A main clutch switch structure for harvesting machinery

By designing a main clutch switch structure with two sets of independent normally open contacts, the problem of requiring two sensors for main clutch status detection in existing technologies is solved, realizing integrated control of engine start and alarm display, and improving the safety and stability of harvesting machinery.

CN224437421UActive Publication Date: 2026-06-30JIANGSU WORLD AGRI MACHINERY
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
JIANGSU WORLD AGRI MACHINERY
Filing Date
2025-04-24
Publication Date
2026-06-30

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The detection of the main clutch status in existing harvesting machinery requires two sensors, which increases costs, leads to a high failure rate, and poses safety hazards.

Method used

Design a main clutch switch structure with two sets of independent normally open contacts. Driven by a mechanical handle linkage mechanism, it can accurately identify the main clutch status and control it in two channels. It integrates an engine starting circuit and an alarm display system. Insulating components are used to isolate the contacts to prevent short circuits and leakage.

Benefits of technology

It simplifies the system structure, reduces costs and failure rates, improves operational safety and system stability, enhances mechanical linkage and responsiveness, and is suitable for various harvesting machinery.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

This utility model discloses a main clutch switch structure for harvesting machinery, including two contact groups. Each contact group includes a movable contact and a fixed contact. The fixed contacts are all fixed on the same insulating component. One set of fixed contacts is connected in series in the engine starting circuit to conduct when the clutch is disengaged, allowing starting. The other set of fixed contacts is connected to the input terminal of the vehicle display screen to output an alarm signal when the clutch is engaged. The two sets of movable contacts are mounted on the same movable plate, with the movable contacts and fixed contacts arranged opposite to each other. The movable plate moves through a movable mechanism.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a main clutch switch structure for harvesting machinery. Background Technology

[0002] Before starting harvesting machinery, to ensure the safety of personnel and machines, it is essential to ensure that both the header clutch and the threshing clutch are disengaged during ignition. If the clutches are not fully disengaged during startup, the engine must simultaneously drive the load of the harvesting machinery, causing a sudden increase in starter current (up to twice the normal value), accelerating contact erosion and battery aging. Improper clutch engagement can also lead to excessive belt stress, belt slippage, abnormal noise, and breakage. Engaging the clutch during startup also poses a potential safety hazard to personnel around the machine.

[0003] To prevent damage to the engine, belts, starter, and battery due to improper clutch engagement, harvesting machinery is equipped with a main clutch switch. The engine cannot be started when the clutch is engaged. The main clutch switch is also connected to a display screen to determine whether an alarm is needed based on the operating status.

[0004] Currently, the detection of the main clutch status in harvesting machinery generally involves the use of proximity switches and contact switches in combination.

[0005] The proximity switch is connected to the vehicle's display screen to determine whether an alarm is needed based on the machine's status. The contact switch is connected in series in the engine starting circuit to prevent the engine from starting when the clutch is engaged. The current solution requires installing two sensors within a limited space. Increasing the number of sensors not only increases costs but also raises the failure rate. Utility Model Content

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a main clutch switch structure for harvesting machinery.

[0007] A main clutch switch structure for harvesting machinery includes two contact groups, each containing a movable contact and a fixed contact. The fixed contacts are both fixed to the same insulating component. One set of fixed contacts is connected in series in the engine starting circuit to conduct when the clutch is disengaged, allowing starting. The other set of fixed contacts is connected to the input terminal of the vehicle display screen to transmit information about whether the switch is on or off. The two sets of movable contacts are mounted on the same movable plate, with the movable contacts opposite to the fixed contacts. The movable plate moves via a movable mechanism.

[0008] Furthermore, the active mechanism is driven by a mechanical handle linkage mechanism installed on the harvesting machinery to switch the on and off states of its internal normally open contacts.

[0009] Furthermore, a conductor is inserted through the insulation component along its length, with both ends of the conductor connected to a fixed contact and a wiring connection, respectively.

[0010] Furthermore, the movable mechanism includes a connecting rod, an elastic element, and a movable rod. The connecting rod is fixedly connected to the movable plate, and the elastic element is located between the movable rod and the connecting rod. The two ends of the elastic element are respectively connected to one end of the movable rod and one end of the connecting rod.

[0011] Furthermore, the insulating components, moving mechanisms, moving plates, and contact assemblies are all housed within the cavities inside the housing.

[0012] Beneficial effects: Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages:

[0013] By designing a main clutch switch with two sets of independent normally open contacts, accurate identification and dual-channel control of the main clutch status of harvesting machinery were achieved. This switch structure can simultaneously control the engine starting circuit and the alarm display system, with highly integrated functions. It effectively replaces the traditional detection method that uses a combination of proximity switches and contact switches, significantly simplifying the system structure.

[0014] In terms of structure, this utility model adopts a cross-shaped arrangement of two sets of normally open contacts, and uses insulating gaskets to isolate the two sets of contacts to prevent short circuits and leakage, thereby improving the safety and electrical reliability of the switch. The two sets of contacts are independent of each other and do not interfere with each other, each extending an independent signal line. One set connects to the engine starting circuit, and the other connects to the vehicle display system, making the entire control logic clearer and the response more timely.

[0015] This invention further utilizes a mechanical handle linkage mechanism to physically drive the main clutch switch, automatically pressing down the switch to close the starting circuit when the clutch is disengaged, and releasing the switch to disconnect the circuit when the clutch is engaged. This enhances the mechanical linkage during operation, avoids the possibility of human error, and improves operational safety.

[0016] Compared with existing technical solutions, this utility model has the advantages of convenient installation and compact structure. Since the new design can use the original contact switch installation structure, there is no need to add extra space or modify the bracket, so the internal layout of the machine is more reasonable, reducing the complexity of the overall design and manufacturing.

[0017] Furthermore, by eliminating the proximity switch, this invention reduces the number of sensors and wiring density, effectively decreasing system costs and potential failure points. System stability and reliability are significantly improved, maintenance cycles are extended, service life is prolonged, maintenance frequency and labor costs are reduced, and overall machine operating efficiency is increased.

[0018] In summary, this utility model, through its innovative dual-contact main clutch switch structure, achieves integrated management of the control circuit and alarm system. It possesses numerous advantages, including reasonable structure, clear functions, low cost, safety and reliability, and ease of use. It is applicable to various types of harvesting machinery and has promising application prospects and industrial promotion value. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is an internal schematic diagram of the main clutch switch structure;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the main clutch switch structure;

[0021] In the diagram, 1 is the movable rod, 2 is the elastic element, 3 is the connecting rod, 4 is the movable plate, 5 is the movable contact, 6 is the fixed contact, 7 is the conductor, 8 is the insulating element, and 9 is the outer casing. Detailed Implementation

[0022] To enhance understanding of this utility model, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the embodiments and accompanying drawings. These embodiments are only used to explain the present utility model and do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of the present utility model.

[0023] The main clutch switch structure includes two contact groups, each containing a movable contact 5 and a fixed contact 6. The fixed contacts 6 are both fixedly mounted on the same insulating component 8. One set of fixed contacts 6 is connected in series in the engine starting circuit to enable conduction when the clutch is disengaged, allowing the engine to start. The other set of fixed contacts 6 is connected to the input terminal of the vehicle display screen to transmit information about whether the switch is on or off. Both sets of movable contacts 5 are mounted on the same movable plate 4, opposite to their respective fixed contacts 6. The movable plate 4 is driven to move by a movable mechanism.

[0024] This implementation achieves automatic switching of electrical control logic when the clutch operating state changes. On the one hand, it ensures that the engine can only start under clutch disengagement conditions, improving operational safety; on the other hand, the display screen can obtain clutch engagement or disengagement information, effectively enhancing the driver's ability to control the operating status of the harvesting machinery.

[0025] In this structure, the display screen monitors the speed information of each auger in real time through the speed sensors of each auger. When the fixed contact 6 is in the open state, the display screen can detect that the clutch is engaged (the harvester's harvesting section is in operation). At this time, the display screen judges the speed of each auger. If the speed of a certain auger has not reached the set threshold for that auger, the display screen needs to remind the operator to pay attention to possible abnormalities. When the fixed contact 6 is in the closed state, the display screen can detect that the clutch is disengaged. At this time, the harvester's harvesting section is not working, the speed of each auger sensor is 0, and no alarm reminder is required.

[0026] This feature enhances the system's intelligence and responsiveness, helping to detect potential mechanical failures or misoperations in a timely manner and preventing operational accidents or equipment damage caused by the auger malfunctioning.

[0027] In one possible implementation, the movable mechanism is driven by a mechanical handle linkage mechanism mounted on the harvesting machinery, and the movement of the movable mechanism controls the on / off state of the normally open contacts inside the main clutch switch.

[0028] When the operator manually switches the circuit, the mechanical handle moves the movable plate 4 via a lever or linkage mechanism, changing the contact relationship between the movable contact 5 and the fixed contact 6, thus completing the circuit switching. The normally open contact is open by default and only closes at a specific linkage position, ensuring clear status indication and control response during operation.

[0029] This structure enables electrical switching to be directly synchronized with the mechanical operation status, effectively improving the intuitiveness and consistency of the control system.

[0030] In one possible implementation, a conductor 7 is inserted inside the insulating member 8 along its length, with one end of the conductor 7 connected to a fixed contact 6 and the other end connected to an external terminal.

[0031] This design allows signals or power to be stably transmitted to the external control system via fixed contact 6, while insulation component 8 effectively isolates each channel to prevent short circuits or interference. The conductor 7 structure simplifies internal wiring and improves assembly efficiency and system stability.

[0032] Through the integrated molding of conductor 7 and the collaborative design of insulation components, this structure can maintain good electrical performance and mechanical strength in harsh environments, making it suitable for the complex working conditions of agricultural machinery.

[0033] In one possible implementation, the movable mechanism includes a connecting rod 3, an elastic element 2, and a movable rod 1. The connecting rod 3 is fixedly connected to the movable plate 4, and the elastic element 2 is located between the movable rod 1 and the connecting rod 3. The two ends of the elastic element 2 are respectively connected to one end of the movable rod 1 and one end of the connecting rod 3.

[0034] When external mechanical force is applied to the elastic element 2 via the movable rod 1, the elastic deformation pushes the connecting rod 3 to move, thereby driving the movable contact 5 on the movable plate 4 to switch on and off. The elastic element 2 provides the necessary buffering and restoring force to ensure smooth operation, timely response, and good impact resistance.

[0035] This structure combines mechanical transmission with flexible control, making the switching action more sensitive, adapting to the operational needs under different working conditions, and improving the overall reliability and service life of the machine.

[0036] In one possible implementation, the insulating element 8, the movable mechanism, the movable plate 4, and the contact group are all arranged in a cavity located inside the housing 9.

[0037] The aforementioned components are centrally located within the internal cavity of the outer casing 9, effectively preventing dust, moisture, or other environmental factors from interfering with contact operation or causing short circuits. The outer casing 9 features a sealed design, enhancing the overall protection level; the components are rationally arranged within the cavity for easy maintenance and replacement, and the overall structure is compact and easy to install in designated locations within the harvesting machinery.

[0038] Working principle: This structure has two sets of independent normally open contacts arranged in a cross shape, with insulating gaskets between each set to prevent short circuits or leakage. Each set of normally open contacts extends an independent signal line, forming two independent and non-conductive signal paths. When the main clutch switch is pressed, both sets of normally open contacts close, and the corresponding signal paths become conductive.

[0039] One set of signal lines is connected in series in the engine starting circuit to control the engine starting authority; the other set of signal lines is connected to the vehicle display screen, which can obtain the clutch engagement or disengagement signal.

[0040] When the main clutch is disengaged, the mechanical handle on the harvesting machine acts on the main clutch switch through the linkage mechanism, pressing it to close the contacts and forming a closed circuit in the starting circuit, allowing the engine to start. At the same time, another set of contacts connected to the display screen closes, connecting the circuit to the display screen. The display screen receives the signal from the contacts and displays that the main clutch is disengaged. When the main clutch is engaged, the main clutch switch is not pressed, and the contacts remain open. The engine starting circuit is in an open circuit state, preventing the engine from starting. At the same time, another set of contacts connected to the display screen is open, and the display screen cannot receive the signal from the contacts, displaying that the main clutch is engaged. Thus, the display screen detects the main clutch engagement status, and other sensing devices detect the speed of the auger. If the speed of the grain auger and the waste auger is lower than the set value, an alarm is triggered.

[0041] Meanwhile, another set of contacts connected to the display screen is also in the off state when the main clutch is engaged. If the rotation speed of the seed auger and the waste auger is lower than the preset threshold, the display screen will generate an alarm prompt.

[0042] The key technical feature of this invention lies in the innovative design of a main clutch switch with two sets of normally open contacts, replacing the traditional structure that uses two independent sensors to detect the main clutch status. By integrating the two signal detection functions into the same switch module, not only is the hardware configuration simplified and system cost reduced, but also the number of potential failure points is decreased, thereby improving the overall system stability and reliability.

[0043] This packaging structure can significantly improve the environmental adaptability and operational reliability of the main clutch switch system, making it particularly suitable for harsh outdoor operating environments such as high dust, high humidity, and high vibration for agricultural machinery.

[0044] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A main clutch switch structure for a type of harvesting machinery, characterized in that, It includes two contact groups, each of which includes a movable contact and a fixed contact. The fixed contacts are both fixed to the same insulating component. One set of fixed contacts is connected in series in the engine starting circuit to conduct when the clutch is disengaged, allowing starting. The other set of fixed contacts is connected to the input terminal of the vehicle display screen to transmit information about whether the switch is on or off. The two sets of movable contacts are mounted on the same movable plate, with the movable contacts and fixed contacts arranged opposite to each other. The movable plate is moved by a movable mechanism. The active mechanism is driven by a mechanical handle linkage mechanism set on the harvesting machinery to switch the on and off states of its internal normally open contacts; A conductor is inserted through the insulation component along its length, with both ends of the conductor connected to a fixed contact and a wiring terminal, respectively. The movable mechanism includes a connecting rod, an elastic element, and a movable rod. The connecting rod is fixedly connected to the movable plate, and the elastic element is located between the movable rod and the connecting rod. The two ends of the elastic element are respectively connected to one end of the movable rod and one end of the connecting rod. Insulating components, moving mechanisms, moving plates, and contact assemblies are all housed within the cavities inside the housing.