Folding heads for corn-shelling machines and combine harvesters

摘要

Folding heads for corn-shelling machines and/or combine harvesters which include a central portion extending along a main transversal direction and two lateral portions aligned with the central portion in a working condition of the head are provided. Folding heads may include drive elements for moving the lateral portions so as to pass from the working configuration to a folded configuration wherein the lateral portions are at least partially folded and overlapping the central portion. Each lateral portion may be operatively connected to the central portion by connection elements which may include a relative arm which connects each lateral portion to the central portion, wherein the connection elements include a first hinge defining a first rotation axis parallel to a longitudinal direction of advancement of the head and a second hinge defining a second rotation axis, perpendicular to the first rotation axis. Methods of making and using folding heads are also provided.

主权项

1. A folding head for a corn-shelling machine or combine harvester suitable for performing the shelling of cobs comprising at least one sheller roller rotating in relation to a relative rotation axis and fitted with blades to pull a stalk of a corn on the cob plant downwards,
the head comprising a central portion extending along the main transversal direction between opposite transversal ends and two lateral portions positioned on opposite sides to the central portion at each transversal end and aligned with the central portion in a working condition of the head, each lateral portion extending from an inner end, alongside the corresponding transversal end of the central portion in a working configuration, to an external end, opposite the inner end in relation to the transversal direction, in a working configuration, the head comprising drive elements for moving the lateral portions so as to pass from a working configuration wherein the lateral portions are alongside and aligned with the central portion, to a folded configuration wherein the lateral portions are at least partially folded and overlapping the central portion, wherein each lateral portion is operatively connected to the central portion by the interposition of connection elements comprising a relative arm which connects each lateral portion to the central portion, wherein the connection elements comprise a first hinge defining a first rotation axis parallel to the longitudinal direction of advancement of the head, so as to separate and raise the lateral portions in relation to the central portion, and comprising a second hinge defining a second rotation axis, perpendicular to the first rotation axis, so as to rotate the lateral portions in reciprocal approach towards a centerline plane of the central portion and to position them on a plane substantially perpendicular to said transversal direction, wherein said first hinges are separate from each other and each of the first hinges are located near a corresponding and opposite transversal end of the central portion, and wherein second hinges of the lateral portions are fixed with respect to the central portion.