Pre-unloading power reduction system and method

Abstract

A crop harvesting machine includes a controller and an engine. The controller is configured to command the engine to operate according to various power curves based on sensed factors associated with the crop being harvested. The harvesting machine stores the harvested crop in a grain bin for unloading via a screw unloader powered by the engine. Before activating the screw unloader, the controller commands the engine to operate according to a power curve associated with a reduced power level to reserve power for the operation of the screw unloader.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to agricultural machinery having a harvester header, and more specifically, to a control system and method for agricultural machinery having a harvester header. Background Technology

[0002] Many harvesting machines, especially agricultural harvesting machines, have one or more feed hoppers for holding harvested crops such as grains or corn. During harvesting operations, the harvested crop must be unloaded from the feed hoppers to make room for additional harvested crop to be stored there. The unloading system (sometimes a screw unloader) can be activated (i.e., turned on) to unload the harvested crop from the feed hoppers. The operation of the unloading system is associated with increased power demands on the harvesting machine's engine.

[0003] A power curve or torque curve represents the engine power or torque output relative to engine speed. Conventional harvesting machines, especially conventional harvesters, can be operated based on a nominal power curve that represents the engine power output relative to engine speed during normal harvesting operations.

[0004] The increased power demand resulting from the operation of the unloading system can be met by operating the work machine in boost mode, whereby the engine operates according to the boost power curve. The boost power curve provides greater power output at specific engine speeds compared to the nominal power curve.

[0005] If the increased power demand is particularly high (e.g., for high-moisture corn), the power demand may exceed the engine's available power. This results in reduced engine speed, insufficient ground speed of the harvesting machine, and a decrease in overall harvesting efficiency.

[0006] Therefore, a system and method are needed to identify increased power demand before it occurs. A preload power curve, which correlates with a smaller power output at a specific engine speed compared to the nominal power curve, is also needed to reserve additional power for the machine's shift to boost mode operation. Furthermore, a system and method are needed to adjust the machine from operation according to the nominal power curve to operation according to the preload power curve based on the identified increased power demand before it occurs. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In an exemplary embodiment, a working machine includes: a support structure; a harvester assembly coupled to the support structure; a ground engagement mechanism coupled to the support structure; a grain bin coupled to the support structure and configured to receive harvested crop harvested by the harvester assembly; an engine configured to drive rotation of the ground engagement mechanism to move the support structure during operation of the working machine; a controller operatively coupled to the engine, the controller including a memory and a first power curve and a second power curve stored in the memory, the second power curve having a lower power level relative to the first power curve within a range of engine speeds; an operator input device operatively coupled to the controller and configured to send a signal to the controller; wherein the controller is configured to operate the engine in response to a signal received from the operator input device in the following modes: (i) a nominal mode associated with the first power curve; (ii) a reserved mode associated with the second power curve; and (iii) an automatic mode associated with the first power curve and the second power curve; wherein, in the automatic mode, the controller is configured to change the operation of the engine from operation according to the first power curve to operation according to the second power curve in response to at least one sensing factor associated with the harvested crop.

[0008] In some embodiments, the operating machine includes a crop sensor operatively coupled to a controller and configured to identify the amount of harvested crop in the grain bin, and the at least one sensing factor associated with the harvested crop includes the amount of harvested crop in the grain bin. In some embodiments, the crop sensor is configured to identify the flow rate of harvested crop into the grain bin, and the at least one sensing factor associated with the harvested crop also includes the flow rate of harvested crop into the grain bin.

[0009] In some embodiments, the working machine includes an unloading device coupled to the engine and arranged to contact the harvested crop contained in a grain bin. The unloading device is configured to open and close. The unloading device is configured to remove the harvested crop from the grain bin when opened. In automatic mode, the controller is configured to change the engine operation from operation according to a first power curve to operation according to a second power curve before the unloading device is opened.

[0010] In some implementations, the controller includes a third power curve stored in memory, which has a higher power level relative to the first power curve within the engine speed range. The controller is configured to operate the engine in a boost mode associated with the third power curve. The controller is also configured to change engine operation from operation based on a second power curve to operation based on the third power curve when the unloading device is activated.

[0011] In some embodiments, the operating machine includes a moisture sensor operatively coupled to a controller and configured to identify the moisture content of the harvested crop in a grain bin, wherein the at least one sensing factor associated with the harvested crop includes the moisture content of the harvested crop in the grain bin.

[0012] In some implementations, the controller includes a plurality of additional power curves stored in a memory. Each of the plurality of additional power curves has a power level between a first power curve and a second power curve within the engine speed range. In automatic mode, the controller is configured to continuously change the engine operation from operation according to the first power curve to operation according to each additional power curve, and then to operation according to the second power curve, in response to at least one sensed factor associated with the crop being harvested.

[0013] In some implementations, the harvester assembly is one of a grain harvester for harvesting grain and a corn harvester for harvesting corn, and the working machine includes a harvester sensor that is operatively coupled to a controller and configured to identify whether the harvester assembly is a grain harvester or a corn harvester.

[0014] In some implementations, the controller includes a first supplementary power curve and a second supplementary power curve stored in a memory. The second supplementary power curve has a lower power level relative to the first supplementary power curve within the engine speed range. The power level difference between the first and second supplementary power curves within the engine speed range is greater than the power level difference between the first and second curves within the engine speed range.

[0015] In automatic mode, the controller is configured to change engine operation from operation based on a first supplemental power curve to operation based on a second supplemental power curve in response to at least one sensed factor associated with the harvested crop. In automatic mode, in response to determining that the harvester assembly is a grain platform, the controller is configured to operate the engine based on the first power curve and subsequently on the second power curve. In automatic mode, in response to determining that the harvester assembly is a corn header, the controller is configured to operate the engine based on the first supplemental power curve and subsequently on the second supplemental power curve.

[0016] In some embodiments, the operating machine also includes a weight sensor operatively coupled to a controller and configured to identify the weight of the harvested crop in the grain bin, and the at least one sensing factor associated with the harvested crop includes the weight of the harvested crop in the grain bin.

[0017] In another exemplary embodiment, a harvesting machine includes: a support structure; a harvester assembly coupled to the support structure; a ground engagement mechanism coupled to the support structure; a feed bin coupled to the support structure and configured to contain harvested crop; an unloading device configured to remove the harvested crop from the feed bin when the unloading device is activated; an engine coupled to the support structure and configured to provide power to the ground engagement mechanism and the unloading device; and a controller operatively coupled to the engine and including a memory storing a first power curve, a second power curve, and a third power curve. The second power curve has a lower power level relative to the first power curve within the engine speed range, and the third power curve has a higher power level relative to the first power curve within the engine speed range. The controller is configured to change the operation of the engine from operation according to the first power curve to operation according to the second power curve in response to at least one sensing factor associated with the harvested crop, and subsequently operate the engine according to the third power curve when the unloading device is activated.

[0018] In some embodiments, the operating machine includes a crop sensor operatively coupled to a controller and configured to identify the amount of harvested crop in the grain bin, and the at least one sensing factor associated with the harvested crop includes the amount of harvested crop in the grain bin. In some embodiments, the crop sensor is configured to identify the flow rate of harvested crop into the grain bin, and the at least one sensing factor associated with the harvested crop also includes the flow rate of harvested crop into the grain bin.

[0019] In some embodiments, the operating machine includes a moisture sensor operatively coupled to a controller and configured to identify the moisture content of the harvested crop in a grain bin, and the at least one sensing factor associated with the harvested crop includes the moisture content of the harvested crop in the grain bin.

[0020] In some embodiments, the operating machine includes a weight sensor operatively coupled to a controller and configured to identify the weight of the harvested crop in the grain bin, and the at least one sensing factor associated with the harvested crop includes the weight of the harvested crop in the grain bin.

[0021] In some embodiments, the controller includes a plurality of additional power curves stored in a memory. Each of the plurality of additional power curves has a power level between a first power curve and a second power curve within the engine speed range. The controller is configured to change the operation of the engine from operation according to the first power curve to (i) continuous operation according to each additional power curve, and then to (ii) operation according to the second power curve in response to at least one sensed factor associated with the harvested crop.

[0022] In another exemplary embodiment, a method of operating a work machine includes: operating the engine of the work machine within an engine speed range according to a first power curve having a first power level; determining that a grain bin configured to hold harvested crops is filled with harvested crops at a level higher than a predetermined upper threshold crop level; and, in response to determining that the grain bin is filled with harvested crops at a level higher than the predetermined upper threshold crop level, operating the engine of the work machine within an engine speed range according to a second power curve having a second power level lower than the first power level.

[0023] In some implementations, the method includes activating an unloading device powered by the engine to remove the harvested crop from the grain bin after operating the engine of the working machine according to a second power curve.

[0024] In some embodiments, the method includes: operating the engine of the work machine within an engine speed range according to a third power curve having a third power level greater than a first power level during operation of the unloading device.

[0025] In some embodiments, the method includes determining that the moisture content of the harvested crop in the grain bin is higher than a predetermined moisture content threshold for the harvested crop before operating the engine of the working machine according to a second power curve. Operating the engine of the working machine according to the second power curve further includes operating the engine of the working machine according to the second power curve in response to determining that the moisture content of the harvested crop in the grain bin is higher than the predetermined moisture content threshold for the harvested crop. Attached Figure Description

[0026] The foregoing aspects of this disclosure and the ways in which they are obtained will become more apparent and the disclosure itself will be better understood by referring to the following description of embodiments of this disclosure taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0027] Figure 1 A side view of the operating machine is shown, which includes a grain platform harvester assembly, a grain bin, and a screw unloader.

[0028] Figure 2 A side view of the operating machine is shown, which includes a corn header harvester assembly, a grain bin, and a screw unloader.

[0029] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the working machine is shown, along with a controller that stores power curves associated with various operating modes of the working machine.

[0030] Figure 4 A graph showing the power curves associated with various engine operating modes is displayed;

[0031] Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating the operation method of the operating machine based on the crop level in the grain bin is shown;

[0032] Figure 6 A flowchart is shown illustrating an operation method of a harvesting machine based on at least one sensing factor associated with the harvested crop, the at least one sensing factor including the crop level in the grain bin.

[0033] Several diagrams are shown, and corresponding labels are used to indicate the corresponding parts. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The embodiments of this disclosure described below are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit this disclosure to the precise forms described in the following detailed description. Rather, the embodiments were chosen and described so that those skilled in the art can understand and appreciate the principles and practice of this disclosure.

[0035] Figure 1 An agricultural operating machine 10 is shown, comprising a support structure 12 coupled to and supported above the ground by a ground engagement mechanism 14 (e.g., wheels) extending from and from the support structure 12. The support structure 12 may also be referred to as a frame 12. In an exemplary embodiment, the operating machine 10 is a combine harvester; however, the operating machine 10 may take other forms suitable for use with the unloading control system and methods described herein. Although the combine harvester is shown as having wheels, it may also have ground engagement tracks instead of some or all of the wheels.

[0036] Various harvester components (e.g., Figure 1 Harvester assembly 16 shown and Figure 2 The harvester assembly shown is detachably mounted to the feed chamber 18. The feed chamber 18 is coupled to the support structure 12 and contains a conveyor for conveying the harvested crop toward the internal components of the working machine 10 for processing. The internal components may include a threshing unit having at least a rotor and a cleaning chamber. Various harvester assemblies may include various harvesting configurations, including grain platforms, corn headers 60, inter-row crop headers, pickup platforms, or any other type of harvesting device suitable for use with the unloading control system and methods described herein.

[0037] exist Figure 1 In the middle, the harvester assembly, in the form of a grain platform, is installed into the feeding chamber 18. Figure 2In this configuration, a harvester assembly in the form of a corn header 60 is mounted to the feed chamber 18. In either case, the working machine 10 may include a harvester sensor 54 configured to identify whether the corn header 60, grain platform, or another harvester assembly is mounted to the feed chamber 18. In an exemplary embodiment, the harvester sensor 54 is positioned on the feed chamber 18; however, it should be understood that the harvester sensor 54 may be positioned elsewhere on the working machine 10, provided that the harvester sensor 54 is arranged such that it identifies which harvester assembly is connected to the feed chamber 18.

[0038] The harvested crop is handled by the operating machine 10 and moved to the grain bin 28. The grain bin 28 may be directly or indirectly connected to and supported by the support structure 12 above the ground. A crop sensor 24 may be positioned in the grain bin 28 and configured to identify the amount of harvested crop in the grain bin 28. In some embodiments, the crop sensor 24 is configured to identify the remaining capacity of the grain bin 28 suitable for storing additional harvested crop. It should be understood that the crop sensor 24 may be positioned elsewhere on the operating machine 10, provided that the crop sensor 24 is arranged such that it can identify the amount of harvested crop in the grain bin 28 or the remaining capacity of the grain bin 28 for additional harvested crop. For example, the crop sensor 24 may be positioned upstream of the grain bin 28.

[0039] In some embodiments, crop sensor 24 may be configured to identify additional characteristics of the harvested crop. For example, crop sensor 24 may identify the moisture content of the harvested crop, the flow rate of the harvested crop into grain bin 28, and / or the weight of the harvested crop in grain bin 28. In some embodiments, crop sensor 24 may be a first sensor and the operating machine 10 may include a separate moisture sensor 74. In some embodiments, the operating machine 10 includes a separate flow rate sensor 64. In some embodiments, the operating machine 10 includes a separate weight sensor 84. The various sensors described herein (whether individually defined or specifically implemented as a single multi-purpose sensor) may sense the aforementioned characteristics of the operating machine 10 or the harvested crop in a manner consistent with those known in the art.

[0040] The harvested crops in grain bin 28 can be unloaded through unloading device 30 (e.g., Figure 1 and Figure 2The unloading device (shown as a screw unloader) unloads the crop into a grain truck, truck, or trailer. A first end of the unloading device 30 is coupled to and positioned within a grain bin 28. The first end of the unloading device 30 is in fluid communication with the interior of the grain bin 28, which contains the harvested crop. In other words, the first end of the unloading device 30 is in fluid communication with the harvested crop contained in the grain bin 28 for unloading. A second end of the unloading device 30 is positioned away from the grain bin 28. The second end of the unloading device 30 is movable relative to the first end to guide the harvested crop from the grain bin 28 to a desired location (e.g., a grain truck, truck, or trailer). As the harvested crop is unloaded from the grain bin 28, the remaining capacity of the grain bin 28 increases. A grain truck sensor 94 may be positioned at the unloading device 30, the grain bin 28, or elsewhere, and may be configured to indicate the presence of a grain truck, truck, or trailer receiving the crop unloaded from the unloading device 30.

[0041] The unloading device 30 is powered by the engine 32. The engine 32 also powers the ground engagement mechanism 14 to propel the working machine, for example, during harvesting operations. The engine 32 is directly or indirectly connected to and supported by the support structure 12. The power of the engine 32 can be adjusted by the controller 34.

[0042] In some implementations, the unloading device 30 can be manually turned on and off by an operator or other user. For example, as... Figure 3 As suggested, the unloading device 30 can be activated in response to an operator or another user operating the operator input device 36. The operator input device 36 can be housed in the cab 35 or located remotely from the working machine 10. The operator input device 36 may include switches, joysticks, buttons, touch-response indicators, etc., engaged by the operator to activate the screw unloader. For example, in response to the engagement of the operator input device 36, a hydraulic cylinder can be pressurized by actuation of a solenoid valve that supplies oil to the hydraulic cylinder to move it, which activates the screw unloader.

[0043] In some implementations, the screw unloader can be turned on and off in response to a command received from the controller 34. For example, the controller 34 may receive a signal associated with the harvested crop, which triggers the controller 34 to activate the screw unloader by command, as will be described in more detail below.

[0044] Still refer to Figure 3 The controller 34 commands the engine 32 to operate according to one of a plurality of power curves (e.g., power curves 40, 42, 44, 50, 52). The controller 34 may include a memory 38 and a processor configured to execute instructions (e.g., algorithm steps) stored in the memory 38. The memory 38 may store a plurality of power curves, and the controller 34 may command the engine 32 to operate according to any one of the power curves, as will be described in more detail below.

[0045] Controller 34 can be a single controller or multiple controllers operatively connected to each other. Controller 34 can be hardwired or wirelessly connected (i.e., operatively connected) to other components of the working machine 10, such as engine 32, sensors 24, 54, 64, 74, 84, 94, and operator input device 36. Controller 34 can be operatively connected to these components via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or other known wireless communication means. Therefore, controller 34 can be housed within the working machine 10 or remotely located away from the working machine 10.

[0046] like Figure 4 As shown, the memory 38 includes a first power curve 40, a second power curve 42, and a third power curve 44. The first power curve 40 may be referred to as the nominal curve; the second power curve 42 may be referred to as the reduced, reserved, or pre-unloaded power curve; and the third power curve 44 may be referred to as the boost curve. For each power curve, at a given engine speed, the engine 32 operates at the associated power level indicated by that particular power curve.

[0047] Figure 4 Power curves 40, 42, and 44 are shown together on a single graph. Figure 4 The maximum operating power level (kW) of engine 32 within the shown engine speed range (RPM) is also shown. The maximum operating power level is indicated by reference numeral 46. Within the shown engine speed range (RPM), the second power curve 42 has a smaller power level (kW) relative to the first power curve 40. Within the shown engine speed range (RPM), the third power curve 44 has a larger power level (kW) relative to the first power curve 40.

[0048] The controller 34 is configured to operate the engine 32 according to various operating modes associated with one or more power curves. For example, the controller 34 is configured to operate the engine 32 in the following modes: (i) a nominal mode associated with the first power curve 40; (ii) a reserved mode associated with the second power curve 42; and (iii) an automatic mode associated with the first power curve 40 and the second power curve 42.

[0049] In use, the operator or other user manipulates the operator input device 36 to select an operating mode. The controller 34 receives a signal associated with the selected operating mode and commands the engine 32 to operate according to the power curve associated with the selected operating mode. In nominal and reserved modes, the engine 32 operates according to a single selected power curve associated with the selected operating mode.

[0050] In automatic mode, controller 34 is configured to automatically change the operation of engine 32 from operation according to a first power curve 40 to operation according to a second power curve 42 in response to at least one sensing factor associated with the harvested crop. As described above, in use, one or more sensors 24, 54, 64, 74, 84 sense one or more characteristics or factors associated with the harvested crop. For example, one or more sensing factors include: (i) the amount of harvested crop in grain tank 28, (ii) the flow rate of harvested crop into grain tank 28, (iii) the moisture content of harvested crop in grain tank 28, (iv) the weight of harvested crop in grain tank 28, and (v) the type of crop being harvested based on whether the detected harvester component is a grain harvester or a corn harvester. Each sensor 24, 54, 64, 74, 84 can send a signal indicating the sensing factor to controller 34.

[0051] Now refer to Figure 5 The diagram illustrates an exemplary operating method 400. When engine 32 operates according to a first power curve 40, crop sensor 24 sends a signal to controller 34 indicating that the amount of harvested crop in grain bin 28 has exceeded a predetermined upper threshold crop level. In other words, in step 402, based on the signal received from crop sensor 24, controller 34 determines whether the predetermined upper threshold crop level has been exceeded. If the predetermined upper threshold crop level has been exceeded, control method 400 proceeds to step 404. If not, step 402 is repeated.

[0052] In step 404, in response to the received signal (i.e., if a predetermined upper threshold crop level has been exceeded), the controller 34 commands the engine 32 to operate according to the second power curve 42. As described above, the second power curve 42 has a smaller power level than the first power curve 40 within the indicated engine speed range. As a result of switching the operation of the engine 32 to operate according to the smaller power level, more power is available for other functions powered by the engine 32. For example, during operation according to the second power curve 42, more power is available for the operation of the unloading device 30. Reserved power for the unloading device 30 ensures that the ground speed of the working machine 10 is not adversely affected and that the engine 32 is not commanded to output more power than the maximum operating power level 46 available to the engine 32.

[0053] In some implementations, in step 407, after the engine 32 begins operating according to the second power curve 42, the controller 34 activates the unloading device 30. The activation of the unloading device 30 may occur in response to receiving a signal from the controller 34 indicating that the upper threshold crop level has been exceeded and / or in response to another trigger.

[0054] In an exemplary embodiment, step 406 indicates the receipt of another trigger. For example, other triggers may include exceeding a second upper threshold crop level, the elapsed time elapsed since the upper threshold crop level was exceeded, receiving a feedback signal instructing engine 32 to operate according to the second power curve 44, or engagement of the operator or other user with the operator input device 36. Another trigger may include receiving a signal from the grain truck sensor 94 indicating the presence of a grain truck, truck, or trailer receiving unloaded crops.

[0055] It should be understood that step 407 is shown in dashed lines to reflect that in some embodiments, the unloading device 30 is not automatically activated by the controller 34, but is manually activated based on the interaction of the operator or other user with the operator input device 36.

[0056] When activated (i.e., turned on), the unloading device 30 is powered by the engine 32 to remove the harvested crop from the grain bin 28. As shown in step 408, when the unloading device 30 is activated, the controller 34 commands the engine 32 to operate according to the third power curve 44. As described above, the third power curve 44 has a higher power level than the first power curve 40 within the engine speed range.

[0057] When a suitable amount of harvested crop has been removed from the grain bin 28, the controller 34 receives a signal from the crop sensor 24 indicating this condition. In other words, in step 410, the controller 34 (based on the signal received from the crop sensor 24) determines whether a predetermined lower threshold crop level has been exceeded. If the predetermined lower threshold crop level has been exceeded, the control method 400 proceeds to steps 411 and / or 412. If the predetermined lower threshold crop level has not been exceeded, step 410 is repeated.

[0058] In step 412, in response to receiving a signal indicating that the lower threshold crop level has been exceeded, the controller 34 commands the engine 32 to resume operation according to the first power curve 40.

[0059] In some embodiments, in step 411, the controller 34 deactivates the unloading device 30 in response to receiving a signal indicating that the lower threshold crop level has been exceeded. In some embodiments, an operator or other user manipulates the operator input device 36 to deactivate the unloading device 30. Step 411 is shown in dashed lines to reflect whether the controller 34 can control or not control the deactivation of the unloading device 412.

[0060] After engine 32 resumes operation according to the first power curve 40, operation method 400 continues to repeat itself starting from step 402. This cycle occurs throughout the harvesting operation of the working machine 10.

[0061] Figure 6Operating method 500, similar to operating method 400, is shown. Method steps 502 and 510 are summarized compared to their corresponding steps 402 and 410, respectively. Instead of determining whether a threshold crop level has been exceeded (steps 402, 410), steps 502 and 510 assess whether controller 34 has received signals indicating one or more factors associated with the harvested crop. As mentioned above, one or more sensing factors associated with the harvested crop include, for example: (i) the amount of harvested crop in grain bin 28, (ii) the flow rate of harvested crop into grain bin 28, (iii) the moisture content of harvested crop in grain bin 28, (iv) the weight of harvested crop in grain bin 28, and (v) the type of crop being harvested based on whether the harvester assembly is a grain harvester or a corn harvester. As mentioned above, each sensor 24, 54, 64, 74, and 84 can send signals to controller 34 indicating sensing factors. Unless otherwise stated, control methods 400 and 500 operate in a consistent manner with each other.

[0062] In some implementations, controller 34 must receive more than one sensing factor to trigger controller 34 command engine 32 to switch from operation according to nominal power curve 40 to operation according to reduced power curve 42. For example, controller 34 may be programmed according to an algorithm that requires controller 34 to receive: (a) a first signal indicating that the harvester component is corn header 60, (b) a second signal indicating that the moisture content of the crop is higher than a predetermined moisture content threshold, and (c) a third signal indicating that the amount of crop in grain bin 28 is higher than the upper threshold crop level.

[0063] For example, identifying each of the factors (a)-(c) above is advantageous because studies have shown that unloading heavy (wet) corn requires additional power output from engine 32 to drive the screw unloader. Therefore, using the described control method, controller 34 is configured to operate engine 32 at a reduced power level before unloading heavy (wet) corn to ensure that sufficient power remains available during unloading to increase the power level to the power level of boost curve 44.

[0064] Other factors may also be combined to trigger controller 34 to command engine 34 to switch from operation according to nominal power curve 40 to operation according to reduced power curve 42. For example, the amount of harvested crop in grain tank 28 and the flow rate of harvested crop into grain tank 28 may be used together to trigger controller 34 to adjust engine 32 as described above. For example, crop level and the flow rate of harvested crop into grain tank 28 may be used to predict when grain tank 28 will reach its maximum capacity, at which point grain tank 28 will be unloaded by unloading device 30. Based on the identification of when grain tank 28 will reach its maximum capacity, controller 34 is triggered a time before grain tank 28 reaches its maximum capacity to command engine 32 to switch to operation according to reduced power curve 42. Other combinations of factors not explicitly listed here may also be used to trigger controller 34.

[0065] In some embodiments, the memory 38 of the controller 34 includes a plurality of additional power curves stored thereon. The plurality of additional power curves includes a first set of additional power curves within the engine speed range, with power levels between the first power curve 40 and the second power curve 42. The plurality of additional power curves also includes a second set of additional power curves within the engine speed range, with power levels between the second power curve 42 and the third power curve 44. In response to any of the aforementioned triggers, the controller 34 may command the engine 32 to incrementally change its operation according to the respective successive additional power curves. This operational step is advantageous because it allows for a smooth transition between any of the first power curve 40, the second power curve 42, and the third power curve 44 without causing the jolting experienced by the working machine 10 and the operator.

[0066] The following describes an operational example based on the use of the first set of additional power curves. An automatic mode can be selected via operator input device 36. Operator input device 36 can send a signal indicating mode selection to controller 34. When controller 34 is triggered, as described above, controller 34 commands engine 32 to continuously change its operation from according to the first power curve 40 to operation according to each power curve in the first set of additional power curves, and finally to operation according to the second power curve 42. Therefore, controller 34 incrementally increases the power level of engine 32 from the power level according to the first power curve 40 to the power level according to the second power curve 42.

[0067] In some embodiments, the controller 34 may store unique power curves associated with a specific crop to be harvested on its memory 38. For example, a first supplementary power curve 50 and a second supplementary power curve 52 may be stored in the memory. The second supplementary power curve 52 has a lower power level relative to the first supplementary power curve 50 within the engine speed range.

[0068] The first power curve 40 and the second power curve 42 may be associated, for example, with corn. The first supplementary power curve 50 and the second supplementary power curve 52 may be associated, for example, with cereals. It may be advantageous to have unique power curves associated with a specific crop, because different crops may require different levels of boost power during unloading. Therefore, the power level decrease from the first supplementary power curve 50 to the second supplementary power curve 52 may be greater than the power level decrease from the first power curve 40 to the second power curve 42. Furthermore, the first supplementary power curve 50 may have an increased power level relative to the first power curve 40, and the second supplementary power curve 52 may have an increased power level relative to the second curve 42. This is advantageous because unloading corn may require more boost power (and therefore more reserved power) than unloading cereals.

[0069] The following describes an operational example of using the first power curve 40 and the second power curve 42, as well as the first supplementary power curve 50 and the second supplementary power curve 52. An automatic mode can be selected via the operator input device 36. The operator input device 36 can send a signal indicating the selected mode to the controller 34. The harvester sensor 54 senses the type of harvester assembly (grain platform or corn header 60) connected to the feed chamber 18 and sends a signal indicating this to the controller 34. In response to determining that the harvester assembly is a corn header, the controller 34 is configured to operate the engine 32 according to the first supplementary power curve 50, and subsequently according to the second supplementary power curve 52. In response to determining that the harvester assembly is a grain platform, the controller 34 is configured to operate the engine 32 according to the first power curve 40, and subsequently according to the second power curve 42. In the exemplary embodiments described herein, although power curves 50 and 52 may replace power curves 40 and 42, other aspects of the operating method follow... Figure 5 or Figure 6 The algorithm described in [the document / document].

[0070] Although this disclosure has been shown and described in detail in the accompanying drawings and the foregoing description, such showing and description is to be regarded as exemplary rather than restrictive, and it will be understood that exemplary embodiments have been shown and described, and protection is intended for all changes and modifications falling within the spirit of this disclosure. It will be noted that alternative embodiments of this disclosure may not include all the features described, but still benefit from at least some of the advantages of such features. Those skilled in the art can readily devise their own implementations that incorporate one or more features of this disclosure and fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A working machine, comprising: Support structure; A harvester assembly, the harvester assembly being connected to a support structure; A ground connection mechanism, which is connected to a support structure; A grain bin, which is connected to a support structure and configured to hold the harvested crop harvested by the harvester assembly; An engine configured to drive the rotation of the ground engagement mechanism during operation of the working machine to move the support structure; A controller, operatively coupled to the engine, the controller including a memory and a first power curve and a second power curve stored in the memory, the second power curve having a smaller power level relative to the first power curve within the engine speed range; An operator input device, which is operatively coupled to the controller and configured to send signals to the controller; The controller is configured to operate the engine in response to a signal received from an operator input device in the following modes: (i) a nominal mode associated with a first power curve; (ii) a reserved mode associated with a second power curve; and (iii) an automatic mode associated with both the first and second power curves. In automatic mode, the controller is configured to change the operation of the engine from operation according to a first power curve to operation according to a second power curve in response to at least one sensing factor associated with the harvested crop.

2. The operating machine according to claim 1 further includes a crop sensor, the crop sensor being operatively coupled to the controller and configured to identify the amount of harvested crop in the grain bin; in, The at least one sensing factor associated with the harvested crop includes the amount of harvested crop in the grain bin.

3. The operating machine according to claim 2, wherein, The crop sensor is configured to identify the flow rate of harvested crop into the grain bin; and The at least one sensing factor associated with the harvested crop also includes the flow rate of the harvested crop into the grain bin.

4. The operating machine according to claim 2 further includes a moisture sensor, the moisture sensor being operatively coupled to the controller and configured to identify the moisture content of the harvested crop in the grain bin; in, The at least one sensing factor associated with the harvested crop includes the moisture content of the harvested crop in the grain bin.

5. The operating machine according to claim 1, further comprising an unloading device coupled to the engine and arranged to contact the harvested crop contained in the grain bin; in, The unloading device is configured to be turned on and off; The unloading device is configured to remove the harvested crop from the grain bin when activated; and In automatic mode, the controller is configured to change the engine operation from operation based on the first power curve to operation based on the second power curve before the unloading device is activated.

6. The operating machine according to claim 5, wherein, The controller includes a third power curve stored in memory, which has a greater power level than the first power curve within the engine speed range; The controller is configured to operate the engine in boost mode, which is associated with the third power curve; and The controller is configured to change the engine operation from operation based on the second power curve to operation based on the third power curve when the unloading device is activated.

7. The operating machine according to claim 1, wherein, The controller includes a plurality of additional power curves stored in a memory, each of the plurality of additional power curves having a power level between the power levels of the first power curve and the second power curve within the engine speed range. and In automatic mode, the controller is configured to continuously change the operation of the engine from operation according to a first power curve to operation according to each additional power curve, and then to operation according to a second power curve in response to at least one sensing factor associated with the harvested crop.

8. The operating machine according to claim 7, wherein, The controller includes a first supplementary power curve and a second supplementary power curve stored in a memory, wherein the second supplementary power curve has a smaller power level relative to the first supplementary power curve within the engine speed range; Among them, the power level difference between the first supplementary power curve and the second supplementary power curve within the engine speed range is greater than the power level difference between the first power curve and the second curve within the engine speed range. In automatic mode, the controller is configured to change the operation of the engine from operation according to a first supplemental power curve to operation according to a second supplemental power curve in response to at least one sensing factor associated with the harvested crop. In automatic mode, in response to the harvester component being identified as a grain platform, the controller is configured to operate the engine according to a first power curve and subsequently according to a second power curve; and In automatic mode, in response to the harvester component being identified as a corn header, the controller is configured to operate the engine according to a first supplemental power curve and subsequently according to a second supplemental power curve.

9. The operating machine of claim 1 further includes a weight sensor, the weight sensor being operatively coupled to the controller and configured to identify the weight of the harvested crop in the grain bin; in, The at least one sensing factor associated with the harvested crop includes the weight of the harvested crop in the grain bin.

10. A working machine, comprising: Support structure; A harvester assembly, the harvester assembly being connected to a support structure; A ground connection mechanism, which is connected to a support structure; A grain bin, which is connected to a support structure and configured to hold harvested crops; An unloading device configured to remove harvested crops from a grain bin when the unloading device is activated. An engine, which is coupled to a support structure and configured to provide power to a ground engagement mechanism and an unloading device; as well as A controller, operatively coupled to the engine and including a memory storing a first power curve, a second power curve, and a third power curve. The second power curve has a lower power level than the first power curve within the engine speed range, while the third power curve has a higher power level than the first power curve within the same engine speed range. The controller is configured to change the operation of the engine from operation according to a first power curve to operation according to a second power curve in response to at least one sensing factor associated with the harvested crop, and then operate the engine according to a third power curve when the unloading device is activated.

11. The operating machine of claim 10, further comprising a crop sensor operatively coupled to the controller and configured to identify the amount of harvested crop in the grain bin; in, The at least one sensing factor associated with the harvested crop includes the amount of harvested crop in the grain bin.

12. The operating machine according to claim 11, wherein, The crop sensor is configured to identify the flow rate of harvested crop into the grain bin; and The at least one sensing factor associated with the harvested crop also includes the flow rate of the harvested crop into the grain bin.

13. The operating machine of claim 12 further includes a moisture sensor, the moisture sensor being operatively coupled to the controller and configured to identify the moisture content of the harvested crop in the grain bin; in, The at least one sensing factor associated with the harvested crop includes the moisture content of the harvested crop in the grain bin.

14. The operating machine of claim 12 further includes a weight sensor operatively coupled to the controller and configured to identify the weight of the harvested crop in the grain bin; in, The at least one sensing factor associated with the harvested crop includes the weight of the harvested crop in the grain bin.

15. The operating machine according to claim 11, wherein, The controller includes multiple additional power curves stored in memory; Each of the plurality of additional power curves has a power level within the engine speed range that is between the power levels of the first power curve and the second power curve; and The controller is configured to change the operation of the engine from operation according to a first power curve to (i) continuous operation according to each additional power curve, and then to (ii) operation according to a second power curve in response to at least one sensing factor associated with the harvested crop.

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