GB2468186A

GB2468186A - Harvesters and/or methods of harvesting using starwheels

Info

Publication number: GB2468186A
Application number: GB1000646A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Nicholson
Original assignee: Nicholson Machinery Ltd
Current assignee: Nicholson Machinery Ltd
Priority date: 2010-01-15
Filing date: 2010-01-15
Publication date: 2010-09-01
Anticipated expiration: 2030-01-15
Also published as: GB201000646D0; GB2468186B; WO2011086379A1

Abstract

A harvester or harvester unit suitable for fitting to a harvester for lifting a crop grown in the soil, comprises a supporting frame5, a plurality of rotatable members forming shafts8, 9 10, 12, 13, 14incorporating a plurality of axially disposed starwheels, the shafts being positioned to work beneath the surface of the soil; and said plurality of shafts being provided at progressively higher positions to raise the crop on a cushion of soil. The harvester may further comprise a first rotatable member8in the form of a rotating bar to sever the crop roots. There may be at least two types of shaft, a first shaft9, 10having a plurality of starwheels with relatively short, hard fingers and a second shaft12, 13, 14where the fingers of the starwheels are relatively long and flexible. Also disclosed is a method of harvesting using the afore described apparatus. The apparatus is suitable for lifting potatoes and onions.

Description

HARVESTERS, HARVESTER UNITS AND/OR METHODS OF HARVESTING

Field of the Invention

The invention relates to harvesters, harvester units and/or methods of harvesting.

Background to the Invention and Prior Art known to the Applicant One known prior art document is GB2222507 which discloses a lifting conveyor for a root crop or bulb harvester. It discloses a lifting conveyor which has at its forward most portion a share which is the only portion of the device which is said to engage below the surface of the soil in which a crop of, for example potatoes, would be located. Once the soil and potatoes travel up the conveyor they meet a succession of shafts with a plurality of starwheels, which are axially disposed. There is no substantial gap between the starwheel axes and the share. The starwheels are equipped with flexible fingers in order to engage both the crop and the soil as it is conveyed upwards. Furthermore, the angle of the conveyor is greater than 30 degrees relative to the ground. The function of the starwheel portions provided in the prior art is to break down clods and remove stones. Each one of the starwheel shafts are provided above the surface of the soil as shown in figure 1. The inherently flexible starwheel portions would not be suitable for engaging the soil beneath the surface of the soil, as these would rapidLy abrade.

A number of problems arise from employing this prior art configuration particularly in the context of a bulb harvester. One of these problems is that considerable damage to the crop would occur by employing the prior art succession of share and relatively aggressive shafts with starwheel portions. By employing the prior art configuration, damage occurs to the skins as the crop rotates over itself. Instead of using a share, one option could be to lower a chain below ground level however this results in damage to the chains.

Furthermore, by using a share as in the prior art, unwanted debris and clods will be raised.

Furthermore, the roots of onion crops for example would not necessarily be cut by a share.

Considerable damage is expected when using the combination of a share and a web due to the soft skins of onions or other similar crops. Furthermore, the starwheel portions of the prior art are relatively hard in order to enable stone and clod separation, which would damage a crop of soft skin onions.

Summary of the Invention

In a first broad independent aspect, the invention provides a harvest or harvester unit suitable for fitting to a harvester, comprising a supporting frame; a plurality of rotatable members forming shafts incorporating a plurality of axially disposed starwheels; said shafts being positioned to work beneath the surface of the soil; and said plurality of shafts being provided at progressively higher positions to raise said crop on a cushion of soil.

This configuration is particularly advantageous because the crop is protected by a cushion of soil. It is also particularly resistant to damage when compared to a prior art chain conveyor.

In a subsidiary aspect, the invention provides a first rotatable member in the form of a rotatable bar to first engage the soil below said crop; a second rotatable member to engage said soil forming a shaft incorporating a plurality of starwheels; and a space being provided between said first rotatable member and said second rotatable member. The provision of the rotatable bar reduces the likelihood of damage to a crop such as onions. It is particularly suited to cut through the roots of the crops in a clean manner. Furthermore, the provision of the space between the rotatable bar and the second rotatable member avoids undue damage to the rotatable shaft, which could otherwise arise from stones getting trapped between the rotatable bar and the rotatable shaft.

In a further subsidiary aspect, a succession of at least two kinds of shaft is provided; a first kind of shaft incorporating a plurality starwheels with relatively short fingers; and a second kind of shaft incorporating a plurality of starwheels with relatively long fingers. The provision of relatively short fingers reduces the climb and therefore the damage, which would otherwise occur to the crop. It allows the passage of the crop on top of a layer of soil, which may be typically 5cm to 8cm of soft soil acting as a cushion for the crop. The second kind of shaft with starwheels equipped with relatively long fingers allows the removal of the soil, which has benefits for the environment by returning the soil to the

field.

In a further subsidiary aspect, a third kind of shaft is provided in front of said first kind in the form of a rotatable bar. The provision of a rotatable bar allows a clean cut for the roots of the crop.

In a further subsidiary aspect, the short fingers of said first kind of shaft are relatively hard whilst the long fingers of said second kind of shaft are relatively flexible. The provision of the relatively hard fingers increases the durability of the shafts and reduces the wear and tear of the shafts, which are displaced, in use, below the surface of the soil. The relatively soft stars are advantageous in terms of removing the soil from the crop with minimal or no damage to the crop undergoing the process.

In a further subsidiary aspect, the relatively short fingers have a leading and a trailing edge, which are symmetrical about the axis of projection of said fingers. This is particularly advantageous for the shafts located upstream and which will be displaced, in use, below the surface of the soil. It will reduce their likely wear whilst allowing their rotation in the softened soil. In this configuration, the protrusions or fingers of these shafts encourage both the soil acting as a cushion and the crop located on the cushion to pass over them when rotated.

In a further subsidiary aspect, the relatively long fingers have a leading edge which is relatively convex and a trailing edge which is relatively concave. This configuration allows advantageous removal of soil.

In a further subsidiary aspect, at least one of said kinds of starwheels incorporates fingers which project from the shaft at an angle from a perpendicular axis relative to the axis of the rotatable member; said angle being in the opposite direction of the rotation of the rotatable member. This configuration is particularly advantageous in terms of reducing any potential damage during the lifting of the crop up the harvester.

In a further subsidiary aspect, the plurality of rotatable members form a rising path of an angle of between approximately 10 and 30 degrees relative to the horizontal axis. This relatively shallow range advantageously allows the rising of the crop of the harvester with minimum damage.

In a second broad independent aspect, the invention provides a method of harvesting comprising the steps of positioning a plurality of rotatable members forming shafts incorporating a plurality of axially disposed starwheels to engage the soil beneath its surface and below said crop; said plurality of shafts being provided at progressively higher positions; and raising said crop on a cushion of soil by rotating said starwheels as the harvester is displaced.

In a subsidiary aspect, the invention provides a method of harvesting which further comprises the steps of providing a succession of at least two kinds of shafts; a first kind of shaft incorporating a plurality of starwheels with relatively short fingers; a second kind of shaft incorporating a plurality of starwheels with relatively long fingers; rotating said first kind of shaft to displace said crop on a cushion of soil; and rotating said second kind of shaft to displace said crop and to remove at least in part said soil.

Brief description of the figures

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a harvester or harvester unit.

Figure 2 shows a plan view of the harvester or harvester unit.

Figure 3 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the succession of shafts located at the front part of the harvester or harvester unit.

Detailed description of the figures

Figure 1 shows a harvester unit generally referenced 1 with a chassis frame 2 supporting a number of wheels such as wheel 3. At the front of the harvester unit, there are provided a succession of shafts or axles, which will be described in detail with reference to Figure 3.

The shafts are supported between side panels 4 and 5 which define the edge of a path along which the soil and crop is lifted during harvesting. Immediately in front of the succession of shafts and acting as an extension to the side panels, there are provided triangular guides 6 and 7.

As shown in Figure 3, a number of the forward most shafts are configured to operate below the surface of the soil to carry the crop and soil. The first rotatable axle or shaft 8 is provided at the forward most portion of the harvester unit. Following from the rotatable shaft 8 in the downstream direction, a couple of shafts incorporating a plurality of starwheels with relatively short fingers or protrusions are provided. Shafts 9 and 10 are designed to lift the crop on a cushion of soil without the soil being filtered through these.

These shafts are formed of generally hard material in order to withstand wear. The overall diameter of the shafts with starwheels with short fingers is preferably no more than 10cm in diameter. The individual fingers or projections such as projection 11 incorporate a width which is substantially equal to their height. The projections are substantially triangular in shape and are substantially symmetrical about an imaginary axis projecting perpendicularly from the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The apex of the projection is preferably rounded to further minimise any risk of damage to the crop. The two shafts with relatively short fingers are preferably formed of a relatively hard plastics material to reduce wear as they rotate in softened soil. The position of the shafts is preferably such as to allow the passing of a layer of 5cm to 8cm of soft soil over the short stars. Neighbouring starwheel portions are closely contiguous to substantially prevent soil passing between the portions.

Directly behind or downstream from the short fingered shafts are fitted axles or shafts which incorporate starwheel portions with soft rubber fingers which are relatively long when compared to the previously described short fingers. It is envisaged to use preferably between six and twelve fingers for each starwheel portion. A combination of different axles such as shafts 12, 13 and 14 are successively employed. The combination of shafts will depend upon the soil in question, the combination of shafts of 12, 13, and 14 are designed to at least partially if not fully remove the soil. The diameter of these shafts is substantially greater than the diameter of the preceding shafts. In a preferred embodiment, the diameter may increase progressively from shaft to shaft in the downstream direction.

Both shaft 12 and shaft 13 incorporate starwheel portions with fingers configured with a convex leading edge 15 and a concave trailing edge 16. Shaft 14 incorporates an array of fingers with relatively straight leading and trailing edges referenced 17 and 18 respectively.

The fingers are inclined away from the direction of rotation. In other words, the fingers project from the shaft at an angle from a perpendicular axis relative to the axis of the rotatable member; said angle being in the opposite direction of the rotation of the rotatable member. The starwheel portions may incorporate between six and twelve fingers dependent upon the soil type and crop to be harvested. The rotatable members form a rising path of an angle of between approximately 10 and 30 degrees relative to the horizontal axis or ground level.

As shown in Figure 2, the individual starwheel portions such as starwheel portion 19 are interleaved between neighbouring starwheel portions such as starwheel portions 20 and 21. Each one of the shafts may be driven by a hydraulic motor such as hydraulic motor 22.

The hydraulic motors are fitted at alternate extremities of neighbouring shafts so as to provide gaps between neighbouring hydraulic motors. Whilst hydraulic motors have been employed, alternative configurations are envisaged such as chains, gears or belts, which may drive the shafts individually or collectively.

In summary, the harvester unit incorporates a plurality of pick-up shafts at the forward most portion of the unit with protrusions extending from the shaft centre so as to encourage the soil and crop to pass over them when rotated. The pick-up shafts are provided with protrusions, which are able to mesh with each other in order to reduce the possibility of debris wrapping around the shafts.

The forward most bar may be preferably hexagonal or square. The size of the square bar may be of 20 to 45mm across the flat side. The rotatable bar may be spaced horizontally and preferably but not necessarily verticaLly from the first pick-up shaft, the horizontal space between hexagonal or square bar and the first pick-up shaft ought to be at least 6cm. Advantageously, the pick-up shafts have resilient surfaces.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A harvester or harvester unit suitable for fitting to a harvester, comprising a supporting frame; a plurality of rotatable members forming shafts incorporating a plurality of axially disposed starwheels; said shafts being positioned to work beneath the surface of the soil; and said plurality of shafts being provided at progressively higher positions to raise said crop on a cushion of soil.
2. A harvester or harvester unit according to claim 1, comprising a first rotatable member in the form of a rotatable bar to first engage the soil below said crop; a second rotatable member to engage said soil forming a shaft incorporating a plurality of starwheels; and a space being provided between said first rotatable member and said second rotatable member.
3. A harvester or harvester unit according to claim 1, wherein a succession of at least two kinds of shafts is provided; a first kind of shaft incorporating a plurality of starwheels with relatively short fingers; and a second kind of shaft incorporating a plurality of starwheels with relatively long fingers.
4. A harvester or harvester unit according to claim 3, wherein a third kind of shaft is provided in front of said first kind in the form of a rotatable bar.
5. A harvester or harvester unit according to either claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the short fingers of said first kind of shaft are relatively hard whilst the long fingers of said second kind of shaft are relatively flexible.
6. A harvester or harvester unit according to any of claims 3, 4 or 5, wherein the relatively short fingers have a leading and a trailing edge which are symmetrical about the shaft of projection of said fingers.
7. A harvester or harvester unit according to any of claims 3, 4, 5 or 6, wherein the relatively long fingers have a leading edge which is relatively convex and a trailing edge which is relatively concave.
8. A harvester or harvester unit according to any of claims 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7, wherein at least one of said kinds of starwheels incorporates fingers which project from the shaft at an angle from a perpendicular axis relative to the axis of the rotatable member; said angle being in the opposite direction of the rotation of the rotatable member.
9. A harvester or harvester unit according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of rotatable members form a rising path of an angle of between approximately 10 and 30 degrees relative to the horizontal axis.
10. A harvester or harvester unit substantially as hereinbefore described and/or illustrated in any appropriate combination of the accompanying text and/or figures.
11. A method of harvesting comprising the steps of positioning a plurality of rotatable members forming shafts incorporating a plurality of axially disposed starwheels to engage the soil beneath its surface and below said crop; said plurality of shafts being provided at progressively higher positions; and raising said crop on a cushion of soil by rotating said starwheels as the harvester is displaced.
12. A method of harvesting according to claim 11, further comprising the steps of providing a succession of at least two kinds of shafts; a first kind of shaft incorporating a plurality of starwheels with relatively short fingers; and a second kind of shaft incorporating a plurality of starwheels with relatively long fingers; rotating said first kind of shaft to displace said crop on a cushion of soil; and rotating said second kind of shaft to displace said crop and to remove at least in part said soil.
13. A method of harvesting substantially as hereinbefore described and/or illustrated in any appropriate combination of the accompanying text and/or figures.Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows: 1. A harvester or harvester unit suitable for fitting to a harvester, comprising a supporting frame; a plurality of rotatable members forming shafts incorporating a plurality of axially disposed starwheels; said shafts being positioned to work beneath the surface of the soil; and said plurality of shafts being provided at progressively higher positions to raise the crop on a cushion of soil; wherein said plurality of rotatable members comprise a first rotatable member in the form of a rotatable bar to first engage the soil below said crop; and a second rotatable member to engage said soil forming a shaft incorporating a plurality of starwheets; a space being provided between said first rotatable member and said second rotatable member.2. A harvester or harvester unit according to claim 1, wherein a succession of at least two kinds of shafts is provided; a first kind of shaft incorporating a plurality of starwheels with relatively short fingers; and a second kind of shaft incorporating a plurality of starwheels with relatively long fingers.3. A harvester or harvester unit according to claim 2, wherein a third kind of shaft is provided in front of said first kind in the form of a rotatable bar.4. A harvester or harvester unit according to either claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the short fingers of said first kind of shaft are relatively hard whilst the long fingers of said second kind of shaft are relatively flexible. p a a...5. A harvester or harvester unit according to any of claims 2, 3 or 4, wherein the relatively short fingers have a leading and a trailing edge which are symmetrical about the shaft of projection of said fingers. S..I: 6. A harvester or harvester unit according to any of claims 2, 3, 4 or 5, wherein the relatively long fingers have a leading edge which is relatively convex and a trailing edge which is relatively concave.7. A harvester or harvester unit according to any of claims 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6, wherein at least one of said kinds of starwheels incorporates fingers which project from the shaft at an angle from a perpendicular axis relative to the axis of the rotatable member; said angle being in the opposite direction of the rotation of the rotatable member.8. A harvester or harvester unit according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of rotatable members form a rising path of an angle of between approximately 10 and 30 degrees relative to the horizontal axis.9. A harvester or harvester unit substantially as hereinbefore described and/or illustrated in the accompanying text and/or figures.10. A method of harvesting comprising the steps of positioning a plurality of rotatable members forming shafts incorporating a plurality of axially disposed starwheels to engage the soil beneath its surface and below the crop; said plurality of shafts being provided at progressively higher positions; said plurality of rotatable members comprising a first rotatable member in the form of a rotatable bar to first engage the soil below said crop; and a second rotatable member to engage said soil forming a shaft incorporating a plurality of starwheels; a space being provided between said first rotatable member and said second rotatable member; and raising said crop on a cushion of soil by rotating said starwheels as the harvester is displaced.11. A method of harvesting according to claim 10, further comprising the steps of providing a succession of at least two kinds of shafts; a first kind of shaft incorporating a plurality of starwheels with relatively short fingers; and a second kind of shaft incorporating a plurality of starwheels with relatively long fingers; rotating said first kind of shaft to displace said crop on a cushion of soil; and rotating said second kind of shaft to displace said crop and to remove at least in part said soil. 0S*12. A method of harvesting substantially as hereinbefore described and/or illustrated in the accompanying text and/or figures.SI S * 0* * S.