Sensing systems for agricultural machinery

Abstract

An agricultural machine configured to be operated by an operator includes a drive mechanism having a drive shaft and a gear assembly for driving an agricultural implement. The agricultural machine includes a slip clutch having an outer sleeve operably connected to the gear assembly, an inner sleeve positioned within the outer sleeve and connected to and rotatable with the drive shaft, a plurality of torque transfer members positioned between the outer sleeve and the inner sleeve and configured to selectively connect the inner sleeve to the outer sleeve, and a position sensor in communication with one of the plurality of torque transfer members and configured to output a signal in response to detected radial displacement of the one torque transfer member. The agricultural machine includes a control unit in communication with the position sensor and configured to change an operating parameter of the machine in response to receiving the signal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a sensing system for agricultural machinery, and more particularly to a sensing system for determining whether a slipping clutch is about to slip or has slipped. Summary of the Invention

[0002] In one aspect, an agricultural machine is configured to be operated by an operator and includes: an agricultural implement supported by the agricultural machine; an engine configured to drive the agricultural machine; a drive mechanism including a drive shaft operatively connecting the engine to the agricultural implement; and a gear assembly operatively connected to the agricultural implement. The gear assembly is selectively connected to the drive shaft via a slip clutch. The slip clutch includes: an outer sleeve operatively connected to the gear assembly; an inner sleeve positioned within the outer sleeve and connected to and rotatable with the drive shaft; a plurality of torque transfer members positioned between the outer sleeve and the inner sleeve and configured to selectively connect the inner sleeve to the outer sleeve; and a position sensor in communication with at least one of the plurality of torque transfer members and configured to output a signal in response to a detected radial displacement of the torque transfer member. The agricultural machine also includes a control unit in communication with the position sensor and configured to change an operating parameter of the machine in response to receiving the signal.

[0003] In another aspect, a drive mechanism subassembly includes a drive shaft and a gear assembly selectively connected to the drive shaft via a slip clutch. The slip clutch comprises an outer sleeve operatively connected to the gear assembly; an inner sleeve positioned within the outer sleeve and connected to and rotatable with the drive shaft; a torque transfer member movably connected to the inner sleeve and configured to selectively connect the inner sleeve to the outer sleeve when the torque on the drive shaft is at a first value less than a predetermined threshold; and a position sensor in communication with the torque transfer member and configured to output a signal in response to the torque on the drive shaft increasing from the first value. A control unit is in communication with the position sensor and configured to determine that the clutch has begun to slip in response to receiving the signal.

[0004] In another aspect, a drive mechanism subassembly includes a drive shaft and a gear assembly selectively connected to the drive shaft via a clutch. The clutch comprises a gear assembly engagement member operatively connected to the gear assembly; a drive shaft engagement member operatively connected to the drive shaft and configured to selectively engage the gear assembly engagement member; and a sensor at least partially supported by the gear assembly engagement member and configured to output a signal in response to a torque difference between the gear assembly engagement member and the drive shaft engagement member being greater than a predetermined threshold. A control unit is in communication with the position sensor and configured to change an operating parameter of the machine in response to receiving the signal.

[0005] Additionally, other aspects of the disclosure will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Figure 1 It is a front perspective view of a portion of a header of an agricultural machine, the header including a plurality of agricultural implements.

[0007] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A rear perspective view of a portion of a header including an implement, a drive shaft, and at least one clutch.

[0008] Figure 3 is a perspective view of an agricultural machine having Figure 2 The clutch of the elevator drive and includes Figure 2 The clutch feed mechanism drives the chain.

[0009] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 view of agricultural machinery.

[0010] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 The clutch along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view along line 5--5 of the clutch having the sensor configuration in the first position.

[0011] Figure 6 yes Figure 2 The clutch along Figure 2 The cross-sectional view of line 5--5, Figure 5 The sensor is in the second position.

[0012] Figure 7 yes Figure 2 The clutch along Figure 2 In the cross-sectional view along line 5--5, the clutch assembly has another sensor configuration, with the sensor being in the first position.

[0013] Figure 8 yes Figure 2The clutch along Figure 2 The cross-sectional view of line 5--5, Figure 7 The sensor is in the second position.

[0014] Figure 9 yes Figure 2 The clutch along Figure 2 The cross-sectional view of line 5--5, Figure 7 The sensor is in the third position.

[0015] Figure 10 yes Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the drive shaft along the longitudinal axis 'A' shows Figure 5 and Figure 6 sensor and another sensor.

[0016] Figure 11 yes Figure 2 The clutch along Figure 2 In the cross-sectional view along line 5--5, the clutch assembly has another sensor configuration.

[0017] Figure 12 yes Figure 2 The clutch along Figure 2 In the cross-sectional view along line 5--5, the clutch assembly has another sensor configuration.

[0018] Figure 13 is a side view of another type of clutch assembly having another sensor configuration. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Before explaining any aspect of the present disclosure in detail, it should be understood that the application of the present disclosure is not limited to the details of the construction and the arrangement of parts set forth in the following description or shown in the following drawings. The present disclosure is capable of supporting other aspects and can be practiced or implemented in various ways. In addition, it should be understood that the words and terms used herein are for descriptive purposes and should not be considered restrictive. One of ordinary skill in the art will understand that terms of degree, such as "substantially", "about", "approximately", etc., refer to a reasonable range outside a given value, such as the general tolerances associated with the manufacture, assembly and use of the aspects described.

[0020] Figure 1 and Figure 2 A portion of a header 10 of an agricultural machine, such as a combine harvester, is shown. The header 10 includes a plurality of agricultural implements supported by the agricultural machine and driven by the engine of the agricultural machine. Figure 1 and Figure 2The agricultural implement 14 is in the form of row units 14, each having a pair of chains (not shown) that rotate to advance the product (e.g., ears of corn, grain, etc.) through the agricultural machine. The agricultural machine may also include a plurality of choppers (not shown) for chopping the stems of the product. The drive shaft 30 ( Figure 2 ) operatively connects the engine to the row unit 14 and the chopper. Specifically, the drive shaft 30 may include a plurality of first gear assemblies 34 and a plurality of second gear assemblies 38 (only one of which is shown). Each first gear assembly 34 drives a corresponding row unit 14, and each second gear assembly 38 drives a corresponding chopper. Each of the first gear assembly 34 and the second gear assembly 38 is operatively connected to and driven by a slip clutch 42. The slip clutch 42 may be a single-drive clutch or a dual-drive clutch.

[0021] Despite Figure 1 and Figure 2 The slip clutch 42 is shown relative to the header, but it should be understood that the slip clutch 42 is also used elsewhere in the agricultural machine to drive other agricultural implements. For example, but not limited to, the slip clutch 42 is connected to the feed mechanism conveyor chain drive 48 and the elevator drive 52 ( Figure 3 and Figure 4 The drive shaft 56 of the feed mechanism conveyor chain drive 48 drives the feed mechanism conveyor, while the drive shaft 64 of the elevator drive 52 drives the elevator that moves the product from the feed mechanism 72 to the threshing rotor 76 where the product is broken up.

[0022] Each slip clutch 42 has a longitudinal axis A ( Figure 9 )、Radius R( Figures 5 to 8 ), an outer sleeve 100 (e.g., a gear assembly engagement member), an inner sleeve 104 (e.g., a drive shaft engagement member), and a plurality of pawls or torque transfer members 108 connected to the inner sleeve 104 and extending radially between the inner sleeve 104 and the outer sleeve 100.

[0023] The outer sleeve 100 is connected to the outer sleeve by a connecting member 110 ( Figure 10) are operably connected to the output gear shaft (not shown) of their respective corresponding gear assemblies. The outer sleeve 100 has an eyelet 112 extending therethrough, an inner surface 116, and a plurality of recesses 120 circumferentially positioned on the inner surface 116. In the illustrated embodiment, each recess 120 includes a tapered surface 128 (e.g., a ramp) on opposite sides of the intermediate surface 124. The tapered surface 128 defines complementary axes B, B'. In other embodiments, the recess 120 can have any suitable configuration. The inner sleeve 104 defines a hole 140 and includes a plurality of holes 144 extending therethrough. The holes 144 are circumferentially positioned around the outer surface 148 of the inner sleeve 104. The inner sleeve 104 is at least partially positioned within the eyelet 112 of the outer sleeve 100 and is concentric with the outer sleeve 100. The eyelet 140 in the inner sleeve 104 is configured to receive the drive shaft 30 therethrough. In the illustrated embodiment, the drive shaft 30 has a hexagonal cross-section, and the eyelet 140 is also hexagonal. The hexagonal shape of the drive shaft 30 and the eyelet 140 provides torque transmission therebetween while still allowing the clutch 42 to slide laterally along the drive shaft 30 as the frame of the header 10 elastically flexes due to various loads and temperature fluctuations.

[0024] If at least Figure 5 As shown, one torque transfer member 108 is positioned within each hole 144 of the inner sleeve 104. As shown, each torque transfer member 108 has an axis C and a distal end 152 that protrudes from the outer surface 148 of the inner sleeve 104. The distal end 152 is configured to be received by the recess 120 of the outer sleeve 100. The torque transfer member 108 includes tapered surfaces 156 (e.g., ramps) on opposite sides of the intermediate surface 160. The tapered surfaces define axes D, D'. A biasing member 164 (e.g., a spring) is positioned within each hole 144 and biases each torque transfer member 108 outward (e.g., toward the outer sleeve 100) and into a corresponding recess 120 in the outer sleeve 100.

[0025] like Figures 5 to 9 As shown, the slip clutch 42 has a sensor 180 that is at least partially supported by the outer sleeve 100. Figures 5 to 9 In the embodiment of FIG, the sensor 180 is a position sensor 180 that is positioned between the outer sleeve 100 and the inner sleeve 104 and is configured to detect when the clutch 42 is slipping. In other words, the position sensor 180 is configured to detect radial displacement of one of the torque transmitting members 108. Figures 5 to 9, the position sensor 180 is a pin extending through the outer sleeve 100 and slidable relative to the outer sleeve 100. The pin 180 has a longitudinal axis E, a first end 184 that engages the torque transmitting member 108, and a second end 188 that is spaced from the first end 184 and communicates with a control unit 192. In the embodiment shown, the pin 180 has a chamfered edge 182. The control unit 192 communicates with a cab (not shown) of the agricultural machine.

[0026] exist Figures 5 and 6 and Figure 9 , the pin 180 is radially oriented relative to the slip clutch 42 (e.g., along and aligned with the radius R). That is, the pin 180 is perpendicularly oriented relative to both the intermediate surface 128 of the recess 120 and the intermediate surface 160 of the torque transmitting member 108. Thus, the axis E of the pin 180 is parallel to the corresponding axis C of the torque transmitting member 108. Figures 5 and 6 and Figure 9 In the embodiment of , pin 180 is biased radially inward (e.g., by spring 196). Figures 5 to 9 In the embodiment shown, there is a single position sensor 180 in communication with a single torque transmitting member 108. In other or additional embodiments, one or more torque transmitting members may be in communication with a position sensor 180 or each torque transmitting member 108 may be in communication with a respective position sensor 180.

[0027] about Figure 5 When the torque difference between the outer sleeve 100 and the inner sleeve 104 is below a predetermined threshold (e.g., when the chain of the row unit 14 rotates normally), the slip clutch 42 is in a first (e.g., non-slipping) position in which each distal end 152 of the torque transfer member 108 is properly positioned in the recess 120 of the outer sleeve 100. Thus, the outer sleeve 100 rotates with the inner sleeve 104 to cause the drive shaft 30 to actuate the corresponding gear assemblies 34, 38. Additionally, the pin 180 is in a first position in which the first end 184 is positioned against and engaged with the torque transfer member 108.

[0028] about Figure 6When the torque difference between the outer sleeve 100 and the inner sleeve 104 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold (e.g., when one or more of the chains of the row unit 14 is stuck and therefore cannot rotate normally), the slip clutch 42 moves from the first position to a second (e.g., sliding) position, in which the distal end 152 of each of the plurality of torque transmitting members 108 is displaced from a corresponding one of the plurality of recesses 120 in the outer sleeve 100. That is, the force applied to the torque transmitting member 108 overcomes the bias of the spring 164 to move the torque member out of the recess 120 in the outer sleeve 100. Furthermore, the pin 180 is in a second position in which the first end 184 is not engaged with the torque transmitting member 108 but is positioned in the corresponding recess 120. When the torque transmitting member 108 is displaced from the recess 120 in the outer sleeve 100, the clutch 42 is said to have slipped. Thus, the outer sleeve 100 does not rotate with the inner sleeve 104 such that the inner sleeve 104 and drive shaft 30 continue to rotate, but the outer sleeve 100 and corresponding gear assemblies 34 , 38 do not rotate, thereby protecting the gear assemblies 34 , 38 from wear.

[0029] like Figure 6 As shown, when clutch 42 has slipped, spring 196 displaces pin 180 radially inward from the first position to the second position, which causes a signal to be sent to control unit 192. Control unit 192 can then notify an operator in the cab or a remote administrator that clutch 42 has slipped (e.g., via an audible or visual alarm). In response to this signal, control unit 192 can also adjust operating parameters of one or more automatic control systems of the agricultural machine. For example, control unit 192 can reduce the ground speed of the agricultural machine, adjust a valve that meters flow into the material conveying mechanism, close a gate to at least partially restrict product flow into the discharge chute, temporarily halt operation, and / or reverse the direction of rotation of the sliding drive shaft to eliminate the cause of the slip and attempt to resume normal forward operation at the modified speed or other operating parameters. Alternatively, control unit 192 can directly adjust operating parameters of one or more automatic control systems of the agricultural machine, as discussed herein. Once the torque has returned to a value equal to or below a predetermined threshold, each distal end 152 of torque-transmitting member 108 moves back to its proper position within recess 120 of outer sleeve 100, and pin 180 is reset.

[0030] exist Figures 7 and 8, the pin 180 is misaligned with the radius R of the sliding clutch 42. As shown, the pin 180 is angled (e.g., positioned at a non-parallel angle) relative to the radius R of the sliding clutch 42. The axis E of the pin 180 is oriented at a non-parallel angle relative to the radius R. More specifically, the pin 180 is oriented perpendicularly relative to one of the tapered surfaces 156 of the torque transmitting member 108 and is therefore at a non-parallel angle relative to the axis C of the corresponding torque transmitting member 108. Similar to Figures 5 and 6 Pin 180, Figures 7 and 8 The pin 180 is biased against the torque transfer member 108 (eg, by a spring 296 ), and more specifically, against the tapered surface 156 of the torque transfer member 108 . Figures 7 and 8 The pin 180 can be connected with Figures 5 and 6 The pin 180 operates in the same manner to address the slipping clutch 42 and control the operating parameters of the agricultural machine.

[0031] Additionally or alternatively, pin 180 can be operated to warn the operator that clutch 42 is beginning to slip, before alerting the operator that the clutch has slipped. That is, the torque difference between outer sleeve 100 and inner sleeve 104 increases from a first value less than a predetermined threshold to a predetermined threshold, and slip clutch 42 begins to move from the first position to the second position. Specifically, torque transfer members 108 rotate with inner sleeve 104, causing tapered surfaces 156 of torque transfer members 108 to slide against the side surfaces (e.g., tapered surfaces 124) of recess 120. Tapered surfaces 156 of one of torque transfer members 108 thus begin to gradually move (e.g., slide) pin 180, causing pin 180 to gradually retract into outer sleeve 100. Pin 180 moves linearly according to the taper angle of tapered surface 156. Therefore, as torque increases from below the predetermined threshold to the predetermined threshold, a correlation can be established between the torque applied to the corresponding torque transfer member 108 and the linear movement of pin 180. Thus, the linear movement of the pin 180 as it retreats into the outer sleeve 100, overcoming the bias of the spring 296, generates a warning signal. Figure 8 As shown, if the clutch 42 begins to slip, a warning signal may be sent to the control unit 192. The control unit 192 may then send a first notification (e.g., via a first audio or visual alarm) to the operator in the cab or to a remote administrator to notify the operator that the clutch 42 is beginning to slip. If the clutch 42 does slip, the slipping signal (relative to the Figures 5 and 6) is sent to the control unit 192. The control unit 192 may then send a second notification (e.g., via a first audio or visual alarm) to the operator in the cab to notify the operator that the clutch 42 has slipped. The first notification may be the same as or different from the second notification. In response to one or both of the first notification or the second notification, the control unit 192 may also adjust operating parameters of one or more automatic control systems of the agricultural machine, as described above with respect to Figures 5 and 6 Alternatively, as described above, the control unit 192 may send the first and second notifications directly to one or more automatic control systems of the agricultural machine to adjust operating parameters. Once the torque has returned to or below the predetermined threshold, each distal end 152 of the torque transmitting member 108 moves back to its proper position in the recess 120 of the outer sleeve 100, and the pin 180 is reset.

[0032] Figure 10 The position sensor is shown as a pressure or force plate 180 rather than a pin. Figure 10 The pressure plate 180 can have Figures 5 and 6 The pin or Figures 7 and 8 The pins have the same function. Figure 10 It is also shown that there may be more than one position sensor 180 in the clutch assembly, and that the position sensors 180 may be the same or different.

[0033] Figure 11 2 shows a slip clutch 42 including another type of sensor 280. Figure 11 As shown, the sensor 280 is positioned close to (e.g., in close proximity to) the recess 180 of the outer sleeve 100. In the example shown, the sensor is a non-contact sensor, such as a magnetic pickup sensor or a Hall effect sensor. In either case, the sensor 280 detects the proximity of the corresponding torque transfer member 108 to determine whether the clutch 42 is in the first position or the second position. For example, when the clutch has moved from the first position to the second position, the sensor 280 detects that the torque transfer member 108 has moved further away from the sensor 280, which causes a signal to be sent to the control unit 192. The control unit 192 then notifies the operator in the cab (e.g., through an audio or visual alarm) that the clutch 42 has slipped. In response to the signal, the control unit 192 can also adjust the operating parameters of one or more automatic control systems of the agricultural machinery.

[0034] Figure 12A sensor 380 is shown generally positioned on the outer sleeve 120 of the slipping clutch 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the sensor 380 may be an accelerometer that detects vibrations as the torque-transmitting member 108 moves in and out of the recess 120. Alternatively, the sensor 380 may be a thermocouple sensor that detects an increase in temperature in the outer sleeve when the clutch 42 is slipping. For example, when the torque-transmitting member 108 is moving in and out of the recess 120 and between the first and second positions, the sensor 280 detects an increase in vibration or an increase in temperature. The increase in vibration or temperature causes a signal to be sent to the control unit 192. The control unit 192 then notifies the operator in the cab (e.g., via an audible or visual alarm) that the clutch 42 has slipped. In response to this signal, the control unit 192 may also adjust operating parameters of one or more automatic control systems of the agricultural machine.

[0035] The sensors 180, 280, 380 discussed herein may be used with any suitable type of clutch assembly. For example, the sensors 180, 280, 380 may be used with a dog clutch assembly 500, such as Figure 13 As shown. The jaw clutch assembly 500 includes a longitudinal axis A, a first jaw member 502 (e.g., a gear assembly engaging member), a second jaw member 504 (e.g., a drive shaft engaging member), and a biasing member (e.g., a spring) 508. The first jaw member 502 has a plurality of first teeth 512 (e.g., a torque transmitting member), with each pair of adjacent teeth separated by a valley 516. The second jaw member 504 has a plurality of second teeth 524 (e.g., a torque transmitting member), with each pair of adjacent teeth 524 separated by a valley 528. The first jaw member 502 and the second jaw member 504 are complementary and configured to engage one another. That is, each of the first teeth 512 is configured to be received in one of the valleys 528, and each of the second teeth 524 is configured to be received in one of the valleys 516. The biasing member 508 is configured to bias the second jaw member 504 into engagement with the first jaw member 502, thereby causing the first and second jaw members 502, 504, and thus the respective gear assemblies 34, 36 and shaft 30 (for example), to rotate together. When the torque difference between the first and second jaw members 502, 504 exceeds a predetermined threshold (e.g., the force exerted by the bias of the spring 508), the jaw clutch assembly 500 begins to slip.

[0036] The sensor 180, 280, 380 may be supported by one of the first jaw member 502 and the second jaw member 504 (eg, one of the gear assembly engagement member or the drive shaft engagement member). Figure 13As shown, the sensor 180, 280, 380 can be positioned in or near one of the valleys 516 of the first jaw member 502. In other or additional embodiments, there can be multiple sensors 180, 280, 380, each positioned in or near one of the valleys 516 of the first jaw member 502. Alternatively, in other or additional embodiments, the sensor 180, 280, 380 can be positioned in or near one of the valleys 528 of the second jaw member 504, or there can be multiple sensors 180, 280, 380, each positioned in or near one of the valleys 528 of the second jaw member 504. Regardless, the sensors 180, 280, 380 may be as described above with respect to Figures 1 to 12 The jaws 502 and 504 operate as discussed above to detect movement of the respective teeth 512 , 524 relative to the valleys of the respective jaw members 502 , 504 , and thus detect relative movement of the first and second jaw members 502 , 504 .

[0037] In other embodiments, the sensor 180 , 280 , 380 may be positioned in or near one end of the biasing member 504 . Figure 13 An alternative location of the sensor 180, 280, 380 is shown on or near the distal end of the biasing member 508, but in other or additional embodiments, the sensor 180, 280, 380 may be positioned at the proximal end. Regardless, the sensor 180, 280, 380 may be positioned as described above with respect to the distal end of the biasing member 508. Figures 1 to 12 The biasing member 508 operates as discussed above to detect movement of the biasing member 508 and, therefore, relative movement of the first jaw member 502 and the second jaw member 504 .

[0038] Although the disclosure has been described in detail with reference to certain preferred aspects, variations and modifications exist within the scope and spirit of one or more independent aspects of the disclosure described. Various features and advantages of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. An agricultural machine configured to be operated by an operator, the agricultural machine comprising: an agricultural implement (14), the agricultural implement (14) being supported by the agricultural machine; an engine configured to drive the agricultural machine; a drive mechanism including a drive shaft (30) operatively connecting the engine to the agricultural implement (14); A gear assembly (34, 38) operatively connected to the implement (14), the gear assembly selectively connected to the drive shaft (30) via a slip clutch (42), the slip clutch (42) comprising: an outer sleeve (100) operatively connected to the gear assembly, an inner sleeve (104) positioned within the outer sleeve (100), the inner sleeve (104) being connected to the drive shaft (30) and rotatable together with the drive shaft (30), a plurality of torque transfer members (108) positioned between the outer sleeve (100) and the inner sleeve (104) and configured to selectively connect the inner sleeve (104) to the outer sleeve (100), and a position sensor (180, 280, 380) in communication with at least one torque transmitting member (108) of the plurality of torque transmitting members (108) and configured to output a signal in response to a detected radial displacement of the at least one torque transmitting member (108); as well as A control unit (192) is in communication with the position sensor (180, 280, 380) and is configured to change an operating parameter of the agricultural machine in response to receiving the signal.

2. The agricultural machine according to claim 1, in, The outer sleeve (100) includes a plurality of circumferential recesses (120), the sliding clutch (42) having a first operable position in which the plurality of torque transfer members (108) are positioned in a corresponding one of the plurality of circumferential recesses (120) in the outer sleeve (100) and a second operable position in which the plurality of torque transfer members (108) are displaced from the plurality of circumferential recesses (120) in the outer sleeve (100), wherein the position sensor (180) is a spring-biased pin, wherein the pin is engaged with the distal end (152) of the at least one torque transmitting member (108) when the sliding clutch (42) is in the first operable position, and the pin is positioned in the corresponding recess (120) when the sliding clutch (42) is in the second operable position, and wherein the signal is generated in response to the pin moving from the first operable position to the second operable position.

3. The agricultural machine according to claim 2, wherein: The pin is aligned with the radius (R) of the slip clutch (42).

4. The agricultural machine according to claim 2, wherein: The pin is misaligned with a radius (R) of the slip clutch (42).

5. The agricultural machine according to claim 1, wherein: The position sensor (180, 280, 380) is a non-contact sensor, a pressure plate, or a thermocouple sensor connected to the outer sleeve (100).

6. A drive mechanism subassembly comprising: Drive shaft (30); A gear assembly (34, 38) selectively connected to the drive shaft (30) via a slip clutch (42), the slip clutch (42) comprising: an outer sleeve (100) operatively connected to the gear assembly (34, 38), an inner sleeve (104) positioned within the outer sleeve, the inner sleeve (104) being connected to the drive shaft (30) and rotatable therewith, a torque transfer member (108) movably connected to the inner sleeve (104) and configured to selectively connect the inner sleeve (104) to the outer sleeve (100) when a torque difference between the outer sleeve (100) and the inner sleeve (104) is at a first value less than a predetermined threshold, and a position sensor (180, 280, 380) in communication with the torque transfer member (108) and configured to output a signal in response to a torque difference between the outer sleeve (100) and the inner sleeve (104) increasing from the predetermined threshold; and Wherein, a control unit (192) is in communication with the position sensor (180, 280, 380), and the control unit (192) is configured to determine that the slip clutch (42) begins to slip in response to receiving the signal.

7. The drive mechanism subassembly according to claim 6, in, The outer sleeve (100) comprises a circumferential recess (120), wherein, when the torque difference between the outer sleeve (100) and the inner sleeve (104) is the first value, the torque transfer member (108) is positioned in the circumferential recess (120) in the outer sleeve (100), and when the torque difference between the outer sleeve (100) and the inner sleeve (104) is greater than the predetermined threshold, the distal end (152) of the torque transfer member (108) is displaced from the circumferential recess (120) in the outer sleeve (100), wherein the position sensor (180, 280, 380) is a spring-biased pin (180) that selectively engages the torque transfer member (108), the pin (180) extending through the outer sleeve (100) and being slidable relative to the outer sleeve (100), wherein the pin (180) engages the tapered surface (156) of the torque transfer member (108), and wherein, when the torque difference between the outer sleeve (100) and the inner sleeve (104) increases from the first value, the torque transfer member (108) is configured to rotate together with the inner sleeve (104) so ​​that the tapered surface (156) of the torque transfer member (108) causes the pin (180) to move linearly to generate the signal.

8. The drive mechanism subassembly of claim 6, wherein: When the torque difference between the outer sleeve (100) and the inner sleeve (104) increases from the first value, the position sensor (180, 280, 380) is configured to gradually retract into the outer sleeve (100), thereby generating the signal.

9. A drive mechanism subassembly comprising: Drive shaft (30); A gear assembly (34, 38) selectively connected to the drive shaft (30) via a clutch (42, 500), the clutch (42, 500) comprising: a gear assembly engagement member (100, 502) operatively connectable to the gear assembly (34, 38), a drive shaft engagement member (104, 504) operably connected to the drive shaft (30) and configured to selectively engage the gear assembly engagement member (100, 502), and a sensor (180, 280, 380) at least partially supported by the gear assembly engagement member (100, 502) and configured to output a signal in response to a torque difference between the gear assembly engagement member (100, 502) and the drive shaft engagement member (104, 504) being greater than a predetermined threshold; Wherein a control unit (192) is in communication with the sensor (180, 280, 380), and the control unit (192) is configured to change an operating parameter of the agricultural machine in response to receiving the signal.

10. The drive mechanism subassembly of claim 9, further comprising a torque transfer member (108, 512) positioned between the gear assembly engagement member (100, 502) and the drive shaft engagement member (104, 504), the torque transfer member (108, 512) being configured to selectively connect the gear assembly engagement member (100, 502) and the drive shaft engagement member (104, 504), and wherein, The control unit (192) is configured to determine that the clutch (42, 500) is beginning to slip in response to receiving the signal.

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