar control to as described above.
It is of note that variable air velocities are possible with a fan, fan blades, or impellers fixed to the drive shaft if the chopper drive speed is varied;
however this is less preferred as there may be dynamic balancing issues due to high rotational speeds of the chopper.
While the preferred embodiments of the invention have been described above, it wi(I be recognized and understood that various modifications may be made therein, and the appended claims are intended to cover ali such modifications which may fall within the spirit and scope of the invention.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generallly to the field of agricultural machinery.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Combine development in recent years have put greater demands on the straw choppers and chaff spreaders. The main reason s are:
~ Larger combines and larger cutting widths are creating higher flows of straw and chaff;
~ Wider cutting widths create more demanding spreading widths;
~ Reduced tilling practices have put more demand on even spreading of both straw and chaff; and ~ Plant breeding has resulted in tougher straw, higher yields and more reside.
Problems with existing technology ~ Air flow created with fan blades mounted within the chopper or a fan mounted to the chopper drive are restricted to a previously designed airflow proportional to the chopper's set rotational speed.
~ Airflow distribution created by either fan blades or a fan impeller mounted in the chopper is designed for the average condition and is not adjustable.
~ Air flow entering the chopping region of the chopper assembly is far more susceptible to plugging than in either the inlet or outlet of the chopper ~ Air flow created with fan blades mounted internally in the chopper is not as efficient as with an impeller Such devices are known in the prior art, i~or example, US 4,526,180, US
4,637,406, US 4,711,253, US 4,735,216, US 5,120,27F~, US 5,232,405, US
5,482,508, US 5,556,042, US 6,113,491, US 6,416,405, US200210004417A1, US2002/0142814A1, US2003I0003974A1, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.
Clearly, a more efficient method for creating the air pressure and velocity required for a wide spread chopper is need. This method should control the air velocity out of the chopper and therefore the distance of the straw spread, and control the air velocity distribution within the chopper and therefore evenness and distance of the straw spread. The distribution from the chopper should be independently and remotely controlled and the system should be flexible enough so that the air source can be remotely mounted and remotely controlled.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an objective of the invention to provide an enhanced method to control the air velocity out of the chopper and therefore the distance of the straw spread and the air velocity distribution with-in the chopper and therefore evenness and distance of the straw spread.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIGURE 1 shows a side view of one embodiment of the invention.
FIGURE 2 shows a top view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1.
FIGURE 3 shows a top view of an embodiment of the invention wherein the air source is mounted to the chopper shaft.
FIGURE 4 shows a top view of an embodiment of the invention wherein the air source cavity is within the chopper assembly.
FIGURE 5 is a side view of an embodiment of the invention including an internal chopper and secondary air outlets.
FIGURE 6 is a rear view of an embodirnent of the invention shown in Figure 5.
DESCRIPTION OF THE. PREFERRED EM~ODIIVIENTS
Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention belongs. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, the preferred methods and materials are now described. All publications mentioned hereunder are incorporated herein by reference.
Described herein and in the accompanying figures is a chopper with the means to increase the spread width utilizing a pneumatic air source directed at the chopper's means for directing the spread. As discussed below, the air source may be mounted remotely from the chopper or mounted to the chopper shaft. The air source's pressure and/or flow may be remotely controlled.
The exit air velocity may be controlled. In some embodiments, the exit air velocity of each section may be independently controlled andlor remotely controlled.
The air source may be a fan, for example, but by no means limited to a fan that utilizes fan blades or a fan that utilizes an impeller.
The spread directing means may be a chopper's tailboard or remote fins distal to the chopper, for example, at a substantial distance from the chopper.
In another embodiment of the invention, there is provided a chopper with the means to increase the spread width utilizing a pneumatic air source directed at the chopper's inlet.
The air source rnay be mounted remotely from the chopper or mounted to the chopper shaft.
The air source's pressure andlor flow may be remotely controlled The exit air velocity may be controlled. The exit air velocity of each section may be independently controlled andlor remotely controlled.
The air source may be a fan, for example, a fan that utilizes fan blades or a fan that utilizes an impeller.
In the embodiment shown in Figures '1 and 2, the air source is a pneumatic fan (10) which is remotely mounted on the combine (11), the speed of which may be controlled from the cab. An air distribution line (12) serves to deliver the pressurized air from the fan (10) to the chopper's am plenum (14). The air plenum can be either mounted externally, as shown or can be integrated into the chopper's (13) design. The air plenum consists of airflow control (15) and incorporates air into the chopper's inlet (16) - as shown or alternately incorporates air into the discharge region (17) of the chopper. This reduces plugging - as compared to the air inlet mounted between the choppers inlet and outlet as described in US Patent 6,118,491.
The air control may consist of a variable sized air jet entry area across the width of the chopper or a number of controllable nozzles (18) directed either at the inlet or discharge region of the chopper. it is advantageous to control the air input with a variable control - each nozzle is adjustable to control the air speed and therefore affect the distance of the spread. The nozzle air control may be remotely mounted to independently control the spread distance of each fin.
In other embodiments of the invention, the inlet for the chopper's air 5 control is mounted to between the inlet and outlet of the chopper.
In yet another embodiment, shown in Figure 3, a pneumatic fan (20) is mounted to the chopper shaft (21 ) drawing air from outside of chopper housing. The fan is shown as an integral part of the chopper assembly, although in other embodiments, the fan could be a separate component. The output from the fan (22) is directed either at the inlet (23) or outlet (24) of the straw chopper (25) as described above. The air serves to accelerate the exiting material providing a much wider spread than normal.
In yet another embodiment, the invention includes a pneumatic fan cavity (31 ) created internally in the chopper assembly (;32) ~ on both sides of the chopping area. A fan impeller (33) is mounted to the chopper shaft (34) drawing air from the inside of chopper housing (optionally drawing air from the outside of the housing). The air serves to accelerate the exiting material providing a much wider spread than normal, as shown in Figure 4.
In another embodiment, the invention includes an internal chopper (40) which utilizes the fan blades on the ends of the chopper. Secondary air outlets (41 ) -in this case airflow provided by fan (42) - boosts the spread width, as shown in Figures 5 and 6. The air plenum maintains similar control to as described above.
It is of note that variable air velocities are possible with a fan, fan blades, or impellers fixed to the drive shaft if the chopper drive speed is varied;
however this is less preferred as there may be dynamic balancing issues due to high rotational speeds of the chopper.
While the preferred embodiments of the invention have been described above, it wi(I be recognized and understood that various modifications may be made therein, and the appended claims are intended to cover ali such modifications which may fall within the spirit and scope of the invention.
Claims (10)
1. A chopper with the means to increase the spread width utilizing a pneumatic air source directed at the chopper's means for directing the spread.
2. In claim 1 where the air source is mounted remotely from the chopper
3. In claim 1 where the air source is mounted to the chopper shaft
4 In claims 1-3 where the air sources pressure and/or flow are remotely controlled
5. In the above claims where the exit air velocity is controlled.
6. In the above claims where the exit air velocity of each section is independently controlled.
7. in the above claims where the exit air velocity is remotely controlled.
6. In the above claims where the air source is a fan.
7 In the above claims where the fan utilizes fan blades
6. In the above claims where the air source is a fan.
7 In the above claims where the fan utilizes fan blades
8. In the above claims where the fan utilizes an impeller
9. In the above claims where the means for directing the spread is a chopper's tailboard
10. In the above claims 1 - 8 where the means for directing are remote fins a substantial distance from the chopper 20. A chopper with the means to increase the spread width utilizing a pneumatic air source directed at the chopper's inlet.
21. In claim 20 where the air source is mounted remotely from the chopper 22. In claim 20 where the air source is mounted to the chopper shaft 23. In claims 20-22 where the air source's pressure and/or flow are remotely controlled 24. In the above claims where the exit air velocity is controlled.
25. In the above claims where the exit air velocity of each section is independently controlled.
26. In the above claims where the exit air velocity is remotely controlled.
27. In the above claims where the air source is a fan.
28. In the above claims where the fan utilizes fan blades 29. In the above claims where the fan utilizes an impeller
21. In claim 20 where the air source is mounted remotely from the chopper 22. In claim 20 where the air source is mounted to the chopper shaft 23. In claims 20-22 where the air source's pressure and/or flow are remotely controlled 24. In the above claims where the exit air velocity is controlled.
25. In the above claims where the exit air velocity of each section is independently controlled.
26. In the above claims where the exit air velocity is remotely controlled.
27. In the above claims where the air source is a fan.
28. In the above claims where the fan utilizes fan blades 29. In the above claims where the fan utilizes an impeller
Priority Applications (8)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2440082 CA2440082A1 (en) | 2003-09-09 | 2003-09-09 | Boost to improve straw chopper spreading |
| CA002573944A CA2573944A1 (en) | 2003-09-09 | 2004-09-09 | Air boost to improve straw chopper spreading in a combine harvester |
| EP04761763A EP1662857A4 (en) | 2003-09-09 | 2004-09-09 | Air boost to improve straw chopper spreading in a combine harvester |
| PCT/CA2004/001599 WO2005022980A2 (en) | 2003-09-09 | 2004-09-09 | Air boost to improve straw chopper spreading in a combine harvester |
| US10/571,098 US20070066370A1 (en) | 2003-09-09 | 2004-09-09 | Air boost to improve straw chopper spreading in a combine harvester |
| EA200600543A EA008359B1 (en) | 2003-09-09 | 2004-09-09 | Air boost to improve straw chopper spreading in a combine harvester |
| BRPI0414164-4A BRPI0414164A (en) | 2003-09-09 | 2004-09-09 | air booster to optimize straw chopper spreading on a combine harvester |
| AU2004269828A AU2004269828A1 (en) | 2003-09-09 | 2004-09-09 | Air boost to improve straw chopper spreading in a combine harvester |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2440082 CA2440082A1 (en) | 2003-09-09 | 2003-09-09 | Boost to improve straw chopper spreading |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2440082A1 true CA2440082A1 (en) | 2005-03-09 |
Family
ID=34230734
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2440082 Abandoned CA2440082A1 (en) | 2003-09-09 | 2003-09-09 | Boost to improve straw chopper spreading |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2440082A1 (en) |
| EA (1) | EA008359B1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BE1023629B1 (en) * | 2015-07-06 | 2017-05-19 | Deere & Company | Crop residue distribution device for a combine harvester |
Family Cites Families (11)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB792415A (en) * | 1954-12-15 | 1958-03-26 | Anton Bertil Groenberg | An apparatus for reducing straw or similar material |
| DE2223784B1 (en) * | 1972-05-16 | 1973-05-24 | Deere & Co | Radial fan with diffuser, especially for the cleaning device of combine harvesters |
| US4526180A (en) * | 1982-08-02 | 1985-07-02 | Keith Industries Incorporated | Straw chopper and spreader assembly |
| US4735216A (en) * | 1982-08-02 | 1988-04-05 | Gehl Company | Straw chopper and spreader assembly |
| US5120275A (en) * | 1990-08-09 | 1992-06-09 | Rem Manufacturing Limited | Chaff spreading attachment for combines |
| CA2142218C (en) * | 1995-02-10 | 1999-06-15 | Philip E. Meyers | Air flow direction insert for combine |
| DE19908111C1 (en) * | 1999-02-25 | 2000-07-27 | Claas Selbstfahr Erntemasch | Thresher with discharge blowers for straw chaff mixture has material outlet opening of chopper in same plane as inlet opening of discharge blower |
| AT407327B (en) * | 1999-06-16 | 2001-02-26 | Schrattenecker Franz Ing | Straw chopper for a combine |
| SE512815C2 (en) * | 1999-07-06 | 2000-05-15 | Rekordverken Ab | Combine harvester with straw chopper and bait feed |
| US6251009B1 (en) * | 1999-08-06 | 2001-06-26 | Deere & Company | Straw chopper housing |
| DE10130652A1 (en) * | 2001-06-27 | 2003-01-30 | Claas Selbstfahr Erntemasch | Combine with throwing fan |
-
2003
- 2003-09-09 CA CA 2440082 patent/CA2440082A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2004
- 2004-09-09 EA EA200600543A patent/EA008359B1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BE1023629B1 (en) * | 2015-07-06 | 2017-05-19 | Deere & Company | Crop residue distribution device for a combine harvester |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| EA200600543A1 (en) | 2006-08-25 |
| EA008359B1 (en) | 2007-04-27 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Dead |