Combine Harvester Distribution Device Drive Train
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing combine harvesters have complex and energy-inefficient mechanical drives for their distribution devices, which can lead to instability and increased operational costs due to the need for multiple components and long stopping times during inertia.
Innovation Solution
A simplified drive train using a belt drive with a clutch and brake system, where the belt drive functions as both a clutch and a mechanical drive, allowing for speed adjustment through stepped or variator mechanisms, and incorporating a hydraulically actuated lifting cylinder for belt tensioning and decoupling, ensuring efficient energy use and rapid braking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a complex mechanical drive with multiple components is used for the distribution device, then the drive can provide sufficient power and control, but the device complexity increases and energy efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the clutch and belt drive into a single integrated component. The clutch is formed by the interaction between the clutch drum and clutch shoes within the belt drive mechanism itself, eliminating the need for a separate clutch assembly. This merging reduces device complexity while maintaining the necessary power transmission and control functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The belt drive is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it transmits power from the chopping unit to the distribution device, acts as a clutch when tensioned, and provides a mechanical advantage for speed reduction. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components needed in the drive train.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a mechanical drive with inertia is used for the distribution device, then the drive provides stable operation, but the stopping time increases due to inertia
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the braking function from the main drive train by implementing a separate, dedicated braking mechanism that acts independently on the distribution device. This allows the stable mechanical drive to operate normally during harvesting while enabling rapid stopping when needed, without compromising operational stability during normal use.
Solution Approach 2:
The braking system is designed to engage immediately when the clutch is disengaged, providing preliminary action to counteract the inertia of the rotating distribution device. This ensures that the stopping process begins without delay, reducing the overall stopping time while maintaining stable operation during the harvesting phase.
3Reliability
If additional clutch and brake components are added to the drive train, then safety and control are improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch function is merged into the belt drive mechanism itself, using the clutch drum and clutch shoes that are integral to the belt drive assembly. This eliminates the need for a separate clutch assembly, reducing component quantity while maintaining the safety and control functions required for reliable operation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution provides a cost-effective, energy-efficient, and stable drive system for the distribution device, ensuring consistent operation and rapid braking, while eliminating the need for additional components and reducing stopping times, thus enhancing operational safety and adaptability to changing harvest conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a belt drive, switchable by a clutch, drives a first gear stage via an output shaft
Implementation Method 2
The tensioning pulley can be actuated by an actuator, in particular by a hydraulically actuated lifting cylinder
Implementation Method 3
a braking device. The belt drive acts as a clutch. The drive train can be interrupted by the belt drive, which serves as the clutch
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a combine harvester (1) with a chopping device (24) and a distribution device (30) downstream of it, which is mechanically driven by a drive train and has at least two rotors (45), wherein the drive train of the distribution device (30) comprises: - a belt drive (37, 38, 39) switchable by a clutch, which drives a first gear stage (44) via an output shaft (43), - at least a second gear stage (47) which is connected to the first gear stage (44) by a shaft (46), wherein the respective gear stage (44, 47) has at least one output shaft for driving the rotor (45), - and a brake device (48).