Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
DUAL AUGER GRAIN CART WITH ADJUSTABLE FORWARD REACH
BACKGROUND
Field of the Invention
[0001] The present invention is generally directed to carts for transporting
agricultural
materials and specifically directed to a grain cart with a folding auger
having adjustable
elevation.
Discussion of the Background Art
[0002] Carts, such as grain carts, can be used to shorten harvesting time by
improving the
efficiency of harvesting equipment such as combines. Such carts can, for
example, be used to
transport grain from harvesters or combines in the field to grain trucks or
bins at the side of
the field. Carts are often preferred for use compared to grain bins or grain
trucks because
grain bins are typically immobile and grain trucks typically do not perform
well in muddy or
rough field conditions and have the potential to spark fires in dry fields.
Carts usually
comprise a bin (e.g., a container, hopper, or box) sitting atop a wheeled
frame in combination
with an auger means or mechanism for unloading grain from the bin. Carts can
be designed
to handle soft or rough fields with ease and can be designed to be drawn by a
tractor
alongside a combine that unloads its contents into the cart. Carts can be used
to enable a
combine to continue to harvest while unloading the grain into the cart. This
grain unloading
arrangement can increase productivity dramatically because combines need never
stop to
unload. In addition, it is not necessary for the combines themselves to travel
to grain trucks
or bins at the side of the field each time the combine is full. After a cart
is loaded with grain
or other material by one or more combines, the grain is unloaded from the cart
into a bin for
temporary storage or into a waiting grain truck for transport to another
location, such as a
grain elevator. Because carts offer a combination of economy, versatility,
production
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savings, and maneuverability, they have been widely accepted by farmers and
widely
produced by equipment manufacturers.
[0003] Carts capable of unloading grain directly into a grain truck or bin
often use a
conveyor to do so. Often the conveyor is in the form of an auger. Various
auger
configurations are known. Auger structures can, for example, be contained
inside the hopper
structure, located entirely outside of it, or in another desired location.
Auger configurations
can, for example, have a single auger or multiple augers. The auger structure
can, for
example, be located at the front, side, back, corner, or another desired
location of the cart.
[0004] In auger configurations having an auger that extends through the hopper
such that
there is an auger structure contained inside the hopper structure, grain
removal from the
hopper can be significantly impaired because internal auger structures can
hinder downward
grain flow. Therefore, it is often desirable that the auger structure be
located entirely outside
of the hopper.
[00051 A double auger configuration can have, for example, a lower auger and
an upper
auger. The lower auger can, for example, receive material from the hopper and
deposit it into
the upper auger. The upper auger can then, for example, carry the material
received from the
lower auger and deposit it into a trailer, such as a grain trailer. Triple
auger configurations
are also known, which can include, for example, a lower, horizontally disposed
drag auger, a
vertically disposed lift auger, and an upper, horizontally disposed discharge
auger.
SUMMARY
100081 According to a first aspect, a cart for transporting and conveying
agricultural
materials is provided. The cart includes a frame; a set of wheels or tracks
coupled with the
frame; and a hitch assembly coupled with the frame to allow the cart to be
towed on the
wheels or tracks behind a tow vehicle. The cart further includes a hopper
defined by a
plurality of walls supported by the frame and having a hopper opening to
receive agricultural
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material and a discharge opening for discharging agricultural material. The
cart further
includes a conveyor assembly coupled to the hopper, the conveyor assembly
including an
inlet in communication with the discharge opening to receive agricultural
material therefrom
and an outlet to discharge agricultural material. The conveyor assembly
includes a lower
conveyor section and an upper conveyor section. The lower conveyor section
includes a
lower conveyor housing and a lower conveyor extending within the lower
conveyor housing
and the upper conveyor section includes an upper conveyor housing and an upper
conveyor
extending within the upper conveyor housing. The upper conveyor section is
pivotable about
a second tilt axis located between the lower and upper conveyor sections and
positioned at an
acute angle from vertical.
[0009] In some embodiments, the second tilt axis is at an angle from vertical
from about 5 to
about 40 . In some embodiments, the cart further includes a tilting assembly
coupled to an
end of the lower conveyor housing and having a first tilt axis that is
generally horizontal, and
the tilting assembly is configured to pivot the conveyor assembly about the
first tilt axis. In
some embodiments, the first tilt axis is parallel to a longitudinal axis of
the frame. In some
embodiments, the second tilt axis is oriented to allow the upper conveyor
section to pivot fore
and aft.
[00101 In some embodiments, the upper conveyor is connected to the lower
conveyor via a
universal joint. In some embodiments, the tilting assembly further includes at
least one
trunnion extending from the upper and lower conveyor housings and at least one
bearing
assembly on the other housing configured to receive the at least one trunnion.
In some
embodiments, the tilting assembly further includes a linear actuator having
one end
connected to the lower conveyor section and another end connected to the upper
conveyor
section.
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[0011] In some embodiments, the tilting assembly is configured to allow up to
200 of tilt in
either direction relative to an in-line position where longitudinal axes of
the upper and lower
conveyor sections are in-line. In some embodiments, the conveyor assembly
includes a first
portion having a first set of helical flights of first diameter and first
pitch and a second
portion having a second set of helical flights of second diameter and second
pitch, wherein
the first diameter is larger than the second diameter, and wherein the first
pitch is larger than
the second pitch, and wherein the first portion is in one of the lower
conveyor section and the
upper conveyor section and the second portion is in one of the lower conveyor
section and the
upper conveyor section.
[0012] In some embodiments, the tilting assembly is configured to allow the
upper conveyor
section to pivot between a first operating position in which a longitudinal
axis of the upper
conveyor section is generally collinear with a longitudinal axis of the lower
conveyor section
and a second operating position in which the longitudinal axis of the upper
conveyor section
is angled relative to the longitudinal axis of the lower conveyor section. In
some
embodiments, the longitudinal axis of the upper conveyor section extends
upwardly at a first
acute angle in a plane generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the
hopper in the
first operating position and extends forwardly at a second acute angle
relative to the first
plane in the second operating position. In some embodiments, a height of the
discharge
outlet in the first and second operating positions is the same; in other
embodiments, a height
of the discharge outlet in the second operating position is higher than a
height of the
discharge outlet in the first operating position.
[0013] In some embodiments, the second tilt axis is configured such that a
discharge height
when longitudinal axes of the lower and upper conveyor sections are inline is
the lowest
height position of the tilt movement, whereby as the upper conveyor section
moves forward
and rearward through the second tilt axis, the height increases.
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100141 In some embodiments, the tilt assembly is configured to be controlled
by a control
system. In some embodiments, the control system is configured to automatically
move the
discharge outlet outward about a pivot axis approximately perpendicular to the
second tilt
axis so that an amount of side reach is maintained. In some embodiments, the
control system
is configured to automatically move the discharge outlet sideways about an
axis in-line with a
longitudinal axis of the upper conveyor section so that an amount of side
reach is maintained.
[0015] In some embodiments, the conveyor assembly further includes an
intermediate
section, the intermediate conveyor section including an intermediate conveyor
housing and an
intermediate conveyor extending within the intermediate conveyor housing, and
the cart
further comprising a folding assembly coupled to an end of the intermediate
conveyor
housing and having a fold axis, the folding assembly configured to pivot the
upper conveyor
section about the fold axis between a stored position and an operating
position.
[0016] According to a second aspect, a cart for transporting and conveying
agricultural
materials is provided. The cart includes a frame; a set of wheels or tracks
coupled with the
frame; and a hitch assembly coupled with the frame to allow the cart to be
towed on the
wheels or tracks behind a tow vehicle. The cart further includes a hopper
defined by a
plurality of walls supported by the frame and having a hopper opening to
receive agricultural
material and a discharge opening for discharging agricultural material, the
plurality of walls
including a front wall. The cart further includes a first conveyor assembly
including a
conveyor disposed in the hopper and operable to move agricultural material
from the hopper
towards the discharge opening. The cart further includes a second conveyor
assembly
disposed forwardly of the front wall, the second conveyor assembly including
an inlet in
communication with the discharge opening to receive agricultural material
therefrom and an
outlet to discharge agricultural material, wherein the second conveyor
assembly includes a
lower conveyor section, an upper conveyor section, and an intermediate
conveyor section.
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The lower conveyor section including a lower conveyor housing and a lower
conveyor
extending within the lower conveyor housing, the intermediate conveyor section
including an
intermediate conveyor housing and an intermediate conveyor extending within
the
intermediate conveyor housing, and the upper conveyor section including an
upper conveyor
housing and an upper conveyor extending within the upper conveyor housing. The
cart
further includes a folding assembly coupled to an end of the intermediate
conveyor housing
and having a fold axis, the folding assembly configured to pivot the upper
conveyor section
about the fold axis between a stored position and an operating position. The
cart further
includes a tilting assembly coupled to an end of the intermediate conveyor
housing and
having a tilt axis, the tilting assembly configured to pivot the upper
conveyor section about
the tilt axis when the upper conveyor section is in the operating position.
[0017] In some embodiments, the fold axis is oriented generally horizontally
and parallel to a
longitudinal axis of the hopper to allow the upper conveyor section, when the
upper conveyor
section is in the most rearward operating position, to fold across a front of
the hopper. In
some embodiments, the intermediate conveyor section includes a first end
adjacent the lower
conveyor section and a second end adjacent the upper conveyor section, and
wherein the fold
axis is positioned at the second end of the intermediate conveyor section and
the second tilt
axis is positioned at the first end of the intermediate conveyor section. In
some
embodiments, the intermediate conveyor has a first end connected to the lower
conveyor and
has a second end configured to mate with the upper conveyor when the upper
conveyor
section is in the operating position and to be detached from the upper
conveyor when the
upper conveyor section is not in the operating position.
[0018] In some embodiments, the intermediate conveyor is connected to the
lower conveyor
via a universal joint. In some embodiments, the tilting assembly includes at
least one
trunnion extending from one of the upper and intermediate conveyor housings
and at least
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one bearing assembly on the other housing configured to receive the at least
one trunnion. In
some embodiments, the tilting assembly includes a linear actuator having one
end connected
to the lower conveyor section and another end connected to the intermediate
conveyor
section. In some embodiments, the folding assembly includes a linear actuator
having one
end connected to the upper conveyor section and another end connected to one
of the lower
conveyor section, the intermediate conveyor section, and the frame. In some
embodiments,
the tilt and fold assemblies are configured to be controlled by a control
system. In some
embodiments, the control system is configured to only move the upper conveyor
section to
the stored position when the upper conveyor section is in a predefined tilt
position. In some
embodiments, the control system is configured to automatically move the upper
conveyor
section to a suitable tilt position before moving the upper conveyor section
to the stored
position. In some embodiments, the control system is configured to
automatically move the
discharge outlet outward about a pivot axis approximately perpendicular to the
tilt axis so that
an amount of side reach is maintained. In some embodiments, the control system
is
configured to automatically move the discharge outlet sideways about an axis
in-line with a
longitudinal axis of the upper conveyor section so that an amount of side
reach is maintained.
[0019] Other features and advantages of embodiments of the invention will
become apparent
to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the following detailed description
of the preferred
embodiments and the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form part
of the
specification, illustrate embodiments and, together with the detailed
description, serve to
explain the principles of the invention and to enable a person skilled in the
art to make and
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use the invention. In the drawings, like reference numbers are used to
indicate identical or
functionally similar elements.
[0021] FIG. 1 is atop view of an embodiment of a cart with an upper auger
section having
adjustable forward reach.
100221 FIG. 2 is a side view of an embodiment of a cart with an upper auger
section having
adjustable forward reach.
[0023] FIG. 3 is a front view of an embodiment of a cart with an upper auger
section having
adjustable forward reach.
[0024] FIG. 4A is a front view of an embodiment of a cart with an upper auger
section
having adjustable forward reach.
[0025] FIG. 4B is a section view along line E-E in FIG. 4A.
[0026] HGs. 5A-5C are detail views of an embodiment of a tilting assembly for
a grain cart
with an upper auger section having adjustable forward reach.
[0027] FIGs. 6A and 6B are detail views of an embodiment of a fold assembly
for a grain
cart with an upper auger section having adjustable forward reach.
100281 FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a cart with an upper
auger section
having adjustable forward reach.
[0029] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a track system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0030] While the present invention may be embodied in many different forms, a
number of
illustrative embodiments are described herein with the understanding that the
present
disclosure is to be considered as providing examples and not intended to limit
the invention
to the preferred embodiments described and/or illustrated herein.
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[0031] Referring now to FIGs. 1-7, a grain cart 100 according to an embodiment
of the
present invention includes a rolling frame 112 for attachment behind a tow
vehicle such as a
tractor, a bin 114 mounted on the frame for storing a quantity of grain, and
an auger
assembly, such as second conveyor assembly 116, for unloading grain from the
bin. In the
embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the frame 112 is supported for rolling
movement on a
set of wheels 118 with tires. In some embodiments, the frame 112 may be
supported for
rolling movement on a track system, such as track system 800 (shown in Fig.
8). The frame
112 also includes a hitch 122 that extends forwardly from the frame 112 for
attachment to a
tractor. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the bin 114 includes a
front wall 124, a
rear wall 126, and right and left side walls 128 and 130 defining a space for
storing grain.
The grain cart 100 may also include a gate or door near a bottom of the bin
114 that separates
the grain storage space from a sump area 132. The grain cart 100 may also
include a first
conveyor assembly 115 disposed in the sump area 132 for moving agricultural
material from
the bin to a discharge opening in the front bin wall 124. First conveyor
assembly 115 may
include a conveyor, such as an auger or fighting, or other suitable conveyor
type for a grain
cart such as a belt conveyor.
[0032] Second conveyor assembly 116 includes a lower conveyor section 134, an
upper
conveyor section 136, and an intermediate conveyor section 135. The upper
conveyor section
136 includes a tubular upper housing and an upper auger (not shown) with
helical flights
rotatably disposed within the upper housing. The upper conveyor section 136
also includes a
discharge spout 140 at a top end of the upper housing. The discharge spout 140
may include
a discharge opening 141 which allows agricultural material such as grain to
exit from the
spout. The lower conveyor section 134 includes a tubular lower housing and a
lower auger
(not shown) with helical flights rotatably disposed within the lower housing.
The lower
conveyor section 134 extends upwardly, forwardly, and laterally outwardly from
the sump
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area 132 to connect with a bottom end of the upper conveyor section 136
proximate a front
left corner of the bin 114 (e.g., proximate the intersection of the front and
left walls of the
bin). In an embodiment, intermediate conveyor section 135 is located between
upper
conveyor section 136 and lower conveyor section 134. The intermediate conveyor
section
135 includes a tubular intermediate housing and an intermediate auger (not
shown) with
helical flights rotatably disposed within the intermediate housing. In some
embodiments, the
lower conveyor section 134 connects with a bottom end of the intermediate
conveyor section
135 and the upper conveyor section 134 connects with atop end of the
intermediate conveyor
section 135. In some embodiments, the lower and intermediate sections are
connected by a
joint, such as, for example, a universal joint.
[0033] In embodiments, second conveyor assembly 116 is in communication with
sump 132.
In some embodiments, the lower conveyor section 134 of the second conveyor
assembly is in
communication with sump 132 via the first conveyor assembly 115.
[0034] The upper and lower conveyor sections are connected by a hinge assembly
that
defines a pivot axis about which the upper auger section 136 can be pivoted
between an
operating position and a transport position. In an embodiment, folding of the
upper auger
section 136 can be effectuated by a fold actuator 604 connected between the
upper auger
section and the lower auger section, the frame 112, and/or the bin 114. In the
embodiment
shown, the fold actuator 604 is a hydraulic cylinder connected between the
upper and
intermediate auger sections 136 and 135. In the operating position, shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2,
the bottom end of the upper housing abuts atop end of the intermediate housing
so that the
upper auger section 136 extends upwardly from the intermediate auger section
135 and grain
can be conveyed from the sump 132 to the discharge spout 140 via rotation of
the augers. In
the transport position, the upper auger section 136 is folded relative to tile
lower auger section
134 so that the upper auger section extends along a wall of the bin 114, e.g.,
such that the
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upper auger portion extends rearwardly from the lower auger portion along a
side of the bin
for easier transport and storage. In an embodiment, the fold axis is oriented
generally
horizontally and parallel to a longitudinal axis of the bin to allow the upper
conveyor sectivn
to fold across a front of the bin.
[0035] The figures show the different positions that the second conveyor
assembly 116 may
assume. For example, FIGs. 1 and 2 each show the second conveyor assembly in
one of three
different operating positions, described herein. These three different
operating positions are
exemplary of the range of motion, and other operating positions are possible.
FIGs. 3 and 7
each show the second conveyor assembly 116 in both an operating position and a
storage
position. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the second
conveyor assembly
116 is in one position at any one time, and that the figures are for
illustrative purposes.
100361 As described in detail below, second conveyor assembly 116 includes a
lower
conveyor section 134, an upper conveyor section 136 with a discharge end or
spout 140, and
an intermediate conveyor section or housing 135 coupled between the upper and
lower
conveyor sections. Also described further herein are a tilting assembly 150,
and a folding
assembly 152. As described further herein, second conveyor assembly 116 is
designed to
allow upper conveyor section 136 and intermediate conveyor section 135 to tilt
with respect
to lower conveyor section 134 via tilting assembly 150 such that a position of
discharge end
relative to the frame can be adjusted (e.g., to increase the forward position
or reach of the
conveyor assembly). Additionally, a height of discharge end 140 can be
adjusted to
correspond to a trailer, truck, bin, or other receptacle. Second conveyor
assembly 116 can be
pivoted between a lowered and elevated position, and any position in between.
In some
embodiments, an operator is not limited to choosing solely between these two
positions, but
may also choose any position between an elevated position and a lowered
position. It is
appreciated that adjusting the height of discharge end 140 of second conveyor
assembly 116
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enables the height of discharge end 140 to more closely match a height of a
trailer into which
material from bin 114 is to be unloaded. Accordingly, a gap between discharge
end 140 and
the trailer is minimized, thereby minimizing loss of material from bin 114 due
to wind during
unloading. Moreover, the adjustable elevation makes it easier for operators to
position the
chute over the trailer. For example, the position (e.g., forward position or
reach of the
conveyor assembly) may be adjusted to increase operator visibility. Such
adjustments also
may lessen the amount that the tractor and cart have to move during the unload
operating by
allowing the discharge spout to move fore and aft (relative to the cart frame)
to cover a larger
range of trailer hopper length. It is appreciated that second conveyor
assembly 116 may be
configured to be controlled via a controller disposed on cart 100, or can be
controlled by a
control system (e.g. remotely from a cab of the tractor or other suitable
location).
100371 In one embodiment, the elevation of discharge end 140 of second
conveyor assembly
116 may be adjusted from about 126 inches in a lowered position to about 161
inches in an
elevated position. This range of heights is suitable to load most common
trailers. The taller
height is suitable for loading a tall trailer known as a Super B trailer, and
the shorter height is
suitable for loading a short trailer known a standard North American trailer.
By more closely
matching the height of the discharge end 140 to the height of the trailer, any
gap between
them is minimized thereby minimizing grain loss due to wind during the
unloading process.
[0038] As further described herein, second conveyor assembly 116 is designed
to allow
upper conveyor section 136 to fold with respect to lower conveyor section 134
and
intermediate conveyor section 135 via folding assembly 152 at a folding joint
602 such that
upper conveyor section can be folded back against a front or side of cart 100
while in storage,
transport, or in other situations. For example, FIG. 3 shows the second
conveyor assembly
116 in both folded and unfolded positions. The various components of second
conveyor
assembly 116 will be described in further detail below.
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[0039] Lower conveyor section 134 has a lower or bottom end in communication
with sump
132 and an upper or top end configured to couple with intermediate section
135. In an
embodiment, the lower conveyor section 134 is a tubular member of cylindrical
configuration. A lower conveyor is movably (e.g., rotatably) disposed with
lower conveyor
section 134 to convey material, such as grain, from sump 132 to upper conveyor
section 136.
The lower conveyor can be in the form of a rotatable auger or, in some
embodiments, can be
in the form of another suitable conveyor type for a grain cart, such as a
suitable belt
conveyor.
[0040] In an embodiment, second conveyor assembly 116 is pivotable about tilt
axes 402 and
502. For example, in one embodiment, the lower tilt axis 402 can be positioned
at an angle
from vertical from 5 to 40 , for example, the lower tilt axis may be 15 or
30 from vertical.
Fig. 4B, which shows a section view along line E-E of Fig. 4A, illustrates a
tilt axis 402
having a 30 orientation from vertical. In this embodiment, upper and
intermediate conveyor
sections tilt relative to the lower conveyor section.
[0041] Tilting assembly 150, described below, may be configured to allow
tilting about tilt
axis 502 by a tilt angle of up to +35 , or more preferably of up to +20 . A
negative angle
indicates a rearward direction. For example, tilting assembly 150 may allow
tilting by a
forward tilt angle from 0 to 10 to 20 (in a forward direction), and from 0
to ¨10 to ¨20
(in a rearward direction). In some embodiments, slide coupling 411 (see FIGS.
4A, 5A)
facilitates the tilting assembly allowing tilting of the second conveyor
assembly 116 about the
tilt axis 502, by permitting second conveyor assembly 116 to slide along the a
wall of the bin.
10042] In some embodiments, the lower tilt axis 402 is configured to such that
the height of
the discharge end of the upper conveyor section is at the lowest height
position of the tilt
movement when the upper and lower conveyor sections are inline to each other,
so that the
height of the discharge end increases during the tilt movement. In some
embodiments this
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feature can be achieved by orienting the lower tilt axis 402 away from
vertical in a direction
such that the top of the tilt pivot is away from the upper conveyor tilt
direction. In this case
the top of the tilt pivot will be toward the bin 114. To get a forward reach
movement range
that does not decrease the discharge height from when the upper and
intermediate conveyor
sections are in-line with the lower conveyor section, the angle is equal or
greater to the
amount of forward tilt angle. So in the case of tilting forward 20 , the lower
tilt axis 402 off
of vertical is at least 20 . This causes the discharge end to arch upward as
it moves forward.
If the lower tilt axis 402 is half of the total forward tilt angle, then the
discharge end of the
upper conveyor section will arch upward until a middle tilt angle. The second
half of the tilt
angle will then bring the discharge end downward. And the start and finished
discharge
height at the extreme ends of the tilt movement will be the same height.
[0043] As used in this application, conveyor sections being in-line with each
other refers to
their longitudinal axes being substantially in-line. For example, the upper
and intermediate
conveyor sections are in-line means that the upper and intermediate conveyor
sections are
positioned such that their longitudinal axes are substantially in-line.
[0044] In some embodiments, the lower conveyor section 134 is angled toward
the hitch 122.
This is different from the configuration where the base of the lower conveyor
section moves
parallel to the front container wall. By having the lower conveyor section
angled about half
of the total forward tilt angle movement (e.g., total forward universal joint
angle movement),
this allows the second conveyor assembly to move at a greater total forward
distance given,
for example, the same universal joint angle limitation. For example, if the
limit on the
universal joint is 20 , the lower conveyor section would be angled forward 20
degrees. The
intermediate and upper conveyor sections would move forward toward the hitch
20 as well
as backwards 20 thereby providing a wider tilt movement range as well as
getting the
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discharge end closer to the hitch. In some embodiments, a second universal
joint may be
used between the gearbox and the first fighting screw section.
100451 Intermediate section 135 is coupled to both upper conveyor section 136
and lower
conveyor section 134 and is designed to allow upper conveyor section 136 and
intermediate
conveyor section 135 to securely tilt relative to lower conveyor section 134
without spilling
material such as grain or seeds passing through second conveyor assembly 116.
Intermediate
section 135 includes a rounded lower end configured to sit within a curved
recess or cavity
formed at the upper end of lower conveyor section 134.
[0046] Intermediate section 135 is coupled to upper conveyor section 136 via
folding
assembly 152. Folding assembly 152 is configured to allow an intermediate
housing flange
of intermediate section 135 to abut against an upper conveyor housing flange
of upper
conveyor section 136 in an unfolded position, and further allows upper
conveyor section 136
to pivot about a conveyor fold hinge pin relative to intermediate section 135
to position the
upper conveyor section 136 in a folded position. For example, FIG. 3 shows the
second
conveyor assembly 116 in both a folded position and an unfolded position.
Folding assembly
152 can include a conveyor fold actuator 604, such as a hydraulic cylinder,
that is rotatably
fixed at a first end to intermediate section 135 and rotatably fixed at a
second end to upper
conveyor section 136. In some embodiments, the first end can be fixed at a
location other
than intermediate section 135 and the second end can be fixed at a location
other than upper
conveyor section 136. For example, in some embodiments, the first end can be
rotatably
fixed on lower conveyor section 134. As another example, the second end can be
rotatably
fixed on intermediate section 135. Conveyor fold actuator 604 can, for
example, be a
hydraulic cylinder designed to facilitate folding and unfolding of upper
conveyor section 136.
Conveyor fold actuator 604 can be configured to lock upper conveyor section
136 in either an
unfolded or folded state as desired.
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[0047] Intermediate section 135 is coupled to lower conveyor section 134 via
tilting
assembly 150. Tilting assembly 150 is configured to allow upper conveyor
section 136 and
intermediate section 135 to tilt relative to lower conveyor section 134.
Control logic may, in
some embodiments, prevent the tilting operation to occur unless the upper
conveyor section is
locked in the unfolded or operating position. Tilting assembly 150 can, for
example, include
a conveyor tilt actuator 504, such as a hydraulic cylinder, that is rotatably
fixed at a first end
to frame 112 and rotatably fixed at a second end to intermediate section 135.
In some
embodiments, the first end can be fixed at a location other than frame 112 and
the second end
can be fixed at a location other than intermediate section 135. For example,
in some
embodiments, the first end can be rotatably fixed to lower conveyor section
134 or to
intermediate section 135. As another example, the second end can be rotatably
fixed to upper
conveyor section 136.
[0048] Conveyor tilt actuator 504 can, for example, be a hydraulic cylinder
for facilitating
tilting of intermediate section 135 and upper conveyor section 136. Conveyor
tilt actuator
504 can be configured to lock upper conveyor section 136 in either a tilted or
untilted (i.e.,
oriented in line with the lower conveyor housing) state as desired. Tilting
assembly 150 can
further include one or more conveyor tilt trunnions extending from
intermediate section 135
along a tilt axis. Conveyor tilt trunnions can be designed such that they can
be pivoted within
a bearing assembly secured to lower conveyor section 134 or another suitable
part of cart
100, such as frame 112. In some embodiments, the bearing assembly can be
coupled to a
bearing arm extending from lower conveyor section 134. In some embodiments,
conveyor
tilt trunnions can be mounted on the lower conveyor section and a bearing
assembly can be
mounted on the intermediate section.
[0049] Upper conveyor section 136 is coupled to lower conveyor section 134 via
intermediate section 135. Upper conveyor section 136 includes a lower or
bottom end
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configured to abut the intermediate section 135 in an unfolded operating
position and an
upper or top end with a discharge end 140, which can for example be in the
form of a
discharge spout. In the embodiment shown, the upper conveyor section 136 is a
tubular
member of cylindrical configuration, and an upper conveyor is movably (e.g.,
rotatably)
disposed in the upper conveyor section such that a lower end of the upper
conveyor is
generally longitudinally aligned with folding joint 602. Upper conveyor
section 136 is
configured to convey material, such as grain, from the lower conveyor section
134 to
discharge end 140. The upper conveyor of upper conveyor section 136 can be in
the form of
an auger. In some embodiments, the upper conveyor can be in the form of
another suitable
conveyor type for a grain cart, such as a suitable belt conveyor.
[0050] In accordance with some embodiments, sump 132 and lower conveyor
section 134 are
designed to stay fixed relative to bin 114 and frame 112. Upper conveyor
section 136 is
designed to pivot about a tilt axis, e.g., as defined by one or more shafts
(e.g., trunnions).
Such shafts can be secured by a bearing assembly, or bushings, to lower
conveyor section
134. The mating surfaces between intermediate section 135 and lower conveyor
section 134
can be arched, curved or rounded, to allow for a secure tilting motion. The
figures provided
herein depict a semi-spherical shape, but this shape could instead be a boxed
section, and
include for example appropriate arched, curved or rounded sides. These
surfaces can include
a seal of some manner to seal material from escaping second conveyor assembly
116. The
tilt motion is moved by an actuator, which can for example be a linear
actuator such as a
hydraulic cylinder. One end of the actuator attached to the upper tilting
portion, such as
intermediate section 135, upper conveyor section 136, or another tilting
portion of the second
conveyor assembly 116, and the other end can be fixed to lower conveyor
section 134, frame
112, or another non-tilting portion of cart 100.
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[0051] In some embodiments, a control system with a computer processor and a
memory
storing computer code for execution by the processor can be coupled to one or
more of the
actuators and configured to only allow the second conveyor assembly 116 to be
folded once it
is in a predetermined tilt position. For example, the control system can be
configured to only
allow second conveyor assembly 116 to be folded when it is in an untilted
position. In some
embodiments, the control system can be configured to receive a command to fold
second
conveyor assembly 116 and determine whether second conveyor assembly 116 is in
an
acceptable tilt position to allow folding. If the control system determines
that second
conveyor assembly 116 is not in an acceptable tilt position for folding, the
control system can
provide an alert to an operator, which can, for example, provide an indication
to the operator
to adjust the second conveyor assembly to a suitable tilt position.
Alternatively or
additionally, control system can automatically move second conveyor assembly
116 such that
it is in a suitable tilt position without requiring operator intervention. In
some embodiments,
a suitable tilt position for folding can include the highest tilted position.
In some
embodiments, a suitable tilt position for folding can include a zero tilt
position. In some
embodiments, the control system moves the adjustable forward reach to a
rearward position
(e.g., moves the tilt axis to the ¨20 position) prior to moving the upper
conveyor section to
the transport position, thereby allowing the design to minimize tongue length
and to prevent
the upper conveyor section from hitting a tractor cab towing the cart or bin
114.
[0052] While the invention has been particularly taught and described with
reference to
certain preferred embodiments, those versed in the art will appreciate that
modifications in
form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention.
For example, although second conveyor assembly 116 is illustrated as being a
corner auger
located at the front left corner of bin 114 of cart 100, second conveyor
assembly 116 may
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alternatively be a corner auger located any corner of bin 114. Further, the
invention is also
applicable to carts having an auger that is not a corner auger.
[0053] By way of further example, while the second conveyor assembly 116
depicted in the
figures is configured such that the upper conveyor section folds to a storage
position in which
the upper conveyor section extends across a front side of the bin in the
storage position, it
will be appreciated that the second conveyor assembly can be configured such
that the upper
conveyor section extends rearwardly along a side of the bin (e.g., a left
side) in a storage
position.
[0054] It is appreciated that cart 100 can include one or more features of the
grain carts
described in the above-mentioned related applications which have been
incorporated by
reference.
[0055] While various embodiments/variations of the present invention have been
described
above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example
only, and
not limitation. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present invention should
not be limited by
any of the above-described exemplary embodiments. Further, unless stated, none
of the
above embodiments are mutually exclusive. Thus, the present invention may
include any
combinations and/or integrations of the features of the various embodiments.
For example,
while the conveyor is shown as an auger with fighting, it will be appreciated
that other types
of conveyors, such as belt conveyors, can be used. Also, while wheels are
shown coupled to
a frame in the various embodiments, it will be appreciated that track
assemblies comprising a
track or belt looped around a plurality of wheels may be used. All numbers in
this
description and figures indicating amounts, ratios of materials, physical
properties of
materials, and/or use are to be understood as modified by the word "about,"
except as
otherwise explicitly indicated. Dimensions shown in the figures are designated
in inches. The
choice of materials for the parts described herein can be informed by the
requirements of
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mechanical properties, temperature sensitivity, moldability properties, or any
other factor
apparent to a person having ordinary skill in the art. For example, one or
more of the parts
described herein (or a portion of one of the parts) can be made from suitable
metals, alloys,
plastics, and/or other suitable materials.
100561 In the preceding specification, various preferred embodiments have been
described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It will, however, be
evident that
various modifications and changes may be made thereto, and additional
embodiments may be
implemented, without departing from the broader scope of the invention. The
specification
and drawings are accordingly to be regarded in an illustrative rather than
restrictive sense. It
is also appreciated that the steps of the various methods described herein may
be performed
in any suitable order. These and other modifications of the present invention
are intended to
be within the scope of the appended claims.
100571 For example, the second conveyor assembly may be configured such that
the
sections are positioned in the order lower conveyor section, tilt assembly,
intermediate
conveyor section, fold assembly, upper conveyor section. Alternatively, the
second conveyor
assembly may be configured such that the sections are positioned in the order
lower conveyor
section, fold assembly, intermediate conveyor section, tilt assembly, upper
conveyor section.
In this alternative embodiment, the intermediate and upper conveyor sections
fold relative to
the lower conveyor section, and the upper conveyor section tilts relative to
the lower and
intermediate conveyor sections.
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