Abstract
A loading and transport apparatus for an agricultural header or implement that comprises a primary tool and a secondary tool, comprising a guide frame. On the guide frame is arranged a first support device having a first rest surface for movably holding the primary tool. On the guide frame is further arranged a second support device having a second rest surface for movably holding the secondary tool. A coupling element is arranged to the first support device, wherein the coupling element connects the first support device to the second support device. To the guide frame is arranged a support element, which contacts the second support device, wherein the coupling element and the support element are designed and arranged such that a movement of the first support device in a first direction along the guide frame effects lifting of the second rest surface.
Claims
1. An apparatus for an agricultural header or implement, comprising a primary tool and a secondary tool, the apparatus comprising: a guide frame; a first support device that is movably arranged on the guide frame and has a first rest surface for holding the primary tool; a second support device that is movably arranged on the guide frame and has a second rest surface for holding the secondary tool; a coupling element that is arranged on the first support device and connects the first support device to the second support device; and a support element that is arranged on the guide frame and contacts the second support device, wherein the coupling element and the support element are constituted and arranged such that a movement of the first support device in a first direction along the guide frame effects lifting of the second rest surface.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second support device comprises a support arm having a guide surface that contacts the support element such that a geometry of the guide surface defines a direction of movement of the second rest surface.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the support arm is supported on the support element and the guide surface slides over the support element during the movement of the first support device.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the movement of the first support device is substantially translational.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the coupling element comprise a linkage bolt that hingeably connects the second support device to the first support device.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of a position of the support element and of the coupling element relative to the guide frame is adjustable.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second support device comprises a support arm having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is connected to the first support device and the second end is designed as a free end, the second rest surface being arranged in the proximity of this free end.
8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the distance between the first end of the support arm and the second rest surface is adjustable.
9. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a drive connected to the first support device.
10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the drive comprises a piston-cylinder unit.
11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the primary tool and the secondary tool each comprise a cutting device.
12. A trailer for loading and transporting an agricultural header or implement that comprises a primary tool and a secondary tool, the trailer comprising: at least one loading and transport apparatus that comprises a guide frame; a first support device that is movably arranged on the guide frame and has a first rest surface that holds the primary tool; a second support device that is movably arranged on the guide frame and has a second rest surface that holds the secondary tool; a coupling element that is arranged on the first support device and connects the first support device to the second support device; and a support element that is arranged on the guide frame and contacts the second support device, wherein the coupling element and the support element are constituted and arranged such that a movement of the first support device in a first direction along the guide frame effects lifting of the second rest surface wherein the at least one loading and transport apparatus is attached to the frame of the trailer.
13. The trailer of claim 12, wherein the at least one of loading and transport apparatus is mounted without holes to the frame of the trailer.
14. The trailer of claim 13, wherein the at least one of loading and transport apparatus is adjustably attached to the frame of the trailer by a plurality of clamps.
15. The trailer of claim 12, wherein the at least one loading and transport apparatus has a loading position and a transport position, wherein a distance in a vertical and horizontal direction between the second rest surfaces of the second support device of the loading and transport apparatuses and the frame of the trailer is maximal in the loading position and minimal in the transport position.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
(1) The invention is further explained and described below with reference to preferred embodiments as shown in the Figures.
(2) FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a first exemplary embodiment of a new loading and transport apparatus.
(3) FIG. 2 shows a further perspective view of the first embodiment of the loading and transport apparatus.
(4) FIG. 3 shows a side view of the first embodiment of the loading and transport apparatus.
(5) FIG. 4 shows a top view of the first embodiment of the loading and transport apparatus.
(6) FIG. 5 shows a further side view of the first embodiment of the loading and transport apparatus.
(7) FIG. 6 shows a sectional view of the first embodiment of the loading and transport apparatus along line A-A in FIG. 5.
(8) FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a second exemplary embodiment of the new loading and transport apparatus.
(9) FIG. 8 shows a further perspective view of the second embodiment of the loading and transport apparatus.
(10) FIG. 9 shows a side view of the second embodiment of the loading and transport apparatus.
(11) FIG. 10 shows a top view of the second embodiment of the loading and transport apparatus.
(12) FIG. 11 shows a further side view of the second embodiment of the loading and transport apparatus.
(13) FIG. 12 shows a sectional view of the second embodiment of the loading and transport apparatus along line A-A in FIG. 11.
(14) FIG. 13 shows a further side view of the second embodiment of the loading and transport apparatus in the loading position.
(15) FIG. 14 shows a further side view of the second embodiment of the loading and transport apparatus in an intermediate position.
(16) FIG. 15 shows a further side view of the second embodiment of the loading and transport apparatus in the transport position.
(17) FIG. 16 shows a perspective view of a first exemplary embodiment of a new trailer comprising a plurality of new loading and transport apparatuses according to the second embodiment.
(18) FIG. 17 shows a side view of the first embodiment of the trailer.
(19) FIG. 18 shows a front view of the first embodiment of the trailer.
(20) FIG. 19 shows a sectional view of the first embodiment of the trailer along line B-B in FIG. 18.
(21) FIG. 20 shows a detail A of the first embodiment of the trailer from FIG. 16.
(22) FIG. 21 shows a side view of a first exemplary embodiment of a utility vehicle equipped with a header.
(23) FIG. 22 shows the first embodiment of the utility vehicle at the start of the loading of the header onto a first embodiment of the trailer.
(24) FIG. 23 shows the first embodiment of the utility vehicle during the loading of the header onto a first embodiment of the trailer at a later time than in FIG. 22.
(25) FIG. 24 shows a side view of the first embodiment of the utility vehicle with a detached header, wherein the header is positioned in the loading position on the trailer.
(26) FIG. 25 shows a side view of a further exemplary embodiment of the loading and transport apparatus comprising a simultaneous representation of the loading position, an intermediate position and the transport position.
(27) FIG. 26 shows a side of view of a further exemplary embodiment of the loading and transport apparatus.
(28) FIG. 27 shows a side of view of the exemplary embodiment of the loading and transport apparatus of FIG. 26 in an intermediate position.
(29) FIG. 28 shows a side of view of a further exemplary embodiment of a trailer including a plurality of novel loading and transport apparatuses according to FIG. 26.
DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
(30) FIGS. 1-6 show various views of a first exemplary embodiment of a new loading and transport apparatus 1 for an agricultural header or implement. The header or implement, which is not shown in these representations, comprises a primary tool and a secondary tool.
(31) The loading and transport apparatus 1 comprises a guide frame 2, which is used for guiding the movable parts of the loading and transport apparatus 1 and which, in its simplest form (not shown here) also can be constituted by a plate-shaped element or another profile.
(32) To the guide frame 2 is arranged a first support device 3 having a first rest surface 4 for receiving the primary tool. The first rest surface 4 can be constituted by one or more parts, whereas it comprises two parts in the exemplary embodiment shown here. In the present example, the first part is constituted by a carriage head 40, which is angularly adjustable. The second part is constituted by an angled plate 41.
(33) The loading and transport apparatus 1 further comprises a second support device 5, arranged on the guide frame 2 and having a second rest surface 6 for receiving the secondary tool. The second rest surface 6 can equally be constituted by one or more parts. The second rest surface 6 comprises a rest plate 39.
(34) To the first support device 3 is arranged a coupling element 7, which connects the first support device 3 to the second support device 5 (see e.g., FIG. 13). Here, the coupling element 7, as an example, is constituted by a linkage bolt 12, which hingeably connects the second support device 5 to the first support device 3. On the guide frame 2 is further arranged a support element 8, which engages the second support device 5, wherein the coupling element 7 and the support element 8 are designed and arranged such that a movement of the first support device 3 in a first direction 9 along the guide frame 2 causes a lifting of the second rest surface 6.
(35) The second support device 5 comprises a support arm 10 having a guide surface 11 (see, e.g., FIG. 13), which contacts the support element 8 such that the geometry of the guide surface 11 defines the direction of movement of the second rest surface 6. Herein, the support arm 10 is supported by the support element 8 and the guide surface 11 slides over the support element 8 as the first support device 3 moves along the support element 8. Herein the movement of the first support device 3 is substantially translational. But also other movement directions are possible.
(36) The support arm 10 comprises a first end 13 and a second end 14, wherein the first end 13 is connected to the first support device 3 and the second end 14 is designed as a free end, the second rest surface 6 being arranged in the proximity of this free end.
(37) The first support device 3 is connected to a drive 15, which, in the embodiment shown, is constituted by a piston-cylinder unit 16. In the mounted condition of the loading and transport apparatus 1, the drive 15 is connected to a motor or engine, possibly through an intermediate transmission, such that the desired movement of the apparatus 1 from the loading position into the transport position and vice versa can be effected by the motor drive. For a plurality of apparatuses 1, all or only some of them may comprise a drive 15. The apparatuses 1 without their own drive 15 then are moved along with the others.
(38) The type of mounting of the loading and transport apparatus 1 as well as the constitution of the guide frame 2 are particularly well recognizable in the sectional representation according to FIG. 6. The guide frame 2 comprises in its lower region a bottom plate 17, which is closed in the region shown. However, the bottom plate 17 preferably is not closed in other areas, in order to allow for the passage of movable parts of the apparatus 1 during their movement. The guide frame 2 otherwise has a substantially U-shaped form. Here, on both sides, elongate guide rails 18 are immovably arranged in the upper region of the U-shape, along which rails the first support device 3 slide during the movement of the movable parts of the loading and transport apparatus 1. In particular, the guide rails 18 may be constituted by synthetic material. The first support device 3 has in its lower region, on both sides, rollers 19, which lie down in the lower region of the U-shaped section of the guide frame 2, roll over the same and thereby enable the movement of the first support device 3 relative to the guide frame 2. It is clear that at least one further roller pair is provided at a distance in the longitudinal direction from the roller 19.
(39) The position of the support element 8 as well as the position of the coupling element 7 on the guide frame 2 is adjustable by means of various combinations of screws, possibly nuts, and/or corresponding holes, slots, in particular spaced holes. Also the distance between the first end 13 of the support arm 10 and the second rest surface 6 is adjustable. Furthermore, the position of the second rest surface 6, which is arranged in the region of the V-shaped rest plates 39, is adjustable.
(40) FIGS. 7-12 show comparable representations of a second exemplary embodiment of the new loading and transport apparatus 1. This embodiment has many features in common with the first exemplary embodiment, such that with respect to the common features reference is made to the explanations above.
(41) In contrast thereto, the first support device 3 comprises a turnbuckle 20. The turnbuckle 20 is used for the optional adjustment, in particular fixation, of the attack angle of the first support device 3. The support device 3 thus is mounted pivotably, such that its attack angle can be adjusted, in particular varied and secured by means of the turnbuckle 20. Furthermore, the first support device 3 comprises an adjustment means 21, by which a plurality of distinct positions of the first support device 3 can be set.
(42) In addition a securing element 22 is provided, by means of which the first support device 3 can be fixed in the transport position, for effectively preventing an unwanted movement in the direction of the loading position.
(43) Here, the structure of the guide frame 2 and the way the movable parts of the loading and transport apparatus 1 are guided in the guide frame 2 are solved otherwise, as can be seen particularly well in FIG. 12. Apart from the bottom plate 17, the guide frame 2 has no U-shape here, but rather a double U-shape, in particular a Z-shape. Instead of the elongate stationary guide rails 18 (see FIG. 6) concurrently moved guide elements 23 are provided, which are attached to the first support device 3 and slide along the interior of the guide frame 2.
(44) FIGS. 13, 14 and 15 now clearly show the new structure and the new functionality of the loading and transport apparatus 1. Herein one and the same loading and transport apparatus 1 is represented in distinct positions. Starting from the loading position shown in FIG. 13, the movable parts of the loading and transport apparatus 1 are moved in FIGS. 14 and 15 always further in the first direction 9. FIG. 14 therein shows an intermediate position, while FIG. 15 represents the transport position of the loading and transport apparatus 1.
(45) As shown in FIG. 13, in the loading position the first support device 3 takes a comparably far right position relative to the guide frame 2. The second support device 5, which is connected to the first support device 3, is also located accordingly in a comparably far right position, wherein this position additionally is lowered. The second end 14 of the support arm 10 is also in its lowermost position. In this loading position it is now possible to put an agricultural header or implement onto the loading and transport apparatus 1, as will described below in greater detail with reference to FIGS. 22-24.
(46) Both end positions of the loading and transport apparatus 1 as well as an intermediate position are also represented in FIG. 25, which facilitates the comparison between the positions by the simultaneous representation of the loading position in full lines, and the additional representation of the intermediate position and the transport position in phantom lines.
(47) When the first support device 3 is moved relative to the guide frame 2 in the first direction 9, the second support device 5 will be moved along by the coupling element 7, which connects the support devices 3, 5. The part of the second support device 5 that forms support arm 10, slides with its guide surface 11 along the support element 8, whereby the geometry of the guide surface 11 actually defines the direction of movement of the second rest surface 6. Herein, the geometry is chosen such that in a superimposed movement, the second rest surface 6 is moved along in the first direction 9 and simultaneously upward. So, in a manner, which can be more or less freely defined, the substantially translational movement of the first support device 3 is also converted into a lift movement, such that the second rest surface 6, which supports the secondary tool, is lifted and provides, in the transport position according to FIG. 15, a secure support of the header or implement by the loading and transport apparatus 1 during transport operations. The guide surface 11 may also be defined by the profile of the support arm 10 itself or, e.g., by further guide elements, in particular guide plates, which may be attached at distinct positions and have distinct geometries to the support arm 10.
(48) FIGS. 16-20 now show various views of a first exemplary embodiment of a new trailer 24 for loading and transporting an agricultural header or implement that comprises a primary tool and a secondary tool. Herein, the trailer 24 comprises a plurality of loading and transport apparatuses 1. For the details of the loading and transport apparatus 1 reference is made to the explanation above.
(49) The trailer 24 comprises a frame 25 and the further usual components of a trailer 24 as shown in the Figures. As is clearly shown in particular in FIG. 20, each of the apparatuses 1 is attached to the frame 25 of the trailer 24 without using holes. Here, the attachment without holes is realised by clamping elements 27 which are constituted by clamps 26. In this manner the distance between the single apparatuses 1 can be adjusted variably without steps. Also the distance between facing clamping elements 27 on one and the same apparatus 1 can be variably set, such that the apparatus 1 can be universally attached to distinct trailers 24.
(50) FIG. 21 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a utility vehicle 28, which here is constituted by a combine harvester 29. However, it may also relate to another type of utility vehicle 28. In this case, the utility vehicle 28 comprises a header 30. However, it may also concern an implement instead. The header 30 comprises a primary tool 31 and a secondary tool 32. Here, the primary tool 31 comprises the main cutting device 33 of the combine harvester 29. The secondary tool 32 here comprises a secondary cutting device 34 of the combine harvester 29. The latter is used for cutting and chopping the relatively long stubble stalks, which are left behind by the main cutting device 33. Both cutting devices 33, 34 are part of the header 35 of the combine harvester 29. During operation of the combine harvesters 29, the header 35 is attached thereto, but has to be detached therefrom for the road transport of the combine harvester 29. The combine harvester 29 therefore is provided with an elevator front adapter 36 having a trough shaped element 37. The header 35 further has a coupling element 38, which in the mounted position is received in the trough shaped element 37.
(51) In the view of FIG. 22 the apparatuses 1, which are mounted onto the trailer 24, are located in their loading position. The header 35 of the combine harvester 29 is in its coupled position. The second support device 15 is arranged at a level, such that the lowest point of the header 30actually the lower end of the secondary cutting device 34can be lead in a horizontal direction adjacent the second end 14 of the support arm 10, without contacting the same. Instead, a desired contact is realised between the first rest surface 4 of the first support device and the main cutting device 33 of the header 35. In other words, in this position the header 35 is placed onto the plurality of loading and transport apparatuses 1 of the trailer 24.
(52) Then follows the transition to the position shown in FIG. 23. This Figure illustrates the start of the disconnection operation between the header 35 and the remaining combine harvester 29, wherein the secondary tool 32 now also is resting on the assigned second rest surface 6 of the second support device 5. In order to carry on the disconnection operation, the elevator front adapter 36 is lowered further, such that the trough shaped element 37 and the coupling element 38 separate from one another. The lowest point of the elevator front adapter 36 then takes a position that is a predetermined distance higher than the highest point of the header 35, in particular of the secondary cutting device 34. Thereby the combine harvester 29 can be driven rearwardly from the trailer 24, as illustrated shown in FIG. 24.
(53) Concurrently, the loading and transport apparatuses 1 on the trailer 24 are transferred from the loading position according to FIG. 24 or also from the full line position shown in FIG. 25 into the transport position, in which the header 35 can be transported while securely resting on the trailer 24.
(54) FIGS. 26, 27 and 28 show different views of a further exemplary embodiment of the novel loading and transport apparatus 1. As this embodiment of the apparatus 1 has most features in common with the above described embodiments, for such features reference is made to description above.
(55) In contrast to the above described embodiments, the second support device 5 includes an additional third rest surface 42 for supporting a front portion of the secondary tool 32. The second rest surface 6 then supports the rear portion of this tool 32. The third rest surface 42 is height-adjustable to be capable of adapting it to different types and sizes of secondary tools 32 to be supported thereby.
(56) As can be seen in FIG. 28, when the second rest surfaces 6 of the loading and transport apparatuses 1 are arranged at the trailer 24, they can serve to support a support bar 43 used for secure support of the secondary tool 32 over its entire working width.
