Sensor assembly for an agricultural harvesting header

Abstract

A sensor support arm for supporting a crop characteristic sensor on a harvesting header. The sensor support arm is coupled to a reel support arm of the harvesting header to position the crop characteristic sensor ahead of a crop pick-up reel, which lifts the crops for harvesting. The sensor support arm is movable between an operating position and a transport position to arrange the crop characteristic sensor from the position ahead of the crop pick-up reel to a position closer to, or behind, the front of the crop pick-up reel. In one implementation the sensor support arm may be pivotably coupled to the reel support arm.

Description

SENSOR ASSEMBLY FOR AN AGRICULTURAL HARVESTING HEADERCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The subject patent application claims priority to, and all the benefits of, United States Provisional Patent Application N° 63 / 560,301 , filed on March 1 , 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.BACKGROUND

[0002] Farming and harvesting equipment frequently utilizes electronic controls to control functions and operation of the equipment. These controls may utilize sensors that measure conditions, such as crop characteristics important to harvest functions, and generate signals proportional to the measured condition. The signals from the sensors may be used by the electronic controls for adjusting or automating the harvesting equipment. The signals may further be used for purposes, including but not limited to, assisting with autonomous control of an agricultural machine to which the harvesting equipment is attached. Therefore, the placement and orientation of the sensors with respect to the crop is critically important.

[0003] Depending on the type of sensor, the position and orientation may be spaced away from a main body of the harvesting equipment. The sensors may be manually positioned on and attached to the harvesting equipment prior to beginning work on a field of crop and are manually adjusted throughout the process of working on the field, as necessary. The manual adjustment of the sensors can be a time-consuming and burdensome task, particularly when necessary while working in the middle of a field.SUMMARY

[0004] In one aspect, a sensor support arm is provided for supporting a crop characteristic sensor on a harvesting header. The sensor support arm is coupled to a reel support arm of the harvesting header to position the crop characteristic sensor ahead of a crop pick-up reel, which lifts the crops for harvesting. The sensor support arm is movable between an operating position in which the crop characteristic sensor is arranged in front of the crop pick-up reel and a transport position in which the crop characteristic sensor is arranged in a position rearwardly of the operating position. In the transport position, the crop characteristic sensor may be arranged in a position closer to, or behind, the front of the crop pick-up reel. In one implementation the sensor supportarm may be pivotably coupled to the reel support arm. In another implementation the sensor support arm may have a first segment and a second segment pivotably coupled to the first segment. The second segment may be pivotable between an operating position in which the crop characteristic sensor is arranged in front of the crop pick-up reel and a transport position in which the crop characteristic sensor is arranged in a position rearward of the operating position.

[0005] Any of the above aspects can be combined in full or in part. Any features of the above aspects can be combined in full or in part. Any of the above implementations for any aspect can be combined with any other aspect. Any of the above implementations can be combined with any other implementation whether for the same aspect or a different aspect.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Advantages of the present disclosure will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings.

[0007] FIG. 1 is an environmental view of a draper header attached to an agricultural machine.

[0008] FIG. 2 is a detailed view of the draper header of FIG. 1 removed from the agricultural machine and showing three reels supported by reel support arms each having a sensor support arm and a crop characteristic sensor.

[0009] FIGS. 3A-3D are schematic views of a draper header with three reels and having a pivotable header frame with pivotable side wing sections shown in various pivoted positions.

[0010] FIG. 4 is a side view of the draper header of FIGS. 1 and 2 showing the reel supported by the reel support arm, the sensor support arm, and a divider rod.

[0011] FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view of the draper header showing the sensor support arm in an operating position and a transport position.

[0012] FIG. 6 is a top side view of the draper header of FIGS. 4 and 5 showing the sensor support arm in the operating position and the transport position.

[0013] FIG. 7 is side view of the reel support arm and the sensor support arm showing the sensor support arm pivoted about a pivot axis in the operating position and the transport position.

[0014] FIG. 8 is a partial perspective view of the draper header showing a second implementation of a sensor support arm in an operating position and a transport position.

[0015] FIG. 9 is a top side view of the draper header showing the second implementation of the sensor support arm in the operating position and the transport position.

[0016] FIG. 10 is a side view of a third implementation of the sensor support arm showing the sensor support arm in the operating position and the transport position.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] A draper header 100 for harvesting agricultural crops is shown generally in FIG. 1. As shown here, the draper header 100 is mounted on an agricultural machine 102, such as a combine or a swather, and travels with the agricultural machine 102 through a field containing crops to be harvested. The draper header 100 includes a header frame 104 with a front portion 106 and a rear portion 108 each extending laterally between opposite ends 110. The header frame 104 is divided into a middle frame section 112 pivotally coupled between a pair of side wing sections 114, as shown in FIGS. 1-3D. The side wing sections 114 are pivotable upwardly and downwardly relative to the middle frame section 112 to contour to the field as the draper header 100 is moved across the field for harvesting the crops. Specifically, in FIGS. 3C and 3D the draper header 100 is shown with the side wing sections 114 moved and pivoted relative to the middle frame section 112. The side wing sections 114 are pivoted downward to contour to the field. Alternatively, depending on the overall size and intended use of the draper header 100, the header frame 104 may include any other suitable number of sections without varying the scope of the invention.

[0018] Referring to FIGS. 1-3D, several crop pick-up reels 116 are positioned generally above the front portion 106 of the header frame 104 for engaging the crops to be harvested. A cutter bar assembly 118 operatively extends across the front portion 106 of the header frame 104 between the ends 110 thereof for cutting the crops to be harvested. In the implementation shown herein, the draper header 100 is equipped with three pick-up reels 116. Alternatively, in other implementations (not shown) the draper header may be equipped with only two pick-up reels. To facilitate optimal harvesting efficiency of the draper header 100 during harvesting, the crop pick-up reels 116 are movable relative to the cutter bar assembly 118 between a position near the cutter bar assembly 118, as shown in FIG. 3 A, and a position spaced from the cutter bar assembly 118 depending on the crop being harvested. Referring to FIGS. 3C and 3D, the cutter bar assembly 118 is correspondingly flexible with the side wing sections 114 of the header frame 104 for contouring to the field. The draper header 100 may further include a draper belt assembly 120 operably supported by the header frame 104 and operable to move cut crops from the ends 110 of the header frame 104 toward the middle of the header frame 104. The draper belt assembly 120 facilitatestransporting the cut crops from the draper header 100 to the agricultural machine 102 for further processing, for example by a combine or for creation of windrows by a swather.

[0019] With continued reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the draper header 100 include reel support arms arranged on the opposing ends of each pick-up reel 116. The reel support arms include an outer reel support arm 122 disposed adjacent to each end 110 of the header frame 104 and two inner reel support arms 124 arranged between the outer support arms 122 for supporting the crop pick-up reels 116. The outer and inner reel support arms 122, 124 each extend between a proximal end 126 operatively coupled to the rear portion 108 of the header frame 104 and an opposite distal end 128 spaced above the front portion 106 of the header frame 104. Each crop pick-up reel 116 is rotatably and slidably coupled between one or more of the inner reel support arms 124 and one of the outer reel support arms 122. The outer and inner reel support arms 122, 124 are pivotable upwardly and downwardly via a hydraulic system 130 to vertically position the crop pick-up reels 116 relative to the cutter bar assembly 118. The crop pick-up reels 116 are also slidably moveable along the outer and inner reel support arms 122, 124 in a fore direction and in an opposite aft direction between the proximal and distal ends 126, 128 thereof via the hydraulic system 130 for optimally engaging the crops. It is to be appreciated that the draper header 100 may ultimately include any number or arrangement of reel support arms 122, 124 and crop pick-up reels 116 to correspond to the number of sections on the header frame 104 without varying the scope of the invention. As mentioned above for example, the draper header 100 is equipped with three crop pick-up reels 116, while other implementations of the draper header (not shown) may be equipped with only a pair crop pick-up reels rotatably coupled between one of the outer reel support arms and the inner reel support arm.

[0020] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4, the header frame 104 includes a front support beam 132 extending laterally across the front portion 106 of the header frame 104 between the ends 110 thereof and a discontinuous rear support beam 134 extending laterally across the rear portion 108 of the header frame 104 between the ends 110 thereof. Each side wing section 114 of the header frame 104 is pivotally and operatively coupled to the middle frame section 112 between a pair of laterally spaced-apart and generally L-shaped support legs 136 extending between the front and rear portions 106, 108 of the header frame 104. Each support leg 136 includes a horizontal portion 138 and a vertical portion 140 intersecting at a substantially right angle adjacent to the rear portion 108 of the header frame 104, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4. The horizontal portion 138 of each supportleg 136 extends between the right angle and a first end 142 fixedly coupled to the front support beam 132. The vertical portion 140 of each support leg 136 extends between the right angle and a second end 144 fixedly coupled to the rear support beam 134.

[0021] The header frame 104 may further include a pair of divider rods 146, each divider rod 146 coupled to one of the opposing ends 110 of the header frame 104. The divider rods 146 are arranged at each of the opposing ends 110 of the header frame 104 and aid in separating crops during harvesting by pushing the crop toward one side of the header frame 104 and into or out of the cutter bar assembly 118. The draper header 100 may utilize various different divider rods 146 having different shapes and configurations. For example, the divider rods 146 illustrated herein are proximate to the outer reel support arms 122 and coupled to a forward edge of the opposing ends 110 of the header frame 104 and extend forward therefrom before curving upward. The divider rods 146 may alternatively extend only in an upward direction or may angle in an upward and forward direction depending on the type of crop being harvested. The divider rods 146 move with the side wing sections 114 of the header frame 104 as they pivot relative to the middle frame section 112.

[0022] Referring to FIG. 4, mounting brackets 150 are secured to the rear support beam 134 between the ends 110 of the header frame 104 for operatively and pivotally coupling the reel support arms 122, 124 to the header frame 104. The mounting brackets 150 include a front portion and a rear portion. The proximal ends 126 of the reel support arms 122, 124 are pivotally coupled between the mounting bracket 150 at a first attachment point disposed adjacent the rear portion thereof. Each reel support arm 122, 124 extends upwardly and outwardly from the mounting bracket 150 and includes an intermediate angled portion 160 spaced between the proximal and distal ends 126, 128 thereof, thereby positioning the crop pick-up reel 116 generally above the front portion 106 of the header frame 104.

[0023] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 7, the hydraulic system 130 includes a pair of lift cylinders 172 flanking the reel support arms 122, 124 for pivoting the reel support arms 122, 124 and vertically positioning the crop pick-up reels 116 relative to the cutter bar assembly 118. As discussed above, during typical harvesting operations, the lift cylinders 172 are often used to adjust the position the crop pick-up reels 116 relative to the cutter bar assembly 118 for optimal harvesting efficiency, as shown in FIG. 3 A. However, if an operator wants to harvest with the crop pick-up reels 116 spaced farther from the cutter bar assembly 118, the operator can actuate the liftcylinders 172 to change the vertical position of the crop pick-up reels 116 relative to the cutter bar assembly 118, as shown in FIG. 3B. Referring again to FIGS. 4, 7, and 9, each lift cylinder 172 extends between a first end 174 and an opposite second end 176. The first ends 174 of the lift cylinders 172 are operatively coupled to a second attachment point adjacent to the front portion of the mounting bracket 150, and the second ends 176 of the lift cylinders 172 are operatively coupled to the corresponding reel support arm 122, 124.

[0024] The draper header 100 further includes a sensor support arm 190 coupled to the header frame 104 and movable between an operating position 190A and a transport position 190B. More specifically, each of the reel support arms 122, 124 may further include the sensor support arm 190 coupled to the distal end 128 of each of the corresponding reel support arms 122, 124. The sensor support arm 190 extends between a proximal end 192 and a distal end 194, wherein the proximal end 192 is coupled to the distal end 128 of the reel support arm 122, 124. In a first implementation of the sensor support arm 190 illustrated in FIGS. 4-7, the proximal end 192 includes a pivoting mount 196, which facilitates pivoting movement between the reel support arm 122, 124 and the sensor support arm 190, discussed below. The distal end 194 of the sensor support arm 190 supports one or more crop characteristic sensors 198 for use with a header automation system (not shown). The crop characteristic sensor 198 senses one or more characteristics of the crops being harvested to provide information to the header automation system, which in turn adjusts the draper header 100 (e.g., lifts or lowers the reels 116) to optimize harvesting. Here, the crop characteristic sensor 198 is a radar sensor. Exemplary crop characteristics to be sensed by the crop characteristic sensor 198 may include crop height, moisture level, a degree that the crop is folded over itself, crop density, etc. Other sensor types and characteristics are contemplated. As mentioned above, various implementations of the draper header 100 may include differing numbers of reels 116 and reel support arms 122, 124. As such, various implementations of the draper header 100 may likewise include differing numbers of crop characteristic sensors 198. Said differently, a draper header 100 with three reels 116 and four reel support arms 122, 124 may include four sensor support arms 190 and four crop characteristic sensors 198. It should be appreciated that less than every reel support arm 122, 124 may include a sensor support arm 190 and crop characteristic sensor 198, i.e., some of the reel support arms 122, 124 may not have a sensor support arm 190. A draper header with only two reels and three reel support arms may include three sensor support arms and three crop characteristic sensors.

[0025] As mentioned above, the sensor support arm 190 extends between a proximal end 192 and a distal end 194, with the crop characteristic sensor 198 coupled to the distal end 194. The sensor support arm 190 further comprises a first portion 200 and a second portion 202. The first portion 200 is arranged at the proximal end 192 of the sensor support arm 190 and the second portion 202 is arranged at the distal end 194 of the sensor support arm 190. The first portion 200 and the second portion 202 are configured so as to position and orient the crop characteristic sensor 198 above the crop and in front of the reels 116 for sensing the crop characteristics prior to reaching the reels 116. The first portion 200 of the sensor support arm 190 is arranged behind the divider rod 146. The second portion 202 of the sensor support arm 190 is arranged in front of the divider rod 146. The sensor support arm 190 is further shaped such that the sensor support arm 190 is arranged behind the divider rod 146 when the sensor support arm 190 is in the transport position 190B. The shape of the sensor support arm 190, and in particular the first portion 200 and the second portion 202 avoids interference with the divider rod 146 as the wing sections 114 of the header frame 104 pivot between various positions. The sensor support arm 190 is shaped such that the divider rods 146 are below the sensor support arm 190 when either of the wing sections 114 are pivoted upward. Said differently, as the side wing sections 114 of the header frame 104 pivot relative to the middle section 112, the divider rod 146 moves relative to the reels 114 and reel support arms 122, 124 in a corresponding manner that intersects with an imaginary line between the crop characteristic sensor 198 and the distal end 128 of the reel support arms 122, 124. The shape of the sensor support arm 190 avoids the area through which the divider rod 146 moves, allowing the divider rod 146 to freely move below the sensor support arm 190. The first portion 200 and the second portion 202 may be formed from a continuous length of material that is bent or otherwise formed into the sensor support arm 190.

[0026] In the implementation of the sensor support arm 190 shown in FIGS. 4-7, the pivoting mount 196 is coupled to the distal end 128 of the reel support arm 122, 124 and facilitates movement of the sensor support arm 190 between the operating position 190A and the transport position 190B. The pivoting mount 196 defines a pivot axis 206. Referring specifically to FIGS. 5-7, the sensor support arm 190 is shown in both the operating position 190A and the transport position 190B. In the operating position 190A, the sensor support arm 190 extends forward from the distal end 128 of the reel support arm 122, 124 whereas in the transport position 190B the sensor support arm 190 is pivoted to a non-forward direction reducing and overall size of the draperheader 100. More specifically, in the operating position 190A, the crop characteristic sensor 198 is positioned and oriented above the crop and ahead of the reels 116, as described above, to measure the relevant characteristics of the crop. The crop characteristic 198 sensor is arranged in front of the header frame 104 when the sensor support arm 190 is in the operating position 190A. In the transport position 190B, the sensor support arm 190 is pivoted away from the forward position such that the crop characteristic sensor 198 is positioned closer to, or behind, the reels 116. The crop characteristic sensor 198 is arranged more rearward when the sensor support arm 190 is in the transport position 190B than when the sensor support arm 190 is in the operating position 190A.

[0027] The transport position 190B reduces the distance that the sensor support arm 190 and the crop characteristic sensor 198 are spaced from the reels 116, which reduces the overall size of the draper header 100 making transportation easier. Further, reducing the distance the sensor support arm 190 and the crop characteristic sensor 198 are spaced from the reels 116 reduces the potential of damage to the crop characteristic sensor 198 when not in use.

[0028] Turning to FIG. 7, the pivoting mount 196 defines a pivot axis 206 around which the distal end 194 of the sensor support arm 190 pivots. Here, the pivot axis 206 is shown angled forward relative to the header frame 104. More specifically, the pivot axis 206 is angled forward approximately 15 degrees from vertical. Alternatively, the pivot axis 206 may be angled relative to the reel support arms 122, 124. For example, the pivot axis 206 shown here is arranged perpendicular to the reel support arm 122, 124. Other angles such as vertical or angled rearwardly are contemplated. The pivoting mount 196 may limit the pivoting movement of the sensor support arm 190 between discreet operating and transport positions or may allow for 360-degree movement of the sensor support arm 190. The transport position 190B may be defined as any position that reduces the distance the crop characteristic sensor 198 is spaced from the reels 116. For example, the transport position 190B shown here may be defined by the sensor support arm 190 being pivoted approximately 180 degrees from the operating position 190A. As will be discussed below, the transport position 190B may be defined by the sensor support arm 190 being pivoted approximately 90 degrees from the operating position 190A, such as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 in connection with the second implementation of the sensor support arm. The sensor support arm 190 may further include a latch 212 or a clamp for limiting movement of the sensor support 190 in the operating position 190A, the transport position 190B, or any number of intermediate positions.The latch 212 has a locked state and an unlocked state. The pivoting mount 196 permits pivoting movement of the sensor support arm 190 when the latch 212 is in the unlocked state. Likewise, when the latch 212 is in the locked state pivoting movement of the sensor support arm 190 is not permitted. The latch 212 may be implemented as a friction clamp, which reduces the potential for damage to the sensor support arm 190 and crop characteristic sensor 198 due to the operator unintentionally leaving the sensor support arm 190 in an undesired position.

[0029] The pivoting mount 196 may further facilitate electrical communication between the header automation system and the crop characteristic sensor 198. To this end, the pivoting mount 196 may comprise a rotatable electronic connection such as a slip ring (not shown), that allows wires in the reel support arms 122, 124 to be electrically coupled to wires in the sensor support arm 190 for communication with the crop characteristic sensor 198. In some implementations electrical communication between the crop characteristic sensor 198 and the header automation system may be accomplished without a rotatable electronic connection. For example, by limiting the range of movement of the sensor support arm 190 such that wires arranged inside the sensor support arm 190 do not become tangled, by routing the wires in such a way that sufficient length is provided to avoid excess twisting, or by using a wireless communications protocol.

[0030] Turning now to FIGS. 8 and 9, a second implementation of the sensor support arm 190' is shown. As will be appreciated from the subsequent description below, the second sensor support arm 190' is similar to the sensor support arm 190 described above in connection with FIGS. 4-7. As such, the components and structural features of the second implementation of the sensor support arm 190' that are the same as, or that otherwise correspond to, the first implementation of the sensor support arm 190 are provided with the same reference numerals with the addition of a prime symbol (e.g., 190 and 190'). Here, unless otherwise indicated, the above description of the first implementation of the sensor support arm 190 may be incorporated by reference with respect to the second implementation of the sensor support arm 190' without limitation.

[0031] As mentioned above, the sensor support arm 190' extends between a proximal end 192' and a distal end 194', with the crop characteristic sensor 198' coupled to the distal end 194'. The sensor support arm 190' further comprises a first portion 200' and a second portion 202'. The first portion 200' is arranged at the proximal end 192' of the sensor support arm 190' and the second portion 202' is arranged at the distal end 194' of the sensor support arm 190'. The first portion 200' and the second portion 202' are configured so as to position and orient the crop characteristicsensor 198' above the crop and in front of the reels 116' for sensing the crop characteristics prior to reaching the reels 116'. More specifically, the first portion 200' is angled in an upward and forward direction and the second portion 202' is angled in a downward and forward direction. The shape of the sensor support arm 190', and in particular the first portion 200' and the second portion 202' avoids interference with the divider rod 146' as the wing sections 114' of the header frame 104' pivot between various positions. Said differently, as the side wing sections 114' of the header frame 104' pivot relative to the middle section 112', the divider rod 146' moves relative to the reels 114' and reel support arms 122', 124' in a corresponding manner that intersects with an imaginary line between the crop characteristic sensor 198' and the distal end 128' of the reel support arms 122', 124'. The shape of the sensor support arm 190' avoids the area through which the divider rod 146' moves, allowing the divider rod 146' to freely move below the sensor support arm 190'.

[0032] The first portion 200' and the second portion 202' may be connected by a curved portion 204'. The first portion 200', the second portion 202', and the curved portion 204' may be formed from a continuous length of material that is bent or otherwise formed into the sensor support arm 190'. For example, the sensor support arm 190' may comprise a metal tube that has been bent to form the first portion 200', the second portion 202', and the curved portion 204'. Alternatively, the first portion 200' and the second portion 202' may be formed individually and coupled to one another with or without a curved portion 204'.

[0033] Turning now to FIG. 10, a third implementation of the sensor support arm 290 is shown. As will be appreciated from the subsequent description below, the third sensor support arm 290 is similar to the sensor support arm 190 described above in connection with FIGS. 4-7. As such, the components and structural features of the third implementation of the sensor support arm 290 that are the same as, or that otherwise correspond to, the first implementation of the sensor support arm 190 are provided with the same reference numerals with the addition 100 (e.g., 190 and 290). Here, unless otherwise indicated, the above description of the first implementation of the sensor support arm 190 may be incorporated by reference with respect to the third implementation of the sensor support arm 290 without limitation.

[0034] Similar to the first implementation of the sensor support arm 190, the second implementation of the sensor support arm 290 extends between a proximal end 292 and a distal end 294, the proximal end 292 is coupled to the distal end 128 of the reel support arm 122, 124 and the crop characteristic sensor 198 is coupled to the distal end 294 of the sensor support arm290. The sensor support arm 290 comprises a first portion 300 and a second portion 302. The first portion 300 is arranged at the proximal end 292 of the sensor support arm 290 and the second portion 302 is arranged at the distal end 294 of the sensor support arm 290. The first portion 300 and the second portion 302 are configured so as to position and orient the crop characteristic sensor 198 above the crop and in front of the reels 116 for sensing the crop characteristics prior to reaching the reels 116. More specifically, the first portion 300 is angled in an upward and forward direction and the second portion 302 is angled in a downward and forward direction. The shape of the sensor support arm 290, and in particular the first portion 300 and the second portion 302 avoids interference with the divider rod 146 as the wing sections 114 of the header frame 104 pivot between various positions.

[0035] Here, the first portion 300 of the sensor support arm 290 comprises a first segment 308 and a second segment 310 pivotably coupled to one another. The first segment 308 is coupled to the distal end 128 of the reel support arm 122, 124 and the second segment 310 is coupled to the second portion 302 of the sensor support arm 290. A pivoting mount 296 is arranged between the first segment 308 and the second segment 310 to facilitate pivoting movement therebetween. The pivoting mount 296 defines a pivot axis 306 around which the distal end 294 of the sensor support arm 290 pivots. The pivot axis 306 is generally horizontal to the ground such that the second segment 310 and the second portion 302 pivot from the operating position in which the distal end 294 is in front of the reels 116 to the transport position in which the distal end 294 is arranged rearwardly of the pivoting mount 296. The pivoting mount 296 may be implemented as a hinge in some applications. Similar to above, the pivoting mount 296 may limit the pivoting movement of the second segment 310 between discreet operating and transport positions or at any number of intermediate positions using a latch or clamping mechanism. Alternatively, the pivoting mount 296 may utilize gravity to bias the second segment 310 into one or both of the operating and transport positions. In yet another alternative, the pivoting mount 296 may utilize a friction clamp, which reduces the potential for damage to the sensor support arm 290 and crop characteristic sensor 198 due to the operator unintentionally leaving the sensor support arm 290 in an undesired position.

[0036] Several instances have been discussed in the foregoing description. However, the aspects discussed herein are not intended to be exhaustive or limit the disclosure to any particular form. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art,and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects without departing from the scope of the disclosure. The terminology that has been used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings and the disclosure may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A header for an agricultural machine comprising: a header frame; a sensor support arm coupled to the header frame and movable between an operating position and a transport position; and a crop characteristic sensor coupled to the sensor support arm; wherein the crop characteristic sensor is arranged in front of the header frame when the sensor support arm is in the operating position and the crop characteristic sensor is arranged more rearward when the sensor support arm is in the transport position than when the sensor support arm is in the operating position.

2. The header of claim 1 , further comprising a pivoting arm mount coupled to the header frame and to the sensor support arm, wherein the pivoting arm mount is operable to move the sensor support arm between the operating position and the transport position.

3. The header of claim 2, wherein the pivoting arm mount defines a pivot axis and wherein the pivot axis is angled forward relative to the header frame.

4. The header of claim 2, wherein the pivoting arm mount includes a latch having a locked state and an unlocked state, and wherein the pivoting arm mount permits pivoting movement of the sensor support arm in the unlocked state.

5. The header of claim 2, wherein the header frame includes a rear portion, a middle frame section, and side wing sections pivotable relative to the rear portion, and wherein the sensor support arm is coupled to the rear portion.

6. The header of claim 5, further comprising two pickup reels configured to lift cut crops onto the header frame, and further comprising a reel support arm arranged on opposing ends of each pickup reel, wherein each reel support arm is coupled to the rear portion of the header frame for supporting the pickup reels.

7. The header of claim 5, wherein the pivoting arm mount is coupled to the reel support arm.

8. The header of claim 7, wherein the pivoting arm mount defines a pivot axis and wherein the pivot axis is perpendicular to the reel support arm.

9. The header of claim 6, wherein the reel support arms are further defined as inner reel support arms and outer reel support arms, and wherein the outer reel support arms are disposed adjacent to opposing lateral ends of the header frame.

10. The header of claim 6, further comprising a divider rod coupled to each of the side wing sections and configured to separate crops during harvesting.

11. The header of claim 10, wherein the divider rods are arranged at each of the opposing lateral ends of the header frame and wherein the divider rods and proximate to the outer reel support arms.

12. The header of claim 11 , wherein the sensor support arm is shaped such that the divider rods are below the sensor support arm when either of the wing sections are pivoted upward.

13. The header of claim 10, wherein the sensor support arm is shaped such that a first portion of the sensor support arm is arranged behind the divider rod and a second portion of the sensor support arm is arranged in front of the divider rod when the sensor support arm is in the operating position.

14. The header of claim 10, wherein the sensor support arm is shaped such that the sensor support arm is arranged behind the divider rod when the sensor support arm is in the transport position.

15. The header of claim 1, wherein the header further includes a draper belt assembly operable to move cut crops from opposing lateral ends of the header frame toward the middle of the header frame.