INTEGRATED LIFT AND FRAME LOCK FOR A FOLDING CORN HEAD ROW SEPARATOR

Abstract

A harvester or combine includes a folding corn head with a center section and folding wing sections. A folding row separator cover at the hinge location of the folding head sections folds to an angled position so that the folding action between the wings and the center section is not impaired. A single assembly actuates the folding of the row separator as well as locking and unlocking of the wing sections relative to the center frame section. A hydraulic cylinder actuates a main link that connects to the row separator cover and also to a lock pin. Actuation of the hydraulic cylinder pulls the extended end of the main link rearward and upward to raise the cover. The same motion also pulls the locking pin forward from engagement. Retraction of the hydraulic cylinder rod lowers the extended end of the frame of the main link and pulls the cover downward while also moving the lower portion of the main link rearward to engage the locking pin with the frame.

Claims

1. A corn harvester comprising: a chassis; a harvester head, the harvester head comprising: a folding section including a lock for locking the folding section in a locked position for harvesting; a plurality of row separators, each of the separators including a separator cover; the plurality of separators including a folding separator proximate a folding pivot of the folding section; a linkage associated with the folding separator, the linkage moving the separator cover of the folding separator between a first position and a second position, the linkage automatically engaging the folding section lock when the separator cover of the folding separator is at the first position and automatically disengaging the lock when the separator cover of the folding separator is at the second position.

2. A corn harvester according to claim 1, wherein the linkage comprises: a first link pivoting between a first position and a second position; a cylinder having an extendable rod, the rod connecting to a first end of the first link and actuating the first link; a second link mounted to a second end of the first link and connected to the separator cover of the folding separator; a third link connecting to first link and to the lock.

3. A corn head comprising: a folding section including a lock for locking the folding section in a locked position for harvesting; a plurality of row separators, each of the separators including a separator cover; the plurality of separators including a folding separator proximate a folding pivot of the folding section; a linkage associated with the folding separator, the linkage moving the separator cover of the folding separator between a first position and a second position, the linkage automatically engaging the folding section lock when the separator cover of the folding separator is at the first position and automatically disengaging the lock when the separator cover of the folding separator is at the second position.

4. A corn head according to claim 3, wherein the linkage comprises: a first link pivoting between a first position and a second position; a cylinder having an extendable rod, the rod connecting to a first end of the first link and actuating the first link; a second link mounted to a second end of the first link and connected to the separator cover of the folding separator; a third link connecting to first link and to the lock.

5. A corn head according to claim 3, wherein the corn head is configured for mounting on a harvester.

6. A corn head according to claim 3, wherein the corn head is configured for mounting on a combine.

7. An integral actuator and latch for a folding corn head, the corn head folding between a harvesting position and a storage position, and a row separator proximate a hinge of the folding head, the separator dividing rows of crops to be harvested, the separator folding between a harvesting position and a storage position; the integral actuator and latch comprising: a linkage associated with the folding separator, the linkage moving the separator cover of the folding separator between a first position and a second position, the linkage automatically engaging the folding section lock when the separator cover of the folding separator is at the first position and automatically disengaging the lock when the separator cover of the folding separator is at the second position; the linkage including: a first link pivoting between a first position and a second position; a cylinder having an extendable rod, the rod connecting to a first end of the first link and actuating the first link; a second link mounted to a second end of the first link and connected to the separator cover of the folding separator; a third link connecting to the first link and to the lock.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference letters and numerals indicate corresponding structure:

[0013] FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a harvester according to the principles of the present invention;

[0014] FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the harvester shown in FIG. 1;

[0015] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a corn head for the harvester shown in FIG. 1 in a deployed position;

[0016] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the corn head shown in FIG. 3;

[0017] FIG. 5 is a front view of the corn head shown in FIG. 3;

[0018] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the corn head of FIG. 3 in a folded position;

[0019] FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the corn head shown in FIG. 6;

[0020] FIG. 8 is a front view of the corn head shown in FIG. 6;

[0021] FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 7;

[0022] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a linkage for folding a row separator cover;

[0023] FIG. 11 is a side view of a row separator cover for the head of FIG. 3 with the cover open;

[0024] FIG. 12 is a side view of the row separator cover of FIG. 11 with the cover closed;

[0025] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a row separator cover and the linkage for opening and closing the row separator cover of FIG. 11 with the row separator cover closed;

[0026] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the row separator cover and the linkage of FIG. 13 with the row separator cover open;

[0027] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a lock for the row separator cover in a locked position; and

[0028] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the lock of FIG. 15 in a released position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Referring now to the drawings and in particular to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown an ear corn harvester, generally designated (100). The present invention is also applicable to a combine. The harvester (100) as shown is particularly configured for harvesting corn. The harvester (100) has a chassis (104) housing crop processing equipment and is supported on driven front wheels (106) and on rear wheels (108). For combines, the chassis (104) includes threshing equipment as is well known in the art. A cab (102) is positioned at the front of the chassis (104) and overlooks a corn head (120). An unloading conveyor (110) extends from the rear of the chassis (104).

[0030] Referring to FIGS. 3-9, the corn head (120) is a folding corn head that folds for transport and storage. The corn head (120) includes a center section (122) as well as outer folding sections including a left folding wing (124L) and a right folding wing (124R). The left wing (124L) and the right wing (124R) are configured to fold inward and over the center section (122) to reduce the width of the head for transport, as shown in FIGS. 6-9. The left wing (124L) and the right wing (124R) are extended for harvesting in the fields as shown in FIGS. 3-5. The head (120) includes an auger (134) extending transversely to the direction of travel including a left helical vane section (134L) and a right helical vane section (134R).

[0031] Row separators act as dividers (150) to direct the corn stalks into corn stalk gathering assemblies (138). The gathering assemblies pull the stalks through ear removal assemblies (140). Belts, chains or other gathering devices (144) may include paddles (142) or other elements that engage the corn stalks and pull them into opposed stalk rolls (146) that pull the stalks downward where the stalks are cut, broken and/or crushed so that the stalks may be returned to the field with improved decomposition. The ear removal assemblies (140) include stripper plates that separate the ears from the stalks. The ears pass to the auger (134) via belts and/or chains and are directed to the harvester's crop processing equipment.

[0032] The row separators (150) act as top covers for drives and several components for the corn stalk gathering assemblies (138). The row separators (150) generally are lightweight plastic or other durable materials that have a conical front section (152) and an arcing rear section that arches over an axis extending generally along the direction of travel.

[0033] It can be appreciated that the folding of the head (120) creates challenges; especially with the row separators (158) located proximate the hinge portions (126). If the row separator cover (158) is not moved, it would otherwise occupy space that would prevent the folding action of the head (120) as the wings (124L and 124R) would occupy space needed for the portions of the center section (122) and/or the wings (124). Therefore, the row separators (158) at the fold must be configured as a folding row separator (158). By folding the row separator covers (158) to the position shown in FIGS. 6-9, sufficient space is created at the hinge so the wings (124L and 124R) are able to fold to the compact position shown in FIGS. 6-9. In the folded position, the left wings and right wings (124L and 124R) are inverted and extend over the center frame section (122).

[0034] Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, there is shown a portion of the frame (128) of the center corn head section (122) as well as the right wing frame section (130R). It can be appreciated that the left and right wings (124L and 124R) are substantially mirror images. Although the right wing frame (130R) and its folding will be described, the description applies equally to the left wing frame (130L) and it's folding. For harvesting, the hinge (126) must be in a locked position when extended as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16.

[0035] To facilitate latching of the frame sections (130 and 128) and folding of the folding row separator covers (158), a combined folding and locking assembly (200) has been developed for the present invention, as shown in FIG. 10. The folding and locking assembly (200) includes a hydraulic cylinder (202) having a telescoping rod (204) that is extended and retracted. The extendable rod (204) connects to a pivoting main link (210) having four points (212, 214, 216 and 218) for pivoting with other elements. The main link (210) has two portions extending from opposed sides around the telescoping rod (204) that creates a framework and provides spaced apart pivots (212, 214, 216 and 218). The pivot (214) is a ball type joint that allows the arm (208) flexibility. The arm (208) mounts at its opposite end at a ball type joint (228) to a frame (160) for the row separator cover (158).

[0036] Pivot (216) is a pin that connects to opposed arms (220) mounting to pivot pins on the cylinder (202). The pivot pin (216) is mounted to a portion of the main link (210) intermediate the pivot pins (212 and 218) and rearward toward the cylinder (202).

[0037] Pivot pin (218) is generally mounted below the other pivots and extends through an intermediate link (222) to a frame lock pin (206) and pivotally connects to the lock pin (206) by a pivot pin (232).

[0038] Referring now to FIGS. 11-14, the folding row separator cover (158) as well as the folding and latch assembly (200) and the frame (130R) and their relationship are shown. The frame (130R) includes a latch member (162) receiving the locking pin (206). In the locked position shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the lock pin (206) extends through the receiver (162) and provides a secure mechanical lock as well as a visual indication that the wing (124) is lowered in a completely extended position and locked for harvesting operations. In this position, the rod (204) is extended to pivot the main link (210) downward. This pivoting motion of the main link (210) pulls the arm (208) downward and lowers the folding separator frame (160) and cover (158) downward. This motion of the main link (210) also lowers and actuates the pivot pin link (222) to push the locking pin (206) downward and rearward. Therefore, the locking pin (206) slides rearward and through to the locked position and secures the wing (124). The extension of the rod (204) also pushes the link (220) downward and rearward and therefore rotates the hydraulic cylinder (202) to a slightly downward orientation. The lowered row separator cover (158) provides a visual indication that the frame (130) is locked in a fully deployed harvesting position.

[0039] Referring now to FIGS. 11 and 14, to unlock the frame (130R) from the center frame (128), the locking assembly (200) is actuated in an opposite direction so that the hydraulic cylinder (202) retracts the rod (204). This retraction of the rod (204) pulls the main link (210) upward and rearward. Raising the end of the main link (210) tends to raise the arm (208), which pushes the separator frame (160) and therefore the folding row separator cover (158) upward and to the side. In this position, the wings (124) may be folded without the row separator cover (158) hitting the adjacent row separators (150) and allows for the folding movement of the wings (124) of the head (120). The retraction of the rod (204) also pivots the hydraulic cylinder (202) upward, due to the linkage formed between the hydraulic cylinder (202), the rod (204), the main link (210) and the cylinder link (220). Moreover, the upward pivot of the main link (210) pulls the lower pivot pin (218) slightly upward and forward. This action pulls the link (222) and the locking pin (206) forward away from the orifice in the receiving lock portion (162). When the locking pin (206) is disengaged, the wings (124) are unlocked and may be folded. It can be appreciated that the same motion provides a single linkage that mechanically and automatically unlocks the frames (128, 130) and moves the folding row separator cover (158) to a position that allows for folding with a single actuation. The present invention therefore eliminates the need for separate actuators and assemblies for folding the row separators and for also locking the frame.

[0040] It can be appreciated that the present invention provides a clear indication that when the row separator cover (158) is folded and raised, that the folding wings (124) are unlocked and may be folded. However, if the folding row separator cover (158) is not raised, the frames are locked and the wings (124) cannot be folded. Moreover, the folding and latching assembly (200) also provides a clear indication that when the folding row separator (158) is in the lowered position, the frame sections are locked relative to one another and that the corn head (120) is properly configured and completely deployed for operation in a fully extended position.

[0041] The above specification, examples and data provide a complete description of the manufacture and use of the composition of the invention. Since many embodiments of the invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the invention resides in the claims hereinafter appended.