CN111741673B - Sensor for detecting crop fill level in an on-board memory of an agricultural harvester, and related system and method - Google Patents

Abstract

In one aspect, a system for detecting a crop level within an on-board memory of an agricultural harvester can include a lifter extending between a proximal end and a distal end thereof, the lifter configured to transport a harvested crop between the proximal end and the distal end thereof. The system may also include a storage hopper positioned near the proximal end of the elevator, the storage hopper defining a volume configured to receive the harvested crop prior to the harvested crop passing from the proximal end of the elevator to the distal end of the elevator. Additionally, the system may include a fill level sensor disposed in operative association with the storage hopper. The fill level sensor may be configured to detect a fill level of the harvested crop contained within the storage volume of the storage hopper.

Description

Sensor for detecting crop fill level in an on-board memory of an agricultural harvester, and related system and method

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to agricultural harvesters, such as sugar cane harvesters, and more particularly to sensors for detecting crop fill levels in an on-board memory of an agricultural harvester, and related systems and methods.

Background

Typically, agricultural harvesters are accompanied by a receiver for harvesting the crop, such as a truck driven alongside or behind the harvester, or a truck or tractor-drawn van. An unloading conveyor or elevator extends from the harvester and is operable during a harvesting operation as it moves along the field to unload the harvested crop to the accompanying receptacle.

Some harvesters, particularly combine harvesters, have on-board crop transport capability, such as large grain bins, and therefore do not require a receiver for harvesting the crop at all times. Other harvesters have only limited on-board transport capacity and require substantially constant attachment of an external receiver or storage device. For example, sugar cane harvesters have an elongated, upwardly inclined elevator that utilizes one or more endless chains to transport paddles or other crop transport elements in a closed loop manner upwardly along an upwardly facing top span of the elevator and downwardly along a downwardly facing bottom span of the elevator. The harvested cane is typically cut into shorter billets and then transported by paddles up the top span of the lifter and then discharged from the distal end of the lifter into an accompanying receiver (such as a billet wagon).

When there is no external receiver for the cane harvester or the external receiver is not positioned correctly with respect to the harvester, the unloading elevator must be stopped to prevent the conveyed blanks from falling onto the ground. This situation may arise in a number of situations, for example where the accompanying receiver is full and the harvester must be left to download. As another example, the receptacle may typically be a tractor truck that (with its tractor) defines a larger turning radius than the harvester itself. In this case, the receiver may not be immediately present to receive the harvested crop when the turn is made at the end of the field. As a result, the harvester may have to pause operation until the receiver can be positioned correctly relative to the harvester. In both cases, the productivity of the harvester is greatly lost.

Accordingly, systems and methods that allow a harvester to continue harvesting when an external receiver is not properly positioned relative to the harvester would be welcomed in the technology. Further, it would be welcomed in the art to have a system and method for detecting a crop fill level in an on-board memory of an agricultural harvester with a sensor.

Disclosure of Invention

Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.

In one aspect, the present subject matter relates to a system for detecting crop levels within an on-board memory of an agricultural harvester. The system may include a lifter extending between the proximal and distal ends, the lifter configured to carry the harvested crop between the proximal and distal ends thereof. The system may also include a storage hopper positioned near the proximal end of the elevator, the storage hopper defining a volume configured to receive the harvested crop prior to the harvested crop passing from the proximal end of the elevator to the distal end of the elevator. Additionally, the system may include a fill level sensor disposed in operative association with the storage hopper. The fill level sensor may be configured to detect a fill level of the harvested crop contained within the storage volume of the storage hopper.

In another aspect, the present subject matter relates to a method for detecting crop levels within an on-board memory of an agricultural harvester, the harvester including a lifter assembly including a lifter extending between a proximal end and a distal end. The elevator assembly may include an upper storage hopper positioned near a distal end of the elevator. The harvester can further include a lower storage hopper positioned near the proximal end of the elevator. The method can comprise the following steps: the harvester is first operated in an eject harvesting mode such that the harvested crop is conveyed from the proximal end of the lifter to the distal end of the lifter and then ejected from the harvester through an ejection opening defined by the upper storage hopper. Additionally, upon receiving an input associated with operating the harvester in the stored harvest mode, the method can include reducing an operating speed of the lift and blocking an exit opening defined by the upper storage hopper such that harvested crop exiting a distal end of the lift is stored within the storage volume of the upper storage hopper. Further, the method may comprise: the fill level of the harvested crop in the lower storage hopper is monitored relative to a predetermined fill level threshold.

In another aspect, the present subject matter relates to a method for detecting crop levels within an on-board memory of an agricultural harvester that includes a lifter assembly having a lifter extending between a proximal end and a distal end. The elevator assembly may include a lower storage hopper positioned near a proximal end of the elevator. The method can comprise the following steps: the harvester is operated such that the harvested crop is conveyed from the proximal end of the lifter to the distal end of the lifter and then discharged from the distal end of the lifter into or through an upper storage hopper positioned adjacent the distal end of the lifter. Further, the method may comprise: the fill level of the harvested crop in the lower storage hopper is monitored relative to a predetermined fill level threshold as the elevator is operated to transfer the harvested crop between the lower storage hopper and the upper storage hopper. Further, the method may comprise: a control action is initiated when the monitored fill level of harvested crop in the lower storage hopper reaches or exceeds a predetermined fill level threshold.

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

Drawings

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures, in which:

fig. 1 shows a simplified side view of one embodiment of an agricultural harvester according to aspects of the present subject matter;

fig. 2 illustrates a side view of a distal portion of the lifter assembly of the harvester shown in fig. 1, particularly illustrating components of an upper storage hopper of the lifter assembly, in an open or discharge position to allow harvested crop to be discharged from the lifter assembly, in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter;

fig. 3 illustrates another side view of the distal portion of the elevator assembly shown in fig. 2, particularly illustrating components of the upper storage hopper in a closed or storage position to allow harvested crop to be temporarily stored in the upper storage hopper, in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter;

FIG. 4 illustrates an assembly view of one embodiment of a fill level sensor, in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter;

FIG. 5 shows a partially exploded view of the fill level sensor shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the fill level sensor shown in FIG. 4 taken along line 6-6;

fig. 7 shows a schematic of one embodiment of a system for detecting crop levels within an on-board memory of an agricultural harvester, in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter;

fig. 8 illustrates a flow chart of one embodiment of a method for detecting crop levels within an on-board memory of an agricultural harvester, in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter;

fig. 9 illustrates a flow diagram of another embodiment of a method for detecting crop levels within an on-board memory of an agricultural harvester, in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter.

Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent same or analogous features or elements of the invention.

Detailed Description

Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of illustration of the invention and not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment, can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Therefore, it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

In general, the present subject matter relates to systems and methods for operating a harvester. In particular, in several embodiments, the harvester can include a lifter extending between the proximal end and the distal end, the lifter configured to carry harvested crop between the proximal end and the distal end thereof. The harvester may also include a lower storage hopper positioned near the proximal end of the lifter for supplying harvested crop received from an upstream harvesting system of the harvester to the lifter. Further, the harvester may include an upper storage hopper positioned at the distal end of the riser for temporarily storing the harvested crop therein. For example, the upper storage hopper may include one or more moveable hopper members configured to move between an open or discharge position, in which harvested crop discharged from the distal end of the elevator may be discharged from the upper storage hopper to an external receiver or storage device (i.e., when operating in a discharge mode of operation), and a closed or storage position, in which harvested crop may be stored within a storage volume defined by the upper storage hopper (i.e., when operating in a storage harvesting mode). In this way, when the external receiver or storage device is not properly positioned relative to the harvester, the hopper component can be moved to an associated closed or storage position to allow harvested crop discharged from the distal end of the harvester to be stored within the storage volume of the upper storage hopper without interrupting operation of the elevator and/or the rest of the harvester.

Furthermore, in several embodiments, a filling level sensor may be mounted within and/or relative to the lower storage hopper to detect a filling level of a blank contained in the lower storage hopper. As described below, when operating in the storage harvest mode, the controller of the disclosed system may be configured to monitor the charge level of the blanks within the lower storage hopper based on data/signals received from the blank level sensor. When it is detected that the blank filling level has reached and/or exceeded the predetermined filling level threshold, the controller may be configured to initiate a suitable control action. For example, in one embodiment, the controller may be configured to stop operation of an upstream harvesting system of the harvester to interrupt further harvesting and/or processing of the sugar cane, thereby preventing additional billets from being provided into the lower storage hopper. In another embodiment, the controller may be configured to stop operation of a primary extractor of the harvester to prevent the stock from interfering with operation of the primary extractor.

Referring now to the drawings, fig. 1 shows a side view of one embodiment of an agricultural harvester 10 according to aspects of the present subject matter. As shown, harvester 10 is configured as a sugar cane harvester. However, in other embodiments, harvester 10 may correspond to any other suitable agricultural harvester known in the art.

As shown in fig. 1, the harvester 10 includes a frame 12, a pair of front wheels 14, a pair of rear wheels 16, and an operator compartment 18. The harvester 10 may also include a primary power source (e.g., an engine mounted on the frame 12) that powers one or both pairs of wheels 14, 16 through a gearbox (not shown). Alternatively, the harvester 10 may be a track driven harvester, and thus may include engine driven tracks as opposed to the wheels 14, 16 shown. The engine may also drive a hydraulic fluid pump configured to produce pressurized hydraulic fluid to power the various hydraulic components of the harvester 10.

Additionally, the harvester 10 may include a harvesting system 19 for cutting, processing, cleaning, and discharging the sugar cane as it is harvested from the field 20. For example, harvesting system 19 may include a topping assembly 22 positioned at a forward end thereof to intercept the sugar cane as harvester 10 moves in a forward direction. As shown, the topping assembly 22 may include a collection tray 24 and a cutting tray 26. The collection pan 24 may be configured to collect the sugarcane stalks such that the cutting pan 26 may be used to cut off the top of each stalk. As is generally understood, the operator may adjust the height of the topping assembly 22 as desired by hydraulically raising and lowering the pair of arms 28.

In addition, the harvesting system 19 may include a crop divider 30 extending upwardly and rearwardly from the field 20. Generally, the crop divider 30 may include two auger feed rollers 32. A ground shoe 34 may be included at the lower end of each feed roller 32 to assist the crop separator 30 in collecting the sugarcane stalks for harvesting. Further, as shown in fig. 1, the harvesting system 19 may include a knock down roller 36 positioned adjacent the front wheels 14 and a finned roller 38 positioned behind the knock down roller 36. As the knock-down roller 36 rotates, the harvested sugar cane stalks are knocked down and the crop divider 30 collects the stalks from the field 20. Further, as shown in fig. 1, the fin roll 38 may include a plurality of intermittently mounted fins 40 that help push the sugarcane stalks downward. During harvesting, the sugarcane stalks knocked down by the knock-down rollers 36 are separated as the finning rollers 38 rotate, and are further knocked down by the finning rollers 38 as the harvester 10 continues to move in a forward direction relative to the field 20.

Still referring to fig. 1, harvesting system 19 may also include a base cutter assembly 42 positioned behind fin roller 30. As is generally understood, the base cutter assembly 42 may include blades (not shown) for cutting the sugarcane stalks as the sugarcane is harvested. Blades located on the periphery of the assembly 42 may be rotated by hydraulic motors powered by the vehicle hydraulic system. Additionally, in several embodiments, when the cane is knocked down by the fin roller 30, the blades may be inclined downwardly to cut the roots of the cane.

In addition, the harvesting system 19 may include a feed roller assembly 44 downstream of the base cutter assembly 42 for moving the severed sugarcane stalks from the base cutter assembly 42 along the processing path. As shown in fig. 1, the feed roller assembly 44 may include a plurality of bottom feed rollers 46 and a plurality of opposing top feed rollers 48. Respective bottom and top feed rollers 46, 48 may be used to grip the harvested cane during transport. As the sugar cane is transported through the feed roller assembly 44, debris (e.g., rock, dirt, and/or the like) may fall through the bottom roller 46 onto the field 20. In one embodiment, one or both sets of feed rollers 46, 48 may be rotationally driven, such as by a hydraulic motor powered by the vehicle hydraulic system.

Additionally, the harvesting system 19 may include a chopper assembly 50 located at a downstream end of the feed roller assembly 44 (e.g., adjacent to the rearmost bottom and top feed rollers 46, 48). Generally, the chopper assembly 50 may be used to cut or chop the severed sugarcane stalks into small pieces or "billets" which may be, for example, six (6) inches in length. In one embodiment, the shredder assembly 50 may be rotationally driven, for example, by a hydraulic motor powered by the vehicle hydraulic system.

Harvester 10 can also include a lower elevator bowl or storage hopper 51 positioned at a location near the shredder assembly 50, such as a location within harvester 10 that allows billets discharged from shredder assembly 50 to fall into lower storage hopper 51. For example, as shown in fig. 1, the lower storage hopper 51 may define a storage volume 53 into which the shredder assembly 50 propels or otherwise discharges processed blanks. The billets then remain temporarily in the lower storage hopper 51 for subsequent delivery to the elevator assembly 52 of the harvester 10.

As is generally understood, debris (e.g., dust, dirt, leaves, etc.) separated from the cane billets and falling into the lower storage hopper 51 may be discharged from the harvester 10 by the primary extractor 54. Generally, the primary extractor 54 may be located behind the shredder assembly 50 and above the lower storage hopper 51. Further, the primary extractor 54 may be oriented to direct debris outward from the harvester 10. In addition, an extractor fan 56 may be mounted at the base of the primary extractor 54 to create sufficient suction or vacuum to pick up debris and force the debris through the primary extractor 54. Separated or cleaned blanks heavier than the debris expelled by the extractor 54 may then fall downwardly into the lower storage hopper 51 for delivery to the elevator assembly 52.

As shown in fig. 1, the elevator assembly 52 may generally include an elevator housing 58 and an elevator 60 extending within the elevator housing 58 between a lower proximal end 62 and an upper distal end 64. In general, the lifter 60 may include an endless chain or member 66 and a plurality of flights or paddles 68 attached to the endless member 66 and evenly spaced on the endless member 66. The paddles 68 may be configured to retain the cane billets on the lifter 60 as the cane billets rise along a top span 70 of the lifter 60 defined between the proximal and distal ends 62, 64 of the lifter. In addition, the elevator 60 may include lower and upper rotational members 72, 74 (e.g., upper and lower sprockets) positioned at the proximal and distal ends 62, 64 thereof, respectively. As shown in fig. 1, the elevator motor 76 may be coupled to one of the rotating members (e.g., the upper rotating member or sprocket 74) to drive the chain or endless member 66 to allow the endless member 66 and paddles 68 to travel in an endless loop between the proximal and distal ends 62, 64 of the elevator 60.

Further, debris (e.g., dust, dirt, leaves, etc.) separated from the lifted cane billets may be ejected from the harvester 10 by a secondary extractor 78 coupled to the rear end of the elevator housing 58. As shown in fig. 1, secondary extractor 78 may be located adjacent distal end 64 of lifter 60 and may be oriented to direct debris outward from harvester 10. In addition, an extractor fan 80 may be mounted at the base of the secondary extractor 78 to create sufficient suction or vacuum to pick up debris and force the debris through the secondary extractor 78. Separated, cleaned blanks heavier than the debris expelled by the extractor 78 may then fall off the distal end 64 of the lifter 60. Typically, the billets may fall through the discharge opening 82 of the elevator assembly 52 down into an external storage device (not shown), such as into a cane billet car.

During operation, the harvester 10 traverses the field 20 to harvest sugar cane. After the height of the topping assembly 22 is adjusted by the arm 28, the collection pan 24 on the topping assembly 22 can be used to collect the sugar cane stalks as the harvester 10 passes over the field 20, while the cutter pan 26 cuts off the multi-lobal tops of the sugar cane stalks for disposal along either side of the harvester 10. The ground shoes 34 can be set to an operational width as the stalks enter the crop divider 30 to determine the amount of cane entering the throat of the harvester 10. The screw feed rollers 32 then collect the stalks into the throat to allow the knock down rollers 36 to bend the stalks downwardly in conjunction with the action of the finned rollers 38. As shown in fig. 1, once the stems are tilted downward, the base cutter assembly 42 can sever the base of the stems from the field 20. The severed stalks are then directed by the movement of the harvester 10 to the feed roller assembly 44.

The severed cane stalks are fed back by the bottom and top feed rollers 46, 48 which compress the stalks, making them more uniform and shaking loose debris to pass through the bottom roller 46 to the field 20. At the downstream end of the feed roller assembly 44, a chopper assembly 50 cuts or chops the compressed sugarcane stalks into small pieces or billets (e.g., 6 inch sugar cane segments). Airborne debris or chaff (e.g. dust, dirt, leaves, etc.) separated from the sugarcane billets is then extracted by the primary extractor 54 using suction created by the extractor fan 56. The separated/cleaned blanks then fall downwardly into the lower storage hopper 51 before being delivered to the elevator assembly 52, wherein such blanks travel upwardly from their proximal ends 62 to their distal ends 64 by the elevator 60. During normal operation, once the billet reaches the distal end 64 of the elevator 60, the billet falls through the discharge opening 82 to the external storage device. Similar to the primary extractor 54, the chaff is blown out of the harvester 10 by the secondary extractor 78 with the aid of an extractor fan 80.

Additionally, in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter, the elevator assembly 52 may also include an upper storage hopper 100 coupled to the elevator housing 58 at a location adjacent the distal end 64 of the elevator 60 (e.g., a location below the elevator 60 and the secondary extractor 78). As shown in fig. 1, the upper storage hopper 100 may be configured to at least partially define the discharge opening 82 of the elevator assembly 52. As will be described in more detail below, the upper storage hopper 100 may include a hopper door 102 that is movable between a discharge position and a storage position. When the hopper gate 102 is in its discharge position, the harvester 10 can be operated in its typical unloading mode (e.g., hereinafter referred to as its discharge harvesting mode) in which blanks discharged from the distal end 64 of the elevator 60 fall through the discharge opening 82 to an associated external storage device. However, when the hopper door 102 is in its storage position, the hopper door 102 may cover or block the discharge opening 82 to prevent the billet from being discharged from the elevator assembly 52. In such a mode of operation, blanks discharged from the distal end 64 of the elevator 60 may fall into the storage volume 104 defined by the upper storage hopper 100 for temporary storage therein.

Further, in several embodiments, harvester 10 can also include one or more crop flow sensors 204 configured to monitor one or more crop flow parameters of harvester 10. In general, the crop flow parameter may correspond to any suitable operating parameter of harvester 10 that provides an indication of or is otherwise related to the crop mass flow or yield of harvested material passing through harvester 10. As such, crop flow sensor 204 may generally correspond to any suitable sensor or sensing device configured to monitor a given crop flow parameter. For example, the crop flow sensor 204 may correspond to: one or more pressure sensors for monitoring fluid pressure of hydraulic fluid supplied within a hydraulic circuit of a vehicle hydraulic system; one or more torque sensors for monitoring the operating torque of one or more rotating components of the harvester 10; one or more position sensors for monitoring the relative position of one or more components configured to move as a function of crop mass flow; one or more yield sensors configured to monitor crop yield, directly or indirectly; and/or any other suitable sensor.

Further, as shown in fig. 1, crop flow sensor 204 may be disposed in operable association with any number of harvester components and/or may be mounted within harvester 10 and/or at any suitable location relative to harvester 10. For example, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, one or more crop flow sensors 204 may be provided in operative association with one or more components of the vehicle feed chain system, such as one or more components associated with the base cutter assembly 42, the feed roller assembly 44, and/or the chopper assembly 50. Alternatively, crop flow sensor 204 may be disposed in operable association with any other suitable component and/or may be mounted at any other suitable location that allows for monitoring of a crop flow parameter of harvester 10, such as at a location within riser housing 58 of riser assembly 52.

Additionally, in several embodiments, the harvester 10 can further include one or more fill level sensors 160 disposed in operative association with the lower storage hopper 51. In general, the filling level sensor 160 may be configured to detect the filling level of the blanks stored in the lower storage hopper 51. As such, the fill level sensor 160 may generally be mounted within the lower storage hopper 51 and/or relative to the lower storage hopper 51 at any suitable location that allows the sensor 160 to detect the fill level of the blanks contained therein. For example, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, one fill level sensor 160 may be mounted at or near the front end of the lower storage hopper 51 and another fill level sensor 160 may be mounted to the rear end of the lower storage hopper 51, such as by mounting the fill level sensors 160 to the inside of the walls of the lower storage hopper 51. However, in other embodiments, the fill level sensor 160 may be mounted within the lower storage hopper 51 and/or at any other suitable location relative to the lower storage hopper 51, such as at a central location of the lower storage hopper 51.

It should be understood that any suitable number of fill level sensors 160 may be mounted relative to the lower storage hopper 51, such as a single fill level sensor 160 or two or more fill level sensors 160. In addition, when the lower storage hopper 51 includes two or more filling level sensors 160, the filling level sensors 160 may be configured to be supported by or mounted on a common component or different components. For example, the lower storage hopper 51 may include an array of fill level sensors 160 mounted to a given component, such as to a single wall of the lower storage hopper 51. However, in other embodiments, different fill level sensors 160 may be mounted with respect to different components, such as by mounting one or more fill level sensors 160 on a front wall of the lower storage hopper 51 and one or more other fill level sensors 160 on one or more other components (e.g., a rear wall of the lower storage hopper 51). Additionally, it should be understood that when multiple fill level sensors 160 are utilized, the sensors 160 may be mounted at the same relative height or at different heights within the lower storage hopper 51. For example, depending on the type of sensor utilized, it may be desirable to position each fill level sensor 160 at the same height within the lower storage hopper 51, such that each sensor 160 is configured to provide an indication as to when the fill level of the blanks within the hopper 51 has reached or exceeded a given fill level threshold defined at the mounting height of the sensor 160. Alternatively, the fill level sensors 160 may be positioned at different heights within the lower storage hopper 51 to allow each sensor 160 to detect when the fill level of a blank within the hopper 51 has reached or exceeded a fill level threshold associated with that sensor 160, thereby providing the ability to monitor the blank fill level relative to two or more fill level thresholds.

It should also be understood that the filling level sensor 160 may generally correspond to any suitable sensor capable of detecting the filling level of the blanks contained in the lower storage hopper 51. For example, in one embodiment, fill level sensor 160 may correspond to one or more contact sensors, such as one or more pressure sensors, load sensors, and/or the like. In such embodiments, the contact-based fill level sensor may be configured to be positioned within the lower storage hopper 51 at or near a fill level corresponding to the associated fill level threshold, thereby allowing the sensor to provide an indication as to when the actual billet fill level within the lower storage hopper 51 meets and/or exceeds the predetermined fill level threshold. In another embodiment, fill level sensor 160 may correspond to one or more non-contact sensors, such as one or more optical-based sensors (e.g., IR beam sensors, cameras, LIDAR sensors, or other laser ranging sensors), one or more acoustic-based sensors (e.g., ultrasonic sensors), one or more radar sensors, and/or the like. In such embodiments, the non-contact based fill level sensor may be positioned at any suitable location within the lower storage hopper 51 that allows the sensor to detect the fill level of the blanks relative to one or more fill level thresholds.

As will be described in greater detail below, the fill level sensor 160 may be communicatively coupled to an associated system controller 202 (fig. 7), for example via a communication link 226 (fig. 7), thereby allowing the controller 202 to receive sensor data or signals from the fill level sensor 160. In this way, based on the data/signals received from the sensor 160, the controller 202 may determine when the fill level of the blanks within the lower storage hopper 51 reaches or exceeds a predetermined fill level threshold. For example, in one embodiment, a fill level threshold associated with a fill level that is lower than the level at which extractor fan 56 of primary extractor 54 is located may be selected, for example, by selecting a fill level threshold corresponding to a fill level defined at or near the top of lower storage hopper 51. In such embodiments, the fill level sensor 160 may be used to provide an indication that the blank fill level has reached a height at which the blank may contact or otherwise interfere with the operation of the extractor fan 56. Additionally, in response to determining that the blank fill level has reached/exceeded the fill level threshold, the controller 202 may also be configured to initiate one or more related control actions, such as by stopping or adjusting operation of the harvesting system 19 and/or the extractor fan 56 and/or initiating any other suitable control action (e.g., initiating inter-vehicle communication with an individual vehicle (such as an associated receiver)).

Referring now to fig. 2 and 3, a side view of the distal portion of the elevator assembly 52 shown in fig. 1 is shown, in particular illustrating the upper storage hopper 100 located near the distal end 64 of the elevator 60, in accordance with aspects of the present invention. In particular, fig. 2 shows the hopper door 102 of the upper storage hopper 100 in its discharge position to allow the harvester 10 to operate in its discharge harvesting mode. Similarly, fig. 3 shows the hopper door 102 of the upper storage hopper 100 in its storage position to allow the harvester 10 to operate in its storage harvesting mode.

In some embodiments, the upper storage hopper 100 may be positioned at or near the distal end 64 of the elevator 60 such that blanks discharged from the distal end 64 of the elevator 60 fall downwardly into the upper storage hopper 100. For example, as shown in fig. 2 and 3, the upper storage hopper 100 may extend downwardly from the elevator housing 58 such that the upper hopper 100 includes a bottom side 108 that is vertically spaced from the elevator housing 58 at a location below the distal end 64 of the elevator 60 and a rear side 110 that is positioned below the secondary extractor 78 (fig. 2).

In some embodiments, the upper storage hopper 100 may include a hopper door 102 movable along a bottom side 108 of the upper hopper 100 and a rear deflector 112 movable relative to a rear side 110 of the upper hopper 100. The upper storage hopper 100 may also include a pair of side walls 114 (only one of which is shown) that extend outwardly from the elevator housing 58 to the bottom and rear sides 110, 112 of the upper hopper 100. Further, as shown in fig. 2 and 3, the upper storage hopper 100 may include a front deflector 116 spaced forward of the rear side 110 of the upper hopper 100. In one embodiment, the discharge opening 82 of the elevator assembly 52 may be defined along the bottom side 108 of the upper hopper 100 between the front deflector 116 and the rear deflector 112.

As described above, the hopper door 102 may be configured to move between a discharge position (fig. 2) and a storage position (fig. 3). Additionally, in one embodiment, the rear deflector 112 is movable between an open position (fig. 2) and a closed position (fig. 3). In some embodiments, when it is desired to operate the harvester 10 in its discharge harvesting mode, the hopper gate 102 can be moved to its discharge position, and then the deflector 112 can be moved to its open position. For example, as shown in fig. 2, when in the discharge position, the hopper door 102 may be moved away from the rear side 110 of the upper hopper 100 (e.g., in the direction of arrow 118) to expose the discharge opening 82 defined between the front and rear deflectors 116, 112 along the bottom side 108 of the upper hopper 100. Similarly, as shown in fig. 2, when in the open position, the rear deflector 112 may pivot relative to the rear side 110 of the upper hopper 100, away from the hopper door 102 and the front deflector 116 (e.g., an arrow along directional arrow 120) to enlarge the discharge opening 82. In this manner, the harvested crop discharged from the distal end 64 of the lifter 60 may fall through the discharge opening 82 and thus may be discharged from the lifter assembly 52.

In addition, when it is desired to operate the harvester 10 in its stored harvesting mode, the hopper door 102 can be moved to its stored position, and then the deflector 112 can be moved to its closed position. For example, as shown in fig. 3, when in the storage position, the hopper door 102 may be moved toward the rear side 110 of the upper hopper 100 (e.g., in the direction of arrow 122) to cover the discharge opening 82 defined along the bottom side 108 of the upper hopper 100. Similarly, as shown in fig. 3, when in the closed position, the rear deflector 112 may pivot (e.g., in the direction of arrow 124) relative to the rear side 110 of the upper hopper 100 toward the hopper door 102 and the front deflector 116 until the rear deflector 112 contacts the hopper door 102 or is otherwise located directly adjacent to the hopper door 102. When the hopper door 102 and rear deflector 112 are in such a position, the upper storage hopper 100 may be configured to define a storage volume 104 for storing harvested crop discharged from the distal end 64 of the elevator 60. Specifically, as shown in fig. 3, the storage volume 104 may extend between a front end 126 defined by the front deflector 116 and a rear end 128 defined by the rear deflector 112. Additionally, the storage volume 104 may extend laterally between opposing sidewalls 114 of the upper hopper 100 and vertically between the distal end 64 of the elevator 60 and the hopper door 102. As a result, harvested crop discharged from the distal end 64 of the lifter 60 may fall onto the bottom of the storage volume 104 defined by the hopper door 102 and accumulate within the storage volume 104 between the front and rear deflectors 116, 112 and the opposing side walls 114.

It should be appreciated that the storage volume 104 defined by the upper storage hopper 100 may generally correspond to any suitable volume sufficient to store a desired amount of blanks within the upper hopper 100. However, in several embodiments, the upper storage hopper 100 may be configured such that the storage volume 104 is substantially equal to the maximum storage volume defined by the top span 70 of the elevator 60 (i.e., the top side of the elevator 60 along which the blanks are transported between the proximal and distal ends 62, 64 of the elevator). As used herein, a storage volume 104 defined by the upper storage hopper 100 may be considered substantially equal to a maximum storage volume defined by the overhead hoist span 70 if the storage volume 104 is within +/-20% of the maximum storage volume defined by the overhead hoist span 70, such as within +/-10% of the maximum storage volume defined by the overhead hoist span 70, or within +/-5% of the maximum storage volume defined by the overhead hoist span 70, and/or within any other subrange therebetween.

Additionally, it should be understood that in other embodiments, the rear deflector 112 may not be movable, but may be fixed or stationary. In such embodiments, only the hopper gate 102 may be configured to move to switch operation of the harvester 10 between its discharging and storing harvesting modes. For example, when it is desired to operate the harvester 10 in its stored harvesting mode, the hopper gate 102 may be moved toward the fixed rear deflector 112 to a storage position where the hopper gate 102 contacts the deflector 112 or is otherwise positioned directly adjacent to the deflector 112. Similarly, when it is desired to operate the harvester 10 in its discharge harvesting mode, the hopper door 102 may be moved away from the rear deflector 112 to expose the discharge opening 82 of the riser assembly 52.

As shown in fig. 2 and 3, in several embodiments, the elevator assembly 52 may include a gate actuator 130 configured to move the hopper gate 102 between its discharge and storage positions. In general, the door actuator 130 may correspond to any suitable actuation mechanism and/or device. For example, in one embodiment, the gate actuator 140 may include a rack and pinion assembly for moving the hopper gate 102 between its discharge and storage positions. Specifically, as shown in fig. 2 and 3, the hopper door 102 may include a rack 132 configured to engage a corresponding drive gear 134 coupled to a motor 136 (e.g., an electric or hydraulic motor powered by a vehicle hydraulic system). In such embodiments, the hopper door 102 may be linearly actuated (e.g., as indicated by arrows 118, 122) between its discharge and storage positions by rotationally driving the drive gear 134 in one direction or the other via the motor 136. Alternatively, the door actuator 130 may correspond to any other suitable actuation mechanism and/or device, such as any other suitable linear actuator (e.g., an air cylinder) and/or the like.

Additionally, in several embodiments, the lifter assembly 52 may include a deflector actuator 138 configured to move the rear deflector 112 between its open and closed positions. In general, deflector actuator 138 may correspond to any suitable actuation mechanism and/or device. For example, in one embodiment, the deflector actuator 138 may correspond to a linear actuator, such as a fluid-driven pneumatic cylinder actuator or an electric actuator (e.g., a solenoid-activated actuator). Specifically, as shown in fig. 2 and 3, the deflector actuator 138 may be coupled to a portion of the riser housing 58 and/or a portion of the secondary extractor 78, and may include a drive rod 140 secured to a portion of the rear deflector 112. In such embodiments, the rear deflector 112 can be pivoted between its open and closed positions relative to the rear side 110 of the upper hopper 100 by linearly actuating the drive rod 140 in one direction or the other. Alternatively, the deflector actuator 138 may correspond to any other suitable actuation mechanism and/or device, such as any other suitable linear actuator (e.g., a gear and rack assembly) and/or the like.

It should be understood that, in several embodiments, the operation of door actuator 130 and/or deflector actuator 138 may be configured to be electronically controlled via controller 202 of harvester 10. For example, as shown in fig. 2 and 3, the controller 202 may be communicatively coupled to the door actuator 130 and the deflector actuator 138 via one or more communication links 144, such as wired and/or wireless connections. Where the gate actuator 130 and/or the deflector actuator 138 correspond to fluid-driven components, the controller 202 may instead be communicatively coupled to suitable electronically controlled valves and/or other suitable fluid-related components for controlling the operation of the actuators 130, 138. Regardless, by providing the disclosed communication link between controller 202 and actuators 130, 138, controller 202 may be configured to control operation of actuators 130, 138 based on input received from an operator of harvester 10. For example, as will be described below, controller 202 may be configured to receive operator inputs associated with a desired operating mode of harvester 10. In particular, the operator may provide an operator input indicating a desire to switch operation of the harvester 10 from the discharge harvesting mode to the storage harvesting mode. In this case, the controller 202 may be configured to electronically control operation of the actuators 130, 138 to move the hopper door 102 to its storage position and to move the rear deflector 112 to its closed position. Similarly, if the operator provides operator input indicating a desire to switch operation of the harvester 10 from the stored harvesting mode back to the discharged harvesting mode, the controller 202 may be configured to electronically control operation of the actuators 130, 138 to move the hopper door 102 to its discharge position and to move the rear deflector 112 to its open position.

Still referring to fig. 2 and 3, in several embodiments, a sealing device 150 may be provided at the top end of the front deflector 112 for sealing a gap defined between the front deflector 116 and the paddle 68 of the lifter 60 as the paddle 68 is conveyed through the deflector 116. For example, in one embodiment, the sealing device 150 may correspond to a flexible sealing member, such as a brush seal or an elastomeric seal. In such embodiments, the sealing device 150 may be configured to bend or flex as the paddle 68 is conveyed past the front deflector 116. By providing the sealing arrangement 150, the stock stored within the storage volume 104 of the upper hopper 100 when the harvester 10 is operating in its stored harvesting mode may be prevented from tumbling over the top of the front deflector 116 and/or being pulled back below the bottom span of the lifter 60 via the passing paddles 68.

Referring now to fig. 4-6, several views of one embodiment of a particular sensor configuration that may be used for one or more fill level sensors 160 described above with reference to fig. 1 are shown, in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter. In particular, fig. 4-6 show embodiments of a contact-based sensor configuration for the fill level sensor 160. However, in other embodiments, the disclosed fill level sensor 160 may have any other suitable sensor configuration, including any other suitable contact-based sensor configuration and/or any other suitable non-contact based sensor configuration.

As particularly shown in fig. 4 and 5, the fill level sensor 160 generally corresponds to a sensor assembly that includes a sensor housing 162 and a sensor element 164 configured to be coupled to or otherwise supported by the sensor housing 162. In addition, the fill level sensor 160 includes a cover plate 166 configured to extend over the sensor element 164 and at least partially cover the sensor element 164. In this regard, the cover plate 166 may shield or otherwise protect the sensor element 164 from contact with the blank to prevent the blank from damaging the sensor element 164. As will be described in more detail below, the sensor 160 may be configured to be mounted relative to the lower storage hopper 51 such that an exterior side 168 (fig. 5) of the cover plate 166 is exposed to the blanks contained within the hopper 51. In this way, the inner side 170 (fig. 5) of the cover plate 166 may be pressed or pushed into contact with the sensor element 164 when the stock begins to contact or accumulate on the cover plate 166 as it reaches a fill level associated with the mounting height of the sensor 160 within the hopper 51. Based on this contact, the sensor element 164 may output a signal indicating that the blank filling level has reached the mounting height of the filling level sensor 160 in the lower storage hopper 51. Upon receiving the signal, the associated controller 202 may then be configured to initiate a suitable control action, such as by stopping or regulating operation of the harvesting system 19 and/or the extractor fan 56 and/or initiating any other suitable control action (e.g., initiating inter-vehicle communication with an individual vehicle, such as an associated receiver).

In general, the sensor housing 162 may have any suitable configuration that allows it to function as described herein. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the sensor housing 162 can include or define various features for mounting the sensor 160 within the lower storage hopper 51 and/or for housing the sensor element 164 and/or the cover plate 166. For example, as particularly shown in fig. 5, the sensor housing 162 may define fastener openings 172 (only two of which are shown) at locations around its outer periphery for receiving mechanical fasteners (not shown) for coupling the housing 162 within and/or relative to the lower storage hopper 51. Further, as shown in fig. 5, a recessed area 174 may be defined relative to an outer surface 176 of the sensor housing 162 that is configured to receive the cover plate 166. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the recessed area 174 is generally square to match the shape of the cover plate 166. As described below, the sensor housing 162 may also include various other features for coupling the cover plate 166 to the housing 162 and/or for positioning the cover plate 166 relative to the sensor element 164, such as by defining one or more pivot openings 178 for receiving respective pivot posts 180 of the cover plate 166 and/or one or more tab openings 182 for receiving respective tabs 184 of the cover plate 166.

Further, as shown in fig. 5, the sensor housing 162 may also include an opening 186 defined in the center of the recessed area 174 through which a portion of the sensor member 164 extends when the sensor member 164 is coupled to or otherwise supported by the housing 162. For example, as shown in the cross-sectional view of fig. 6, a portion of the sensor element 164 may extend through the opening 186 such that a sensor membrane or active sensing portion 188 of the sensor element 164 is positioned forward of a bottom surface 190 of the recessed area 174 of the sensor housing 162.

4-6, in several embodiments, the cover plate 166 may generally include a base plate 191 and corresponding ribs or contact protrusions 192 extending outwardly from the base plate 191. As shown in fig. 5, in one embodiment, the base plate 191 may have a planar profile that defines a shape that substantially matches the shape of the recessed area 174 of the sensor housing 162, thereby allowing the base plate 191 to be received within the recessed area 174 when the cover plate 166 is assembled relative to the sensor housing 162. Additionally, the contact protrusion 192 may generally be configured to extend from the base plate 191 such that when the base plate 191 is received within the recessed area 174, the protrusion 192 protrudes outwardly from the recessed area 174, at least partially beyond the outer surface 176 of the sensor housing 162. For example, as shown in the cross-sectional view of fig. 6, the contact protrusion 192 extends from the base plate 191 such that an outer portion 193 of the protrusion 192 protrudes outward a given lateral distance 194 relative to the outer surface 176 of the sensor housing 162. In such embodiments, by ensuring that a portion of the contact protrusion 192 is exposed or protrudes relative to the outer surface 176 of the sensor housing 162, when the fill level of the blank reaches the position of the fill level sensor 160, the blank may be configured to contact the protrusion 192 regardless of its orientation within the lower storage hopper 51, thereby allowing the blank to activate or otherwise urge the cover plate 166 into and/or against the sensor film or active sensing portion 188 of the sensor element 164.

Additionally, as shown in fig. 5, the cover plate 166 may also include a pair of pivot posts 180 extending outwardly from opposite sides of the base plate 191 and configured to be received within corresponding post openings 178 (one of which is shown) defined in the sensor housing 162. For example, as shown in fig. 5, a post opening 178 is defined in the sensor housing 162 along the side of the recessed area 174. As such, when the cover plate 166 is mounted relative to the sensor housing 162, the base plate 191 may be positioned within the recessed area 174 such that the pivot posts 180 are received within the pivot openings 178, thereby allowing the cover plate 166 to pivot relative to both the sensor housing 162 and the sensor element 164 supported thereby. For example, as will be described below, a bottom or lower portion of the cover plate 166 may be generally biased away from the bottom surface 190 of the recessed area 174 and the sensor element 164. However, when the fill level of the blanks within the lower storage hopper 51 reaches the level of the sensor 160, one or more blanks are caused to contact or press against the cover plate 166 (e.g., by contacting the protrusion 192), thereby urging the cover plate 166 toward the bottom surface 190 of the recessed area 174 and the sensor element 164 to allow the cover plate 166 to activate or trigger the sensor element 164.

Additionally, as shown in fig. 5, the cover plate 166 may further include a pair of offset tabs 184 (only one of which is shown) extending from the inner side 170 of the plate 166, the pair of offset tabs 184 configured to be received within corresponding tab openings 182 (one of which is shown) defined in the sensor housing 162. As shown in fig. 5, the tab opening 182 is defined through a bottom surface 190 of the recessed area 174. As such, when the cover plate 166 is installed relative to the recessed area 174, the tabs 184 may extend through the tab openings 182 to opposite sides of the housing 162. Further, as shown particularly in fig. 5, a biasing member 195 (e.g., a spring) may be configured to be received on each tab 184 such that when the tab 184 is received within the tab opening 182, the biasing member 195 is compressed between the cover plate 166 and the bottom surface 190 of the recessed area 174 of the sensor housing 162. In such embodiments, biasing member 195 may apply a biasing force to cover plate 166 that biases plate 166 away from bottom surface 190 of recessed area 174 and sensor element 164. To limit the pivotal movement of the cover plate 166 in this direction, a stop flange 196 may be provided at the end of each tab 184 that is configured to snap over a portion of the sensor housing 162 adjacent to each tab opening 182, as shown in fig. 5. Thus, the biasing force applied via biasing member 195 may be used to pivot cover plate 166 away from bottom surface 190 of recessed area 174 and sensor element 164 to a given range of rotation (e.g., less than 5 degrees) limited by the relative travel permitted between protrusion 184 and sensor housing 162 by associated stop flange 196.

As shown in the cross-sectional view of fig. 6, in one embodiment, the cover 166 may also include a sensor pad 197 extending outwardly from the inner side 170 thereof that is configured to contact a sensor film or active sensor portion 188 of the sensor element 164 when the cover 166 is pivoted toward the sensor element 164 due to contact with a blank within the lower storage hopper 51. For example, in the absence of a blank, the sensor pad 197 may be configured to be spaced apart from the active sensor portion 188 due to the biasing action of the biasing member 195. However, when one or more blanks come into contact with the cover 166, the cover 166 may pivot inward toward the sensor element 164, thereby pressing the sensor pad 197 against the associated active sensor portion 188 of the sensor element 164. In one embodiment, the sensor pad 197 may be formed of a relatively soft material (e.g., a soft rubber material) to prevent repeated contact between these components from damaging the active sensor portion 188.

It should be appreciated that the sensor membrane or active sensor portion 188 of the sensor element 164 may generally correspond to any suitable sensing device configured to detect contact with the sensor pad 197 as the cover plate 166 is pivoted toward the sensor element 164. For example, in one embodiment, the active sensor portion 188 may include or form part of a pressure sensor element configured to detect pressure exerted on the sensor element 164 via contact with the sensor pad 197. In another embodiment, the active sensor portion 188 may include or form a portion of any other suitable type of force or load based sensor element (e.g., a load cell) or any other suitable sensor element configured to detect contact between the sensor element 164 and the sensor pad 197.

It should also be understood that sensor element 164 may include an output interface 198 configured to be communicatively coupled to system controller 202 (e.g., via wired or wireless link 226 shown in fig. 7). As such, when the sensor membrane or active sensor portion 188 detects contact between the cover 166 and the sensor element 164, the sensor element 164 may be configured to send appropriate data and/or signals indicative of such contact to the controller 202. The controller 202 may then use the sensor data/signals to determine when the filling level of the blanks in the lower storage hopper 51 has reached or exceeded the associated filling level threshold.

Referring now to fig. 7, one embodiment of a system 200 for detecting crop levels within an on-board memory of an agricultural harvester is shown, in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter. In general, the system 200 will be described herein with reference to the harvester 10 described above with reference to fig. 1-3 and the fill level sensor 160 described with reference to fig. 4-6. However, it should be understood that the disclosed system 200 may generally be used with harvesters having any other suitable configuration and/or fill level sensors having any other suitable sensor configuration.

In several embodiments, system 200 may include a controller 202 and various other components configured to be communicatively coupled to and/or controlled by controller 202, such as one or more components for controlling the operating speed of elevator 60 (e.g., elevator motor 76), one or more components for actuating the hopper door and rear deflector (e.g., door actuator 130 and deflector actuator 138), one or more components of harvesting system 19 (e.g., base cutter assembly 42, feed roller assembly 44, motor/actuator of chopper assembly 50, and/or any other suitable component of harvesting system 19), one or more components of primary extractor 54 (e.g., motor/actuator of extractor fan 56), one or more sensors for monitoring one or more operating parameters of harvester 10 (e.g., flow sensor 204 and/or fill level sensor 160), and/or the like. As will be described in greater detail below, the controller 202 may be configured to control operation of the harvester 10 such that the harvester 10 operates normally in its discharge harvesting mode during which blanks discharged from the distal end 64 of the lifter 60 fall through the discharge opening 82 into an associated external storage device. However, upon receiving an input (e.g. an operator input), the controller 202 may be configured to switch the harvester to operate in its stored harvesting mode during which the hopper door 102 is moved to its stored position and the rear deflector 112 is moved to its closed position to allow for temporary storage of blanks within the storage volume 104 defined by the upper storage hopper 100. Additionally, the controller 202 may be configured to initially reduce the operating speed of the hoist 60 when switching to the stored harvest mode. Thereafter, controller 202 may be configured, for example, to actively adjust the elevator speed as needed or desired based on one or more monitored crop flow parameters of harvester 10 to match the elevator speed to the current or instantaneous cross mass flow or yield of harvester 10 to maximize storage capacity within elevator assembly 52 and upper storage hopper 100 while preventing elevator 60 from clogging. Furthermore, in one embodiment, when it is detected that the fill level of the billets within the lower storage hopper 51 has reached a given fill level threshold, the controller 202 may be configured to stop operation of the harvesting drum 19 and/or various components of the primary extractor 54 to prevent billets in the hopper 51 from interfering with operation of the primary extractor 54.

In general, the controller 202 may correspond to any suitable processor-based device, such as a computing device or any combination of computing devices. Thus, as shown in fig. 7, the controller 202 may generally include one or more processors 210 and associated memory devices 212 configured to perform various computer-implemented functions (e.g., performing the methods, steps, algorithms, calculations, and the like disclosed herein). As used herein, the term "processor" refers not only to integrated circuits included in the art in a computer, but also to controllers, microcontrollers, microcomputers, programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), application specific integrated circuits, and other programmable circuits. In addition, the memory 212 may generally include one or more memory elements, including, but not limited to, a computer-readable medium (e.g., random Access Memory (RAM)), a computer-readable non-volatile medium (e.g., flash memory), a magnetic disk, a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a magneto-optical disk (MOD), a Digital Versatile Disc (DVD), and/or other suitable storage elements. Such memory 212 may generally be configured to store information accessible by the processor 210, including data 214 that may be retrieved, manipulated, created, and/or stored by the processor 210, and instructions 216 that may be executed by the processor 210.

In several embodiments, the data 214 may be stored in one or more databases. For example, the memory 212 may include a parameter database 218 for storing data associated with one or more monitored parameters of the harvester 10, such as one or more crop flow parameters and/or a stock fill level within the lower storage hopper 51. As noted above, the crop flow parameter may generally correspond to any suitable operating parameter of the harvester 10 that provides an indication of or is otherwise related to the crop mass flow or yield of harvested material passing through the harvester 10, such as, for example, hydraulic pressure, operating torque, certain component positions, yield data, and/or the like. Accordingly, in several embodiments, sensor data associated with one or more such operating parameters may be stored within the crop flow parameter database 218.

As particularly shown in fig. 7, to allow the controller 202 to monitor the crop flow parameters, the controller 202 may be communicatively coupled to one or more crop flow sensors 204. As described above, the crop flow sensor 204 may generally correspond to any suitable sensor or sensing device configured to monitor a given crop flow parameter. For example, in one embodiment, the crop flow sensors 204 may correspond to one or more pressure sensors configured to monitor the fluid pressure of the hydraulic fluid supplied to one or more hydraulic motors of the vehicle hydraulic system via associated hydraulic circuits, such as those associated with the base cutter assembly 42, the feed roller assembly 44, and/or the chopper assembly 50. In another embodiment, crop flow sensor 204 may correspond to one or more torque sensors configured to monitor the operating torque of one or more rotating components of harvester 10, such as, for example, a hydraulic motor configured to rotationally drive the rotary blades of base cutter assembly 42, rollers 46, 48 of feed roller assembly 44, and/or chopper assembly 50. In another embodiment, crop flow sensor 204 may correspond to one or more position sensors configured to monitor the relative position of one or more harvester components, the position of which is dependent on the mass flow or crop yield of harvester 10. In yet another embodiment, the crop flow sensors 204 may correspond to one or more yield sensors configured to provide an indication of crop mass flow through the harvester 10.

Still referring to fig. 7, in several embodiments, the instructions 216 stored in the memory 212 of the controller 202 may be executed by the processor 210 to implement the exhaust harvesting module 220. In general, the ejector harvesting module 220 may be configured to control the operation of the harvester 10 such that the harvester 10 operates in its ejector harvesting mode. Specifically, to allow operation within the discharge harvesting mode, the controller 202 may be configured to control the relevant components of the harvester 10 (e.g., the gate actuator 130 and the deflector actuator 138) to ensure that the hopper gate 102 and the rear deflector 112 are moved to their associated discharge and open positions, respectively (e.g., as shown in fig. 2), thereby allowing blanks discharged from the distal end 64 of the lifter 60 to fall through the upper storage hopper 100 and be discharged from the lifter assembly 52 via the discharge opening 82. The billets discharged from the elevator assembly 52 may then fall into an external storage device, such as a cane billet wagon. Additionally, when operating in the eject harvest mode, the controller 202 may be configured to control operation of the elevator 60 (e.g., through control of the elevator motor 76) such that the elevator 60 operates at a given elevator speed. As described below, the elevator speed for the exhaust harvesting mode may be greater than the elevator speed used when operating in the storage harvesting mode.

Additionally, as shown in fig. 6, instructions 216 stored in the memory 212 of the controller 202 may also be executed by the processor 210 to implement a store harvest module 222. In general, the stored harvesting module 222 may be configured to control the operation of the harvester 10 such that the harvester 10 operates in its stored harvesting mode. Specifically, to allow operation in the storage harvesting mode, the controller 202 may be configured to control the relevant components of the harvester 10 (e.g., the gate actuator 130 and the deflector actuator 138) to ensure that the hopper gate 102 and the rear deflector 112 are moved to their associated storage and closed positions, respectively (e.g., as shown in fig. 3), to cover or block the discharge opening 82 of the upper storage hopper 100, thereby allowing stock discharged from the distal end 64 of the elevator 60 to be stored within the storage volume 104 defined by the upper storage hopper 100. In addition, the controller 202 may be configured to reduce the operating speed of the elevator 60 while covering or blocking the discharge opening 82 (or immediately before or after such control action). For example, when the stored harvest mode is initiated, the controller 202 may be configured to reduce the operating speed of the hoist from its normal operating speed to a preset or predetermined default hoist speed setting. The speed setting may, for example, correspond to a manufacturer-defined setting and/or an operator-defined setting. Additionally, the default speed setting may be adjusted by the operator as desired or needed to fine tune such default speed setting based on the expected or desired rate of dump of harvester 10.

It should be appreciated that in one embodiment, the default speed setting may generally correspond to a given percentage of the normal operating speed of the elevator 60 during operation in the discharge harvest mode. For example, in one embodiment, the default lifter speed setting for the storage harvest mode may correspond to a speed that is less than about 75% of the normal operating speed of the lifter 60 during operation in the discharge harvest mode, such as a speed in the range of about 10% to about 50% of the normal operating speed and/or in the range of about 10% to about 25% of the normal operating speed.

In several embodiments, once the operating speed of the elevator 60 has decreased to the default speed setting, the stored harvest module 222 may be configured to continuously monitor a crop flow parameter of the harvester 10 (e.g., via the crop flow sensor 204) to detect changes in the crop mass flow through the harvester 10. Thereafter, the storage harvesting module 222 may be configured to actively adjust the operating speed of the riser 60 when it is determined that a change in crop mass flow has occurred. For example, if it is determined based on the monitor crop flow parameter that the crop mass flow through the harvester 10 has increased, the store harvest module 222 can be configured to increase the operating speed of the elevator (e.g., by controlling the elevator motor 76). Similarly, if it is determined based on the monitor crop flow parameter that the crop mass flow through the harvester 10 has decreased, the store harvest module 222 can be configured to decrease the operating speed of the hoist 60 (e.g., by controlling the hoist motor 76). In doing so, the magnitude of the elevator speed adjustment made by the controller 202 may vary, for example, based on the magnitude of the detected change in crop mass flow.

It should be appreciated that in one embodiment, the stored harvest module 222 may be configured to initiate a transition between operating modes when the controller 202 receives operator input related to transitioning operation of the harvester 10 from its drained harvest mode to its stored harvest mode. For example, as described above, it may be desirable to operate the harvester 10 in its storage harvesting mode when the associated external storage device is not properly positioned relative to the discharge opening 82 to collect discharged billets, such as when rotating the billet wagon and/or turning/resuming harvesting at the tail of a row without the billet wagon in place. In such a case, the operator may be permitted to provide appropriate operator input to the controller 202 to indicate a desire to switch operation of the harvester 10 to the stored harvesting mode. For example, suitable input devices (e.g., buttons, knobs, joysticks, switches, etc.) may be provided within the operator compartment 18 to allow an operator to provide operator inputs to the controller 202. Alternatively, the stored harvest module 222 may be configured to initiate a transition between operating modes when the controller 202 receives any other suitable input related to transitioning operation of the harvester 10 from its discharged harvest mode to its stored harvest mode. For example, the controller 202 may be configured to receive a vehicle-to-vehicle communication indicating that the associated external storage device is about to leave or is not properly positioned relative to the harvester 10. In this case, after receiving the input, the controller 202 may be configured to initiate a stored harvest mode of the harvester.

In several embodiments, the storage harvesting module 222 may be configured to continue operation of the lift 60 at a reduced operating speed when the lift 60 moves a transport distance corresponding to the distance of the overhead lift span. Specifically, in several embodiments, when operating in the storage harvesting mode, the elevator 60 may operate at a reduced operating speed until the elevator 60 moves half of its total travel distance (i.e., the delivery distance defined along the top span 70 between the proximal and distal ends 62, 64 of the elevator 60). In doing so, as the elevator 60 moves such a transport distance, the blanks initially contained within the overhead elevator span 70 may be dumped into the storage volume 104 of the upper hopper 100 while simultaneously filling the paddles 68 entering the overhead elevator span 70 to their maximum fill level.

Thereafter, in one embodiment, once the elevator 60 has moved a particular transport distance, operation of the elevator 60 is stopped. Specifically, once the elevator 60 has moved along the top span 70 of the elevator 60 a conveyance distance defined between its proximal and distal ends 62, 64 (thereby allowing the storage hopper 100 and the top elevator span 70 to fill with blanks), operation of the elevator may be interrupted. For example, the elevator 60 may be automatically stopped by the controller 202 of the vehicle (e.g., by controlling operation of the elevator motor 76). In this embodiment, controller 202 may be configured to determine when elevator 60 has moved a particular transport distance by monitoring the time elevator 60 is operating at its reduced speed and/or by monitoring the actual distance elevator 60 has transported.

Further, in one embodiment, after operation of the lifters 60 is stopped, the remainder of the harvester 10 (including the harvesting system 19 and/or the primary extractor 54) may remain operational to allow harvested crop to accumulate in the lower storage hopper 51 of the harvester 10. In particular, upon stopping the elevator 60, the storage harvesting module 222 may be configured to continue normal operation of the harvesting system 19 and the primary extractor 54 until it is detected that the fill level of the blanks within the lower storage hopper 51 has reached a given fill level threshold. For example, using the sensor configuration described above with reference to fig. 4-6, the fill level sensor 160 may be configured to send sensor data/signals to the storage harvesting module 222 when the blank fill level reaches and exceeds the installed position of the sensor 160. In this case, based on the sensor data/signals received from the fill level sensor 160, the store harvest module 222 may determine that the blank fill level has reached a predetermined fill level threshold (e.g., an acceptable fill level before the blank contacts or otherwise interferes with the operation of the extractor fan 56).

It should be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, the controller 202 may be configured to monitor the fill level of the stock within the lower storage hopper 51 relative to a given fill level threshold at any other suitable time during operation of the harvester 10. For example, in one embodiment, the storage harvesting module 222 may monitor the fill level of the blanks within the lower storage hopper 51 while the elevator 60 is operating at a reduced operating speed.

Once it is determined that the billet fill level has reached the predetermined fill level threshold, the store harvest module 222 may initiate one or more control actions. For example, in one embodiment, the storage harvesting module 222 provides a visual or audible warning to an operator of the harvester 10 to indicate that the stock fill level within the lower storage hopper 51 has reached a predetermined fill level threshold. In this embodiment, after the threshold is reached, the storage harvest module 222 may continue normal operation of the harvesting system 19 and the primary extractor 54. In another embodiment, the storage harvesting module 222 may stop or interrupt operation of various components of the harvesting system 19 to prevent further billets from being discharged into the lower storage hopper 51. For example, in this embodiment, the storage harvesting module 222 may stop or interrupt operation of the base cutter assembly 42 to prevent further cane from being cut, may stop operation of the feed roller assembly 44 to prevent further cane from being delivered to the chopper assembly 50, and/or may stop operation of the chopper assembly 50 to prevent further billets from being discharged into the lower storage hopper 51. However, it should be understood that in alternative embodiments, the stored harvesting module 222 may stop or interrupt operation of any other suitable component of the harvesting system 19. Furthermore, in another embodiment, the storage harvesting module 222 may stop or interrupt operation of the extractor fan 56 to prevent any stock in the lower storage bin 51 from contacting and damaging the fan 56 during operation thereof. Further, in another embodiment, the storage harvesting module 222 may stop or interrupt forward travel of the harvester 10 to prevent the harvester 10 from harvesting additional sugar cane.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the store harvest module 222 may initiate any suitable combination of the aforementioned control actions when it is determined that the stock fill level has reached the predetermined fill level threshold. For example, in one embodiment, the stored harvesting module 222 may provide a visual or audible warning to an operator of the harvester 10 and also stop or interrupt operation of the harvesting system 19 when it is determined that the stock fill level has reached a predetermined fill level threshold.

It should be appreciated that in some embodiments, when relying on sensor data from one or more fill level sensors 160 to detect the fill level of a blank within the lower storage hopper 51, the controller 202 may be configured to temporarily ignore or filter out temporary and/or transient signals received from the fill level sensors 160, which may indicate that a blank bounces into the sensors 160 or otherwise temporarily contacts the sensors 160 before the actual blank fill level reaches an associated fill level threshold. In such embodiments, the controller 202 may, for example, be configured to monitor and compare the signals received from the fill level sensor 160 over time in order to determine whether the stock fill level has in fact reached a predetermined fill level threshold. For example, if the sensor 160 triggers continuously for a given period of time (e.g., 1-2 seconds), or detects a billet at a fill level threshold more than a given number of times within that period of time, the controller 202 may determine that the sensor 160 has detected that the billet fill level has reached the fill level threshold, as opposed to detecting a false trigger when a billet bounces off of the sensor 160 or temporarily contacts the sensor 160.

Further, as shown in fig. 7, controller 202 may also include a communication interface 224 to provide a means for controller 202 to communicate with any of the various other system components described herein. For example, one or more communication links or interfaces 226 (e.g., one or more data buses) may be provided between the communication interface 224 and the crop flow sensor 204 and/or the fill level sensor 160 to allow the controller 202 to receive measurement signals from the sensors 204, 160. Similarly, one or more communication links or interfaces 228 (e.g., one or more data buses) may be provided between the communication interface 224 and the base cutter assembly 42, the feed roller assembly 44, and the chopper assembly 50 (and/or associated components configured to control the operation of the assemblies 42, 44, 50, such as associated control valves) to allow the operation of such components to be controlled by the controller 202. Similarly, one or more communication links or interfaces 230 (e.g., one or more data buses) may be provided between the communication interface 224 and the extractor fan 56 (and/or associated components configured to control operation of the fan 56, such as an associated motor) to allow operation of the fan 56 to be controlled by the controller 202. Additionally, as described above, one or more communication links or interfaces 144 (e.g., one or more data buses) may be provided between the communication interface 224 and the elevator motor 76, the door actuator 130, and the deflector actuator 138 (and/or associated components configured to control operation of the motor/ actuators 76, 130, 138, such as associated control valves) to allow operation of these components to be controlled by the controller 202.

Referring now to fig. 8, a flow diagram of one embodiment of a method 300 for detecting crop levels within an on-board memory of an agricultural harvester is shown, in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter. In general, the method 300 will be described herein with reference to the embodiment of the harvester 10 described above with reference to fig. 1-3, the embodiment of the fill level sensor 160 described above with reference to fig. 4-6, and the system 200 described above with reference to fig. 7. However, it should be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the disclosed method 300 may generally be implemented with any harvester having any suitable harvester configuration, any fill level sensor having any suitable sensor configuration, and/or within any system having any suitable system configuration. Additionally, although fig. 8 depicts steps performed in a particular order for purposes of illustration and discussion, the methods discussed herein are not limited to any particular order or arrangement. Those skilled in the art who have the benefit of the disclosure provided herein will appreciate that various steps of the methods disclosed herein may be omitted, rearranged, combined, and/or modified in various ways without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

As shown in fig. 8, at (302), method 300 may include: the harvester is first operated in an eject harvesting mode such that the harvested crop is conveyed from the proximal end of the lifter to the distal end of the lifter and then ejected from the harvester through an ejection opening defined by the storage hopper. Specifically, as described above, when operating in the discharge harvesting mode, the hopper door 102 and rear deflector 112 may be moved to their associated positions shown in fig. 2 (e.g., a discharge position and an open position, respectively) to allow blanks discharged from the distal end 64 of the elevator 60 to fall through the upper storage hopper 100 and be discharged from the elevator assembly 52 through the discharge opening 82. The billets discharged from the elevator assembly 52 may then fall into an external storage device, such as a cane billet cart.

Additionally, at (304), the method 300 may include receiving an input related to switching operation of the harvester from its draining harvesting mode to its storing harvesting mode. For example, as described above, it may be desirable to operate the harvester 10 in its stored harvesting mode when the associated external storage device is not properly positioned relative to the discharge opening 82 to collect discharged billets, such as when rotating the billet wagon and/or turning/resuming harvesting at the tail of a row without the billet wagon in place. In such a case, the operator may be allowed to provide appropriate operator input to the controller 202 to indicate a desire to switch operation of the harvester 10 to the stored harvest mode. Alternatively, controller 202 may be configured to detect that the associated external storage device is not properly positioned relative to harvester 10 based on any other suitable input, such as based on input from a sensor configured to detect the location of the associated external storage device or input related to vehicle-to-vehicle communication.

Further, at (306), the method 300 may include reducing an operating speed of the elevator upon receiving the input. As described above, when operating in the storage harvesting mode, the controller 202 may be configured to reduce the operating speed of the hoist 60 (e.g., via control of the hoist motor 76) from its normal operating speed to a reduced speed setting. In several embodiments, such default speed settings may correspond to manufacturer-defined settings and/or operator-defined settings, and may be adjusted by an operator or automatically by controller 202 as needed or desired.

Still referring to fig. 8, at (308), the method 300 may include blocking or covering a discharge opening defined by the storage hopper upon receiving the input. Specifically, in several embodiments, when operating the harvester 10 in the storage harvesting mode, the hopper gate 102 can be configured to move to its storage position and the rear deflector 112 can be configured to move to its closed position such that the upper storage hopper 100 defines a storage volume 104 for receiving blanks discharged from the distal end 64 of the elevator 60. As described above, the controller 202 may be configured to automatically move the hopper door 102 and the rear deflector 112 to their respective positions upon receiving input indicating that the harvester 10 should operate in its stored harvesting mode. Such control operation may be performed simultaneously with the lowering of the operation speed of the lifter 60, or may be performed immediately before or after the adjustment of the lifter speed.

Further, at (310), the method 300 may include: operation of the lifter is stopped while continuing to operate the harvesting system of the harvester to allow harvested crop to accumulate in the lower storage hopper. Specifically, as described above, in several embodiments, during operation in the stored harvest mode, operation of the lift 60 may be stopped or interrupted at a given point (e.g., after a predetermined period of time and/or after the lift 60 has been conveyed a distance corresponding to the length of its top span 70). However, after stopping operation of the lifter 60, the remainder of the harvester 10 (including the harvesting system 19 and/or the primary extractor 54) may remain in operation to allow the harvester 10 to continue harvesting crop from the field. Such harvested crop may then be processed by the harvesting system 19 and subsequently accumulated in the lower storage hopper 51.

Further, at (312), the method 300 may include: the fill level of the harvested crop in the lower storage hopper is monitored relative to a predetermined fill level threshold. In particular, as described above, the controller 202 may be configured to monitor the filling level of the blanks contained within the lower storage hopper 51 relative to a predetermined filling level threshold via data/signals received from the filling level sensor 160 when the elevator 60 is stopped. In such a case, upon determining that the stock fill level has reached and/or exceeded the associated fill level threshold, the controller 202 may be configured to initiate appropriate control actions, such as by notifying an operator of the harvester 10, stopping operation of one or more components of the harvesting system 19 and/or the primary extractor 54, and/or stopping operation of the entire harvester 10. Such control action may prevent the discharge of billets into the lower storage hopper 51 and/or interfere with the operation of the extractor fan 56.

Referring now to fig. 9, a flow diagram of another embodiment of a method 400 for detecting crop levels within an on-board memory of an agricultural harvester is shown, in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter. In general, the method 400 will be described herein with reference to the embodiment of the harvester 10 described above with reference to fig. 1-3, the embodiment of the fill level sensor 160 described above with reference to fig. 4-6, and the system 200 described above with reference to fig. 7. However, it should be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the disclosed method 400 may generally be implemented with any harvester having any suitable harvester configuration, any fill level sensor having any suitable sensor configuration, and/or within any system having any suitable system configuration. Additionally, although fig. 9 depicts steps performed in a particular order for purposes of illustration and discussion, the methods discussed herein are not limited to any particular order or arrangement. Those skilled in the art who have the benefit of the disclosure provided herein will appreciate that various steps of the methods disclosed herein may be omitted, rearranged, combined, and/or modified in various ways without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

As shown in fig. 9, at (402), the method 400 may include: the harvester is operated such that the harvested crop is conveyed from the proximal end of the lifter to the distal end of the lifter and then discharged from the distal end of the lifter into or through an upper storage hopper positioned adjacent the distal end of the lifter. Specifically, as described above, when operating in the discharge harvest mode, the harvested crop is conveyed from the proximal end 62 of the lifter 60 to the distal end 64 of the lifter 60, and then discharged from the distal end 64 of the lifter 60 via the discharge opening 82 into or through the upper storage hopper 100 positioned adjacent the distal end 64 of the lifter 60. The billets discharged from the elevator assembly 52 may then fall into an external storage device, such as a cane billet wagon.

At (404), the method 400 may include: the fill level of the harvested crop in the storage hopper is monitored relative to a predetermined fill level threshold while the elevator is operating at a reduced operating speed. In particular, as described above, when a harvested crop is transferred from the lower storage hopper 51 to the upper storage hopper 100, the controller 202 may be configured to monitor the fill level of the billets contained within the lower storage hopper 51 relative to a predetermined fill level threshold via data/signals received from the fill level sensor 160.

Further, at (406), the method 400 may include: a control action is initiated when the monitored fill level of the harvested crop in the lower storage hopper reaches or exceeds a predetermined fill level threshold. In particular, as described above, the controller 202 may be configured to initiate a suitable control action when it is determined that the blank fill level has reached and/or exceeded the associated fill level threshold. For example, in one embodiment, the control action may correspond to adjusting the operating speed of the elevator 60, e.g., increasing its operating speed, so that blanks are removed from the lower storage hopper 51 at a faster rate. However, it should be understood that the control action may correspond to notifying an operator of harvester 10, stopping operation of one or more components of harvesting system 19 and/or primary extractor 54, stopping operation of the entire harvester 10, and/or any other suitable control action.

It should be understood that although the disclosed fill level sensor 160 is generally described herein in connection with operation of the harvester 10 in its stored harvesting mode, data/signals from the fill level sensor 160 may also be used when operating the harvester 10 in its discharged harvesting mode. For example, the fill level sensor 160 may be used to detect when a blank has begun to reverse in the lower storage hopper 51 even though the elevator 60 is currently operating to transfer the blank towards the upper storage hopper 100.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.

Claims (18)

1. A system for detecting crop levels within an on-board memory of an agricultural harvester, the system comprising:

a lifter extending between the proximal end and the distal end, the lifter configured to transport a harvested crop between the proximal end and the distal end thereof;

a storage hopper positioned near the proximal end of the elevator, the storage hopper defining a storage volume configured to receive a harvested crop prior to the harvested crop passing from the proximal end of the elevator to the distal end of the elevator; and

a fill level sensor disposed in operative association with the storage hopper, the fill level sensor configured to detect a fill level of a harvested crop contained within the storage volume of the storage hopper;

wherein the filling level sensor is mounted to the inside of a wall of the storage hopper;

wherein the fill level sensor comprises a contact sensor;

wherein the fill level sensor comprises a sensor element and a cover plate configured to at least partially cover the sensor element, the sensor element outputting a signal associated with a fill level of the harvested crop contained within the storage volume when the cover plate is pushed against the sensor element by contact with the dropped harvested crop; and is provided with

Wherein the fill level sensor further comprises a sensor housing configured to support the sensor element, the cover plate comprising a base plate and a contact protrusion extending outwardly from the base plate such that the contact protrusion at least partially protrudes beyond an outer surface of the sensor housing.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the cover plate is pivotably coupled to the sensor housing such that the cover plate can pivot toward and away from the sensor element.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the fill level sensor further comprises a biasing member configured to bias the cover away from the sensor element, the cover configured to pivot toward the sensor element against the bias of the biasing member when the harvested crop contacts against the cover.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the fill level sensor comprises a non-contact sensor.

5. The system of claim 1, further comprising a controller communicatively coupled to the fill level sensor, the controller configured to determine when a fill level of the harvested crop contained within the storage hopper reaches or exceeds a predetermined fill level threshold based on at least one signal received from the fill level sensor.

6. The system of claim 5, further comprising a harvesting system configured to harvest crop from a field through which the agricultural harvester passes, the controller being configured to stop operation of the harvesting system when the controller determines that a fill level of the harvested crop has reached or exceeded a predetermined fill level threshold.

7. The system of claim 5, further comprising a primary extractor configured to remove debris from the storage hopper, the controller configured to stop operation of the primary extractor when the controller determines that the fill level of the harvested crop has reached or exceeded a predetermined fill level threshold.

8. The system of claim 5, wherein the controller is configured to send a notification indicating that the storage hopper is at or near capacity when the controller determines that the fill level of the harvested crop has reached or exceeded a predetermined fill level threshold.

9. A method of detecting crop levels within an on-board memory of an agricultural harvester using the system of any one of claims 1-8, the harvester comprising a lifter assembly including a lifter extending between a proximal end and a distal end, the lifter assembly including an upper storage hopper positioned near the distal end of the lifter, the harvester further including a lower storage hopper positioned adjacent the proximal end of the lifter, the method comprising:

initially operating the harvester in a discharge harvesting mode such that harvested crop is conveyed from the proximal end of the lifter to the distal end of the lifter and subsequently discharged from the harvester through a discharge opening defined by the upper storage hopper;

upon receiving an input associated with operating the harvester in the storage harvesting mode, reducing an operating speed of the elevator and blocking an exit opening defined by the upper storage hopper such that harvested crop exiting a distal end of the elevator is stored within a storage volume of the upper storage hopper; and

the fill level of the harvested crop in the lower storage hopper is monitored relative to a predetermined fill level threshold.

10. The method of claim 9, further comprising: the operation of the lifter is stopped while continuing to operate the harvesting system of the harvester so that the harvested crop is accumulated in the lower storage hopper.

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising: when it is determined that the fill level has reached or exceeded the predetermined fill level threshold, operation of the harvesting system is stopped.

12. The method of claim 10, further comprising: when it is determined that the fill level has reached or exceeded the predetermined fill level threshold, operation of the primary extractor of the harvester is stopped.

13. The method of claim 9, further comprising: when it is determined that the fill level has reached or exceeded the predetermined fill level threshold, a notification is sent indicating that the lower storage hopper is at or near capacity.

14. The method of claim 9, wherein monitoring a fill level of a harvested crop comprises: sensor data or signals are received from a fill level sensor provided in operative association with the lower storage hopper.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein the fill level sensor comprises a contact sensor.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein the fill level sensor comprises a sensor element and a cover plate configured to at least partially cover the sensor element, the sensor element outputting a signal associated with a fill level of the harvested crop contained within the storage volume of the lower storage hopper when the cover plate is urged against the sensor element by contact with the harvested crop.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein the fill level sensor further comprises a sensor housing configured to support the sensor element, the cover plate being pivotably coupled to the sensor housing such that the cover plate is pivotable toward and away from the sensor element.

18. A method of detecting crop levels within an on-board memory of an agricultural harvester using the system of any of claims 1-8, the harvester including a lifter assembly including a lifter extending between a proximal end and a distal end, the lifter assembly including a lower storage hopper positioned adjacent the proximal end of the lifter, the method comprising:

operating the harvester such that the harvested crop passes from the proximal end of the lifter to the distal end of the lifter and is subsequently discharged from the distal end of the lifter into or through an upper storage hopper positioned adjacent the distal end of the lifter;

monitoring a fill level of the harvested crop in the lower storage hopper relative to a predetermined fill level threshold while the elevator is operating to transfer the harvested crop between the lower storage hopper and the upper storage hopper; and

a control action is initiated when the monitored fill level of harvested crop in the lower storage hopper reaches or exceeds a predetermined fill level threshold.

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