Locking system for header

Abstract

Disclosed are systems and devices for actuating a float arm of a harvester header between a flexible configuration and a rigid configuration. These systems and devices include a locking tube that experiences no or little torque when the float arm is in the rigid configuration. In addition, these systems and devices also avoid adjustments to ensure that the float arm is fully retracted (e.g., in abutting contact with another portion of the header).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to a harvesting header and, more particularly, to a draper header. Background Art

[0002] Agricultural harvesters use various tools attached to collect the crop. A "draper" or "draper header" is one type of these tools. A traditional draper header uses a conveyor with an endless belt to carry the cut crop material from the leading edge knife to the center area of ​​the header. From there, the cut crop material is conveyed to the harvester. Once in the harvester, the cut crop material is further processed by separating the grain from the unwanted crop material (commonly referred to as "material other than grain" or "MOG"). Summary of the invention

[0003] A first aspect of the present disclosure relates to a harvester header. The harvester header may include: a frame; a plurality of float arms pivotably coupled to the frame; a knife coupled to a distal end of the float arm; and a locking system that is movable between a flexible configuration in which at least one float arm is pivotable relative to the frame and a rigid configuration in which the at least one float arm is pivotably fixed relative to the frame. The locking system may include a rotatable component rotatably coupled to the frame and a tensioner. The tensioner may include a first end pivotably coupled to the rotatable component; a second end pivotably coupled to one of the plurality of float arms; and a biasing component extending between the first end and the second end, the rotatable component rotating in a first direction to pivotally fix the float arm relative to the frame and compress the biasing component when the locking system moves to the rigid configuration, and the rotatable locking component rotatable in a second direction opposite to the first direction to allow the float arm to pivotally move relative to the frame.

[0004] A second aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a method of actuating a float arm of a harvester header between a flexible configuration, in which a knife of the harvester header is able to flex along its length, and a rigid configuration, in which the knife is prevented from flexing along its length. The method may include: rotating a rotatable component extending transversely along the length of the harvester header about a centerline of the rotatable component, a plurality of float arms of the harvester header being pivotally connected to the rotatable component; and one of the following operations: retracting a first shaft in a first direction in response to the rotation of the rotatable component in a first angular direction to compress a biasing component, the retraction of the first shaft in the first direction in response to the rotation of the rotatable component in the first angular direction causing one of the plurality of float arms to pivot into abutment contact with a portion of a frame of the harvester header, or extending the first shaft in a second direction opposite to the first direction in response to the rotation of the rotatable component in a second angular direction opposite to the first angular direction to expand the biasing component, the extension of the first shaft in the second direction in response to the rotation of the rotatable component in the second angular direction causing the float arm of the plurality of float arms to pivot out of abutment contact with the portion of the frame of the harvester header.

[0005] Other features and aspects will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0007] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an example draper header according to some implementations of the present disclosure.

[0008] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a portion of a frame of an example draper header according to some implementations of the present disclosure.

[0009] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a portion of an example header frame showing a portion of a locking system according to some implementations of the present disclosure.

[0010] Figure 4 is a detailed perspective view of an interface between an end of a latching tube and a crank of an example locking system according to some implementations of the present disclosure.

[0011] Figure 5 is another perspective view of a portion of an example locking system according to some implementations of the present disclosure.

[0012] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an example locking system according to some implementations of the present disclosure.

[0013] Figures 7 to 9is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a locking system showing movement of the locking system between a flexible configuration and a rigid configuration.

[0014] Fig.10 is a perspective view of an example locking system along with a float arm coupled thereto, according to some implementations of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figures 11 to 13 is a perspective view of some components of a locking system according to some implementations of the present disclosure, illustrating actuation of the locking system between a flexible configuration and a rigid configuration. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] In order to promote understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the implementations shown in the accompanying drawings, and specific language will be used to describe them. However, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. As would normally occur to a person skilled in the art in which the present disclosure is concerned, it is entirely conceivable that any changes and further modifications to the described apparatus, instrument, method, and any further application of the principles of the present disclosure would occur. Specifically, it is entirely conceivable that the features, components, and / or steps described with respect to one implementation may be combined with the features, components, and / or steps described with respect to other implementations of the present disclosure.

[0017] The present disclosure relates to a harvester header, and in particular to a draper header, which includes a locking system that can be moved between a flexible configuration and a rigid configuration. In the flexible configuration, the floating arm of the header can freely pivot about a corresponding axis, and in the rigid configuration, the floating arm is retracted to contact a portion of the header, thereby providing a knife attached to the floating arm in a straight rigid configuration. The locking system provides for abutting contact between the floating arm and another portion of the frame without any adjustment during manufacturing or provided in the field, thereby reducing manufacturing and maintenance time and complexity. In addition, in the rigid configuration, the torque applied to the locking tube is reduced to zero or approximately zero, thereby reducing the size, weight and cost of the header.

[0018] Those skilled in the art will understand that the use of directional terms such as "upper," "lower," "top," "bottom," "above," "below," "front," "rear," "front," "rear," "forward," and "rearward" in the context of the examples shown are not intended to limit the present disclosure. For example, for a particular type of vehicle of a conventional configuration and orientation, those skilled in the art would understand these terms as applying to the particular vehicle.

[0019] For example, as used herein, with respect to an endless belt, unless otherwise defined or limited, the term "forward" (etc.) corresponds to the forward direction of travel of the belt relative to a support frame (e.g., a frame of a draper header) during normal operation of the belt. Likewise, the term "rearward" (etc.) corresponds to the direction opposite to the forward direction of travel of the belt. In this regard, for example, a "forward-facing" feature on an endless belt may generally face the direction in which the belt travels during normal operation, while a "rearward-facing" feature may generally face the direction opposite to that direction.

[0020] Also as used herein, with respect to a header (or components thereof), unless otherwise defined or limited, the term "front" (etc.) indicates the direction of travel of the header during normal operation (e.g., the forward direction of travel of a harvesting vehicle carrying the header). Similarly, the term "rear" (etc.) indicates the direction opposite to the front direction. In this regard, for example, a "front" edge of a knife assembly of a draper header may be generally disposed in front of the knife assembly relative to the direction of travel of the draper header (e.g., carried by a harvesting vehicle) during normal operation. Likewise, a "rear" edge of a knife assembly may be generally disposed behind the knife assembly or on the side opposite to the front edge relative to the direction of travel of the draper header during normal operation.

[0021] Figure 1 An example belt conveyor header 100 is shown, which includes a frame 102 supporting a first side conveyor 104 and a second side conveyor 106 and a center conveyor 108. Each of the conveyors 104, 106 and 108 is configured as a belt-type conveyor extending over a corresponding circumferential length. The conveyors 104, 106 and 108 include endless belts 110, 112 and 114, which are moved in corresponding loops along the header 100 by a driving device (e.g., a motor, a gear or an inner belt). The conveyors 104 and 106 are correspondingly arranged on opposite side wings 116 and 118 of the header 100. In the example shown, the conveyor 104 includes two endless belts 110, and the conveyor 106 includes two endless belts 112. In other implementations, the conveyors 104 and 106 may include more or fewer endless belts. Furthermore, although the conveyor 108 is shown as including a single endless belt 114, in other implementations, the conveyor 108 may include additional endless belts. The endless belts 110, 112, and 114 are supported on two or more rollers of the respective conveyors 104, 106, and 108.

[0022] In some implementations, the endless belts 110, 112, and 114 may be formed of an elastomeric impregnated fabric belt. Typically, the endless belts 110 and 112 may be rotated so that the upper surfaces of the endless belts 110 and 112 move inwardly along the header 100 in respective directions 120 and 122. In this way, materials such as cut plants may be moved to the center conveyor 108 by the endless belts 110 and 112, which in turn may use the endless belts 114 to move the materials out of the header 100. For example, the header 100 may unload the materials onto a harvesting vehicle to which the header 100 is attached. The header 100 also includes a cylindrical conveyor 124. The cylindrical conveyor 124 receives the cut crop material from the center conveyor 108 and carries the crop material backward (i.e., in direction 126) through a hole in the frame 102 between the cylindrical conveyor 124 and the center conveyor 108, and ultimately into a harvesting vehicle.

[0023] In the example shown, various cleats 130 are secured to the surface of each of the endless belts 110, 112, and 114, wherein the cleats 130 extend generally in a direction transverse to the direction of travel (e.g., directions 120, 122, and 126) of the respective endless belt 110, 112, or 114. In some implementations, the cleats 130 may extend less than the entire width of the endless belts 110, 112, and 114. For example, one or more cleats 130 may extend only partially across the respective width of the endless belts 110, 112, and 114, and thus may not extend to the leading or trailing edges of the belts 110, 112, and 114.

[0024] The header 100 also includes a knife 132 at a leading edge 133 of the header 100. In some implementations, the knife 132 may be a reciprocating knife. The knife 132 cuts the crop material, for example, severing the crop material from the field. The knife 132 extends transversely along the header 100. In some implementations, the header 100 may also include a front cover disposed between the knife 132 and the endless belts 110, 112, and 114, wherein the front cover extends at least partially over the leading edge of at least the belts 110 and 112. Figure 1 As shown, for example, the header 100 includes an elongated row of interlocking crop slope segments 134 extending substantially along the entire length of the header 20 .

[0025] As depicted, the header 100 also includes a tail cover 136, which may be in the form of a rear plate deflector or rear frame cover, separated from the crop slope section 134 by a width 138. The tail cover 136 may be used to cover and protect various internal components of the header 100, and may also generally define the tail end of the crop bearing area of ​​the header 100. In some implementations, the straps 130 may extend across the entire width 138. In other implementations, the straps 130 may extend across only a portion of the width 138.

[0026] During harvesting operations, a harvesting vehicle may carry the header 100 across an agricultural field in a nominal forward direction 140. As the header 100 moves across the field, the knife 132 operates to cut the crop at a location adjacent to the ground. The cut crop material falls generally in a trailing direction (i.e., generally opposite to the direction 140) onto one or more of the three conveyors 104, 106, and 108. The conveyors 104 on the side wings 118 use endless belts 110 to carry the crop material in a direction 120 toward the center of the header 100. The conveyors 106 use endless belts 112 to carry the cut crop material in a direction 122 toward the center conveyor 108, and the center conveyor 108 carries the cut crop material in a direction 126 toward and below the cylindrical conveyor 124. The cut crop material from the cylindrical conveyor 124 is transported in a direction 126 into the agricultural harvester through holes in the frame 102 of the header 100.

[0027] In the example shown, conveyor 104 and conveyor 106 are similarly configured, but conveyors 104 and 106 may carry crop materials in opposite directions 120 and 122, respectively. In other implementations, conveyors 104 and 106 may be configured differently. However, in general, the description of conveyor 104 herein may apply to conveyor 106 as well as other conveyors of other implementations.

[0028] Figure 2 2 is a diagram of a portion of a frame 200 of a header 202 that may be similar to header 100. The portion of the frame 200 shown corresponds to a portion of a wing 204 of the header 202. The wing 204 may be similar to the wing 118 of the header 100. The frame 200 includes a beam 206 extending transversely along the frame 200. A rear section 208 is coupled to the beam 206 and extends from it. The rear section 208 also extends transversely along the frame 200. Outboard sections 207 are coupled to the beam 206 and the rear section 208 and define the side ends of the frame 200. A plurality of mounting brackets 210 are also coupled to the beam 206. With the header 202 conventionally oriented, the brackets 210 extend generally in a direction corresponding to the forward direction. The frame 200 also includes a transversely extending cross tube 212 connected to each mounting bracket 210. In some implementations, the cross tube 212 may have a square, rectangular, or circular cross-sectional shape and may define a central channel. However, the cross tube 212 may have other cross-sectional shapes. The float arms 214 may be pivotally coupled to the mounting bracket 210, and a knife 216 is coupled to a distal end 218 of each float arm 214. Similar to the knife 132, the knife 216 may be a reciprocating knife.

[0029] In some implementations, the mounting brackets 210 and corresponding buoyant arms 214 can be laterally separated by approximately 2.5 feet (ft) (0.8 meters (m)) from adjacent mounting brackets 210 and corresponding buoyant arms 214. In other implementations, the lateral separation 215 can be greater or less than 2.5 feet (0.8 meters). In other implementations, the lateral separation 215 can vary. Thus, in some implementations, the lateral separation 215 between some adjacent mounting brackets 210 and corresponding buoyant arms 214 can be uniform, while the lateral separation between other adjacent mounting brackets 210 and corresponding buoyant arms 214 can be non-uniform.

[0030] With the header 202 in an unfixed or flexible configuration, each of the float arms 214 can pivot independently of the other float arms 214. As a result, each of the float arms 214 can follow the topography or contour of the ground when the float arms 214 are in contact with the ground and pushed toward the ground (e.g., during a harvesting operation). In response to the float arms 214 moving to follow the contour of the ground, the knives 216 flex to also follow the contour of the ground. As a result, the portion of the crop extending from the ground and remaining in the field can be substantially uniform, for example, the height of the crop remaining in the field extending from the ground can be substantially uniform.

[0031] In a rigid configuration where float arm 214 maintains an abutting relationship with a portion of frame 200 (eg, cross tube 212), the float arm is prevented from following the contour of the ground and blade 216 maintains a straight rigid configuration (eg, blade 216 maintains a straight, unbent shape).

[0032] The header 202 also includes a locking system 220 that is operable to move (change) the floating arm 214 and the knife 216 between a flexible configuration and a rigid configuration. In some implementations, the header 202 includes a locking system 220 for each wing 204. A separate locking system 220 is operable to move (change) the associated portion of the floating arm 214 and the knife 216 of one wing between a rigid configuration and a flexible configuration independently of the associated portion of the floating arm 214 and the knife 216 of the other wing. Thus, in some implementations, the header 202 may include two locking systems 220. In other implementations, the header may include a single locking system 220 for all wings of the header 202.

[0033] The locking system 220 includes a rotatable component (in Figure 1 The latching tube 222 extends transversely along the header 202 through a hole 224 formed in each mounting bracket 210. The latching tube 222 can rotate relative to the mounting bracket 210 about a centerline 226. A crank 228 can be pivotally coupled to the latching tube 222 such that rotation of the crank 228 causes the latching tube 222 to rotate about the centerline 226.

[0034] Figure 3It is a detailed view of a portion of the header 202 . Figure 3 A crank 228 of the wing 204 is shown. The crank 228 is pivotally coupled to the side 207 of the wing 205. The end 230 of the latch tube 222 extends from a hole 232 formed in the side 207. A U-shaped hook 234 is formed at the end 230 of the latch tube 222. The crank 228 is threadedly coupled to a pin 236 received on the U-shaped hook 234, which is discussed in more detail below. The crank 228 also extends through a bearing 238 attached to the side 207. In some implementations, the bearing 238 can be in the form of a bushing, a roller bearing, or another type of bearing (e.g., a spherical bearing).

[0035] Figure 4 2 is a detail view showing the connection between the U-shaped hook 234 and the crank 228 at the end 230 of the locking tube 222. The pin 236 is received through a hole 240 formed in a side 244 of the U-shaped hook 234. A spacer 242 is received over the pin 236 and is located between the two sides 244 of the U-shaped hook 234. The pin 236 includes a threaded hole 246, and the crank 228 includes a threaded portion 248 that is threadedly received in the threaded hole 246. The width of the spacer 242 is sized so that the pin 236 is prevented from being removed from the hole 240 when the threaded portion 248 of the crank 228 is threadedly received in the threaded hole 246.

[0036] Figure 5 2 is a detailed view showing the connection between the crank 228 and the bearing 238. In the example shown, the bearing 238 is attached to the side 207 via a fastener 248 (e.g., a bolt). In other implementations, other types of fasteners may be used. In addition, the bearing 238 may be attached using other types of connection methods (e.g., press fit, welding, integral forming methods, or any other connection technology) to connect the bearing 238 to the side 207. The bearing 238 includes a hole 250 through which the crank 228 extends. In the example shown, the cross-sectional dimensions of the hole 250 are larger than the cross-sectional dimensions of the crank 228 so as to accommodate the pivoting of the crank 228 in response to the rotation of the locking tube 222 and the U-shaped hook 234.

[0037] A flange 252 coupled to the crank 228 contacts the bearing 238 to limit how far the crank 228 is allowed to extend beyond the bearing 238 in the direction of arrow 254. For example, the flange 252 may be integrally formed on the crank 228, may be a washer fixed to the crank 238, or may be another arrangement that limits relative movement of the crank 228 and the bearing 238.

[0038] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the locking system 220. In particular, Figure 6A cross section of the crank 228, bearing 238, end 230 of the latch tube 222, and pin 236 are shown. As the crank 228 rotates in a first rotational direction about a centerline 256 of the crank 228, the threaded engagement between the threaded hole 246 of the pin 236 and the threaded end 248 of the crank 228 causes the pin 236 to move relative to and along the threaded end 248, thereby causing the latch tube 222 to rotate in the direction of arrow 258 about the centerline 226 of the latch tube 222. Rotation of the crank 228 in a second rotational direction causes the latch tube 222 to rotate in the direction of arrow 260 (opposite the direction of arrow 258) about the centerline 226 of the latch tube 222.

[0039] Rotation of the latch tube 222 in the direction of arrow 258 to a first position causes the float arm 214 to be placed in a fully retracted position corresponding to a rigid configuration of the float arm 214 and the knife 216. Rotation of the latch tube 222 in the direction of arrow 260 to a second position causes the float arm 214 to be placed in a fully extended position corresponding to a flexible configuration of the float arm 214 and the knife 216. When the header 202 is conventionally oriented, the weight of the float arm 214 maintains tension in the crank 228 regardless of the rotational position of the latch tube 222 between the first and second positions. Thus, the crank 228 remains captured on the header 202.

[0040] Figure 7 2 is a cross-sectional view of an additional portion of the locking system 220. The locking system 220 also includes a tensioner 700 and a linkage mechanism 702 coupled to the latch tube 222. The tensioner 700 includes a bracket 704, a shaft 706 extending through a hole 708 in a side 710 of the bracket 704, and a biasing member 712 captured on the shaft 706 between the side 710 of the bracket 704 and a flange 714 secured to the shaft 706. In some implementations, the flange 714 can be secured to the shaft between a shoulder 716 and a nut 718 threadedly received on the shaft 706. In other implementations, the flange 714 can be secured to the shaft 706 in other ways (e.g., by welding, press fitting, or by being integrally formed to the shaft 706).

[0041] In some implementations, the biasing member 712 is a spring (e.g., a coil spring). In some implementations, the biasing member 712 is a plurality of biasing members. For example, in some implementations, the biasing member 712 is a plurality of Bellville washers 7113 stacked along the length of the shaft 706, such as Figure 7 In some implementations, Bellville washers are arranged in pairs such that the bases of the individual Bellville washers in a pair abut against each other. The paired Bellville washers may be arranged adjacent to each other along the length of the shaft 706, for example, as shown in FIG. Figures 7 to 9In some implementations, 32 Bellville washers may be used. However, more or fewer Bellville washers may be used, and the number of Bellville washers may vary depending on the size and mass of different components of the header, for example.

[0042] In other implementations, the biasing member 712 can be or include a coil spring. For example, in some cases, the biasing member 712 can include multiple coil springs. One or more coil springs can be received on the shaft 706. In other implementations, the biasing member 712 can be another type of spring.

[0043] The tensioner 700 is pivotally coupled to the float arm 214 via a pin 720 coupled to the float arm 214. In the example shown, the pin 720 extends through a hole 722 formed in a U-shaped hook 724 attached to the float arm 214. The shaft 706 extends through a hole 725 formed through the pin 720. A flange 726 captures the shaft 706 onto the pin 720. In some implementations, the flange 726 can be a washer that is secured to the shaft 706 between a shoulder 728 and a nut 730 threadedly received onto a threaded portion 732 of the shaft 706. In other implementations, the flange 726 can be secured to the shaft 706 in other ways (e.g., by press fit or welding), or the flange 726 can be integrally formed on the shaft 706. The shaft 706 also includes an enlarged portion 734 that abuts against the side 710 of the bracket 704. The engagement between the side 710 and the enlarged portion 734 allows the biasing member 712 to be preloaded between the side 710 and the flange 714. In some implementations, the biasing member 712 may not be preloaded.

[0044] The preload applied to the biasing member 712 may be selected to ensure that the force applied to the float arms 214 of the locking system 220 by the biasing member 712 lifts the float arms 214 into abutting contact between all of the float arms 214 and a portion of the frame (e.g., the cross tube 212). Thus, despite any variations in the header 202 (e.g., manufacturing variations), the preload ensures that the force ultimately provided by the biasing member 712 fully actuates all of the float arms 214 when the locking system 220 is moved to the rigid configuration, which variations may otherwise prevent all of the float arms 214 from being in abutting contact with the cross tube 212 when the locking system 220 is in the rigid configuration. As a result, the locking system of the present disclosure is operable to ensure that all of the float arms of the locking system are fully retracted when placed in the rigid configuration without the need for adjustment during manufacturing or sometimes later in the field, such as by a user or technician. Thus, the locking system and associated header of the present disclosure reduce the amount of maintenance thereof, improve the operational performance of the header, increase the productivity of the header, and reduce the operating cost of the header.

[0045] The linkage mechanism 702 includes a first link 736 coupled to the latch tube 222 and a second link 738 pivotally coupled to the first link 736 and the bracket 704. In the example shown, the first link 738 is attached to the latch tube 222 using a fastener 739, such as a bolt. However, in other implementations, the first link 738 may be attached to the latch tube 222 in other ways, such as by welding, interference fit, adhesive, or by being integrally formed on the latch tube 222. Additionally, in the example shown, a nut 741 is used to secure the fastener 739 and the first link 736 to the latch tube 222.

[0046] Reference Fig.10 , the bracket 704 has a generally U-shape, and the second link 738 includes a first side 740 and a second side 742. The free end 744 of the bracket 704 is sandwiched between the first side 740 and the second side 742 at the first end 745 of the second link 738. The tab 746 formed on the first link 736 is disposed between the first side 740 and the second side 742 of the second link 738 at the second end 752 of the second link 738. The pin 748 extends through the first side 740 and the second side 742 at the second end 752 of the second link 738 and the tab 746 of the first link 736 to pivotally couple the first link 736 and the second link 738. The pin 750 extends between the free end 744 of the bracket 704 and the first side 740 and the second side 742 at the first end 745 of the second link 738 to pivotally couple the second link 738 and the bracket 704. In some implementations, the pins 748 and 750 may be rods or fasteners (e.g., bolts). However, the pins 748 and 750 may have other forms to enable the first link 736 to rotate relative to the second link 738 and the bracket 704 to pivot relative to the second link 738. The float arm 214 may pivot about a pin 751 that pivotably couples the float arm 214 to the mounting bracket 210. For example, the pin 751 may be a fastener (e.g., a bolt), a shaft, or other component operable to allow pivotal movement of the float arm 214 relative to the mounting bracket 210. Fig.10 Also shown is a shock absorbing member 1000 attached to the frame 200 (eg, cross tube 212) of the header 202 and contacting the float arm 214 when retracted to the rigid configuration. The shock absorbing member 1000 may be attached to the cross tube 212 using fasteners 1002 (eg, which may be bolts, pins, or rivets).

[0047] like Figures 7 to 10As shown, the second link 738 has an arcuate shape that provides a protrusion or recess 737 for receiving the latch tube 222. The recess 737 formed by the arcuate shape receives the latch tube 222, thereby allowing the centerline 226 of the latch tube 222 to intersect with the centerline 754 of the shaft 706, resulting in the elimination of torque in the latch tube 222, as described in more detail below. In some cases, the centerlines 226 and 754 may be slightly offset, such as due to slight changes in component size, movement of different components, or changes in components. These slight changes may produce an offset between the centerlines 226 and 754, which may be unavoidable in some cases. However, for the purposes of this disclosure, the intersection of the centerlines 226 and 754 is intended to cover the slight offset that may occur therebetween.

[0048] Figures 7 to 9 The locking system 220 is shown actuated between a flexible configuration and a rigid configuration. Figure 7 751. As a result, the float arms 214 are free to pivot about the pins 751. As a result, each float arm 214 of a wing (e.g., wing 116 or 118 or wing 204) of a draper header (e.g., draper header 100 or 202) is able to pivot independently of the other float arms 214. Although this example describes a locking system included on a single wing of the header, in other implementations, a single locking system operable to position all of the float arms of the header between the flexible configuration and the rigid configuration may be used.

[0049] Return again Figure 7 , the latch tube 222 is angularly oriented in the second position such that the biasing member 712 is unloaded, rather than a preload being applied to the biasing member 712. With the latch tube 222 in the second position, the float arm 214 is free to pivot about the pin 751, thereby allowing the float arm 714 to follow the contours of the ground when the float arm 714 is placed in contact with the ground. Figure 8 , the locking tube 222 is partially rotated in the direction of arrow 800, which causes the shaft 706 to translate relative to the pin 720 and rotate with the pin 720. As a result, the shaft 706 rotates and translates toward the locking tube 222. Figure 8 As shown, the shaft 706 is displaced to cause the flange 728 to contact the pin 720. Further rotation of the latch tube 222 in the direction of arrow 800 causes further displacement and rotation of the shaft 706, which in turn causes further compression of the biasing member 712.

[0050] As the latch tube 222 continues to rotate in the direction of arrow 800 with the flange 726 in contact with the pin 720, the float arm 214 pivots with the pin 751 in the direction of arrow 802 toward the cross tube 212. Additionally, as the shaft 706 pivots in the direction of arrow 802, the amount of torque applied to the latch tube 222 decreases as the centerline 754 of the shaft 706 approaches the centerline 226 of the latch tube 222.

[0051] Fig. 9 The latching system 220 is shown in a rigid configuration. Fig. 9 As shown, the locking tube 222 moves to the first position. Figure 8 Move to the position shown Fig. 9 726 and the pin 720. In the position shown, the float arm 214 is retracted as a result of contact between the flange 726 and the pin 720. With the locking system 220 in the rigid configuration, the float arm 214 is fully retracted and in abutting contact with the cross tube 212 or another component of the frame 200; the latch tube 222 resides in the curved recess 737 formed by the second link 738; and the centerline 754 of the shaft 706 intersects the centerline 226 of the latch tube 222. As a result of the intersection of the centerline 754 and the centerline 226, the torque applied to the latch tube 222 is reduced to approximately zero. In addition, with the float arm 214 in the rigid configuration, the knife 216 is also placed in a straight and rigid configuration.

[0052] With the torque applied to the latching tube 222 being virtually zero when the float arms 214 are in the retracted and rigid configuration, the size of the latching tube 222 can be reduced, which results in a reduction in weight, size, and cost. Additionally, compression of the biasing member 712 provides a force sufficient to retract all of the float arms 214 into abutting contact with the cross tube 212 or some other component of the frame 200, for example, regardless of any dimensional changes imparted to the frame 200 during manufacturing. Thus, the locking system 220 is operable to actuate all of the float arms 214 into contact with the cross tube 212 without requiring preliminary adjustments during manufacturing or subsequent adjustments once the header has been placed in service. Thus, the locking system 220 avoids adjustments that must be performed (e.g., by a technician or user) during or sometime after manufacturing to ensure that the float arms 214 are fully actuated into the rigid configuration.

[0053] Figures 11 to 13 is a perspective view of an example locking system 220 actuated between a flexible configuration and a rigid configuration. Fig.11 The locking system 220 is shown in a flexible configuration, where for example Figure 7As shown, the floating arm 214 can freely pivot about the pin 751. It is noted that in the example shown, the crank 228 includes a stop 1100 that allows the crank 228 to rotate a selected amount. Contact between the stop 1100 and the pin 236 prevents the crank 228 from rotating further. However, in other implementations, the stop 1100 can be omitted.

[0054] As crank 228 is rotated in the first rotational direction, threaded engagement between threaded portion 248 of the crank and threaded bore 246 of pin 236 causes locking tube 222 to rotate in the direction of arrow 1102 until contact occurs between washer 726 and pin 720. Fig.12 As the rotation of the crank 228 in the first rotational direction continues, the locking tube 222 continues to rotate in the direction of arrow 1102, causing the float arm 214 to rotate simultaneously with the pin 751 in the direction of arrow 1104, thereby retracting the float arm 214 and compressing the biasing member 712. As the crank 228 continues to rotate in the first rotational direction, the float arm 214 continues to retract until the float arm 214 contacts the frame 200 (e.g., the cross tube 212). At this point, the locking system 220 is in a rigid configuration and the centerline 754 of the bolt intersects or substantially intersects the centerline 226 of the locking tube 222, resulting in no or almost no torque being applied to the locking tube 222. Therefore, Figures 11 to 13 Actuation of a plurality of float arms of the header (eg, float arms included on the wings of the header) is shown in response to rotation of the crank. Extension of the float arms from a rigid configuration to a flexible configuration may be performed by rotating the crank 228 in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction.

[0055] Without limiting in any way the scope, interpretation, or application of the claims appearing below, a technical effect of one or more example implementations disclosed herein is to provide a latching system operable to actuate a float arm to a retracted or rigid configuration without adjusting the header to ensure that the float arm is in contact with the frame of the header. Another technical effect of one or more example implementations disclosed herein is to reduce the size of the latching tube by reducing the torque applied to the latching tube to zero or nearly zero when the float arm is retracted to the rigid configuration. As a result, more generally, the size, cost, and weight of the latching system and header are reduced.

[0056] Although example implementations of the present disclosure are described above, these descriptions should not be construed in a limiting sense. On the contrary, other changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A harvester header (100, 202), comprising: frame(102, 200); a plurality of float arms (214) pivotably coupled to the frame; a knife (216) coupled to a distal end (218) of the float arm; as well as A locking system (220) movable between a flexible configuration in which at least one floating arm is pivotable relative to the frame and a rigid configuration in which at least one floating arm is pivotally fixed relative to the frame, the locking system comprising: a rotatable member (222) rotatably coupled to the frame; and A tensioner (700), the tensioner comprising: a first end pivotably coupled to the rotatable member; A second end pivotably coupled to one of the plurality of floating arms; and A connecting rod mechanism (702), the connecting rod mechanism comprising: a first link (736) attached to the rotatable member (222); and A second link (738) extending between the first link and the tensioner (700), the second link comprising: a first end pivotably coupled to the first link; and The second end is pivotally attached to the first end of the tensioner by a pin, Rotation of the rotatable member in a first direction causes the float arm to become pivotally fixed relative to the frame, placing the locking system in a rigid configuration, and wherein rotation of the rotatable member in a second direction opposite to the first direction causes the float arm to become pivotally movable relative to the frame, placing the locking system in a flexible configuration.

2. The harvester header (100, 202) according to claim 1, wherein: When the locking system (220) is in the flexible configuration, the knife (216) is flexible, and wherein when the locking system is in the rigid configuration, the knife is rigid.

3. The harvester header (100, 202) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: Rotation of the rotatable member (222) in a first direction to pivotally secure the float arm (214) relative to the frame (102, 200) includes rotating the rotatable member to pivot the float arm into abutting contact with the frame.

4. The harvester header (100, 202) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The frame (102, 200) includes a plurality of laterally arranged mounting brackets (210) and a laterally extending beam (206) connected to the plurality of mounting brackets, and one of the plurality of floating arms (214) is pivotably connected to one of the plurality of mounting brackets.

5. The harvester header (100, 202) according to claim 3, wherein: The frame (102, 200) includes a plurality of laterally arranged mounting brackets (210) and a laterally extending beam (206) connected to the plurality of mounting brackets, and one of the plurality of floating arms (214) is pivotably connected to one of the plurality of mounting brackets.

6. The harvester header (100, 202) according to claim 5, wherein: The floating arm (214) includes a first side, a second side, and a third side connecting the first side and the second side, and wherein the third side is in abutting contact with the transversely extending beam when the locking system (220) is in the rigid configuration.

7. The harvester header (100, 202) according to claim 4, wherein: The tensioner (700) also includes a shaft (706) pivotably coupled to the rotatable member and pivotably coupled to a float arm of the plurality of float arms.

8. The harvester header (100, 202) according to claim 6, wherein: The tensioner (700) also includes a shaft (706) pivotably coupled to the rotatable member and pivotably coupled to a float arm of the plurality of float arms.

9. The harvester header (100, 202) according to claim 7, wherein: The shaft is pivotably coupled to the rotatable member via a connecting rod.

10. The harvester header (100, 202) according to claim 1, wherein: The rotatable element (222) is capable of rotating about a centerline (226) of the rotatable element.

11. The harvester header (100, 202) according to claim 10, wherein: Moving the locking system (220) to the rigid configuration includes rotating the rotatable member (222) about the centerline (226) of the rotatable member such that the centerline (754) of the tensioner (700) intersects the centerline of the rotatable member.

12. The harvester header (100, 202) according to claim 9, wherein: The tensioner (700) further comprises: A shaft (706) is pivotably coupled to the second link.

13. The harvester header (100, 202) according to claim 12, wherein: The tensioner (700) is preloaded.

14. A method of actuating a float arm (214) of a harvester header (100, 202) between a flexible configuration in which a knife (216) of the harvester header is able to flex along its length and a rigid configuration in which the knife is prevented from flexing along its length, the method comprising: Rotating a rotatable member (222) extending transversely along the length of the harvester header about a centerline (226) of the rotatable member, the float arm (214) of the harvester header being pivotably coupled to the rotatable member; and One of the following operations: retracting the shaft (706) in a first direction in response to rotation of the rotatable component in a first rotational direction, the retracting of the shaft in the first direction in response to rotation of the rotatable component in the first rotational direction causing the float arm to pivot into abutment contact with a portion of the frame (102, 200) of the harvester header, or extending the shaft in a second direction opposite to the first direction in response to rotation of the rotatable component in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction, the extending of the shaft in the second direction in response to rotation of the rotatable component in the second rotational direction causing the float arm to pivot out of abutment contact with the portion of the frame of the harvester header.

15. The method according to claim 14, further comprising: When the shaft (706) is retracted in a first direction in response to rotation of the rotatable member (222) in the first rotational direction, the shaft is pivoted to cause the centerline (754) of the shaft (706) to intersect the centerline of the rotatable member (222).

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