Folding row divider for a harvesting platform

Abstract

The invention relates to a harvesting assembly for an agricultural machine comprising a structural frame. A center section divider device is operably coupled to the structural frame and includes one or more center section feed rollers. A first row of divider devices is laterally offset from the center section divider device. The first row of divider devices includes a first pivot frame, a first connecting element operably coupled to the first pivot frame and the structural frame, and one or more first sets of feed rollers operably coupled to the first pivot frame. A second row of divider devices is positioned on an opposite side of the center section divider device from the first row of divider devices. The second row of divider devices includes a second pivot frame, a second connecting element operably coupled to the second pivot frame and the structural frame, and one or more second sets of feed rollers operably coupled to the second pivot frame.

Description

Folding row divider for harvesting platforms

[0001] Cross-reference of related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 142,274, filed January 27, 2021, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure generally relates to harvesting components for agricultural machinery, particularly for harvesting tall and robust plants. Background Technology

[0004] Several types of agricultural machinery and equipment have been developed to improve productivity in harvesting a variety of crops. For example, some agricultural machinery may be configured for so-called tall and robust plants, such as sugarcane and sweet sorghum. Machines specifically designed for harvesting tall and robust plants are developed to facilitate the harvesting of this particular type of crop because their inherent characteristics require appropriate conditions from cutting to transfer to transport machines and / or trucks for full processing.

[0005] Machines used for harvesting tall and robust crops include a chassis that supports a series of components and mechanisms responsible for cutting, harvesting, conveying, and chopping sugarcane and / or sorghum into billets, which are then transferred to a transfer machine and / or sugarcane and / or sorghum trucks via a lifting assembly. Furthermore, this type of agricultural machinery has a harvesting assembly comprising multiple components such as row dividers, tilting rollers, bottom cutting discs, and lifting rollers.

[0006] In some cases, harvesting components can be detached from the machine to reduce its width and allow for transport within legal restrictions. However, disassembling these components is not a simple or quick task, requiring tools and experienced technicians to complete the service, ultimately consuming time and effort, which is reflected in crop costs and productivity. Therefore, improved harvesting components for agricultural machinery, as well as methods for operating harvesting components for agricultural machinery, will be welcomed in this technology. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The various aspects and advantages of this technology will be partially described in the following description, or may become clear from the description, or may be learned through the practice of this technology.

[0008] In some aspects, this subject matter relates to a harvesting assembly for agricultural machinery. The assembly includes a structural frame. A central portion divider device is operatively coupled to the structural frame and includes one or more central portion feed rollers. A first row divider device is laterally offset from the central portion divider device and operatively coupled to the structural frame. The first row divider device includes a first pivot frame, a first connecting element operatively coupled to the first pivot frame and the structural frame, and one or more first sets of feed rollers operatively coupled to the first pivot frame. A second row divider device is positioned on the side of the central portion divider device opposite to the first row divider device and operatively coupled to the structural frame. The second row divider device includes a second pivot frame, a second connecting element operatively coupled to the second pivot frame and the structural frame, and one or more second sets of feed rollers operatively coupled to the second pivot frame.

[0009] In some respects, this subject matter relates to a harvesting assembly for agricultural machinery. The assembly includes a structural frame. A row divider device is operatively coupled to the structural frame. The row divider device includes a pivot frame, a connecting element operatively coupled to the pivot frame and the structural frame, a first feed roller operatively coupled to the pivot frame, and a second feed roller operatively coupled to the structural frame but detached from the first pivot frame. The connecting element is configured to hold the pivot frame in a first position and a second position. When the pivot frame is in the first position, the first feed roller is separated from the second roller by a first distance, while when the pivot frame is in the second position, the second feed roller is separated from the second roller by a smaller second distance.

[0010] In some aspects, this subject matter relates to a method for operating a harvesting assembly of agricultural machinery. The method includes releasing a first locking element from a first connecting element, wherein the first connecting element operatively engages a first pivoting frame of the harvesting assembly to a structural frame of the harvesting assembly. The method further includes rotating the first pivoting frame and one or more feed rollers operatively engaged with the first pivoting frame from a first position to a second position.

[0011] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present technology will be better understood with reference to the following description and the appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the present technology and, together with the specification, serve to explain the principles of the present technology. Attached Figure Description

[0012] This specification provides a full and effective disclosure of the technology, including its best mode, to those skilled in the art, and references the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0013] Figure 1 shows a schematic side view of a harvester for harvesting tall and robust vegetable crops (such as sugarcane and sorghum) according to various aspects of this subject.

[0014] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the harvesting components of sugarcane and / or sorghum agricultural machinery according to various aspects of this topic;

[0015] Figure 3 is a front view of the harvesting components of a harvester according to various aspects of this subject, with the row divider device in the working or open position;

[0016] Figures 4A and 4B are front and top views of the harvesting assembly shown in Figure 3 according to various aspects of this subject, in which the row divider device is pivoted.

[0017] Figures 5A and 5B are respectively the front and top views of the harvesting assembly shown in Figure 3 according to various aspects of this subject, wherein the two end row divider devices are pivoted;

[0018] Figures 6A and 6B are respectively a top view and a bottom view of one of the pivoting row divider devices according to various aspects of this subject.

[0019] Figures 7A and 7B are internal side views of one of the row divider devices in the working or open position and in the transport or pivot position, respectively, according to various aspects of this subject matter.

[0020] Figures 8A and 8B are front views of one of the row divider devices in the working or open position and in the transport or pivot position, respectively, according to various aspects of this subject matter.

[0021] Figures 9A and 9B are exterior views of one of the row divider devices in the working or open position and in the transport or pivot position, respectively, according to various aspects of this subject matter.

[0022] Figure 10 is a side perspective view of the first row divider device in the first position according to various aspects of this subject.

[0023] Figure 11 is a side perspective view of the first row divider in the second position according to various aspects of this subject;

[0024] Figure 12 is a rear perspective view of the first row divider in the second position according to various aspects of this subject;

[0025] Figure 13 is an enhanced view of region XIII in Figure 10;

[0026] Figure 14 is a bottom perspective view of the first row divider device in the second position according to various aspects of this subject.

[0027] Figure 15 is a top perspective view of the first row of divider device in the first position according to various aspects of this subject;

[0028] Figure 16 is a side perspective view of the first row divider device in the second position according to various aspects of this subject.

[0029] Figure 17 is a rear perspective view of the structural framework and the first row of divider device according to various aspects of this subject; and

[0030] Figure 18 shows a flowchart of a method for operating a harvesting assembly for agricultural machinery according to various aspects of this subject.

[0031] The repeated use of reference numerals in this specification and the accompanying drawings is intended to indicate the same or similar features or elements of the art. Detailed Implementation

[0032] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present disclosure, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the present disclosure and not as a limitation thereof. Indeed, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations may be made to the present disclosure without departing from its scope or spirit. For example, features shown or described as part of the disclosure may be used with another embodiment to produce yet another embodiment. Therefore, the present disclosure is intended to cover such modifications and variations within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0033] In this document, relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, etc., are used only to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action, and do not necessarily require or imply any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms “comprising,” “including,” or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that includes a list of elements may include not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or other elements not expressly listed or inherent in the process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitation, an element beginning with “comprising…” does not exclude the presence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes that element.

[0034] As used herein, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third” are used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another, rather than to indicate the location or importance of a single component. Unless otherwise specified herein, the terms “connected,” “fixed,” “connected to,” etc., refer to direct connection, fixation, or linking, as well as indirect connection, fixation, or linking via one or more intermediate components or features. The terms “upstream” and “downstream” refer to the relative directions of agricultural products passing through the system. For example, “upstream” refers to the direction from which agricultural products move, and “downstream” refers to the direction to which agricultural products move. The term “selectively” refers to the ability of a component to operate in various states (e.g., ON and OFF states) based on manual and / or automatic control of the component.

[0035] The terms "front" and "rear" refer to the relative positions of agricultural machinery along the front-rear axis. The forward direction is the direction along the front-rear axis, also known as the machine's forward movement direction. Similarly, the backward direction is the direction along the front-rear axis, also known as the machine's backward movement direction. The lateral direction can be defined by a lateral axis that extends between the right and left sides of the machine and can be perpendicular to the front-rear axis. Therefore, any component located "laterally inside" a part can be positioned closer to the front-rear axis, and any component located "laterally outside" a part can be positioned closer to the front-rear axis along the lateral axis. The longitudinal direction can be defined as a third direction in a three-dimensional plane, perpendicular to both the front-rear and lateral axes. For example, the height of the machine can be defined in the longitudinal direction.

[0036] Furthermore, any arrangement of components that achieve the same function is a valid "association" to achieve the function. Therefore, any two components combined to achieve a specific function in this document can be considered "associated" with each other to achieve the desired function, regardless of the architecture or intermediate components. Similarly, any two components so associated can also be considered "operably connected" or "operably linked" to each other to achieve the desired function, and any two components that can be so associated can also be considered "operably linked" to each other to achieve the desired function. Some examples of operable connections include, but are not limited to, physically matchable, physically interactive components, wirelessly interactive, wirelessly interactive components, logically interactive and / or logically interactive components.

[0037] Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a,” “one,” and “the” include the plural cases.

[0038] The approximate language used throughout the specification and claims is intended to modify any quantitative expression that may allow for variation without causing a change in the underlying function associated with it. Therefore, values ​​modified by one or more terms, such as “approximately,” “about,” “generally,” and “substantially,” are not limited to the specified precise values. In at least some cases, approximate language may correspond to the precision of the instrument used to measure the value, or to the precision of the method or apparatus used to construct or manufacture the component and / or system. For example, approximate language may refer to a range of 10%.

[0039] Furthermore, the technology of this application will be described in conjunction with exemplary embodiments. The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments. Moreover, unless explicitly indicated otherwise, all embodiments described herein should be considered exemplary.

[0040] As used herein, when used in a list of two or more items, the term "and / or" means that any one of the listed items may be used alone, or any combination of two or more of the listed items may be used. For example, if a composition or component is described as including parts A, B, and / or C, then the composition or component may include A alone; B alone; C alone; a combination of A and B; a combination of A and C; a combination of B and C; or a combination of A, B, and C.

[0041] Generally, this subject matter relates to a harvesting assembly for agricultural machinery and a method for operating the harvesting assembly. The harvesting assembly provided herein can be formed by at least two sets of row dividers arranged along a structural frame. Each row divider assembly includes its own pivoting frame. The harvesting assembly provided herein can reduce the width of agricultural machinery handling tall and robust plants without requiring the dismantling of the front components of the machine that restrict its passage on roads during transport. Furthermore, the harvesting assembly for agricultural machinery aims to simplify and optimize the transport process of the agricultural machinery, thereby achieving practical logistical results that, considering the time and effort required to put these machines into field operations, may ultimately provide significant productivity results during the harvesting process.

[0042] In some examples, the harvesting assembly includes a structural frame operably coupled to and / or formed part of the chassis of the agricultural machinery. A central portion divider assembly is operably coupled to the structural frame and includes one or more central portion feed rollers.

[0043] The first row divider assembly is laterally offset from the central divider assembly and operatively coupled to the structural frame. The first row divider assembly includes a first pivot frame. A first connecting element is operatively coupled to the first pivot frame and the structural frame. One or more first sets of feed rollers are operatively coupled to the first pivot frame.

[0044] The second row divider assembly is located on the opposite side of the central divider assembly from the first row divider assembly and is operatively connected to the structural frame. The second row divider assembly includes a second pivot frame. A second connecting element is operatively connected to the second pivot frame and the structural frame. One or more second sets of feed rollers are operatively connected to the second pivot frame.

[0045] The first and / or second row divider devices can move between a first and a second position, thereby reducing the overall width of the harvesting assembly. As used herein, the overall width of the harvesting assembly can be defined by the lateral distance between the first and second row divider devices.

[0046] Referring now to FIG1, a side view of agricultural machinery 10 is shown according to various aspects of this disclosure. As shown, agricultural machinery 10 is configured as a sugarcane harvester. However, in other examples, without departing from the scope of this disclosure, agricultural machinery 10 may correspond to any suitable agricultural harvester.

[0047] As shown in Figure 1, agricultural machinery 10 includes a chassis 12, a pair of front wheels 14, a pair of rear wheels 16, and a cab 18. Agricultural machinery 10 may also include a power source (e.g., an engine mounted on the chassis 12) that powers one or both pairs of wheels 14, 16 via a transmission. Alternatively, agricultural machinery 10 may be a belt-driven harvester, and thus may include a belt driven by a power source instead of the illustrated wheels 14, 16. The power source may also drive a hydraulic fluid pump arranged to generate pressurized hydraulic fluid to drive various hydraulic components of agricultural machinery 10.

[0048] Furthermore, the agricultural machinery 10 may include various components for cutting, processing, cleaning, and unloading sugarcane during harvesting from the farmland 20. For example, the agricultural machinery 10 may include a tip cutter assembly 22 positioned at its front end to intercept sugarcane as the agricultural machinery 10 moves in the forward direction indicated by arrow X. As shown, the tip cutter assembly 22 may include a chuck 24 and a cutter disc 26. The chuck 24 may be configured to collect crop stalks, allowing the cutter disc 26 to be used to cut the tip of each stalk. In various examples, the height of the tip cutter assembly 22 may be adjustable via a pair of arms 28 that can be hydraulically raised and lowered.

[0049] Furthermore, the agricultural machinery 10 may include a harvesting assembly 100, which may include one or more row divider devices 30 extending upward and backward from the field 20. Generally, the one or more row divider devices 30 may include a spiral feed roller 32, each of which may also be referred to as a "lollipop". Each feed roller 32 may include a grounding plate 34, as its lower end assists the one or more divider devices 30 by dividing the crop stalks for harvesting. Additionally, as shown in FIG1, the agricultural machinery 10 may include a tilting roller 36 positioned near the front wheel 14 and a protruding roller 38 positioned behind the tilting roller 36. As the tilting roller 36 rotates, the harvested crop stalks are tilted down, while the row divider devices 30 collect the stalks from the field 20 into the interior of the machine 10. Furthermore, as shown in FIG1, the protruding roller 38 may include a plurality of intermittently mounted fins 40, which help to force the crop stalks downward. During the harvesting process, as the roller 38 rotates and the agricultural machinery 10 continues to move forward relative to the field 20, the crop stalks that have been dumped by the dumping roller 36 are separated and subsequently dumped by the roller 38.

[0050] Referring further to Figure 1, the agricultural machinery 10 may also include a bottom cutting device 42 located behind the roller 38. Typically, the bottom cutting device 42 may include blades for cutting crop stalks during sugarcane harvesting. The blades located around the periphery of the bottom cutting device 42 may be rotated by a hydraulic motor, for example, driven by the vehicle's hydraulic system. Furthermore, in several embodiments, the blades may be tilted downwards to cut the bottom of the sugarcane as it is tilted by the roller 38.

[0051] As understood by those skilled in the art, these components and mechanisms that can form the harvesting assembly 100 of machine 10 can be directly mounted on the structure of chassis 12 or on a separate front platform, thereby allowing the exchange and replacement of these components to make the proper adequacy and configuration of machine 10 suitable for the characteristics of the crops to be harvested in field 20.

[0052] In addition, the agricultural machinery 10 may include a group of one or more conveyor rollers 44 located downstream of the bottom cutting device 42 to move the cut crop stalks from the bottom cutting device 42 along the processing path. As shown in FIG1, the conveyor roller assembly 44 may include a plurality of lower rollers 46 and a plurality of upper rollers 48. As sugarcane is conveyed through the conveyor roller assembly 44, waste (e.g., stones, soil and / or the like) may also be conveyed or fall onto the field 20 via the lower rollers 46.

[0053] Additionally, the agricultural machinery 10 may include a slicer device 50 located at the downstream end of the conveyor roller assembly 44 (e.g., near the final lower and upper rollers 46, 48). Typically, the slicer device 50 is used to cut or shred harvested crop stalks into smaller pieces or “pieces” 51, with a size such as 15.24 cm (6 inches), and may also be referred to as billets. The pieces 51 can then be advanced in the direction of the lifting assembly 52 of the agricultural machinery 10 for collection on an external receiver or storage device.

[0054] Typically, waste 53 (e.g., dust, objects, leaves, etc.) separated from sugarcane fragments 51 can be discharged from agricultural machinery 10 via a main waste extraction device 54, located behind the chipper device 50 and oriented to guide the waste 53 out of the agricultural machinery 10. Furthermore, a fan 56 can be mounted on the main extractor 54 to generate suction or vacuum sufficient to capture the waste 53 and force it through. The waste 53 is then guided out through the outlet of the main extractor 54, typically in the opposite direction to the agricultural machinery 10. Fragments 51 that have been separated and are heavier than the waste 53 discharged from the extractor 54 can then fall into the lifting assembly 52.

[0055] As shown in Figure 1, the lifting assembly 52 typically includes a lifting housing 58 and a lifting mechanism 60 extending into the lifting housing 58 between a lower proximal end 62 and an upper distal end 64. Typically, the lifting mechanism 60 may include a chain or conveyor belt 66 and a plurality of paddles or protrusions 68 coupled or evenly spaced in the chain 66. The protrusions 68 may be configured to hold the sugarcane fragment 51 within the lifting mechanism 60 as it rises toward the top of the lifting mechanism 70. Furthermore, the lifting mechanism 60 may include a lower sprocket 72 and an upper sprocket 74 positioned around the proximal end 62 and distal end 64, respectively. As shown in Figure 1, a lifting motor 76 may be coupled to one of the sprockets (e.g., the upper sprocket 74) to drive the chain 66, thereby allowing the chain 66 and the protrusions 68 to move in a circular loop between the proximal end 62 and the distal end 64 of the lifting mechanism 60.

[0056] Furthermore, waste 53 (such as dust, dirt, leaves, etc.) separated from sugarcane fragments 51 can be discharged from agricultural machinery 10 via a secondary waste extractor assembly 78 connected to the rear end of the elevator 58. As shown in Figure 1, the secondary extractor assembly 78 can be located near the distal end 64 of the elevator 60 and can be oriented to guide the waste 53 out of the agricultural machinery 10. Additionally, a fan 80 can be mounted on the secondary extractor 78 to generate suction or vacuum sufficient to extract the waste 53 and force it through the secondary extractor 78. Fragments 51 that are separated and heavier than the waste 53 discharged through the extractor 78 can then fall from the distal end 64 of the elevator 60. Typically, fragments 51 can fall into an external storage device, such as a car, transfer machine, dump truck, etc., through the discharge opening 82 of the lifting assembly 52.

[0057] During operation, agricultural machinery 10 is driven throughout the field 20 to harvest sugarcane. Once the height of the tip cutter 22 is adjusted (if used) by the arm 28, the chuck 24 in the tip cutter assembly 22 can work in such a way that the sugarcane tips are clustered as the agricultural machinery 10 advances through the field 20, while the cutter disc 26 cuts the multi-leaved tips of the crop stalks to discharge them along both sides of the agricultural machinery 10. As the stalks enter the one or more divider devices 30, the plate 34 can be fixedly or adjustable to set the width of operation to determine the amount of sugarcane entering the inlet opening of the agricultural machinery 10. The lollipop-shaped stalks 32 then collect the stalks at the machine inlet to allow the tipping roller 36 to bend the stalks downwards under the action of the finned roller 38. Once the stalks are positioned at an angle, as shown in FIG. 1, the bottom cutting device 42 can cut the bottom of the stalks from the field 20. The cut stalks are then guided to the conveyor roller assembly 44.

[0058] The cut sugarcane stalks are conveyed rearward by conveyor rollers 46 and 48, which compress the stalks and harvested material. Downstream of the conveyor roller assembly 44, a chipper device 50 cuts or shreds the compacted crop stalks into chunks or fragments 51. Waste 53 (e.g., dust, dirt, leaves, etc.) is separated from the sugarcane and then the fragments 51 are extracted through a primary waste extractor assembly 54 using suction or vacuum generated by a fan 56. The separated / washed fragments 51 then fall to an elevator assembly 52 and travel upwards from its proximal end 62 to its distal end 64 via an elevator 60. During normal operation, once the fragments 51 reach the distal end 64 of the elevator 60, they fall through a discharge opening 82 into an external storage device. Similar to the primary extractor 54, waste is blown out of the agricultural machinery 10 by a secondary waste extractor assembly 78 with the aid of a fan 80.

[0059] Furthermore, although the accompanying drawings show a frontal structure arranged for harvesting two planting rows, and thus consisting of two frontal elements, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, the harvesting assembly 100 may be arranged to harvest only in one or more planting rows, depending on the interests of the project and market demand, without affecting the scope of this disclosure.

[0060] Furthermore, although the accompanying drawings show the harvesting assembly 100 as a stand-alone platform, as previously described, the harvesting assembly 100 may additionally or alternatively be directly mounted on the chassis 12 of the machine 10.

[0061] Referring now to Figures 2-9B, a harvesting assembly 100 is described according to various aspects of this disclosure. As shown, the harvesting assembly 100 may include a structural frame 102 on which one or more row divider devices 30 are mounted for separating and guiding crop stalks for harvesting. Furthermore, the harvesting assembly 100 may include at least one tilting roller 36 arranged upstream of a bottom cutting device 42, formed by a drive housing 104, from which a rotating shaft 106 protrudes, and whose end supports a bottom cutting disc 108 provided with blades for cutting crop (e.g., sugarcane and / or sorghum) stalks during harvesting along the field 20.

[0062] In the example shown in Figure 2-9B, the harvesting assembly 100 can be configured as a multi-row harvester and therefore may include a central portion divider device 30, a first row divider device 30, and a second row divider device 30. In some examples, the central portion divider may include one or more central portion feed rollers 32 operatively coupled to a central portion frame 118. The first row divider device 30 may include one or more feed rollers 32 and one or more plates 34 operatively coupled to a first pivot frame 110. Similarly, the second row divider device 30 may include one or more feed rollers 32 and one or more plates 34 operatively coupled to a second pivot frame 114.

[0063] In some cases, the first row divider device 30 includes a pair of feed rollers 32 operably coupled to the first pivot frame 110. The pair of feed rollers 32 may be positioned laterally outside the one or more central portion feed rollers 32. A first opening 120 may be defined between the one or more central portion feed rollers 32 and the feed rollers 32 operably coupled to the first pivot frame 110 for separating and guiding crop stalks for harvesting.

[0064] In various examples, the first pivot frame 110 is movable between at least a first operating position as shown in FIG. 2 and a second storage position as shown in FIG. 5A. In such an example, when the first pivot frame 110 is in the first position, the one or more center portion feed rollers 32 are separated from any one of the pair of feed rollers 32 operably coupled to the first pivot frame 110 by a first distance. Furthermore, when the first pivot frame 110 is in the second position, the one or more center portion feed rollers 32 are separated from any one of the pair of feed rollers 32 operably coupled to the first pivot frame 110 by a smaller second distance. Thus, when the first pivot frame 110 is placed in the first operating position, the first opening 120 can have a first width, while when the first pivot frame 110 is placed in the second storage position, the first opening 120 has a smaller second width.

[0065] In some cases, the second row divider assembly 30 is located on the side of the central divider assembly opposite to the first row divider assembly 30 and is operatively coupled to the structural frame 102. The second row divider assembly 30 may include a pair of feed rollers 32 operatively coupled to a second pivot frame 114. A second opening 122 may be defined between the one or more central feed rollers 32 and the feed rollers 32 operatively coupled to the second pivot frame 114 for separating and guiding crop stalks for harvesting.

[0066] In various examples, the second pivot frame 114 is movable between at least a first operating position (as shown in FIG. 2) and a second storage position (as shown in FIG. 5A). In such an example, when the second pivot frame 114 is in the first position, the one or more central portion feed rollers 32 are separated from any one of the pair of feed rollers 32 operably coupled to the second pivot frame 114 by a first distance. Furthermore, when the second pivot frame 114 is in the second position, the one or more central portion feed rollers 32 are separated from any one of the pair of feed rollers 32 operably coupled to the second pivot frame 114 by a smaller second distance. Thus, when the second pivot frame 114 is placed in the first operating position, the second opening 122 can have a first width, while when the second pivot frame 114 is placed in the second storage position, the second opening can have a smaller second width.

[0067] In various examples, when the first pivot frame 110 moves between a first position and a second position, the plate 34 associated with each feed roller 32 within the first row divider assembly 30 may be configured to move together with the first pivot frame 110. Similarly, when the second pivot frame 114 moves between a first position and a second position, the plate 34 associated with each feed roller 32 within the second row divider assembly 30 may be configured to move together with the second pivot frame 114.

[0068] Referring further to Figures 2-9B, in the example shown, the first pivot frame 110 can be operatively coupled to the structural frame 102 via a first connecting element 112. Similarly, the second pivot frame 114 can be operatively coupled to the structural frame 102 via a second connecting element 116. Each of the first connecting element 112 and the second connecting element 116 can have any geometry. Furthermore, the first connecting element 112 can be integrally formed with or subsequently attached to the first pivot frame 110 and / or movable with the first pivot frame 110. The second connecting element 116 can be integrally formed with or subsequently attached to the second pivot frame 114 and / or movable with the second pivot frame 114. Additionally or alternatively, the first connecting element 112 and / or the second connecting element 116 can be integrally formed with or subsequently attached to the structural frame 102, and the first pivot frame 110 and / or the second pivot frame 114 can be movable relative to the second connecting element 116.

[0069] In some cases, the harvesting assembly 100 may include locking elements, such as retainer 142, for holding the first pivot frame 110 and / or the second pivot frame 114 in their respective first open position or second pivot position. Typically, the locking elements may each be configured as mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, combinations thereof, and / or any other element capable of holding the first pivot frame 110 and / or the second pivot frame 114 in the selected position.

[0070] Additionally or alternatively, the harvesting assembly 100 may include actuators that facilitate movement of the first pivot frame 110 and / or the second pivot frame 114 between their respective first open positions or second pivot positions. In various examples, each actuator may be configured as a mechanical actuator, an electric actuator, a hydraulic actuator, a pneumatic actuator, a combination thereof, and / or any other actuator capable of moving the first pivot frame 110 and / or the second pivot frame 114 to a selected position. Additionally or alternatively, the first pivot frame 110 and / or the second pivot frame 114 may be moved manually.

[0071] In several examples, the harvesting assembly 100 is mounted directly or indirectly on the front structure of the chassis 12 (FIG. 1) of the agricultural machinery 10. Alternatively, according to another embodiment of the invention, the harvesting assembly 100 is mounted on a separate platform arranged to be connected to and disconnected from the front of the structure of the chassis 12 (FIG. 1) of the agricultural machinery 10.

[0072] Referring now to Figures 10-17, a first row divider device 30 is described according to various aspects of this disclosure. It should be understood that while the first row divider device 30 is described with reference to Figures 10-17, the second row divider device 30 may also include any of the disclosed features. It will be further understood that, since the first row divider device 30 is positioned on the side of the vehicle centerline and / or the central portion of the row divider set 30 opposite to the second row divider set 30, the components of the second row divider set 30 may be mirror images of the components in the first row divider device 30. Furthermore, in various examples, the first row divider device 30 may rotate laterally inward in a first direction, while the second row divider device 30 may rotate laterally inward in a second direction. The second direction of rotation may be substantially opposite to the first direction of rotation.

[0073] As shown in the figures, in some examples, the first connecting element 112 may include one or more hinges 124 that are operatively coupled to the structural frame 102 and the first pivot frame 110. The one or more hinges 124 may define the axis of rotation of the first pivot frame 110. A hinge guard 126, shown in more detail in Figure 13, may be laterally positioned outside the one or more hinges 124 and at least partially covers them. As shown, the hinge guard 126 may include a first portion 128 and a second portion 132, the first portion 128 being positioned at least partially forward of the hinge pin 130 in the vehicle, and the second portion being rearward of the first portion 128 in the vehicle.

[0074] Referring again to Figures 10-17, the first connecting element 112 may additionally or alternatively include one or more support arms 134 hinged to the first pivot frame 110. Each support arm 134 may have any desired geometry, such as a non-linear portion. Furthermore, the non-linear portion may define a slot 136 therein. A guide 138 may be positioned within the slot 136 and operatively coupled to the structural frame 102. In the example shown, the guide 138 is configured as a fastener. However, without departing from the teachings provided herein, the guide 138 may be configured in any other configuration. When the first pivot arm rotates relative to the support frame, the guide 138 may remain within the slot 136 to help guide the first pivot frame 110 between a first position and a second position, or vice versa. Once the first pivot frame 110 is positioned in the first and / or second positions, the guide 138 may be fastened to further hold the first pivot frame 110 in the defined position.

[0075] Referring further to Figures 14-17, in some examples, the non-linear portion of the first connecting element 112 may further define one or more retaining openings 140. In some cases, the retainer 142 may be positioned within the retaining opening 140 to hold the first connecting element 112 and thus the first pivot frame 110 in the defined position.

[0076] In some cases, retainer 142 may be positioned within retainer bracket 144. Retainer bracket 144 may be operatively coupled to structural frame 102. As shown, retainer bracket 144 may include an upper portion 146, a middle portion 148, and a bottom portion 150. The middle portion 148 may be operatively coupled to structural frame 102, which may be achieved by one or more fasteners 152 and / or any other fastening method. The upper portion 146 and the bottom portion 150 may extend from the middle portion 148, each defining a retainer gap 154. Retainer 142 may extend through each retainer gap 154 ​​to align retainer 142 with retainer opening 140 when retainer opening 140 is aligned with retainer gap 154.

[0077] In several examples, a first segment 156 of the retainer 142 may be positioned through a retainer gap 154, and a second segment 158 ​​may be offset from the first segment 156. In some cases, a biasing member 160, such as a spring, may be operatively coupled to the first segment 156 of the retainer 142. For example, the biasing member 160 may be positioned about the retainer 142 between the upper portion 146 and the bottom portion 150 of the retainer support 144. The biasing member 160 may be configured to push the retainer 142 downward within a retainer slot defined by the retainer support 144.

[0078] In various examples, the structural frame 102 may define a retaining hole 162. A second segment 158 ​​of the retainer 142 may extend into the retaining hole 162. As shown, the retaining hole 162 may include a first portion 164 having a first bottom surface 166 and a second portion 168 having a second bottom surface 170. The first bottom surface 166 may be vertically offset from the second bottom surface 170 such that the second segment 158 ​​of the retainer 142 may be selectively retained within the first portion 164 and / or the second portion 168 by a downward force provided by the biasing member 160. Due to the offset height between the first bottom surface 166 and the second bottom surface 170, when the retainer 142 is placed in the first portion 164, the retainer 142 may be positioned in an engaged position such that the retainer 142 is at least partially positioned within the slot 136 of the first connecting element 112. Alternatively, the retainer 142 may be positioned in a disengaged position when placed in the second part 168, such that the retainer 142 is positioned above the slot 136 of the first connecting element 112, thereby allowing the first connecting element 112 and the first pivot frame 110 to rotate.

[0079] Referring again to Figures 14-17, in various examples, the locking bracket 172 may be integrally formed with and / or laterally connected to the first pivot frame 110. Furthermore, the structural frame 102 may define a locking hole 174. In use, when the first pivot frame 110 is moved to a first open position, the gap defined by the bracket can be aligned with the locking hole 174. Once aligned, a fastener 176 can be positioned through the gap and the locking hole 174 to hold the first row divider assembly 30 in a first position. In such an example, the locking hole 174 may engage with the locking bracket 172 to hold the first pivot arm in a first position, and a retaining hole may be used to hold the first pivot arm in a second position.

[0080] Referring now to FIG18, a method 300 for operating a harvesting assembly of agricultural machinery is shown, according to various aspects of this subject matter. Generally, method 300 will be described herein with reference to the agricultural machinery 10 and harvesting assembly 100 described above with reference to FIG1-17. However, the disclosed method 300 can generally be used with any suitable harvesting assembly. Furthermore, although FIG18 depicts steps performed in a particular order for illustrative and discussion purposes, the method discussed herein is not limited to any particular order or arrangement. Using the disclosure provided herein, those skilled in the art will understand that various steps of the method disclosed herein can be omitted, rearranged, combined, and / or modified in various ways without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0081] As shown in Figure 18, in (302), method 300 may include releasing a first locking element from a first connecting element. The first connecting element operatively connects a first pivoting frame of the harvesting assembly to a structural frame of the harvesting assembly. In some cases, releasing the first locking element from the first connecting element may include removing a retainer from a locking hole defined by the connecting element.

[0082] In (304), method 300 may include rotating a first pivot frame and one or more feed rollers operatively coupled to the first pivot frame from a first position to a second position. The rotation of the first pivot frame relative to the structural frame may be guided by sliding a first pivot arm and a first connecting element along a guide positioned within one or more retaining openings defined by the first connecting element, and / or by utilizing a hinge to rotate the first pivot arm and the first connecting element about a defined axis.

[0083] In (306), method 300 may include engaging a first locking element with a first connecting element to hold the first pivot frame in a second position.

[0084] In (308), method 300 may include releasing a second locking element from a second connecting element. The second connecting element operatively connects a second pivot frame of the harvesting assembly to a structural frame of the harvesting assembly. In some cases, the first pivot frame is laterally offset from the second pivot frame along the structural frame.

[0085] At (310), method 300 may include rotating a second pivot frame and one or more feed rollers operatively coupled to the second pivot frame from a first position to a second position. The rotation of the second pivot frame relative to the structural frame may be guided by sliding a second pivot arm and a second connecting element along a guide positioned within one or more retaining openings defined by the second connecting element and / or by utilizing hinges to rotate the second pivot arm and the second connecting element about a defined axis.

[0086] In (312), method 300 may include engaging a second locking element with a second connecting element to hold the second pivot frame in a second position.

[0087] This written specification uses examples to disclose the technology, including best practices, and to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the technology, including making and using any device or system and methods of performing any combination. The patentable scope of the technology is defined by the claims and may include other examples that would occur to a person skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that are not indistinguishable from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements that are not substantially different from the literal language of the claims.

Claims

1. A harvesting assembly for agricultural machinery, the harvesting assembly comprising: Structural framework; A central portion divider device, which is operatively connected to the structural frame and includes one or more central portion feed rollers; A first row divider device, laterally offset from the central divider device and operably coupled to the structural frame, includes: a first pivot frame; a first connecting element operably coupled to the first pivot frame and the structural frame; one or more first sets of feed rollers operably coupled to the first pivot frame; and a second row divider device, positioned on the side of the central divider device opposite to the first row divider device and operably coupled to the structural frame, including: a second pivot frame; a second connecting element operably coupled to the second pivot frame and the structural frame; and one or more second sets of feed rollers operably coupled to the second pivot frame, wherein the first pivot frame... The frame also includes a first locking element for holding the first pivot frame in a first position and a second position, wherein the second pivot frame also includes a second locking element for holding the second pivot frame in the first position and a second position, and wherein the harvesting assembly also includes a retainer positioned within a retainer bracket operatively connected to the structural frame, the retainer being positioned through one or more retainer gaps defined by the retainer bracket, the retainer bracket aligning the retainer with the retainer openings when each of the first and second connecting elements is aligned with the retainer gaps, wherein the retainer is selectively disposed within the retainer openings to hold the first and second pivot frames in defined positions.

2. The harvesting assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The first locking element and the second locking element are each constructed as at least one of mechanical elements, electrical elements, hydraulic elements, pneumatic elements, or combinations thereof.

3. The harvesting assembly according to claim 1, further comprising: A first drive actuator, operatively coupled to the first pivot frame, is used to assist the first pivot frame in moving between the first position and the second position.

4. The harvesting assembly according to claim 3, wherein, The first drive actuator is at least one of a mechanical actuator, an electric actuator, a hydraulic actuator, a pneumatic actuator, or a combination thereof.

5. The harvesting assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The first connecting element is hinged to the first pivot frame, and the second connecting element is hinged to the second pivot frame.

6. The harvesting assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The central portion divider device also includes a central portion frame that supports the one or more central portion feed rollers, wherein the central portion frame is operatively connected to the structural frame.

7. The harvesting assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The structural frame forms part of the chassis of the agricultural machinery.

8. The harvesting assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The structural frame is a stand-alone platform and is arranged to be connected to and detached from the chassis of the agricultural machinery.

9. The harvesting assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The first connecting element and the second connecting element each include a support arm that defines one or more retaining openings.

10. The harvesting assembly according to claim 9, wherein, The guide is positioned within one or more retaining openings and is operatively coupled to the structural frame.

11. The harvesting assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The structural frame defines a retaining opening, and a portion of the retainer is positioned within the retaining opening.

12. A method for operating a harvesting assembly for agricultural machinery according to any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising: Release the first locking element from the first connecting element, wherein the first connecting element operatively connects the first pivoting frame of the harvesting assembly to the structural frame of the harvesting assembly; Rotating the first pivot frame and one or more feed rollers operatively coupled to the first pivot frame from a first position to a second position; and engaging a first locking element with a first connecting element to hold the first pivot frame in the second position, wherein releasing the first locking element from the first connecting element further includes removing the retainer from a retaining opening defined by the first connecting element.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising: Release the second locking element from the second connecting element, wherein the second connecting element operably connects the second pivot frame of the harvesting assembly to the structural frame of the harvesting assembly, and wherein the first pivot frame is laterally offset from the second pivot frame along the structural frame; Rotate the second pivot frame and one or more feed rollers operably connected to the second pivot frame from the first position to the second position; The second locking element engages with the second connecting element to hold the second pivot frame in the second position, wherein releasing the second locking element from the second connecting element further includes removing the retainer from the retaining opening defined by the second connecting element.

Images