COMPRISING SUCH A SYSTEM

PRIORITY DOCUMENTS

10001 ] The present application claims priority from Australian Provisional Patent Application No.

2016903326 titled "A SAMPLE HANDLING SYSTEM FOR A COMBINE HARVESTER, AND A COMBINE COMPRISING SUCH A SYSTEM" and filed on 22 August 2016, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to an agricultural combine harvester, or combine. In a particular form it relates to a sample handling system for a combine harvester which is adapted to collect samples, and to a combine comprising such a system.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Agricultural combine harvesters, or combines, and similar apparatus, are used for the harvesting of grain (e.g., wheat, corn, barley) from plants growing upon an agricultural field. Combines combine the grain harvesting operations of reaping, gathering, threshing, and winnowing, or cleaning, which, in earlier years, had been performed by separate apparatus, into a process termed "combining"; hence, the name "combine" harvester.

10004 ] From time to time it is necessary to sample the grain being delivered to a grain tank of a combine harvester. In order to facilitate this, some combines include a system which obtains discrete samples of grain during or immediately after the combining process, prior to the grain being mixed in a storage bin or tank.

[0005] Systems of this kind typically involve a system operator sitting in the cab with the combine driver, where this system operator collects samples in bags, and then packs these bags into crates. At this stage, the crates themselves become an issue, because there is little to no space for storing these in the cab.

[0006] It is against this background and the problems and difficulties associated therewith that the present invention has been developed. [0007 ] Certain objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, an embodiment of the present invention is disclosed.

SUMMARY

[0008 ] According to a first aspect, there is provided a sample handling apparatus for a combine harvester, the sample handling system comprising: a body securable to the combine; a plurality of container receptacles movably depending from the body, each of which is movable between one of a plurality of stored positions within the apparatus, and a loading access position in which one of the container receptacles is presented to an operator for loading, while all of the other container receptacles occupy one of the stored positions; and a means for driving this movement of the container receptacles; and wherein in use, during a loading operation, each of the container receptacles is presented to the loading access position in turn, until all have been loaded.

[0009 ] In one form, the sample handling apparatus further comprises an unloading access position spaced apart from the loading access position, in which one of the container receptacles is presented to an operator for unl oading, and wherein in use during an unloading operation, each of the container receptacles is presented to the unloading access position in turn, until all have been unloaded.

[0010] In one form, the body comprises a track forming a circuit.

[001 1 ] In one form, each of the container receptacles comprises a platform depending from a carriage which follows the track.

[0012] In one form, the drive means comprises a motor driving a continuous chain or belt looped around a series of sprockets or pulleys, and to which each of the carriages is linked for movement around the track.

[0013] In one form, the body comprises a track plate which comprises a network of slots which extend through the track plate.

[0014] In one form, each carriage comprises a plurality of wheels which are slidably retained by the track.

[0015] In one form, in an alternative, the drive means comprises a motor driving at least one of the wheels of each container receptacle. [0016 ] In one form, each of the wheels comprises a circumferential groove, and in use, each of the wheels locates in, and is retained in the track slots, and edges of these track slots locate in the circumferential grooves of the wheels.

[0017] In one form, in an alternative, each of the wheels is encircled by a stationary annular guide of low friction material, which comprises the circumferential groove.

[0018] In one form, the drive plate is upright, and both the track and the wheels are arranged to cooperate to ensure that each platform is maintained horizontal throughout a circuit of the track.

[0019] In one form, in an alternative, each of the container receptacles depends from a conveyor which extends past the loading access position. In a further alternative, each of the container receptacles depends from a carousel or turntable which rotates past the loading access position.

[0020] In one form, the sample handling apparatus is adapted for retrofit to a combine.

[0021 ] In one form, in an alternative the sample handling system is integrated with the combine during its assembly.

[0022] In one form, the sample handling apparatus comprises a control system which controls its operation.

[0023 ] Accordingly, the control system may include a variety of components. Exemplary components may include those that monitor electric signals, switch electric signals, perform sensing functions, and govern activation and deactivation of components such as the drive means.

[0024] Further, the control system may comprise a processor, a memory, storage, and a user interface. The control system may be controlled by software. The control system may provide users with precise control, diagnostic information and performance information for governing the sample handling apparatus.

[0025 ] According to a second aspect, there is provided a method of operation for the sample handling apparatus, the method being substantially as disclosed herein.

[0026] According to a further aspect, there is provided an agricultural combine harvester, or combine, comprising a crop sample acquiring apparatus for acquiring a sample of combined crop, and a sample handling apparatus for handling acquired samples, the sample handling apparatus comprising: a body securable to the combine; a plurality of container receptacles movably depending from the body, each of which is movable between one of a plurality of stored positions within the apparatus, and a loading access position in which one of the container receptacles is presented to an operator for loading, while all of the other container receptacles occupy one of the stored positions; and a means for driving this movement of the container receptacles; and wherein in use, during a loading operation, each of the container receptacles is presented to the loading access position in turn, until all have been loaded.

[0027] In one form, the combine is configured as an implement which is to be towed and steered by a vehicle such as a tractor, and having internal devices powered by a power take-off shaft associated with the tractor.

[0028] In one form, the combine is configured as a vehicle itself powered by an on-board engine, or other suitable prime mover driving ground support devices, at least some of which are made controllably steerable so that the apparatus may be guided over the field.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0029] Embodiments of the present invention will be discussed with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:

[0030] Figure 1 is a schematic side view of a portion of a combine harvester;

[0031 ] Figure 2 is an isometric view of a sample handling system from the combine harvester of Figure 1 ;

[0032] Figure 3 is a front view of the sample handling system of Figure 2;

[0033 ] Figure 4 is a plan view of the sample handling system of Figure 2;

[0034] Figure 5 is right hand side view of the sample handling system of Figure 2;

[0035] Figure 6 is a left hand side view of the sample handling system of Figure 2;

[0036] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view through the sample handling system of Figure 2;

[0037] Figure 8 is a front isometric view of a track assembly from the sample handling system of Figure 2;

[0038] Figure 9 is a rear isometric view of a track assembly from the sample handling system of Figure 2; [0039 ] Figure 10 is a front isometric view of a container receptacle assembly from the sample handling system of Figure 2;

[0040 ] Figure 1 1 is a rear isometric view of the container receptacle assembly from the sample handling system of Figure 2;

[0041 ] Figure 12 is a front view of the container receptacle assembly from the sample handling system of Figure 2;

[0042 ] Figure 13 is a side view of the container receptacle assembly from the sample handling system of Figure 2;

[0043 ] Figure 14 is an isometric view of a shelf assembly from the sample handling system of Figure 2;

[0044 ] Figure 15 is an isometric view of a forward access hatch assembly from the sample handling system of Figure 2; and

[0045] Figure 16 is an isometric view of a side access hatch assembly from the sample handling system of Figure 2.

10046] In the following description, like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the figures.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0047] Referring now to Figure 1, where there is illustrated an upper forward portion of a self-propelled combine 100.

[0048] The combine 100 comprises a frame, to which there is fitted a main body, an operator's station 102 within a cab 104, a grain tank, a drivetrain (not shown), and ground support devices including drive wheels and steerable wheels (although the ground support devices could also be endless crawler tracks).

[0049] The combine 100 further includes a header (not shown) configured to cut, snap, or otherwise sever plant stalks near the soil surface and convey the resulting crop material to a central region of the header, where a feed conveyor, or feeder, conveys it into the main body. A thresher is located within the main body and is disposed to receive the crop materials from the feeder. The thresher separates kernels of grain from larger pieces of other crop materials, referred to herein as trash. The grain kernels are then conveyed to a winnowing, or cleaning section, where smaller bits of trash, debris, dust, etc. are removed by mechanical agitation and a stream of air. The grain kernels are then conveyed to a storage bin.

[0050 ] The combine 100 comprises a grain sampling apparatus 1 which collects a sample from a desired point in the combine 100 (such as an inlet to the storage bin) and directs this, in a controlled manner, to a sampling station 120 in the cab 104, where a sampling system operator 130 collects samples in bags (or other suitable container types), and then packs these bags into crates 80 (see Figure 2) or other suitable larger container types.

[0051 ] Directly behind and adjacent to the cab 104, there is located a sample handling system or apparatus 1. The sample handling system 1 comprises a forward access hatch assembly 50 which is adapted to open and close a forward access opening 51 provided in a rear wall of the cab 104 at a position below the sampling station 120, and which provides the sampling system operator 130 with access to the sample handling system 1 from the cab 104.

[0052 ] With reference to Figure 15, it can be seen that the forward access hatch assembly 50 comprises a forward access hatch 52 which is slidably disposed on a pair of hatch guide tracks 54, and driven by a hatch actuator 56 between an open position in which the sampling system operator can access the sample handling system 1 , and a closed position where they cannot.

[0053 ] Operating in conjunction with the forward access hatch assembly 50 is a shelf assembly 70 (see Figure 2) located in the cab 104 adjacent to the forward access hatch assembly 50. The shelf assembly 70 comprises a shelf 72 which is pivotably mounted so that this can be swung between an in-use position and a stowed position. In the stowed position, the shelf 72 is vertical, and in the in-use position, the shelf 72 is horizontal. Optionally, the shelf assembly 70 further comprises a gas strut or spring 74 for resisting unwanted movement of the shelf 72.

[0054 ] The sample handling system 1 comprises a pair of side guards 2, which partially enclose the system 1 at each side of the combine 100. One of the side guards 2 comprises a side access hatch assembly 60 for a side opening 61 , which provides internal access to the sample handling system 1 from this side of the combine 100.

[0055] With reference to Figure 16, it can be seen that the side access hatch assembly 60 comprises a pair of side access hatches 62, each of which is slidably disposed on a pair of hatch guide tracks 64, and driven by a hatch actuator 66 away from each other into an open position, and towards each other into a closed position. [0056 ] With reference to Figures 2 through 9, it can be seen that the sample handling system 1 further comprises a mounting plate 12 which bridges (i.e. extends between) the side guards 2, thereby forming a body for the apparatus 1.

[0057] The mounting plate 12 is part of a track assembly 10. The track assembly 10 further comprises a track plate 14 which depends from, and is spaced apart from the mounting plate 12 via a series of spacers 16. The track plate 14 comprises a track 18 forming a circuit. More specifically, the track 18 comprises a network of slots 18a and 18b which extend through the track plate 14.

[0058] The sample handling system further comprises a plurality (five in this case) of container receptacle assemblies 20 which are slidably retained by the track 18 to travel around it.

[0059] The track assembly 10 further comprises a drive means or system 30 for the container receptacles 20. The drive system 30 comprises a motor 32 (DC motor in this case) driving a chain drive which in turn comprises a chain (not shown) looped around a series of sprockets 34 (a belt drive comprising a belt could be used), where the motor 32 and the sprockets 34 depend from the mounting plate 12.

10060] With reference to Figures 10 through 13, it can be seen that each container receptacle assembly 20 comprises a chassis 22, three wheels 24 arranged so that one wheel 24a is upper and two wheels 24b are lower, and a platform 26 for a crate 80 depending from the chassis 22.

10061 ] Slots 18a define a track 18 for the upper wheels 24a, and slots 18b define a track 18 for the lower wheels 24b.

[0062] The chassis 22 comprises a triangular plate comprising first and second sides. The platform 26 extends from the first side of the plate 22, and the wheels 24 are disposed, via bearings, on axles which extend from the second side of the plate 22.

[0063] Referring now to Figure 13, where it can be seen that each of the wheels 24 is encircled by a stationary annular guide 25 of low friction material, which comprises a circumferential groove 28. In use, each of the wheels 24 locates in and runs against edges of the track slots 18a and 18b, and is retained in the track slots 18a and 18b because the edges of these track slots 18a and 18b locate in the circumferential grooves 28 of the guides 25. In an alternative, the guides 25 could rotate with the wheels 24.

[0064] A chain link pulley 29 spins on an axle which is common to the single upper wheel 24a; the chain link pulley 29 connects the container receptacle 20 to the chain so that the container receptacle 20 will follow the chain as this is driven. [0065 ] The track 18 guides each container receptacle 20 through a circuit which comprises a pair of straight, horizontal, vertically spaced apart runs, and a pair of vertical runs which connect the horizontal runs at their ends.

[0066] Each of the track 18, the guide 25 and the wheels 24 are arranged to cooperate to ensure that each platform 28 is maintained horizontal throughout a circuit of the track 18.

[0067] A crate ejector assembly 40 depends from the mounting plate 12 at a position which is in alignment with the forward access hatch assembly 50. The crate ejector assembly 40 comprises a linear actuator 42 driving a rod 44 with an ejector plate 46 disposed on its end.

[0068] Each chassis plate 22 comprises an aperture 23 sized so that the ejector plate 46 may pass therethrough when properly aligned.

[0069] A loading operation for the sample handling system 1 will now be described.

[0070] The sample handling system 1 comprises a loading access condition. When in its loading access condition, the sample handling system 1 is dormant (for safety), with its chain drive stationary; there is a container receptacle 20 positioned in an access position so that its platform 26 is adjacent to the forward access opening, the forward access hatch 52 is in its open position, and the shelf 72 is in its in-use position (i.e. horizontal).

[0071 ] A sampling system operator sits in the cabin collecting samples in bags at the sample station, and then packing these bags into a crate 80 resting on the shelf 72. Once the crate 80 is full of bags, the sampling system operator will push the crate 80 from the shelf 72 onto the platform 26 of the container receptacle assembly 20 in the access position, and initiate an indexing operation of the sample handling system 1.

10072] The indexing operation comprises the steps of closing the forward access hatch 52, and then commencing drive of the chain drive to replace the container receptacle assembly 20 which was at the access position, and which now carries a full crate 80, with a further container receptacle 20 carrying an empty crate 80. When this further container receptacle 20 reaches the access position, drive of the chain drive will cease, the forward access hatch 52 will open, and the crate ejector 40 will cycle to drive the empty crate 80 off of the platfonn 26 of the container receptacle 20 and on to the shelf 72. Once the crate ejector 40 has returned to its home (i.e. retracted) position, the sample handling system 1 will have again reached its access condition, and will again fall dormant until a further indexing operation is initiated by the sampling system operator. [0073] The above described process will be repeated until all of the container receptacles 20 support a crate 80 which is full of bags of samples. An observation window 3 (see Figure 2) is provided so that this can be observed. At this time, it will be necessary to stop the combine 100 and unload the sample handling system 1, and replace the five full crates 80 with five empty crates 80 (assuming further samples are required).

[ 0074] An unloading operation for the sample handling system 1 will now be described. For an unloading operation, the sampling system operator (or possibly another person) will stand at the side access hatch opening 61.

[0075] The sample handling system 1 comprises a side access condition. When in its side access condition, the sample handling system 1 is dormant (for safety), with its chain drive stationary, with a container receptacle 20 positioned in a side access position in which its platform 26 is adjacent to the side access opening 61, and the side access hatch 62 is in its open position.

[0076] With the sample handling system 1 in this side access condition, the sampling system operator can remove a full crate 80 from its container receptacle platform 26 via the side access opening 61, replace this with an empty crate 80, and initiate an indexing operation of the sample handling system 1.

[0077] The indexing operation comprises the steps of closing the side access hatch 62, and then commencing drive of the chain drive to replace the container receptacle 20 which was at the side access position, and which now carries an empty crate 80, with a further container receptacle 20 carrying a full crate 80. When this further container receptacle 20 reaches the access position, drive of the chain drive will cease, the side access hatch 62 will open, and the sample handling system 1 will have again reached its side access condition, and will again fall dormant until a further indexing operation is initiated by the sampling system operator.

[0078 ] The above described process will be repeated until all of the container receptacles 20 support an empty crate 80. At this time, operation of the combine 1 can recommence.

[0079] It should be apparent from the disclosure made herein, that the sample handling system provides a significant amount of storage for samples, thereby reducing the frequency of stops required to unload. Moreover, the sample handling system provides for expedient handling of a large number of samples with minimal exertion.

[0080] Throughout the specification and the claims that follow, unless the context requires othenvise, the words "comprise" and "include" and variations such as "comprising" and "including" will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers, but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

[0081 ] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement of any form of suggestion that such prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

[0082] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention is not restricted in its use to the particular application described. Neither is the present invention restricted in its preferred embodiment with regard to the particular elements and/or features described or depicted herein. It will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to the embodiment or embodiments disclosed, but is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications and substitutions without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth and defined by the following claims.