Control arrangement for a pull-type windrow merger

A control arrangement is configured to remotely control operation of a windrow merger pulled by a tow vehicle. The windrow merger includes a plurality of functional systems or assemblies configured to selectively collect and discharge crop material, and that can be adjusted to alter the operating characteristics or parameters of the windrow merger. The control arrangement includes a controller, a housing, and a harness configured to communicate control signals from the controller to the number of functional assemblies. The control arrangement further includes a manifold assembly configured to the control signals from the controller to respective control valves operable to control operation of the number of functional assemblies. Thereby, the controller allows the operator to regulate operation and activation of each of the number of functional assemblies from the operator's cab of the tow vehicle.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to windrow merger, and more particularly to a controller for a windrow merger configured to enhance control of the merger from a remote location relative to the merger.

A windrow merger is commonly used in the agricultural field for combining windrows, or rows, of crops in the field. Typically, the windrow merger is portable and is pulled along by a towing vehicle such as a tractor or other motorized vehicle. The towing vehicle will typically make several passes with the windrow merger, combining windrows with each pass. Later, a forage harvester or baler harvests the combined windrows. By combining the windrows, the merger makes each pass with a forage harvester or baler more productive. The merger also operates to turn over the windrows, enhancing drying and conditioning of the crops. Use of a merger also reduces fuel costs, man-hours, and wear and tear on the harvester or baler equipment.

Known windrow mergers have several drawbacks. For example, known mergers typically include one more individual control switches positioned on the merger for controlling the various functional systems or assemblies incorporated in the merger, e.g. the mechanical and/or hydraulic systems of the merger. This characteristic of known mergers makes the merger cumbersome to adjust, because an operator must leave the towing vehicle to adjust operation of the one or more functional systems or assemblies of the merger. Other known mergers are configured to connect one or more tractor hydraulic controls with the multiple functional systems or assemblies of the merger. This type of control is often complicated for the operator in determining the manner in which adjustment of a particular tractor control affects the operation of the respective functional system or assembly of the merger. Furthermore, this known type of control creates confusion as to which lever of the tractor hydraulic system is used to operate the function that the operator desires to perform. Therefore, there is a need for a simplified controller for a windrow merger that is less cumbersome for tractor operators to use.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a controller for a windrow merger, which is configured to directly correlate switches of the controller with respective mechanical and/or hydraulic systems or assemblies of the merger. It is a further object of the invention to provide such a controller that can be located remotely from the windrow merger, such as in the cab of a tow vehicle such as a tractor.

The present invention contemplates a control arrangement for a pull-type windrow merger having a number of functional systems or assemblies that cooperate and interact to collect and discharge a windrow of crop material. Each of the functional systems or assemblies includes an electrically operated actuator that controls an operating characteristic or parameter of the system or assembly. The control arrangement includes a controller, a housing that supports the controller, a harness arrangement having a first connector electrically connected to the controller, a second connector electrically connected to a power supply, and a third connector electrically connected to the number of electrically operated actuators of the functional systems or assemblies of the merger. The harness arrangement may also include provisions for connection to optional systems or assemblies that may be incorporated in the windrow merger. The controller is configured to regulate activation of each of the number of electrically operated actuators from a remote location relative to the pull-type merger.

The invention further contemplates a windrow merger having a control arrangement and a method of controlling the operational parameters or characteristics of a windrow merger, substantially in accordance with the foregoing summary.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1shows a pull-type windrow merger20constructed according to the invention. Windrow merger20is configured to be coupled and pulled by a tow vehicle, e.g., a tractor or other vehicle (not shown), in a manner as is known. The windrow merger20includes a front portion25, a rear portion30, and a first side portion32and a second side portion34. The windrow merger20includes a frame assembly40having a series of laterally spaced ground-engaging wheels42configured to support the windrow merger20. The type and number of wheels42can vary. The preferred tow vehicle includes a hydraulic power assembly connected by hydraulic supply lines45to the windrow merger20. The hydraulic power assembly is configured to provide hydraulic output to drive operation of the various components of windrow merger20, which will later be explained.

Referring toFIGS. 1 and 2, the windrow merger20generally includes a control arrangement48configured to control operation and/or characteristics of a series of functional systems or assemblies incorporated into windrow merger20, for merging windrows of crop material on the ground in accordance with selected operating characteristics or parameters of the functional systems or assemblies of windrow merger20. In the illustrated embodiment, the functional systems or assemblies incorporated in windrow merger20include a lift assembly50, a tow assembly55, a pickup assembly60, a conveyor drive assembly65, a conveyor speed control assembly70, an extension conveyor assembly75, and a bed shift assembly80. Control arrangement48includes a controller130that is interconnected with, and is configured to control, the functional systems or assemblies of the windrow merger20. The windrow merger20can include various combinations of one or more of the number of functional systems or assemblies described above, as well as other known functional systems or assemblies that can be incorporated in the windrow merger20.

Referring toFIGS. 2,7and12, the lift assembly50is configured to raise and lower the windrow merger20, according to desired operating parameters of windrow merger20. Lift assembly50is operated to lower windrow merger20relative to the ground for engaging crop material lying on the ground, and for varying the pressure of the tines of the pickup assembly60on the ground. Referring toFIG. 12, the preferred lift assembly50includes lift control valves82and84and a hydraulic lift assembly86, although it is understood that any other type of lift arrangement may be employed, e.g. an electrically operated linear actuator or the like. The lift assembly50also allows the operator to raise the windrow merger20for transport (e.g., on a highway or otherwise when not in use).

The tow assembly55includes a tongue or tow member95having a first end97configured to couple with the tow vehicle, in a manner as is known. The tow member95includes a second end98that is connected to the frame40. The tow assembly55further includes a tow control valve99(FIG. 12) and a tow drive100. A preferred tow drive100is a hydraulic cylinder configured to relocate or swing the first end97of the tow assembly55to and from a centered position. Operation of the tow drive100to swing the tow assembly55causes the windrow merger20to variably swing toward a left or right position, or in or out, relative to the tow vehicle, in order to control the position of the windrow merger20on the ground as the tow vehicle moves through a field. The tow control valve99regulates the position of the tow drive100. A preferred tow control valve is a solenoid valve, such as a cartridge valve, but the type of tow control valve can vary.

The pickup assembly60is configured to collect or rake the crop material from the ground, in a manner as is known. A preferred pickup assembly60includes a shaft having a number of tines that extend radially outward from the shaft. The shaft of the pickup assembly60is rotatably driven by a pickup drive102(FIG. 12), which may be in the form of a hydraulic motor, to rake or pick up crop material lying the ground. The pickup assembly60also includes a windguard105(FIGS. 1,7), which is configured to hold the collected crop material to the pickup assembly60.

Referring toFIGS. 1,2and7, windrow merger20further includes a conveyor assembly110disposed on the rear portion30and configured to receive the collected crop material from the pickup assembly60. The conveyor assembly110includes a conveyor belt115that is interconnected with the conveyor drive assembly65, such that operation of conveyor drive assembly65functions to drive rotation of conveyor belt115. The conveyor drive assembly65is preferably in the form of a hydraulically operated motor116and a drive control valve117(FIG. 12) configured to regulate hydraulic flow to the hydraulic motor116. The hydraulic motor116is operable to provide either clockwise or counterclockwise operation, to move the conveyor belt115in either a first lateral direction toward one of side portions32,34or in a second lateral direction toward the other of side portions32,34. A preferred conveyor assembly is an endless belt platform-type conveyor assembly disposed rearwardly of the pickup assembly60. While conveyor drive assembly65is disclosed as being a hydraulic motor, it is understood that any other type of drive arrangement may be employed. The operation of the conveyor belt115directs the discharge of the collected crop material toward either side portion32or34relative to the windrow merger20. Conveyor belt115includes cleats118that are operable to provide positive engagement with the crop material on conveyor belt115in order to transport the crop material to the desired side portion of windrow merger20.

In a first mode of operation, the conveyor drive assembly65is operated in a first direction of rotation, so as to drive the conveyor belt115in a first lateral direction such that the crop material is directed toward the side portion32of the merger20. In a second mode of operation, the conveyor drive assembly65is operated in a second direction of rotation, so as to drive the conveyor belt in a second lateral direction toward the side portion34of the merger20. In a stationary mode, the conveyor drive assembly65is held in neutral, causing the collected crop material to accumulate on the conveyor belt115. As the merger20continues to accumulate the crop material, the operator can selectively operate the conveyor drive assembly65to discharge a desired amount of crop material in either the first or second lateral direction at a desired location.

The speed control assembly70is operable to vary the speed of the pickup assembly65and the conveyor assembly110. A preferred speed control assembly70includes a speed control valve119(FIG. 12) configured to vary the speed of the pick up assembly60and the conveyor drive assembly65, which may be in the form of a hydraulic motor, but other types of variable speed drives can be used. In the illustrated embodiment, the speed control valve119regulates the hydraulic output, thereby varying the speed of the pickup drive102and the conveyor drive116. The speed of the pickup assembly60and the conveyor belt115decreases with reduction in hydraulic output from the tow vehicle, in a manner as is known. The type of speed control valve119(e.g., flow limiter) can vary.

Referring toFIGS. 2,8,9, and12, the extension conveyor assembly75can be coupled to one or the other of the discharge ends of the conveyor assembly110described above. Referring toFIGS. 8 and 9, the extension conveyor assembly75includes an extension conveyor belt118driven by an extension conveyor drive119, which is operable to extend the effective lateral conveying distance that is available for directing the discharge of collected crop material from the merger20. The extension assembly75further includes an extension control valve120(FIG. 12) and an extension lift assembly122(e.g., a hydraulic cylinder) configured to move the extension conveyor assembly75between a raised, inoperative position (SeeFIG. 9) and a lowered, operative position (SeeFIG. 8). In the lowered positioned, the upper run of the conveyor belt118of extension conveyor assembly75is in line with the upper run of conveyor belt115of conveyor assembly110, such that crop material discharged from an end of conveyor belt115moves onto the upper run of the conveyor belt118of extension conveyor assembly75. Operation of extension conveyor assembly75then moves the crop material laterally to the discharge end of extension conveyor assembly75, which functions to increase the offset or discharge distance that is available to laterally move a windrow supplied to conveyor assembly110from pickup assembly60. To stow the extension conveyor assembly75, the extension control valve120is actuated so as to cause movement of the extension lift assembly122to an extended position, e.g. by outward movement of the rod end of the hydraulic lift assembly122, which causes extension conveyor assembly75to pivot upwardly about a pivot connection shown at121. In this manner, the extension conveyor assembly75is moved to the inoperative raised position, in which the upstream end of the conveyor belt of extension conveyor assembly75is moved out of alignment with the discharge of conveyor belt115of conveyor assembly110and the entirety of extension conveyor assembly110is moved positioned vertically above conveyor belt115of conveyor assembly110. Movement of extension conveyor assembly75to the inoperative position in this manner functions to reduce the effective width of the merger20, in that crop material discharged from the downstream end of conveyor assembly110is deposited directly onto the ground.

Referring toFIGS. 2,10, and11, the optional bed shift assembly80is configured to move the frame or bed of the conveyor assembly110laterally, for varying the location of the discharge end of the conveyor assembly110. A preferred bed shift assembly80includes a control valve124and a hydraulic cylinder assembly126interconnected between frame40and the frame of conveyor assembly110, which is configured such that extension and retraction of the cylinder assembly126is operable to move the discharge location of the conveyor belt115relative to side portions32and34of the merger20.

Referring toFIGS. 2 and 3, the control arrangement48is configured with a controller130to regulate operation of the above described functional systems or assemblies of the merger20from a remote location relative to the merger20. The controller130includes a control panel132and a communication bus or line133having a connection plug134configured to communicate operator input and output commands with the functional systems or assemblies of merger20.

Referring toFIG. 3, the controller130includes a housing135. A preferred remote location for the housing135and the controller130is within the vicinity or operating range of the operator of the tow vehicle, e.g., in the cabin of a tractor, although it is understood that the location of the housing135and controller130can vary. Housing135is configured to be secured to a bracket assembly136, which functions to couple the housing135to a pedestal140that can be mounted in any satisfactory location in the operator's cabin of the tow vehicle. The pedestal140includes a swivel mount145that can be locked in position with actuation of swivel lock150, which enables an operator to maintain housing128in a desired position. The lower end155of the pedestal140can be coupled to a fixed support structure of the tow vehicle, e.g. the vehicle dashboard or the like. The upper end160of the pedestal140receives the bracket assembly135. The upper end160of the pedestal140include a series of openings165that allows the controller130to be mounted on the pedestal140in a number of different angular positions, and maintained in the desired position using a nut and bolt assembly166that extends through an opening in mounting bracket135and an aligned opening165in pedestal upper end160. Similarly, the lower end155of the pedestal140includes a series of openings165, which enable the pedestal140to be mounted on the support structure of the tow vehicle in a variety of positions as desired. In this manner, the operator is able to position controller housing128so as to provide optimal viewing and accessibility of controller130. The bracket assembly135includes a pin170coupling the bracket assembly135to the controller130, which provides additional adjustability in the position of the controller130. It is understood that the particular composition and details of assembly of the housing128, the mounting bracket135, and the pedestal140can vary from the particular construction as shown and described.

FIGS. 4 and 5illustrate the manner in which controller130is interconnected with the various functional systems or assemblies of windrow merger20described previously. Referring toFIG. 4, the controller130is in communication with the functional systems or assemblies via a harness assembly180. One embodiment of the harness assembly180includes a series of electrical connections configured to allow the controller130to connect to a power supply (not shown) and with the various functional systems or assemblies incorporated into the merger20. The power supply provides the electrical power via the harness assembly180to power the control arrangement48. The power supply is preferably a 10.5 to 12 volt direct current (DC) power supply of the tow vehicle, but the type and source of the power supply can vary.

A preferred embodiment of the harness assembly180includes a first harness185having a first plug190configured to receive a connection plug134from the controller130, and a second plug195configured to connect to the tow vehicle power supply, such as a convenience outlet of a tractor. The second plug195includes a fuse200(e.g., 7.5 A) to provide short protection for the control arrangement48. Alternatively, the harness assembly180can be configured to connect to the battery power supply of the tow vehicle. The type of plugs and harnesses can vary. The plugs can include any female adapter and/or male adapter known for use with electrical harnesses or communication buses. In a preferred form, the first harness185is located on the tow vehicle such as the tractor.

The first harness185also includes a third plug205configured to electrically couple with a first plug207of a second harness210, which extends between the tow vehicle20and the windrow merger20. The second harness210includes a second plug212leading to the windrow merger20.

Referring toFIGS. 4 and 5, a manifold assembly215communicates control signals from the controller130via the first harness185and the second harness210to the respective functional systems or assemblies on the merger20. The second plug212of second harness210is connected to a first plug220at front end97of tow member55. Plug212is coupled to a series of wires that extend throughout the length of tow member55, which in turn terminate in connections224located adjacent manifold assembly215, which is secured to rear end98of tow member55. The manifold assembly215further includes a manifold block222having a series of control valves configured to receive the series of electrical connections224from the plug220. The control valves are operable to control actuation of the one or more functional assemblies of the merger20based on control signals from the controller130via the harness assembly. The controller130provides control signals via the harness assembly180to the respective control valves associated with each respective functional assembly. One embodiment of the manifold block includes valves82,84,99and117. The valves82,84,99and117are preferably solenoid valves configured to regulate or control the hydraulic output to the respective functional assembly. Control valve82includes solenoid225coupled to valve226. Control valve84includes solenoid227coupled to valve228. Control valve99includes stacked solenoids229and230coupled to valve231. Control valve117includes solenoid232coupled to valve233.

The first plug220is also interconnected with a second plug235that is operable to electrically connect with a respective one or more control valves configured to control operation of optional extension assembly75and/or bed shift assembly80, or other known functional assemblies. Thereby, the control arrangement48of the present invention provides ready attachment of optional functional assemblies to the controller130.

Referring toFIG. 6, a preferred embodiment of the control panel132includes a main ON/OFF switch238, a hydraulic motor activation switch240, and a series of input selector switches and outputs configured to regulate operation of the one or more functional assemblies incorporated on the merger20. The main ON/OFF switch238allows electrical power from the power supply of the tow vehicle to activate the controller130. The main ON/OFF switch238is operable to illuminate in the ON position to indicate operation of the controller130.

The hydraulic motor activation switch240is operable to activate operation of the hydraulic motors associated with the respective pickup assembly60and the conveyor drive assembly65. An indicator light242illuminates when the hydraulic motor activation switch235is the ON position.

The series of input selector switches correspond to the above described functional assemblies of the merger20. The actuation of each input switch is configured to correspond to an operation or movement of the respective functional assembly. The number or type of switches can vary.

The control panel132also includes a series of graphic displays and/or annotations244associated with the operation of the input switches. Each graphic display244generally describes the function and the actuation of corresponding functional assembly that corresponds with movement of a respective input switch. The type of graphical displays244(e.g., drawn, etched, illumination, etc.) can vary. The control panel132can also include a display (e.g., liquid crystal display, indicator lights, etc.) operable to indicate operational data of the number of the functional assemblies of the merger20to the operator.

Still referring toFIG. 6, one embodiment of the input switches includes a lift switch246that is operable to control operation of the lift assembly50and respective hydraulic lift member86in raising or lowering the merger20, as described above. The lift switch246has a RAISED position and a LOWERED position. Upon release of the lift switch246from the RAISED position, the lift switch246is also operable to automatically retract toward a neutral position. Upon release in the LOWERED position, the lift switch246does not retract and maintains the merger in the lowered position for merging crop material.

A tongue switch248is operable to control movement of the tow assembly55. Toggling the tongue switch245toward a SWING IN position causes the tow assembly55to swing the first end97of the tow arm and causes the merger20to swing in toward the tow vehicle. Toggling the switch248toward a SWING OUT position causes the tow assembly55and respective tow drive100to swing the tow member95such that the merger20swings out or away relative to the tow vehicle.

A conveyor discharge switch250is operable to control the discharge direction of the conveyor drive assembly65. Toggling the conveyor discharge switch250toward a left or right arrow position causes the corresponding conveyor drive assembly65to discharge collected crop material toward the respective left or right of the merger. In the central or neutral position, the conveyor drive assembly65is held in neutral such that collected crop material accumulates on the bed of the conveyor belt115. This aspect of the control arrangement48enables an operator to accumulate a desired quantity of crop material and discharge the crop material at a desired location.

A pickup speed switch255is operable to control the speed of the pickup assembly60and the conveyor speed control70based on crop conditions. Toggling the speed switch between the FAST or SLOW positions causes the speed of the pickup assembly60and conveyor speed control assembly70to increase or lower, respectively. Upon release, the pickup speed switch255automatically retracts toward a neutral position.

An extension switch260is operable to control the position of the extension conveyor assembly75. Toggling the extension switch260toward a RAISE or LOWER position causes the extension conveyor assembly75and respective extension lift assembly126to raise (SeeFIG. 9) or lower (SeeFIG. 8) the discharge end of the extension assembly75, respectively.

A bed shift switch265is operable to control movement of the conveyor assembly110. Toggling the bed shift switch265toward an IN position causes the conveyor assembly110and respective hydraulic cylinder assembly126to retract conveyor assembly110inward with respect to the discharge end of the merger20(SeeFIG. 10), while toggling the bed shift switch265toward an OUT position causes the bed shift assembly80to move the conveyor assembly110outward with respect to the discharge end of the merger20(SeeFIG. 11.

One or more of the input switches can be associated with optional functional assemblies. If an optional functional assembly is not incorporated on the merger20, then the respective input switch remains inactive.

In operation, the housing135and controller130are mounted in the vicinity and handling range of the operator of the tow vehicle. The control arrangement48allows the operator to remotely control operation of the various functional assemblies of the merger20without leaving the tow vehicle. The control arrangement48also simplifies the operator's control of the multiple functional assemblies incorporated in the merger20. The operator toggles the main switch to the ON position to activate the control arrangement48. The operator then toggles the hydraulic motor activation switch240toward the ON position to close control valve117and activate the hydraulic motors102and116of the pickup60and conveyor110assemblies, respectively. To shutdown the merger20, the operator returns all the input switches to their neutral position. The operator toggles the hydraulic motor activation switch235toward the OFF position to open control valve117and stop the conveyor110and the pickup60assemblies. To deactivate the control arrangement48, the operator moves the main power switch240to the OFF position. Thereafter, the operator can disengage the connections of the hydraulic flow to and from the hydraulic power supply of the tow vehicle.

The above described windrow merger20relies on hydraulic power to drive operation of the multiple functional assemblies of the windrow merger. Alternatively, the windrow merger can include mechanical and/or electrical driven functional assemblies configured to be remotely controlled by the controller. In another alternative, the windrow merger can integrated with the hydraulic power system of the tow vehicle, and the controller can be disposed within ready access of the operator of the merger20.

With this construction, the provision of a common control box in the cab of the tow vehicle provides complete control of all components of merger20by selecting the appropriate switch of controller130. The operator can remain in the tractor to make all routine adjustments in operation of merger20. The graphics of the controller130are configured to be user friendly, so that an operator can quickly and easily determine the function that is controlled by each switch. All switches move in a direction that corresponds to the function being controlled, to provide additional ease of use.