Belt conveyor lift assist system

Abstract

A header includes a cutting bar configured to cut crops for harvesting and a header frame supporting the cutting bar. A transport assembly is operatively connected to the header frame. A support arm is rotatably coupled to a shaft of the transport assembly and pivotably coupled to a mounting frame coupled to the header frame. A cam linkage is disposed at the support arm to provide a mechanical advantage for an operator in moving the transport assembly from a transport position to a harvesting position. The cam linkage includes a lift assist having a first end connected to the mounting frame and a second end coupled to a cam arm. Extension of the second end of the lift assist from the first end applies the cam arm to a cam surface of the support arm to move the transport assembly to the harvesting position.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a header assembly for a work machine, and more particularly, to a transport assembly of a header. BACKGROUND

[0002] Agricultural harvesters, such as agricultural combines, are designed to travel across a field of crops to harvest the crops. The agricultural combine receives the crops severed from the ground and transports them to threshing, separating, and cleaning devices within the agricultural combine. In a typical arrangement, an agricultural harvesting header (also known as a belt conveyor) severs the crops from the ground and transports them to a central region of the harvesting header, where they are then transported rearward into a central and forward opening aperture in the front of the agricultural combine.

[0003] Agricultural harvesting headers are very long, with an overall length of about 10-15 meters. To accurately follow the contours of the ground and sever the crops at the appropriate point on the stalk, agricultural harvesting headers are manufactured in segments that are typically hingedly connected relative to one another. Typical agricultural harvesting headers of this type are formed in two or three segments that are pivotable relative to one another. They pivot relative to one another about a generally horizontal fore-aft extending axis. Thus, a two-segment agricultural harvesting header will have one pivot axis, and a three-segment agricultural harvesting header will have two pivot axes.

[0004] To better follow the contours of the ground, the agricultural harvesting header is mounted to the front of the feeder house of the combine such that the header is movable relative to the feeder house. In one arrangement, the agricultural harvesting header is a belt conveyor header having three frame segments (a center segment, a left wing segment, and a right wing segment). The frame segments are pivotable relative to one another up and down to follow the contours of the ground.

[0005] Due to its length and overall size, the header is fitted with one or more transport assemblies including wheels to enable the header to be moved along a row of crops for harvesting and to be transported over the ground when the header is moved to another location. In different types of headers, the transport assembly is permanently coupled to the header, but is movable between a transport position and a harvesting position. In the transport position, an axle supported by a pair of wheels is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal length of the header. When the header is ready for harvesting, the axle is rotated from the transport position to the harvesting position by rotating the axle such that the axle is generally aligned with the longitudinal length of the header. In this position, the wheels contact the ground and support the header as it is moved across the field for harvesting.

[0006] The transport assembly is not only heavy, but it is also relatively cumbersome to move from the transport position to the harvesting position and back. Thus, there is a need for a transport assembly that is easier to move from the transport position to the harvesting position and back to the transport position. SUMMARY

[0007] In one embodiment, a transport assembly for a harvesting header having a header frame is provided. The transport assembly includes a lift assist frame fixedly coupled to the header frame and a support arm rotatably coupled to a shaft of the transport assembly and pivotably coupled to the lift assist frame. A cam linkage is disposed at the lift assist frame and the support arm, wherein the cam linkage provides a mechanical advantage to an operator to move the transport assembly from a transport position to a harvesting position.

[0008] In another embodiment, a header for harvesting a crop is provided that includes a cutting bar configured to cut the crop for harvesting and a header frame supporting the cutting bar. A transport assembly includes a mounting frame operatively connected to the header frame. A support arm is rotatably coupled to a shaft of the transport assembly and pivotably coupled to the mounting frame. A cam linkage is disposed at the mounting frame and the support arm, wherein the cam linkage provides a mechanical advantage to an operator to move the transport assembly from a transport position to a harvesting position.

[0009] In another embodiment, a method of moving a transport assembly of a harvesting header from a transport position to a harvesting position is provided, wherein the transport assembly includes a shaft support wheel and a support arm operatively connected between the shaft and a frame of the harvesting header. The method includes allowing rotational movement of the shaft about the support arm, assisting pivotal movement of the support arm in response to an upward force applied to the shaft, applying a force to a cam surface of the support arm with a cam roller in response to the assisted pivotal movement to move the transport assembly to the harvesting position, and causing a latch of the transport assembly to engage the frame of the harvesting header in response to the cam roller applied to the cam surface and the upward force applied to the shaft. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0010] The above aspects of the present disclosure, as well as the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent, and the disclosure itself will be better understood by reference to the following description of embodiments of the disclosure taken together with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0011] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an agricultural harvesting header coupled to an agricultural combine harvester;

[0012] Figure 2 is a lower perspective view of a portion of the header;

[0013] Figure 3 is a partial bottom perspective view of a transport assembly of the header;

[0014] Figure 4 is a partial perspective end view of a view of a lift assembly of the transport assembly;

[0015] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the lift assembly shown; Figure 4 ​

[0016] Figures 6A to 6E a sequence of movements of the lift assist assembly from the transport position to the harvesting position is shown;

[0017] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the transport assembly including the latching mechanism in the unlocked state;

[0018] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the transport assembly including the latching mechanism in the latched state;

[0019] Figure 9 is a perspective view of a portion of the latching mechanism in the latched state.

[0020] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] To facilitate an understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used to describe them. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is intended. Alterations and further modifications of the illustrated devices and methods, and applications of the principles of the present disclosure as illustrated and described herein, will occur to those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains, and are contemplated and covered by the scope of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 1 An agricultural harvester 100 is shown having an agricultural combine 102 and an agricultural harvesting header 104. The agricultural combine 102 includes a chassis 106 supported on four ground supports 108 and a feederhouse 110 extending forwardly from a front of the agricultural combine 102. The agricultural combine 102 also includes a grain storage house (also referred to as a "grain tank" or "grain bin") disposed on top of the agricultural combine 102 and receiving grain that has been threshed, separated, and / or cleaned.

[0023] The agricultural combine 102 is a self-propelled vehicle on the ground driven by a power source such as an electric motor or engine or internal combustion engine. The ground supports 108 are preferably wheels or tracks. At least one of them is driven in rotation by an electric motor to propel the agricultural combine 102 on the ground.

[0024] The feederhouse 110 is pivotally connected to the front of the agricultural combine 102 and extends forwardly therefrom. The feederhouse 110 is generally hollow and in the form of a generally rectangular box having an open front end and an open rear end. The front end of the feederhouse 110 defines a generally rectangular frame 116 configured to support the agricultural harvesting header 104. As understood by those skilled in the art, the feederhouse 110 is positionable relative to the combine 102 and is raisable and lowerable to raise and lower the header 104 relative to the ground.

[0025] The length of header 104 extends longitudinally along a longitudinal direction 112 that is generally perpendicular to the direction of travel of combine 102. As Figures 2 to 4 Further described in

[0026] The agricultural harvesting header 104 includes an extended main frame 120 that extends perpendicular to the fore-aft harvesting direction "V" of the agricultural harvester 100 and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the agricultural combine 102. The agricultural harvesting header 104 also includes a reciprocating cutterbar or cutting bar 122 that extends across nearly the entire length of the agricultural harvesting header 104. The reciprocating cutterbar is disposed directly in front of a cutting crop conveyor 124 that carries the cut crop to a central conveyor 126 that conveys the cut crop rearward and under a roller conveyor 128 through a chute of the header. The chute is connected to the feed room 110 that receives the cut crop.

[0027] Figure 2 A lower perspective view of a portion of the header 104 (more specifically, a transport assembly 140 for the header 104) is shown. The header 104 includes a frame 142 that extends along the direction 112. The frame 142 supports the cutting bar 122 as well as other features of the header 104 including (but not limited to) the side conveyors 124, the central conveyor 126, and the roller conveyor 128. In the illustrated embodiment, the support is a frame tube 145. Other frame supports are contemplated. Although one transport assembly 140 is shown, a second transport assembly (not shown) is positioned toward the other end of the header 104 such that a substantial portion of the header 104 is supported between the two spaced apart transport assemblies.

[0028] As Figure 2 seen in

[0029] Figure 2 The transport assembly 140 is shown in the transport position, which includes an axle 143 that extends between and supports a pair of tires 144, each of which rotates about the axle 143. Although a square tube axle is shown, other types of axles are contemplated. A pair of tie rods 146 extend from a centrally located connector 148 toward the respective tires 144. Figure 2 The two tie rods 146 are used for steering when the transport assembly is positioned at the front end of the header 104. In one or more embodiments, when the transport assembly is positioned at the rear end of the header 104 (the end opposite the end pulled by the vehicle for transport), the tie rods 146 are not included because the transport assembly does not need to steer when positioned toward the rear. In Figure 3 and Figure 4In the interest of ease of illustration, the drawbar 146 is not shown.

[0030] When the transport assembly 140 is in the transport position, in one embodiment, the axle 143 is operatively connected to the frame 142 by a first support bar 150 and a second support bar 152 (also referred to as a ladder bar or a lower brace bar). A first end of each second support bar is rotatably coupled to the axle 144 at respective support brackets 154 and 156. When the transport assembly 140 is in the transport position, a second end 160 of the support bar 150 is releasably connected to the frame 142 at a pin (not shown), the location 162 of which is visible in Figure 3 The second end 160 includes one or more hook ends 164 that engage with the pin 162 to maintain the position of the axle 143 substantially perpendicular to the frame 142. The support bar 152 is substantially configured like the support bar 150 and includes a second end 166 that includes a hook end 168 that engages with a pin (not shown) at a location 170 that is fixedly coupled to the frame 142.

[0031] The transport assembly 140 also includes a support arm 174 that has a first end 176 rotatably coupled to a central portion of the axle 143 with a rotational connector such as a rotational hinge. As seen in Figure 3 The axle 143 rotates along a rotational direction 178 about the support arm 174. A second end 180 of the support arm 174 is pivotably coupled to the frame 142 by a frame bracket 182 with a pivotal connector such as a pivotal hinge. See also Figure 4 The frame bracket 182 is fixed to the frame 142 and the second end 175 of the support arm 174 pivots about a pivotal axis defined by a pin 186 that extends through the frame bracket 182. The pivoting of the second end 175 of the arm 174 at the pin 186 is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 112 of the frame 142, as indicated by a pivotal direction 190 in Figure 4 The cam plate 177 is fixedly connected to the second end 175.

[0032] The transport assembly 140 includes a lift assist assembly 194 that is fixedly connected to the mounting frame 182. The lift assist assembly 194 provides mechanical assistance to an operator to move the transport assembly 140 from the transport position to the harvesting position. To move the transport assembly from the transport position as in Figure 4 to the harvesting position as in Figure 8In the harvesting position shown, header 104 is raised so that tire 144 is no longer in contact with the ground. In this position, axle 143 is suspended from frame 142 by arm 174, support rod 150, and support rod 152. By lifting one tire and then the next, support rod 150 is separated from pin 162 and support rod 152 is separated from pin 170. Each of rods 150 and 152 is then rotated in a downward direction toward axle 143 about a corresponding pivot location at a corresponding support bracket 154 and 156. Once support rods 150 and 152 are separated, axle 143 can rotate about arm 174 at end 176 in direction 178.

[0033] To raise the transport assembly 140, the shaft 143 is rotated about the arm 174 until the shaft 143 is approximately parallel to the frame tube 145. In this position, the shaft 143 is raised and pivoted about the pin 186. Because the transport assembly 140 is relatively heavy, the lift assist assembly 194 provides the operator with a mechanical advantage to raise the transport assembly 140 to the harvesting position. In one or more embodiments, the transport assembly 140 includes a weight of 425 to 510 pounds. To enable the transport assembly 140 to be moved to the harvesting position, the lift assist assembly 194 provides sufficient additional lifting force to enable a single operator to raise the transport assembly. Other weights of transport assemblies and other lift assist assemblies sufficient to raise those transport assemblies are contemplated. The mechanical advantage increases as the operator lifts the assembly and decreases when lifting is no longer necessary due to the changing moment arm.

[0034] The lift assist assembly 194 is fixedly connected to the mounting frame 182 by mounting bolts 196 extending through a lift assist frame 198. One or more lift assist devices 200 supported by the lift assist frame 198 are used to provide lifting assistance to the operator. Although three lift assist devices 200 are shown, other numbers of lift assist devices are contemplated. Additionally, other lift assist devices include, but are not limited to, gas struts, springs, cylinders, shock absorbers, and spring struts.

[0035] like Figure 5 , a mounting plate 202 is fixedly connected to the lift assist frame 198. Each of the one or more gas struts 200 includes a cylinder end rotatably coupled to a pivot rod 204. Each of the one or more gas struts includes an arm 206 coupled to a first end of a cam arm 208, which is rotatably coupled to the frame 198 at a pivot location 212 defined by the rod. A roller 214 is rotatably coupled to a second end of the cam arm 208 and contacts a cam surface of a cam plate 177 that guides movement of the arm 174. The roller 214, cam arm 208, and cam plate 177 define a cam linkage mechanism that moves the transport assembly from the transport position to the harvesting position and vice versa.

[0036] Figures 6A to 6E The lift assist assembly 194 is shown in the transport position from the transport assembly 140 (see FIG. Figure 6A ) to the final position when the transport assembly 140 is in the harvesting position 6E. Figure 6A In FIG. 1 , the arms of the gas struts 200 are not extended and the cam arms 208 are aligned parallel to and opposite the lift assist frame 198. The support arms 174 extend in a downward direction to the shaft 143 (not shown). The rollers 214 are in contact with the cam surfaces 216 of the cam arms 208. Figure 6A , movement in the opposite direction of lift assist assembly actuation is shown, which can occur if the header is lowered without everything being latched. By using this configuration, part damage is substantially prevented, as parts can crack or malfunction if the lift assembly is prevented from rotating in this direction.

[0037] Cam surface 216 includes a forward-facing surface 218 on which roller 214 is located. As the operator begins to raise transport assembly 140 (i.e., applies an upward force to the shaft), the arm of gas strut 200 begins to extend and cam roller 214 applies a force to cam surface 216, which causes support arm 174 to pivot. As gas strut 200 continues to extend, cam roller 214 moves toward apex 220 of cam plate 177, as shown. Figure 6B As seen in FIG. 220, the apex 220 acts as a detent to hold the shaft in the transport position. As the transport assembly 140 is further raised, as Figure 6C As seen in FIG, the arm of the gas strut 200 extends and the cam arm 208 pivots about the pivot 212, which forces the cam plate 177 and thereby the cam arm 174 about the pivot axis defined by the pin 186. The cam roller 214 continues to move along the cam surface toward the rear of the cam plate 177.

[0038] The force provided by the extension arm of the gas strut 200 presses downward on the cam plate 177 and continues to move the support arm 174 toward a more horizontal position, as shown in FIG. Figure 6D Once the transport assembly 140 is moved to the transport position, the transport assembly 140 is latched in place. In this position of the transport assembly, the cam roller 214 is completely separated from the cam surface 216 of the cam plate 177, as shown in FIG. Figure 6E In one or more embodiments, the cam surface 216 of the cam plate 177 includes a detent configured to receive the cam roller 214.

[0039] Once the cam roller 214 and cam plate 177 are disengaged in the harvesting position, lift assist is not activated for most wheel assembly positions that occur during harvesting. As the wheels adjust to the ground contour during harvesting operations, lift assist is not engaged. This disengagement results in less material fatigue, less wear on the lift assist system, and less gas spring degradation.

[0040] As Figure 7 Transport assembly 140, as seen in Figure 7 As seen in and

[0041] Latching handle 254, as seen in Figure 8 and Figure 9 Latching handle 254, as seen in Figure 9 of spring-loaded mechanism 274 and applies equally to the other spring-loaded mechanisms not shown.

[0042] In Figure 9 Spring-loaded mechanism 274 includes a spring-loaded pin 276 that is spring biased toward frame 262. Frame 262 includes a catch 278 that engages the curved end of pin 276 as transport assembly 140 moves into position. As transport assembly 140 moves toward catch 278, the bottom surface of catch 278 engages the curved surface 280 of pin 276 until pin 276 sits on the top surface of catch 278. In this position, pin 276 of each spring-loaded mechanism 274 maintains transport assembly 140 in a latched state with the frame. To unlatch transport assembly 140 from frame 262, latching handle 254 is rotated to disengage pin 276 from frame 262. Once disengaged, transport assembly 140 can be moved to the transport position.

[0043] Once the transport assembly 140 is unlocked, once the header has been sufficiently raised to provide clearance, the operator moves the transport assembly 140 from the harvesting position to the transport position by slowly lowering the transport assembly 140. As the transport assembly 140 is lowered, the lift assist dampens the movement of the transport assembly to slowly lower the transport assembly rather than abruptly lower the transport assembly. The cam roller 214 engages the cam surface 216 in substantially the opposite order as FIG. 6 (e.g., from Figures 6E to 6A to return the transport assembly 140 to the transport position.

[0044] In contrast to the embodiments including two support rods 152 of Figures 2 to 4 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Figure 9 the embodiments include a single support rod 290. However, in various embodiments, the support rods 152 and the support rod 290 fix the position of the axle 143 in a substantially horizontal plane relative to the frame 142.

[0045] The present disclosure includes the use of gas springs and a rocker arm that rotates on a cam surface via a roller. In one or more embodiments, the axle is held in the transport position with the use of mechanical advantage and the use of a detent. The lift assist is only actuated when the user begins to lift the transport assembly. In the described embodiments, no additional pins are needed because the cam automatically holds the axle in the key position. This provides a number of advantages because previous systems required the header to be lowered and the use of the ground to rotate the components of the transport assembly, which is unreliable. Thus, the described embodiments substantially eliminate the need to use the ground and also eliminate the tripping in and out of the cab.

[0046] While exemplary embodiments incorporating the principles of the present disclosure have been described herein, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, the application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the present disclosure using its general principles. Further, the application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which the present disclosure pertains and fall within the limits of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A transport assembly (140) for a harvesting head (104) having a head frame (142), the transport assembly (140) comprising: a lift assist frame (198) fixedly coupled to the header frame (142); a support arm (174) rotatably coupled to the shaft (143) of the transport assembly (140) and pivotally coupled to the lift assist frame (198); and a cam linkage mechanism disposed at the lift assist frame (198) and the support arm (174), wherein the cam linkage mechanism provides a mechanical advantage to an operator to move the transport assembly (140) from a transport position to a harvesting position, The cam linkage mechanism includes a roller (214) operatively connected to the lift assist frame (198) and a cam plate (177) connected to the support arm (174), wherein the roller (214) contacts the cam plate (177) during pivotal movement of the support arm (174).

2. The transport assembly (140) of claim 1, wherein: The cam linkage includes a cam arm (208) rotatably coupled to the lift assist frame (198) at a pivot (212), and the roller (214) is rotatably coupled to the cam arm (208) between the pivot (212) and the cam plate (177).

3. The transport assembly (140) of claim 2, wherein: The cam linkage mechanism includes one or more lift assist devices (200), each lift assist device (200) having a first end connected to the lift assist frame (198) and a second end coupled to the cam arm (208), wherein extension of the second end from the first end of the lift assist device (200) causes the cam arm (208) to rotate about the pivot (212) and move the roller (214) relative to the cam plate (177).

4. The transport assembly (140) according to claim 3 further includes a rotary connector, which connects the support arm (174) to the shaft (143) in a rotatable manner so that the shaft (143) can be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (112) of the harvesting header (104) when the transport assembly (140) is in the transport position, and is approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis (112) of the harvesting header (104) when the transport assembly (140) is in the harvesting position.

5. The transport assembly (140) of claim 4, further comprising a latch mechanism (250) operatively connected to the shaft (143), wherein In the harvesting position, the latch mechanism (250) latches the transport assembly (140) to the header frame (142).

6. The transport assembly (140) of claim 5, wherein: The latch mechanism (250) includes a latch handle (254) operatively connected to a pin (276), wherein the latch handle (254) moves the pin (276) from one of a latched position or an unlocked position to the other of the latched position or the unlocked position, wherein, in the harvesting position, the latched position latches the transport assembly (140) to the header frame (142).

7. The transport assembly (140) of claim 6, further comprising a suspension frame (262) operatively connected to the header frame (142), wherein: In the harvesting position, the pin (276) engages a portion of the suspension frame (262) to latch the transport assembly (140) to the header frame (142).

8. The transport assembly (140) of claim 7, further comprising a hydraulic actuator (264) operatively connected to the suspension frame (262), wherein: The suspension frame (262) is operatively connected to the shaft (143) in the harvesting position, and a hydraulic actuator (264) dampens movement of the transport assembly (140) relative to the header frame (142) in the harvesting position.

9. A header (104) for harvesting crops, comprising: a cutting bar (122) configured to cut crops for harvesting; a header frame (142) supporting the cutting bar (122); as well as A transport assembly (140) comprising a mounting frame (182) operatively connected to a header frame (142), a support arm (174) rotatably coupled to the transport assembly (140) and pivotally coupled to the mounting frame (182), and a cam linkage mechanism disposed at the mounting frame (182) and the support arm (174), wherein the cam linkage mechanism provides a mechanical advantage for an operator to move the transport assembly (140) from a transport position to a harvesting position. The cam linkage mechanism includes a roller (214) operatively connected to a lift assist frame (198) and a cam plate (177) connected to the support arm (174), wherein the roller (214) contacts the cam plate (177) during pivotal movement of the support arm (174), and the lift assist frame (198) is fixedly coupled to the header frame (142).

10. The header (104) according to claim 9, wherein The cam linkage mechanism includes a roller (214) operatively connected to the mounting frame (182) and a cam plate (177) connected to the support arm (174), wherein the roller (214) contacts the cam plate (177) during pivotal movement of the support arm (174).

11. The header (104) according to claim 10, wherein: The cam linkage includes a cam arm (208) rotatably coupled to the mounting frame (182) at a pivot (212), and the roller (214) is rotatably coupled to the cam arm (208) between the pivot (212) and the cam plate (177).

12. The header (104) of claim 11, wherein: The cam linkage mechanism includes a lift assist device (200) having a first end connected to the mounting frame (182) and a second end coupled to the cam arm (208), wherein extension of the second end of the lift assist device (200) from the first end causes the cam arm (208) to rotate about the pivot (212) and move the roller (214) relative to the cam plate (177).

13. The harvesting header (104) of claim 12, further comprising a rotary connector that rotatably couples the support arm (174) to the shaft (143) so that the shaft (143) is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (112) of the harvesting header (104) when the transport assembly (140) is in the transport position and is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis (112) of the harvesting header (104) when the transport assembly is in the harvesting position.

14. The header (104) of claim 13, further comprising a latch mechanism (250) operatively connected to the shaft (143), wherein: The latch mechanism (250) latches the transport assembly (140) to the header frame (142) in a harvesting position, and wherein the latch mechanism (250) includes a latch handle (254) operatively connected to a pin (276), wherein the latch handle (254) moves the pin (276) from one of a latched position or an unlocked position to the other of the latched position or the unlocked position, wherein the latched position latches the transport assembly (140) to the header frame (142) in the harvesting position.

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