A device for hydraulic drive of a harvester reel for forward and reverse rotation
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202522377551.6
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-11-10
- Publication Date
- 2026-11-03
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-11-10
AI Technical Summary
The existing mechanical transmission method of the harvester reel has problems such as long transmission path, low efficiency, serious energy loss, easy slippage, easy breakage of chain or belt, poor reliability, inability to achieve effective reversal, resulting in operation interruption and low level of automation.
The device employs a hydraulically driven reel, which directly couples a hydraulic motor to a gearbox. Combined with a pressure sensor and an intelligent control system, it enables automatic forward and reverse rotation of the reel. By utilizing the efficient transmission and intelligent control logic of the hydraulic system, it achieves stable power transmission and automated obstacle removal.
It achieves efficient and reliable power transmission, can automatically and quickly reverse in the event of material blockage, reduces manual intervention, improves the continuity and efficiency of harvesting operations, and extends the service life of the device.
Smart Images

Figure CN224924283U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of agricultural machinery technology, and in particular to a device for hydraulically driving the reel of a harvester to rotate forward and backward. Background Technology
[0002] In grain harvesting operations, the reel is the core component of the harvester's header. Its function is to guide the crop toward the cutter and support its cutting. Its performance directly affects harvesting efficiency and loss rate. Currently, most harvester reels use mechanical transmission, where the engine transmits power to the reel via a sprocket-chain or pulley-belt mechanism, driving it to rotate in one direction.
[0003] However, this traditional mechanical transmission method has obvious drawbacks: First, the transmission path is long and inefficient, resulting in serious energy loss and insufficient actual driving power obtained by the reel; second, the chain or belt is prone to slippage, tooth skipping, or even breakage under load, and requires frequent tension adjustment, resulting in poor reliability and inconvenient maintenance; most importantly, existing technology cannot achieve an effective and rapid reversal function. When harvesting wet crops with a lot of tangled grass, the reel is very easy to get stuck, and the inability to reverse and clear the obstruction in a timely and powerful manner will lead to the interruption of the operation, which must rely on manual cleaning, seriously affecting the continuity of harvesting and the level of automation.
[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a reel drive device with high transmission efficiency, rapid response, strong forward and reverse rotation capability, and reliable operation to overcome the above-mentioned shortcomings in the existing technology. Utility Model Content
[0005] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the problems in the prior art and provide a device for hydraulically driving the reel of a harvester to rotate forward and backward.
[0006] In order to realize that the input gear of the wheel box assembly of the above-mentioned utility model is connected by a spline, the forward and reverse rotation of the reel motor is transmitted to the spline shaft of the reel assembly through the reel gear box assembly, thereby driving the reel to rotate forward and reverse.
[0007] Furthermore, the reel gearbox assembly includes:
[0008] The gearbox body and the gearbox cover are fixed together by three connecting bolts.
[0009] The input gear of the reel gearbox is mounted on the housing via bearings three and four, and is equipped with oil seal three;
[0010] The output shaft of the reel gearbox is mounted on the housing via bearing one and bearing two, and is equipped with oil seal one and oil seal two.
[0011] The output gear of the gearbox is fixed on the output shaft and meshes with the input gear. This structural design effectively solves the problems of poor control of the transmission surface and easy skew and wear in traditional chain and belt drives. Therefore, the compact gearbox structure achieves precise and efficient power transmission, making the transmission smoother and more reliable, significantly reducing maintenance frequency and extending service life.
[0012] Furthermore, a pressure sensor is installed on the hydraulic oil pipe. The signal terminal of the pressure sensor is connected to the signal input terminal of the harvester's central control unit, and the signal output terminal of the harvester's central control unit is connected to the control terminal of the solenoid valve. The harvester's central control unit controls the solenoid valve to switch the flow direction of the hydraulic oil based on the pressure value detected by the pressure sensor, thereby realizing the automatic forward and reverse rotation of the reel. This setting aims to solve the problem of low operating efficiency caused by manual intervention and machine downtime for maintenance when the reel is blocked by straw. Its technical effect is that it realizes automatic detection and response to the blockage, can instantly trigger reverse rotation, has a high degree of automation, and greatly improves the continuity and efficiency of harvesting operations.
[0013] Furthermore, the pressure sensor (g) has a detection range of 0-16 MPa, and the harvester's central control unit has a preset pressure threshold range of 13-16 MPa and a reversal time. The reversal time ranges from 5-10 seconds. When the pressure sensor (g) detects a pressure value of 13-16 MPa, the harvester's central control unit controls the solenoid valve to switch, causing the reel to reverse for 5-30 seconds and then automatically resume forward rotation. This parameter limitation specifically solves the problem of how to accurately determine material blockage and set an effective reversal time for clearing obstructions. Its technical effect lies in providing precise automatic control logic, which can ensure timely and powerful reversal when material blockage occurs, avoid unnecessary reversal actions, and automatically resume forward rotation after clearing obstructions, demonstrating a high degree of intelligence.
[0014] Furthermore, the reversal time is 10 seconds.
[0015] Furthermore, the pressure sensor is model E-ATR-8 / 16010. This preferred model ensures the reliability and accuracy of pressure detection, providing a stable and accurate signal source for the aforementioned automatic control system, and guaranteeing the reliable implementation of the automatic control functions of the entire device.
[0016] Furthermore, the reel motor is a hydraulic motor, and its forward and reverse rotation is controlled by the direction of hydraulic oil entering from hydraulic oil pipe one or hydraulic oil pipe two. This design directly addresses the shortcomings of traditional mechanical transmissions, which lack the ability or are unable to reverse. By utilizing the characteristics of hydraulic systems—short transmission paths and high power density—it can provide strong and responsive forward and reverse rotation power, easily solving the problem of straw entanglement and material blockage.
[0017] Furthermore, the transmission ratio of the reeling gearbox assembly is from 1:1.5 to 1:3 to adapt to the torque and speed requirements under different operating conditions. This transmission ratio range design solves the problem that a single transmission ratio cannot simultaneously meet the needs of normal harvesting efficiency and the high torque reversal requirements when the material is blocked. This allows the device to flexibly adapt to various crops and operating conditions, ensuring normal reeling efficiency while ensuring sufficient torque output to effectively clear blockages during reversal.
[0018] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:
[0019] This invention fundamentally overcomes the inherent defects of traditional mechanical transmissions by employing a drive scheme that directly couples a hydraulic motor to a gearbox. Compared to existing sprocket-chain or pulley-belt drives, this device efficiently converts hydraulic energy into the mechanical energy required to drive the reel, resulting in a shorter transmission path and significantly reduced energy loss, thus providing a stronger and more stable power output. This not only effectively solves the problem of insufficient power caused by slippage and tooth skipping in traditional transmission methods but also avoids the maintenance hassle of frequent tension adjustments due to loose chains or belts. Simultaneously, gear transmission offers higher reliability and a longer service life. Its compact transmission structure and precise installation and positioning effectively prevent skewed wear of transmission components, ensuring continuous and efficient operation of the harvester under normal harvesting conditions and improving overall reeling efficiency and harvesting quality.
[0020] Another significant advantage of this invention lies in its realization of intelligent and powerful automatic forward and reverse rotation of the reel. By installing a pressure sensor on the hydraulic circuit and linking it with the central control system, the device can monitor the workload in real time. When the hydraulic pressure rises abnormally due to tangled straw or material blocking the reel, the system can immediately and automatically switch the hydraulic circuit, driving the reel to rotate strongly in reverse, and automatically resume forward rotation after a set time. This automated process requires no manual intervention and can effectively remove the tangled material instantly, completely solving the problem of traditional machines having to be stopped for manual cleaning. This function greatly reduces downtime, improves the automation and continuity of operations, and plays a crucial role in ensuring the efficiency and economic benefits of large-scale harvesting operations. Attached Figure Description
[0021] The accompanying drawings are provided to further understand the present invention and form part of the specification. They are used together with the embodiments of the present invention to explain the present invention and do not constitute a limitation thereof.
[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model.
[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the input end of the reel gearbox assembly of this utility model.
[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the output end of the reel gearbox assembly of this utility model.
[0025] The attached diagram is labeled as follows: a) Hydraulic oil pipe 1; b) Hydraulic oil pipe 2; c) Reel motor; d) Connecting bolt 1; e) Reel gearbox assembly; f) Reel assembly splined shaft; h) Connecting bolt 2; k) Mounting plate; g) Pressure sensor; 1) Reel gearbox cover; 2) Connecting bolt 3; 3) Reel gearbox housing; 4) Reel gearbox output shaft; 5) Bearing 1; 6) Oil seal 1; 7) Bearing 2; 8) Oil seal 2; 9) Reel gearbox output gear; 10) Reel gearbox input gear; 11) Bearing 3; 12) Bearing 4; 13) Oil seal 3. Detailed Implementation
[0026] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. Of course, the specific embodiments described herein are only for explaining this utility model and are not intended to limit it.
[0027] Example
[0028] The core of this utility model is to provide a reel drive device that is highly efficient in transmission, responds quickly, and can achieve strong forward and reverse rotation, so as to completely solve the technical bottlenecks of traditional mechanical transmission methods, such as high energy consumption, easy slippage, frequent maintenance, and lack or powerlessness of reverse rotation function.
[0029] See Figure 1 The device for hydraulically driving the reel of a harvester to rotate forward and backward in this embodiment mainly consists of three parts: a hydraulic drive system, a power transmission system, and an intelligent control system.
[0030] I. Composition and Connection Relationship of Each Component
[0031] The hydraulic drive system includes hydraulic oil pipe a, hydraulic oil pipe b, and reel motor c. Hydraulic oil pipe a and hydraulic oil pipe b are respectively connected to the hydraulic pump station and oil tank of the harvester, and are connected to the inlet and outlet ports of the reel motor c. The reel motor c is preferably a low-speed, high-torque hydraulic motor, and its output shaft is directly connected to the subsequent gearbox via a spline. This design directly addresses the shortcomings of traditional mechanical transmissions, such as weak or inability to reverse. Utilizing the characteristics of short transmission paths and high power density of hydraulic systems, it can provide strong and timely forward and reverse power, providing a fundamental power guarantee for easily solving the problem of straw entanglement and material blockage.
[0032] The core of the power transmission system is the reel gearbox assembly e. For example... Figure 1As shown, the reel motor c is rigidly connected to the input end of the reel gearbox assembly e via connecting bolt d, ensuring the concentricity and stability of power transmission. The reel gearbox assembly e is fixed to the mounting plate k via connecting bolt h, and the mounting plate k is firmly installed on the frame of the harvester header, providing a stable support foundation for the entire device.
[0033] The internal structure of the reel gearbox assembly e can be combined with Figure 2 and Figure 3 Detailed explanation. For example... Figure 2 As shown, at the transmission input end, the input gear 10 of the reeling gearbox is supported on the reeling gearbox housing 3 by bearings 11 and 12, while oil seal 13 is used to prevent leakage of lubricating oil inside the gearbox. Figure 3 As shown, at the transmission output end, the output shaft 4 of the reel gearbox is supported on the housing 3 by bearings 5 and 7, and is sealed with oil seals 6 and 8. The output gear 9 of the reel gearbox is fixedly mounted on the output shaft 4 and meshes with the input gear 10. Finally, the upper cover 1 of the reel gearbox is fastened to the housing 3 by connecting bolts 2, forming a sealed and robust transmission unit. This compact gearbox structure effectively solves the problems of poor control of the transmission surface and easy skew and wear in traditional chain and belt drives. Its technical effect is to achieve precise and efficient power transmission, smoother and more reliable transmission, significantly reduce maintenance frequency and extend service life.
[0034] The final link in the power transmission is the splined shaft f of the reel assembly. This splined shaft is directly connected to the internal spline of the output shaft 4 of the reel gearbox (or vice versa) through its own spline structure, thereby transmitting the output torque of the gearbox to the reel without loss and driving it to rotate.
[0035] II. Integration of Intelligent Control Systems
[0036] To achieve automated operation, this device also integrates an intelligent control system. This intelligent control system includes a central control unit for the harvester, solenoid valves, and pressure sensors, such as... Figure 1As shown, a pressure sensor g is installed on hydraulic oil pipe a. The preferred model of this pressure sensor g is E-ATR-8 / 16010, with a detection range of 0-16 MPa. The signal terminal of the pressure sensor g is connected to the signal input terminal of the harvester's central control unit via a wiring harness. The signal output terminal of the central control unit is connected to the control terminal of the solenoid valve that controls the direction of the hydraulic oil circuit. The central control unit has a preset fault threshold range of 6-12 MPa. When the pressure sensor g detects that the pressure value in hydraulic oil pipe a rises to the preset fault threshold of 13-16 MPa, it will immediately transmit this signal to the harvester's central control unit. Upon receiving the overpressure signal, the control program inside the central control unit (such as a PLC or dedicated controller) will immediately issue a control command to the solenoid valve, causing it to switch positions. Switching the solenoid valve changes the flow direction of the hydraulic oil. At this time, the hydraulic oil enters the reel motor c from hydraulic oil pipe b, driving it to rotate in the opposite direction, while the hydraulic oil flows out from hydraulic oil pipe a. A preset reversal time is also included in the central control unit, ranging from 5 to 30 seconds; in this embodiment, 10 seconds is preferred. After the preset reversal time is reached, the central control unit will again control the solenoid valve to automatically switch back to the initial position, and the hydraulic oil circuit will be restored. The solenoid valve is used to control and change the flow direction of the hydraulic oil in hydraulic oil pipe a and hydraulic oil circuit b. This design aims to solve the problem of low operating efficiency caused by manual intervention and downtime for maintenance when the material is blocked by straw. Its technical effect lies in achieving automatic detection and response to material blockage.
[0037] III. Detailed Explanation of the Work Process
[0038] The working process of this utility model device is divided into two modes: normal harvesting and automatic obstacle removal, as detailed below:
[0039] 1. Normal harvesting (forward rotation) process:
[0040] When the harvester needs to perform normal harvesting operations, the central control solenoid valve is in the initial position, allowing hydraulic oil to enter the reel motor c from hydraulic oil pipe a, driving it to rotate forward. The hydraulic oil then flows back to the oil tank from hydraulic oil pipe b. The forward rotation power of the reel motor c is transmitted to the input gear 10 of the reel gearbox via a spline connection. The input gear 10 drives the output gear 9 of the reel gearbox, which in turn drives the output shaft 4 of the reel gearbox to rotate forward. Finally, the power is transmitted to the splined shaft f of the reel assembly via a spline connection, driving the entire reel assembly to perform forward reeling operations. During this process, the pressure sensor g monitors the pressure in hydraulic oil pipe a in real time. During normal harvesting, the oil pressure is usually stable within the range of 6-12 MPa.
[0041] 2. Automatic troubleshooting (reverse and recovery) process:
[0042] When a harvester is harvesting damp crops with lots of tangled weeds, the reel is easily entangled and jammed by straw or weeds. At this time, the load on the reel increases dramatically, causing a sudden surge in pressure in the hydraulic system that drives it. When the pressure sensor g detects that the pressure in hydraulic line a has risen to a preset fault threshold of 13-16 MPa, it immediately transmits this signal to the harvester's central control unit.
[0043] Upon receiving an overpressure signal, the control program (such as a PLC or dedicated controller) inside the central control unit immediately sends a control command to the solenoid valve, causing it to switch positions. The switching of the solenoid valve changes the flow direction of the hydraulic oil. At this point, the hydraulic oil enters the reel motor c from hydraulic oil pipe b, driving it to rotate in the opposite direction, while the hydraulic oil flows out from hydraulic oil pipe a. This parameter limitation specifically solves the problem of accurately determining material blockage and setting an effective reverse clearance time; its technical effect lies in providing precise automatic control logic.
[0044] The reversal of the hydraulic circuit reverses the power transmission path: the reel motor c reverses → the input gear 10 of the reel gearbox reverses → the output gear 9 of the reel gearbox reverses → the output shaft 4 of the reel gearbox reverses → the splined shaft f of the reel assembly reverses. This powerful reversing action of the reel quickly and effectively peels away tangled straw and weeds, thus solving the problem of material blockage.
[0045] To ensure complete removal of tangled straw, the central control unit controls the reel to continuously reverse for a preset time, which can be 5-30 seconds; in this embodiment, 10 seconds is preferred. After the set reversal time is reached, the central control unit again controls the solenoid valve to automatically switch back to the initial position, and the hydraulic circuit is restored. The entire device has a compact structure, high transmission efficiency, rapid and powerful forward and reverse switching, and a high degree of automation, effectively overcoming many shortcomings of existing technologies and significantly improving the harvester's operating performance and reliability.
[0046] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.
Claims
1. A device for hydraulically driving the reel of a harvester to rotate forward and backward, characterized in that, include: Hydraulic oil pipe 1 (a) and hydraulic oil pipe 2 (b); A reel motor (c), which is connected to the first hydraulic pipe (a) and the second hydraulic pipe (b), is used to rotate forward or in reverse according to the flow direction of the hydraulic oil; The reel gearbox assembly (e) is connected to the reel motor (c) by connecting bolt one (d); The mounting plate (k) is connected to the reel gearbox assembly (e) by connecting bolt two (h); The splined shaft (f) of the reel assembly is connected to the output end of the reel gearbox assembly (e) via a spline; The output shaft of the reel motor (c) is connected to the input gear (10) of the reel gearbox assembly (e) via a spline, so that the forward and reverse rotation of the reel motor (c) is transmitted to the spline shaft (f) of the reel assembly via the reel gearbox assembly (e), thereby driving the reel to rotate forward and reverse.
2. The device for hydraulically driving the reel of a harvester to rotate forward and backward according to claim 1, characterized in that, The reel gearbox assembly (e) includes: The gearbox body (3) and the gearbox cover (1) are fixed by connecting bolts three (2); The input gear (10) of the reel gearbox is mounted on the housing via bearing three (11) and bearing four (12), and is equipped with oil seal three (13); The output shaft (4) of the gearbox is mounted on the housing via bearing 1 (5) and bearing 2 (7), and is equipped with oil seal 1 (6) and oil seal 2 (8); The output gear (9) of the reel gearbox is fixed on the output shaft (4) and meshes with the input gear (10).
3. A device for hydraulically driving the reel of a harvester to rotate forward and backward according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, A pressure sensor (g) is installed on the hydraulic oil pipe (a). The signal end of the pressure sensor (g) is connected to the signal input terminal of the harvester's central control unit. The signal output terminal of the harvester's central control unit is connected to the control terminal of the solenoid valve. The harvester's central control unit controls the solenoid valve to switch the flow direction of the hydraulic oil according to the pressure value detected by the pressure sensor (g), thereby realizing the automatic forward and reverse rotation of the reel.
4. The device for hydraulically driving the reel of a harvester to rotate forward and backward according to claim 3, characterized in that, The pressure sensor (g) has a detection range of 0-16 MPa. The harvester's central control unit has a preset pressure threshold range of 13-16 MPa and a reversal time. The reversal time is in the range of 5-10 seconds. When the pressure sensor (g) detects a pressure value of 13-16 MPa, the harvester's central control unit controls the solenoid valve to switch, so that the reel reverses for 5-30 seconds and then automatically resumes forward rotation.
5. The device for hydraulically driving the reel of a harvester to rotate forward and backward according to claim 4, characterized in that, The pressure sensor (g) is model E-ATR-8 / 16010.
6. The device for hydraulically driving the reel of a harvester to rotate forward and backward according to claim 4, characterized in that, The reversal time is 10 seconds.
7. The device for hydraulically driving the reel of a harvester to rotate forward and backward according to claim 1, characterized in that, The reel motor (c) is a hydraulic motor, and its forward and reverse rotation is controlled by the direction of hydraulic oil entering from hydraulic oil pipe one (a) or hydraulic oil pipe two (b).
8. The device for hydraulically driving the reel of a harvester to rotate forward and backward according to claim 1, characterized in that, The gearbox assembly (e) has a transmission ratio of 1:1.5 to 1:3 to adapt to the torque and speed requirements under different operating conditions.
