WO2019145982A1

WO2019145982A1 - Bundling apparatus for sugarcane harvester and method for bundling sugarcanes

Info

Publication number: WO2019145982A1
Application number: PCT/IN2019/050068
Authority: WO
Inventors: Samu SANDBERG; Kari KÄRKI
Original assignee: Mahindra & Mahindra Limited
Priority date: 2018-01-29
Filing date: 2019-01-29
Publication date: 2019-08-01

Abstract

Bundling apparatus (100) for sugarcane harvester (10) and method (200) for bundling sugarcanes are provided. The bundling apparatus (100) includes a lifting mechanism (101), a sugarcane feeding mechanism (102), a sugarcane de-topping mechanism (104), a sugarcane knotting mechanism (106) and an actuating mechanism (108). The sugarcane feeding mechanism (102) is adapted to move the sugarcanes to sugarcane de-topping mechanism (104) and sugarcane knotting mechanism (106). The sugarcane de-topping mechanism (104) is adapted to detach a top portion from the sugarcanes. The sugarcane knotting mechanism (106) is adapted to facilitate bundling of sugarcanes by knotting a twine around a bundle of sugarcanes. The actuating mechanism (108) includes an actuator (108M) and a clutch unit (108C). The actuator (108M) is used to drive the clutch unit (108C) and the clutch unit (108C) is used to drive at least one of the sugarcane feeding mechanism (102) and the sugarcane knotting mechanism (106).

Description

BUNDLINGAPPARATUS FOR SUGARCANE HARVESTERAND METHOD

FORBUNDLING SUGARCANES

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based on and derives the benefit of Indian Application 201841003334 filed on 29^th January 2018, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference

TECHNICAL FIELD

[001] The embodiments herein generally relate to a sugarcane harvester and more particularly, to a bundling apparatus for the sugarcane harvester, which is used for bundling sugarcanes from the sugarcane harvester. Further, embodiments herein relate to a method for bundling sugarcanes in the sugarcane harvester.

BACKGROUND

[002] Sugarcane harvester is an agricultural machine which is used to harvest sugarcanes. Sugarcanes are released from the sugarcane harvester machine to the ground after de-trashing process. Thereafter, the sugarcanes are collected and bundled manually which is tedious and time consuming.

[003] Therefore, there exists a need for a bundling apparatus for a sugarcane harvester, which obviates the aforementioned drawbacks. Further, there exists a need for a method for bundling sugarcanes in the sugarcane harvester.

OBJECTS

[004] The principal object of an embodiment herein is to provide a bundling apparatus for a sugarcane harvester, which is used for bundling sugarcanes in the sugarcane harvester.

[005] Another object of an embodiment herein is to provide a method for bundling sugarcanes in the sugarcane harvester.

[006] These and other objects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with following description and accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[007] The embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, throughout which like reference letters indicate corresponding parts in various figures. The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following description with reference to the drawings, in which:

[008] Fig. 1 depicts a side view of a sugarcane harvester, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;

[009] Fig. 2 depicts a side view of a bundling apparatus for the sugarcane harvester, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;

[0010] Fig. 3 depicts a perspective view of a lifting mechanism of the bundling apparatus, according to the embodiment as disclosed herein;

[0011] Fig. 4 depicts a perspective view of a sugarcane feeding mechanism of the bundling apparatus, according to the embodiment as disclosed herein;

[0012] Fig. 5 depicts a side view of a portion of the bundling apparatus, where a cutting blade of a sugarcane de-topping mechanism is mounted onto a movable member of the sugarcane feeding mechanism, according to the embodiment as disclosed herein;

[0013] Fig. 6 depicts a front view of a portion of the bundling apparatus, where a cutting blade adapted to cut the sugarcanes on platform frame being the sugarcanes being released into a knotting chamber, according to another embodiment as disclosed herein;

[0014] Fig. 7 depicts a front view of a portion of the bundling apparatus, where a cutting blade adapted to cut the sugarcanes before the sugarcanes are released into the knotting chamber, according to another embodiment as disclosed herein;

[0015] Fig. 8 depicts a front view of a portion of the bundling apparatus, where a cutting blade adapted to cut the sugarcanes during knotting of sugarcanes, according to another embodiment as disclosed herein; [0016] Fig. 9 depicts a perspective view of a sugarcane knotting mechanism, according to the embodiment as disclosed herein;

[0017] Fig. 10 depicts another perspective view of the sugarcane knotting mechanism, according to the embodiment as disclosed herein;

[0018] Fig. 11 depicts a perspective view of a clutch unit of an actuating mechanism, according to the embodiment as disclosed herein;

[0019] Fig. 12 depicts another perspective view of the clutch unit, according to the embodiment as disclosed herein;

[0020] Fig. l3a and fig. l3b depict a front view of the clutch unit, where the clutch unit is in a feeding gear position, according to the embodiment as disclosed herein;

[0021] Fig. l4a and l4b depict a front view of the clutch unit, where the clutch unit is in a waiting position, according to the embodiment as disclosed herein;

[0022] Fig. l5a and l5b depict a front view of the clutch unit, where the clutch unit is in a knotting gear position, according to the embodiment as disclosed herein; and

[0023] Fig. 16 depicts a flow chart showing the steps of a method for bundling sugarcanes in the sugarcane harvester, according to the embodiment as disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.

[0025] The embodiments herein achieve a bundling apparatus for a sugarcane harvester, which is used for bundling sugarcanes from the sugarcane harvester. Further, embodiments herein achieve a method for bundling sugarcanes in the sugarcane harvester. Referring now to the drawings Figs 1 through 16, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown embodiments.

[0026] Fig. 1 depicts a side view of a sugarcane harvester (10), according to an embodiment as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the sugarcane harvester (10) includes a plurality of divider mechanisms (10D, only one of which is shown in fig. 1), a plurality of knock down roller assemblies (10K), a base cutter (10C), a butt lifter roller assembly (10L), a plurality of first feeding roller assemblies (10FA), a plurality of de-trashing roller assemblies (10R), a plurality of second feeding roller assemblies (10FB), a fan (10B) and a bundling apparatus (100, as shown in fig. 2).

[0027] Each divider mechanism (10D) is used to hold the next rows of sugarcanes away from each other. Each knock down roller assembly (10K) is used to bend the sugarcanes forward to the base cutter (10C). The base cutter (10C) is used to cut the sugarcanes at a distance from ground. The butt lifter roller assembly (10L) is used to lift the sugarcanes and provide to the first feeding roller assemblies (10FA). Each first feeding roller assembly (10FA) is used to move the sugarcanes to the de-trashing roller assemblies (10R). Each de-trashing roller assembly (10R) is used to detach leaves from the sugarcanes. The fan (10B) is used to blow air towards the sugarcanes moving through the first feeding roller assembly (10FA). The plurality of second feeding roller assemblies (10FB) is used to move the de-trashed sugarcanes to the bundling apparatus (100, as shown in fig. 2). [0028] Fig. 2 depicts a side view of a bundling apparatus (100) for the sugarcane harvester (10), according to an embodiment as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the bundling apparatus (100) is used to facilitate bundling of de-trashed sugarcanes in the sugarcane harvester (10). The bundling apparatus (100) is attached to a rear end of the sugarcane harvester (10). In an embodiment, the bundling apparatus (lOO)includes a lifting mechanism (101), a sugarcane feeding mechanism (102), a sugarcane de-topping mechanism (104), a sugarcane knotting mechanism (106) and an actuating mechanism (108).

[0029] Fig. 3 depicts a perspective view of a lifting mechanism (101) of the bundling apparatus (100), according to the embodiment as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the lifting mechanism (101) is adapted to alter a position of the bundling apparatus (100). For example, the lifting mechanism (101) is adapted to lift the bundling apparatus (100) to vary the height and angular position of the bundling apparatus (100). The lifting mechanism (101) is adapted to move the bundling apparatus (100) to a transport position to reduce an overall length of the sugarcane harvester (10) thereby assisting in maneuverability of the sugarcane harvester (10) in small fields or tight corners or tight areas. For example, the lifting mechanism (101) is adapted to move the bundling apparatus (100) about 90 degrees such that the bundling apparatus (100) is positioned immediately behind the sugarcane harvester (10) thereby assisting in compact packaging of the bundling apparatus (100). In an embodiment, the lifting mechanism (101) includes a plurality of harvester side frames (101H), a plurality of bundling unit side frames (101B) and a plurality of actuators (101C). Each harvester side frame (101 FI) is connected to the rear end of the sugarcane harvester (10). Each harvester side frame (101H) is adapted to attach the lifting mechanism (101) with the sugarcane harvester (10). Each bundling unit side frame (101B) is adapted to attach the lifting mechanism (101) with the sugarcane feeding mechanism (102). Each bundling unit side frame (101B) is pivoted to corresponding each harvester side frame (101H). Each bundling side frame (101B) is connected to the sugarcane feeding mechanism (102). Each actuator (101C) is adapted to be movably coupled between corresponding each harvester side frame (101H) and bundling unit side frame (101B). Each actuator (101C) is adapted to move corresponding each bundling unit side frame (101B) thereby moving the bundling apparatus (100). For example, each actuator (101C) is used to corresponding each bundling unit side frame (101) thereby lifting the bundling apparatus (100) to the transport position. In an embodiment, each actuator (101C) is at least a hydraulic cylinder. It is also within the scope of the invention to provide pneumatic cylinder or motors or any other lifting means for lifting the bundling apparatus (lOO)without otherwise deterring the intended function of the actuator (101C) as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings.

[0030] Fig. 4 depicts a perspective view of a sugarcane feeding mechanism (102) of the bundling apparatus (100, according to the embodiment as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the sugarcane feeding mechanism (102) is used guide and move sugarcanes to the sugarcane de-topping mechanism (104) and the sugarcane knotting mechanism (106). In an embodiment, the sugarcane feeding mechanism (102) includes a platform frame (102P), a plurality of guide plates (102G), a plurality of movable members (102A), an extendable and retractable rear-end frame (102R). The platform frame (102P) is used to support the guide plates (102G), the movable members (102 A) and the extendable and retractable rear-end frame (102R). The platform frame (102P) of the sugarcane feeding mechanism (102) is connected to each bundling unit side frame (101B) of the lifting mechanism (101). Each guide plate (102G) of the sugarcane feeding mechanism (102) is used to guide the sugarcanes to the plurality of movable members (102A) and to restrict the movement of sugarcanes away from the platform frame (102P). In an embodiment, each guide plate (102G) is provided at a front end of the platform frame (102P) and opposite to the extendable and retractable rear-end frame (102R). It is also within the scope of the embodiment herein to provide each guide plate (102G) at any position in the platform frame (102P) without otherwise deterring the intended function of each guide plate (102G) as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings. The plurality of movable members (102A) is adapted to move the sugarcanes to the rear end and side of the bundling apparatus (100) at the same time. The plurality of movable members (102A) is adapted to sort and straighten the sugarcanes while the sugarcanes are being moved by the movable members(l02A). Further, the plurality of movable members (102 A) is adapted to lift the sugarcane to top of the movable members (102A) if other end of the sugarcane has fallen underneath the movable members (102A). The plurality of movable members (102A) is rotatably supported to the platform frame (102P). For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, each movable member (102A) is at least an augur. It is also within the scope of the embodiment herein to provide any other movable means or any other stationary guide members for guiding and moving the sugarcanes to the sugarcane de-toping mechanism (104) and the sugarcane knotting mechanism (106). The plurality of movable members (102 A) is timed in same phase so that the sugarcane moves smoothly on top of movable members (102A). The plurality of movable members (102 A) is connected to each other by a chain (not shown) which is driven by an actuator (108M) through a clutch unit (108C) and a gear (108G) of the actuating mechanism (108). During knotting of sugarcanes, the plurality of movable members (102A) stops moving to restrict pushing of sugarcanes into knotting chamber of the sugarcane knotting mechanism (206). The extendable and retractable rear-end frame (102R) is adapted to be moved between an extended position and a retracted position to adjust a cutting length of top portion of sugarcane. For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the top portion of sugarcanes is at least green top of the sugarcanes. Sugarcanes canes are guided to engage the rear end allowing base of sugarcanes to be at same level.

[0031] Fig. 5 depicts a side view of a portion of the bundling apparatus (100), where a cutting blade (104B) of a sugarcane de-topping mechanism (104) is mounted onto a movable member (104A) of the sugarcane feeding mechanism (102), according to the embodiment as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the sugarcane de-topping mechanism (104) is adapted to cut the top portion from the sugarcanes before or after bundling of sugarcanes. For example, the sugarcane de-topping mechanism (104) is used to cut the top portion from the sugarcanes before bundling force through movable members (102 A) of the sugarcane feeding mechanism (102). In an embodiment, the sugarcane de-topping mechanism (104) includes at least one sugarcane support (104S) and at least one cutting blade (104B). When the sugarcanes are moved on top of the movable members (102A) of the sugarcane feeding mechanism (102), the sugarcanes moves to the side of the sugarcane feeding mechanism (102) and engages the sugarcane support (104S) which is adapted to hold the sugarcane in a desired position when the cutting blade (104B) cuts the top portion from the sugarcanes. The cutting blade (104B) is adapted to cut the top portion from the sugarcanes and the sugarcanes are guided to the knotting chamber (not shown). The cutting blade (104B) is positioned before the sugarcane support (104S). The cutting blade (104B) is mounted onto at least one of the movable member (102 A) of the sugarcane feeding mechanism (102). The cutting blade (104B) is driven by the movable member (102A) of the sugarcane feeding mechanism (102). The sugarcane support (104S) is mounted on the platform (104P).

[0032] Fig. 6 depicts a front view of a portion of the bundling apparatus (100), where a cutting blade (104B) adapted to cut the sugarcanes on platform frame (102P) being the sugarcanes being released into a knotting chamber, according to another embodiment as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the sugarcane de-topping mechanism (104) is used to cut the top portion from the sugarcanes on the platform frame (102P) and before releasing of sugarcanes to the knotting chamber. When the sugarcanes are moved on top of the movable members (102A) of the sugarcane feeding mechanism (102), the top portion is cut from the sugarcanes before being released into the knotting chamber. In an embodiment, the sugarcane de-topping mechanism (104) includes at last one cutting blade (104B) adapted to cut the top portion from the sugarcanes on the platform frame (102P) and the sugarcanes are released into the knotting chamber. In an embodiment, the cutting blade (104B) is driven by the movable member (102A) of the sugarcane feeding mechanism (102. In another embodiment, the cutting blade (104B) is driven by an actuator (not shown), where the actuator is a motor. It is also within the scope of the embodiment herein to provide any other type of actuators for driving the cutting blade (104B).

[0033] Fig. 7 depicts a front view of a portion of the bundling apparatus (100), where a cutting blade (104B) adapted to cut the sugarcanes before the sugarcanes are released into the knotting chamber, according to another embodiment as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the sugarcane de-topping mechanism (104) is used to cut the top portion from the sugarcanes before releasing of sugarcanes to the knotting chamber. In an embodiment, the sugarcane de-topping mechanism (104) includes at least one cutting blade (104B) adapted to cut the top portion from the sugarcanes before the sugarcanes are being released into the knotting chamber. In an embodiment, the cutting blade (104B) is driven by the movable member (102 A) of the sugarcane feeding mechanism (102. In another embodiment, the cutting blade (104B) is driven by an actuator (not shown), where the actuator is a motor. It is also within the scope of the embodiment herein to provide any other type of actuators for driving the cutting blade (104B).

[0034] Fig. 8 depicts a front view of a portion of the bundling apparatus (100), where a cutting blade (104B) adapted to cut the sugarcanes during knotting of sugarcanes, according to another embodiment as disclosed herein. Furthermore, in another example, the sugarcane de-topping mechanism (104) is used to cut the top portion from the sugarcanes during knotting of sugarcanes. The sugarcane de-topping mechanism (104) includes at least one cutting blade (104B) attached to a needle frame (not shown) of the sugarcane knotting mechanism (106) and the cutting blade (104B) is adapted to cut the top portion from the sugarcanes during knotting of sugarcanes. For every knotting cycle, the needle frame (not shown) turns and moves the needles (106N) so that the twine goes into a knotter (106K) of the sugarcane knotting mechanism (106). In an embodiment, the cutting blade (104B) is driven by the needle frame (not shown) and is rotatably connected to a shaft (not shown) which mounts the knotters (106K). [0035] Fig. 9 depicts a perspective view of a sugarcane knotting mechanism (106), according to the embodiment as disclosed herein. Fig. 10 depicts another perspective view of the sugarcane knotting mechanism (106), according to the embodiment as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the sugarcane knotting mechanism (106) is used to facilitate bundling of sugarcanes in which the sugarcanes are tied with a twine. The bundle of sugarcanes is released from the bundling apparatus (100) when the twine is tied around the bundle of sugarcanes. With additional guides, bundled sugarcanes can be released from the bundling apparatus (lOO)either on left or right side of the row. The sugarcane knotting mechanism (106) includes a plurality of needles (106N), a plurality of knitters (106K), a plurality of twine fingers (106F), a plurality of sugarcane pushers (106P), a plurality of twine holders (106H) and a plurality of twine brakes (l06B).Each needle (106N) is adapted to guide the twine to corresponding each knotter (106K). Each needle (106N) is also adapted to push the sugarcanes and assists in formation of bundling of sugarcanes. Each needle (106N) is rotatably connected to the shaft (not shown) which mounts the knotters (106K). Each knotter (106K) is adapted to facilitate knotting of twine around the bundles of sugarcanes. Each twine finger (106F) is adapted to restrict the twine from slipping with respect to a bill hook on corresponding knotter (106K). Each sugarcane pushers (106P) is adapted to push the sugarcanes downwards to corresponding knotter (106K) to facilitate knotting of twine around the bundle of sugarcanes. When the sugarcane pushers (106P) guides the sugarcanes to other side of the field row, the sugarcane pushers(l06P) is adapted to push bundles end thereby assisting in ejection of bundles of sugarcanes. Each twine holder (106H) is adapted to hold the twine rolls therein. Each twine brake (106B) is adapted to maintain the twine in a tight condition. By adjusting the brake force, the tightness of sugarcane bundle is adjusted.

[0036] In an embodiment, the actuating mechanism (108) is used to actuate at least one of the sugarcane feeding mechanism (102), the sugarcane de-topping mechanism (104) and the sugarcane knotting mechanism (106). The actuating mechanism (108) includes an actuator (108M), a clutch unit (108C), a switch unit (108S) and a gear (108G). The actuator (108M) is adapted to drive at least one of the sugarcane feeding mechanism (102) and the sugarcane knotting mechanism (106) through the clutch unit (108C). The actuator (108M) is connected to the clutch unit (108C). For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the actuator (108M) is at least a hydraulic motor. It is also within the scope of the embodiment herein to any other motors or any other driving means for driving the sugarcane feeding mechanism (102) and the sugarcane knotting mechanism (106) through the clutch unit (108C) without otherwise deterring the intended function of the actuator (108M) as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings.

[0037] The clutch unit (108C) is adapted to selectively drive to at least one of the sugarcane feeding mechanism (102) and the sugarcane knotting mechanism (106). The clutch unit (108C) is a single revolution clutch unit. The clutch unit (108C) is adapted to work as a gearbox in which the clutch unit (108C) includes gears for driving sugarcane feeding mechanism (102) and sugarcane knotting mechanism (106). The clutch unit (l08C)moves one single revolution for driving the sugarcane knotting mechanism (106) and is adapted to return the gear back to feeding after that completion of single revolution. The gears of the clutch unit (108C) are changed by the switch unit (108S) which moves a lever (not shown) on the clutch unit (108C). The clutch unit (108C) is adapted to move between a feeding gear position and a knotting gear position. In feeding gear position, the clutch unit (108C) drives the gear (108G) which in turn drives the plurality of movable members (102A) of the sugarcane feeding mechanism (102) through the shaft (not shown) and the chain (not shown) during one revolution of the clutch unit (108C). In the knotting gear position, the clutch unit (108C) drives the sugarcane knotting mechanism (106). In an embodiment, the clutch unit (108C) includes a planetary gear frame (108CA), a ring gear frame (108CB), a spur gear (108CD), a main rocker (108CE), a clutching rocker (108CF), a clutching spring (108CG), a sun gear, a sun gear shaft (108CH), a plurality of planetary gears (not shown), a ring gear (not shown), a gear switch shaft (1080) and a return cam (108CJ). The sun gear (not shown) is mounted onto the sun gear shaft (l08CH).The ring gear rotates in an opposite direction with respect to the sun gear (not shown) and the planetary gear frame (108CA). The planetary gear frame (108CA) of the clutch unit (108C) is rotatably coupled to the knotters (106K) of the sugarcane knotting mechanism (106). The planetary gear frame (108CA) is coupled to the actuator (108M). The planetary gear frame (108CA) includes at least one locking portion (108CY). The ring gear frame (108CB) of the clutch unit (108C) is rotatably coupled to the actuator (108M). The ring gear frame (108CB) is rotatably coupled with movable members (102A) of the sugarcane feeding mechanism (102) through the gear (108G) and chain (not shown). The ring gear frame (108CB) includes a plurality of locking portions (108CZ). The main rocker (108CE) includes a first locking cam (108CET) corresponding to the locking portion (108CY) of the planetary gear frame (108CA). The main rocker (108CE) includes a second locking cam (108CV) corresponding to the locking portion (108CZ) of the ring gear frame (108CB). [0038] In the feeding gear position of the clutch unit (108C), a force Fl is acting on the clutching rocker (108CF) which holds the main rocker (108CE) in a first locking position in which thefirst locking cam (108CU) of the main rocker (108CE) is engaged with the locking portion (108CY) of the planetary gear frame (108CA) therein to lock the planetary gear frame (108CA) thereby restricting a movement of the knotters (106K) of the sugarcane knotting mechanism (106), and the ring gear frame (108CB) and the spur gear (108CD) are driven by the actuator (108M) and the spur gear (108CD) drives the gear (108G) which in turn drives the shaft (not shown) and the shaft in turn drives the chain (not shown) which drives the plurality of movable members (102 A) of the sugarcane feeding mechanism (102).

[0039] In waiting position of the clutch unit (108C), a force F2 is acting on the clutching rocker (108CF) which in turn lifts the main rocker (108CE) thereby dis-engaging the first locking cam (108CU) of the main rocker (108CE) from the locking portion (108CY) of the planetary gear frame (108CA) and the second locking cam (108CV) of the main rocker (108CE) engages the outer frame of the ring gear frame (108CB). The clutch unit (108C) is waiting for the ring gear frame (108CB) to turn thereby allowing the main rocker (108CE) to moves to a second locking position.

[0040] In the knotting gear position of the clutch unit (l08C),the main rocker (108CE) is in the second locking position in which the second locking cam (108CV) of main rocker (108CE) is engaged with the locking portion (108CZ) of the ring gear frame (108CB) therein to lock the ring gear frame (108CB) thereby restricting the movement of movable members (102A) of the sugarcane feeding mechanism (102), and the planetary gear frame (108CA) is driven by the actuator (108M) and the planetary gear frame (108CA) drives the knotters (106K) of the sugarcane knotting mechanism (106). After the knotting gear position is reached force F2 is changed back to Fl after completion of one revolution of the clutch unit (108C).

[0041] The switch unit (108S) is adapted to move the lever of the clutch unit (108C) to change the position of the clutch unit (108C) between the feeding gear position and the knotting gear position by changing the weight of sugarcane to force through a cable to the clutch unit (108C). The single revolution clutch unit (108C) is engaged with a weight of sugarcane. . The switch unit (108S) is adapted to measure the pushing force from the sugarcanes which are pushed by the plurality of movable members (102A) of the sugarcane feeding mechanism (102). [0042] The gear (108G) is driven by the clutch unit (108C) and is adapted to drive the shaft (not shown) which in turn drives the chain (not shown) which drives the plurality of movable members (102 A) of the sugarcane feeding mechanism (102). In an embodiment, the gear (108G) is at least a bevel gear. It is also within the scope of the embodiment herein to provide any other gear for driving the movable members (102 A) of the sugarcane feeding mechanism (102).

[0043] Fig. 16 depicts a flow chart showing the steps of a method (200) for bundling sugarcanes in the sugarcane harvester (10), according to the embodiment as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the method (200) includes, guiding and moving sugarcanes through a sugarcane feeding mechanism (102) of a bundling apparatus (100), step 202, detaching a top portion from sugarcanes through a sugarcane de-topping mechanism (104) of said bundling apparatus (100), step 204, and bundling sugarcanes by knotting a twine around a bundle of sugarcanes through a sugarcane knotting mechanism (104) of said bundling apparatus (100), step 206. Further, the method (200) includes, actuating at least one of said sugarcane feeding mechanism (102) and said sugarcane knotting mechanism (106) through an actuating mechanism (108). Furthermore. The method (200) includes, altering a position of the bundling apparatus (100) by moving the bundling apparatus (100) through a lifting mechanism (101) of the bundling apparatus (100).

[0044] Therefore, a bundling apparatus (100) for bundling sugarcanes from a sugarcane harvester (10) is provided. Further, a method (200) for bundling sugarcanes in the sugarcane harvester (l0)is provided.

[0045] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.

Claims

STATEMENT OF CLAIMS We claim:

1. A bundling apparatus (100) for a sugarcane harvester (10), said bundling apparatus (100) comprising:

a sugarcane knotting mechanism (106) adapted to facilitate bundling of sugarcanes; a sugarcane de-topping mechanism (104) adapted to facilitate detaching of a top portion from the sugarcanes; and

a sugarcane feeding mechanism (102) adapted to move the sugarcanes to said sugarcane de-topping mechanism (104) and said sugarcane knotting mechanism (106).

2. The bundling apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprising a lifting mechanism (101) adapted to alter a position of said bundling apparatus (100).

3. The bundling apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said lifting mechanism (101) comprises,

a plurality of harvester side frames (101H) adapted to be connected to a rear-end of said sugarcane harvester (10);

a plurality of bundling unit side frames (101B), where each of said bundling unit side frame (101B) adapted to be pivotably connected to corresponding each of said harvester side frame (101H) ; and

a plurality of actuators (101C), where each of said actuator (101C) adapted to be movably coupled between corresponding each of said harvester side frames (101H) and each of said bundling unit side frame (101B),

wherein

each of said actuator (101C) is adapted to move corresponding each of said bundling unit side frame (101B) thereby altering the position of said bundling apparatus (100).

4. The bundling apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said sugarcane knotting mechanism (106) comprises, a plurality of knotter (106K), where each of said knotter (l06K)is adapted to facilitate knotting of a twine around a bundle of sugarcanes; and

a plurality of needles (106N), where each of said needle (106N) is adapted to guide the twine to corresponding each of said knotter (106K);

a plurality of twine fingers (106F), where each of said twine finger (106F) is adapted to restrict the twine from slipping with respect to a bill hook on corresponding each of said knotter (106K); and

a plurality of sugarcane pushers (106P), where each of said sugarcane pushers (106P) is adapted to push the sugarcanes downwards to each of said knotter (106K) facilitate knotting of twine around the bundle of sugarcanes.

5. The bundling apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein said sugarcane knotting mechanism (106) comprises,

a plurality of twine holders (106H) adapted to hold twine rolls therein; and

a plurality of twine brakes (106B), wherein each of said twine brake (106B) is adapted to maintain the twine in a tight condition.

6. The bundling apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprising an actuating mechanism (108) comprises,

a clutch unit (108C) adapted to be moved between a feeding gear position in which said clutch unit (108C) is adapted to drive said sugarcane feeding mechanism (102), and a knotting gear position in which said clutch unit (108C) is adapted to drive said sugarcane knotting mechanism (106); and

at least one actuator (108M) adapted to selectively drive at least one of said sugarcane feeding mechanism (102) and said sugarcane knotting mechanism (106) through said clutch unit (108C).

7. The bundling apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said sugarcane feeding mechanism (102) comprises, a platform frame (102P) adapted to be connected to each of said bundling unit side frame (101B);

a plurality of movable members (102A) adapted to be move the sugarcanes to said sugarcane de-topping mechanism (104) and said sugarcane knotting mechanism (106); and a plurality of guide plates (102G) adapted to be guide sugarcanes onto said plurality of movable members (102A).

8. The bundling apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein each of said movable member (102A) of said sugarcane feeding mechanism (102) is at least an augur, where said plurality of movable members (102 A) are connected to each other through a chain which is adapted to be driven by said actuator (108M) through said clutch unit (108C) and a gear (108G).

9. The bundling apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein said sugarcane feeding mechanism (102) comprising,

an extendable and retractable rear-end frame (102R) adapted to be moved between an extended position and a retracted position to adjust a cutting length of top portion of sugarcane.

10. The bundling apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said sugarcane de-topping mechanism (104) comprises,

at least one cutting blade (104B) adapted to cut at least a top portion from sugarcanes.

11. A method (200) for bundling sugarcanes in a sugarcane harvester (10), said method (200) comprising:

guiding and moving sugarcanes through a sugarcane feeding mechanism (102) of a bundling apparatus (100);

detaching at least a top portion from sugarcanes through a sugarcane de-topping mechanism (104) of said bundling apparatus (100);

bundling sugarcanes by knotting a twine around a bundle of sugarcanes through a sugarcane knotting mechanism (104) of said bundling apparatus (100); and altering a position of said bundling apparatus (100) by moving said bundling apparatus (100) through a lifting mechanism (101) of said bundling apparatus (100).

12. The method (200) as claimed in claim 1 comprising, actuating at least one of said sugarcane feeding mechanism (102) and said sugarcane knotting mechanism (106) through an actuating mechanism (108).