Adjustable cotton picking unit pressure door

Abstract

A picking unit for a cotton harvester, comprising: a first rotating picking drum having a plurality of first rotating picker spindles; the first pressure plate is mounted on the first connecting piece and is configured to pivot relative to the first rotating picking roller; and a plurality of first torsion springs configured to apply a biasing force on the first pressure plate. Each of the plurality of first torsion springs includes a first end connected to the first abutment and a second end in contact with the first pressure plate, and an actuator is configured to vary the biasing force applied by the plurality of first torsion springs by rotating the first abutment.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 374,475, filed on September 2, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to cotton picking machines, and in particular to pressure doors for picking units of cotton picking machines. Summary of the invention

[0003] A picking unit for a cotton harvester includes: a first rotary picking drum having a plurality of first rotary picker spindles; a first pressure plate mounted on a first articulation member and configured to pivot relative to the first rotary picking drum; and a plurality of first torsion springs configured to apply a biasing force on the first pressure plate. Each of the plurality of first torsion springs includes a first end connected to the first articulation member and a second end in contact with the first pressure plate, and an actuator is configured to change the biasing force applied by the plurality of first torsion springs by rotating the first articulation member.

[0004] In other features, the actuator is a rotary actuator.

[0005] In further features, the picking unit includes a shaft and a first gear disposed on the shaft. The picking unit includes a second gear disposed on the first articulation, and the first gear is configured to engage the second gear.

[0006] In still further features, the first gear and the second gear are bevel gears.

[0007] In other features, at least one of the first gear and the second gear is made of powdered metal.

[0008] In still other features, the picking unit includes a frame and a bracket attached to the frame. The bracket includes an opening, the shaft passes through the opening in the bracket, and the first gear is partially disposed within the opening in the bracket.

[0009] In further features, the opening in the bracket includes a bearing having an inner surface, and an outer surface of the first gear at least partially contacts the inner surface of the bearing.

[0010] In other features, the picking unit includes: a second rotary picking drum having a plurality of second rotary picker spindles; and a second pressure plate mounted on a second articulation and configured to pivot relative to the second rotary picking drum. The picking unit also includes a plurality of second torsion springs configured to apply a biasing force on the second pressure plate. Each of the plurality of second torsion springs includes a first end connected to the second articulation and a second end in contact with the second pressure plate. The actuator is configured to vary the biasing force applied by the plurality of second torsion springs by rotating the second articulation.

[0011] In still other features, the actuator is a linear actuator.

[0012] In further features, the picking unit includes a frame and a bracket attached to the frame. The first articulation includes an arm fixedly attached to an end of the first articulation, a first end of the linear actuator is pivotally coupled to the bracket, and a second end of the actuator is pivotally coupled to the arm.

[0013] In other features, the actuator is a hydraulically driven actuator.

[0014] A cotton picker includes: a chassis supported by a plurality of ground engaging members; a power module configured to provide power to at least one of the plurality of ground engaging members; and a plurality of picking units. Each of the plurality of picking units includes: a rotating picking drum having a plurality of first rotating picker spindles; an articulation; a pressure plate mounted on the articulation and configured to pivot relative to the rotating picking drum; and a plurality of torsion springs configured to apply a biasing force on the pressure plate. Each of the plurality of torsion springs includes a first end connected to the articulation and a second end in contact with the pressure plate, and an actuator is configured to vary the biasing force applied by the plurality of torsion springs by rotating the articulation. The cotton picker also includes a circular module builder including a cotton accumulator and an air duct system connectable to the plurality of picking units and the cotton accumulator.

[0015] In further features, the actuator is a rotary actuator.

[0016] In further features, each of the plurality of picking units includes: a shaft; a first gear disposed on the shaft; and a second gear disposed on the articulation member and configured to engage the first gear. The first gear is configured to engage the second gear.

[0017] In still further features, the first gear and the second gear are bevel gears.

[0018] In other features, at least one of the first gear and the second gear is made of powdered metal.

[0019] In other features, each of the plurality of picking units includes a frame and a bracket attached to the frame. The bracket includes an opening, the shaft passes through the opening in the bracket, and the first gear is partially disposed within the opening in the bracket.

[0020] In other features, the opening in the bracket includes a bearing having an inner surface, and an outer surface of the first gear at least partially contacts the inner surface of the bearing.

[0021] In other features, the actuator is a linear actuator.

[0022] In further features, each of the plurality of picking units includes a frame and a bracket attached to the frame. The articulation includes an arm fixedly attached to an end of the articulation. A first end of the linear actuator is pivotally coupled to the bracket, and a second end of the actuator is pivotally coupled to the arm.

[0023] Further areas of applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description, claims, and drawings.The detailed description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The present disclosure will become more fully understood from the detailed description and accompanying drawings, in which:

[0025] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary agricultural vehicle in the form of a cotton picking vehicle having a plurality of cotton picking units.

[0026] Figure 2 is a side view of an exemplary agricultural vehicle.

[0027] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a first exemplary cotton picking unit including an adjustable pressure door according to the principles of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 4yes Figure 3 A partial top view of a first exemplary cotton picking unit.

[0029] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 A partial perspective view of an adjustable pressure door of a first exemplary cotton picking unit.

[0030] Figure 6 yes Figure 3 Another partial perspective view of the adjustable pressure door of the first exemplary cotton picking unit.

[0031] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a second exemplary cotton picking unit including an adjustable pressure door according to the principles of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A partial perspective view of a second exemplary embodiment of an adjustable pressure door of a second exemplary cotton picking unit.

[0033] Fig. 9 yes Figure 7 A partial top view of a second exemplary cotton picking unit.

[0034] Among the drawings, reference numerals may be repeated to identify similar and / or identical elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] Figure 1 and Figure 2 An exemplary cotton picker 100 is illustrated having a header unit 12 that includes a plurality of cotton picking units 14 (e.g., six are shown) arranged side by side across the front of the vehicle. Each picking unit 14 may be identical to another picking unit, and thus the internal structure for one picking unit will be described below, with the understanding that the description may also apply to the other picking units. Each picking unit 14 may include a pair of separators 16a, 16b that are laterally spaced from one another and form a channel 18 disposed therebetween. The channels 18 are configured to receive rows of cotton plants as the cotton picker 100 is driven through the field 235, and thus, the channels 18 are laterally spaced from one another by substantially the same distance as the rows of cotton plants to be picked.

[0036] The cotton picker 100 includes a chassis 20. The illustrated chassis 20 is supported by front and rear ground engaging members 25, 30. Although the front and rear ground engaging members 25, 30 of the cotton picker 100 are depicted as wheels, other supports are contemplated—for example, tracks. The cotton picker 100 is adapted to move through a field 235 to perform tasks, such as harvesting cotton. An operator station 40 is supported by the chassis 20.

[0037] An operator interface 45 is positioned in the operator station 40. In some embodiments, the operator interface 45 includes a display screen—for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light emitting diode (LED) screen, an organic LED (OLED) screen, or a CRT display. The display screen of the operator interface 45 can present various features and / or parameters of the cotton picker 100 via a graphical user interface (GUI). In various embodiments, the operator interface 45 can include one or more user input devices—for example, buttons, switches, a touch screen, and / or a joystick. An operator of the cotton picker 100 can adjust various operating parameters of the cotton picker 100 via the operator interface 45 (for example, by actuating one or more of the user input devices).

[0038] refer to Figure 2 , a power module 50 may be supported below the chassis 20. The power module may be an engine 55 that drives a hydraulic motor 60 or a mechanical drive 65 to power a variable pitch fan 70 and at least one of the front ground engaging members 25 and the rear ground engaging members 30. An operator may set a minimum power for the power module 50 from the operator interface 45. The operator may also set a minimum engine speed from the operator interface 45. A water tank, a lubricant tank, and a fuel tank, generally indicated at 75, may be supported on the chassis 20.

[0039] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the air duct system 95 may be coupled to the header 12. The round module builder 105 may be coupled to the air duct system 95. The round module builder 105 includes a cotton accumulator 110 configured to receive cotton or other crops harvested by the cotton picking unit 14. Figure 2 A feeding mechanism 115 may be coupled to the chassis 20. The feeding mechanism 115 is configured to receive cotton from the cotton accumulator 110. The feeding mechanism 115 includes a plurality of rollers 120 configured to compress the cotton and transfer the cotton to a baler 125 of the round module builder 105.

[0040] Figures 4 to 6 A first exemplary picking unit 14a is depicted, while Figures 7 to 9 A second exemplary picking unit 14b is depicted. The first exemplary picking unit 14a and the second exemplary picking unit 14b represent two exemplary embodiments of the picking unit 14 according to the principles of the present disclosure. Figure 4 and Fig. 9, each picking unit 14 may include a front (or first) picking drum 420 and a rear (or second) picking drum 422 disposed along one side of the channel 18. The picking drums 420, 422 may each include a plurality of picker bars 424 disposed around the circumference of the picking drums 420, 422. The picking drums 420, 422 may be vertically aligned around parallel axes (drum axes), and the picker bars 424 may be disposed parallel to each other and to the drum axes. Each picker bar 424 may be operably coupled to an associated drum 420, 422 at its top end and its bottom end to pivot around a picker bar axis parallel to the drum axis.

[0041] A plurality of picker spindles 430 are disposed on each picker bar 424, with the proximal end 432 of the spindles 430 located beside the picker bar 424. Each spindle 430 may have a conical body that tapers toward a distal end 436 and includes one or more serrated barbs. In the illustrated embodiment, the spindles 430 are disposed substantially perpendicular to the picker bars 424 on which they are mounted, collectively in an array of columns and rows, and they may be configured to rotate about an axis extending through the proximal end 432 and the distal end 436. The spindles 430 may be disposed at other non-perpendicular acute or obtuse angles relative to the picker bars 424 on which they are mounted.

[0042] The rear drum 422 can be the same or similar to the front picking drum 420. For example, the front drum 420 and the rear drum 422 can include the same number of picker bars 424 and each picker bar 424 includes the same number of spindles 430. However, the rear picking drum 422 can include a different number of picker bars 424 and / or each picker bar 424 includes a different number of spindles 430. In some embodiments, the rear picking drum 422 can include fewer picker bars 424 (e.g., twelve) than the front picking drum 420 (e.g., sixteen picker bars 424) and each picker bar 424 includes the same number of spindles 430 (e.g., twenty). In addition, the front drum 420 and the rear drum 422 can be configured to rotate at substantially the same speed or at different speeds. In some embodiments, the front picking drum 420 has a larger diameter than the rear picking drum 422, and the front picking drum 420 can rotate between about 140 rpm and 150 rpm, and the rear drum 422 can rotate between about 160 rpm and 170 rpm. The spindles 430 can rotate at a constant speed (e.g., about 4500 rpm), or at a varying speed.

[0043] refer to Figure 4 and Fig. 9Each picking unit 14 may also include a series of grid bars 448 or grid bar arrays 448 for each drum 420, 422 that may be disposed between vertically adjacent pairs of spindles 430. The grid bar arrays 448 may be used to keep plant material from passing through the channel 18 away from the picking drums 420, 422, but at the same time position the plant material so that the spindles 430 may more effectively interact with the plant to remove cotton from the bolls. Thus, the grid bar arrays 448 may be located near the proximal ends 432 of the spindles 430 so that a majority of each spindle 430 (including the serrated distal end 436) protrudes into the channel 18 beyond the grid bar arrays 448. The grid bars themselves may be aligned in a column, thereby forming multiple rows of channels between adjacent pairs of grid bars. Each pick spindle 430 can be configured to pass through a corresponding channel so that each grid bar array 448 and one or both of the channels can be arranged substantially perpendicular to the picker bar 424, or even if not substantially perpendicular to the picker bar 424, a path to the pick spindle 430 can be created in other ways. Each grid bar array 448 can have a leading section and a trailing section, and the leading section can be configured to form a contour around a portion of the circumference of the picking drums 420, 422. Specifically, the leading section can be linear or curvilinear and can extend, for example, between about 1 / 8 and about 1 / 4 of the path around the circumference of each drum 420, 422. The trailing section can be arranged to be generally in line with the direction of the channel 18. (For example, the line can be a line tangent to the drums 420, 422 at a position where the radius of the drums 420, 422 is perpendicular to the direction of the channel 18. The transition between the leading section and the trailing section can be at a position upstream of the tangent position.)

[0044] On the side of the channel 18 opposite the picking rollers 420, 422, the picking unit 14 may include a pressure plate 358, one pressure plate 358 for each roller 420, 422, which is configured to press plant material passing through the channel 18 toward the picking rollers 420, 422. Each pressure plate 358 may have a front (facing the channel and rollers) side and a rear side. Each pressure plate 358 may also include or interface with a stop to limit the extent to which the plate can travel into the channel 18, for example, as described in detail below. The stop may be a mechanical structure that physically prevents further movement of the pressure plate 358, or it may be a programmable limit position (for example, in a case where the movement of the pressure plate 358 is electronically controlled).

[0045] One or more torsion springs 368 may be disposed about the articulation 364. Each torsion spring 368 may have a spring end that applies a force on the rear side of the pressure plate 358 to bias the pressure plate 358 toward the passage 18. Each torsion spring 368 may also have a fixed end connected to the articulation. There may be at least one and possibly multiple torsion springs 368 disposed along each articulation 364 to apply a force along the length of the pressure plate 358.

[0046] Each pressure plate 358 may include a first section extending rearwardly and inwardly from the leading end (i.e., extending into and narrowing the channel 18 when viewed from the top), which may assist in funneling plant material into the channel 18. A second section may extend generally parallel to the direction of the channel 18, followed by a third section and a fourth section that may be configured to contour around a portion of the circumference of the picking drums 420, 422, like the grid bar array 448. Thus, the third section may extend rearwardly and outwardly from the second section, and the fourth section may extend generally parallel to the direction of the channel 18 (i.e., in a plane generally parallel to a plane tangential to the drums 420, 422 at that location). The fourth section may be positioned rearwardly into the channel 18 at a location that overlaps with the trailing section of the associated grid bar array 448, although the fourth section may be significantly shorter than the trailing section. Further following the path of the picking drums 420, 422, the pressure plates 358 can each include a fifth segment extending rearward and inward from the fourth segment, a sixth segment extending rearward and outward, and a seventh segment extending in a direction generally parallel to the channel 18. Each of these segments can be a generally flat surface, but they can also be various concave, convex, angled or other irregularly shaped surfaces. In addition, it will be understood that these directions refer to the orientation of the pressure plate 358 in its configuration biased toward the picking drums 420, 422, and these directions will change if the pressure plate 358 is articulated outwardly (e.g., due to plant material passing through the channel 18 and forcing the pressure plate 358 outward). The pressure plate 358 itself can be substantially rigid so that the relative angle between the pressure plate segments can not change when the pressure plate 358 is rotated outward. In addition, the third segment and the fourth segment can form an obtuse angle relative to each other, and the fourth segment and the fifth segment can form an obtuse angle relative to each other. The two angles may be different, or as illustrated, they may be substantially the same, such that the third, fourth, and fifth segments combine to form a groove having a flat bottom spaced from the associated drum 420, 422, with angled sides protruding toward the drum 420, 422. As the picking drums 420, 422 rotate, the picker bars 424 rotate with the picking drums 420, 422 and also about their axes, thereby causing the row of spindles 430 to enter the groove, move toward the third segment, move along the fourth segment, and move away from the fifth segment as they exit the groove.

[0047] Each pressure plate 358 may include one and more likely multiple scrapers 488 for each roller 420, 422. The scrapers 488 may be formed as a single piece with the pressure plate 358, or alternatively, they may be separate elements coupled to the pressure plate 358, which may facilitate repair or replacement of the scrapers 488 in the event that the scrapers 488 become damaged or broken. Each scraper 488 may be formed of a rigid but non-brittle material that resists both deformation and fracture during use. In one embodiment, the scrapers 488 may be made of metal (e.g., steel or aluminum). The scrapers 488 may be formed as an integral part, for example, using a casting process or a bending or machining technique. Alternatively, the scrapers 488 may be made of multiple pieces of metal, for example, by welding. Each scraper 488 may be formed separately. Alternatively, multiple scrapers 488 may be formed as a single unit.

[0048] refer to Figures 4 to 6 , the first exemplary picking unit 14a includes a linear actuator 370, which includes a first end of a bracket 372 pivotally coupled to a frame 373 of the picking unit 14a. As illustrated, the linear actuator 370 can be a hydraulic cylinder. In other embodiments, the linear actuator 370 can be electrically or pneumatically driven. In some embodiments, the linear actuator 370 is single-acting - that is, capable of applying force in a single direction. In other embodiments, the linear actuator 370 is double-acting - that is, capable of applying force in two opposite directions.

[0049] Each articulation 364a, 364b includes an arm 374a, 374b fixedly attached to the end of the articulation 364a, 364b, respectively. The second end of the linear actuator 370 is pivotally connected to the arm 374b of the articulation 364b. The arm 374a is connected to the arm 374b via a connecting rod 378. In some embodiments, the connecting rod 378 is an adjustable length connecting rod, as shown. In other embodiments, the connecting rod 378 is a fixed length.

[0050] Actuation of the linear actuator 370 causes the articulation members 364a, 364b to rotate. The rotation of the articulation members 364a, 364b causes the biasing force applied by the spring 368 on the pressure plate 358 to increase or decrease. For example, when the linear actuator 370 is extended, the articulation members 364a, 364b are moved relative to the pressure plate 358. Figure 4 The orientation of the hinge 364a, 364b rotates in a counterclockwise direction and the force applied by the spring 368 on the pressure plate 358 increases. Alternatively, when the linear actuator 370 is retracted, the hinge members 364a, 364b are moved relative to Figure 4 The orientation of is rotated in a clockwise direction and the force applied by spring 368 on pressure plate 358 is reduced.

[0051] In some embodiments, the linear actuators 370 of the first exemplary picking unit 14a can be independently operated—for example, via the operator interface 45 in the operator station 40. In other embodiments, the linear actuators 370 of two or more picking units are linked and actuated in unison—i.e., extended or retracted.

[0052] refer to Figures 7 to 9 , the second exemplary picking unit 14b includes a rotary actuator 710 and a shaft 715. The rotary actuator 710 is configured to act on the shaft 715 - for example, to rotate the shaft 715. In some embodiments, the rotary actuator 710 is a hydraulic actuator. In other embodiments, the rotary actuator 710 can be an electric actuator, a pneumatic actuator, or another suitable actuator capable of rotating the shaft 715. In various embodiments, the rotary actuator 710 is a single-acting rotary actuator. In other embodiments, the rotary actuator 710 is a double-acting rotary actuator.

[0053] The shaft 715 includes a first gear 720 that engages a first articulation gear 722 connected to the articulation 364a and a second gear 724 that engages a second articulation gear 726 connected to the articulation 364b, such that rotation of the shaft 715, for example, by rotating the actuator 710, causes rotation of the articulations 364a, 364b. The rotation of the articulations 364a, 364b causes the biasing force applied by the spring 368 on the pressure plate 358 to increase or decrease. For example, in response to the rotating actuator 710 rotating the shaft 715 in a first direction, the articulations 364a, 364b are moved relative to each other. Fig. 9 The orientation of the hinge 364a, 364b rotates in a counterclockwise direction and the force applied by the spring 368 on the pressure plate 358 increases. Alternatively, in response to the rotating actuator 710 rotating the shaft 715 in the second direction, the hinge members 364a, 364b are moved relative to the hinge 364a, 364b. Fig. 9 The orientation of is rotated in a clockwise direction and the force applied by spring 368 on pressure plate 358 is reduced.

[0054] In various embodiments, the first gear 720 and the second gear 724 are made of powdered metal. In other embodiments, the first gear 720 and the second gear 724 are made of heat-treated metal, for example, steel. In various embodiments, the first gear 720, the first articulation gear 722, the second gear 724, and the second articulation gear 726 are bevel gears.

[0055] The shaft 715 passes through an opening in the first shaft support 730 and an opening in the second shaft support 735. A portion of the first gear 720 is disposed inside the opening on the first shaft support 730. A portion of the second gear 724 is disposed inside the opening in the second shaft support 735. In some embodiments, the opening in the first shaft support 730 and the opening in the second shaft support 735 each include a bushing. The outer surface of the portion of the first gear 720 disposed inside the opening in the first shaft support 730 rides on the inner surface of the bearing of the first shaft support 730. Similarly, the outer surface of the portion of the second gear 724 disposed inside the opening in the second shaft support 735 rides on the inner surface of the bearing of the second shaft support 735.

[0056] In some embodiments, the rotary actuator 710 of the second exemplary picking unit 14b can be independently operated, for example via the operator interface 45 in the operator station 40. In other embodiments, the rotary actuators 710 of two or more picking units 14 are linked and actuated in unison, i.e., rotated. In other embodiments (not shown), the articulation 364a and the articulation 364b are connected to independent rotary actuators. in conclusion

[0057] The foregoing description is merely illustrative in nature and is in no way intended to limit the present disclosure, its application or use. The broad teachings of the present disclosure can be implemented in various forms. Therefore, although the present disclosure includes specific examples, the true scope of the present disclosure should not be so limited, because other modifications will become apparent when studying the drawings, the specification and the appended claims. It should be understood that one or more steps within the method can be performed in different orders (or simultaneously) without changing the principles of the present disclosure. In addition, although each of the embodiments is described above as having certain features, any one or more of those features described with respect to any embodiment of the present disclosure can be implemented in the features of any other embodiment and / or combined with the features of any other embodiment, even if the combination is not explicitly described. In other words, the described embodiments are not mutually exclusive, and the arrangement of one or more embodiments to each other is still within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0058] Various terms including "connected," "engaged," "interfaced," and "coupled" are used to describe the spatial and functional relationships between elements (for example, between modules). Unless explicitly described as "directly," when describing the relationship between a first element and a second element in the disclosure above, the relationship encompasses a direct relationship in which no other intervening elements exist between the first element and the second element, and an indirect relationship in which one or more intervening elements exist between the first element and the second element (either spatially or functionally). As used herein, the phrase at least one of A, B, and C should be interpreted to mean a logic (A or B or C) using a non-exclusive logical OR, and should not be interpreted to mean "at least one of A, at least one of B, and at least one of C."

Claims

1. A picking unit for a cotton harvester, comprising: a first rotary picking drum having a plurality of first rotary picker spindles; a first pressure plate mounted on a first hinge and configured to pivot relative to the first rotating picking drum; a plurality of first torsion springs configured to apply a biasing force on the first pressure plate, wherein each spring of the plurality of first torsion springs includes a first end connected to the first hinge and a second end in contact with the first pressure plate; and An actuator is configured to vary the biasing force applied by the plurality of first torsion springs by rotating the first hinge.

2. The picking unit according to claim 1, wherein: The actuator is a rotary actuator.

3. The picking unit according to claim 2, further comprising: axis; a first gear, the first gear being disposed on the shaft; and a second gear, the second gear being disposed on the first hinge, Wherein, the first gear is configured to engage the second gear.

4. The picking unit according to claim 3, wherein: The first gear and the second gear are bevel gears.

5. The picking unit according to claim 3, wherein: At least one of the first gear and the second gear is made of powdered metal.

6. The picking unit according to claim 3, further comprising: frame; and a bracket, the bracket being attached to the frame, The bracket includes an opening, the shaft passes through the opening in the bracket, and the first gear is partially disposed in the opening in the bracket.

7. The picking unit according to claim 6, wherein: The opening in the bracket includes a bearing having an inner surface, and wherein an outer surface of the first gear at least partially contacts the inner surface of the bearing.

8. The picking unit according to claim 1, further comprising: a second rotary picking drum having a plurality of second rotary picker spindles; a second pressure plate mounted on a second hinge and configured to pivot relative to the second rotating picking drum; and a plurality of second torsion springs configured to apply a biasing force on the second pressure plate, wherein each of the plurality of second torsion springs includes a first end connected to the second hinge and a second end in contact with the second pressure plate, Wherein, the actuator is configured to change the biasing force applied by the plurality of second torsion springs by rotating the second hinge.

9. The picking unit according to claim 1, wherein: The actuator is a linear actuator.

10. The picking unit according to claim 9, further comprising: frame; and a bracket, the bracket being attached to the frame, in: The first hinge comprises an arm fixedly attached to an end of the first hinge, The first end of the linear actuator is pivotably coupled to the bracket, and The second end of the actuator is pivotably coupled to the arm.

11. The picking unit according to claim 1, wherein: The actuator is a hydraulically driven actuator.

12. A cotton picking machine comprising: a chassis supported by a plurality of ground engaging members; a power module configured to provide power to at least one of the plurality of ground engaging members; A plurality of picking units, wherein each of the plurality of picking units comprises: a rotary picking drum having a plurality of first rotary picker spindles; Hinged parts; a pressure plate mounted on the hinge and configured to pivot relative to the rotating picking drum; a plurality of torsion springs configured to apply a biasing force on the pressure plate, wherein each of the plurality of torsion springs includes a first end connected to the hinge and a second end in contact with the pressure plate; and an actuator configured to vary the biasing force applied by the plurality of torsion springs by rotating the hinge; a circular module builder including a cotton accumulator; and An air duct system is connectable to the plurality of picking units and the cotton accumulator.

13. The cotton picker according to claim 12, wherein: The actuator is a rotary actuator.

14. The cotton picker according to claim 13, wherein: Each of the plurality of picking units comprises: axis; a first gear disposed on the shaft; and a second gear disposed on the hinge and configured to engage the first gear, Wherein, the first gear is configured to engage the second gear.

15. The cotton picker of claim 14, wherein: The first gear and the second gear are bevel gears.

16. The cotton picker of claim 14, wherein: At least one of the first gear and the second gear is made of powdered metal.

17. The cotton picker of claim 14, wherein: Each of the plurality of picking units comprises: Framework; and a bracket, the bracket being attached to the frame, The bracket includes an opening, the shaft passes through the opening in the bracket, and the first gear is partially disposed in the opening in the bracket.

18. The cotton picker of claim 14, wherein: The opening in the bracket includes a bearing having an inner surface, and wherein an outer surface of the first gear at least partially contacts the inner surface of the bearing.

19. The cotton picker of claim 12, wherein: The actuator is a linear actuator.

20. The cotton picker of claim 19, wherein: Each of the plurality of picking units comprises: Framework; and a bracket attached to the frame; The hinge includes an arm fixedly attached to an end of the hinge; The first end of the linear actuator is pivotably coupled to the bracket; and The second end of the actuator is pivotably coupled to the arm.

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