Abstract:
A function management system includes a programmable control unit that can automatically coordinate combine traction functions and/or implement functions. In a learn mode, the operator performs a sequence of manual manipulations of the operator controlled traction and implement devices, and the control unit records and then stores information pertaining to the sequence of device operations. In an execute mode, the control unit automatically performs the sequence of device operations so that the sequence of operations occurs at the same intervals at which they were learned. As one example of a sequence, when the combine approaches the end of a field, at the touch of one button, the header is raised, the unloading auger is pivoted to an inboard position for safe turning, the ground speed is increased for rapid travel, the four wheel drive used during harvesting in the field is disengaged, the crop-processing implement speed, such as a rotor speed for a rotary crop-processing unit, is decreased, and steering of the combine is controlled to position the combine to the point of reentering the field. The sequence of device operations can be pre-programmed or input by the operator in the learn mode.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    The invention relates to controls for an agricultural combine. Particularly, the invention relates to controls for traction, such as speed, braking and wheel drive engagement and for undertaking movements of the combine header, unloading auger, and separator.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    Conventional agricultural combines include a header leading the combine, having a forward gathering portion and a feederhouse portion which contains elements for processing crop material and/or transferring the crop material from the gathering portion to the body of the combine. In the body of the combine, the grain is separated from the chaff and straw, collected, and thereafter unloaded via an auger. Such combines have a variety of designs as described for example in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,450,671; 4,663,921; 5,445,563; and 6,257,977.  
           [0003]    The operator of a combine has to control and sequence many functions during the normal course of operation of the combine. Particularly, as the combine is harvesting a field, at the end of each row or “cut” many implements and controls on the combine need to be changed or adjusted. For example, as the combine approaches the end of the cut, the operator must push a button to raise the header, then he must push the hydrostatic transmission control handle in a forward direction to speed up the combine, and he must turn the steering wheel. The unloading auger must be swung inboard to avoid contact with external structures while turning. It is also possible that the operator needs to depress the brake pedal to get the combine to steer effectively or the operator may need to disengage the four wheel drive in order to move more quickly to the point of reentering the field again, at which time it may be desired to slow the combine while lowering the header, engaging the four wheel drive, etc. Because of the number of operations that are necessary simultaneously, a high degree of drive expertise is needed to orchestrate all of the adjustments and control changes.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0004]    The present invention provides a function management system that includes a programmable control unit which can automatically coordinate combine traction functions and/or implement functions.  
           [0005]    The invention provides at the touch of a button, the ability to activate a series of functions for the combine. For example, as the combine approaches the end of a cut, at the touch of one end-of-cut button, the header can be raised, the unloading auger can be swung back to an inboard position for safe turning, the ground speed can be increased for rapid travel, the four wheel drive used during harvesting in the field can be disengaged, transmission gear ratio can be changed, and the crop-processing implement speed, such as a rotor speed for a rotary crop-processing unit, can be decreased. Another button can be touched to command the commencement of another sequence when the combine returns to the point of reentering the field.  
           [0006]    According to one sequence, the machine would automatically slow to 2 kph as the header drops to the cut position, then as the machine enters the cut, the ground speed can be automatically increased to the maximum speed set by the operator, or to whatever maximum speed the combine can be operated, to maximize efficiency or to avoid overloading of the engine. The unloading auger may also automatically swing out for unloading grain as the combine is moving. The sequence of device operations can be pre-programmed or input by the operator in a learn mode.  
           [0007]    According to another aspect of the invention, the combine steering could be automatically controlled by the function management system, especially between the end of one cut and the beginning of the next cut. The steering and combine direction could be corrected by a global positioning system in communication with the control unit.  
           [0008]    According to a further aspect, during a “learn mode,” the operator can perform a sequence of manual manipulations of the traction and implement devices, and the control unit records and then stores information pertaining to the sequence of device operations. The sequence can be correlated with the distances traveled by the combine between operations. Upon subsequent activation of a button, the control unit can then commence an “execute” or “replay” mode, wherein the control unit automatically performs the recorded sequence of device operations. Preferably, the sequence of operations is performed at the same distance intervals at which they were learned, regardless of the speed of the vehicle.  
           [0009]    Numerous other advantages and features of the present invention will become readily apparent from the following detailed description of the invention and the embodiments thereof, from the claims and from the accompanying drawings.  
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0010]    [0010]FIG. 1 is a side view of an agricultural combine having the control system of the present invention;  
         [0011]    [0011]FIG. 2 is a schematic system diagram of the operating system of the invention;  
         [0012]    [0012]FIG. 2A is a schematic system diagram of a header raise-and-lower operating sub-system of the system shown in FIG. 2;  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 3 is a view of a front panel face of a control/display unit of the combine of FIG. 1;  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 4 is a simplified logic flow diagram illustrating the operation of the learn/save mode of the present invention; and  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 5 is a simplified logic flow diagram illustrating the operation of the execution mode of the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0016]    While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there are shown in the drawings, and will be described herein in detail, specific embodiments thereof with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated.  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 1 shows an agricultural combine  10  such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,257,977, herein incorporated by reference. The combine  10  illustrated is of the type incorporating an axial rotary crop-processing unit. The combine  10  comprises a supporting structure or chassis  12  mounting a ground engaging means  14  shown in the form of tires. Alternatively, tracks can be used in place of tires. A harvesting platform  16  is used for harvesting a crop and directing the crop to a feederhouse  18 . The harvested crop is directed by the feederhouse  18  to a beater  20 . The beater directs the crop upwardly to a rotary crop-processing unit  24 . The rotary crop-processing unit is located between the side sheets of the combine. The side sheets form part of the supporting structure  12 .  
         [0018]    The rotary crop-processing unit  24  comprises a rotor housing  26  and a rotor  28  located within the housing. The harvested crop enters the housing through an inlet  22  at the inlet end  30  of the housing  26 . The rotor is provided with an inlet feed portion  32 , a threshing portion  33 , and a separating portion  34 . The rotor housing has a corresponding infeed section  36 , a threshing section  38 , and a separating section  40 .  
         [0019]    Both the threshing portion  33  and the separating portion  34  of the rotor are provided with crop engaging members (not shown). The threshing section  38  of the housing is provided with a concave  46  while the separating section  40  of the housing is provided with a grate  48 . Grain and chaff released from the crop mat fall through the concave  46  and grate  48 . The concave and the grate prevent the passage of crop material larger than grain or chaff from entering the combine cleaning system  50  below the rotary crop-processing unit  24 .  
         [0020]    Grain and chaff falling through the concave and grate is directed to the cleaning system  50  that removes the chaff from the grain. The clean grain is then directed by an elevator (not shown) to clean grain tank  52  where it can be directed to a truck or grain cart by unloading auger  54 . Straw that reaches the end  61  of the housing is expelled through an outlet  56  to a beater  58 . The beater propels the straw out the rear of the combine. The end  61  is thus the outlet end of the housing. The crop material moves through the rotary crop-processing unit in a crop flow direction from the inlet end  30  to the outlet end  61  of the housing. The operation of the combine is controlled from the operator cab  60 .  
         [0021]    The header  16  can be lifted by use of lift cylinders  63 . The auger  54  can be pivoted via a cylinder or motor (not shown) about a vertical axis between an inboard orientation shown and an outboard orientation, substantially perpendicular to the traveling direction of the combine, to offload grain to a body of a truck. The auger can be pivoted inboard, substantially parallel to the direction of travel of the combine when not in use.  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary operating system of the combine controlled by a vehicle control unit (VCU)  144 . As will be described, many operating sub-systems, including functional and traction systems, can be controlled by the vehicle control unit (VCU)  144 , including being automatically controlled according to the learn/save and execute features described below. Although in the described exemplary embodiment, many sub-systems are controlled for automatic operation, an operating system incorporating less than all the described functional and traction systems is also encompassed by the invention.  
         [0023]    The combine includes an engine  110  which drives a hydrostatic transmission  111 , which drives a POWERSHIFT transmission  112 , which drives an output drive shaft  116 . The shaft  116  is connected, via a differential  115 , to the wheels  117  which mount the tires  14  (FIG. 1).  
         [0024]    The hydrostatic transmission  111  includes a hydraulic pump  111   a  hydraulically coupled to a hydraulic motor  111   b . For a combine having four-wheel drive capability, during four-wheel-drive mode, the hydraulic pump  111   a  is hydraulically connected to rear wheel hydraulic motors  124   a ,  124   b , one at each rear wheel  125   a ,  125   b . The engine  110  also drives a hydraulic pump  127  which supplies pressurized hydraulic fluid to selective control valves or levers.  
         [0025]    The VCU  144  is preferably a microprocessor-based electronic control unit. The VCU  144  receives signals from a control and display panel  148 , an engine speed sensor  152 , preferably a magnetic pickup, and an axle speed sensor  154 , preferably a Hall-effect sensor, which supplies an axle speed signal. The VCU  144  also receives a gear select signal from a shift lever unit  150  and sequence selection signal from a three-position (1, 2 and neutral) switch  156 , such as a commercially available momentary rocker switch. The VCU  144  can receive a crop presence signal from a crop sensor  157 . This sensor can be an optical sensor. The VCU  144  also receives signals from a global positioning system (GPS)  158 . The global positioning system can provide to the VCU  144  the exact position of the combine from a satellite or other reference.  
         [0026]    The VCU  144  is configured to send control signals to the header raise-and-lower system  141 , to an auger deployment system  172 , to a separator adjust system  176 , to a separator engagement system  182 , to a steering system  192 , to a braking system  195 , to a four-wheel drive engage valve  204 , and to an engine throttle control  208 .  
         [0027]    The header raise-and-lower system  141  is an example of a VCU controlled operating sub-system, shown in detail in FIG. 2A. The communication of hydraulic fluid to and from the cylinders  63  is controlled by a pair of solenoid operated electro-hydraulic flow control valves  140   a  and  140   b  which are operated by drivers  142   a  and  142   b  which receive electrical control signals generated by the VCU  144 . The header raise-and-lower system  141  also includes a operator-initiated activator  146 , signal-connected to the VCU  144 . The header raise-and-lower system  141  also includes a sensor  206  signal connected to the VCU  144  to feed back header elevation. The sensor  206  can be a potentiometer attached to the feeder house that signals header elevation. Alternatively, the position could be sensed by a radar or sonar sensor sensing the actual header height above the ground.  
         [0028]    Returning to FIG. 2, the auger deployment system  172  could include drivers and valves substantially identical to those shown for the header raise-and-lower system  141  (shown in FIG. 2A) to expand or retract a cylinder to swing the auger. An operator-initiated actuator  173  is signal-connected to the VCU  144  to deploy the auger  54  by swinging the auger perpendicularly to the direction of combine travel, or to retract the auger  54  to a position parallel to the direction of combine travel. The auger deployment system  172  also includes a sensor  207  signal-connected to the VCU  144  to feed back auger deployment position. The sensor can be a potentiometer attached between the auger and the combine body.  
         [0029]    The separator adjust system  176  could also include such drivers and valves to expand or contract a cylinder to adjust clearances in the separator. An operator-initiated actuator  177  such as operator-controlled button, is signal-connected to the VCU  144  to cause adjustment of the separator. The system  176  can also include a sensor  179  signal connected to the VCU  144  to feed back separator clearance. The sensor can be a potentiometer connected to adjustable components of the separator.  
         [0030]    The rotor drive  182  can be actuated by an operator-initiated actuator  184 . The drive  182  includes a suitable drive element  210  which is engaged and disengaged to engine rotary power (via suitable pulleys and belts) by operation of a clutch  212 . The clutch  212  is controlled by electro-hydraulic valves  214 . The electro-hydraulic valves are signal-connected via drivers (now shown) to the VCU  144  and can be controlled by the VCU  144  to effectively engage or disengage engine rotary power to the combine rotor.  
         [0031]    The steering system  192  could include drivers and valves substantially identical to those shown for the header raise-and-lower system  141  to expand or retract a cylinder to turn wheels of the combine to steer the combine. A position sensor  194  can be connected to the steering wheel and signal-connected to the VCU  144  to send a signal corresponding to the steering wheel position.  
         [0032]    A four-wheel drive engagement valve  204  is manually actuated via an actuator  205  to engage or disengage four-wheel drive mode by supplying or diverting, pressurized hydraulic fluid to or from the motors  125   a ,  125   b . The valve  204  is signal-connected to the VCU  144  via a suitable driver (not shown).  
         [0033]    A throttle position sensor  220  is connected to the throttle control  208  and signal connected to the VCU  144 , and which sends a signal corresponding to throttle position to the VCU  144 .  
         [0034]    Referring now to FIG. 3, the monitor/display unit  148  is shown. The left-hand third of the monitor/display unit  148  includes a plurality of warning and status lights  260  associated with various vehicle functions, but which do not relate to the present invention. The upper portion of the middle part of the unit  148  includes a graphics/numeric display  262 . The lower portion of the middle part of the unit  148  includes a plurality of touch pad switches  264  which can be used to control what parameters are displayed by the numeric display portion of display  262 . The unit  148  also includes a speaker (not shown) which generates audible sounds in response to certain conditions and operations.  
         [0035]    The right-hand third of the monitor/display unit  148  includes touch pad on/off switch  266  and a learn/save touch pad switch  268 , both of which are used in connection with the function management system. The lower right-hand part of the display  262  includes an implement management system (IMS) display elements  270  and one-two sequence display element  272 , both of which are lit up as a function of the operational status of the present invention, as described in more detail hereinafter.  
         [0036]    To implement the present invention, the VCU  144  executes stored programs. The VCU  144  derives distance information from the speed sensor  154 , using well-known integration techniques. The programmed VCU  144  cooperates with the elements shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and thereby implements the function management system of the invention.  
         [0037]    Referring to FIG. 4, the Learn Mode operates as follows. First, at step  300  the system is turned on by pressing the on/off switch  266 , and the IMS display indicator  270  turns on. Pressing “learn/save” switch  268  at step  302  activates the learn/save mode and the IMS indicator  270  will begin to flash and a beep with occur periodically. Step  304  allows the learn/save mode to continue if the combine is moving faster than a pre-selected minimum speed. The minimum speed can be zero or greater.  
         [0038]    At step  306 , the operator momentarily toggles the sequence switch  156  to its sequence one or its sequence two position, and the corresponding sequence number of indicator  272  will begin to flash. Then as indicated at  308 , the operator can perform a sequence of manually performed function operations, such as shifting the transmission  118  by manipulating the shift lever  150 , or such as by raising and/or lowering the header by manipulating the header raise/lower switch  146 .  
         [0039]    As indicated at  310 , the VCU  144  records (in a temporary memory) all the manually performed operations together with the various distances traversed by the combine between the various manually initiated operations. Distances are calculated based on actual speed sensed by the sensor  154  and are recorded with a resolution in millimeters. Distance information is recorded only when the combine is moving forward or only when the combine is moving forward faster than a minimum speed.  
         [0040]    At step  312 , the learn/save switch  268  is pressed again and as indicated by step  314 , the VCU  144  stores in a permanent memory the sequence of operations and corresponding distances as either a sequence 1 or a sequence 2, depending on how the switch  156  was previously toggled. The learn/save mode then ends at step  316  and the flashing sequence number  272  stops flashing and the IMS indicator  270  alone remains lit.  
         [0041]    After one or more sequences of operations and distances has been learned and saved by the learn/save mode, the execute mode illustrated by FIG. 5 can be performed. At the step  400 , the on/off  266  is pressed to turn on the system, and the IMS status indicator  270  turns on. Step  402  allows the execute mode to be performed if the combine is moving faster than a pre-selected minimum speed (which could be zero or greater).  
         [0042]    At step  404 , when the combine reaches a location in a field at which the operator desires to execute a stored sequence of operations, the operator momentarily toggles sequence switch  156  to its sequence one or its sequence two position to select which stored sequence will be replayed, and the corresponding “1” or “2” on display  272  is lit. The “1” or “2” sequence indicator  272  will remain on at least three seconds, even if the sequence being executed requires less than three seconds to be executed. Then as indicated at step  406 , the VCU  144  automatically performs the selected sequence of stored operations, such as automatically shifting the transmission  112  without the operator manipulating the shift lever  150 , or such as by automatically raising or lowering the header without the operator manipulating the header raise/lower switch  146 . These stored operations will be replayed with the same relative sequences therebetween as when they were learned, regardless of whether or not the combine is traveling at the same, slower or faster speed. At the completion of a sequence execution, the number 1 or 2 of display  272  will be turned off. The execute mode then ends at step  408 .  
         [0043]    With two learned sequences in the system turned on (and as long as the combine is moving forward faster than a pre-selected minimum speed, the pre-selected minimum speed being zero or greater), the operator may cause the first sequence to be automatically played by momentarily toggling the sequence switch  156  to its “1” position, for example, at the end of every crop row. Similarly, the operator may cause the second sequence to be automatically replayed by momentarily toggling the sequence switch  156  to its “2” position at the start of every crop row.  
         [0044]    Thus, the function management system described herein can be used to automatically replay a sequence of operations at the start of every crop row or cut with a single momentary actuation of sequence switch  156 , and to automatically replay a different sequence of operations at the end of every crop row or cut with a different single momentary actuation of the switch  156 . Because the function management system operates on the basis of distances traveled by the combine, instead of on the basis of time integrals, the sequences can be “learned” slowly as the tractor is moving slowly, and automatically executed or replayed faster as the combine moves at normal operating speeds. This allows the operator plenty of time to operate the “learn” mode and have the control unit  144  “learn” a complex sequence of operations.  
         [0045]    During the operations described above, the invention also operates as follows. A beep will occur when the on/off switch  266  is pressed. When a system is turned on, the contents of the stored sequences will be displayed on the monitor/display  148 . Each sequence, starting with sequence 1, will display each event that was learned and recorded every two seconds followed by the display of “end” on display  262 .  
         [0046]    Learned sequences are retained indefinitely. A maximum preset number, such as  12  operations, can be recorded. The operator can delete a learned sequence from memory. If the “learn/save” mode is canceled during the learning process, i.e., the sequence was not completed normally, then the sequence is cleared from memory. A saved sequence can be removed from memory by entering learn/save mode normally, selecting a sequence, and then hitting the learn/save switch  268  without operating any vehicle functions. This causes the system to exit the learn/save mode and discontinue flashing the sequence number indicator  272  while the “IMS” indicator  270  alone remains on.  
         [0047]    Once the learn/save mode is completed, no operations can be added to the sequence. Distance information will be accumulated only while the combine is in forward drive and above the pre-selected minimum speed.  
         [0048]    The learn/save mode may also be canceled by switching the on/off switch  266  to off or, by: a) not selecting a sequence with sequence switch  156  within a pre-selected time period, b) not learning any operations within a pre-selected time period of the time the sequence switch  156  is toggled, c) not actuating the learn/save mode switch  268  (step  312 ) within a pre-selected time period after a sequence of operations is learned, d) shifting the transmission  118  out of a forward drive, or e) the operator not being present and the combine not moving for more than a pre-selected time period.  
         [0049]    There may be some desired sequences of operations where after the learn/save mode is initiated; the combine is intentionally driven for an accumulated distance before commands for a sequence of operations are started. It may be advantageous then to eliminate the cancellation triggers of steps b) and c) of the preceding paragraph.  
         [0050]    The “IMS” status indicator  270  in the display  262  lights up when the system is on. If the on/off switch  266  is pressed while the function management system is on, then the system shuts off the function management system and turns off the IMS indicator  270 . If the on/off switch  266  is pressed and the sequence switch  156  is not in the neutral position, then the function management system will not be turned on. If the system is in its learn/save mode when the function management system is turned off, then the learn/save mode will be canceled and no sequence of operation will be saved. If the system is executing (replaying) a sequence when the function management system is turned off, the execution of the sequence will abort.  
         [0051]    If the learn/save mode switch  268  is pressed when the function management system is on, the system shall enter into the learn/save mode. A beep will occur when the learn/save mode touch pad switch  268  is pressed. The “IMS” status indicator  270  on display  262  will flash during learn mode and every pre-selected number of seconds, the VCU  144  will generate a beep. If the function management system is not on, pressing the learn/save switch  268  will have no effect.  
         [0052]    If the function management system is off, pressing either part of the sequence switch  156  will have no effect. If the function management system is on and the sequence switch  156  transitions from the neutral position to either the sequence one position or the sequence two position, then the system will begin executing (replaying) the sequence. If the sequence switch  156  is pressed while the learn mode is active, the system will begin learning subsequently manually performed operations.  
         [0053]    Execution of a sequence will always begin at the first operation of the sequence, even if the sequence was previously aborted. During execution mode, the system will always command the learned operation for a function. If the function is already in the state which would result from performance of the learned operation, then the system will have no effect on that function. For example, if the operation is to raise the header, but the header is already fully raised, then execution merely passes along to the next operation of the sequence. If a sequence is already in process and then the sequence switch  156  is toggled for the corresponding sequence again, then the toggling of switch  156  will be ignored and the sequence execution will continue. If a sequence is already in process and then the sequence switch  156  is toggled for the other sequence, then the system will abort the execution of the sequence. If a function is disabled at the time a sequence is commended, then the system will not execute the sequence.  
         [0054]    The header and auger are positioned by the VCU during execute mode based on the learned operation that positions the header or auger according to the absolute position sensed by the sensors  206 ,  207  respectively.  
         [0055]    The operator can use the brake pedals to stop the system accumulating distance during a learn/save mode, and to temporarily pause the automatic performance of an operation during execution of a saved sequence. Once thirty seconds has expired, unless the brake pedals are released, the sequence will abort. The system will also prevent execution of a sequence if the transmission gear is above a pre-selected maximum gear unless the sequence was learned above the maximum gear.  
         [0056]    If the operator manually operates a function during automatic sequence execution, then that manually operated function (under this function management system) will be inhibited for the remainder of the execution of the sequence. The other operation of the sequence will be performed as learned, and the particular manually operated operation will not be deleted from the learned sequence.  
         [0057]    As an example of the combine function management system, the situation of a combine approaching the end of cut and turning around and reentering the field at the start of a new cut can be controlled. The end of the cut can be sensed by the crop sensor  157  for automatic deployment of the function management system, or can be seen by the operator for a manual trigger of the function management system. Certain functions must be undertaken at the end of the cut. If the functions are automatically or manually actuated for a sequence one routine, the following actions could be preprogrammed into the VCU  144 . The header is raised by the header raise-and-lower system  141 . The auger deployment system  172  is actuated to retract the auger so as not to strike external objects when the combine is turning around for the next cut. The rotor drive system  182  can be actuated to disengage the rotor clutch so that the rotor is not rotated. The steering system can be automatically controlled to exit the cut and turn to reenter the field. The steering system can be further controlled by the VCU  144  according to signals from the GPS  158 . After leaving the cut, the transmission  118  can be controlled to shift into a higher gear. The engine throttle  208  can also be moved to increase engine speed. The four-wheel drive valve  204  can be actuated to disengage four-wheel drive hydraulic motors  124   a ,  124   b . The vehicle brakes can be selectively applied to assist steering. These automatic steps increase maneuverability, speed, fuel efficiency and power.  
         [0058]    When the combine reenters the field, many of these controls are reversed. The four-wheel drive valve  204  is actuated to deliver hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic motor  124   a ,  124   b  for four-wheel drive mode. The brakes are released. The engine throttle  208  is adjusted for reduced engine speed. The transmission clutches  120  are manipulated to down shift to a lower, more powerful gear. The steering system control can be returned to manual operation or controlled for accurate combine movement along the cut according to a position signal from the GPS  158 . The rotor drive clutch  212  can be actuated to commence rotation of the combine rotor. The separator is adjusted via the separator adjust system  176 . The header  16  is lowered for entering the cut. The auger  172  is deployed substantially perpendicularly to the direction of travel of the combine.  
         [0059]    From the foregoing, it will be observed that numerous variations and modifications may be effected without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is to be understood that no limitation with respect to the specific apparatus illustrated herein is intended or should be inferred. It is, of course, intended to cover by the appended claims all such modifications as fall within the scope of the claims.