Sugarcane cleaning deflector arrangements

A cleaning arrangement for a sugarcane harvester with a cleaning chamber includes a deflector body with at least one deflection surface at least partly facing a feed stream of cane billets and other material from a feed train of a sugarcane harvester. The deflector body may be fixed to the sugarcane harvester such that the at least one deflection surface extends at least partly within the cleaning chamber. As the feed train moves the feed stream to the cleaning chamber, the at least one deflection surface may deflect at least a portion of the feed stream within the cleaning chamber.

STATEMENT OF FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

This disclosure relates generally to sugarcane harvesting, including the cleaning of leaves and debris from a stream of sugarcane billets.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

In order to harvest sugarcane from a field, a sugarcane harvester may move along a sugarcane field in order to gather sugarcane plants for further processing. The sugarcane plants may be severed from the ground by a base cutter assembly, then transported by feed rollers to a set of chopping drums, in order to be chopped into billets. The chopped plant matter may pass from the chopping drums into a trash extractor, which may clean the billet stream of leaves, dirt, or other trash. An output stream of billets may then pass from the extractor to a conveyer, which may lift the billets into a trailing wagon.

Various existing sugarcane harvesters may utilize axial-flow fans to generate air flow through the extractor, in order to clean leaves, dirt and other trash from streams of sugarcane billets. Traditional extractor designs, however, may be relatively inefficient and expensive, and may result in significant losses of sugarcane billets as well as relatively poor trash extraction.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Deflectors and related cleaning arrangements are disclosed for separating cane billets from other material. According to one aspect of the disclosure, a deflector body may include a deflection surface facing a feed stream from a feed train of a sugarcane harvester. The deflector body may be fixed to the sugarcane harvester such that the deflection surface extends at least partly within a cleaning chamber of the sugarcane harvester. As the feed train moves the feed stream to the cleaning chamber, the deflection surface may deflect at least a portion of the feed stream within the cleaning chamber.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, a deflector body may include a deflection surface facing a feed stream from a feed train of a sugarcane harvester. The deflector body may be fixed to the sugarcane harvester such that the deflection surface extends at least partly within a cleaning chamber of the sugarcane harvester. As the feed train moves the feed stream to the cleaning chamber, the deflection surface may deflect at least a portion of the feed stream along a deflected path within the cleaning chamber.

According to still another aspect of the disclosure, a deflector body may include a deflection surface facing a feed stream from a feed train of a sugarcane harvester. The deflector body may be fixed to the sugarcane harvester such that the deflection surface extends at least partly within a cleaning chamber of the sugarcane harvester. As the feed train moves the feed stream to the cleaning chamber, the deflection surface may deflect at least a portion of the feed stream along a deflected path within the cleaning chamber. A hub cover for a fan of the sugarcane harvester may extend within the cleaning chamber, with at least a portion of the hub cover extending into the deflected path of the feed stream. The deflection of the portion of the feed stream by the deflector body may cause the portion of the feed stream to physically impact the hub cover.

A guide vane may be disposed at a perimeter of the cleaning chamber. The guide vane may include a guide surface that at least partly faces the fan blades, the guide surface being oriented such that one of the rotating fan blades, in a single rotation, passes a higher end of the guide surface before passing a lower end of the guide surface. As part of the feed stream is carried by an air flow within the cleaning chamber toward an outlet of the cleaning chamber, the guide surface or an impact surface of the guide vane may deflect part of the feed stream away from the outlet.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following describes one or more example embodiments of the disclosed extractor and cleaning method for sugarcane harvesters, as shown in the accompanying figures of the drawings described briefly above. Various modifications to the example embodiments may be contemplated by one of skill in the art.

As used herein, unless otherwise specified or limited, “fixed,” “connected,” “attached,” “supported,” “coupled” and similar terms are used broadly, and generally include both direct and indirect fixing, connection, attachment, support, coupling, and so on. Also as used herein, unless otherwise specified or limited, a “body” may include a single-piece body, or a multiple-piece body, with various of multiple pieces being attached in various ways (e.g., via welding, mechanical fasteners such as clips, screws, tabs, or detent devices, and so on) to form the multiple-piece body.

As noted above, fan-based trash extractors may sometimes be utilized to clean trash (e.g., leaves, dirt, and other debris) from a stream of cut sugarcane plants. Generally, a vertical (or other) fan may be utilized to establish a pressure differential between an upper hood of the extractor and a lower cleaning chamber, and thereby generate a flow field (i.e., an air flow of air drawn from the surroundings) within the extractor as a whole. Because trash may tend to be lighter or less dense than billets of sugarcane stalks (i.e., “cane billets”), this pressure differential and flow field may tend to lift the trash into the hood for ejection, while allowing the cane billets to fall though an outlet opening for further processing by the harvester.

Generally, a goal of trash extraction (or “cleaning”) may be the removal of a relatively high proportion of trash from a stream of plant (and other) material, with relatively little removal of cane billets. In this regard, successful extraction may result in highly clean flow of cane billets from an extractor, where the “cleanness” of an the flow of billets may be viewed as a proportion of an outlet flow that is cane billets (and not trash). Similarly, successful extraction may also result in relatively few of the cane billets being ejected from the extractor with the trash. In this regard, successful extraction may result in low-loss ejection streams, where the “loss” of an extraction operation may be viewed as a proportion of the ejected material that is cane billets. As with other mechanized processes, it may be desirable to achieve highly clean outlet flows and low-loss ejection streams with relatively efficient expenditure of system energy.

The extractor (and cleaning method) of the current disclosure may include various features (and operations), which may contribute, both individually and collectively, to successful sugarcane cleaning. In certain embodiments, a vertical-axis fan assembly may be provided, with fan blades and a hub. The fan blades may include a twisted geometry along the blade profile from hub to blade tip. For example, the fan blades may be configured with an airfoil design, with a more aggressive orientation (i.e., closer to vertical) close to the hub, a less aggressive orientation (i.e., closer to horizontal) close to the blade tips, and a smoothly transitioning profile between the two. Among other benefits, this may provide for more evenly distributed airflow within the extractor, and generally reduced power consumption for a particular cleaning operation. In certain embodiments, relatively small clearances may be provided between the blade tips and a fan housing (or other interior surface of the extractor), which may also contribute to more efficient and successful cleaning operations.

Further with regard to the fan assembly, a fan hub may be configured with a relatively wide hub diameter, and a hub cover may extend from a lower (i.e., intake) plane of the fan blades into the stream of plant (and other) material entering the extractor. In certain embodiments, such a hub cover may be generally conical (e.g., a rounded cone with the tip extending into the incoming stream of material), although other configurations are also possible. The wider hub and the extension of the hub cover into the inlet stream may, individually and collectively, tend to support a more uniform velocity field within the extractor, while also physically distributing the plant matter more evenly around the cleaning chamber. These effects, individually and collectively, may further contribute to efficient and successful cleaning.

Various features on the housing (and other bodies) of the extractor may also be included, in order to provide a smoother and more uniform air flow (or otherwise condition flow through the extractor). In certain embodiments, for example, an extended cylindrical wall, a venturi duct, or both may be provided in order to streamline and vertically (or otherwise) orient air flow through the extractor. In certain embodiments, various vanes may be provided even with, above, or below the fan blades in order to provide similar effects. In certain embodiments, various mounting configurations (e.g., the mounting attachment for the extractor hood) may be modified in order to reduce or remove shoulders or other flow impediments from the interior of the extractor.

In some embodiments, various features may be arranged to serve as deflectors, in order to direct streams of cane billets and other materials by physical impact with portions of the streams. For example, a deflector body may be configured to extend into a cleaning chamber where a feed stream of cane billets and other material enters the cleaning chamber. A deflection surface of the deflector body may be configured to deflect a portion of the cane billets and other material within the cleaning chamber, thereby affecting the interaction of cane billets and other materials with the air flow of the generated flow field.

In some embodiments, a deflector body may be configured to direct deflected cane billets and other material along a deflected path that intercepts a hub cover of the fan. In this way, for example, the deflector body may direct a substantial portion of the cane billets and other material toward a physical impact with the hub cover, such that the hub cover physically separates the cane billets and other material, at least in part.

In some embodiments, guide vanes may be disposed around a perimeter of the cleaning chamber to at least partly guide the air flow generated by the fan. The guide vanes may be configured such that, as the cane billets and other material are moved toward an outlet of the cleaning chamber by the air flow, the guide vanes physically deflect a portion of the cane billets and other material away from the outlet.

As a result of these and other features, the disclosed extractor (and related method) may tend to produce cleaner outlet flows and lower-loss ejected trash streams than traditional extractor configurations, with reduced overall power consumption. It will be understood, accordingly, that the disclosed extractor (and related method) may facilitate improved cleaning of material streams and more cost-effective sugarcane harvesting.

As will become apparent from the discussion herein, the disclosed extractor and cleaning and method may be used advantageously in a variety of settings and with a variety of machinery. In certain embodiments, referring now toFIG. 1, the disclosed extractor and cleaning method may be implemented with regard to a sugarcane harvester20. It will be understood, however, that the disclosed system and method may be used for various other vehicles or non-vehicle platforms, including various sugarcane harvesters of different configurations or designs than the sugarcane harvester20ofFIG. 1.

The harvester20is presented in a side perspective view inFIG. 1, with the front of the harvester20facing to the left. Accordingly, certain right-side components of the harvester20may not be visible inFIG. 1. The harvester20may include a main frame22supported on track assemblies24or wheels (not shown), with a cab18to house an operator. An engine26may supply power for driving the harvester along a field and for powering various driven components of the harvester20. In certain embodiments, the engine26may directly power a hydraulic pump (not shown) and various driven components of the harvester20may be powered by hydraulic motors (not shown) receiving hydraulic power from the hydraulic pump via an embedded hydraulic system (not shown).

A cane topper30may extend forward of the frame22in order to remove the leafy tops of sugarcane plants (not shown), and a set of crop dividers32(only the left-side divider32shown inFIG. 1) may then guide the remainder of the sugarcane toward internal mechanisms of the harvester20for processing. As the harvester20moves across a field, plants passing between the crop dividers32may be deflected downward by an upper knockdown roller36and a lower knockdown roller38before being cut near the base of the plants by a base cutter assembly34mounted on the main frame22. Rotating disks, guides, or paddles (not shown) on the base cutter assembly34may further direct the cut ends of the plants upwardly and rearward within the harvester20toward a feed train including successive pairs of upper and lower feed rollers38and40. The feed rollers38and40may be rotatably supported by a chassis28(e.g., a welded extension of the frame22), and may be rotatably driven by a hydraulic motor or other device (not shown) in order to convey the stalks toward chopper drums44and46for chopping into relatively uniform billets.

The chopper drums44and46may rotate in opposite directions in order to chop the passing stalks into billets and propel the billets into a cleaning chamber48at the base of a primary extractor50. The primary extractor50may utilize a powered fan (or similar device) to extract trash and debris from a cleaning chamber48, while allowing the cane billets to drop onto a loading elevator52with a forward end located at the bottom of the cleaning chamber48. The loading elevator52may then convey the cleaned billets upward to a discharge location54, below a secondary extractor56, where the billets may be discharged into a trailing wagon or other receptacle (not shown).

In certain embodiments, one or more control devices, such as controller58, may be included in (or otherwise associated with) the harvester20. The controller58, for example, may include one or more computing devices including various processor devices and various associated memory architectures. In certain embodiments, the controller58may additionally (or alternatively) include various other control devices such as various electro-hydraulic valves and hydraulic circuits, various electronic control circuits and devices (e.g., various power electronics devices), and so on. In certain embodiments, the controller58(or another control device) may be in communication with various switches, controls and other interfaces or input devices (not shown) in the cab18, as well as with various sensors, actuators, or other devices (not shown inFIG. 1) distributed throughout the harvester20. In certain embodiments, the controller58(or another control device) may be a remotely located control device that communicates with various devices and systems of the harvester20via wireless or other extended-distance communication means.

Referring also toFIG. 2, various components of the extractor50are depicted. Generally, a base74of the extractor50may be supported by the chassis28, such that the stream of plant (and other) material from the chopper drums44and46(seeFIG. 1) may flow through an inlet opening76and into the cleaning chamber48. The base74may include a base ring80and side members78extending along either side of the ring80, as well as a base cone82extending generally downward from the base ring80and around the cleaning chamber48. Below the cleaning chamber48, a cane basket86and an outlet opening84may be provided, in order to guide billets falling from the cleaning chamber48onto the elevator52(seeFIG. 1). The perimeters of the cane basket86and the base cone82, respectively, may exhibit generally slanted profiles in order to allow the elevator52to extend upward at an appropriate angle (seeFIG. 1) and to rotate from side to side depending on the location of the trailing wagon (or other receptacle).

A fan housing94with a primary ring96may be seated above the base ring80and may generally surround portions of a fan assembly124(see, e.g.,FIG. 3). The primary ring96may include various vanes120(see, e.g.,FIG. 3) and may generally support the hood70. The hood70may include various tubular supports72, as well as a closed end70aand an ejection end70b, from which debris may be ejected from the extractor50. The primary ring96and the hood70may be configured to collectively rotate with respect to the extractor base74, in order to appropriate orient the stream of trash from the ejection end70bof the hood70. For example, a chain drive (not shown) may be provided to rotate the primary ring96and thereby to rotate the hood70. Other mechanisms and configurations for the rotation of the hood70may alternatively (or additionally) be utilized. The base ring80may also support a cable seat100, by way of a support ring98, in order to hold a cable (not shown) to support the elevator52.

Referring also toFIG. 3, various internal features of the extractor50are depicted. For example, an inner ring108may be provided within the extractor50, which ring108may extend generally downward from the primary ring96within the base cone82, in order to define an extended cylindrical wall within the cleaning chamber48. As discussed in greater detail below, this inner ring108may assist in streamlining air flow within the cleaning chamber48, while also providing for a more evenly distributed and more generally vertical velocity field.

In certain embodiments, the inner ring108(or a similar feature) may be further contoured or configured in order to provide a venturi duct within the cleaning chamber48. For example, a contoured inner ring108amay alternatively (or additionally) be provided, which may define an axial flow profile that is wider at the top and the bottom (as depicted) than in the middle. In this way, air flow through the ring108amay be accelerated through the reduced-area middle portion, thereby creating more strongly streamlined, more uniform, and more vertical flow for the separation of trash from sugarcane billets. It will be understood that various other configurations may also be possible, in order to provide such a venturi profile within the cleaning chamber48.

In certain embodiments, a relatively smooth junction110between the inner ring108and the primary ring96may be provided, in order to provide a substantially straight (e.g., generally step-less) flow path for air flow through the extractor50. Referring also toFIG. 4, for example, were the inner walls (and, accordingly, the flow area) of the cleaning chamber48just below the primary ring96to be defined by the base ring80, a shoulder (or step)80awould extend into the upward air flow between the base ring80and the primary ring96. This could cause a less streamlined and more turbulent air flow, as well as the physical impediment to upwardly moving material provided by the shoulder80aitself. In the embodiment depicted, however, the inner ring108and the primary ring96may exhibit generally the same radial dimensions at the junction110between the rings108and96. Accordingly, there may be relatively little impedance of air flow at the junction110and, correspondingly, a more streamlined, more vertical, and less turbulent flow field.

The primary ring96and related components may be mounted to the base74in various ways. For example, the support ring98may be supported by the base ring80and may in turn support a flange114of the primary ring96. In certain embodiments, the flange114may be slidably seated above the support ring98, such that the primary ring96(and the hood70) may rotate as needed with respect to the support ring98and the extractor base74. The primary ring may further extend through the interior of the support ring98and may include an attachment device140(e.g., a mount for a bolt and a tubing connection) for securing the support ring98to the base. In certain embodiments, various access holes138may be provided in the base ring80in order to access the attachment device140(and thereby to secure or detach the primary ring98) from outside of the base ring80.

A relatively smooth junction122similar to the junction110may also be provided between the primary ring96and the hood70, in order to further streamline air flow through the extractor50. Referring again toFIG. 3, for example, a flange116may be provided on the primary ring96. The flange116may slidably support a mounting ring118, on which the hood70may be seated. As depicted inFIG. 3, the mounting ring118may be supported by the flange116, but may not extend inward along the flange116past the inner wall of the primary ring96. Accordingly, at the junction122between the mounting ring118and the flange116of the primary ring96, there may not be a inwardly extending step or shoulder to impede the air (and material) flow through the extractor50, and the air (and material) may be able to more smoothly expand outward across the junction122and into the hood70for ejection.

Various other features may also be included. Still referring toFIG. 3, multiple instances of the guide vanes120may be provided in order to guide airflow through the extractor50and, in some configurations, to deflect cane billets and other material being carried by the air flow. In the embodiment depicted, the vanes120may be formed as part of (or mounted to) the primary ring96, may be generally disposed below fan blades128, and may be uniformly angled counter to the rotation of the fan assembly124. As with various other features, such a configuration may tend to provide more uniform, streamlined, and vertical air flow, which may lead to more effective and efficient trash extraction. Further, with the guide vanes120angled counter to the rotation of the fan assembly, as discussed in greater detail below, the guide vanes120may physically impact cane billets and other material as the cane billets and other material move upward toward the hood along the perimeter of the cleaning chamber48. In this way, for example, the guide vane120may deflect back into the cleaning chamber48cane billets that might otherwise slip past the tips of fan blades128into the hood70.

Other configurations of the vanes120(and other vanes) may also be possible. In certain embodiments, various other vanes (not shown) may alternatively (or additionally) be included at other locations, or on other features, of the extractor50. For example, in addition (or as an alternative) to the vanes120depicted, a set of vanes may be provided above the fan blades128(e.g., within the hood70or on an upward extension of the primary ring96). In certain embodiments, the vanes120(or other vanes) may be angled with the rotation of the fan assembly124, may vary in orientation from vane to vane (i.e., may not be uniformly angled), or may otherwise vary from the example configuration depicted inFIG. 3.

In certain embodiments, various louvers (not shown) may also be provided, which may further guide and direct air flow into (and within) the cleaning chamber48. Various orientations of the louvers may be possible, including vertical, horizontal, and various angled orientations. In certain embodiments, the various louvers may be oriented uniformly (e.g., with uniform angles with respect to vertical). In certain embodiments, louvers of various different orientations may be utilized together.

Still referring toFIG. 3and also referring toFIG. 5, the fan assembly124may include a hub126supporting various fan blades128. In certain embodiments, the fan blades128may include a twisted geometry along the blade profile from the blade portion128anear the hub126to blade tip128b. For example, the fan blades128may be angled more aggressively (i.e., closer to vertical) at the portion128aclose to the hub and less aggressively (i.e., closer to horizontal) at the blade tips128b, with a smoothly transitioning profile between the two. In certain embodiments, the blades128may include an airfoil profile, in which the blades128exhibit a curved profile at each radial distance from the hub126, with the portion128anear the hub126exhibiting a generally more aggressive (e.g., more curved) profile and with the blade tips128bexhibiting a generally less aggressive (e.g., less curved) profile. In certain embodiments, a relatively narrow clearance130between the fan blades128and the fan housing (e.g., the primary ring96) may be provided. Among other benefits, these various designs may provide for more even airflow and reduced power consumption during operation of the fan assembly124, as well as fewer losses of cane billets past the fan blades128and into the hood70. (Of note, the blades128inFIG. 3are oriented out of the cross-sectional plane ofFIG. 3, and therefore do not appear to extend fully to the edge of the indicated clearance130. It will be understood that a similar clearance (not labeled) between the blades128and the housing may obtain at each point (or a subset of points) along the path of the fan blades128within the housing.)

In certain embodiments, a relatively wide hub126(and related components) may be provided. For example, the hub126may include a relatively wide body diameter126a(e.g., approximately 20 inches), and a spindle134with a relatively wide diameter134s(e.g., approximately 10 inches). These relatively wide diameters126aand134amay, individually or collectively, contribute to more uniform air and material flow, and generally improved extractor performance. It will be understood that other diameters126aand134amay be possible, including diameters126aand134athat are larger or smaller than the example dimensions noted above.

In certain embodiments, a hub cover132of various configurations may be included. In certain embodiments, the hub cover132may include a rounded conical profile (as depicted in the various figures), although other configurations are also possible. In certain embodiments, the hub cover132may extend a relatively large distance downward from a lower (or, generally, an “intake”) plane136of the path of the fan blades128into the cleaning chamber48. For example, in the embodiment depicted, the hub cover132may extend one-third of its length132aor more past the lower edge of the primary ring96(i.e., junction110) and into the inner ring108. (AS noted above, various geometries for blades128may be possible. As such, the extended profile of the blades128may not necessarily trace a true geometrical plane at the lower (or intake) end. In this light, it will be understood that an intake “plane” of a set of fan blades128may include a true geometrical plane aligned with a lower (or other) point along the fan blades128, or another surface defined by the lower (or other) contour of the rotating blades128.)

Referring also toFIGS. 6A and 6B, certain effects of the above-noted features and designs on the flow of cane billets and trash through the extractor50are depicted. As also described above, the fan assembly124may rotate around a vertical axis (e.g., axis124a) in order to create a pressure gradient and velocity field within the cleaning chamber48and the hood70. Referring in particular toFIG. 6B, this may draw billets (thinner lines) and trash (thicker, darker lines) from the inlet opening76into the cleaning chamber48for separation of the billets from the trash. The heavier (or more dense) billets may tend not to be drawn into the hood and, due to the momentum of the billet flow, may travel across the cleaning chamber48to impact a containment sheet88and then fall into the cane basket86and out of the outlet opening84. In contrast, the lighter (or less dense) trash may tend to be drawn past the fan blades128, into the hood70, then ejected from the ejection end70bof the hood70.

As noted above, various of the features of the disclosed trash extractor50(e.g., the hub cover132, the airfoil fan blades128, the wider hub126and spindle134, the inner ring108, the small blade clearance130, and so on) may tend to create a more uniform and more generally vertical velocity field for the air and material moving through the extractor50. As can be seen inFIG. 6B, this may generally result in a relatively even distribution of material at various locations within the cleaning chamber48. For example, referring to the annular flow region surrounding the hub132below the lower plane136of the path of the fan blades128, it can be seen that the trash material may be relatively evenly distributed across most of the chamber90. This may generally result in better lift of the trash into the hood70by the fan assembly124, while also generally less carriage of cane billets into the hood70by clumped masses of trash. For example, an even distribution of material within the chamber90may tend to expose a greater surface area of the material to the air flow, resulting in better lift of lighter material (i.e., into the hood70) by the air flow. Further, an even distribution of material within the chamber90may tend to reduce the clumping of trash and billets together. Accordingly, fewer billets may be carried upward (i.e., into the hood70) as part of larger clumps of trash.

In part, the more even distribution of material within the cleaning chamber48may result from the relatively wide hub diameter134aand the extension of the hub cover132into the inlet stream of plant (and other) material. For example, the extension of the hub cover132into the cleaning chamber48may tend to create a high pressure atmosphere in the chamber, while also tending to reduce air voids and recirculation in the chamber by physically redirecting the air flow and cane flow. In configurations in which the hub cover132extends directly into an inlet flow path of the trash and cane billets, the hub cover132may also physically interact with (i.e., physically impact) the incoming material to further distributing the material about the chamber90and thereby further increasing the cleanness of the outlet stream and reducing cleaning loss. For example, inFIG. 6Bit can be seen that the hub cover132may be configured to extend generally into the center of an inlet flow path defined by the boundary flow paths142. Similarly, the inlet opening76of the cleaning chamber48may be configured to generally direct an inlet stream into the cleaning chamber48along a path that directly intersects with the hub cover132. Accordingly, not only may the hub cover132affect the velocity field of the air flow through the chamber90, but the extension of the hub cover132into the inlet stream may also cause cane billets and trash in the inlet stream to physically impinge (i.e., impact) upon the hub cover132. This physical contact may tend to distribute the trash material and cane billets relatively uniformly about the cleaning chamber around the hub cover132, while also robbing the heavier cane billets of momentum so that the billets tend to fall from the hub cover132into the containment sheet88(or other features of the extractor50) and out of the outlet opening84.

Referring also toFIGS. 7A and 7B, an example velocity field for an air flow through the extractor50is depicted. It will be understood, however, that other beneficial flow fields may be alternatively obtained. InFIG. 7A, faster velocities are depicted as darker lines and inFIG. 7B, faster velocities are depicted as thicker lines. (For clarity of presentation, multiple velocity vectors have been condensed into single average velocity representations inFIG. 7B.) As inFIG. 6, it can be seen that the various disclosed features of the extractor50collectively contribute to regions of relatively uniform and generally vertical velocity throughout the extractor50. As noted above, this (and other factors) may contribute to more effective and efficient cleaning operations. In flow region148, near the inlet opening76, for example, it can be seen not only that the velocity field is relatively constant across the cleaning chamber48, but that the velocity vectors are generally vertically oriented. Accordingly, billet and trash material entering the cleaning chamber48may be exposed to relatively uniform and vertical flow almost immediately.

In certain embodiments, although the scalar velocities of the air flow across the chamber90may be relatively constant, the velocity field within various flow regions of the chamber90may not be entirely uniform. For example, within the flow region148, below the hub cover132, scalar velocities in the rearward portion of the flow region148(i.e., to the right of the axis124ainFIGS. 7A and 7B) may be somewhat larger than scalar velocities in the forward portion of the flow region148(i.e., to the left of the axis124ainFIGS. 7A and 7B). This partial (and, potentially, slight) non-uniformity may further contribute to a relatively even distribution of material within the flow region148and to more effective and efficient cleaning operations. For example, because material may only enter the cleaning chamber48from the forward side (i.e., from the left from the perspective ofFIGS. 7A and 7B), the higher velocities on the rearward side of the chamber90(i.e., to the right from the perspective ofFIGS. 7A and 7B) may tend to draw material into the rearward portion of the chamber90(e.g., due to the reduced pressure associated with the higher velocities) and thereby more evenly distribute the material entering the chamber90. As also noted above, more even distribution of material within the chamber90may tend to allow more effective and efficient cleaning operations. For example, because evenly distributed material may be relatively thinly spread in any given portion of a cross-section of the chamber90, more surface area of the material may be exposed to the air flow through the chamber90, billets may not be covered by (and carried with) clumps of lighter trash, and so on. Accordingly, better separation of billets and trash may be achieved, including with lower fan speeds and power than in certain traditional designs.

As the billets and trash continue upward within the cleaning chamber48into the generally annular flow region150, the material may continue to be exposed to a generally vertical velocity field, as generated and guided by the velocity hub cover132, the airfoil blades128, the vanes120(not shown inFIGS. 7A and 7B), and so on. In certain embodiments, the hub cover132may be configured to extend downward into the cleaning chamber48such that some portion of the material may physically impact the hub cover132. As noted above, this contact may tend to further distribute the billets and trash evenly across the cleaning chamber48, while also robbing the heavier billets of the momentum that would be required for the billets to continue past the fan blades128and into the hood70. Again, this may result in a more even distribution of plant (and other) material throughout the flow region150, with a correspondingly more effective exposure of the trash to sufficient flow velocities for effective cleaning.

In certain embodiments, the velocity field across the flow region150may be generally uniform, such that billet or trash material at any given point across a horizontal portion of the flow region150may generally be exposed to the same air flow velocity. In contrast, various previous systems may tend to exhibit significantly higher air flow velocities in the rearward portion of the flow region150(i.e., to the right inFIGS. 7A and 7B) than in the forward portion of the region150. In such designs, where the kinetic energy of the upward flow is skewed toward the rearward portion of the flow region150, not only may the higher velocities in the rearward portion tend to carry billets past the fan blades (resulting in undesirable losses), but higher fan speeds and power may be generally required in order to generate sufficient velocities to draw material upward past the fan blades within the forward portion of the region150. Fundamentally, this increase in fan speed and power may then correspond to an increase in the velocities in the rearward portion of the region150, which may result in even more billet loss, as well as generally increased power consumption. Accordingly, it may be beneficial to provide a relatively uniform velocity field within the region150, rather than a velocity field that is skewed (from a scalar perspective) toward the rearward portion of the region150.

Indeed, in certain embodiments, it may be useful to provide a velocity field within the flow region150with somewhat larger scalar velocities in the forward portion of the flow region150than in the rearward portion of the region150. As depicted inFIGS. 7A and 7B, for example, the average scalar velocity in the forward portion of region150may be generally higher than the average scalar velocity in the rearward portion, which may allow for more efficient movement of trash past the fan blades128across the entire cleaning chamber48, while also preventing excessive loss of billets through the fan blades128.

Moving still upward within the extractor50, most of the material found in the generally annular flow region152may be trash, as most of the billets may have fallen out of the air flow toward the outlet opening84. This may result from various factors. For example, the physical extension of the hub cover132into the material flow (and other disclosed features) may have assisted in evenly distributing the incoming material across the cleaning chamber, such that the lighter trash may have been effectively pulled across the fan blades128and the heavier billets may have been allowed to fall toward the outlet opening84. Further, as noted above, the hub cover132may have physically contacted portions of both the billets and the trash, which may have further deflected the billets toward the outlet opening84, while distributing the trash across the chamber90for uptake into the hood70.

Due to the various design aspects noted above, the velocity field within the flow region152may be generally vertical and may be relatively uniformly distributed. Further, this relatively uniform and generally vertical flow field may extend upward into the hood70, including up to and past the upper end156of the hub126. In contrast, earlier designs may exhibit larger scalar velocities at the rearward portion of the flow region152, and significant recirculation flows (i.e., significantly non-vertical flows) in close proximity to the upper edges of the fan blades. Accordingly, whereas trash (and billets) in earlier designs may tend to accumulate above the fan, the trash in the flow regions152may be carried strongly away from the fan blades128, thereby clearing the flow regions152for more incoming material, preventing clogging of the blades, and generally contributing to effective and efficient cleaning. In this regard, the wider diameter134aof the spindle134may also contribute to improved cleaning, as the wider spindle134(and sloped profile of an upper end156of the hub126) may tend to prevent accumulation of trash material above the fan blades128.

Various operations for cleaning a stream of sugarcane billets (e.g., with the extractor50, including various of the operations described above, may be implemented as part of a sugarcane cleaning (“SC”) method. Such a method may be implemented automatically (e.g., as controlled by the controller58), manually (e.g., as controlled by an operator via various interfaces and input devices (not shown)), or as a combination of automatic and manual operations (e.g., as controlled manually by an operator via various input devices and automatically by the controller58). It will be understood, accordingly, that an SC method may be implemented using various computing devices or by various hydraulic, electronic, mechanical, electro-hydraulic, electro-mechanical, or other control devices, in various combinations. In certain implementations, for example, an SC method may be implemented by way of the controller58controlling various rotational speeds of (or rate of power provided to) the fan assembly124, the feed rollers40and42, and the chopper drums44and46.

Referring also toFIG. 8, various operations of an example SC method170are represented. In certain implementations, the SC method170may include generating172an air flow within an extractor for a sugarcane harvester using a fan device174, wherein air and plant material are carried by the generated172air flow from an inlet of the cleaning chamber upward toward an outlet from the extractor. The fan device174may include a device such as the fan assembly124, or another device capable of generating an air flow (e.g., a turbine, pump, piston, or other device). For example, referring also toFIGS. 7A and 7B, the fan assembly124may be utilized to generate172an air flow within the extractor50, whereby sugarcane billets and trash within a stream of material through the inlet opening76are carried upward within the cleaning chamber48. The generated172air flow may further carry some of the material (e.g., the lighter trash) past the fan assembly124and out of the outlet opening84. Air to feed the generated172air flow may be drawn from a variety of sources, including through the inlet opening76, through various louvers (not shown) and other openings. A substantial portion of the generated172air flow may exit the extractor50through the outlet opening84.

The SC method170may include generating176, as part of the generated172air flow, an entrance flow field within an entrance flow region. The entrance flow region (e.g., the flow region148, as depicted inFIGS. 7A and 7B) may be oriented within the cleaning chamber48of the extractor50, generally between the fan device174(e.g., the fan assembly124) and the inlet opening76. In certain embodiments, the entrance flow region may extend vertically (or otherwise) between a lower end158of the hub cover132and the inlet opening76.

In certain implementations, the generated176entrance flow field may exhibit a generally smaller average scalar flow velocity in a forward portion180of the entrance flow region than in a rearward portion182of the entrance flow region. For example, referring again toFIGS. 7A and 7B, the portion180of the flow region148to the left of the axis of rotation124amay exhibit an average scalar velocity that is generally smaller than the average scalar velocity in the portion182of the flow region148to the right of the axis of rotation124a.

The SC method170may include generating186, as part of the generated172air flow, a fan-inlet flow field within a fan-inlet flow region. The fan-inlet flow region (e.g., the flow region150, as depicted inFIGS. 7A and 7B) may be oriented within the cleaning chamber48of the extractor60, generally between the inlet opening76and the fan device174(e.g., the fan assembly124). In certain embodiments, the fan-inlet flow region (e.g., region150) may extend vertically (or otherwise) between the entrance flow region (e.g., region148) and the intake plane (e.g., intake plane136a) of the fan device174.

In certain implementations, with reference toFIG. 8, the generated186fan-inlet flow field may exhibit a larger average flow velocity in a forward portion190of the fan-inlet flow region than in a rearward portion192of the fan-inlet flow region. For example, referring again toFIGS. 7A and 7B, in the portion of the flow region150to the left of the axis of rotation124amay exhibit an average scalar velocity that is generally larger than the average scalar velocity in the portion of the flow region150to the right of the axis of rotation124a. In other implementations, flow velocities in the forward portion190and the rearward portion192of a fan-inlet flow region may compare in other ways (e.g., may be substantially similar).

The SC method170may include generating196, as part of the generated172air flow, a transition flow field within a transition flow region. The transition flow region (e.g., the flow region152, as depicted inFIGS. 7A and 7B) may extend from the cleaning chamber48, across the fan blades128, and into the hood70of the extractor50. In certain implementations, the transition flow region (e.g., flow region152) may extend from an intake plane of the fan device174(e.g., the intake plane136a), or another reference area associated with the fan device174, into the hood70. In certain implementations, the transition flow region may extend substantially into the hood70. For example, the flow region152can be seen to extend, within the hood70, vertically past the upper end156of the hub126.

In certain implementations, the generated196transition flow field may exhibit substantially similar average scalar flow velocities in both a forward portion200of the transition flow region and in a rearward portion202of the transition flow region. For example, referring again toFIGS. 7A and 7B, the portion200of the flow region152to the left of the axis of rotation124amay exhibit an average scalar velocity that is generally similar to (e.g., within 5 to 10% of) the average scalar velocity of the portion202of the flow region152to the right of the axis of rotation124a.

It will be understood that various other implementations may also be possible. In certain implementations, for example, one or more of the various flow regions (e.g., the flow regions148,150, and152) may extend fully across the local width (e.g., local diameter) of the extractor50and, one or more of the fan-inlet and transition flow regions (e.g., the flow regions150and152), may extend fully from the outer boundaries of the generated172air flow (e.g., at the inner boundaries of cleaning chamber48and the hood70) to the hub126or hub cover132of the fan device. Other implementations may be possible, however, including with the transition flow region (e.g., the flow region150) or the fan-inlet flow region (e.g., the flow region152) extending from the outer boundaries of the generated172air flow to a projection of the outermost profile of the hub126(e.g., a vertical projection of the point of connection between the fan blades128and the hub126) or other reference area.

In various embodiments, it may be useful to provide a deflector body extending into the cleaning chamber of a trash extractor, such that the deflector body deflects cane billets and other material within the cleaning chamber. Referring also toFIGS. 9 and 10, for example, another configuration of the extractor50is depicted with an example deflector body210disposed at the inlet opening76of the cleaning chamber48.

Generally, a deflector body may be configured to deflect cane billets and other materials within a cleaning chamber, such that the deflector body directs the deflected cane billets and other materials along a deflected path within the cleaning chamber. As depicted inFIGS. 9 and 10, the deflector body210is disposed generally above an inlet opening76ainto the cleaning chamber48(which opening76amay be similarly configured to the inlet opening76), such that at least part of a feed stream212of cane billets and other material that passes from the rollers40and42(seeFIG. 1) into the cleaning chamber48may be deflected within the cleaning chamber48, along a deflected path216, by a lower deflection surface214of the deflector body210facing the feed stream212. In this way, for example, the deflector body210may reduce (or eliminate) an upward component of the velocity of cane billets and other material within the feed stream212before the cane billets and other material fully enter the air flow within the cleaning chamber48(see, e.g., the air flow field depicted inFIGS. 7A and 7B). Among other benefits, this may prevent some cane billets and other material contained within the feed stream212from being carried out of the cleaning chamber48by the air flow before the cane billets have been appropriately separated from the other material.

In some embodiments, a deflector body may be configured to direct a portion of a feed stream towards a particular feature of an extractor. Where a hub cover is provided on an extractor fan, for example, a deflector body may be configured such that when the deflector body deflects a stream of cane billets and other material, at least a portion of the stream is directed along a deflected path that intersects the hub cover. In this way, the cane billets and other material traveling along the deflected path may physically impact the hub cover, with the impact acting generally to separate the cane billets and other material.

This impact-driven separation, in turn, may result in generally improved cleaning of the stream. For example, where cane billets and other material in a feed stream have massed together into clumps, air flow within a cleaning chamber may act collectively on the clumps as a whole, rather than separately on the cane billets and other material individually. As such, cane billets, as part of the clumps, may be carried out of the cleaning chamber with the other material. However, a physical impact with another object, such as a hub cover, may break up these clumps, such that the air flow may act separately on the cane billets and the other material. Further, physical impact with another object may generally re-distribute the cane billets and other materials from an incoming stream to a more diffuse arrangement within the cleaning chamber. Again, this may allow the air flow in the chamber to act relatively separately on the cane billets and other material, such that the heavier cane billets may fall downward for collection and the other material may be carried upward for disposal. Where the object impacted by the cane billets and other material is itself in motion (e.g., rotating within the cleaning chamber), this motion may further contribute to separation and redistribution of the cane billets and other materials.

As depicted inFIG. 10, the deflection surface214of the example deflector body210is configured so that a deflected stream of cane billets and other material moving along the deflected path216may, at least in part, physically impact the hub cover132. As also discussed above, including with regard toFIG. 6B, such an impact may tend to separate clumps of cane billets and other material as well as generally redistribute the cane billets and other material around the cleaning chamber48.

A deflection surface may be configured to direct deflected matter toward a hub cover (or other feature) in a variety of ways. As depicted inFIG. 10, for example, the deflection surface214is configured to have a generally planar geometry. Further, an inner end portion214aof the deflection surface214extends at an angle (e.g., measured with respect to the axis of rotation of the fan assembly124or of the hub cover132), such that a tangent line to the end portion214aextends across the cleaning chamber48to intersect with the hub cover132. In some embodiments, including where the deflection path216generally follows such a tangent line (e.g., as depicted inFIG. 10), such a configuration of the deflection surface214may generally ensure that at least a portion of the deflected stream of cane billets and other material impacts the hub cover132for separation and re-distribution within the cleaning chamber.

In some embodiments, the deflected path216may extend directly (e.g., without significant circumferential travel) between the deflection surface214and the hub cover132(or other feature). In other embodiments, a deflected path216may exhibit other profiles.

In some embodiments, adjustment of the deflector body210(and other components) may be possible. For example, the deflector body210or related features may be configured such that the deflection surface214may be adjusted between different extension distances within the cleaning chamber48. As depicted, inFIG. 10, for example, the deflection surface214extends an extension distance218, within the cleaning chamber48, from the inlet opening76ato a tip of the end portion214a. In various embodiments, the deflector body210may be adjusted, such that the end portion214a(or other feature) of the deflection surface214extends a larger extension distance220within the cleaning chamber. This may be useful, for example, in order to provide varying amounts or directions of deflection for cane billets and other material within the cleaning chamber48, as may be useful to address different flow rates of material through the feed train into the cleaning chamber48.

In some embodiments, a slotted arrangement may permit adjustments to the extension distance of a deflection surface within a cleaning chamber. For example, as depicted inFIG. 10, a slotted arrangement on a side mounting plate224of the deflector body210includes a mounting slot222. By attaching the deflector body210to a frame232of the feed train of the harvester20(see alsoFIG. 9) at different locations along the mounting slot222, the end portion214aof the deflection surface214may be adjusted to different extension distances within the cleaning chamber48.

In some embodiments, a telescoping arrangement (not shown) may be used, such that a portion of the deflection surface214may be moved with respect to a portion of the deflector body210, in order to change the extension of the deflection surface214within the cleaning chamber48. In some embodiments, an adjustment arrangement may be disposed on other features in addition (or as an alternative) to the deflector body210. For example, a slot (not shown) similar to the mounting slot222may be provided on the frame232of the feed train, such that the extension distance of the deflection surface214within the cleaning chamber48may be changed by securing the deflector body210to the mounting feature at different positions on the slot.

In some embodiments, a deflector body may also (or alternatively) be adjustable to change other aspects of the orientation of an included deflection surface. For example, some deflector bodies (or related devices) may be adjustable to change a characteristic angle of the deflection surfaces of the deflector bodies. For example, a deflector body may be adjusted in various ways in order to change an angular orientation of the deflector body as a whole, an angle of a deflection surface where the surface deflects an incoming stream, an angle of the deflection surface at an end portion of the deflection surface, and so on.

As depicted inFIG. 10, the side mounting plate224for the deflector body210includes a fan-shaped end portion226with various mounting openings228configured to receive a mounting pin230. Accordingly, the deflector body210and the deflection surface214may be adjustably disposed at different angles (e.g., relative to a rotational axis of the hub cover132), depending on which of the openings228receives the mounting pin230. In some embodiments, this may be useful, for example, to allow adjustment of the angle of the end portion214aof the deflection surface214, such that the deflected path216appropriately intersects with the hub cover132(or another feature or region of the cleaning chamber48).

In some embodiments, a hub cover may also (or alternatively) be adjustable. Still referring toFIG. 10, for example, the hub cover132may be configured to be moved upward and downward within cleaning chamber48, such that a lower end of the hub132exhibits different extensions within the cleaning chamber48(e.g., as measured from the lower fan blade plane136). As depicted, for example, the hub cover132may be adjusted between a raised configuration (depicted in solid relief), at which the bottom end of the hub cover132just intercepts the deflection path216, and a lowered configuration (depicted by dotted profile144), at which the bottom end of the hub cover132extends below (or at least relatively farther into) the deflection path216.

By changing the point (or points) of intersection of the deflection path216and the hub cover132, adjustments to the hub cover132may also change the geometry to which the cane billets and other material are exposed when they impact the hub cover132. As depicted inFIG. 10, for example, adjustment of the extension distance of the hub cover132may also cause the deflected path216to intersect the hub cover132at areas of different surface geometry for the hub cover132. For example, where the deflected path216intersects the hub cover132near a lower end of the hub cover, the deflected path216may impact a different curved profile of the hub cover132than if the deflected path216intersects the hub cover132at a higher location. Similarly, materials impacting the hub cover132at a wider diameter of the hub cover132(e.g., higher up on the hub cover profile) may be exposed to higher local velocities of the hub cover surface(s), and, accordingly, greater potential deflection velocities. Similar effects may also be obtained through adjustment of the deflection body210(e.g., through adjustments of the angular orientation of the deflection surface214). Accordingly, for example, adjustment of the hub cover132or the deflector body210may be useful in order to expose materials directed along the deflected path216to different deflection directions and magnitudes of impact at the hub cover132.

As depicted inFIGS. 9 and 10, the deflection surface214is a generally planar surface extending from outside of the cleaning chamber48(i.e., to the right of the inlet opening76ainFIG. 10) to inside of the cleaning chamber48(i.e., to the left of the inlet opening76ainFIG. 10). This may, for example, permit relatively inexpensive manufacturing of the deflector body210using sheet metal or other similar materials. In other embodiments, the deflection surface214(or various other deflection surfaces) may extend different distances (including zero distance) outside of the cleaning chamber48. Similarly, the deflection surface214(or various other deflection surfaces) may be configured with one or more non-planar surfaces.

Referring also toFIGS. 11A through 11C, an example configuration of the deflector body210is depicted as deflector body210a. In some embodiments, configurations like that of the deflector body210amay be useful to allow for adjustments to angular orientation of the deflector body210aor extension of the deflector body210ainto a cleaning chamber (e.g., the cleaning chamber48). In some embodiments, configurations like that of the deflector body210amay allow relatively straightforward retrofitting of existing sugarcane harvesters, such that deflection of cane billets and other material within the cleaning chamber may be achieved.

The deflector body210amay be generally formed from sheet metal or sheet plastic (and other components), although other materials may be possible. As depicted, the deflector body210ais formed from separate pieces, with an extension body240and a support body242, each of which includes a deflection surface. The extension body240, for example, includes a deflection surface244on one side of the body240. With the deflector body210amounted to the harvester20(see, e.g.,FIG. 10), the deflection surface244generally faces the feed stream, and extends within the cleaning chamber48with an angle that generally aligns the plane of the deflection surface244with the hub cover132.

The extension body240may include various mounting arrangements. As can be seen inFIGS. 11B and 11C, the extension body240includes a set of mounting holes246for securing the extension body240to the support body242. The support body242may be also secured to the frame232, such that the support body242supports the extension body240to cantilever an end portion244aof the deflection surface244into the cleaning chamber48.

Similarly to the deflector body210, side mounting plates224aattached to the deflector body210ainclude fan-shaped end portions226awith various mounting openings228aconfigured to receive respective mounting pins. With this arrangement, the support body242, the deflector body210and the deflection surface244may be disposed at different angles (e.g., relative to a rotational axis of the hub cover132), depending on which of the openings228receives the mounting pin230. For example, the side mounting plates224amay be attached to the frame232with the pin230(seeFIG. 10) extending into different of the openings228a, depending on the desired angular orientation of the deflection surface244.

Also similarly to the deflector body210, mounting slots222aare included in slotted arrangements on the side mounting plates224aof the deflector body210. By attaching the support body242to the frame232at different locations along the mounting slot222aand attaching the extension body240to the support body242, the end portion244aof the deflection surface244may be adjusted to different extension distances within the cleaning chamber48.

In some embodiments, the slots222amay also be useful to allow relatively easy angular adjustments with the fanned mounting openings228aof the plates224a. For example, the ability to slide the body242along a bolt or other pin (not shown) through the slot222amay allow for a mounting pin (e.g., the pin230ofFIG. 10) to be moved between different openings228a, without the need to fully remove the mounting pin or the bolt or other pin through the slot222a.

In some embodiments, additional (or alternative) slotted arrangements may be provided on the extension body240. As depicted in dotted relief inFIGS. 11B and 11C, for example, slots248may allow the extension body240to be secured to the support body242with various extension lengths, relative to the support body242. Accordingly, the slots248may, like the slots222a, allow adjustment of an extension distance of the deflection surface244within a cleaning chamber.

In some embodiments, the support body242may also include a deflection surface250, which may be configured to generally face a feed stream (e.g., the feed stream212depicted inFIG. 10). In some embodiments, the support body242may be configured such that an end252of the support body242is generally aligned with (or somewhat short of) a perimeter of the cleaning chamber48. As such, the deflection surface250may deflect cane billets and other material outside of the cleaning chamber48, and may be configured to support, by deflections of the feed stream212, favorable trajectories of the feed stream212into the cleaning chamber. In some embodiments, for example, the deflection surface250may be configured to deflect the feed stream212toward the hub cover132or other features of the extractor50or of the air flow within the cleaning chamber48. Further deflection may then also be provided, within the cleaning chamber48, by the deflection surface244.

Other feature may also be included. For example, a series of mounting or alignment features, such as the fixed rods254, may be included on the extension body240or the support body242. Similarly, features such as a cross member256may be provided for structural support, for attachment of other components, and so on.

As also discussed above, guide vanes may be included in a trash extractor, such as the extractor50. In some embodiments, the guide vanes may be configured to redirect the air flow within a cleaning chamber in particular ways. In some embodiments, the guide vanes may additionally (or alternatively) be configured to physically deflect cane billets and other material, in order to improve the cleaning of an incoming feed stream within the cleaning chamber.

As shown inFIG. 12, multiple instances of the guide vanes120for the trash extractor50may be disposed on an inner perimeter wall of the primary ring96. As such, the guide vanes120may be disposed generally upstream of the fan blades128with respect to a bulk direction of the generated air flow (i.e., may be disposed below the fan blades in the cleaning chamber48). In other embodiments, the guide vanes120(or other guide vanes) may be alternatively (or additionally) disposed generally downstream of the fan blades128(i.e., above the fan blades128, as depicted) or in the same plane as the blades128.

In some embodiments, each of the guide vanes120may be angled counter to the rotation of the fan blades128. As depicted, for example, each of the guide vanes120may include an angled guide surface120athat includes an upper end262and a lower end264and generally faces toward the fan assembly124and against a rotational direction266of the fan blades128. As the fan blades128rotate cyclically in the direction266, each fan blade128accordingly passes the upper end262of the guide surface120abefore passing the lower end264of the guide surface120a. In this way, as the air flow generated by the fan blades128carries cane billets and other material upward within the cleaning chamber48(and counter-clockwise, as depicted), cane billets and other material traveling close to the inner perimeter of the ring96may be deflected downward within the cleaning chamber48by the guide vanes120(i.e., away from the hood70, as depicted (seeFIG. 10)). In some embodiments, the vanes120(or other vanes) may be angled with the rotation of the fan assembly124, may vary in orientation from vane to vane (i.e., may not exhibit uniform pitch between different vanes120) or across a guide (or impact) surface of a single vane, or may otherwise vary from the example configuration depicted inFIG. 12.

In other embodiments, as also noted above, guide vanes may be disposed at other locations with respect to the fan blades128. In some embodiments, guide vanes positioned at these other locations may be similarly configured to deflect cane billets and other material away from an outlet of the cleaning chamber48. For example, with guide vanes disposed above the fan blades128(not shown), a similarly pitched arrangement with respect to the fan blades128may be employed, with a lower guide (and impact) surface of each such guide vanes defining upper and lower ends such that the rotating fan blades pass the upper end of the guide surface before the lower end. Accordingly, such guide (and impact) surfaces may tend also to deflect cane billets and other material downward away from the hood70.

In some embodiments, a deflector surface of a deflector body may be configured to extend into a cleaning chamber farther than one or more guide vanes. As depicted inFIG. 12, for example, the guide vanes120exhibit a generally uniform maximum extension away from the inner perimeter of the ring96into the cleaning chamber48. At the inlet opening76a, this extension of the guide vanes120, for example, results in a guide vane120d, which is vertically aligned with (but on a different plane from) the deflector body210, extending an extension distance268from the perimeter of the ring96into the cleaning chamber48. In some embodiments, including as depicted, the end214aof the deflection surface214of the deflection body210may extend a larger extension distance270, as also measured with respect to the ring96. (As noted above, a deflection body may sometimes not extend into a cleaning chamber along the same plane (or planes) as a guide vane. Accordingly, whether a deflection body (or portion thereof) extends farther into a cleaning chamber than a guide vane may be measured with respect to a shared reference surface, feature, or plane (e.g., the ring96or the opening76a) regardless of whether such surface, feature or plane is vertically aligned with both the deflection body and the relevant guide vane.)

Collectively, various of the features discussed herein (e.g., embodiments of the deflection bodies, guide vanes, hub covers, and so on) may form a cleaning arrangement that uses, at least in part, physical impacts between a feed stream and various features in order to improve separation of the feed stream into various components. It will be understood that such arrangements may include various features in various combinations. For example, example cleaning arrangements may include deflector bodies, with or without hub covers or guide vanes, may include hub covers with or without deflector bodies or guide vanes, may include guide vanes with or without deflector bodies or hub covers, and so on. Likewise, it will be understood that different arrangements, or different adjustments of similar arrangements, may be particularly beneficial for particular harvesting conditions and operations (e.g., for particular vehicle speeds, crop processing rates, feed stream characteristics, and so on).

Various adjustments and variations are discussed above with respect to cleaning arrangement with deflectors. For example, deflector bodies (or deflection surfaces) can be adjusted with respect to extension distance or angular orientation, and hub covers can be adjusted with respect to extension distances. In some implementations, such adjustments may correspond to particular field or other conditions. For example, particular angular or extension adjustments may be better suited to relatively high harvesting rates, whereas other angular or extension adjustments may be better suited to relatively low harvesting rates. Similarly, some adjustments may be particularly supportive of effective sugarcane cleaning (and other operations) for particular plant types, environmental conditions, speeds of vehicle travel, and so on.

As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, certain aspects of the disclosed subject matter may be embodied as a method, system, (e.g., a work vehicle control system included in the harvester20) or computer program product. Accordingly, certain embodiments may be implemented as hardware, as software (including firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.) or as a combination of software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, certain embodiments may take the form of a computer program product on a computer-usable storage medium having computer-usable program code embodied in the medium.

Any suitable computer usable or computer readable medium may be utilized. The computer usable medium may be a computer readable signal medium or a computer readable storage medium. A computer-usable, or computer-readable, storage medium (including a storage device associated with a computing device or client electronic device) may be, for example, but is not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of the computer-readable medium would include the following: an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device. In the context of this document, a computer-usable, or computer-readable, storage medium may be any tangible medium that can contain, or store a program for use by or in connection with the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. For example, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “vertical,” and the like may be used with respect to the relative orientation of a particular embodiment, but may not be intended to limit the disclosure to that orientation nor embodiment. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that any use of the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising” in this specification specifies the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.