WO2023081429A1 - Dent de rabatteur magnétique pour une tête de coupe agricole - Google Patents

Dent de rabatteur magnétique pour une tête de coupe agricole Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2023081429A1
WO2023081429A1 PCT/US2022/049060 US2022049060W WO2023081429A1 WO 2023081429 A1 WO2023081429 A1 WO 2023081429A1 US 2022049060 W US2022049060 W US 2022049060W WO 2023081429 A1 WO2023081429 A1 WO 2023081429A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
frame
tine
reel
tine body
magnet
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2022/049060
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Cory Douglas Hunt
Original Assignee
Cnh Industrial America Llc
Cnh Industrial Belgium Nv
Cnh Industrial Harbin Machinery Co., Ltd.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Cnh Industrial America Llc, Cnh Industrial Belgium Nv, Cnh Industrial Harbin Machinery Co., Ltd. filed Critical Cnh Industrial America Llc
Publication of WO2023081429A1 publication Critical patent/WO2023081429A1/fr

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01D—HARVESTING; MOWING
    • A01D57/00—Delivering mechanisms for harvesters or mowers
    • A01D57/01—Devices for leading crops to the mowing apparatus
    • A01D57/02—Devices for leading crops to the mowing apparatus using reels
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01D—HARVESTING; MOWING
    • A01D41/00—Combines, i.e. harvesters or mowers combined with threshing devices
    • A01D41/12—Details of combines
    • A01D41/14—Mowing tables
    • A01D41/141—Automatic header control

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates generally to a magnetic reel tine for an agricultural header.
  • a harvester may be used to harvest crops, such as barley, beans, beets, carrots, com, cotton, flax, oats, potatoes, rye, soybeans, wheat, or other plants.
  • a harvesting process may begin by operating a header of the harvester to remove a portion of a plant from a field. In some cases, the header may cut the plant to form cut crops and transport the cut crops to a processing system of the harvester.
  • Certain headers include a cutter bar assembly configured to cut a portion of each plant (e.g., a stalk), thereby separating the cut crops from the soil.
  • the cutter bar assembly may extend along a substantial portion of a width of the header at a forward end of the header.
  • the header may also include one or more belts positioned behind the cutter bar assembly relative to a direction of travel of the harvester. The belt(s) are configured to transport the cut crops to an inlet of the processing system.
  • Certain headers may also include a reel, which may include a reel member having multiple tines (e.g., fingers) extending from a central framework.
  • the central framework is driven to rotate, such that the tines move in a circular pattern.
  • the tines are configured to engage the plants, thereby preparing the plants to be cut by the cutter bar assembly and/or urging the cut crops to move toward the belt(s).
  • the reel member is typically supported by multiple reel arms extending from a frame of the header.
  • the reel may include one or more actuators configured to drive the multiple reel arms to rotate, thereby adjusting a position of the reel member relative to the frame of the header.
  • a reel assembly for an agricultural machine includes a central framework that is configured to rotate relative to a frame of the agricultural machine.
  • the reel assembly also includes a tine body extending from the central framework and configured to rotate with the central framework relative to the frame of the agricultural machine to guide crops toward a portion of the frame of the agricultural machine.
  • the reel assembly also includes a magnet coupled to the tine body to facilitate detection of a distance between the tine body and the portion of the frame of the agricultural machine.
  • an agricultural system includes a frame having a first component of a magnet sensor system.
  • the agricultural system also includes a reel assembly having a central framework, a tine body coupled to the central framework, and a second component of the magnet sensor system that interacts with the first component of the magnet sensor system to enable the magnet sensor system to generate sensor feedback indicative of occurrences of the tine body being in an undesirable position relative to the frame.
  • the agricultural system also includes a controller configured to receive the sensor feedback and provide an output in response to the tine body being in the undesirable position relative to the frame.
  • a method of operating an agricultural system includes detecting, using a magnet sensor, a magnet in a tine body of a reel during operation of the agricultural system.
  • the method also includes receiving, at a controller, sensor feedback from the magnet sensor, wherein the sensor feedback is indicative of occurrences of the tine body of the reel being in an undesirable position relative to a frame.
  • the method also includes providing, using the controller, an output in response to the tine body of the reel being in the undesirable position relative to the frame.
  • FIG. 1 is a side view of an agricultural system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a header that may be employed within the agricultural system of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure
  • FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of the header of FIG. 2, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure
  • FIG. 4 is a schematic side view of a portion of the header of FIG. 2 and a boundary for a reel of the header, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure
  • FIG. 5 is a side view of a tine that may be used in a reel of the header of FIG. 2, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure
  • FIG. 6 is a side view of a tine that may be used in a reel of the header of FIG. 2, wherein the tine includes a magnet within a body, in accordance with embodiment of the present disclosure
  • FIG. 7 is a side view of the tine of FIG. 6, wherein a portion of the body is removed to show the magnet within the body, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure
  • FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an end portion of the tine of FIG. 6, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure
  • FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the end portion of the tine of FIG. 6, wherein the portion of the body is removed to show the magnet within the body, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure
  • FIG. 10 is a partially-exploded side view of the tine of FIG. 6, wherein the portion of the body and the magnet are separated from a remainder of the body, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 11 is a flow diagram of a method of operating a magnet sensor system with a reel of a header of an agricultural system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • a harvester may cut crops within a field via a header, which may include a flexible draper header.
  • the header may include a cutter bar assembly configured to cut the crops.
  • a conveyor coupled to draper deck(s) of the header moves the cut crops toward a crop processing system of the harvester.
  • the conveyor on the side draper deck(s) may move the cut crops toward an infeed draper deck at a center of the header.
  • a conveyor on the infeed draper deck may then move the cut crops toward the crop processing system.
  • the crop processing system may include a threshing machine configured to thresh the cut crops, thereby separating the cut crops into certain desired agricultural materials, such as grain, and material other than grain (MOG).
  • the desired agricultural materials may be sifted and then accumulated into a tank. When the tank fills to capacity, the desired agricultural materials may be collected from the tank.
  • the MOG may be discarded from the harvester (e.g., via a spreader) by passing through an exit pipe or a spreader to fall down onto the field.
  • portions of the cutter bar assembly may move so as to follow a contour of the field.
  • the cutter bar assembly may be flexible to remain in contact with the field during harvesting operations.
  • the header of the harvester includes a reel (e.g., reel assembly) configured to prepare the crops to be cut by the cutter bar assembly.
  • the reel may be positioned adjacent to the cutter bar assembly and may be configured to guide the crops toward the cutter bar assembly to facilitate cutting the crops.
  • the position of the reel is adjustable relative to the cutter bar assembly so as to enable the reel to effectively guide the crops toward the cutter bar assembly.
  • the cutter bar assembly and the reel may interfere with one another. For instance, the cutter bar assembly may contact part of the reel, thereby limiting an effectiveness of the cutter bar assembly, the reel, and the header.
  • the header may utilize a magnet sensor system.
  • the magnet sensor system includes a magnet (e.g., permanent magnet) in the tine of the reel, and the magnet in the tine of the reel is detectable by a sensor (e.g., magnet sensor, such as a Hall effect sensor) coupled to the cutter bar assembly.
  • the sensor may generate sensor signals (e.g. sensor feedback or data) indicative of the distance between the reel and the cutter bar assembly.
  • a controller may receive the sensor signals, process the sensor signals to determine the distance, and then compare the distance to a threshold distance.
  • the controller may also provide one or more outputs in response to the distance being less than the threshold distance.
  • the distance may be a measured distance based on the sensor signals or a proximity based on the sensor signals (e.g., due to the magnet being within a field of view or range of the sensor).
  • the one or more outputs may include a retract control signal to move the tine of the reel away from the knife of the cutter bar assembly (e.g., to raise/lower the reel; to move the tine relative to a central framework of the reel), a block control signal to block and/or to slow further movement of the tine of the reel toward the knife of the cutter bar assembly, and/or an alert (e.g., visible and/or audible alert) to an operator.
  • the controller may further provide one or more outputs in response to the distance being greater than the threshold distance, such as one or more outputs to notify the operator that the reel is in an acceptable or desirable position relative to the cutter bar assembly.
  • the magnet sensor system is a non-contact sensor system that enables detection of the distance being within the threshold distance even without contact between the reel and the cutter bar assembly.
  • the threshold distance may be set to any suitable distance, such as 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more centimeters (cm).
  • the threshold distance may be established for each header (e.g., specific to each header) based on the sensor signals collected during operation of the header, or the threshold distance may be established for multiple headers with shared characteristics at manufacturing.
  • FIG. 1 is a side view of an embodiment of an agricultural system 100, which may be a harvester.
  • the agricultural system 100 includes a chassis 102 configured to support a header 200 and an agricultural crop processing system 104.
  • the header 200 is configured to cut crops and to transport the cut crops toward an inlet 106 of the agricultural crop processing system 104 for further processing of the cut crops.
  • the agricultural crop processing system 104 receives the cut crops from the header 200 and separates desired crop material from crop residue.
  • the agricultural crop processing system 104 may include a thresher 108 having a cylindrical threshing rotor that transports the cut crops in a helical flow path through the agricultural system 100.
  • the thresher 108 may also separate the desired crop material (e.g., grain) from the crop residue (e.g., husks and pods), and the thresher 108 may enable the desired crop material to flow into a cleaning system 114 located beneath the thresher 108.
  • the cleaning system 114 may remove debris from the desired crop material and transport the desired crop material to a storage tank 116 within the agricultural system 100.
  • a tractor with a trailer on the back may pull alongside the agricultural system 100.
  • the desired crop material collected in the storage tank 116 may be carried up by an elevator and dumped out of an unloader 118 into the trailer.
  • the crop residue may be transported from the thresher 108 to a crop residue handling system 110, which may process (e.g., chop/shred) and remove the crop residue from the agricultural system 100 via a crop residue spreading system 112 positioned at an aft end of the agricultural system 100.
  • the agricultural system 100 and/or its components may be described with reference to a lateral axis or direction 140, a longitudinal axis or direction 142, and a vertical axis or direction 144.
  • the agricultural system 100 and/or its components may also be described with reference to a direction of travel 146 (e.g., forward direction of travel).
  • the header 200 includes a cuter bar assembly 210 configured to cut the crops within the field.
  • the header 200 also includes a reel 220 (e.g., reel assembly) configured to engage the crops to prepare the crops to be cut by the cuter bar assembly 210 and/or to urge the crops cut by the cuter bar assembly 210 onto a conveyor system that directs the cut crops toward the inlet 106 of the agricultural crop processing system 104.
  • the reel 220 includes a reel member having multiple tines (e.g., fingers) extending from a central framework. The central framework is driven to rotate such that the tines engage the crops and urge the crops toward the cuter bar assembly 210 and the conveyor system. Additionally, the reel members may be slidingly supported on multiple arms (e.g., reel arms) that are coupled to a frame 201 of the header 200.
  • each of the arms may be coupled to the frame 201 via a respective pivot joint.
  • one pivot joint is configured to enable a first arm of the multiple arms to pivot (e.g., about the lateral axis 140) relative to the frame 201
  • another pivot joint is configured to enable a second arm of the multiple arms to pivot (e.g., about the lateral axis 140) relative to the frame 201.
  • the header 200 with the cutter bar assembly 210 and the reel 220 may be employed in any suitable type of harvester or similar agricultural machine (e.g., swathers/windrowers that gather the cut crops to form a windrow in the field that is later collected by the harvester).
  • the reel 220 may be employed in any suitable type of harvester or similar agricultural machine without other portions of the header, such without the cutter bar assembly.
  • the reel 220 may be operated to move relative to a frame or any portion of a frame of any suitable type of harvester or similar agricultural machine (e.g., for purposes of discussion, the reel 220 may be considered to move relative to the frame or any portion of the frame; the cuter bar assembly described herein may be considered to be part of the frame).
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the header 200.
  • the header 200 includes the cuter bar assembly 210 configured to cut a portion of each crop (e.g., a stalk), thereby separating the crop from the soil.
  • the cuter bar assembly 210 is positioned at a forward end of the header 200 relative to the longitudinal axis 142 of the header 200. As illustrated, the cuter bar assembly 210 extends along a substantial portion of the width of the header 200 (e.g., along the lateral axis 140).
  • the cutter bar assembly 210 includes a blade support, a stationary guard assembly, and a moving blade assembly (e.g., knife).
  • the moving blade assembly is fixed to the blade support (e.g., above the blade support along the vertical axis 144 of the header 200), and the blade support/moving blade assembly is driven to oscillate relative to the stationary guard assembly.
  • the blade support/moving blade assembly may be driven to oscillate by a driving mechanism 211 positioned at a center of the header 200.
  • the blade support/moving blade assembly may be driven by another suitable mechanism (e.g., located at any suitable position on the header 200).
  • the cutter bar assembly 210 engages crops within the field, and the moving blade assembly cuts the crops (e.g., the stalks of the crops) in response to engagement of the cutter bar assembly 210 with the crops.
  • the header 200 includes a first conveyor section 202 on a first lateral side of the header 200 and a second conveyor section 203 on a second lateral side of the header 200 opposite the first lateral side.
  • the first conveyor section 202 may extend along a portion of a width of the header 200 and the second conveyor section 203 may extend along another portion of the width of the header 200.
  • Each conveyor section 202, 203 is driven to rotate by a suitable drive mechanism, such as an electric motor or a hydraulic motor.
  • the first conveyor section 202 and the second conveyor section 203 are driven such that a top surface of each conveyor section 202, 203 moves laterally inward to a center conveyor section 204 positioned between the first conveyor section 202 and the second conveyor section 203 along the lateral axis 140.
  • the center conveyor section 204 may also be driven to rotate by a suitable drive mechanism, such as an electric motor or a hydraulic motor.
  • the center conveyor section 204 is driven such that the top surface of the center conveyor section 204 moves rearwardly relative to the direction of travel 146 toward the inlet.
  • the conveyor sections 202, 203, 204 transport the cut crops through the inlet to the agricultural crop processing system for further processing of the cut crops.
  • the illustrated header 200 includes two conveyor sections 202, 203 configured to direct crops toward the center conveyor section 204, there may be any suitable number of conveyor sections in additional or alternative embodiments directing the crops toward the center conveyor section.
  • the crops cut by the cutter bar assembly 210 are directed toward the conveyor sections 202, 203, 204 at least in part by the reel 220, thereby substantially reducing the possibility of the cut crops falling onto the surface of the field.
  • the reel 220 includes a reel member 221 (e.g., wheel) having multiple fingers or tines 222 extending from a central framework 223.
  • the central framework 223 is driven to rotate such that the tines 222 move (e.g., in a circular pattern; about the lateral axis 140).
  • the tines 222 are configured to engage the crops and urge the cut crops toward the conveyor sections 202, 203 to facilitate transport of the cut crops to the agricultural crop processing system.
  • the frame 201 of the header 200 may be movably coupled to the chassis of the agricultural system.
  • the cutter bar assembly 210 is flexible along the width of the header 200.
  • the cutter bar assembly 210 is supported by multiple arm assemblies distributed along the width of the header 200.
  • Each arm assembly is mounted to the frame 201 and includes an arm coupled to the cutter bar assembly 210.
  • the arm may rotate and/or move the cutter bar assembly 210 along the vertical axis 144 relative to the frame 201, thereby enabling the cutter bar assembly 210 to flex during operation of the agricultural system.
  • the cutter bar assembly 210 may follow the contours of the field, thereby enabling the cutting height (e.g., the height at which each crop is cut) to be substantially constant along the width of the header 200.
  • FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of the header 200.
  • the cutter bar assembly 210 includes arms 270 supporting blades 274 (e.g., knife) at a first end 276 of the arms 270.
  • the arms 270 may be coupled to the frame 201 of the header 200 at a second end 278 of the arms 270.
  • the arms 270 may be pivotably coupled to the frame 201 at the second end 278. In this manner, the arms 270 may be configured to rotate relative to the frame 201.
  • the arms 270 may rotate in a first rotational direction 280 (e.g., upward), which may raise the arms 270 along the vertical axis 144, and the arms 270 may rotate in a second rotational direction 282 (e.g., downward), which may lower the arms 270 along the vertical axis 144.
  • the arms 270 may freely rotate in the rotational directions 280, 282 to follow a contour of the field.
  • the arms 270 may position the blades 274 to maintain contact with the field.
  • an upward slope of the field may push the arms 270 to rotate in the first rotational direction 280 to raise the blades 274 relative to the frame 201 and therefore avoid inserting the blades 274 into the field.
  • the weight of the blades 274 may cause the arms 270 to rotate in the second rotational direction 282 to lower the blades 274 relative to the frame 201 such that the blades 274 remain in contact with the field.
  • the entire cutter bar assembly may translate along the vertical axis. That is, in addition to or as an alternative to rotating about the frame, the cutter bar assembly may slide along the frame in the vertical direction.
  • the cutter bar assembly 210 may be configured to move in any suitable manner relative to the frame 201 to enable the blades 274 to maintain contact with and/or to generally follow along contours of the field as the header 200 travels through the field.
  • the reel 220 may also move relative to the frame 201 and relative to the cutter bar assembly 210.
  • the frame 201 includes or is coupled to an extension 284 (e.g., a reel arm), which couples the reel member 221 (which includes the central framework 223 and the tines 222) to the frame 201.
  • the extension 284 may position the reel member 221 above the cutter bar assembly 210 along the vertical axis 144 such that the reel 220 may urge the cut crops toward the blades 274.
  • the reel member 221 may rotate in a third rotational direction 286 about a pivot point 288 that couples the reel member 221 to the extension 284.
  • the tines 222 may guide the crops toward the blades 274 that cut the crops.
  • the extension 284 may also move relative to the frame 201 to move the reel 220 relative to the frame 201 and relative to the cutter bar assembly 210.
  • the extension 284 may rotate about a pivot point 285 that couples the extension 284 to the frame 201.
  • the extension 284 may rotate about the frame 201 and may be configured to raise the reel 220 in a first rotational direction 287 (e.g., upward) relative to the vertical axis 144 and/or in a second rotational direction 289 relative to the vertical axis 144 (e.g., downward).
  • the extension 284 may be positioned desirably relative to the cutter bar assembly 210 to enable the reel 220 to guide the crops to be cut by the cutter bar assembly 210.
  • the reel 220 may be positioned proximate to the cutter bar assembly 210 without the tines 222 interfering (e.g., contacting) with the blades 274.
  • the reel member 221 may also be configured to slide (e.g., fore/aft) relative to the extension 284.
  • the reel member 221 may slide in a rearward direction 291 and a forward direction 293 along the extension 284.
  • the entire reel may translate along the vertical axis. That is, in addition to or as an alternative to rotating about the frame, the reel may slide along the frame in the vertical direction.
  • the reel may be configured to move in any suitable manner relative to the frame 201 to enable the tines 222 to capture and/or direct the crops as the header 200 travels through the field.
  • the header 200 includes and/or is communicatively coupled to a controller 290 (e.g., electronic controller; computing system) configured to perform calculations and/or control operating parameters of at least portions of the agricultural system, such as of the header 200.
  • the controller 290 may include a memory 292 and a processor 294 (e.g., a microprocessor).
  • the controller 290 may also include one or more storage devices and/or other suitable components.
  • the processor 294 may be used to execute software, such as software for processing sensor feedback, generating one or more boundaries, and/or controlling the agricultural system and/or the header 200.
  • controller 290 may control various components of the agricultural system
  • the controller 290 may be considered to be part of the agricultural system, the header 200 or other machine, a magnet sensor system, or any of the assemblies or systems (e.g., part of the cutter bar assembly 210, the reel 220) of the agricultural system.
  • the processor 294 may include multiple microprocessors, one or more “general-purpose” microprocessors, one or more special-purpose microprocessors, and/or one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICS), or some combination thereof.
  • the processor 294 may include one or more reduced instruction set (RISC) or complex instruction set (CISC) processors.
  • the memory 292 may include a volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM), and/or a nonvolatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM).
  • RAM random access memory
  • ROM read-only memory
  • the memory 292 may store a variety of information and may be used for various purposes.
  • the memory 292 may store processor-executable instructions (e.g., firmware or software) for the processor 294 to execute, such as instructions for processing sensor feedback and/or controlling the agricultural system.
  • the memory 292 and/or the processor 294, or an additional memory and/or processor, may be located in any suitable portion of the agricultural system.
  • the controller 290 may be located in a cab of the agricultural system and/or on the header 200.
  • the header 200 may include one or more actuators 295, one or more sensors 296 (e.g., magnet sensors), and one or more magnets 298 (e.g., permanent magnets).
  • the one or more actuators 295 may be configured to move the extension 284 relative to the frame 201 to move (e.g., rotate) the reel 220 up and down relative to the frame 201 and relative to the cutter bar assembly 210.
  • the one or more actuators 295 may also be configured to move the reel member 221 fore and aft along the extension 284 to move (e.g., slide) the reel member 221 relative to the frame 201 and relative to the cutter bar assembly 210.
  • the one or more actuators 295 may be configured to move (e.g., rotate) the tines 222 relative to the central framework 223 of the reel 220.
  • the sensors 296 may be disposed on the cutter bar assembly 210 and/or any other suitable location of the header 200. Although the sensors 296 are shown along the arms 270 to represent a presence of the sensors 296 on the cutter bar assembly 210, it should be appreciated that any number of sensors 296 may be placed at any of a variety of locations (e.g., proximate the first end 276 of the cutter bar assembly 210; on a crop ramp of the cutter bar assembly 210 that extends or curves between the arms 270 and the blades 274 along the longitudinal axis 142 to guide the cut crops from the blades 274 to the conveyors).
  • locations e.g., proximate the first end 276 of the cutter bar assembly 210; on a crop ramp of the cutter bar assembly 210 that extends or curves between the arms 270 and the blades 274 along the longitudinal axis 142 to guide the cut crops from the blades 274 to the conveyors).
  • the sensors 296 may be spaced apart from one another along the width of the cutter bar assembly 210, so as to align with each group of tines 222 of the reel 220 (e.g., along the lateral axis 140). It should be appreciated that the tines 222 may be considered to be in multiple different groups that are at separate lateral locations or portions across the width of the header 200, such as a first group across a first portion of the width of the header 200, a second group across a second portion of the width of the header 200, and so on. In any case, the sensors 296 may be configured to detect the one or more magnets 298 that are coupled to (e.g., mounted on; embedded in) the reel 220.
  • the one or more magnets 298 are coupled to the tines 222 of the reel 220; however, it should be appreciated that any number of magnets 298 may be placed at any of a variety of locations (e.g., on the central framework 223).
  • each tine 222 of the reel 220 may include a respective magnet 298, or only some tines 222 of the reel 220 may include a respective magnet 298 (and other tines may be devoid of any magnets).
  • each group of tines 222 of the reel 220 may include at least one tine 222 (or only one tine 222) with a magnet 298. For example, in FIG.
  • the six tines 222 form a group of tines 222, and any number of the six tines 222 may include a respective magnet 298 (e.g., only one tine 222, only two diametrically opposed tines 222, every other tine 222, all tines 222).
  • a respective magnet 298 e.g., only one tine 222, only two diametrically opposed tines 222, every other tine 222, all tines 222.
  • portions of the cutter bar assembly 210 may flex in different ways or to different degrees based on features in the field, and additionally, certain headers 200 may enable sectional control of the reel 220 (e.g., to raise only a left side portion of the reel 220 if a respective distance along the left side portion is below a threshold distance, but a respective distance along a center portion of the reel 220 is above the threshold distance).
  • the sensors 296 may be configured to generate the sensor signals that indicate a relative position of the reel 220 and the cutter bar assembly 210. More particularly, the sensors 296 generate the sensor signals that indicate a distance
  • the sensors 296 may be configured to detect when the reel 220 (e.g., the tines 222) are in an undesirable position relative to the cutter bar assembly 210 (e.g., the distance 297 is within a threshold distance of the cutter bar assembly 210, which may refer to being in proximity of the cutter bar assembly 210 and/or in contact with the cutter bar assembly 210). While the distance 297 is illustrated between the tines 222 of the reel 220 and the arm 270 of the cutter bar assembly 210 to facilitate discussion, it should be appreciated that the distance 297 may be a measured distance between the sensors 296 and the magnets
  • any suitable portions of the reel 220 and the cutter bar assembly 210 e.g., a distal end of the tine 222 of the reel 220 and the blades 274 of the cutter bar assembly 210) based on known or stored relationships (e.g., location of the sensor 296 relative to the blades 274; location of the magnet 298 relative to a distal end of the tine 222).
  • each sensor 296 may be configured to detect each instance or event (e.g., occurrence) in which the magnet 298 passes within a range of the sensor 296.
  • the range of the sensor 296 may be set to correspond to the threshold distance, such that each detection of the magnet 298 is considered to indicate that the distance 297 is within the threshold distance.
  • each detection of the magnet 298 may result in the controller 290 providing the one or more outputs (e.g., retracting the tine 222 away from the cutter bar assembly 210).
  • each sensor 296 may be configured to measure a strength of a magnetic field of the magnet 298, which may provide an indication of the distance 297 between the reel 220 and the cutter bar assembly 210. Then, the controller may process the sensor signals to calculate the distance 297, compare the distance to the threshold distance, and provide the one or more outputs in response to the distance being within the threshold distance.
  • the controller 290 may provide the one or more outputs. For example, the controller 290 may respond by controlling the one or more actuators 295 to move the reel 220 or a portion of the reel 220 (e.g., the tines 222) away from the cutter bar assembly 210 (e.g., to move the reel 220 in the first rotational direction 287; to move the tines 222 relative to the central framework 223). Additionally or alternatively, the controller 290 may respond by slowing or blocking further movement of the reel 220 toward the cutter bar assembly 210. Additionally or alternatively, the controller 290 may response by providing an alert to the operator.
  • the controller 290 may respond by controlling the one or more actuators 295 to move the reel 220 or a portion of the reel 220 (e.g., the tines 222) away from the cutter bar assembly 210 (e.g., to move the reel 220 in the first rotational direction 287; to move the tines 222 relative to the central framework 223). Additionally or alternatively, the controller 290 may respond by slowing
  • the sensors 296 and the magnets 298 form a magnet sensor system, which may be a non-contact sensor system that enables detection of the distance 297 even without contact between the reel 220 and the cutter bar assembly 210.
  • the threshold distance may be set to any suitable distance, such as 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more cm. In some embodiments, the threshold distance may essentially be zero, such that the sensors 296 detect when the reel 220 contacts the cutter bar assembly 210.
  • the threshold distance may be established for each header (e.g., specific to each header) based on the sensor signals collected during operation of the header, or the threshold distance may be established for multiple headers with shared characteristics at manufacturing.
  • FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a portion of the header 200 with an example of a boundary 400 that may be generated and/or used for the reel 220 of the header 200.
  • the boundary 400 is multi-dimensional (e.g., two-dimensional) and may be defined with respect to a raise/lower axis 401 and a fore/aft axis 402.
  • the raise/lower axis 401 and the fore/aft axis 402 may be represented along ay-axis and a x-axis, respectively, in a graph 403.
  • the controller may be configured to enable movement of the reel 220 on an upper side 404 (e.g., above; opposite the cutter bar assembly 210) of the boundary 400 and to block or to slow the reel 220 from being positioned on a lower side 405 (e.g., below; toward the cutter bar assembly 210) the boundary 400.
  • the controller may block the reel 220 from being positioned on the lower side 405 simply by blocking certain movements of the reel 220 (e.g., downward); however, it should be appreciated that this may also be accomplished by initiating certain movements of the reel 220 (e.g., upward).
  • the controller may be configured to limit (e.g., slow; small increments) movement of the reel 220 on the lower side 405 of the boundary 400.
  • the operator may provide inputs via the user interface to adjust the reel 220 in the first rotational direction 287 (e.g., upward) and/or in the second rotational direction 289 (e.g., downward), as well as in in the rearward direction 291 and the forward direction 293 along the extension 284.
  • the controller may monitor the distance between the reel 220 and the cutter bar assembly 210, and the controller may use the sensor signals indicative of the distance between the reel 220 and the cutter bar assembly 210 to update the boundary 400.
  • the header 200 may begin with a default boundary that is established based on modeled data, empirical data from multiple other headers, and/or header-specific data collected during trial operation of the header 200 in a field or manufacturing facility. Then, the boundary 400 may be updated based on the sensor signals from the sensors that are part of the magnet sensor system disclosed herein. For example, the sensor signals indicate each occurrence of the reel 220 being within the threshold distance of the cutter bar assembly 210 (e.g., due to the cutter bar assembly 210 pivoting/flexing as the header 200 travels across the field).
  • the controller may process the sensor signals to update the boundary 400, such as to raise the boundary 400 at a particular fore/aft position if the reel 220 is ever or repeatedly within the threshold distance of the cutter bar assembly 210 at the particular fore/aft position along the boundary 400.
  • the magnet sensor system may enable dynamic, headerspecific boundaries to guide or to limit movement of the reel 220, for example.
  • FIG. 5 is a side view of an embodiment of one of tines 500 that may be used in the reel of the header.
  • the tine 500 extends from a first tine end 501 (e.g., proximal tine end) to a second tine end 502 (e.g., distal tine end).
  • the tine 500 includes an attachment portion 504 (e.g., bracket) at the first tine end 501, and the attachment portion 504 is configured to couple the tine 500 to the central framework of the reel.
  • the attachment portion 504 may include a c-shape bracket that is configured to receive a corresponding portion of the central framework.
  • the attachment portion 504 may also include one or more protrusions 506 that engage the central framework (e.g., via a snap fit; via a key-slot fit).
  • the attachment portion 504 may include openings through opposed protrusions 506 to enable a fastener (e.g., threaded fastener) to extend from one of the protrusions 506, through an aligned opening in the central framework, and into the other one of the protrusions 506 to thereby secure the tine 500 to the central framework.
  • a fastener e.g., threaded fastener
  • the attachment portion 504 may include any of a variety of configurations and the tine 500 may be coupled to the reel via any of a variety of techniques.
  • the attachment portion 504 may include recesses that receive protrusions that extend from the central framework (e.g., to engage via a snap fit; via a key-slot fit).
  • the tine 500 curves along its length between the first tine end 501 and the second tine end 502.
  • the tine 500 also generally tapers from the attachment portion 504 to the second tine end 502 (e.g., the tine 500 has a first, larger outer circumference or perimeter adjacent to the attachment portion 504 and a second, smaller outer circumference or perimeter at the second tine end 502).
  • a body 508 (e.g., tine body) of the tine 500 may be formed as one piece (e.g., molded as one piece; a single material), although the body 508 may be formed from multiple pieces that are coupled together.
  • the body 508 of the tine 500 may be formed from a plastic material (e.g., rigid plastic material).
  • a magnet 510 may be coupled to the body 508 of the tine 500.
  • the magnet 510 may include a coil that receives and wraps around the body 508 of the tine 500, and the magnet 510 may be coupled to the body 508 of the tine 500 via an adhesive and/or other techniques (e.g., sleeve, snap fit, friction fit).
  • the magnet 510 may be coupled to the body 508 of the tine 500 at a location away from the second tine end 502, such that a length 512 (e.g., tip portion) of the body 508 of the tine 500 is present between the magnet 510 and the second tine end 502.
  • the length 512 of the body 508 of the tine 500 may enable the magnet 510 to more securely couple to the body 508 of the tine 500, may reduce a likelihood of the cutter bar assembly contacting the magnet 510 (e.g., the cutter bar assembly may clip the length 512 of the body 508 of the tine 500 without contacting the magnet 510), and/or may reduce a likelihood of metal debris accumulating at the second tine end 502 (e.g., extending between the second tine end 502 and the cutter bar assembly; reduces a holding force on any debris at the second tine end 502; directs any debris to outer side surfaces of the magnet 510).
  • the length 512 may be equal to or greater than about 0.5, 1, or 2 cm.
  • the length 512 may be equal to or less than about 2, 5, 10, 15, 20, or 25 percent of a total length of the tine 500 (e.g., from the first tine end 501 to the second tine end 502).
  • Components of FIG. 5 are assigned new reference numbers for image clarity and to facilitate discussion; however, it should be appreciated that the tine 500 may have any of the structural and/or operational features of the tine 222 shown and described with reference to FIGS. 1-4 (e.g., the magnet 510 may have any of the features of the magnet 298 of FIG. 3).
  • FIG. 6 is a side view of an embodiment of the tine 600 that may be used in the reel of the header.
  • FIG. 7 is a side view of the tine 600 of FIG. 6, wherein a portion of a body 601 of the tine 600 is removed to facilitate visualization of a magnet 602 (e.g., permanent magnet) within the body 601 of the tine 600.
  • a magnet 602 e.g., permanent magnet
  • the magnet 602 is embedded or enclosed within the body 601 of the tine 600 while the tine 600 is intact for operation (e.g., with the portion of the body 601 of the tine 600 intact; without the portion of the body 601 of the tine 600 being removed to facilitate visualization of the magnet 602).
  • the tine 600 extends from a first tine end 604 (e.g., proximal tine end) to a second tine end 606 (e.g., distal tine end).
  • the tine 600 includes an attachment portion 608 (e.g., bracket) at the first tine end 604, and the attachment portion 608 is configured to couple the tine 600 to the central framework of the reel.
  • the attachment portion 608 may include a c-shape bracket that is configured to receive a corresponding portion of the central framework.
  • the attachment portion 608 may also include one or more protrusions 610 that engage the central framework (e.g., via a snap fit; via a key-slot fit).
  • the attachment portion 608 may include openings through opposed protrusions 610 to enable a fastener (e.g., threaded fastener) to extend from one of the protrusions 610, through an aligned opening in the central framework, and into the other one of the protrusions 610 to thereby secure the tine 600 to the central framework.
  • a fastener e.g., threaded fastener
  • the attachment portion 608 may include any of a variety of configurations and the tine 600 may be coupled to the reel via any of a variety of techniques.
  • the attachment portion 608 may include recesses that receive protrusions that extend from the central framework (e.g., to engage via a snap fit; via a key-slot fit).
  • the tine 600 curves along its length between the first tine end 604 and the second tine end 606.
  • the tine 600 also generally tapers from the attachment portion 608 to the second tine end 606 (e.g., the tine 600 has a first, larger outer circumference or perimeter adjacent to the attachment portion 608 and a second, smaller outer circumference or perimeter at the second tine end 606).
  • the body 601 may be formed as one piece (e.g., molded as one piece; a single material), although the body 601 may be formed from multiple pieces that are coupled together.
  • the body 601 may be formed as one piece (e.g., molded as one piece; a single material), although the body 601 may be formed from multiple pieces that are coupled together.
  • the 601 of the tine 600 may be formed from a plastic material (e.g., rigid plastic material).
  • the magnet 602 may be positioned and supported within a cavity 612 formed in the body 601 of the tine 600.
  • the magnet 602 may be within the cavity 612 at a location that is away from the second tine end 502, such that a length 614 (e.g., tip portion) of the body 601 of the tine 600 is present between the magnet 602 and the second tine end 606.
  • the length 614 of the body 601 of the tine 600 may reduce a likelihood of the cutter bar assembly contacting the magnet 602 (e.g., the cutter bar assembly may clip the length 614 of the body 601 of the tine 600 without contacting the magnet 602) and/or may reduce a likelihood of metal debris accumulating at the second tine end 606.
  • the length 614 may be equal to or greater than about 0.5, 1, or 2 cm.
  • the length 614 may be equal to or less than about 2, 5, 10, 15, 20, or 25 percent of a total length of the tine 600 (e.g., from the first tine end 604 to the second tine end 606).
  • Components of FIGS. 6-10 are assigned new reference numbers for image clarity and to facilitate discussion; however, it should be appreciated that the tine 600 may have any of the structural and/or operational features of the tine 222 shown and described with reference to FIGS. 1-4 (e.g., the magnet 602 may have any of the features of the magnet 298 of FIG. 3).
  • FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an end portion 800 of the tine 600 of FIG. 6.
  • FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the end portion 800 of the tine 600 of FIG. 6, wherein the portion of the body 601 is removed to facilitate visualization of the magnet 602 within the body 601.
  • FIG. 10 is a partially-exploded side view of the tine 600 of FIG. 6, wherein the portion of the body 601 and the magnet 602 are separated from a remainder of the body 601 to facilitate visualization and discussion of these components.
  • the length 614 of the body 601 of the tine 600 tapers from the cavity 612 that supports the magnet 602 to the second tine end 606 (e.g., the tine 600 has a first, larger outer circumference or perimeter adjacent to the cavity 612 and a second, smaller outer circumference or perimeter at the second tine end 606).
  • the presence of the length 614 of the body 601 of the tine 600 e.g., offsetting the cavity 612 and the magnet 602 from the second tine end 606), as well as the taper along the length 614 of the body 601 of the tine 600, reduce the likelihood of metal debris accumulating at the second tine end 606 (e.g., extending between the second tine end 606 and the cutter bar assembly).
  • these features also enable the magnet sensor to more reliably detect the magnet 602 and enable the controller to more accurately calculate the distance between the reel and the cutter bar assembly (e.g., without interference or with a reduction in interference due to metal debris extending from the second tine end 606; the metal debris may cause the sensor to generate sensor signals that indicate an incorrect, smaller distance).
  • these features may direct any metal debris to travel along the tapered edges and/or accumulate along side walls 616 that circumferentially surround the cavity 612 and the magnet 602, rather than extending between the second tine end 606 and the cutter bar assembly.
  • FIG. 11 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a method 1100 for using a magnet sensor system with a reel of a header.
  • the flowchart includes various steps represented by blocks. Although the flowchart illustrates the steps in a certain sequence, it should be understood that the steps may be performed in any suitable order and certain steps may be carried out simultaneously, where appropriate. Further, certain steps may be omitted and/or other steps may be added. While certain steps are described as being performed by a controller, it should be understood that the steps or portions thereof may be performed by any suitable processing device.
  • a magnet sensor may detect a magnet in a tine body of a reel during operation of an agricultural system.
  • the magnet sensor may be disposed on the cutter bar assembly, for example.
  • a controller may receive, from the magnet sensor, sensor feedback indicative of occurrences of the tine body being within a threshold distance of the cutter bar assembly.
  • a controller may provide an output in response to the tine body being within the threshold distance of the cutter bar assembly.
  • the controller may control one or more actuators to move the reel or a portion of the reel (e.g., to pivot the reel or the tines of the reel in the first direction away from the cutter bar assembly) and/or to provide other outputs.
  • the controller may analyze data points that correspond to positions of the reel during the occurrences to generate and/or to update a boundary for the reel. For example, each data point may represent the position of the reel (e.g., along the up/down axis and the fore/aft axis) at a respective occurrence of the tine body being within the threshold distance of the cutter bar assembly.
  • the controller may raise the boundary at a particular location along the fore/aft axis in response to the sensor signals indicating one or more occurrences of the tine body being within the threshold distance of the cutter bar assembly while the reel is at the particular location along the fore/aft axis.
  • the controller may control the reel based on the boundary. For example, the controller may block downward movement of the reel across the boundary and/or slow downward movement of the reel below the boundary during harvesting operations. Additionally or alternatively, the controller may provide an alert via a display screen to notify the operator that an instructed command for the reel would cause the reel to move across the boundary.
  • the controller may provide outputs based on the sensor feedback indicating that the reel is within the threshold distance of the boundary (step 1101), set a boundary for the reel based on the sensor feedback (steps 1102 and 1103), and/or control the reel based on the boundary (step 1104).
  • the magnet sensor system may be utilized to generate and/or to update one or more boundaries for the reel; however, the magnet sensor system may also be utilized merely to enable the controller to react to instances in which the reel is in an undesirable position relative to the cutter bar assembly (e.g., within the threshold distance; without being processed to establish any boundaries for the reel). Furthermore, variations in the magnet sensor system are envisioned (e.g., the magnet sensor on the reel and the magnet on the cutter bar assembly). The magnet sensor system may also identify damaged or missing tines (e.g., expect to detect six magnets per rotation of the reel, so detection of only five magnets per rotation of the reel indicates that one of the tines is damaged or missing).
  • the magnet sensor system may also calculate a rotation rate of the reel (e.g., number of magnets detected per time period). While only certain features have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications and changes will occur to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the disclosure.

Landscapes

  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Environmental Sciences (AREA)
  • Harvester Elements (AREA)

Abstract

Un ensemble rabatteur (220) pour une machine agricole comprend une structure centrale (223) qui est conçue pour tourner par rapport à un cadre (201) de la machine agricole. L'ensemble rabatteur (220) comprend également un corps de dent (222, 508, 601) s'étendant à partir de la structure centrale (223) et conçu pour tourner avec la structure centrale (223) par rapport au cadre (201) de la machine agricole pour guider les pousses vers une partie du cadre (201) de la machine agricole. L'ensemble rabatteur (220) comprend également un aimant (298, 510, 602) couplé au corps de dent (222, 508, 601) pour faciliter la détection d'une distance entre le corps de dent (222, 508, 601) et la partie du cadre (201) de la machine agricole.
PCT/US2022/049060 2021-11-05 2022-11-04 Dent de rabatteur magnétique pour une tête de coupe agricole WO2023081429A1 (fr)

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US202163276277P 2021-11-05 2021-11-05
US63/276,277 2021-11-05
US202263325854P 2022-03-31 2022-03-31
US63/325,854 2022-03-31

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Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE202012102637U1 (de) * 2012-07-17 2013-10-21 Al-Ko Kober Se Selbstfahrendes Bodenbearbeitungsgerät
EP2767152A2 (fr) * 2013-02-14 2014-08-20 CLAAS Selbstfahrende Erntemaschinen GmbH Procédé de fonctionnement d'une moissonneuse automotrice et moissonneuse automotrice
US20210055158A1 (en) * 2019-08-20 2021-02-25 Cnh Industrial America Llc Systems and methods for filtering sensor signal interference deriving from powered components of a header
WO2021216791A1 (fr) * 2020-04-21 2021-10-28 Cnh Industrial America Llc Ajustement de bobine pour une table de coupe agricole

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE202012102637U1 (de) * 2012-07-17 2013-10-21 Al-Ko Kober Se Selbstfahrendes Bodenbearbeitungsgerät
EP2767152A2 (fr) * 2013-02-14 2014-08-20 CLAAS Selbstfahrende Erntemaschinen GmbH Procédé de fonctionnement d'une moissonneuse automotrice et moissonneuse automotrice
US20210055158A1 (en) * 2019-08-20 2021-02-25 Cnh Industrial America Llc Systems and methods for filtering sensor signal interference deriving from powered components of a header
WO2021216791A1 (fr) * 2020-04-21 2021-10-28 Cnh Industrial America Llc Ajustement de bobine pour une table de coupe agricole

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