Loss catch and recirculation system for draper head

Example draper heads may include an endless belt conveyor and a catch pan disposed adjacent to the endless belt conveyor to collect crop material and defining a uniform gap formed between at least a portion of the catch pan and a portion of an endless belt of the endless belt conveyor located adjacent to the catch pan. A cleat formed on the endless belt cooperates with the catch pan to transport the collected crop material onto the endless belt. The catch pan may include a contoured end that conforms to a shape formed by the endless belt at an end of the endless belt conveyor.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates generally to draper heads.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Agricultural harvesting heads for harvesting non-row crops include draper heads that operate to sever crops using a reciprocating knife. The severed crops fall towards the draper head onto endless belt conveyors. The belt conveyors move laterally from opposing ends of the draper head and towards a central region of the draper head, whereupon the severed crop material is deposited on a central conveyor that carries the crop material rearward into a feederhouse on an agricultural combine that supports the draper head.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

A first aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a draper head for a crop harvester. The draper head may include a frame; a first endless belt conveyor coupled to the frame; a second endless belt conveyor coupled to the frame; and a catch pan. The first endless belt conveyor may include a first endless belt operable to circulate in a first direction. The first endless belt may include a first portion and a second portion located adjacent to the first portion. The first portion and the second portion may be attached to each other to form a continuous strip. The first endless belt conveyor may also include at least one cleat located on the first endless belt and movable with the first endless belt. The first endless belt conveyor may be operable to deposit crop material onto the second endless belt conveyor. The catch pan may include a planar portion extending along a length of the first endless belt and a contoured portion located at an end of the planar portion. The contoured portion may be configured to follow a shape of the second endless belt. The catch pan may be offset from a surface of the second portion of the first endless belt and configured to collect crop material and, in cooperation with the at least one cleat, convey the collected crop material along at least a portion of the catch pan and deposit the collected crop material onto the first portion of the endless belt.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a draper head for a crop harvester. The draper head may include a frame extending laterally relative to a first direction in which the draper head is moved during a harvesting operation; a first lateral endless belt conveyor coupled to the frame and extending laterally outwardly in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; a catch pan; a second lateral endless belt conveyor coupled to the frame and extending laterally outwardly in a third direction opposite the second direction; and a central endless belt located between the first lateral endless belt conveyor and the second lateral endless belt conveyor. The first lateral endless belt conveyor may include a plurality of rollers and a first endless belt arranged to encircle the plurality of rollers. The first endless belt may include a first portion extending along a first side of the plurality of rollers; a second portion extending along a second side of the plurality of rollers; and at least one cleat extending from an outer surface of the first endless belt. The first portion and the second portion may combine to form a continuous strip. The catch pan may include a planar portion and a contoured portion. The contoured portion may be configured to follow a contour of the first endless belt at an outboard end of the first endless belt conveyor. The catch pan and the at least one cleat may be configured to cooperate to convey crop material located on the catch pan between the catch pan and the second portion of the first endless belt and deposit the crop material onto the first portion of the first endless belt.

The various aspects may include one or more of the following features. The first endless belt conveyor may also include a first end; a second end opposite the first end; and a plurality of rollers. The first endless belt may be operable to circulate around the plurality of rollers. The first endless belt may conform to a shape one of the rollers at the first end of the first endless belt conveyor. The contoured portion of the catch pan may be configured to follow the shape of the first endless belt at the first end of the first endless belt conveyor. The first endless belt may define a semicircular shape at a first end of the first endless belt conveyor, and the contoured portion of the catch pan may be configured to follow the semicircular shape along an angular range of 90° to 180° of the semicircular shape. The contoured portion of the catch pan may extend along a portion of the first portion of the first endless belt and a portion of the second portion of the first endless belt. The at least on cleat may extend from a surface of the first endless belt, and a gap formed between an end of the at least one cleat and the catch pan may be within a range of 0 millimeters (mm) to 11 mm. The planar portion may extend along an entirety of a width of the first endless belt conveyor and may be parallel with a plane defined by the second portion of the first endless belt. The planar portion may include a first planar portion and a second planar portion angularly offset from the first planar portion. The first planar portion may include an orientation that is parallel with a plane defined by the second portion of the first endless belt, and the second planar portion may be nonparallel with the plane defined by the second portion of the first endless belt. The catch pan further may include at least one rib. The at least one rib may extend from an edge of the catch pan or a position adjacent to the edge of the catch pan and define an oblique angle with respect to the edge of the catch pan. the rib may extend towards the first endless belt. An end of the catch pan opposite the contoured portion may be disposed within a gap formed between the first endless belt conveyor and the second endless belt conveyor.

The various aspects may also include one or more of the following features. The endless belt may define a semicircular shape at the outboard end of the first endless belt conveyor, and the contoured portion of the catch pan may extend between 90° and 180° around the semicircular shape. The catch pan may define a uniform gap between the catch pan and the endless belt for at least a portion of a width of the first endless belt. A first side of the first endless belt conveyor extending in the lateral direction may be located at a first elevation that is less than a second elevation of a second side of the first endless belt conveyor opposite the first side. The catch pan may also include at least one rib extending from a surface of the catch pan adjacent to the first endless belt. The at least one rib may extend towards the first endless belt. A distance between the first side and the second side may define a width of the first endless belt conveyor. The planar portion of the catch pan may also include a first planar portion extending from the first side of the first endless belt conveyor along a first portion of the width of the first endless belt and a second planar portion extending at an angle from the first planar portion along a second portion of the width of the first endless belt conveyor. The second endless portion may diverge from the first endless belt along the second portion of the width of the first endless belt conveyor. The first planar portion may be oriented parallel to a plane defined by the second portion of the first endless belt. The first planar portion and the second portion of the first endless belt may define a uniform gap formed between the first planar portion and the second portion of the first endless belt. The first planar portion may include a plurality of ribs extending towards the first endless belt, the plurality of ribs extending from position adjacent to a first edge corresponding to the first side of the first endless belt conveyor towards the outboard end of the first endless belt conveyor. An inboard end of the first lateral endless belt conveyor may overlap a portion of the central endless belt conveyor to define a gap, and an inboard end of the catch pan may be located within the gap.

Other features and aspects will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the implementations illustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is intended. Any alterations and further modifications to the described devices, instruments, methods, and any further application of the principles of the present disclosure are fully contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the disclosure relates. It is fully contemplated that the features, components, and/or steps described with respect to one implementation may be combined with the features, components, and/or steps described with respect to other implementations of the present disclosure.

During crop harvesting using a draper head, a portion of the crop harvest is lost to the ground. For example, a portion of the severed crop material falls from the draper head to the ground as a result, for example, of crop adherence to the feeder belts or due to vibration during harvest. Crop material that adheres to the lateral feeder belts falls to the ground as a portion of the belt to which the crop material is adhered is located adjacent to the ground. A portion of the crop material may also be lost in transferring the crop material from one conveyor to another, such as from a lateral belt conveyor to a central belt conveyor. In order to reduce or eliminate this crop material loss and increase crop yield, the present disclosure describes improved draper heads having crop material retention and collection features.

FIG. 1is a top view of an example agricultural harvester100. In the illustrated example, the agricultural harvester100is in the form of a combine harvester. However, the scope of the disclosure is not so limited, and other types of harvesters are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure. The agricultural harvester100supports a row independent harvesting head, which is in the form of a draper head102. The draper head102is supported on a feederhouse104. The feederhouse104is coupled to and extends from an end101of the agricultural harvester100. The end101defines a front end of the agricultural harvester100during the course of harvesting when the agricultural harvester100is being propelled in the direction of arrow103. That is, during harvesting of crops, the agricultural harvester100travels in the direction of arrow103.

The draper head102includes a frame106that extends laterally in the direction of double-sided arrow98and perpendicular to the direction of arrow103. Thus, the arrow98represents lateral directions of the agricultural harvester100, and the arrow103represents a longitudinal direction of the agricultural harvester100. The frame106includes a first transverse beam108disposed at a first end109of the frame106and a second transverse beam110disposed at a second end111of the frame106, opposite the first end109. Excluding side covers113, each of the beams108and110extends an entire width of the draper head102. The draper head102also include a reciprocating knife112located along and extending from the second end111of the frame106. Again, excluding the side covers113, the reciprocating knife112extends along the entire width of the draper head102.

The draper head102also includes a first lateral endless belt conveyor114, a second lateral endless belt conveyor116, and a center endless belt conveyor118. The first and second lateral endless belt conveyors114and116operate to convey severed crop material in a lateral direction towards the center endless belt conveyor118. The first lateral endless belt conveyor114includes an endless belt120and a plurality of rollers122about which the endless belt120circulates. At least one of the rollers122is driven, such as by a motor or other motive device, to cause the endless belt120to travel in a direction of arrow123such that severed crop material resting on the endless belt120is conveyed inwardly toward the center endless belt conveyor118. The second lateral endless belt conveyor116includes an endless belt124and a plurality of rollers126about which the endless belt124circulates. At least one of the rollers126is driven, such as by a motor or other motive device, to cause the endless belt124to travel in a direction of arrow125such that severed crop material resting on the endless belt124is conveyed inwardly toward the center endless belt conveyor118.

Although the first and second lateral endless belt conveyors114and116are shown as including a single endless belt, i.e., endless belts120and124, respectively, the present disclosure encompasses lateral endless belt conveyors having multiple endless belts. For example, lateral endless belt conveyors including two or more endless belts are within the scope of the present disclosure, and the features described with respect to an endless belt of a lateral endless belt conveyor having a single endless belt are applicable to all of the endless belts of a multi-belt lateral endless belt conveyor. Further, one or more features of an endless belt may be applied to one or more of the endless belts of a multi-belt lateral endless belt conveyor while one or more of the features may be omitted form one or more other of the endless belts. Thus, although the implementations described herein are made in the context of lateral endless belt conveyors having a single endless belt, lateral endless belt conveyors having multiple endless belts are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

The center endless belt conveyor118includes an endless belt128that is supported on rollers (not shown) for circulating movement such that severed crop material resting on the endless belt128is moved in the direction of arrow127.

FIG. 2is a partial schematic view of a front end of the draper head102ofFIG. 1.FIG. 2shows the first and second lateral endless belt conveyors114and116and the center endless belt conveyor118.FIG. 2illustrates an orientation of the draper head102as the draper head102would normally be oriented during normal operation on level ground200. The illustrated orientation is used to describe the relative orientation of the components of the draper head102shown inFIG. 2(e.g., top or bottom or left or right) with the understanding that such positional designations may be different with the draper head102having an orientation different than the one illustrated inFIG. 2.

FIG. 2shows a front end of the draper head102, as would be seen if viewed from a position adjacent to the second end111and in a direction of arrow127, as shown inFIG. 1. As shown inFIG. 2, each of the endless belts120and124include a top portion202and a bottom portion204. The top portions202are separated from the bottom portions204by the rollers122and126, respectively. During operation, severed crop material is deposited on the top portions202of the endless belts120and124. The endless belt120rotates in the direction of arrow123, and the endless belt124rotates in the direction of arrow125. Each of the endless belts120and124include a plurality of cleats206formed on an exterior surface208of the endless belts120and124. The cleats206operate to assist in conveying severed crop material deposited on the top portions202of the endless belts120and124.

In operation, the endless belts120and124rotate in the respective directions123and125. As a result, severed crop material deposited on the top portions202of the endless belts120and124is conveyed to the center endless belt conveyor118, where the endless belt128conveys the severed crop material to the feederhouse104, shown inFIG. 1.

However, for conventional draper heads, a portion of the severed crop material is lost to the ground200through, for example, gaps210between inboard ends219of the endless belts120and124and the central endless conveyor118. Crop loss also occurs at outboard ends212of the endless belt conveyors114and116. Crop loss also occurs due to temporary adhesion of crop material to the endless belts120and124. At least a portion of the adhered crop material releases from the endless belts120and124as the crop material travels laterally outwards in the direction of the outboard ends212and adjacent to the ground200. Draper heads within the scope of the present disclosure avoid this loss by recapturing all or a portion of this crop loss with the use of catch pans214. In the context ofFIG. 2, the catch pans214are located below the endless belts120and124to collect crop material separated from or around the endless belts120and124and otherwise lost to the ground200. Crop material collects on collecting surfaces222of the catch pans214.

The catch pans214are positioned on the draper head102such that one of the catch pans214is disposed below each of the endless belts120and124. The catch pans214include inboard ends216and outboard ends218. In some implementations, the inboard ends216terminate in the gaps210formed between the respective endless belts120and124and the endless belt128to capture crop material that may otherwise be lost to the ground as the crop material transitions from the endless belts120and124to the endless belt128of the center endless belt conveyor118. In some implementations, the outboard ends218are contoured to follow a curved shape of the endless belts120and124as the belts conform to outermost rollers122and126, respectively. Thus, in some implementations, the outboard ends conform to a semicircular shape of the endless belts120and124at the outboard ends212of the endless belt conveyors114and116, respectively. The contoured outboard ends218operate, for example, to convey crop material captured by the catch pan214to the top portion202of the endless belts120and124.

The catch pans214and the cleats206cooperate to transport captured crop material collected on the catch pan214. As a result of the direction of rotation of the endless belts120and124, the captured crop material is transported to the contoured outboard ends218of the catch pans214where the cleats cooperate with the contoured outboard ends218to lift and deposit the collected crop material onto the top portion202of the endless belts120and124.

In some implementations, the catch pans214and the rollers122and126are coupled to common structure of the draper head102, such as the frame106, such that relative movement between the catch pans214and the first and second lateral endless belt conveyors114and116is minimized or eliminated. By minimizing or eliminating relative movement between the endless belts120and124and the respective catch pans214, a gap220formed between the endless belts120and124and the respective catch pans214remains constant. The constant gap size accepts cleats having a constant height to pass therealong and move collected crop material along the catch pan214.

FIG. 3is a detail view showing a portion of the bottom portion204of the endless belt120and the catch pan214located adjacent thereto. A cleat206of the endless belt120is also shown extending towards the catch pan214. In some implementations, a gap300may be formed between an end302of the cleat206and the catch pan214. In some implementations, the gap300may be within a range of 0 millimeters (mm) to 11 mm. More particularly, the gap300may be 0 mm, 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, 10 mm, or 11 mm. The gap300may have a gap greater than 0 mm in order to avoid excess wear of the cleats206and, thus, extend a life of the endless belts120and124. For example, a size of the gap300may depend upon the crop being harvested. Thus, the size of the gap300may vary with crop type and, in some implementations, the gap300may have a size greater than 11 mm.

During operation, the gap300may vary as a result of vibration as the agricultural harvester carrying the draper head, such as agricultural combine100, moves over the ground. Thus, a gap300that is greater than zero may be desirable. On the other hand, a gap300greater than a particular amount may reduce an overall effectiveness of the cooperation between the cleats206and the catch pans214or render recovery of the crop material collected by the catch pans214ineffective. For example, if the gap300exceeds a particular amount, the cleats206may be unable to effectively engage and transport the crop material deposited on the catch pans214. As a result, the gap300is selected to enable effective engagement between the cleats206and the collected crop material located on the catch pans214and transportation of the collected crop material along the catch pans214for deposition of the crop material onto the top portion202of the endless belts120and124at the outboard ends212of the endless belt conveyors114and116, respectively.

In some implementations, the gap300remains constant between the cleats206and the catch pans214for at least a portion of the width of the endless belts120and124. Further, the gap300remains constant between the cleats206and the catch pans214, including along the contoured outboard ends218of the catch pans214.FIG. 4shows a detail view of the outboard end212of the endless belt conveyor114. At the outboard end212, the endless belt120conforms to the roller122to define a semicircular shape.FIG. 4shows that gap300remains constant along the contoured outboard end218of the catch pan214. As also shown, the contoured end218of the catch pan214extends about the semicircular shape of the outboard end212of the endless belt conveyor114for an angle θ of 180°. In other implementations, the angle θ may be different. For example, in some implementations, the angle θ may be 90°. In some implementations, the angle θ may be between 90° and 180°. For example, in some implementations, the angle θ may be 90°, 95°, 100°, 105°, 110°, 115°, 120°, 125°, 130°, 135°, 140°, 145°, 150°, 155°, 160°, 165°, 170°, 175°, 180°, or any angle in-between. Again, cooperation between the cleats206and the catch pans214, including along the contoured outboard end218, results in transportation and deposition of crop material400collected on the catch pan214onto the top portions202of the endless belts120and124.

However, in other implementations, the endless belt120may define other shapes at the outboard end of the endless belt conveyor114that are not semicircular. In other implementations, the outboard end218of the catch pan214may conform to the shape of the endless belt120along the outboard end212of the endless belt conveyor114. The outboard end218of the catch pan214may define a uniform gap402between the endless belt120and the outboard end218of the catch pan214at the outboard end212of the endless belt conveyor114.

FIGS. 5 and 6show transverse cross-sectional views of different implementations of the draper head102in which some of the components of the draper head102are shown. The cross-sectional views shown inFIGS. 5 and 6are taken along line A-A, shown inFIG. 1. Although the cross-sectional views ofFIGS. 5 and 6show an orientation of the endless belt120and associated catch pan214, the endless belt124and associated catch pan214may be configured similarly.

As shown in bothFIGS. 5 and 6, the agricultural harvester to which the draper head102is connected is on level ground and the draper head102is in a crop harvesting configuration. In such a configuration and referring toFIG. 5, the endless belt120is angled relative to the ground500such that a leading end502is positioned closer to the ground500than a trailing end504. As shown inFIG. 5, the catch pan214has a leading edge506and a trailing edge508is parallel to the bottom portion204of the endless belt120(or a plane defined by the bottom portion204of the endless belt120) along an entire width W of the endless belt120. In such a configuration, a gap510formed between the endless belt120, e.g., along the lower portion204of the endless belt120, and the catch pan214is constant across the entire width W of the endless belt. As a result, cleats (not shown inFIG. 5but which may be similar to cleats206described earlier) formed on the endless belt120and extending a constant distance from the endless belt120define an end surface (corresponding to end320shown inFIG. 3) that is also parallel to the catch pan214. Thus, an entirety of such cleats is operable to transport crop material deposited on the catch pan214and deposit the crop material onto the top portion202of the endless belt120. Arrow512illustrates a direction of travel of the draper head102when the draper head102is being used to harvest crops.

FIG. 6shows another example arrangement of the endless belt120and the associated catch pan214. Again, the endless belt120is angled relative to the ground600such that a leading end602of the endless belt120is closer to the ground600than a trailing edge604. The catch pan214includes a leading edge606and a trailing edge608. In this example, the catch pan214includes a first portion610that extends parallel to the endless belt120(e.g., the lower portion204or a plane defined by the lower portion204) along a portion of the width W thereof and a second portion612that forms an oblique angle α relative to the endless belt120in the longitudinal direction (i.e., in the direction of arrow103inFIG. 1.). Arrow614indicates a direction of travel of the draper head102when the draper head102is being used to harvest crops.

A gap616is formed between the first portion610of the catch pan214and the lower portion204of the endless belt120. The gap616is constant across an entirety of the first portion610of the catch pan214. A distance between the second portion612of the catch pan214and the lower portion204of the endless belt120varies. In the illustrated example, the second portion608of the catch pan214is planar. In other implementations, the second portion608of the catch pan214may have other shapes. In still other implementations, the catch pan214may have more than two portions in which two or more portions of the catch pan214may be parallel with the endless belt120and one or more other portions that are not parallel with the endless belt120.

In the example shown inFIG. 6, the endless belt120may include cleats, which may be similar to cleats206, that extend a uniform distance from a surface of the endless belt120, are effective in transporting crop material deposited on the catch pan214along the catch pan214and onto the top portion202of the endless belt214. However, a portion of the such cleats extending along the width W of the endless belt120beyond the first portion610and adjacent to the second portion608may have a diminished capability of transporting crop material collected on the second portion608of the catch pan214. However, as shown, the second portion608of the catch pan214is angled relative to the level ground600. Consequently, gravity and vibration resulting from crop harvesting and operation of the draper head operate to move crop material collected on the second portion608onto the first portion610where the cleats are effective in transporting the collected crop material.

FIGS. 7, 8, and 9show example arrangements of cleats extending from example endless belts within the scope of the present disclosure. InFIG. 7, the endless belt700includes a plurality of cleats702that extend across an entire width704of the endless belt700. As shown inFIG. 7, the cleats702are uniformly arranged on the endless belt700such that a distance706between adjacent cleats702is constant. However, in other implementations, a distance separating adjacent cleats702may vary along a length708of the endless belt700.

FIG. 8shows another example implementation of an endless belt800in which cleats802extend over less than an entirety of a width804of the endless belt800. In some implementations, an amount by which the cleats802extend over the width804of the endless belt800corresponds to a span of a first portion of the catch pan, e.g., the first portion610of catch pan214shown inFIG. 6, extending across the width804of the endless belt800. Cleats802with spans that correspond to such a first portion of a catch pan may be used since a portion of a cleat that may otherwise extend over a second portion of the catch pan214, such as a portion similar to the second portion608shown inFIG. 6, may have diminished effectiveness in transporting crop material as a result of the angular relationship relative to the endless belt800. In the illustrated example, the cleats802extend across a portion810of the width804of the endless belt800. The cleats802are uniformly arranged on the endless belt800such that a distance806between adjacent cleats802is constant. However, in other implementations, a distance separating adjacent cleats802may vary along a length808of the endless belt800.

FIG. 9shows another endless belt900. Cleats902formed on the endless belt900have varying lengths. Some of the ribs902extend across a portion910of a width904of the endless belt900while other cleats902extend across an entity of the width904of the endless belt900.FIG. 9shows cleats of two different lengths. In other implementations, a variety of cleats902having a variety of different lengths may be included on the endless belt900. Further, the cleats902are shown as being uniformly arranged on the endless belt900such that a distance906between adjacent cleats802is constant. However, in other implementations, a distance separating adjacent cleats902may vary along a length908of the endless belt900.

FIG. 10shows another example endless belt1000, andFIGS. 11 and 12are detail views of an edge1002of the endless belt1000taken at1004inFIG. 10. In the example implementation shown inFIG. 11, ends1100of cleats1102are offset from the edge1002of the endless belt1000by a distance1104. AlthoughFIG. 11illustrates that all of the cleats1102include an end1100that is offset from the edge1002of the endless belt1000, in other implementations, one or more of the cleats1102may extend to the edge1002of the endless belt1000. In some implementations, ends of the cleats1102opposite the ends1100may be offset from an edge1006of the endless belt1000by a distance, which may be the same or different than the distance1104. As shown inFIG. 12, in other implementations, ends1200of the cleats1202extend to the edge1004of the endless belt1000. Similarly, ends of the cleats1202opposite the ends1200may extend to the edge1006of the endless belt1000. Further, althoughFIGS. 7-12show cleats having orientations in which the cleats extend perpendicularly to the edges of the endless belts, in other implementations, one or more of the cleats may define an oblique angle relative to one or both edges of the endless belts.

FIG. 13is a top view of an example catch pan1300. The catch pan1300may have a position on a draper head similar to that of the catch pan214, as shown inFIG. 2. Thus, the catch pan1300may be located adjacent to an endless belt conveyor in a manner similar to the manner in which the catch pan214is positioned relative to the endless belt conveyor114. The catch pan1300includes a collecting surface1302, which corresponds to collecting surface222shown inFIG. 2, a leading edge1304, and a trailing edge1306. Arrow1308indicates a direction of travel of the catch pan1300(and associated draper head) during a crop harvesting operation. A location of an endless belt1310of a center endless belt conveyor1312is shown, schematically, adjacent to the catch pan1300. Arrow1314indicates a direction of movement of a cleat of an adjacent endless belt of a lateral endless belt conveyor, which may be similar to lateral endless belt conveyor114, relative to the collecting surface1302as well as a general direction of movement of collected crop material along the collecting surface1302. Another catch pan similar to catch pan1300may be provided on a side of the endless belt conveyor1312, opposite the catch pan1300. Thus, the additional catch pan may have a position on a draper head similar to the catch pan214adjacent to the endless belt conveyor116, as shown inFIG. 2. This additional catch pan may be configured to be a mirror image of the catch pan1300as reflected from the centerline of the endless belt conveyor1312. Configurations of the catch pan1300and, thus, the additional catch pan, are described in more detail below.

The catch pan1300includes a first set of ribs1316and a second set of ribs1318. The ribs1316and1318may be formed in the catch pan1300or otherwise attached to the catch pan1300. For example, in some implementations, one or more of the ribs1316and1318may be formed as raised indentations formed in the catch pan1300. For example,FIG. 19is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the catch pan1300taken along line J-J inFIG. 13. The rib1316defines an elongated indentation formed in the catch pan1300. In other implementations, one or more of the ribs1316and1318may be formed from components that are attached to the collecting surface1302, such as by welding, adhesive, fastener, or other joining method or implement.FIG. 20is a cross-sectional view of the catch pan1300taken along line J-J in which the rib1316is in the form of a strip of material added to or formed on the catch pan1300. The ribs1316shown inFIGS. 19 and 20are oriented such that the ribs1316extend towards an endless belt located adjacent thereto.

As shown inFIG. 13, the first set of ribs1316extends from the leading edge1304towards a central portion1320of the catch pan1300. A second set of ribs1318extend from the trailing edge1306towards the central portion1320. The ribs1316are angled relative to the leading edge1304and extend toward an outboard end1322of the catch pan1300. The ribs1316form an angle B with the leading edge1304. Similarly, the ribs1318form an angle C relative to the trailing edge1306and extend towards the outboard end1322. In some implementations, angles B and C may be within a range of 10° to 70°. For example, the angles B and C may be 10°, 15°, 20°, 25°, 30°, 35°, 40°, 45°, 50°, 55°, 60°, 65°, or 70°. In some implementations, the angles B and C may be less than 10°. In other implementations, the angles B and C may be greater than 70°. Further, in some implementations, the angles B and C may be the same. In other implementations, the angles B and C may be different. Further, in some implementations, the angles B and C may vary along a length1323of the catch pan1300. For example, one or both of the angles B and C may have a smaller angle at an inboard position (i.e., at a position near the center endless belt conveyor1312) and larger towards an outboard position (i.e., near the outboard end1322). Alternatively, in other implementations, one or both of the angles B and C may decrease along the length1323of the catch pan1300. Thus, one or both of the angles B and C may have a larger angle at a more inboard position and a smaller angle at a more outboard position. In some implementations, one or more of the ribs1600and1800may be curved so as to define a curved path along the collecting surface1302of the catch pan1300.

The ribs1316and1318cooperate with the cleats of an adjacent endless belt to move collected crop material towards the central portion1320in indicated by arrows1324. Although the ribs1316and1318are shown as extending to the respective leading and trailing edges1304and1306, in other implementations, one or more of the ribs1316and1318may be offset from leading edge1304or trailing edge1306. Thus, in some implementations, a gap may exist between ends1326of one or more of the ribs1316and1318and the respective leading or trailing edges1304and1306. Still further, a length of the ribs1316and1316may vary along the length1323of the catch pan1300. For example, a length of the ribs1316,1318, or both may be smaller towards an inboard position (i.e., at a position near the center endless belt conveyor1312) and increase in length towards the outboard end1322. In other implementations, a length of the ribs1316,1318, or both may decrease from an inboard position to an outboard position. In some implementations, the set of ribs1316and the set of ribs1318may be aligned in the direction of arrow1314. In other implementations, the set of ribs1316and the set of ribs1318may be offset from each other in the direction of arrow1314.

FIG. 14shows another example catch pan1400that includes a collecting surface1402that collects crop material during a harvesting operation. The catch pan1400may have a position on a draper head similar to the catch pan214, as shown inFIG. 2. Thus, the catch pan1400may be located adjacent to an endless belt conveyor114in a manner similar to the manner in which the catch pan214is positioned relative to the endless belt conveyor114. The catch pan1400includes a leading edge1404and a trailing edge1406. Arrow1408indicates a direction of travel of the catch pan1400(and associated draper head) during a crop harvesting operation. A location of an endless belt1410of a center endless belt conveyor1412is shown, schematically, adjacent to the catch pan1400. Arrow1414indicates a direction of movement of a cleat of an adjacent endless belt of a lateral endless belt conveyor, which may be similar to lateral endless belt conveyor114, relative to the collecting surface1402as well as a general direction of movement of collected crop material along the collecting surface1402. Another catch pan similar to catch pan1400may be provided on a side of the endless belt conveyor1412, opposite the catch pan1400. Thus, the additional catch pan may have a position on a draper head similar to the catch pan214adjacent to the endless belt conveyor116, as shown inFIG. 2. This additional catch pan may be configured to be a mirror image of the catch pan1400as reflected from the centerline of the endless belt conveyor1412. Configurations of the catch pan1400and, thus, the additional catch pan, are described in more detail below.

The catch pan1400also includes a first portion1416that is parallel with a plane defined by a portion of an adjacent endless belt of a lateral endless belt conveyor and a second portion1418that is not parallel with such a plane of the adjacent endless belt. The first portion1416may be similar to the first portion610shown inFIG. 6, and the second portion1418may be similar to the second portion612also shown inFIG. 6. The first portion1416includes a plurality of ribs1420that extend from the leading edge1404to a boundary1422between the first portion1416and the second portion1418. In some implementations, inboard ends of the ribs1420may be offset from the boundary1422. In some implementations, the boundary1422corresponds to a bend in the catch pan1400formed between the first portion1416and the second portion1418. Although two portions1416and1418are illustrated, the catch pan1400may include more than two portions. For example, in some implementations, the catch pan1400may have two or more portions parallel to the adjacent endless belt (or a plane defined by a portion of the adjacent endless belt) as well as one or more portions being nonparallel with the adjacent endless belt (or a plane defined by a portion of the adjacent endless belt).

As shown, a set of ribs1420extend across the first portion1416and define an angle D relative to the leading edge1404. The ribs1420extend from the leading edge1404toward an outboard end1421of the catch pan1400. The ribs1420may be similar to the ribs1316and1318described above. In some implementations, angle D may be within a range of 10° to 70°. For example, the angle D may be 10°, 15°, 20°, 25°, 30°, 35°, 40°, 45°, 50°, 55°, 60°, 65°, or 70°. In some implementations, the angle D may be less than 10°. In other implementations, the angle D may be greater than 70°. Further, in some implementations, the angle D may vary along a length1425of the catch pan1400. For example, the angle D may have a smaller angle at an inboard position (i.e., at a position near the center endless belt conveyor1412) and larger towards an outboard position (i.e., near the outboard end1421). Alternatively, in other implementations, the angles D may decrease along the length1425of the catch pan1400. Thus, the angle D may have a larger angle at a more inboard position and a smaller angle at a more outboard position.

In some implementations, one or more the ribs1420may be offset from the leading edge1404such that a gap is formed between the leading edge1404and an end1424of the ribs1420. In the illustrated example, the ribs1420extend to the boundary1422. In other implementations, an end1423of one or more of the ribs may be offset from the boundary1422. In some implementations, the second portion1418may include one or more ribs extending between the trailing edge1406and boundary1422. For example, ribs formed on the second portion1418may extend from or a location offset from the trailing edge1406and to the boundary1422or a location offset from the boundary1422in direction towards the outboard end1421. An end of one or more of the ribs formed on the second portion1418at a location adjacent to the trailing edge1406may be offset from the trailing edge1406, and one or more of the ribs formed on the second portion1418may extend to or be offset from the boundary1422. Ribs formed on the second portion1418may be arranged ways similar to the ribs1420described above. Further, in some implementations, one or more of the ribs1420may be curved so as to define a curved path along a collecting surface of the catch pan1400.

Cleats of an endless belt of a lateral endless belt conveyor adjacent to the collecting surface1402of the catch pan1400cooperate with the ribs1420to move the collected crop material in a direction of arrow1426towards a central portion1428of the collecting surface1402. Similarly, cleats formed on an endless belt located adjacent to the collecting surface1402may cooperate with ribs formed on the second portion1418to transport collected crop material in a direction towards the outboard end1421and towards the central portion1428.

FIGS. 13 and 14show ribs, i.e., ribs1316,1318, and1420, that are uniformly separated from adjacent ribs. That is, a distance between ribs is constant. However, the scope of the present disclosure is not so limited. Rather, in some implementations, a separation between adjacent ribs may be nonuniform. That is, a spacing separating adjacent ribs may vary along a length of the catch pan.

FIG. 15shows another example catch pan1500that includes a collecting surface1502that collects crop material during a harvesting operation. The catch pan1500includes a leading edge1504and a trailing edge1506. Arrow1508indicates a direction of travel of the catch pan1500(and associated draper head) during a crop harvesting operation. A location of an endless belt1510of a center endless belt conveyor1512is shown, schematically, adjacent to the catch pan1500. Arrow1514indicates a direction of movement of a cleat of an adjacent endless belt of a lateral endless belt conveyor, which may be similar to lateral endless belt conveyor114, relative to the collecting surface1502as well as a general direction of movement of collected crop material along the collecting surface1502

The catch pan1500also includes a plurality of recesses1516formed therein. The recesses1516extend from or a location offset from the leading edge1504and towards a central portion1518of the catch pan1500and in a direction towards the outboard end1520of the catch pan1500. Although not illustrated, in some implementations, one or more recesses may be formed in the catch pan1500and extend from or offset from the trailing edge1506towards the central portion1518in the direction of the outboard end1520. In some implementations, one or more of the recesses1516may be curved so as to define a curved path along the collecting surface1502of the catch pan1500.

FIG. 16is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the catch pan1500taken along line E-E inFIG. 15.FIG. 16shows the recess1516formed as an indentation formed in the catch pan1500. In other implementations, as shown inFIG. 17, the recess1516may be formed as a groove formed into the catch pan1500, such as by a machining operation. Cleats of an endless belt of a lateral endless belt conveyor adjacent to the collecting surface1502of the catch pan1500cooperate with the recesses1516to move the collected crop material in a direction of arrow1522towards the leading edge1504of the catch pan1500.

FIG. 18is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the catch pan1500taken along line F-F inFIG. 15.FIG. 18shows a detail of a recess1516. The recess1516is displaced from the leading edge1504by a gap1600. In other implementations, the recess1516may extend to the leading edge1504. The recess1516includes a first transitional sloping portion1602, a constant depth portion1604, and a second transitional sloping portion1606. For a recess1516extending to the leading edge1504, the sloping portion1602may extend from the leading edge1504to the constant depth portion1604.

In some implementations, the first transitional sloping portion1602has a slope (measured by angle G relative to the constant depth portion1604) that is less than a slope (measured by angle H relative to the constant depth portion1604) of the second transitional sloping portion1606. That is, in some implementations, the angle G is less than the angle H. In other implementations, the slopes of the first and second transitional sloping portion1602and1606may be the same. That is, in some implementations, the angle G and H are equal. In still other implementations, a slope of the second transitional sloping portion1606may be less than a slope of the first transitional sloping portion1602. That is, in some implementations, the angle H is less than the angle G.

In the context ofFIG. 15, the recesses1516operate to convey crop material collected on the collecting surface1502towards the central portion1518of the catch pan1500in the direction towards the outboard end1520. With such an orientation, the recesses1516operate in combination with cleats of an adjacent endless belt to move the collected crop material in a direction of arrow1522towards the central portion1518of the collecting surface1502.

Without in any way limiting the scope, interpretation, or application of the claims appearing below, a technical effect of one or more of the example implementations disclosed herein is to increase crop material collection and, hence, crop yield during crop harvesting. Other technical effects are clearly discernable to one skilled in the art in view of the present disclosure.

While the above describes example implementations of the present disclosure, these descriptions should not be viewed in a limiting sense. Rather, other variations and modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure as defined in the appended claims.