Combine grain tank unloading mechanism

Abstract

In a two-stage combine grain tank unloading system, grain is conveyed upward by a generally upright but forwardly inclined auger conveyor, through a transition housing into a generally horizontal unloading auger conveyor, which can be swingably adjusted, to discharge the grain away from the side of the combine, in a range of positions called an unloading zone. The unloading auger conveyor is rigidly attached to the transition housing which is free to swivel on a ring surrounding the upper end of the upright auger conveyor housing. The drive for the horizontal unloading auger is taken from the upright auger through a bevel gear case mounted partly within the transition housing. Provision of a universal joint coupling between the upright auger and the bevel gear case input shaft makes it possible to incline the swivel axis of the transition housing independently of the inclination of the axis of the upright auger conveyor, so that as the unloading auger conveyor is swung outwards from a generally fore-and-aft transport position to the unloading zone at the side of the combine, the angle of elevation above the horizontal of the unloading auger conveyor increases, to provide greater clearance for wagons or trucks positioned under the auger to receive grain. The forward inclination of the upright auger conveyor places the unloading zone closer to the operator so that he can better see and control the unloading operation.