GB2197772A - Support framework - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an axially elongated support framework adapted to be transported over the land and to receive and transport in operative co-operation therewith a demountable machine which is to lift material from the land and to transport that material rearwardly of the machine, the said machine being adapted to be mounted at or adjacent one end of the framework and to act as the first stage of an article handling process to be carried out in the framework; said framework having a second article handling means for receiving the material to be discharged from the said machine and to transport it axially towards the other end of the framework in a second article handling stage and to discharge that material to a third article handling stage; and said framework having a third article handling means mounted at or adjacent the other end of the framework and adapted to receive material from said second article handling means and to discharge those articles from the framework and/or to transport at least some of the articles to a storage means carried by the framework.

Description

TITLE: SUPPORT FRAMEWORK The present invention relates to a support framework, notably to a support framework adapted to receive a stone, clod and/or crop lifting device at one extremity thereof and to receive suitable discharge apparatus at the other extremity thereof so as to extend the uses and/or capacity of the lifting device.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION: Many machines exist for the lifting of stones, clods or crops from the soil, which operate by lifting these items out of the soil bed, usually mixed with surrounding soil.

This mixture is then passed to a separation stage in which excess soil is separated from the stones, clods or crop and is returned to the soil. The separated stones or clods are returned to the land in a row or the stones, clods or crops are passed to a collection stage for removal. Such machines have hitherto been large and complex and have been unwieldy in use and their weight has caused compaction and other damage to the soil structure. It has therefore been proposed, particularly in our British Patent No 2118412 B, to make a small tractor mounted de-stoning or crop lifting machine to reduce these problems.

Because such a machine has to be small and lightweight in order to meet the requirements laid on them and this has meant that they have not been able to handle the loads the larger machines can and to carry other additional components which extend the range of uses thereof. Thus, it is not usually possible to provide them with stone collection boxes and the separated clods and stones have had to be returned to the land. This requires a further operation to remove the stones and clods, which is expensive in time and labour and causes further compaction of the soil. Furthermore, such machines have usually been designed for a specific purpose and cannot readily be adapted for other work. Thus, a farmer has a piece of equipment which is suitable for use in say the spring to prepare seed beds for crops, but lies un-used for the rest of the year.

We have devised a framework which can be used to adapt such lightweight machines to a number of uses with the minimum of alteration and which, because of its strength, can be used to support the load of extra components. Thus, the farmer can convert his lightweight machine to a more heavyweight machine for certain work, and yet retain the advantages of a lightweight machine for others. Furthermore, it is possible to mount stone boxes, cross conveyors, crop elevators and the like on the framework so as to extend the function of the lightweight machine.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION: Accordingly, the present invention provides an axially elongated support framework adapted to be transported over the land and to receive and transport in operative co-operation therewith a demountable machine which is to lift material from the land and to transport that material rearwardly of the machine, the said machine being adapted to be mounted at or adjacent one end of the framework and to act as the first stage of an article handling process to be carried out in the framework; said framework having a second article handling means for receiving the material to be discharged from the said machine and to transport it axially towards the other end of the framework in a second article handling stage and to discharge that material to a third article handling stage; and said framework having a third article handling means mounted at or adjacent the other end of the framework and adapted to receive material from said second article handling means and to discharge those articles from the framework and/or to transport at least some of the articles to a storage means carried by the framework.

Preferably, the machine to be carried in the framework is a stone/clod/crop lifting machine incorporating a lifting means adapted to lift a mixture of soil and stones and/or clods and/or crops from the land and to transport the mixture through a separation stage in which a component of the mixture is to be separated at least partially from the other components of the mixture.

In a preferred configuration, the framework comprises a forward section adapted to receive and support the lifting machine and to transport it over the land whereby the machine operates to lift the mixture of stones and/or clods and/or crops from the land and to separate loose soil therefrom in its normal manner. This forward section co-operatyes with the second stage of the handling process to be carried out in the framework by discharging material into a second, mid-section, of the framework comprising a transport means adapted to receive material, for example the stones and/or clods and/or crops discharged from the lifting machine in the first stage. The transport means transports the material axially to a third rearward section.This third section is preferably demountably carried at the rear of the framework and comprising means for handling the articles discharged by said secpnd section. The third section typically comprises means for conveying stones and/or clods to either side of the framework for discharge to the land or an adjacent collection device, optionally in combination with means for separating over-size stones and discharging them to a container carried by the framework. Alternatively, where the machine is adapted to lift crops from the land, the third section can comprise a crop elevator adapted to receive crops from the said second section and to lift and transport them to an adjacent crop receiving device.

The framework of the invention can be of comparatively massive construction since it need not be tractor mounted and can thus accept loads which the lightweight de-stoner/crop lifter machine could not. By mounting a variety of third sections on the framework, the framework can be adapted to a number of functions, thus extending the usefulness of the lightweight machine. For example, the framework of the invention enables separated stones to be discharged into a trailer alongside, with rocks or over-size stones being held in a stone collector on the framework for discharge separately at a later time. Where the third section is a crop elevator, it overcomes the problem with lightweight crop lifters that they have no means for feeding the lifted crops to a collection trailer and must deposit them on the ground for collection in a separate operation.

The framework typically comprises a generally U or H shaped plan layout with the forward open ended bay adapted to receive the lightweight machine, the transverse section of the U or H incorporating the second section and the rearward end or bay being that which receives or supports the third section. The framework is typically constructed of steel box sections or the like and is supported at its front end by a tractor three point linkage. The load of the rear end is carried by one or more ground wheels, for example carried in the vicinity of the transverse section of the U or H.

The dimensions and configuration of the framework can be varied to suit the equipment it is to carry. Thus, the rearward bay may be very shallow or non-existent so that the plan layout of the framework is more of a U than an H.

The front bay of the framework typically comprises a pair of opposed side arms adapted to receive and support the lightweight machine. The arms can carry suitable locating lugs or the like to seat and secure the machine into the framework, for example clamping bars extending across the bay or the like. Typically, the lightweight machine will comprise a generally rectangular framework carrying a forward soil/stone/clod/crop lifting share or shares which feed soil and other material to a lifting conveyor, trace or the like which carries the material upward and allows loose soil to fall through apertures back onto the land so that at least some separation of the mixture is achieved. Where the machine is a clod separator, it will usually incorporate a scrubbing trace or the like which acts on the clods carried on the lifting conveyor to crush or crumble the clods.This scrubbing trace is not present where the machine is a crop lifter, although a more gentle acting roller, brush or trace may be present to aid collection and transport of the material on the lifting conveyor.

The lifting conveyor is usually driven by the power take off from the tractor upon which the machine is mounted and the drive is usually to the uppermost, rear roller/sprocket over which the conveyor runs. The lightweight machine is also usually supported at its rear by ground wheels. In order to mount the machine in the front bay of the framework of the invention, it will usually be necessary to remove the ground wheels therefrom and to replace the rear roller/sprocket drive to the lifting conveyor with a drive mounted in the framework. However, this can usually be achieved with little modification to the lightweight machine which thus retains its ability to be operated separately from the framework of the invention when demounted therefrom.A particularly preferred form of lightweight machine for present use is that described in our British Patent No 2118412 B and sold under the trade mark Clodmaster. Such a machine can readily be adapted for lifting crops by omitting the heavy scrubbing surface over the lifting conveyor or by replacing it with a lighter trace which lightly holds the material in place upon the lifting conveyor.

The lightweight machine mounted in the framework provides the first section of the article handling process to be carried out in the framework of the invention. If desired, the machine can be supplemented with other features to enhance its operation. Thus, the front of the machine and/or the framework can be provided with means for breaking up the soil, for removing the excess foliage from crops before they are lifted from the soil and so on. These other features can be permanently or demountably affixed to the framework as desired.

The articles discharged from the lifting conveyor of the lightweight machine are fed or discharged directly to the second section of the framework of the invention. This section forms a permanent part of the framework and comprises means for transporting the articles to the third section of the article handling process carried out in the framework of the invention. The means can be of any suitable type, eg. a conveyor belt or the like. However, it is preferred that the second section comprise a second lifting trace of a similar construction to the lifting conveyor of the lightweight machine. Thus, the second lifting trace can be constructed from conventional stone or crop lifting traces comprising transverse bars carried on longitudinal belts adjacent the ends of the bars.This second lifting trace can be at any suitable angle to the horizontal, typically between 10 and 60 , and is driven by the same means as the lifting conveyor in the lightweight machine. Thus, as indicated above, the drive roller/sprocket of the lightweight machine can be replaced by one journalled in the framework which is linked, eg. by drive chains, belts or gears, to a similar drive roller/ sprocket at the rear of the second conveyor.

The main function of the conveyor in the second section is to transport material, eg. stones/clods/crops or other articles, from the first section to the third section.

However, the second section can be provided with attachments which aid or extend the operation of the conveyor used therein. Thus, the conveyor can be provided with agitators to aid removal of soil, with a scrubbing trace or the like to aid crushing of clods or with washing nozzles to aid cleansing of crops on the conveyor. If desired, the second conveyor can co-operate with other functions mounted on or within the second section of the framework. Thus, for example, the upper, rear end of the second conveyor can feed material into a treatment stage spanning the transfer from the second to the third sections of the framework. Such a treatment can be for example a de-haulming roller or the like which removes the haulms from potatoes.The potatoes are then transported on into the third section of the framework, whilst the haulms are rejected from the machine through or underneath the second section.

The framework at the second section not only supports the second conveyor, but is preferably also provided with land wheels or other means whereby at least part of the weight of the framework is carried on the ground. As indicated above, the front of the framework is supported by the tractor pulling and powering the mechanisms of the framework, either directly or via the lightweight machine. If desired, the tractor power take off can also drive the ground wheels supporting the framework through suitable gear, belt or other drives.

It is preferred that the position of the ground wheels at the second section of the framework be adjustable both fore and aft and vertically to accommodate different sizes and loads of third sections. For example, the transverse stub axles on which the wheels are carried can be mounted on pivotted longitudinal arms whose vertical position can be adjusted by screw or other means. The axial position of the wheels with respect to the framework can be adjusted by providing a series of mounting points along the arms. Other methods for achieving the desired fore and aft and vertical adjustment for the mounting of the wheels can be readily devised. The adjustment of the wheels also serves to vary the inclination of the whole framework, so that the effect and residence time of material on the conveyors carried by the framework can be varied.

Material from the second section is discharged to the third section of the framework where it undergoes the third handling stage. The nature of this third stage will depend upon the function to which the framework is being put.

Thus, where the first section has been operated for lifting stones and clods from the land to prepare it for sowing, the third stage conveniently takes the form of a cross conveyor which discharges the clods and stones to either or both sides of the framework onto the ground or, in extreme cases, into a stone collection trailer travelling alongside the framework. Such a cross conveyor can be of conventional design, construction and operation and is preferably powered from the same source as the other mechanisms on the framework. If desired, the discharge from the rear of the second conveyor can be fed to a static or moving screen or set of contra-rotating rollers to separate out over-sized stones which are then fed to a stone collection box also mounted on the framework for subsequent discharge.In addition, or alternatively, the third section can provide means for planting crops, notably seed potatoes, in the ground from which stones and clods have been removed by the machine in the first section. Other forms of third section include means for supplying fertilisers or other materials to the soil and means for furrowing and ridging the soil in preparation for planting crops therein.

Where the first section has been operated to lift crops from the land, the third section conveniently takes the form of a third conveyor which transports the crop discharging from the second section to a crop elevator which lifts the discharged crop and discharges it into a crop collection trailer travelling alongside the framework. Again, this third section can be provided with means for enhancing its operation. Thus, as indicated above, a potato haulm removing roller can be mounted immediately adjacent the lower surface of the discharge end of the second conveyor so as to trap the haulm between it and the conveyor and carry it forward away from the potatoes as they travel rearwardly on the third conveyor. The framework can carry flexible fingers or the like which guide the haulm into the nip between the roller and the underside of the second conveyor.

As stated above, the third section mechanisms are preferably demountably mounted at the rear of the framework so that they can be interchanged to permit the framework to be used for a variety of functions. This can be achieved by forming the rear of the framework as a pair of support arms similar to those at the front onto which are bolted or otherwise secured the desired mechanisms. Alternatively, the rear of the framework can be formed with suitable lugs, bolt holes or other fixing means whereby boxes or frames carrying the third stage mechanisms can be secured to the framework and interconnected to the necessary drive mechanism carried by the framework.

DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION: A particularly preferred form of the framework of the invention is shown schematically in the accompanying drawing which is a diagrammatic side view of the framework carrying a Clodmaster stone separator of our British Patent No 2118412 B. The framework comprises two side members 1 made from 8 cm square steel box frames. The members 1 extend forwardly to form a U plan shaped bay into which locates a Clodmaster de-stoning machine with its ground wheels removed. The centre section 3 of the framework carries a transverse framework which forms the main rigid section of the framework of the invention.This centre section houses a transverse sprocket shaft 4 which replaces the rear shaft of the Clodmaster and drives the lifting trace 5 of the Clodmaster from the power take off of a tractor to which the framework is attached (not shown).

The centre section also houses a second conveyor trace 6 which transports articles fed from the discharge of the lifting trace 5 of the Clodmaster axially rearward to the third section of the framework. This second conveyor is driven from shaft 4 and is of similar construction and length to the first lifting trace 5. The centre section is supported by ground wheels 7 whose mounting position can be adjusted fore and aft as well as vertically.

The second conveyor discharges material into the third section of the framework which comprises a generally box like structure 8 which is demountably mounted upon rearward extensions 9 of members 1. In this case, the scrubbing trace of the Clodmaster has been removed to allow it to act as a crop lifting machine and potatoes or other crops discharge from the rear end of the second conveyor 6.

Within the third section a haulm removing roller 10 is located immediately below the rear of conveyor 6 to remove and carry away the haulms of potatoes discharging from conveyor 6. A third conveyor/trace 11 is provided to carry the crops from conveyor 6 to an elevator 12 also carried on the extensions 9. The elevator 12 can be of conventional design and operation for discharging crops from the discharge of conveyor 11 to a trailer or the like travelling alongside the framework.

Claims (10)

CLAIMS:

1. An axially elongated support framework adapted to be transported over the land and to receive and transport in operative co-operation therewith a demountable machine which is to lift material from the land and to transport that material rearwardly of the machine, the said machine being adapted to be mounted at or adjacent one end of the framework and to act as the first stage of an article handling process to be carried out in the framework; said framework having a second article handling means for receiving the material to be discharged from the said machine and to transport it axially towards the other end of the framework in a second article handling stage and to discharge that material to a third article handling stage; and said framework having a third article handling means mounted at or adjacent the other end of the framework and adapted to receive material from said second article handling means and to discharge those articles from the framework and/or to transport at least some of the articles to a storage means carried by the framework.

2. A framework as claimed in claim 1 which comprises a forward section adapted to receive and support the lifting machine; a mid-section comprising article transport means adapted to receive material discharged from the lifting machine in the first stage and to transfer that material axially rearwardly to the third section; and a rearwardly located third section demountably carried at or adjacent the rear of the framework and comprising means for handling the articles discharged by said second section.

3. A framework as claimed in claim 2 wherein the third section comprises means for conveying stones and/or clods to either side of the framework for discharge to the land or an adjacent collection device.

4. A framework as claimed in claim 3 wherein the said conveyor means is operatively associated with means for separating over-size stones and discharging them to a container carried by the framework.

5. A framework as claimed in claim 3 wherein the said machine is adapted to lift crops from the land, and the third section comprises a crop elevator adapted to receive crops from the said second section and to lift and transport them to an adjacent crop receiving device.

6. A framework as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the framework comprises a generally U or H shaped plan layout with the forward open ended bay adapted to receive the lightweight machine, the tranverse section of the U or H incorporating the second article handling means, and the rearward end or bay of the U or H being that which receives or supports the third article handling means.

7. A framework as claimed in claim 1 constructed of steel box sections or the like and adapted to be supported at its front end by a tractor three point linkage and wherein the load of the rear end is carried by one or more ground wheels.

8. A framework as claimed in claim 1 substantially as hereinbefore described.

9. A framework as claimed in claim 1 having demountably mounted therein as the machine carried in the framework a stone/clod/crop lifting machine incorporating a lifting means adapted to lift a mixture of soil and stones and/or clods and/or crops from the land and to transport the mixture through a separation stage in which a component of the mixture is to be separated at least partially from the other components of the mixture and to discharge the remaining components to the second article handling means of the framework.

10. A method for treating the land which comprises transporting a framework as claimed in any one of the preceding claims accros the land so as to lift material from the land, to treat it in the machine mounted in the firsat section of the framework, to pass the treated material to the second article handling stage and thence to the third article handling stage for discharge from the framework.