Cotton picker lubrication system

Abstract

A lubrication system for a cotton harvester with a plurality of cotton picking units includes a pump configured to supply lubrication to a plurality of cotton picking units of the cotton harvester via a distributor, a sensor configured generate a cycle signal based on operating cycles of the distributor, and a volume module configured to receive the cycle signal from the sensor and determine a total grease volume based on the cycle signal. The lubrication system also includes a greasing module configured to: receive the total grease volume from the volume module, increment a timer value based on an operational parameter of the cotton harvester, and generate a pump control signal based on the total grease volume or the timer value to control operation of the pump.

Description

COTTON PICKER LUBRICATION SYSTEMCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 634,578, filed April 16, 2024. The entire disclosures of the application referenced above is incorporated by reference.FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to the control of a lubrication system, and more particularly to the control of a greasing system in a cotton picker.BACKGROUND

[0003] A cotton picker is an agricultural machine designed for harvesting cotton plants in a field. The cotton picker may include one or more heads or units for performing the harvesting operation. Each of the one or more heads or units includes a number of spindles and doffers for harvesting the cotton plants. Doffer columns have a plurality of doffers for removing picked cotton from the spindles. A doffer is a disc that may be coated in rubber or urethane and rotatably driven at a velocity much greater than that of the spindles. In a conventional cotton piker row unit, the spindles move below a bottom face of the doffers so that the cotton is unwrapped and stripped from the spindles. In some conventional systems, a doffer drive system is mechanically driven off a spindle drive system, or at the very least the two systems are mechanically coupled to one another. Mechanical coupling of the doffer and spindle drive systems enables the speed relationships to be maintained, and also achieves proper functionality when the systems operate in harvest mode. In other words, the spindles can operate in a desirable direction of travel. In other systems, the doffer drive system and spindle drive system may be independently controlled.

[0004] The background description provided here is for the purpose of generally presenting the context of the disclosure. Work of the presently named inventors,to the extent it is described in this background section, as well as aspects of the description that may not otherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neither expressly nor impliedly admitted as prior art against the present disclosure.SUMMARY

[0005] A lubrication system for a cotton harvester with a plurality of cotton picking units includes a pump configured to supply lubrication to a plurality of cotton picking units of the cotton harvester via a distributor, a sensor configured generate a cycle signal based on operating cycles of the distributor, and a volume module configured to receive the cycle signal from the sensor and determine a total grease volume based on the cycle signal. The lubrication system also includes a greasing module configured to: receive the total grease volume from the volume module, increment a timer value based on an operational parameter of the cotton harvester, and generate a pump control signal based on the total grease volume or the timer value to control operation of the pump.

[0006] In other features, the greasing module is configured to reset and begin incrementing the timer value in response to determining a start up of the cotton harvester.

[0007] In yet other features, the greasing module is configured to reset and begin incrementing the timer value in response to determining a completion of a greasing operation.

[0008] In other features, the greasing module is configured to compare the timer value to a first stored value and run, in response to determining that the timer value is equal to or greater than the first stored value, the pump.

[0009] In yet other features, the greasing module is configured to compare the total grease volume to a second stored value and stop, in response to determining that the total grease volume is equal to or greater than the second stored value, the pump.

[0010] In other features, the lubrication system includes an error module configured to receive a pressure signal that corresponds to a pressure of the lubrication system, receive the pump control signal from the greasing module, and determine a state of the lubrication system, based on the pressure signal and the pump control signal.

[0011] In further features, the greasing module is configured to stop, in response to determining that the state of the lubrication system corresponds to an error state, the pump.

[0012] In other features, the lubrication system includes an error module configured to receive the cycle signal, receive the pump control signal from the greasing module, and determine a state of the lubrication system, based on the cycle signal and the pump control signal.

[0013] In further features, the error module is configured to present lhe state of the lubrication system on a display of the cotton harvester.

[0014] A method of controlling a lubrication system of a cotton picker includes receiving a cycle signal from a sensor of the lubrication system, determining a total grease volume based on the received cycle signal, incrementing a timer based on an operational parameter of the cotton picker, generating a pump control signal based on the total grease volume or the timer, and providing the pump control signal to a pump of the lubrication system.

[0015] In other features, the method includes resetting the timer value, in response to determining a start up of the cotton picker.

[0016] In yet other features, the method includes resetting the timer, in response to determining completion of a greasing operation of the lubrication system.

[0017] In other features, the method includes comparing the timer to a first value and running, in response to determining that the timer is equal to or greater than the first value, the pump.

[0018] In yet other features, the method includes comparing the total grease volume to a second value and stopping, in response to determining that the total grease volume is equal to or greater than the second value, the pump.

[0019] In other features, the method includes receiving a pressure signal that corresponds to a pressure of the lubrication system, and determining a state of the lubrication system, based on the pressure signal and the pump control signal.

[0020] In further features, the method includes stopping, in response to determining that the state of the lubrication system corresponds to an error state, the pump of the lubrication system.

[0021] In other features, the method includes determining a state of the lubrication system, based on the cycle signal and the pump control signal.

[0022] In further features, the method includes displaying the determined state of the lubrication system to an operator of the cotton picker.

[0023] A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing processorexecutable instructions for controlling a lubrication system of a cotton picker. The instructions include receiving a cycle signal from a sensor of the lubrication system, determining a total grease volume based on the received cycle signal, incrementing a timer based on an operational parameter of the cotton picker, generating a pump control signal based on the total grease volume or the timer value, and providing the pump control signal to a pump of the lubrication system.

[0024] In other features, the instructions include resetting the timer, in response to determining a start up of the cotton picker.

[0025] In yet other features, the instructions include resetting the timer, in response to determining a completion of a greasing operation of the lubrication system.

[0026] In other features, the instructions include comparing the timer to a first value, and running, in response to determining that the timer is equal to or greater than the first value, the pump.

[0027] In yet other features, the instructions include comparing the total grease volume to a second value, and stopping, in response to determining that the total grease volume is equal to or greater than the second value, the pump.

[0028] In other features, the instructions include receiving a pressure signal that corresponds to a pressure of the lubrication system, and determining a state of the lubrication system, based on the pressure signal and the pump control signal.

[0029] In further features, the instructions include stopping, in response to determining that the state of the lubrication system corresponds to an error state, the pump of the lubrication system.

[0030] In other features, the instructions include determining a state of the lubrication system, based on the cycle signal and the pump control signal.

[0031] In further features, the instructions include displaying the determined state of the lubrication system to an operator of the cotton picker.

[0032] Further areas of applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description, the claims, and the drawings. The detailed description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] The present disclosure will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings.

[0034] FIG. 1 is a side view of an example work vehicle including a greasing control system according to the principles of the present disclosure.

[0035] FIG. 2 is a schematic of an example lubrication system for a multi-head agricultural machine.

[0036] FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of a first example implementation of a greasing control system according to the principles of the present disclosure.

[0037] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of example operations performed by the greasing control system of FIG. 3.

[0038] FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of an example implementation of a greasing error module according to the principles of the present disclosure.

[0039] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of example operations performed by an implementation of the cycle monitoring module of FIG. 5.

[0040] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of example operations performed by an implementation of the pressure monitoring module of FIG. 5.

[0041] FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram of a second example implementation of a greasing control system according to the principles of the present disclosure.

[0042] FIG. 9 is a flowchart of example operations performed by the greasing control system of FIG. 8.

[0043] In the drawings, reference numbers may be reused to identify similar and / or identical elements.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] FIG. 1 illustrates an example cotton picker 15 — e.g., a cotton harvester. The cotton picker 15 includes a chassis 20. The illustrated chassis 20 is supported by front ground engaging members 25 and rear ground engaging members 30.Although the front ground engaging members 25 and rear ground engaging members 30 of the cotton picker 15 are depicted as wheels, other supports are contemplated — for example, tracks. The cotton picker 15 is adapted for movement through a field 35 to harvest cotton. An operator station 40 is supported by the chassis 20.

[0045] An operator interface 45 is positioned in the operator station 40. In some implementations, 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 theoperator interface 45 may present, via a graphical user interface (GUI), various features and / or parameters of the cotton picker 15. In various implementations, the operator interface 45 may include one or more user input devices — for example, buttons, switches, touch screens, and / or levers. The operator of the cotton picker 15 may adjust various operating parameters of the cotton picker 15 via the operator interface 45 — for example, by actuating one or more of the user input devices.

[0046] 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. 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. Water, lubricant, and fuel tanks, indicated generally at 75, may be supported on the chassis 20.

[0047] A harvesting structure 80 is coupleable to the chassis 20. The harvesting structure 80 is configured to remove cotton from the field 35 and includes a plurality of cotton picking units 90.

[0048] An air duct system 95 is coupleable to the harvesting structure 80. A round module builder 105 is coupleable to the air duct system 95. The round module builder 105 includes an accumulator 110 that is configured to receive cotton harvested by the cotton-picking units 90.

[0049] With continued reference to FIG. 1, a feeder 115 is coupleable to the chassis 20. The feeder 115 is configured to receive cotton from the accumulator 110. The feeder 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.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 1, the cotton picker 15 includes a lubrication system 200 and a greasing control module 150. The lubrication system 200 supplies a lubricant — e.g., grease — to one or more cotton picker units 90 of the cotton picker 15. The operator interface 45, the lubrication system 200, and the greasing controlmodule 150 may exchange data — for example, parameters and instructions — via a network 175, such as a controller area network (CAN). The network 175 may include one or more data buses.

[0051] Referring to FIGs. 1 and 2, an example implementation of the lubrication system 200 is shown. The lubrication system 200 includes a lubrication or grease pump system 202 for supplying a lubricant to one or more heads or cotton picker units 90 of the cotton picker 15. In the system 200 of FIG. 2, multiple cotton picker units 90 are shown. Specifically, six cotton picker units 90 are shown. For example, the agricultural machine includes a first picker unit 216, a second picker unit 218, a third picker unit 220, a fourth picker unit 222, a fifth picker unit 224, and a sixth picker unit 226. The lubrication system 200 is designed to provide the lubricant from the pump system 202 to each cotton picker unit 90, as described below.

[0052] The pump system 202 includes a pump 204 and a reservoir 206. The reservoir 206 stores the lubricant and is fluidly coupled to the pump 204. The pump 204 supplies the lubricant into a supply line 244. A pressure limiting valve 208 is located downstream of the pump 202 and fluidly coupled to the reservoir 206 via a return line 246. In other implementations, a pressure sensor and pressure switch may be used. In some implementations, a pressure limiting valve 208 as well as a pressure switch and / or pressure sensor may be used.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 2, the lubricant is supplied via the supply line 244 through a filter 262 or strainer. A pressure sensor 260 and pressure switch 264 are located downstream of the pump 204 along the supply line 244. The pressure switch 264 is located upstream of the filter 262 and is configured to detect a flow blockage or restriction in the filter 262. The pressure sensor 260 is located downstream of the filter 262 and is configured to sense fluid or lubricant pressure in the supply line 244. Other arrangements of the pressure switch 264 and pressure sensor 260 are possible in other implementations. For example, in some implementations, the pressure sensor 260 and pressure switch 264 may be located upstream of the filter 262. In other implementations, the pressure sensor 260 andpressure switch 264 may be located downstream of the filter 262. In yet another implementation, there may be one or more pressure sensors 260 and pressure switches 264 located upstream and / or downstream of the filter 262. Although not shown in FIG. 2, each pressure sensor 260 and pressure switch 264 may be in communication with a controller or control system — for example, the greasing control module 150 — to communicate signals thereto.

[0054] The lubricant is supplied via the pump 204 through the supply line 244 to a primary distributor 210 located downstream of the pump system 202. The primary distributor 210, also referred to as a progressive distributor, is configured to sequentially distribute lubricant to each cotton picker unit 90. More specifically, the primary distributor 210 is configured to distribute a specific volume of lubricant to the first picker unit 216, then the second picker unit 218, the third picker unit 220, and so forth. During operation, the primary distributor 210 ensures that per cycle, each picker unit receives the same volume of lubricant as the other picker units. Thus, the lubrication system 200 of FIG. 2 is not a restriction-based lubrication system. Instead, the primary distributor 210 includes a sensor such as a proximity switch 212 that is configured to count cycles. The proximity switch 212 may be used to determine how much or what volume of lubricant is distributed to each picker unit. Moreover, the proximity switch 212 may be used to determine how many cycles are needed to achieve a threshold or sufficient amount of lubrication at each picker unit. The proximity switch 212 is not affected by temperature variations in the lubricant, but instead counts or detects a number of cycles lubrication is distributed to each picker unit.

[0055] A plurality of fluid lines or hoses are coupled to the primary distributor 210 for supplying fluid downstream of the primary distributor 210 and to one of the plurality of cotton picker units 90. For example, a first fluid line 248 is coupled to the primary distributor 210 and supplies lubricant to the first picker unit 216. A second fluid line 250 of the plurality of fluid lines is coupled to the primary distributor 210 and supplies lubricant to the second picker unit 218. A third fluid line 252 of the plurality of fluid lines is coupled to the primarydistributor 210 and supplies lubricant to the third picker unit 220. A fourth fluid line 254 of the plurality of fluid lines is coupled to the primary distributor 210 and supplies lubricant to the fourth picker unit 222. A fifth fluid line 256 of the plurality of fluid lines is coupled to the primary distributor 210 and supplies lubricant to the fifth picker unit 224. A sixth fluid line 258 of the plurality of fluid lines is coupled to the primary distributor 210 and supplies lubricant to the sixth picker unit 226.

[0056] A plurality of check valves may also be incorporated into the different fluid lines downstream of the primary distributor 210. For example, a first check valve is fluidly disposed between the primary distributor 210 and the first fluid line 254. The first check valve is configured to prevent a backflow of lubricant to the primary distributor 210. Similarly, a second check valve is fluidly disposed between the primary distributor 210 and the second fluid line 256. A third check valve and fourth check valve 406 are fluidly disposed between the primary distributor 210 and the third fluid line 258 and fourth fluid line 248, respectively. Moreover, a fifth check valve and sixth check valve are fluidly disposed between the primary distributor 210 and the fifth fluid line 250 and the sixth fluid line 252, respectively. Each fluid line of the plurality of fluid lines is therefore fluidly coupled to a different port associated with the primary distributor 210. The primary distributor 210 may include additional ports to which a fluid line or hose is not connected. For example, in the implementation of FIG. 2, a first port 240 and a second port 242 are blocked off so that lubricant is not dispensed from the primary distributor 210 through either port.

[0057] As lubricant is distributed via the primary distributor 210 to each cotton picker unit 90, the lubricant is supplied through a corresponding fluid line (e.g., the first fluid line 254) to a secondary distributor. In one implementation, each picker unit includes its own secondary distributor. In other implementations, two or more picker units may be fluidly coupled to the same secondary distributor. In some implementations, the secondary distributor is the same as or common toeach of the picker units. In other implementations, the second distributor is the same for at least two or more of the cotton picker units 90.

[0058] In several implementations, the primary distributor is specific to a particular agricultural machine and the number of picker units coupled to the machine. For example, in one implementation, an agricultural machine having four picker units may utilize one primary distributor, whereas an agricultural machine having six picker units may utilize a different primary distributor. In some implementations, each machine may include only one primary distributor and a plurality of secondary distributors for each picker unit. In other implementations, each machine may include two or more primary distributors. In a further implementation, an agricultural machine may include a plurality of primary distributors and a plurality of secondary distributors in the lubrication system. In FIG. 2, each cotton picker unit is shown including its own secondary distributor.

[0059] FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of an example implementation of a grease control system 300. The grease control system 300 includes a greasing control module 350, the proximity switch 212, the pump 204, and the display 45. The grease control system 300 may include the pressure sensor 260 and / or the pressure switch 264. The greasing control module 350 is one implementation of the greasing control module 150 and may include a grease volume module 360, a greasing error module 370, and an automatic greasing module 380.

[0060] In various examples, the greasing control module 350 may be a standalone module in the cotton picker 15, as illustrated in the example of FIG. 1. In other examples, at least one of the grease volume module 360, the greasing error module 370, and the automatic greasing module 380 may be implemented independently or with one or more other modules or controllers of the cotton picker 15 — for example, a front end domain (FED) controller.

[0061] With reference to FIGs. 2 and 3, the greasing control module 350 controls operation of the pump 204 of the lubrication system 200 to grease thecotton picking units 90 of the cotton picker 15. The automatic greasing module 380 generates a pump control signal based on an elapsed time since either the cotton picker 15 was started or the last picking unit greasing and a total volume of grease dispensed by the primary distributor 210. The automatic greasing module outputs the pump control signal to the pump 204.

[0062] The grease volume module 360 receives a signal from the proximity switch 212 and the pump control signal outputted by the automatic greasing module 380. The grease volume module 360 stores a value that represents a volume of grease dispensed per cycle of the primary distributor 210. In some implementations, the volume per cycle is a fixed value. In other implementations, the volume per cycle is set to an initial value — for example, at the factory — and may be updated by an operator of the cotton picker 15 — for example, via the display 45. In response to determining that the pump control signal indicates that the pump 204 is running, the grease volume module 360 calculates the total volume of grease dispensed by the primary distributor 210 based on the received signal from the proximity switch 212 and the stored volume per cycle value. The grease volume module 360 outputs the calculated total volume of grease to the automatic greasing module 380.

[0063] The greasing error module 370 receives the signal from the proximity switch 212, one or more signals that indicate a pressure of the grease in the lubrication system 200, and the pump control signal outputted by the automatic greasing module 380. In some implementations, the greasing error module 370 receives a signal form the pressure sensor 262. In other implementations, the greasing error module 370 receives a signal form the pressure switch 264. In yet other implementations, the greasing error module 370 receives a signal form both the pressure sensor 262 and the pressure switch 264.

[0064] The greasing error module 370 determines a state of the lubrication system 200 based on the received signals. The greasing error module 370 may present the determined state to the operator of the cotton picker 15 via the display 45. The greasing error module 370 may also output a greasing diagnostic troublecode (DTC) based on determining that the lubrication system 200 is operating in an error state.

[0065] The automatic greasing module 380 may include a timer (not shown) that represents either the time elapsed since the cotton picker 15 was started or the time elapsed since the last completed picking unit greasing operation — for example, since the automatic greasing module 380 last cycled the pump 204 on and then off. In some implementations, the automatic greasing module 380 only increments the timer while the cotton picker 15 is harvesting cotton. For example, the automatic greasing module 380 may receive a signal form one or more of the cotton picking units 90 and increment the timer in response to the received signal indicating that one of more of the cotton picking units 90 are in operation.

[0066] The automatic greasing module 380 stores a value that represents a greasing interval — i.e., period of time between greasing operations. The greasing interval may be set to an initial value — for example, at the factory — and may be updated by an operator of the cotton picker 15 — for example, via the display 45. The also stores a value that represents a total amount of grease associated with a complete greasing operation — i.e. the amount of grease to be distributed across all of the cotton picking units 90 of the cotton picker 15. In various implementations, the total amount of grease is a fixed value. In some implementations, the total amount of grease is set to an initial value — for example, at the factory — and may be updated by an operator of the cotton picker 15 — for example, via the display 45.

[0067] In various implementations, the automatic greasing module 380 may stop a current greasing operation or prevent / delay a future greasing operation based on an input from the operator of the cotton picker 15. For example, in response to receiving an override command from the operator — for example, via the display 45 — the automatic greasing module 380 generates a control signal to stop the pump 204, if currently on, and resets the timer.

[0068] The automatic greasing module 380 may present information associated with the greasing control system 300 to the operator of the cotton picker 15. For example, the automatic greasing module 380 may cause the display 45 to show the time until the next automatic greasing operation, the current greasing interval, the current operating state of the pump 204, the amount of grease being dispensed, or a combination thereof.

[0069] FIG. 4 is a flowchart depicting an example method of controlling a lubrication system of the cotton picker 15, such as the lubrication system 200. In an example implementation, control may be performed by the greasing control module 350. In other implementations, control may be performed by the front end domain (FED) or another controller of the cotton picker 15.

[0070] Control begins at 405 of FIG. 4 upon startup of the cotton picker 15. At 405, control sets a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) associated with the lubrication system 200 (Grease DTC) to false. Control continues with 410, where control resets a timer. For example, the automatic greasing module sets Grease Timer to zero. Control continues with 415.

[0071] At 415, control increments the timer. At 420, control determines whether the timer is greater than or equal to a greasing interval value. For example, the automatic greasing module 380 compares Grease Timer to the storedGrease lnterval. If so, control transfers to 425; otherwise, control returns to 415.

[0072] At 425, control sets a total greasing volume (Grease Vol) to zero — for example, the grease volume module 360 resets the total volume of grease dispensed by the primary distributor 210. At 425, control also starts a grease pump — for example, the automatic greasing module 380 generates a pump control signal that causes the pump 204 to turn on. Control then progresses to 430.

[0073] At 430, control updates the total greasing volume (Grease Vol). For example, the grease volume module 360 updates the total volume of grease dispensed by the primary distributor 210 based the signal from the proximity senor 212 and the stored volume per cycle value. Control continues with 435.

[0074] At 435, control determines whether the lubrication system is operating in an error state. For example, the automatic greasing module 380 determines whether the greasing error module 370 is outputting a grease DTC. If so, control transfers to 440, where control stops the grease pump and then control ends. Otherwise, control progress to 445.

[0075] At 445, control determines whether the total greasing volume (Grease Vol) is equal to or greater than a set greasing amount. For example, the automatic greasing module 380 compares the total volume of grease outputted by the grease volume module 360 to the stored total amount of grease associated with a complete greasing operation. If so, control progresses to 450; otherwise, control returns to 430.

[0076] At 450, control stops the grease pump. For example, the automatic greasing module 380 generates a pump control signal that causes the pump 204 to turn off. Control then returns to 410.

[0077] FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of an example implementation of the greasing error module 370. The greasing error module 370 includes a cycle monitoring module 510 and a pressure monitoring module 520. The cycle monitoring module 510 receives the signal from the proximity switch 212 and the pump control signal outputted by the automatic greasing module 380. In response to determining that the pump control signal indicates that the pump 204 is running, the cycle monitoring module 520 determines if the proximity switch 212 is sending a periodic cycle signal. If not, the cycle monitoring module 510 generates a greasing DTC. A lack of a periodic cycle signal from the proximity switch 212 while the pump 204 is on can indicate a leak — for example a leak in the supply line 244.

[0078] The pressure monitoring module 520 receives a signal from the pressure sensor 260, the pressure switch 264, or both that indicates a pressure of the grease in the lubrication system 200 and the pump control signal outputted by the automatic greasing module 380. In response to determining that the pump controlsignal indicates that the pump 204 is on, the pressure monitoring module 520 compares the pressure of the grease to both a low threshold and a high threshold. A measured grease pressure below the low threshold while the pump 204 is running can indicate a leak — for example, a leak in a fluid line connected between the primary distributor 210 and one of the cotton picking units 90. A measured grease pressure above the high threshold while the pump 204 is running can indicate a clog or plug in one or more of the cotton picking units 90 or associated lines.

[0079] FIG. 6 is a flowchart depicting an example method determining an error state of a lubrication system of the cotton picker 15 based on an output of a proximity switch, such as the lubrication system 200 and the proximity switch 212. In an example implementation, control may be performed by the cycle monitoring module 510. In other implementations, control may be performed by the front end domain (FED) or another controller of the cotton picker 15.

[0080] Control begins at 610, upon start of a grease pump of the cotton picker 15 — for example, the pump 204. At 610, control sets a cycle error flag (Cycle Error) to false. Control continues with 620, where control determines whether a proximity signal is detected. For example, the cycle monitoring module 510 determines whether signal is received from the proximity switch 212. If so, control progresses to 630; otherwise, control transfers to 640.

[0081] At 640 control sets the cycle error flag (Cycle Error) to true and displays the error state of the lubrication system 200 to the operator. At 640, control also sets Grease DTC to true. For example, the cycle monitoring module 510 generates a greasing DTC signal. Control then ends.

[0082] At 630, control determines whether the grease pump is running. For, example, the cycle monitoring module 510 determines whether the pump control signal received from the automatic greasing module 380 indicates that the pump 204 is on. If so, control returns to 620; otherwise, control ends.

[0083] FIG. 7 is a flowchart depicting an example method of determining an error state of a lubrication system of the cotton picker 15, such as the lubrication system 200, based on a measured grease pressure. In an example implementation, control may be performed by the pressure monitoring module 520. In other implementations, control may be performed by the front end domain (FED) controller or another controller of the cotton picker 15.

[0084] Control begins at 710, upon start of a grease pump of the cotton picker 15 — for example, the pump 204. At 710, control sets both a low pressure error flag (Low Error) and a high pressure error flag (High Error) to false. Control continues with 720, where control measures a grease pressure (Grease Pressure) associated with the lubrication system 200. For example, the pressure monitoring module 520 receives a signal from the pressure sensor 206 and / or the pressure switch 264. Control progress to 730.

[0085] At 730, control determines whether the measured grease pressure (Grease Pressure) is less than or equal to a preset low pressure threshold. If so, control transfers to 740; otherwise, control progresses to 750. At 740, control sets the low pressure flag (Low Error) to true. Control then progresses to 760, where control displays the error state of the lubrication system 200 to the operator and sets Grease DTC to true. For example, the pressure monitoring module 520 displays the error state on the display 45 and generates a greasing DTC signal. Control then ends.

[0086] Returning to 750, control determines whether the measured grease pressure (Grease Pressure) is greater than or equal to a preset high pressure threshold. If so, control transfers to 770; otherwise, control progresses to 780. At 770, control sets the high pressure flag (High Error) to true and then control progresses to 760.

[0087] At 780, control determines whether the grease pump is running. For, example, the pressure monitoring module 520 determines whether the pumpcontrol signal received from the automatic greasing module 380 indicates that the pump 204 is on. If so, control returns to 720; otherwise, control ends.

[0088] FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram of an example implementation of a grease control system 800. The grease control system 800 includes a greasing control module 850, the proximity switch 212, the pump 204, and the display 45. The grease control system 800 also includes the pressure sensor 260 and / or the pressure switch 264. The greasing control module 850 is one implementation of the greasing control module 150 and may include the grease volume module 360, the greasing error module 370, an automatic greasing module 880, and a manual greasing module 890.

[0089] In various examples, the grease control module 850 may be a standalone module in the cotton picker 15, as illustrated in the example of FIG. 1. In other examples, at least one of the grease volume module 360, the greasing error module 370, the automatic greasing module 880, and manual greasing module 890 may be implemented independently or with one or more other modules or controllers of the cotton picker 15 — for example, the front end domain (FED) controller.

[0090] The manual greasing module 890 controls manual operation of the pump 204 of the lubrication system 200 to grease the cotton picking units 90 of the cotton picker 15 — for example, morning greasing. The manual greasing module 890 generates a pump control signal based on an operator input received via a tether. The tether is a remote, wired or wireless, of the cotton picker that permits the operator to control various features and functions of the cotton picker 15, including issuing a manual greasing command, while outside of the operator stations 40 — for example, while the operator is on the ground near the cotton picker 15. In some implementations, the manual greasing module 890 may receive a manual greasing command from the operator via the display 45 of the cotton picker.

[0091] In response to receiving a manual greasing command form the operator, the manual greasing module 890 generates a pump control signal that causes the pump 204 to run. In some implementations, the manual greasing module 890 continues to generate the pump control signal that causes the pump 204 to run as long as the operator commands a manual greasing operator — for example, as along as an operator presses a greasing button on the tether. In other implementations, the manual greasing module 890 generates the pump control signal that causes the pump 204 to run until a preset period of time has elapsed. In yet other implementations, the manual greasing module 890 generates the pump control signal that causes the pump 204 to run until a specific amount of grease has been dispensed.

[0092] The manual greasing module 890 may present information associated with a manual greasing operation to the operator of the cotton picker 15. For example, the manual greasing module 890 may cause the display 45 to show the status of the manual greasing operation, the current operating state of the pump 204, the amount of grease being dispensed, or a combination thereof.

[0093] The automatic greasing module 880 performs all of the same operations and functions as the automatic grease module 380 described above. For example, the automatic greasing module 880 generates a pump control signal based on an elapsed time since either the cotton picker 15 was started or the last picking unit greasing and a total volume of grease dispensed by the primary distributor 210. In some implementations, the automatic greasing module 890 may reset the greasing interval timer in response to determining that an operator has commanded a manual greasing operation.

[0094] FIG. 9 is a flowchart depicting another example method of controlling a lubrication system of the cotton picker 15, such as the lubrication system 200. In an example implementation, control may be performed by the greasing control module 850. In other implementations, control may be performed by the front end domain (FED) or another controller of the cotton picker 15.

[0095] Control begins at 905 of FIG. 9 upon startup of the cotton picker 15. At 905, control sets a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) associated with the lubrication system 200 (Grease DTC) to false. Control continues with 910, where control resets a timer (Grease Timer ). For example, the automatic greasing module 850 sets the timer to zero. Control continues with 915.

[0096] At 915, control increments the timer (Grease Timer ). At 920, control determines whether the operator of the cotton picker 15 has commanded a manual greasing . For example, the manual greasing module 890 receives a signal for the tether indicating a manual greasing operation. If so, control transfers to 925; otherwise control progresses to 930.

[0097] At 925, control performs a manual greasing of the cotton picking units 90 set the diagnostic trouble code (DTC) associated with the lubrication system 200 (Grease DTC) to false. For example, the manual greasing module 890 generates a pump control signal that commands the pump 204 to start and the greasing error module resets all error flags and stops generating any greasing DTCs. In some implementations, control returns to 920 after 925 and the manual greasing operation does not have any effect on the timer — for example, Grease Timer is not reset to zero. In other implementations, control returns to 910 after 925 and the timer (Grease Timer) is reset.

[0098] At 930, control determines whether the timer is greater than or equal to the set greasing interval value. For example, the automatic greasing module 880 compares Grease Timer to the stored Grease interval. If so, control transfers to 935; otherwise, control returns to 915.

[0099] At 935, control sets a total greasing volume (Grease Vol) to zero — for example, the grease volume module 360 resets the total volume of grease dispensed by the primary distributor 210. At 935, control also starts a grease pump — for example, the automatic greasing module 880 generates a pump control signal that caused the pump 204 to turn on. Control then progresses to 940.

[0100] At 940, control updates the total greasing volume (Grease Vol). For example, the grease volume module 360 updates the total volume of grease dispensed by the primary distributor 210 based on the signal from the proximity senor 212 and the stored volume per cycle value. Control continues with 945. At 945, control determines whether the lubricating system is operating in an error state. For example, the automatic greasing module 880 determines whether the greasing error module 370 is outputting a grease DTC. If so, control transfers to 950; otherwise, control progresses to 955. At 950, control stops the grease pump. For example, the automatic greasing module 880 generates a pump control signal that causes the pump 204 to stop. Control then returns to 910.

[0101] At 955, control determines whether the total greasing volume(Grease Vol) is equal to or greater than a set greasing amount. For example, the automatic greasing module 880 compares the total volume of grease outputted by the grease volume module 360 to the stored total amount of grease associated with a complete greasing operation. If so, control progresses to 950; otherwise, control returns to 940.

[0102] The foregoing description is merely illustrative in nature and is in no way intended to limit the disclosure, its application, or uses. The broad teachings of the disclosure can be implemented in a variety of forms. Therefore, while this disclosure includes particular examples, the true scope of the disclosure should not be so limited since other modifications will become apparent upon a study of the drawings, the specification, and the following claims. It should be understood that one or more steps within a method may be executed in different order (or concurrently) without altering the principles of the present disclosure. Further, 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 disclosure can be implemented in and / or combined with features of any of the other embodiments, even if that combination is not explicitly described. In other words, the described embodiments are not mutually exclusive, and permutationsof one or more embodiments with one another remain within the scope of this disclosure.

[0103] Spatial and functional relationships between elements (for example, between modules, circuit elements, semiconductor layers, etc.) are described using various terms, including “connected,” “engaged,” “coupled,” “adjacent,” “next to,” “on top of,” “above,” “below,” and “disposed.” Unless explicitly described as being “direct,” when a relationship between first and second elements is described in the above disclosure, that relationship can be a direct relationship where no other intervening elements are present between the first and second elements, but can also be an indirect relationship where one or more intervening elements are present (either spatially or functionally) between the first and second elements.

[0104] As used herein, the phrase at least one of A, B, and C should be construed to mean a logical (A OR B OR C), using a non-exclusive logical OR, and should not be construed to mean “at least one of A, at least one of B, and at least one of C.” The term subset does not necessarily require a proper subset. In other words, a first subset of a first set may be coextensive with (equal to) the first set.

[0105] In the figures, the direction of an arrow, as indicated by the arrowhead, generally demonstrates the flow of information (such as data or instructions) that is of interest to the illustration. For example, when element A and element B exchange a variety of information but information transmitted from element A to element B is relevant to the illustration, the arrow may point from element A to element B. This unidirectional arrow does not imply that no other information is transmitted from element B to element A. Further, for information sent from element A to element B, element B may send requests for, or receipt acknowledgements of, the information to element A.

[0106] In this application, including the definitions below, the term “module” or the term “controller” may be replaced with the term “circuit.” The term “module”may refer to, be part of, or include: an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC); a digital, analog, or mixed analog / digital discrete circuit; a digital, analog, or mixed analog / digital integrated circuit; a combinational logic circuit; a field programmable gate array (FPGA); a processor circuit (shared, dedicated, or group) that executes code; a memory circuit (shared, dedicated, or group) that stores code executed by the processor circuit; other suitable hardware components that provide the described functionality; or a combination of some or all of the above, such as in a system-on-chip.

[0107] Some or all hardware features of a module may be defined using a language for hardware description, such as IEEE Standard 1364-2005 (commonly called “Verilog”) and IEEE Standard 1076-2008 (commonly called “VHDL”). The hardware description language may be used to manufacture and / or program a hardware circuit. In some implementations, some or all features of a module may be defined by a language, such as IEEE 1666-2005 (commonly called “SystemC”), that encompasses both code, as described below, and hardware description.

[0108] The term code, as used above, may include software, firmware, and / or microcode, and may refer to programs, routines, functions, classes, data structures, and / or objects. The term shared processor circuit encompasses a single processor circuit that executes some or all code from multiple modules. The term group processor circuit encompasses a processor circuit that, in combination with additional processor circuits, executes some or all code from one or more modules. References to multiple processor circuits encompass multiple processor circuits on discrete dies, multiple processor circuits on a single die, multiple cores of a single processor circuit, multiple threads of a single processor circuit, or a combination of the above. The term shared memory circuit encompasses a single memory circuit that stores some or all code from multiple modules. The term group memory circuit encompasses a memory circuit that, in combination with additional memories, stores some or all code from one or more modules.

[0109] The term memory circuit is a subset of the term computer-readable medium. The term computer-readable medium, as used herein, does not encompass transitory electrical or electromagnetic signals propagating through a medium (such as on a carrier wave); the term computer-readable medium may therefore be considered tangible and non-transitory. Non-limiting examples of a non-transitory computer-readable medium are nonvolatile memory circuits (such as a flash memory circuit, an erasable programmable read-only memory circuit, or a mask read-only memory circuit), volatile memory circuits (such as a static random access memory circuit or a dynamic random access memory circuit), magnetic storage media (such as an analog or digital magnetic tape or a hard disk drive), and optical storage media (such as a CD, a DVD, or a Blu-ray Disc).

[0110] The apparatuses and methods described in this application may be partially or fully implemented by a special purpose computer created by configuring a general purpose computer to execute one or more particular functions embodied in computer programs. The functional blocks and flowchart elements described above serve as software specifications, which can be translated into the computer programs by the routine work of a skilled technician or programmer.

[0111] The computer programs include processor-executable instructions that are stored on at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium. The computer programs may also include or rely on stored data. The computer programs may encompass a basic input / output system (BIOS) that interacts with hardware of the special purpose computer, device drivers that interact with particular devices of the special purpose computer, one or more operating systems, user applications, background services, background applications, etc.

[0112] The computer programs may include: (i) descriptive text to be parsed, such as HTML (hypertext markup language), XML (extensible markup language), or JSON (JavaScript Object Notation), (ii) assembly code, (iii) object code generated from source code by a compiler, (iv) source code for execution by an interpreter, (v) source code for compilation and execution by a just-in-timecompiler, etc. As examples only, source code may be written using syntax from languages including C, C++, C#, Objective-C, Swift, Haskell, Go, SQL, R, Lisp, Java®, Fortran, Perl, Pascal, Curl, OCaml, JavaScript®, HTML5 (Hypertext Markup Language 5th revision), Ada, ASP (Active Server Pages), PHP (PHP: Hypertext Preprocessor), Scala, Eiffel, Smalltalk, Erlang, Ruby, Flash®, Visual Basic®, Lua, MATLAB, SIMULINK, and Python®.

[0113] None of the elements recited in the claims are intended to be a means-plus-function element within the meaning of 35 U.S.C. § 122(f) unless an element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for,” or in the case of a method claim using the phrases “operation for” or “step for.”

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A lubrication system for a cotton harvester with a plurality of cotton picking units, the lubrication system comprising: a pump configured to supply lubrication to a plurality of cotton picking units of the cotton harvester via a distributor; a sensor configured generate a cycle signal based on operating cycles of the distributor; a volume module configured to receive the cycle signal from the sensor and determine a total grease volume based on the cycle signal; and a greasing module configured to: receive the total grease volume from the volume module; increment a timer value based on an operational parameter of the cotton harvester; and generate a pump control signal based on the total grease volume or the timer value to control operation of the pump.

2. The lubrication system of claim 1, wherein the greasing module is configured to reset and begin incrementing the timer value in response to determining a start up of the cotton harvester.

3. The lubrication system of claim 1, wherein the greasing module is configured to reset and begin incrementing the timer value in response to determining a completion of a greasing operation.

4. The lubrication system of claim 1, wherein the greasing module is configured to compare the timer value to a first stored value and run, in response to determining that the timer value is equal to or greater than the first stored value, the pump.

5. The lubrication system of claim 1, wherein the greasing module is configured to compare the total grease volume to a second stored value and stop, in response to determining that the total grease volume is equal to or greater than the second stored value, the pump.

6. The lubrication system of claim 1, further comprising an error module configured to: receive a pressure signal that corresponds to a pressure of the lubrication system; receive the pump control signal from the greasing module; and determine a state of the lubrication system, based on the pressure signal and the pump control signal.

7. The lubrication system of claim 6, wherein the greasing module is configured to stop, in response to determining that the state of the lubrication system corresponds to an error state, the pump.

8. The lubrication system of claim 1, further comprising an error module configured to: receive the cycle signal; receive the pump control signal from the greasing module; and determine a state of the lubrication system, based on the cycle signal and the pump control signal.

9. The lubrication system of claim 8, wherein the error module is configured to present the state of the lubrication system on a display of the cotton harvester.

10. A method of controlling a lubrication system of a cotton picker, the method comprising: receiving a cycle signal from a sensor of the lubrication system; determining a total grease volume based on the received cycle signal;incrementing a timer based on an operational parameter of the cotton picker; generating a pump control signal based on the total grease volume or the timer; and providing the pump control signal to a pump of the lubrication system.

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising resetting the timer value, in response to determining a start up of the cotton picker.

12. The method of claim 10, further comprising resetting the timer, in response to determining a completion of a greasing operation of the lubrication system.

13. The method of claim 10, further comprising; comparing the timer to a first value; and running, in response to determining that the timer is equal to or greater than the first value, the pump.

14. The method of claim 10, further comprising; comparing the total grease volume to a second value; and stopping, in response to determining that the total grease volume is equal to or greater than the second value, the pump.

15. The method of claim 10, further comprising: receiving a pressure signal that corresponds to a pressure of the lubrication system; and determining a state of the lubrication system, based on the pressure signal and the pump control signal.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising stopping, in response to determining that the state of the lubrication system corresponds to an error state, the pump of the lubrication system.VL The method of claim 10, further comprising determining a state of the lubrication system, based on the cycle signal and the pump control signal.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising displaying the determined state of the lubrication system to an operator of the cotton picker.

19. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing processor-executable instructions for controlling a lubrication system of a cotton picker, the instructions comprising: receiving a cycle signal from a sensor of the lubrication system; determining a total grease volume based on the received cycle signal; incrementing a timer based on an operational parameter of the cotton picker; generating a pump control signal based on the total grease volume or the timer value; and providing the pump control signal to a pump of the lubrication system.

20. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 19, the instructions further comprising resetting the timer, in response to determining a start up of the cotton picker.

21. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 19, the instructions further comprising resetting the timer, in response to determining a completion of a greasing operation of the lubrication system.

22. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 19, the instructions further comprising:comparing the timer to a first value; and running, in response to determining that the timer is equal to or greater than the first value, the pump.

23. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 19, the instructions further comprising: comparing the total grease volume to a second value; and stopping, in response to determining that the total grease volume is equal to or greater than the second value, the pump.

24. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 19, the instructions further comprising: receiving a pressure signal that corresponds to a pressure of the lubrication system; and determining a state of the lubrication system, based on the pressure signal and the pump control signal.

25. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 24, the instructions further comprising stopping, in response to determining that the state of the lubrication system corresponds to an error state, the pump of the lubrication system.

26. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 19, the instructions further comprising determining a state of the lubrication system, based on the cycle signal and the pump control signal.

27. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 26, the instructions further comprising displaying the determined state of the lubrication system to an operator of the cotton picker.

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