MX2007001859A - Seed carrier with pivoting conveyor. - Google Patents

Abstract

A seed carrier includes a main hopper coupled with a frame via leg members. The main hopper has a discharge. A base plate is coupled with the frame. A support arm is rotatably coupled with the base plate at a first end. A belt driven conveyor having a conveyor hopper at a first end and a discharge at a second end is rotatably coupled with a second end of said support arm at an approximate center of gravity thereof. A latch mechanism is provided for detachably coupling the first end of the conveyor with the first end of the support arm such that the conveyor hopper is position below the main hopper discharge. A lever mechanism can lock or unlock the support arm to the base plate. When the conveyor is uncoupled from the first end of the support arm, the conveyor can rotate to a loading position wherein the discharge thereof can be positioned over the main hopper.

Description

CARRIER OF GRAINS WITH CONVEYOR PIVO I AN I E Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to a conveyor system for a grain or seed load carrier. The conveyor system includes a novel pivoting system that allows it to either load or unload a container by pivoting to a loading or unloading position.

Background of the Invention The conveyor systems for moving grains, seeds, etc. they know each other well The auger systems are used to rapidly move grains such as food or the like, while belt driven conveyors are often used to displace more expensive loads, such as seeds. A belt driven conveyor system includes a generally flat belt constructed from a flexible and robust material such as rubber or nylon. The conveyor is housed in a tube with rollers on both ends so that the band can rotate in order to transmit the material from one end to the other end. Said carriers are used to unload seed charge carriers or the like. However, the current transporters have several problems. First, current conveyors have the problem that the material they move can be damaged by the rollers. Second, current conveyors do not have a full range of motion as exists in seed loading carriers. Third, the current conveyors are implemented only for download. There is a need for new and improved conveyor systems that allow loading and unloading trailers using a single mechanism.

SUMMARY AND OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a load carrier or seed tender is provided which includes a main hopper for containing seed and a conveyor for transferring seeds to and from the main hopper.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, in a discharge position, a conveyor end can be placed below the discharge of the main hopper and coupled with a pivoting support arm. In the unloading position, the conveyor can be used to transfer seeds from the main hopper to another location, such as to a planter, seeder unit, or the like. A pivoting mechanism allows the conveyor to be rotated from under the box to a loading position in which the intake of the conveyor can rest on the ground or in a pillar while the unloading of the conveyor is positioned to allow the transported material be discharged inside the main hopper. In this loading position, the conveyor can be used to fill the main hopper. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a conveyor hopper is provided on the intake side of the conveyor. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the pivot mechanism allows the conveyor to oscillate from side to side to simplify the discharge of the main hopper and the filling of planters, etc. The pivot mechanism may include a hydraulic cylinder that adjusts the vertical height of the conveyor discharge relative to different filling applications. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a pivot point of a single pivot may be provided at one end of the support arm to allow the conveyor to be rotated between the loading position and the unloading position. The conveyor can be balanced at the pivot point at a location near or at the center of gravity, thus allowing the conveyor to be rotated with minimal effort by the operator. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the conveyor can be rotated through when minus 180 degrees around a vertical axis and so that it can be placed in a transport position either forward or backward. This characteristic makes it possible for the tender to be pulled by different vehicles such as by means of a pick-up truck with the conveyor forward or by means of a grain truck with the conveyor backwards. Additional applications and advantages of the various aspects and embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the figures of the drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 illustrates a seed loading carrier according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a view of a seed loading carrier in a discharge position according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 is a view of a seed loading carrier in a loading position according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 is a view of a base system for the seed loading carrier according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 is a view of a lever mechanism for the base system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 is a view of a seed loading carrier in a transport position according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 is a view of a band conveyor for the seed loading carrier according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 is a view of the discharge end of a conveyor according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9 is a front view of a wrapping of the conveyor belt around a roller according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 10 is a view of the hopper of the conveyor in a discharge position according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 11 illustrates the receiving end of the conveyor according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description of Preferred Modes While the present invention can be embodied in many different ways, a number of illustrative embodiments are described herein with the understanding that the present disclosure should be considered as providing examples of the principles of the invention. and said examples are not intended to limit the invention to the preferred embodiments described herein and / or illustrated herein.

In embodiments of the present invention, the novel conveyor pivot system can be implemented with seeding machines or seed loading carriers. The following section describes non-limiting examples of illustrative seeding equipment according to embodiments of the present invention. It should be appreciated that the following examples are provided for illustration and the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments described herein. Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating a seed loading carrier having a tube conveyor according to an embodiment of the present invention. The seed load carrier 100 includes a main hopper 105 coupled to a frame 107 by legs 106. A conveyor 104 is supported by a support arm 102 coupled with a pivoting mechanism 101 fixed to the frame 107. The conveyor 104 is pivotally coupled to the frame 107. the support arm by a coupling 103 at a point that is preferably close to or at the center of gravity of the conveyor 104. The conveyor 104 is also coupled to the support arm 102 by a bolt (not shown) at the bottom of the conveyor . The bolt allows the conveyor 104 to be uncoupled from the support arm 102 in the lower part so that the conveyor is free to rotate about the coupling 103. By placing the coupling 103 at or near the center of gravity of the conveyor 104, the The conveyor 104 is swung over the pivoting coupling 103 in such a way that little effort is required to rotate the conveyor 104. The conveyor 104 includes a conveyor hopper 108 in its base, which is shown in the discharge position under the conveyor 104. discharge 110 by gravity of the main hopper 105. At the other end of the conveyor 104 is the discharge 112. The seeds can be fed by gravity from the main hopper 105 into the conveyor hopper 108, which can then be shifted towards the discharge 112 of the conveyor 104 by an internal elevator (not shown). In one embodiment, the elevator is a belt-type elevator driven by a motor and coupled on rollers at both ends of the conveyor. The seed charge carrier 100 can be transported by conventional means such as in a trailer. Figure 2 illustrates the charge carrier 100 of seeds in a three-axle trailer 200 according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the conveyor 104 is in the unloading position. Figure 3 illustrates the seed loading carrier 100 in the loading position. As shown, the conveyor 104 is disengaged from the support arm 102 at its base and is rotated 180 degrees about the pivot coupling 103 so that the conveyor hopper 108 is positioned at a convenient location away from the load carrier while the conveyor hopper 108 is positioned at a convenient location away from the load carrier. the discharge 112 of the conveyor 104 is located on the main hopper 105. An upright 307 is provided to hold the conveyor hopper 108 in place. The upright 307 can be integrated with the conveyor 104. Accordingly, in the loading position, grain, seed or the like can be fed into the conveyor hopper 108 to be moved towards the discharge 112 for filling the main hopper 105 Figure 4 is a view of the pivoting base of the support arm 102. As shown, the support arm 102 can be pivotally coupled to a base 401 at a central point so that the support arm 102 is rotatable. around a vertical axis. The wheels 403 provide support and can run along a rail 402 to facilitate movement of the support arm 102 around the perimeter of the base 401. The support arm 102 can be locked in a selected position of the base 401 by the one-pin clutch (not shown) with one of a plurality of the holes 407 distributed around the base 401. The bolt is uncoupled from a hole by actuating a lever mechanism 404, which lifts the bolt out of the hole. The lever mechanism 404 can be spring operated to drive the bolt into the holes, so that simply releasing the lever will allow the bolt to engage with one of the holes 407. As shown, a hydraulic piston 405 is coupled with the support arm 102 for adjusting the height of the support arm 102. Figure 5 is an alternative view of the base of the support arm. As shown, the lever mechanism 404 includes a handle 504 coupled with a crossbar 505 and 506. The crossbar 506 is coupled to the crossbar 505 at one end and to a plate 508 having a pin 509 at the other end, and with a pivot coupling 502 at a point near the plate. Rotating handle 504 applies a downward force to the crossbar 506 which causes it to rotate about the coupling 502 to raise the plate 508 to uncouple the bolt 509. While uncoupled, the base 401 is free to rotate about its vertical axis. Springs may be provided to urge the bolt 509 towards the holes 407 for coupling thereto, or the bolt 509 may be coupled by gravity. Figure 6 is a side view of a seed loading carrier 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 6, the conveyor 104 includes an elongate discharge nozzle 602 and is positioned in a transport position. The support members 604 may be mounted on or integral with the legs 106 to hold the conveyor 104 in a forward travel transport position, or a reverse travel transport position. As shown, the load carrier 100 is fixed to a double axle trailer 606. Figure 7 illustrates a basic belt driven conveyor according to one embodiment of the present invention. The conveyor 104 comprises a web 702 which is entangled around a pair of rollers 704. The rollers are positioned outside the tube section 706. A first roller is placed in the discharge 112, and a second roller is located under the hopper 108 of the conveyor. An engine can be provided (not shown) or other means for rotating the rollers at either end of the conveyor. There is a vacuum 707 below the rollers 704 to allow the web 702 to travel on its return path. Figure 8 is a view of a conveyor belt according to an embodiment of the present invention. The discharge end of a conveyor is shown where a conveyor belt is wrapped around a motor-driven roller 802. The motor can be a hydraulic motor and therefore, hydraulic hoses 804 provide hydraulic fluid flow to and from the engine. 806 teeth are provided to push the grain or seed up the conveyor. As shown, the conveyor belt is hollowed out in the tube section but flattened when it reaches the roll 802. Channeling members (seals) 808 are provided on each side of the band to form a seal and prevent the grain or The seed will fall off the edges of the belt as the web begins to conform to the tubular portion of the conveyor 104.

Figure 9 is a front view of the web as it travels over the roller 802. The channeling members (seals) 902 are provided on each side of the web to form a seal and prevent the grain or seed from falling off the edges of the web. the band as the band flattens on the roller. As shown, the channel members 902 may be fixed to the bolt carrier 112, but may be fixed with other means or may be integral with the discharge. Discs 904 are provided in the rollers at the edge of the band to provide additional sealing / channeling means. The discs 904 are preferably integral with the rollers or can be coupled with them so that they can rotate. Figure 10 is a side view of the hopper end of the conveyor 104. As shown, the hopper 108 of the conveyor sits on the inlet 1003 to the conveyor 104. When it is coupled to the support arm 102, as shown, the hopper 108 of the conveyor is placed under a discharge of the main hopper 106. The discharge 110 can be opened by conventional means. As shown, a wheel handle mechanism 1004 is provided for the opening of the discharge doors 1006. The hopper 108 of the conveyor is preferably made of lightweight materials such as plastic, canvas, rubber or vinyl. As shown, the hopper 108 may include a mechanism for opening and closing the hopper. In this embodiment, a flexible coupling or hinge is provided at one end 1008 of the hopper 108 and a mechanism 1010 is provided at the end of the hopper 108 and engages the conveyor 104, such that the hopper 108 can be made so that it has an appropriate fit with the discharge 110 of the main hopper 105. A flap 1012 can be provided at the bottom of the discharge 110. Figure 11 is a schematic view of the hopper end of the conveyor. As shown, a brush seal 1101 can be placed through the web 702. The brush seal 1101 retains the material transported within the hopper and does not allow the material to penetrate the recess 707 (shown in Figure 7) under the roller. Such an arrangement is desirable because it prevents the transported material from being subjected to mechanical agitation, which would result in damage to the transported material. The brush seal 1101 allows the teeth 806 of the conveyor to pass, but not the conveyed material.

One will understand that hydraulic power can be provided by a towing vehicle, such as a tractor or the like or alternatively, the hydraulic power can be provided in the tender and electrically driven from the towing vehicle such as a truck. In this way, above and with reference to the figures of the drawings, a number of preferred embodiments have been fully described. While the invention has been described on the basis of these preferred embodiments, it would be clear to those skilled in the art that certain modifications, variations and alternative constructions could be made to the embodiments described within the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims (10)

1. Claims 1. A seed or grain load carrier, comprising: a main hopper coupled with a frame through leg members, said main hopper having a discharge; a base plate coupled with said frame; a support arm capable of rotating and coupled with said base plate at a first end, a conveyor having a conveyor hopper at a first end and a discharge at a second end, said conveyor being rotatable coupled with a second end of the conveyor. said support arm in an approximate center of gravity of said conveyor; a latch mechanism for releasably coupling said first end of said conveyor with said first end of said support arm such that said conveyor hopper is positioned below said main hopper discharge; and a locking mechanism for locking or unlocking said support arm to said base plate. The seed loading carrier according to claim 1, wherein said conveyor further includes an elevator for moving seeds or grains from said conveyor hopper toward said discharge, and a motor position in said discharge for driving said elevator. 3. The seed loading carrier according to claim 1, wherein said conveyor is a belt-driven tubular conveyor. The seed loading carrier according to claim 1, further comprising a hydraulic plunger coupled with said base plate and said support arm, for raising and lowering said support arm. 5. The seed loading carrier according to claim 1, wherein said conveyor hopper is adjustable in size. The seed loading carrier according to claim 1, wherein said conveyor is rotatably coupled to said support arm such that the conveyor can rotate about a substantially vertical axis. 7. The seed loading carrier according to claim 1, wherein said conveyor is rotatably coupled to said support arm such that the conveyor can rotate about a vertical axis toward a loading position in which said discharge It is placed on said main hopper. The seed loading carrier according to claim 1, wherein said conveyor is rotatably coupled to said support arm such that the conveyor can rotate about a vertical axis toward a discharge position in which the hopper of the conveyor is placed under the discharge of said main hopper. 9. The seed loading carrier according to claim 1, wherein the discharge of said main hopper is a gravity discharge. The seed loading carrier according to claim 1, wherein said hopper includes inward side walls that converge with said discharge.