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    • 专利摘要:
    ADJUSTABLE MODULAR SUGAR CANE HARVEST, AND, CHASSIS FOR A SUGAR CANE HARVEST A modular set for a sugarcane harvester is described. A sugarcane harvester may include a chassis with several discrete and laterally separated locations. Harvest divider support modules can be configured to be attached separately and fixed to the chassis at various mounting locations to support respective harvest dividers in a variety of discrete and laterally separated orientations.
    公开号:BR102015013544B1
    申请号:R102015013544-0
    申请日:2015-06-10
    公开日:2021-03-02
    发明作者:Kerry J. Morvant；Dusk S. Mixon；Daniel J. Corbett；Eric P. Richard；Michael L. Halbrook；John P. Scrivner；Marlin L. Goodnight
    申请人:Deere & Company；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    DESCRIPTION FIELD
    [001] This description refers to sugar cane harvesters, including modular configurations for sugar cane harvesters. GROUNDS OF DESCRIPTION
    [002] Harvesters of various types, including sugar cane harvesters, may include harvesting devices of various types. Harvesting devices for a sugarcane harvester, for example, may include sets for cutting, crushing, sorting, transporting, and otherwise collecting and processing sugarcane plants. Typical harvesting devices include base cutter assemblies (or "base cutters"), feed rollers, cutting drums, and others. On certain combines, harvesting device devices can be hydraulically powered by a motor driven pump (or others).
    [003] To actively harvest crops, a combine can seed along a field with harvesting devices attached, harvesting devices collecting and processing material from rows of harvested plants. In the case of sugar cane harvesters, the collected sugar cane stems or stalks can be crushed into pellets for delivery to a trailer wagon, while leaves and impurities can be separated from the pellets and ejected into the field. .
    [004] Sugarcane can be planted in a variety of arrangements, including in fields with high rows, flat rows with several spacing, and others. As such, a harvesting device configuration that is useful for harvesting a particular field may not be optimal for harvesting a different field. For example, in fields with a particular row spacing, the particular width between harvest dividers can be used to properly route sugarcane into the harvester. In fields with a different row spacing, however, a different width between the crop dividers can be more effective. Similarly, a particular combination and orientation of various base cutters (or other harvesting devices) may be particularly suitable for specific field arrangements and characteristics of sugarcane. A different combination and orientation, however, may be more effective in other circumstances. DESCRIPTION SUMMARY
    [005] A modular set is described, to monitor various modes of operation of a combine. According to one aspect of the description, a sugarcane harvester may include a chassis with several discrete and laterally separated mounting locations. Harvest divider support modules can be configured to be attached separately and fixed to the chassis in several of the mounting locations, in order to support the respective harvest dividers in a variety of discrete and laterally separated orientations.
    [006] In certain embodiments, the base cutter support modules can be configured to be attached separately and fixed to the chassis at various mounting locations, in order to support respective base cutters in a variety of discrete and laterally separated orientations. The base cutter support modules can be attached to the chassis at common mounting locations with the harvest divider support modules.
    [007] In certain embodiments, several actuators can be provided. Certain actuators, for example, can be configured to move base cutter sets with respect to associated base cutter support modules, to move crop dividers with respect to to the associated crop divider support modules, or to move the various support modules between different mounting locations.
    [008] In certain embodiments, the chassis may include a module cavity. A feed roller support module and a base cutter support module can be separately mounted inside the mode cavity. The feed roll support module can be configured to support feed rollers within the module cavity when mounted on the chassis. The rear base cutter support module can be configured to support the rear base cutters within the module cavity when mounted on the chassis.
    [009] The details of one or more implementations are described in the attached drawings and in the description below. Other features and advantages will become apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
    [0010] Figure 1 is a side view of a sugar cane harvester, for example, with a modular set; figure 2 is a partial perspective view showing support modules attached to a chassis of the combine of figure 1; figures 3A and 3B are partial perspective views, enlarged, of the affixing of a first support module of figure 2 to the chassis; figure 4 is a partial perspective view of a harvest divider and harvest divider support, attached to the first support module of figure 2; figure 5 is a partial perspective view of a base cutter and support arm attached to a second support module of figure 2; and Figures 6A and 6B are partial top views of the combine of Figure 1, including a module cavity.
    [0011] The same reference symbols in the various drawings indicate the same elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
    [0012] The following describes one or more example modalities of the control system and method, for example, for monitoring the operating states of harvesters, as shown in the attached figures of the drawings briefly described above. Various modifications to the example modalities can be implemented by a person skilled in the art.
    [0013] As noted above, it may be useful to configure a particular sugarcane harvester differently, depending on the characteristics of the field and the sugarcane to be harvested, as well as other factors. Existing systems for adjusting the sugar cane harvester configuration, however, may lack stability or rigidity, and may allow adjustment of only a limited number of harvesting devices (for example, only a set of crop dividers. harvest, only a tipping roll, and others). In addition, existing systems cannot facilitate the assembly and configuration of various combinations of multiple harvesting devices for a particular harvester chassis.
    [0014] The modular set described can address these and other problems. A modular set can allow the customizable configuration of a variety of harvesting devices for a particular sugarcane harvester, depending on current harvesting needs. A modular set can also allow an operator to easily replace certain harvesting devices with others for a particular harvester in order to better configure the harvester for a particular field.
    [0015] In certain embodiments, a harvester chassis can be equipped with a number of mounting locations (for example, a number of precisely positioned screw holes). A crop divider support module can be affixed to the chassis at several of the mounting locations, so that, depending on the mounting location used, the support module can support a crop divider, relative to the chassis, in a variety guidelines. In certain embodiments, the crop divider support modules can be mounted on either side of the front of a chassis, in order to separately support a pair of crop dividers in a configuration (for example, a particular spacing) suitable for a particular field (for example, with particular row spacing).
    [0016] In certain embodiments, a base cutter support module can also be mounted at various mounting locations on a combine harvester. In this way, a base cutter assembly can also be supported in a variety of orientations with respect to the chassis. In certain embodiments, the mounting locations for a crop divider support module can also be used for a base cutter support module. For example, a crop divider support module can be aligned with a chassis at a set of mounting locations. A base cutter support module (for example, a front base cutter support module) can then also be aligned with the chassis at a set of mounting locations (or a portion of it), and both mounting modules brackets mounted on the chassis with a common connection (for example, shared screws, affixed to shared mounting locations).
    [0017] In certain embodiments, the chassis can define a module cavity (for example, a space usually between a particular set of beams or chassis support), within which a variety of harvesting modules (or others) can be interchangeably assembled. For example, another base cutter support module (for example, the rear base cutter support module) and a feed roller support module can both be provided. The two modules can be configured for support on the chassis (for example, using the same mounting locations), so that a rear base cutter or a set of feed rollers, respectively, are oriented inside the module cavity. As such, depending on which of the modules is selected, a combine can be easily equipped with either a second (or other) base cutter or an additional set of feed rollers.
    [0018] In certain embodiments, a transport frame (for example, a wheel axle assembly, a caterpillar cart, and others) can be provided in order to support a transport mechanism (for example, several wheels, tracks and others) for a combine, while also allowing for customizable configuration of the orientation of the transport mechanism. For example, a set of caterpillars can be supported by a caterpillar frame (or cart), which can be properly attached to a harvester chassis. Various devices can be used to adjust the orientation of the track set with respect to the harvester. For example, caterpillars on either side of the harvester can be moved laterally (or otherwise) over a caterpillar frame that supports to vary the spacing between caterpillars, or a separate caterpillar frame on each side of the harvester can be moved laterally ( or otherwise) with respect to the chassis, for the same purpose.
    [0019] As will become apparent from the discussion made here, the described modular set can be used advantageously in a variety of equipment and with a variety of machines. In certain embodiments, with reference now to Figure 1, the described system and method can be implemented with respect to a sugarcane harvester 20. It will be understood, however, that the described system and method can be used for several other vehicles or non-vehicular platforms, including several sugar cane harvesters of different configurations or different designs of the sugar cane harvester 20 in figure 1.
    [0020] Combine harvester 20 is shown in a side view in figure 1, with the front part of harvester 20 facing left. Consequently, certain components on the right side of the harvester 20 are not visible in figure 1. The harvester 20 can include a cab 18 for an operator to sit on, as well as a chassis 22, supporting various cutting, routing and processing devices. In certain embodiments, the chassis 22 may be supported by a transport frame, such as a caterpillar frame 60 supporting the caterpillar assemblies 24. Other harvesters may include wheels supported by wheel axle assemblies (not shown). A motor 26 can provide power to drive the harvester across a field and to power several driven components of the harvester 20. In certain embodiments, motor 26 can directly power a main hydraulic pump (not shown). Various driven components of the combine 20 can be powered by hydraulic motors (not shown) receiving hydraulic power from the hydraulic pump via one or more hydraulic links (not shown).
    [0021] A cane spearing machine 30 can extend in front of the chassis 22 in order to remove the leafy tops of the sugar cane plants (not shown), and a set of harvest dividers (for example) example, the left side divider 32, shown in figure 1) can guide the remaining part of the sugar cane towards the internal mechanisms of the combine 20 for processing. As the harvester 20 moves across a field, the plants that pass between the crop dividers 32 can be deflected downwards by a tipping roller 36 before being cut close to the base of the plants by one of the base cutters 34 and 38.
    [0022] Rotating discs, guides or shovels (not shown) on the front base cutter 38 and rear base cutter 34 can also direct the cut ends of the plants up and back inside the harvester 20 to a feed train for the further transportation and processing. For example, sugar cane cut by one of the base cutters 34 or 38 can be passed through the base cutters 34 or 38 in the direction for successive pairs of upper and lower feed rollers 40 and 42 supported by the chassis 22. The rollers feeds 40 and 42 can then rotate to transport the stems or rods towards the shredder drums 44 and 46 for shredding to form relatively uniform pellets. In certain embodiments, the feed rollers 40 and 42 can be included in a hydraulic circuit, so that the feed rollers 40 and 42 can be rotationally driven by a hydraulic motor or other device (not shown).
    [0023] Crusher drums 44 and 46 can rotate in opposite directions, with respect to each other, in order to grind the passing rods to form blanks and propel the blanks into a cleaning chamber 48 at the base of an extractor primary 50. The primary extractor 50 can then use an energized fan to extract refuse and debris from the cleaning chamber 48, while allowing the sugar cane stem blades to fall onto a loading elevator 52 with a front end positioned at the base of the cleaning zone 48. The loading elevator 52 can then transport the cleaned blanks upwards to a discharge location 54, below a secondary extractor 56, where the blanks can be unloaded into a tow truck or another receptacle (not shown).
    [0024] As also noted above, several devices within the combine 20 can be driven by hydraulic motors (or others), which are indirectly powered by the motor 26. For example, the rotation of the cutting blades of the base cutter 34 can be driven by one or more hydraulic motors (not shown) in a closed link base cutter hydraulic circuit (not shown), which can, in turn, be powered by the main hydraulic pump (not shown), driven by motor 26. The hydraulic circuit for the base cutter 34 can be distinguished from the hydraulic circuit for other harvesting devices (for example, the feed rollers 40 and 42 or other devices).
    [0025] As another example, the rotation of the crusher drums 44 and 46 can be driven by one or more hydraulic motors (not shown) in a closed link crusher drum hydraulic circuit (not shown), which can, in turn, instead, be powered by the main hydraulic pump (not shown), driven by engine 26. The hydraulic circuit for the crusher drums 44 and 46 can be distinguished from the hydraulic circuit for other harvesting devices (for example, the feed rollers 40 and 42, the base cutter 34, or other devices).
    [0026] In certain modalities, several sensors and related devices can be used. For example, one or more position sensors (or height) 62 and 64 can be oriented at, or close to, crop dividers 32, to assist in tracking the orientation of crop divider 32 with respect to the ground or the chassis 22 of the harvester 20. Sensors 62 and 64 can be configured in several ways and can be in communication with various other devices associated with the harvester 20. Separate sensors 62 or 64 can be used to separately track the orientation of separate harvest dividers ( for example, right and left) 32. In certain embodiments, several other sensors and sensor types can be additionally (or alternatively) used.
    [0027] In certain embodiments, one or more control devices, such as controller 58, may be included (or otherwise associated with a) in the harvester 20. Controller 58, for example, may include one or more control devices computing, including multiple processor devices and associated memory architectures. In certain embodiments, controller 58 may additionally (or alternatively) include various other control devices, such as various electro-hydraulic valves and hydraulic circuits, various electronic control circuits and devices (for example, various electronic power devices), and others. In certain embodiments, controller 58 (or another control device) may be in communication with various switches, controls and other interfaces or input devices (not shown) in cab 18, as well as with various sensors, actuators, or other devices ( not shown in figure 1), distributed across the entire harvester 20. For example, controller 58 may be in communication with pressure transducers 62 and 64, wheel speed sensors (not shown) and harvest switch 66 on booth 18. In certain embodiments, controller 58 (or other control device) may be a remotely positioned control device, which communicates with various devices and systems of the combine 20 via wireless or other means of communication.
    [0028] Crop dividers 32 can be supported with respect to the chassis in a number of ways. In certain embodiments, the crop dividers 32 can be supported on removable modules, so that the orientation of the crop dividers 32 with respect to the chassis 22 can be easily configurable. Referring also to figure 2, various mounting structures can be attached to (or formed as part of) chassis 22 in order to provide a variety of mounting locations for harvest dividers 32. For example, an upper mounting structure 80 and a lower mounting frame 90, each constructed of welded and shaped metal plates, can be screwed or welded to the chassis 22. A variety of gloves 82 and 100 can extend through the mounting frames 80 and 90, the gloves 82 and 100 (or others) being configured to receive multiple screws 76, 78, and 88 (or other fixtures). Other devices for mounting components on mounting frames 80 and 90 can additionally (or alternatively) be used, including various clips, locks, hooks, screw holes, and the like. The locations of gloves 82 and 100 along frames 80 and 90 (or the locations of other mounting devices) can be viewed as "mounting locations". As can be seen from the location of the various screws 76, 78 and 88 and sleeves 82 and 100 in figure 2, the various mounting locations for the mounting structures 80 and 90 can be spaced laterally away from each other. Gloves 82 and 100 (or other mounting devices) can, therefore, provide a relatively rigid connection between various support modules (as discussed below) and chassis 22, in each of the possible configurations.
    [0029] As shown in the various figures, the mounting frames 80 and 90 can extend laterally across the full width of the chassis 22. In certain embodiments, it may be appropriate to include mounting frames that do not extend across the full width of the chassis 22 For example, right and left mounting frames (not shown) can be used.
    [0030] One or more harvest divider support modules 70 (for example, a module 70 for each side of the combine 20) can be used to support harvest dividers 32 in a configurable manner. The support modules 70 can be attached to the mounting structures 80 and 90 in several different mounting locations, depending on the desired orientation of the modules 70. In this way, the support modules 70 can be supported in several discrete and laterally spaced orientations with in relation to the chassis 22. In certain embodiments, the support modules 70 can be attached to the mounting structures 80 and 90 by means of several screws 76, 78 and 88, attached through a particular set of gloves 82 and 100, which can correspond to a particular orientation of the support modules 70. This can be useful, for example, in order to harvest sugarcane fields with different row spacing and various other adjustments. This can also improve the durability and reliability of the modular system.
    [0031] In the embodiment shown, support modules 70 can be affixed to chassis 22 using laterally external mounting locations for wider row spacing (for example, 1.5m rows) and can be affixed to chassis 22 using locations laterally internal mounting brackets for narrower rows (for example, 0.9 m rows). Other spacing and mounting locations may also be possible.
    [0032] In certain embodiments, the support module 70 can display a generally y-shaped profile, with an upper mounting arm 72, a lower mounting arm 84, and a support arm 92 connected to the two mounting arms 72 and 84. Various known techniques (for example, I-beam profiles, transverse supports, and others) can be used to provide appropriate strength and stiffness for the various arms 72, 84 and 92, and for the support module 70 as a whole. The upper mounting arm 72 may include, at an upper end, a mounting bracket 74, or a similar attachment structure or mechanism. In the embodiment shown, with reference also to figure 3A, the mounting bracket 74 may include a hooked portion, which may rest on an upper flap 80a of the mounting structure 80 when the support module 70 is attached to the chassis 22. A In order to affix the upper mounting arm 72 to the mounting frame 80, with the mounting bracket 74 properly aligned with the mounting frame 80, several screws 76 and 78 can be secured via various sleeves 82.
    [0033] With reference also to figure 3B, the lower mounting arm 84 may include, at an upper or rear end, a mounting bracket 86 or a similar display structure or mechanism. In the embodiment shown, the mounting bracket 86 can be configured to rest against a front portion of the mounting frame 90. Several screws 88 can then be fastened through several sleeves 100 in order to affix the lower mounting arm 84 to the frame mounting bracket 90.
    [0034] In order to mount the support module 70 on the chassis 22 of the combine 20 in a variety of configurations, an operator can raise the support module 70 to seat the upper mounting bracket 74 on the upper mounting frame 80. This can cause the natural moment of the support module 70 to push the mounting bracket 86 against the mounting structure 90. The operator can then align the support module 70 with the appropriate set of mounting locations and secure the support module 70 on both mounting frames 80 and 90. As noted above, in this way, an operator can configure multiple support modules 70 (for example, each of the left and right support modules 70) to support the harvest 32 in various orientations.
    [0035] Harvest dividers 32 can be supported by support modules 70 in several ways. In certain embodiments, with reference also to figure 4, the crop dividers 32 can be configured to move with respect to the support modules 70 and the chassis 22. In the embodiment shown, the crop divider 32 can be supported with respect to the module support 70 by a set of four bar linkage system. Each support module 70, for example, can include pivot supports 94 and 96, for the indirect (or direct) display of harvest dividers 32. Several connections 136 and 138 can be mounted on pivot supports 94 and 96, as well as on pivot supports 132 and 134 on a frame 130 for the associated crop divider 32. In certain embodiments, the length of one or more of the connections 136 and 138 can be adjustable to adjust the range of motion of the divider frame harvest 130 (and harvest divider 32) with respect to support module 70 and chassis 22. For example, connection 138 can include a slot and screw assembly 140, by which the length of connection 138 can be adjusted. It will be understood that various other support arrangements (for example, lever arrangements, other connection systems, and the like) can be used.
    [0036] In certain embodiments, a soil tracking set for crop dividers 32 can help maintain proper contact between crop dividers 32 and the soil of a particular field. For example, a hydraulic system (or other) can be provided in order to act or otherwise control the movement of the crop dividers 32 in response to the contours of the soil. In the embodiment shown, an actuator support 142 can be provided in connection 136, and a corresponding actuator support 98 can be provided in support module 70. An actuator (for example, hydraulic actuator 102) can be attached to each of the supports 142 and 98, so that the extension or retraction of the actuator cylinder 102 can move the harvest divider frame 130 along a path defined by connections 136 and 138.
    [0037] In certain modalities, several control strategies can be used for a set of soil tracking. For example, a target pressure (or pressure range) can be determined for hydraulic actuator 102, which can correspond to an appropriate pressure (or pressure range) on the ground. A pressure transducer (not shown) can be used to monitor the current state of the actuator 102, which can vary depending on the contact force between the crop dividers 32 and the soil. If changes in the terrain (for example, elevations or ridges in the field) propel the crop divider 32 upwards, so that the system pressures have exceeded the target pressure (or pressure range), a pump (not shown) can be activated to move crop divider 32 (for example, up) until the system returns to the target pressure (or range). This can help to ensure that there is appropriate force applied between the soil and the crop divider 32, so that the crop divider 32 neither enters too deeply into the soil nor bounces excessively along the soil. In certain implementations, a check table or similar feature or process can be used to determine an appropriate target pressure setting, based on the current position of the crop divider 32. For example, a current target pressure can be automatically adjusted every time when harvest divider 32 is redirected with actuator 102 and connections 136 and 138 (for example, as discussed in more detail below).
    [0038] In certain embodiments, a position sensor 144 (for example, a linear, rotary or other sensor) can be used to monitor the relative orientation of the crop divider frame 130 and crop divider 32 with respect to the module harvest divider support bracket 70 and chassis 22. For example, position sensor 144 can be attached (not shown) to bottom link 136 in order to detect the relative orientation of link 136. This information can be provided for a controller (e.g. controller 58) in order to calculate a current orientation of the crop divider 32 and frame 130 with respect to the chassis 22, the support module 70, or the ground.
    [0039] As noted above, the support module 70 can be supported on the mounting structures 80 and 90 in a number of discrete and laterally separated positions. In certain embodiments, several actuators can be provided to assist in the movement of the support module 70 (and other modules) between these positions. For example, with reference again to figure 2, an actuator 104 can be provided. In order to properly configure the combine 20, the actuator 104 can be used to move the support module 70 laterally along the upper and lower mounting structures 80 and 90 between various mounting locations. Once, when aligned with an appropriate mounting location by actuator 104, the support module 70 can then be rigidly attached to the mounting structures 80 and 90 (for example, by means of the various screws 76, 78, and 88 and gloves 82 and 100). In this way, for example, actuators 104 can be used to assist in the alignment of support modules 70, but the benefits of discrete, rigid mounting connections can be maintained.
    [0040] Still with reference to figure 2, in order to support the various front base cutters 38 in a configurable way, one or more base cutter support modules 112 (for example, a module 112 for each side of the combine 20 ) can be provided. Like the harvest divider support modules 70, the base cutter support modules 112 can be attached to the chassis at a number of different mounting locations (for example, using several screws 76, 78 and 88, fastened through various sleeves 82 and 100). In this way, the support modules 112 can be supported in several different discrete laterally spaced orientations, with respect to the chassis 22.
    [0041] In certain embodiments, the support module 112 may exhibit a generally extended profile, with a mounting arm 114 extending upward, away from a lower support structure 118. A mounting support 116 (or structure or mechanism similar fixing bracket) can be attached to the upper end of the mounting arm 114. Mounting bracket 116 can be aligned with appropriate mounting locations on the upper mounting frame 80, and several screws 78 inserted through various sleeves 82 in order to secure the mounting arm 114 to the mounting frame 80. The support module 112 can similarly be attached to the lower mounting frame 90.
    [0042] In certain embodiments, the base cutter support module 112 can be configured to affix to the chassis in the same set (or a shared subset) of mounting locations as the harvest divider support module 70. As shown in figure 1, for example, the mounting bracket 116 of the support module 112 can be configured to rest on the mounting bracket 74, so that when the two modules 70 and 112 are screwed into the mounting frame 80, the support module 112 is supported by the chassis 22 via the support module 70. In such a configuration, it may be possible to configure the combine 20 to include or not include the front base cutter 38, when appropriate. For example, the harvest divider support module 70 can be positioned on the mounting frames 80 and 90 at the appropriate mounting locations to provide a chosen orientation (or range of orientations) of the harvest dividers 32. When necessary, the harvesting module base cutter support 112 can be seated on the harvest divider support module 70, and the two support modules 112 and 70 are rigidly attached to the chassis.
    [0043] With reference to figure 5, the front base cutters 38 can be supported by the support modules 112, in several ways. (For clarity of presentation, several characteristics are represented with dashed lines in figure 5.) In certain embodiments, the base cutters 38 can be configured to move with respect to the support modules 112. In the represented mode, each support module 112 can be configured to include pivot brackets 120, for the indirect (or direct) attachment of the base cutters 38. A support arm 158 (or other device) can be pivotally mounted on the pivot brackets 120 of the support module 112 in a end of the support arm 158, and can rigidly support one of the base cutters 38 at the other end of the support arm 158. The support arm 158 can pivot around the pivot supports 120 in order to pivot the base cutter 38 with with respect to the chassis 22. It will be understood that several other support arrangements can be used, including various sliding assemblies, rail and roller assemblies, linear actuators, system arrangements d and four-bar connections and other arrangements, other levers or arms, and others.
    [0044] In certain embodiments, a hydraulic system (or other) can be provided in order to act or otherwise control the movement of the base cutters 38. For example, an actuator support 160 can be provided in the base cutter 38 (for example, on a support frame (not shown) of the base cutter 38), and a corresponding actuator support 98 can be provided on support module 112. A hydraulic (or other) actuator can be attached to each of the supports 160 and 122, so that the extension or retraction of the cylinder of the actuator 162 can move the base cutter 38 along a path defined by the support arm 158. Consequently, the relative orientation of the base cutter 38 with respect to the ground and the chassis 22 can be adjusted. Correspondingly, the movement of the support arm 158 can also adjust the relative angle of various base cutter components, including the base cutter blades 152, disc 154, spindle 156, and the like.
    [0045] Other modules (and combinations of modules) can also be used. With reference also to figures 6A and 6B, the combine 20 may include a set of rear base cutters 34 as well as the set of front base cutters 38. The rear base cutters 34 can be rigidly mounted on chassis 22 in one of a number of predetermined configurations (for example, with the base cutter blades 34 oriented at one of a limited number of different cutting angles with respect to the ground), and may not necessarily be adjustable with respect to the chassis during harvester operation 20 However, in certain embodiments, the relative orientation of the chassis 22 itself can be adjusted, with respect to the ground, during the operation of the combine. For example, several actuators (not shown) can be used to pivot (or otherwise move) chassis 22 with respect to track frames 60 and thus pivot (or otherwise move) chassis 22 with respect to the ground. Because the base cutters 34 can be rigidly mounted on the chassis 22, this adjustment of the chassis 22 can also change the orientation of the base cutters 34 with respect to the ground. Also, because the base cutters 38 can be mounted on the chassis via of the support modules 112, the adjustment of the chassis 22 can also change the orientation of the base cutters 38.
    [0046] In certain embodiments, it may be useful to provide two sets of base cutters 34 and 38. In other cases, however, only one set of base cutters (for example, the front base cutters 38) may be necessary. When a set of basic cutters (for example, the rear base cutters 34) is not necessary, it may be useful to use other harvesting devices instead. For example, for certain sugarcane row spacing, the rear base cutters 34 may tend to serve only to capture sugarcane already cut by the front base cutters 38 and route the cut sugar cane further back into the combine feeder train 20. Among other problems, this use of the rear base cutters 34 can increase the likelihood of losses due to double cuts of sugar cane. Consequently, it may be useful to replace different harvesting devices (for example, a set of feed rollers) with the base cutters 34.
    [0047] In certain modalities, the described modular set can facilitate this substitution (and others). A module cavity can be a space defined, at least in part, by the chassis 22, within which a harvesting device can be oriented and does not need to include a fully enclosed space, complete upper and lower walls, or a particular support configuration . By including a module cavity in the chassis 22, together with corresponding mounting locations, space can be provided for the relatively simple exchange of various harvesting devices, depending on current harvesting needs.
    [0048] In the represented embodiment, for example, the chassis 22 can be configured to include a module cavity 180, which is generally positioned behind the front base cutters 38 (for example, behind and below the upper and lower mounting structures 80 and 90 (see figure 1)). The module cavity 180 can be viewed as a generally open space between various structures (for example, several support beams, tubes and the like) of the chassis 22. As shown, the module cavity 180 can generally be between the front base cutters 38 and the initial feed rollers 40 and 42 of the feed train (see figure 1). Different support modules for various harvesting devices (or "harvesting device support modules") can be configured to support the chassis 22, such that associated harvesting devices can be oriented inside the module cavity 180. In this way, several different harvesting devices can operate within module cavity 180, depending on which harvesting module module is currently mounted on chassis 22.
    [0049] Various types of harvesting device support modalities can be provided. As shown in Figure 6A, a rear base cutter support module 170 can include a support structure 172 supporting the rear base cutters 34. The support structure 172 can be configured in such a way that the base cutters 34 are generally oriented inside the module cavity 180 when the support structure 172 is mounted on the chassis 22. As shown in figure 6B, a feed roll support module 174 can include a support structure 176 supporting several feed rollers 178. The feed structure support 176 can be configured such that feed rollers 178 are generally oriented within module cavity 180 when support structure 176 is mounted on chassis 22. In certain embodiments, chassis 22, module cavity 180, and several modules of correlated harvesting devices (for example, modules 170 and 174) can be configured in such a way that, when the various modules are mounted on chassis 22, the associated harvesting devices are aligned to pass sugar cane material to the components downstream of the feed train (for example, the feed rollers 40 and 42, as shown in figure 1).
    [0050] When the rear base cutters 34 are necessary (for example, as it may depend on the conditions or layout of the field, the sugar cane itself, the configuration of the front support modules 70 and 112, and others), the support module 170 can be attached to the chassis 22, such that the rear base cutters 34 are oriented inside the module cavity 180. The combine 20 can then be operated with the base cutters 34 being used to cut cane sugar from the ground, to route sugarcane already cut from the base 38 cutters farther into the harvester 20, and so on. When rear base cutters 34 are not needed, however, or when other harvesting devices may be more useful, support module 170 can be detached from chassis 22 and a different harvesting device support module installed. For example, the base cutter support module 170 can be removed and the feed roller support module 174 affixed in place (for example, using the same mounting locations on chassis 22). The harvester 20 can then be operated with the feed rollers 178 serving to route cut sugarcane further into the harvester 20.
    [0051] Another modularity and configurations are also possible. In certain embodiments, it may be possible to move the caterpillars 24 (or wheels (not shown)) with respect to the chassis 22 (or vice versa) to further customize the combine 20 to a particular set of operations. This can be useful, for example, in order to vary the lateral spacing between various caterpillars on the left and right 24 (or wheels, and others). As shown in figures 6A and 6B, several actuators 184 can be mounted on the chassis 22 and on the caterpillar frame 60 (or other relevant structure). Actuators 184 can be used to vary the distance between the caterpillars on the right and the left side 24, when appropriate. In certain embodiments, separate right-hand and left-hand crawler carts (not shown) can support the caterpillars 24 with respect to a single caterpillar frame 60, and actuators 184 can be used to move each of the caterpillar carts sideways along a single caterpillar frame 60. In certain embodiments, the caterpillar frame 60 can be separated to separate the right and left side frames, separate (not shown), each supporting an associated caterpillar 24. In one such In this case, actuators 184 can move each of the separate side frames with respect to the chassis 22.
    [0052] In light of the discussion above, it will be understood that several support modules can be used in various combinations in order to optimally configure the combine 20 for a variety of field and harvesting arrangements. For example, through the selective use and arrangement of the support modules 70, 112, 170 and 174 (and others), the appropriate spacing for the crop dividers 32 can be obtained, as well as the appropriate orientations and combinations of various base cutters 38 and 34, feed rollers 178, and other devices.
    [0053] The terminology used here is for the purpose of describing particular modalities only and is not intended to be limiting of the description. When used here, the singular forms "one", "one" and "o" and "a" are intended to also include plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will also be understood that any use of the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising" in this description specifies the presence of the characteristics, integrators, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more of other characteristics, integrators, stages, operations, elements, and / or components, and / or groups thereof.
    [0054] The description of the present description has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the description in the manner described. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the description. The modalities explicitly referenced here have been chosen and described in order to better explain the principles of description and their practical application, and to allow others of common knowledge in the art to understand the description and recognize many alternatives, modifications, and variations in the (s) example (s). Consequently, several other implementations are within the scope of the following claims.
    权利要求:
    Claims (18)
    [0001]
    1. Adjustable modular sugar cane harvester (20) comprising: a chassis (22) having first and second plurality of discrete and laterally separated mounting locations (82, 100); first and second crop dividers (32); a first harvest divider support module (70) configured to be attached separately and fixed to the chassis in each of the first plurality of mounting locations (82, 200), the harvest divider support module (70) thus supporting separately the first crop divider (32) in, respectively, each of a first plurality of discrete and laterally separated crop divider orientations; and a second crop divider support module (70) configured to be attached separately and fixed to the chassis in each of the second plurality of mounting locations (82, 200), the crop divider support module (70) thus supporting separately the second crop divider (32) in, respectively, each of a second plurality of discrete and laterally separated crop divider orientations; characterized by the fact that it also comprises: a third plurality of assembly locations (82, 100) discrete and laterally separated, included in the chassis (22); a front base cutter assembly (38); and a front base cutter support module (112) configured to be attached separately to the chassis (22) in each of the third plurality of mounting locations, the front base cutter support module (112) thus separately supporting the feature front base cutter (38) in, respectively, each of a plurality of discrete and laterally separated orientations of the front base cutter.
    [0002]
    2. Sugarcane harvester according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that it additionally comprises: one or more actuators (102) attached to the first harvest divider support module (70), the one or more actuators (102) being configured to move the first crop divider support module (70) between two or more of the first plurality of mounting locations (82, 100).
    [0003]
    3. Sugar cane harvester according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the first harvest divider support module (70) includes an upper mounting arm (72), mounted on the chassis (22), a lower mounting arm (84) mounted on the chassis (22) and a support arm (92) affixed to each of the upper and lower mounting arms (72, 84) and the first harvest divider (32).
    [0004]
    4. Sugarcane harvester according to claim 1, characterized in that it additionally comprises: one or more connections (136, 138) extending between the first harvest divider support module (70) and the first crop divider (32), and where, when the first crop divider support module (70) is affixed to the chassis (22) in one of the first plurality of mounting locations (82, 100), at one or more connections (136, 138) support the first harvest divider (32) with respect to the chassis (22).
    [0005]
    5. Sugarcane harvester according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that it additionally comprises: one or more actuators (102) attached to one or more of the first harvest divider (32) and the first support module crop divider (70), the one or more actuators (102) being configured to move the first crop divider (32) with respect to the chassis (22), when the first crop divider support module (70) is affixed to the chassis (22) in one of the first plurality of mounting locations (82, 100).
    [0006]
    6. Sugarcane harvester according to claim 1, characterized in that the first and third pluralities of assembly locations (82, 100) include a plurality of assembly locations in common (82); and where the front base cutter support module (112) and the first crop divider support module (70) are configured to be attached to the chassis (22) simultaneously in one or more shared of the plurality of mounting locations in common (82).
    [0007]
    7. Sugarcane harvester according to claim 1, characterized in that it additionally comprises: a module cavity (180) defined, at least in part by the chassis (22), the module cavity (180 ) being oriented behind the harvest divider (32), with respect to a forward direction of travel of the sugar cane harvester (20); at least one module cavity assembly location, included in the chassis (22) ; a feed roll support module (174) supporting one or more feed rollers (40, 42), the feed roll support module (174) being configured to be attached to the chassis (22) in at least one location assembly of the module cavity, so that the one or more feed rollers (40, 42) are oriented, at least in part, inside the module cavity (180); and a rear base cutter support module (170) supporting a rear base cutter assembly (34), the rear base cutter support module (170) being configured to be attached to the chassis (22) in at least one assembly location of the module cavity, so that the rear base cutter assembly (34) is oriented, at least in part, into the module cavity (180); and where only one of the feed roller support module (112) and the rear base cutter support module (170) at a time can be mounted on the chassis (22) in at least one module cavity mounting location .
    [0008]
    8. Sugar cane harvester according to claim 1, characterized in that it additionally comprises: a transport frame (60) supporting one or more of a caterpillar (24) to move the cane harvester sugar and a wheel to move the sugar cane harvester (20); and one or more actuators (184) affixed to the transport frame (60); and wherein the one or more actuators (184) are configured to move the transport frame (60) with respect to the chassis (22), in order to adjust a relative orientation of the one or more tracks (24) and the wheel with respect to to the chassis (22).
    [0009]
    9. Sugarcane harvester according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that it additionally comprises: one or more actuators (162) affixed to one or more of the front base cutter assembly (38) and the front base cutter support (112), the one or more actuators (162) being configured to move the front base cutter assembly (38) relative to the chassis (22) when the front base cutter support module ( 112) is affixed to the chassis (22) in one of the third plurality of mounting locations (82, 100).
    [0010]
    10. Adjustable modular sugar cane harvester (20) comprising: a chassis (22) having a first plurality of assembly locations (82, 100) discrete and laterally separated and a second plurality of assembly locations (82, 100 ) discrete and laterally separated; a crop divider (32); a front base cutter assembly (38); a harvest divider support module (70) configured to be attached separately and fixed to the chassis (22) in each of the first plurality of mounting locations (82, 100), the harvest divider support module (70) supporting thus separately the crop divider (32) in, respectively, each of a plurality of discrete and laterally separated crop divider orientations; and characterized by the fact that a front base cutter support module (112) configured to be attached separately and fixed to the chassis (22) in each of the second plurality of mounting locations (82, 100), the support module of front base cutter (112) thus separately supporting the front base cutter assembly (38) in, respectively, each of a plurality of discrete and laterally separated front base cutter orientations; and wherein the harvest divider support module (70) is distinct from the front base cutter support module (112), the harvest divider support module (70) and the front base cutter support module (112) being separately attached to the chassis (22).
    [0011]
    11. Sugar cane harvester according to claim 10, characterized by the fact that it additionally comprises: one or more actuators (102) attached to the harvest divider support module (70), the one or more actuators ( 102) being configured to move the crop divider support module (70) between two or more of the first plurality of mounting locations (82, 100).
    [0012]
    12. Sugar cane harvester according to claim 11, characterized by the fact that the harvest divider support module (70) includes an upper mounting arm (72) mounted on the chassis, a lower mounting arm (84), mounted on the chassis (22), and a support arm (92) affixed to each of the upper and lower mounting arms (72, 84) and to the harvest divider (32).
    [0013]
    13. Sugar cane harvester according to claim 10, characterized by the fact that it additionally comprises: one or more connections (136, 138) that extend between the harvest divider support module (70) and the divider harvest (32); and where, when the harvest divider support module (70) is affixed to the chassis (22) in one of the first plurality of mounting locations (82, 100), to one or more connections (136, 138) support the harvest divider (32) with respect to the chassis (22).
    [0014]
    14. Sugar cane harvester according to claim 10, characterized by the fact that it additionally comprises: one or more actuators (102) affixed to one or more of the harvest divider (32) and the divider support module harvest (70), the one or more actuators (102) being configured to move the harvest divider (32) with respect to the chassis (22) when the harvest divider support module (70) is attached to the chassis (22) in one of the first plurality of mounting locations (82, 100).
    [0015]
    Sugar cane harvester according to claim 10, characterized by the fact that the first and second pluralities of assembly locations (82, 100) include a plurality of common assembly locations (82); and in which the front base cutter support module (112) and the harvest divider support module (70) are configured to be attached to the chassis (22) simultaneously in a shared one of one or more of the plurality of mounting locations in common (82).
    [0016]
    16. Sugar cane harvester according to claim 10, characterized by the fact that it additionally comprises: one or more actuators (162) affixed to one or more of the front base cutter assembly (38) and the support module front base cutter assembly (112), the one or more actuators (162) being configured to move the front base cutter assembly (38) relative to the chassis (22) when the base cutter support module (112) it is affixed to the chassis (22) in one of the second plurality of mounting locations (82, 100).
    [0017]
    17. Sugarcane harvester according to claim 10, characterized by the fact that it additionally comprises: a module cavity (180) defined, at least in part, by the chassis (22), the module cavity (180) being oriented behind the harvest divider (32) with respect to a forward direction of displacement of the sugarcane harvester (20); at least one module cavity mounting location, included in the chassis (22); a feed roll support module (174) supporting one or more feed rollers (42, 44), the feed roll support module (174) being configured to be attached to the chassis (22) at least one assembly of the module cavity, so that the one or more feed rollers (42, 44) are oriented, at least in part, inside the module cavity (180); and a rear base cutter support module (170) supporting a rear base cutter assembly (34), the rear base cutter support module (170) being configured to be attached to the chassis (22) in at least one assembly location of the module cavity, so that the rear base cutter assembly (34) is oriented, at least in part, into the module cavity (180); and in which only one of the feed roller support module (174) and the rear base cutter support module (170) at a time can be mounted on the chassis (22) in at least one module cavity mounting location .
    [0018]
    18. Sugar cane harvester according to claim 11, characterized by the fact that it additionally comprises: a transport frame (60) supporting one or more of a caterpillar (24) to move the sugar cane harvester and a wheel for moving the sugar cane harvester (20); and one or more actuators (184) affixed to the transport frame (60); and wherein the one or more actuators (184) are configured to move the transport frame (60) with respect to the chassis (22), in order to adjust a relative orientation of the one or more tracks (24) and the wheel with respect to to the chassis (22).
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    同族专利:
    公开号 | 公开日
    US9516813B2|2016-12-13|
    CN105359713B|2019-08-23|
    BR102015013544A2|2016-08-30|
    US20170049046A1|2017-02-23|
    US20150359177A1|2015-12-17|
    CN105359713A|2016-03-02|
    AU2015203052A1|2016-01-07|
    AU2015203052B2|2019-04-18|
    US10058028B2|2018-08-28|
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    法律状态:
    2016-08-30| B03A| Publication of an application: publication of a patent application or of a certificate of addition of invention|
    2018-06-19| B06F| Objections, documents and/or translations needed after an examination request according art. 34 industrial property law|
    2019-08-20| B06U| Preliminary requirement: requests with searches performed by other patent offices: suspension of the patent application procedure|
    2020-06-30| B07A| Technical examination (opinion): publication of technical examination (opinion)|
    2020-12-01| B09A| Decision: intention to grant|
    2021-03-02| B16A| Patent or certificate of addition of invention granted|Free format text: PRAZO DE VALIDADE: 20 (VINTE) ANOS CONTADOS A PARTIR DE 10/06/2015, OBSERVADAS AS CONDICOES LEGAIS. |
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    US201462012100P| true| 2014-06-13|2014-06-13|
    US62/012,100|2014-06-13|
    US14,670,230|2015-03-26|
    US14/670,230|US9516813B2|2014-06-13|2015-03-26|Row width adjusting support modules for sugarcane harvesters|
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