Roller assembly for a cotton harvester

Abstract

Roller assemblies for cotton harvesters and related methods are disclosed. An exemplary roller assembly can include a unitary member defining a plurality of slots. Shafts and brushes can be removably retained within the slots. The unitary member can include a plurality of petal portions defining the plurality of slots therebetween. A central passage can be formed in a central portion of the unitary member. A shaft having an interlocking shape can be removably received within the central passage. In some embodiments, one or more of the petal portions are removably secured to the unitary member. An end cap can be received onto the shaft and positioned adjacent an end of the unitary member to help retain the shafts and brushes to the unitary member.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to cotton harvesters, and more specifically, to roller assemblies for removing cotton from plants. Background Technology

[0002] Cotton harvesters (such as cotton threshers and cotton pickers) include a head for harvesting cotton. Some cotton harvesters include a roller assembly that rotates as the harvester moves through the field. In some cases, the removed cotton is subsequently processed, such as to remove unwanted vegetation. Summary of the Invention

[0003] A first aspect of this disclosure relates to a roller assembly for a cotton harvester. The roller assembly may include an integral component. The integral component may include: a central portion forming a central channel; a plurality of petals arranged radially around the central portion; and a plurality of radially arranged first grooves formed between adjacent petals of the plurality of petals. The roller assembly may further include one of a shank or brush disposed in each of the plurality of first grooves.

[0004] A second aspect of this disclosure relates to a method. The method may include inserting one of a handle or brush into a first longitudinally extending groove defined at least partially by an elongated integral member; and inserting another of the handle or brush into a second longitudinally extending first groove; and inserting a shaft into a central channel formed in the elongated integral member.

[0005] Various aspects may include one or more of the following features. The first groove may have a gradually tapering cross-sectional shape. The first groove may taper outwards. One of the handles or brushes disposed in the plurality of first grooves may include an arrangement in which the handle and brush are disposed alternately within the first grooves. A shaft may be received into a central channel. The shaft and central channel may have an interlocking shape that prevents rotation of the integral component relative to the shaft. An end cap may be removably received on the shaft and disposed adjacent to the end of the integral component. The end cap may include a plurality of flange segments. Each flange segment may be received over a portion of one of the lobes. A second groove may be formed between adjacent flange segments, and one of the handles or brushes may be received in each of the second grooves. The plurality of lobes may include first lobes, and a gap may be formed between adjacent first lobes. Second lobes may be received into the gap, and at least one of the first grooves may be defined by a side of one of the first lobes and a side of one of the second lobes. At least one of the second lobes may define a gradually tapering cross-sectional shape. The integral component may also include a third groove formed along the integral component. Fasteners can be removably received in a third groove to secure one of the second lobes to the integral component. At least one of the lobes can have an inwardly tapering cross-sectional shape. The lobes can be hollow. Each of the lobes can be offset at an angle of 60° from the other of the lobes.

[0006] Various aspects may include one or more of the following features. The elongated, monolithic component may include a central portion forming a central channel and a plurality of lobes arranged radially around the central portion. A longitudinally extending first groove may be formed between the plurality of lobes. The elongated, monolithic component may include a plurality of first lobes and a plurality of gaps, each gap being formed between adjacent first lobes. A second lobe may be fitted into at least one gap. A first longitudinally extending groove may be defined between the side of the second lobe and the side of the first lobe. One of the second lobes may be fitted into the elongated, monolithic component using fasteners.

[0007] Other features and aspects will become apparent upon consideration of the specific implementation and the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0008] The accompanying drawings are described in detail below, with reference to:

[0009] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an exemplary roller assembly according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0010] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the roller assembly.

[0011] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the integral component of the roller assembly.

[0012] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of another exemplary roller assembly according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0013] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 End view of the roller assembly.

[0014] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the integral component of the roller assembly.

[0015] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 A detailed perspective view of the roller assembly.

[0016] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of another exemplary integral component according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0017] For the purpose of promoting understanding of the principles of this disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and they will be described using specific language. However, it should be understood that this is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. As will commonly apparent to those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains, any changes and further modifications to the described apparatus, system, or method, and any further applications of the principles of this disclosure, are fully contemplated. In particular, it is fully contemplated that features, components, and / or steps described for one embodiment can be combined with features, components, and / or steps described for other embodiments of this disclosure.

[0018] This disclosure relates to a roller assembly (sometimes referred to as a "handle and brush roller assembly") for use in a cotton harvester to remove cotton during harvesting. During harvesting, the roller assembly mounted on the cotton harvester rotates and features, referred to as handles and brushes, contact the cotton plant to remove the cotton from the plant. The roller assembly within the scope of this disclosure is provided with a reduced number of parts, which reduces complexity, assembly time, and manufacturing time. Therefore, this roller assembly relates to reduced labor and manufacturing costs. Furthermore, the construction of the roller assembly described herein reduces maintenance costs by reducing the amount of time spent maintaining the roller assembly (e.g., by replacing the handles and brushes included in the roller assembly). Additionally, the exemplary roller assembly described herein has a reduced mass, which reduces component and operating costs.

[0019] Figures 1 to 3 These are various illustrations of an exemplary roller assembly 100 and its portions. Reference Figures 1 to 3The roller assembly 100 includes an integral component 102, a plurality of handles 104 and a plurality of brushes 106 coupled to the integral component 102, a shaft 108 receivable in a central channel 110 formed in the integral component 102, and an end cap 112 receivable on the shaft 108 and disposed adjacent to an end 114 of the integral component 102. In some embodiments, the end cap 112 abuts against the end 114 of the integral component 102. In some embodiments, the end cap 112 helps to maintain the alignment of the handles 104 and brushes 106 and retains the handles 104 and brushes 106 on the integral component 102. In some embodiments, the end cap 112 is slidable freely along the shaft 108.

[0020] Specifically, refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The integral component 102 includes a plurality of first lobes 116 and a central portion 118 integrally formed with the first lobes 116. The central portion 118 defines a central channel 120 for receiving a shaft 108. In some cases, such as Figure 2 and Figure 7 As shown, shaft 108 is connected to integral component 102 by one or more pins 125. The pins 125 extend through integral component 102 and through shaft 108 to maintain the connection between integral component 102 and shaft 108 and to maintain the position of shaft 108 relative to integral component 102. In other embodiments, shaft 108 and integral component 102 may be connected in other ways.

[0021] In some embodiments, shaft 108 includes a first portion 122 and a second portion 124 (in... Figure 1 (As shown in the diagram). In some embodiments, the first portion 122 and the second portion 124 are not directly connected. Instead, in some cases, such as Figure 2 and Figure 7 As shown, the first portion 122 and the second portion 124 of the shaft 108 are connected to the integral component 102 via a pin 125. Dividing the shaft 108 into the first portion 122 and the second portion 124 increases the ease of maintenance of the roller assembly 100, such as when one or more handles 104 or brushes 106 are to be replaced. This increased ease of maintenance reduces the amount of time required to maintain the roller assembly, thereby reducing maintenance costs and associated downtime of the cotton harvester. In the case of the integral shaft 108, in some cases, the pin 125 is also used to connect the shaft 108 to the integral component 102.

[0022] In the example shown, the central channel 120 has a hexagonal cross-sectional shape, and the shaft 108 has a complementary cross-sectional shape (i.e., hexagonal). Therefore, the cross-sectional shape of the shaft 108 has the dimensions and shape to be accommodated within the central channel 120. In this way, the shaft 108 and the central channel 120 interlock, thereby preventing the integral component 102 from rotating relative to the shaft 108. In other embodiments, the shaft 108 and the central channel 120 have other interlocking cross-sectional shapes, such as other types of polygonal shapes or any other mating shape that prevents relative rotation.

[0023] like Figure 2 As shown, the roller assembly 100 also includes a plurality of second lobes 126. In the example shown, the second lobes 126 are removably attached to the integral component 102. The first lobes 116 and the second lobes 126 are arranged alternately and cooperate to clamp and hold the handle 104 and the brush 106 to the integral component 102. In the example shown, there are a total of six first lobes 116 and second lobes 126. Therefore, there are a total of six handles 104 and brushes 106. The first lobes 116 and the second lobes 126 are angularly offset from each other by 60°. In other embodiments, additional or fewer first lobes 116 and second lobes 126 may be present. In some embodiments, the first lobes 116 and the second lobes 126 are arranged at an angle uniformly around the central channel 120. In other embodiments, the first lobes 116 and the second lobes 126 may be arranged at an angle non-uniformly around the central channel 120.

[0024] A first groove 128 for receiving the handle 104 and brush 106 is formed between adjacent segments 116, 126. In the example shown, the first groove 128 has a gradually tapering cross-sectional shape. The first groove 128 tapers radially outward, thus forming a generally triangular shape. The tapering shape of the first groove 128 serves to hold the handle 104 and brush 106 to the integral component 102 and to prevent the handle 104 and brush 106 from separating during rotation of the roller assembly 100 (such as during cotton harvesting).

[0025] The first lobe 116 and the second lobe 126 have a generally inwardly tapering shape. The side surfaces 130 of the lobe 116 and 126 define the first groove 128 and its associated outwardly tapering shape. Furthermore, in the example shown, the lobe 116 and 126 are hollow, which reduces the overall mass and rotational inertia of the roller assembly 100. The reduction in rotational inertia of the roller assembly 100 reduces the amount of energy required to rotate the roller assembly 100 at the desired rotational speed, thereby reducing the energy costs associated with operating the cotton harvester.

[0026] like Figure 3As shown, the second lobe 126 is removed, creating a gap 132 between the adjacent first lobe 116. When the second lobe 126 is attached to the integral component 102, the gap 132 is occupied by the second lobe 126. The second lobe 126 is removable to facilitate replacement of the handle 104 and brush 106.

[0027] like Figure 2 As shown, the second lobe 126 is secured to the integral component 102 by fasteners 134. Exemplary fasteners 134 include nuts and bolts (e.g., frame bolts or other types of bolts), screws, pins, or interlocking arrangements. In other embodiments, the second lobe 126 may be secured to the integral component 102 using integrated interlocking components, such as spring-loaded pawls, or other features that releasably engage the second lobe 126 to the integral component 102.

[0028] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the end 136 of the fastener 134 (e.g., a bolt) can be received into a second groove 138 formed in the integral member 102. The fastener 134 extends through an opening formed in the second lobe 126. The groove 138 extends longitudinally along the integral member 102. The second groove 138 receives and retains the fastener 134 and the second lobe 126 while providing sliding movement along the length of the integral member 102. When the fastener 134 is secured within the second groove 138 (e.g., by tightening a nut onto a bolt), the position of the second lobe 126 relative to the integral member 102 is fixed.

[0029] In some embodiments, the monolithic component 102 is formed by extrusion. In some embodiments, the monolithic component 102 is formed of aluminum. In some cases, the monolithic component 102 is an aluminum extrusion. However, in other embodiments, other types of materials or forming processes may be used. For example, in some cases, other materials such as magnesium, steel, iron, polymers, or composites are used to form the monolithic component 102. Furthermore, in some cases, the monolithic component 102 is formed using processing techniques such as electrical discharge machining, water jetting, or plasma cutting. In yet another embodiment, the monolithic component 102 is formed from two or more components permanently fixed together using, for example, adhesives or welding.

[0030] The integral component 102 includes a cavity 142. A first web 143 is defined between the cavity 142 and the central channel 120. The cavity 142 has an elongated, curved shape. Therefore, the thickness of the first web 143 varies. A second web 144 is formed between the central channel 120 and the second groove 138, and has a uniform thickness T. Figure 3The cross-sectional arrangement shown facilitates manufacturing (such as during extrusion) and reduces the mass of the integral part 102.

[0031] Figure 8 Another exemplary integral component 800 is shown. The integral component 800 can be used to replace the integral component 102 in the roller assembly 100. (As shown...) Figure 8 As shown in the cross-sectional view, the integral component 800 includes a central portion 801, hollow flaps 802 extending from the central portion 801, cavities 804 and 806, and a central channel 808. Longitudinally extending webs 810 are formed between the cavities 804 and the central channel 808 and between longitudinally extending second grooves 812. Similar to the second groove 138, the second groove 812 is used to secure a second flap (similar to the second flap 126) to the integral component 800. In some embodiments, the webs 810 have a common thickness T. In some embodiments, the thickness T of the webs 810 is uniform. In some embodiments, the thickness T is non-uniform. In other embodiments, one or more webs 810 have a uniform thickness different from the thickness of one or more other webs 810. In some embodiments, the thickness T of one or more webs 810 is different.

[0032] In the example shown, cavity 804 and second groove 812 are arranged such that web 810 has a common thickness T. Furthermore, as... Figure 8 The generally triangular arrangement of the web 810 shown provides increased rigidity to the integral part 800. In some cases, forming an integral part with a web 810 of common thickness facilitates ease of extrusion manufacturing. In other embodiments, one or more cavities 804 and 806 may be omitted. Cavity 804 and the web 810 of common thickness T reduce the mass of the integral part 800. Therefore, the amount of energy required to operate the roll assembly including the integral part 800 is reduced. Cavity 806 has a circular cross-sectional shape. Similarly, cavity 806 is provided to reduce the mass of the integral part 800. A gap 814 (similar to gap 132 in integral part 102) is formed between adjacent lobes 802 and is configured to receive separable lobes (similar to second lobes 126), as previously described.

[0033] As previously explained, end cap 112 is received onto shaft 108 and is positioned adjacent to the opposite end 114 of integral component 102. End cap 112 serves as a barrier to protect the bearing positioned toward the outer end of shaft 108 from debris. In some embodiments, end cap 112 abuts the end 114 of integral component 102.

[0034] Figure 4-6 Another exemplary roller assembly 400 is shown. Figure 4This is a perspective view of the roller assembly 400. The roller assembly 400 includes an integral component 402, which includes a central portion 403, a plurality of radially arranged segments 406 integrally formed on the central portion 403, and a plurality of grooves 404 defined between adjacent segments 406, such as... Figure 6 As shown. Groove 404 defines a gradually tapering cross-sectional shape. In the example shown, the flap 406 defines a gradually tapering cross-sectional shape and is hollow, thereby reducing the overall mass of the integral component 402 (and thus the roller assembly 400). In the example shown, the flap 406 tapers inward toward the center of the integral component 402. Groove 404 holds the handle 407 and the brush 408. Groove 404 tapers outward, thus forming a generally triangular shape for securing and holding the handle 407 and the brush 408. In the example shown, there is a central channel 410 surrounding the central portion 403 formed in the integral component 402 (in Figure 6 (As shown in the diagram) Six lobes 406 are arranged radially and uniformly. Therefore, six slots 404 are formed between adjacent lobes 406 and are also arranged radially and uniformly around the central channel 410. Thus, in the example shown, adjacent lobes 406 and slots 404 are offset at an angle of 60°. In other embodiments, additional or fewer lobes 406 and slots 404 may be included. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the lobes 406 and slots 404 may be arranged at an angle non-uniformly around the central channel 410.

[0035] The roller assembly 400 also includes an end cap 411 and a shaft 412 received in a central channel 410 of the integral component 402. The end cap 411 is received on the shaft 412 and positioned adjacent to an end 413 of the integral component 402. In some embodiments, the end cap 411 is in abutment contact with the end 413 of the integral component 402. The end cap 411 includes a flange 414 extending from an end 420. The flange 414 is divided into flange segments 416. A groove 418 is defined between adjacent flange segments 416. The flange segments 416 overlap with the end of the flap 406, and the groove 418 receives the ends of the handle 407 and brush 408 located in a groove 404. The end 420 of the end cap 411 is positioned adjacent to the end 413 of the integral component 402. In some embodiments, end cap 411 helps retain the handle 407 and brush 408 in their respective slots 404 and maintains alignment of the handle 407 and brush 408 within the slots 404. Similar to end cap 112, end cap 411 protects the bearing located on the outside of the integral component 402 from debris (such as dirt and plant material stirred up during harvesting). In some embodiments, end cap 411 is slidable freely along shaft 412.

[0036] In some embodiments, the end cap 411 maintains a positional relationship relative to the end 413 of the integral component 402, such as being adjacent to the end 413 of the integral component 402.

[0037] In some embodiments, shaft 412 is divided into a first portion 422 and a second portion 424. Similar to shaft 108 previously described, the first portion 422 and the second portion 424 are separate. Dividing shaft 412 into the first portion 422 and the second portion 424 increases the ease of maintenance of the roller assembly 400 (e.g., when it is desired to replace one or more handles 407 or brushes 408). In some embodiments, shaft 412 is coupled to integral component 402 in a manner similar to that described above with respect to shaft 108 and integral component 102. For example, shaft 412 and integral component 402 can be coupled using one or more pins. In some cases, where shaft 412 is a single component or is divided into different portions (such as portions 422 and 424), one or more pins are used to couple shaft 412 to integral component 402. One or more pins connect shaft 412 and integral component 402 and maintain their relative position. In other embodiments, shaft 412 and integral component 102 may be combined in other ways.

[0038] The advantage of the roller assembly 400 is that the handle 407 and brush 408 can be removed from the integral component 402 by removing one or both of the end caps 411. With the end caps 411 removed from the shaft 412, the handle 407 and brush 408 can be removed from the integral component by sliding them along the groove 404. For example, a new handle 407 and brush 408 can be assembled to the integral component 402 by sliding the handle 407 and brush 408 from one end of the end 413 of the integral component 402 into their respective grooves 404. In this way, it is not necessary to remove the entire roller assembly 400 from the cotton harvester. Therefore, the amount of time spent maintaining the roller assembly 400 is reduced. With the handle 407 and brush 408 received in their respective grooves 404, the end caps 411 are reassembled onto the shaft 412 and secured to the shaft 412 (e.g., using pins 422).

[0039] Figure 6This is a cross-sectional view of the integral component 402. As shown, the integral component 402 includes a central channel 410 and a plurality of cavities 426, which generally reduces the mass of the integral component 402 and thus reduces the rotational inertia of the integral component 402 and the roller assembly 400. The integral component 402 also includes a plurality of webs 428. In some embodiments, the webs 428 have a common thickness T. The webs 428 improve the stiffness of the integral component 402 and thus improve the stiffness of the roller assembly 400. In the example shown, the central channel 410 has a hexagonal shape complementary to the hexagonal cross-sectional shape of the shaft 412. As previously mentioned, the shaft 412 and the central channel 410 have an interlocking shape, which prevents the integral component 402 from rotating relative to the shaft 412. In other embodiments, the central channel 410 and the shaft 412 may have other interlocking cross-sectional shapes. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the thickness T of the webs 428 is uniform. In other embodiments, the thickness T is non-uniform.

[0040] In some embodiments, the monolithic component 402 is formed by extrusion. In some embodiments, the monolithic component 402 is formed of aluminum. In some cases, the monolithic component 402 is an aluminum extrusion. However, in other embodiments, other types of materials or forming processes may be used. For example, in some cases, other materials such as magnesium, steel, iron, polymers, or composites are used to form the monolithic component 402. Furthermore, in some cases, the monolithic component 402 is formed using processing techniques such as electrical discharge machining, water jetting, or plasma cutting. In still other embodiments, the monolithic component 402 is formed from two or more components permanently fixed together using, for example, adhesives or welding.

[0041] Without limiting the scope, interpretation, or application of the claims in any way, the technical effect of one or more exemplary embodiments disclosed herein is to provide a roller assembly for a cotton harvester formed of a reduced number of parts. Therefore, the roller assembly within the scope of this disclosure reduces complexity, manufacturing time, and thus manufacturing costs. Another technical effect of one or more exemplary embodiments disclosed herein is to reduce the time and costs associated with maintaining the roller assembly within the scope of this disclosure. Yet another technical effect of one or more exemplary embodiments disclosed herein is to reduce the labor and related costs of manufacturing and maintaining the roller assembly within the scope of this disclosure.

[0042] While exemplary embodiments of this disclosure have been described above, these descriptions should not be construed as limiting. Rather, other variations and modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of this disclosure as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A roller assembly (100, 400) for a cotton harvester, said roller assembly (100, 400) comprising: The integral component (102, 402, 800) includes: The central portions (118, 403, 801) form a central channel; A plurality of lobes (116, 126, 406, 802) are radially arranged around and integrally formed with the central portion. Each lobe (116, 126, 406, 802) includes a first lobe (116) and a second lobe (126). A gap (132, 814) is formed between adjacent first lobes, into which the second lobe (126) can be received. A plurality of radially arranged first grooves (128, 404) are formed between adjacent lobes of a plurality of lobes, at least one of the first grooves being defined by a side of one of the first lobes and a side of one of the second lobes. The second groove (138, 812) is formed along the integral component; and One of the handles (104, 407) or brushes (106, 408) is provided in each of the plurality of first slots; Fastener (134) is received in the second slot (138, 812) in a removable manner to secure one of the second lobes (126) to the integral component.

2. The roller assembly (100, 400) according to claim 1, wherein, The first groove (128, 404) has a gradually tapering cross-sectional shape.

3. The roller assembly (100, 400) according to claim 2, wherein, The first groove (128, 404) gradually tapers outwards.

4. The roller assembly (100, 400) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, One of the handles (104, 407) or brushes (106, 408) provided in the plurality of first slots (128, 404) includes an arrangement in which the handles and brushes are arranged alternately in the first slots.

5. The roller assembly (100, 400) according to any one of claims 1 to 3 further includes a shaft (108, 412) that can be received in the central channel (120, 410, 808).

6. The roller assembly (100, 400) according to claim 5, wherein, The shafts (108, 412) and the central channels (120, 410, 808) have an interlocking shape that prevents the integral components (102, 402, 800) from rotating relative to the shafts.

7. The roller assembly (100, 400) according to claim 5, further comprising end caps (112, 411) which are removably received on the shaft (108, 412) and disposed adjacent to the end of the integral component (102, 402, 800).

8. The roller assembly (100, 400) according to claim 7, wherein, The end caps (112, 411) include a plurality of flange segments (416), wherein each flange segment is received above a portion of one of the lobes (116, 126, 406, 802).

9. The roller assembly (100, 400) according to claim 8, wherein, A third groove (418) is formed between adjacent flange segments (416), and one of the handles (104, 407) or the brushes (106, 408) is received in each third groove.

10. The roller assembly (100, 400) according to claim 1, wherein, At least one of the second lobes (126) defines a gradually tapering cross-sectional shape.

11. The roller assembly (100, 400) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, At least one of the plurality of lobes (116, 126, 406, 802) has a cross-sectional shape that tapers inward.

12. A method of assembling a cotton harvester, the cotton harvester comprising the roller assembly as claimed in claim 1, the method comprising: Insert one of the handle (104, 407) or brush (106, 408) into a first longitudinally extending first groove (128, 404) defined at least partially by an elongated integral component (118, 403, 801), wherein the elongated integral component (118, 403, 801) includes a plurality of first lobes (116) and a plurality of gaps (132, 814), each gap being formed between adjacent first lobes; Insert the other of the handles or brushes into the first groove (128, 404) of the second longitudinal extension; and Insert the shafts (108, 412) into the central channels (120, 410, 808) formed in the elongated monolithic component; The second lobe (126) is installed into at least one of the gaps, wherein at least one of the first slots is defined by a side of one of the first lobe and a side of one of the second lobe. The fastener (134) is removably received in the second slot (138, 812) to secure one of the second lobes (126) to the integral component.

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