Patent Description:
A harvester may be used to harvest agricultural crops, such as barley, beans, beets, carrots, corn, cotton, flax, oats, potatoes, rye, soybeans, wheat, or other plant crops. Furthermore, a combine (e.g., combine harvester) is a type of harvester generally used to harvest certain crops that include grain (e.g., barley, corn, flax, oats, rye, wheat, etc.). During operation of a combine, the harvesting process may begin by removing a plant from a field, such as by using a header. The header may cut the agricultural crops and transport the cut crops to a processing system of the combine.

Certain headers include a cutter bar assembly configured to cut a portion of each crop (e.g., a stalk), thereby separating the cut crop from the soil. The cutter bar assembly may extend along a substantial portion of the width of the header at a forward end of the header. In addition, the cutter bar assembly may include a blade support, a stationary guard assembly, and a moving blade assembly. The moving blade assembly may be fixed to the blade support, and the blade support/moving blade assembly may be driven to oscillate relative to the stationary guard assembly. The moving blade assembly may include multiple blades distributed along the width of the moving blade assembly, and the stationary guard assembly may include multiple guards distributed along the width of the stationary guard assembly. As the moving blade assembly is driven to oscillate, the blades of the moving blade assembly move relative to the guards of the stationary guard assembly. As the header is moved through the field by the harvester, a portion of a crop (e.g., the stalk) may enter a gap between adjacent guards of the stationary guard assembly and a gap between adjacent blades of the moving blade assembly. Movement of the moving blade assembly causes a blade of the moving blade assembly to move across the gap in the stationary guard assembly, thereby cutting the portion of the crop.

Certain cutter bar assemblies are flexible along the width of the header. Such a cutter bar assembly may be supported by multiple longitudinally extending arms distributed along the width of the header. Each arm may be pivotally mounted to a frame of the header, thereby enabling the cutter bar assembly to flex during operation of the harvester. The flexible cutter bar assembly may follow the contours of the field, thereby enabling the cutting height to be substantially constant along the width of the header. Typically, each arm is pivotally mounted to the frame by a pivot joint. To establish a substantially straight cutter bar assembly (e.g., a cutter bar assembly having a substantially constant fore-aft position relative to the header frame), each pivot joint is precisely positioned on the header frame. Unfortunately, the process of precisely positioning each pivot joint may be complex and time-consuming, thereby increasing the manufacturing cost of the header. In addition, pivot joints typically include a bushing which may wear over time, thereby increasing maintenance operations (e.g., associated with periodically replacing the bushing).

<CIT> discloses a harvesting machine comprising a harvesting header. The header comprises a header frame and an arm assembly, wherein the arm assembly comprises an arm and an actuator. The arm is configured to support a cutter bar assembly of the agricultural header. The actuator is coupled to the frame and to the arm, wherein the actuator is configured to urge the arm to move the cutter bar assembly upwardly relative to a soil surface.

In accordance with the claimed invention, an arm assembly of an agricultural header includes a leaf spring configured to couple to a frame of the agricultural header. The arm assembly also includes an arm coupled to the leaf spring, in which the arm is configured to support a cutter bar assembly of the agricultural header. In addition, the arm assembly includes an actuator coupled to the arm and configured to couple to the frame of the agricultural header. The actuator is configured to urge the arm to move the cutter bar assembly upwardly relative to a soil surface, and the arm assembly is configured to be coupled to the frame only by the leaf spring and the actuator.

Turning to the drawings, <FIG> is a side view of an embodiment of an agricultural harvester <NUM> having a header <NUM> (e.g., agricultural header). The agricultural harvester <NUM> includes a chassis <NUM> configured to support the header <NUM> and an agricultural crop processing system <NUM>. As described in greater detail below, the header <NUM> is configured to cut crops and to transport the cut crops toward an inlet <NUM> of the agricultural crop processing system <NUM> for further processing of the cut crops. The agricultural crop processing system <NUM> receives cut crops from the header <NUM> and separates desired crop material from crop residue. For example, the agricultural crop processing system <NUM> may include a thresher <NUM> having a cylindrical threshing rotor that transports the crops in a helical flow path through the harvester <NUM>. In addition to transporting the crops, the thresher <NUM> may separate certain desired crop material (e.g., grain) from the crop residue, such as husks and pods, and enable the desired crop material to flow into a cleaning system located beneath the thresher <NUM>. The cleaning system may remove debris from the desired crop material and transport the desired crop material to a storage compartment within the harvester <NUM>. The crop residue may be transported from the thresher <NUM> to a crop residue handling system <NUM>, which may remove the crop residue from the harvester <NUM> via a crop residue spreading system <NUM> positioned at the aft end of the harvester <NUM>.

As discussed in detail below, the header <NUM> includes a cutter bar assembly configured to cut the crops within the field. The cutter bar assembly is configured to flex along a width of the header to enable the cutter bar assembly to substantially follow the contours of the field. The cutter bar assembly is supported by multiple arm assemblies distributed along the width of the header. In accordance with the claimed invention, each arm assembly includes a leaf spring, an arm, and an actuator. The leaf spring is coupled to a frame of the header, and the arm is coupled to the leaf spring. In addition, the arm supports the cutter bar assembly. The actuator is coupled to the arm and to the frame of the header, and the actuator is configured to urge the arm to move the cutter bar assembly upwardly relative to the soil surface. The leaf spring and the actuator enable each arm to rotate and/or move vertically relative to the header frame, thereby enabling the cutter bar assembly, which is supported by the arms, to flex in response to variations in the contours of the field.

In accordance with the claimed invention, the arm assembly is coupled to the header frame only by the leaf spring and the actuator. Accordingly, the leaf spring and the actuator may enable the arm to move along a longitudinal axis in response to contact between the cutter bar assembly and an obstacle, thereby absorbing energy associated with the contact. In addition, a pivot joint, which may be used in certain headers to pivotally couple an arm to the header frame, may be omitted. As a result, the time and complexity associated with positioning each arm relative to the header frame to establish a substantially straight cutter bar assembly (e.g., a cutter bar assembly having a substantially constant longitudinal position relative to the header frame) may be substantially reduced, as compared to precisely positioning the pivot joint on the frame to establish the substantially straight cutter bar assembly. In addition, maintenance operations may be substantially reduced, as compared to utilizing a pivot joint having a bushing that may be periodically replaced due to wear.

<FIG> is a perspective view of an embodiment of a header <NUM> that may be employed within the agricultural harvester of <FIG>. In the illustrated embodiment, the header <NUM> includes a cutter bar assembly <NUM> configured to cut a portion of each crop (e.g., a stalk), thereby separating the crop from the soil. The cutter bar assembly <NUM> is positioned at a forward end of the header <NUM> relative to a longitudinal axis <NUM> of the header <NUM>. As illustrated, the cutter bar assembly <NUM> extends along a substantial portion of the width of the header <NUM> (e.g., the extent of the header <NUM> along a lateral axis <NUM>). As discussed in detail below, the cutter bar assembly includes a blade support, a stationary guard assembly, and a moving blade assembly. The moving blade assembly is fixed to the blade support (e.g., above the blade support relative to a vertical axis <NUM> of the header <NUM>), and the blade support/moving blade assembly is driven to oscillate relative to the stationary guard assembly. In the illustrated embodiment, the blade support/moving blade assembly is driven to oscillate by a driving mechanism <NUM> positioned at the lateral center of the header <NUM>. However, in other embodiments, the blade support/moving blade assembly may be driven by another suitable mechanism (e.g., located at any suitable position on the header). As the harvester is driven through a field, the cutter bar assembly <NUM> engages crops within the field, and the moving blade assembly cuts the crops (e.g., the stalks of the crops) in response to engagement of the cutter bar assembly <NUM> with the crops.

In the illustrated embodiment, the header <NUM> includes a first lateral belt <NUM> on a first lateral side of the header <NUM> and a second lateral belt <NUM> on a second lateral side of the header <NUM>, opposite the first lateral side. Each belt is driven to rotate by a suitable drive mechanism, such as an electric motor or a hydraulic motor. The first lateral belt <NUM> and the second lateral belt <NUM> are driven such that the top surface of each belt moves laterally inward. In addition, the header <NUM> includes a longitudinal belt <NUM> positioned between the first lateral belt <NUM> and the second lateral belt <NUM> along the lateral axis <NUM>. The longitudinal belt <NUM> is driven to rotate by a suitable drive mechanism, such as an electric motor or a hydraulic motor. The longitudinal belt <NUM> is driven such that the top surface of the longitudinal belt <NUM> moves rearwardly along the longitudinal axis <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the crops cut by the cutter bar assembly <NUM> are directed toward the belts by a reel assembly. Agricultural crops that contact the top surface of the lateral belts are driven laterally inwardly to the longitudinal belt due to the movement of the lateral belts. In addition, agricultural crops that contact the longitudinal belt <NUM> and the agricultural crops provided to the longitudinal belt by the lateral belts are driven rearwardly along the longitudinal axis <NUM> due to the movement of the longitudinal belt <NUM>. Accordingly, the belts move the cut agricultural crops through an opening <NUM> in the header <NUM> to the inlet of the agricultural crop processing system.

In the illustrated embodiment, the cutter bar assembly <NUM> is flexible along the width of the header <NUM> (e.g., the extent of the header <NUM> along the lateral axis <NUM>). As discussed in detail below, the cutter bar assembly <NUM> is supported by multiple arm assemblies distributed along the width of the header <NUM> (e.g., along the lateral axis <NUM> of the header <NUM>). Each arm assembly is mounted to a frame <NUM> of the header <NUM> and includes an arm configured to rotate and/or move along the vertical axis <NUM> relative to the frame. Each rotatable/movable arm is coupled to the cutter bar assembly <NUM>, thereby enabling the cutter bar assembly <NUM> to flex during operation of the harvester. The flexible cutter bar assembly may follow the contours of the field, thereby enabling the cutting height (e.g., the height at which each crop is cut) to be substantially constant along the width of the header <NUM> (e.g., the extent of the header <NUM> along the lateral axis <NUM>).

In accordance with the claimed invention, each arm assembly includes a leaf spring coupled to the frame and to the arm of the arm assembly. As previously discussed, the arm is configured to support the cutter bar assembly of the agricultural header. In addition, the arm assembly includes an actuator coupled to the frame and to the arm. The actuator is configured to urge the arm to move the cutter bar assembly upwardly (e.g., along the vertical axis <NUM>) relative to the soil surface. In certain embodiments, the leaf spring is also configured to urge the arm to move the cutter bar assembly upwardly (e.g., along the vertical axis <NUM>) relative to the soil surface. In such embodiments, a smaller/less powerful actuator may be utilized to urge the cutter bar assembly upwardly, thereby reducing the cost of the header, as compared to a configuration in which the upward force is only provided by a larger/move powerful actuator. In further embodiments, the leaf spring may be configured to urge the arm to move the cutter bar assembly downwardly (e.g., along the vertical axis <NUM>) relative to the soil surface, thereby acting against the actuator. In such embodiments, the rate at which the cutter bar assembly moves downwardly to reengage the soil surface after upward deflection (e.g., due to interaction between the cutter bar assembly and an obstacle in the field) may be enhanced.

In accordance with the claimed invention, each arm assembly is coupled to the frame only by the leaf spring and the actuator. Accordingly, a pivot joint, which may be used in certain headers to pivotally couple an arm to the frame, may be omitted. As a result, the time and complexity associated with positioning each arm relative to the header frame to establish a substantially straight cutter bar assembly (e.g., a cutter bar assembly having a substantially constant longitudinal position relative to the header frame) may be substantially reduced, as compared to precisely positioning each pivot joint on the frame to establish the substantially straight cutter bar assembly. In addition, maintenance operations may be substantially reduced, as compared to utilizing pivot joints having respective bushings that may be periodically replaced due to wear.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a portion of the header <NUM> of <FIG>, including the cutter bar assembly <NUM> and arm assemblies <NUM> that support the cutter bar assembly <NUM>. As illustrated, each arm assembly <NUM> includes an arm <NUM> that extends substantially along the longitudinal axis <NUM>. However, in alternative embodiments, each arm may extend in any suitable direction. In the illustrated embodiment, the arm assemblies <NUM> are distributed along the width of the header <NUM> (e.g., the extent of the header along the lateral axis <NUM>). The spacing between the arm assemblies may be selected to enable the arm assemblies to support the cutter bar assembly and to enable the cutter bar assembly to flex during operation of the header. As discussed in detail below, each arm <NUM> is coupled to the frame <NUM> by a leaf spring and an actuator of the respective arm assembly. The leaf spring and the actuator enable the arm to rotate and/or move vertically (e.g., along the vertical axis <NUM>) relative to the frame <NUM>, thereby enabling the cutter bar assembly <NUM>, which is supported by the arms <NUM>, to flex in response to variations in the contours of the field.

In the illustrated embodiment, lateral supports <NUM> extend between respective pairs of arms <NUM>. A first end of each lateral support <NUM> is pivotally coupled to one arm <NUM>, and a second end of each lateral support <NUM> is pivotally coupled to another arm <NUM>. The lateral supports <NUM> are configured to support the respective lateral belt, while enabling the arms to rotate/move relative to the frame <NUM>. While three lateral supports are positioned between each pair of arms in the illustrated embodiment, in other embodiments, more or fewer lateral supports may be positioned between at least one pair of arms (e.g., <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, etc.). Furthermore, in certain embodiments, the lateral supports may be omitted between at least one pair of arms.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the cutter bar assembly <NUM> of <FIG>. As illustrated, the cutter bar assembly <NUM> includes a blade support <NUM>, a stationary guard assembly <NUM>, and a moving blade assembly <NUM>. The moving blade assembly <NUM> is coupled to the blade support <NUM>, and the blade support <NUM>/moving blade assembly <NUM> are driven to oscillate relative to the stationary guard assembly <NUM>. The stationary guard assembly <NUM> includes multiple stationary guards <NUM> distributed along the width of the stationary guard assembly <NUM> (e.g., the extent of the stationary guard assembly <NUM> along the lateral axis <NUM>), and the moving blade assembly <NUM> includes multiple moving blades <NUM> distributed along the width of the moving blade assembly <NUM> (e.g., the extent of the moving blade assembly <NUM> along the lateral axis <NUM>). As the moving blade assembly <NUM> is driven to oscillate, the moving blades <NUM> move relative to the stationary guards <NUM>. As the header is moved through the field by the harvester, a portion of a crop (e.g., the stalk) may enter a gap <NUM> between adjacent stationary guards <NUM> and a gap <NUM> between adjacent moving blades <NUM>. Movement of the moving blade assembly <NUM> causes a moving blade <NUM> to move across the gap <NUM> in the stationary guard assembly <NUM>, thereby cutting the portion of the crop.

In the illustrated embodiment, the stationary guard assembly <NUM> is coupled to the arms of the arm assemblies via laterally extending support bars. For example, in certain embodiments, the support bars are coupled to the arms via fasteners, and the stationary guards of the stationary guard assembly are coupled to respective support bars by fasteners. In addition, the blade support <NUM> and the movable blade assembly <NUM> are movably coupled to the stationary guard assembly <NUM> (e.g., the blade support and the moving blade assembly pass through openings in the stationary guards). The support bars and the blade support <NUM> are flexible, thereby enabling the cutter bar assembly <NUM> to flex in response to variations in the soil surface (e.g., while the cutter bar assembly <NUM> is in contact with the soil surface). While the cutter bar assembly <NUM> is coupled to arms via support bars and fasteners in the illustrated embodiment, in other embodiments, the cutter bar assembly may be coupled to the arms via another suitable connection system (e.g., the stationary guard assembly may be welded to the arms, etc.). In addition, the blade support/moving blade assembly may be movably coupled to the stationary guard assembly by any suitable connection system.

<FIG> is a side view of an embodiment of an arm assembly <NUM> that may be employed within the header of <FIG>. As previously discussed, the arm assembly <NUM> includes an arm <NUM> configured to support the cutter bar assembly <NUM> of the header. In the illustrated embodiment, the arm is formed from a tube having a substantially rectangular cross-section (e.g., in a plane formed by the vertical and lateral axes). However, in other embodiments, the tube may have another suitable cross-sectional shape, such as elliptical, circular, or hexagonal, among others. Furthermore, while the arm is formed from a tube in the illustrated embodiment, the arm may have another suitable cross-sectional shape in other embodiments (e.g., solid, T-shaped, I-shaped, etc.). In addition, while the cross-sectional area of the arm <NUM> remains substantially constant along the length of the arm <NUM> (e.g., the extent of the arm along the longitudinal axis <NUM>), in other embodiments, the cross-sectional area of the arm may vary. For example, the arm may have a wider portion and a narrower portion (e.g., along the lateral axis and/or along the vertical axis).

In the illustrated embodiment, the arm assembly <NUM> includes a leaf spring <NUM> coupled to the frame <NUM> of the header and to the arm <NUM>. The leaf spring <NUM> is configured to enable the arm to rotate and/or move along the vertical axis <NUM> relative to the frame <NUM> of the header. For example, the leaf spring <NUM> may enable the arm <NUM> to rotate in a upward direction <NUM> (e.g., a direction that causes the cutter bar assembly <NUM> to move upwardly along the vertical axis <NUM>) and in a downward direction <NUM> (e.g., a direction that causes the cutter bar assembly <NUM> to move downwardly along the vertical axis <NUM>). Furthermore, the leaf spring <NUM> may urge the arm <NUM> toward a neutral position/orientation. Accordingly, if the arm <NUM> is deflected in the downward direction <NUM>, the leaf spring <NUM> may urge the arm in the upward direction <NUM>, and if the arm <NUM> is deflected in the upward direction <NUM>, the leaf spring <NUM> may urge the arm in the downward direction <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the neutral position is above a lowered/working position of the arm, such that the leaf spring urges the arm in the upward direction <NUM> while the cutter bar assembly <NUM> is in contact with the soil surface.

As used herein "leaf spring" refers to an elongated non-rigid (e.g., flexible) element configured to enable the arm to rotate and/or move relative to the header frame at least between the lowered/working position/orientation and a raised/deflected position/orientation (e.g., a position/orientation resulting from contact between the cutter bar assembly and an obstacle within the field) via deflection (e.g., bending) of the leaf spring, and to urge the arm toward the neutral position/orientation in response to deflection (e.g., bending) of the leaf spring. The leaf spring also enables the arm to rotate and/or move relative to the header frame such that the cutter bar assembly may follow the contours of the soil surface. For example, the leaf spring may enable the cutter bar assembly to move through a range of motion (e.g., along the vertical axis) via deflection of the leaf spring, while the leaf spring urges the arm toward the neutral position/orientation. By way of example, the range of motion may be about <NUM> to about <NUM>, about <NUM> to about <NUM>, or about <NUM> to about <NUM>. The leaf spring may be formed from any suitable resilient material, such as metal (e.g., spring steel) or a composite material (e.g., including fiber glass, carbon fiber, polymeric fiber, ceramic fiber, etc.). In the absence of external forces, the leaf spring is configured to substantially return to a neutral state (e.g., corresponding to the state of the leaf spring while the arm is in the neutral position/orientation) after deflection (e.g., deflection of the arm to the lowered/working position/orientation, deflection of the arm to the raised/deflected position/orientation, etc.), thereby demonstrating a substantially elastic response to deflection (e.g., as compared to a plastic response in which an element remains in a deflected state after deflection).

In the illustrated embodiment, the leaf spring <NUM> has a first end <NUM> coupled (e.g., rigidly coupled) to an element <NUM> of the frame <NUM> by a fastener <NUM>. The fastener <NUM> may be a bolt, a screw, a rivet, or any other suitable type of fastener. While the leaf spring <NUM> is coupled to the frame element <NUM> by a single fastener in the illustrated embodiment, in other embodiments, the leaf spring may be coupled to the frame element by any suitable number of fasteners (e.g., <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or more). Furthermore, in certain embodiments, the leaf spring may be coupled to the frame element by another suitable connection, such as a welded connection, an adhesive connection, a press-fit connection, a connection formed by a clamp, or a combination thereof. For example, the leaf spring may be coupled to the frame element by multiple connections of the same type or of different types. In addition, while the leaf spring <NUM> is coupled to the frame element <NUM> at the first end <NUM> of the leaf spring <NUM> in the illustrated embodiment, in other embodiments, the leaf spring may be coupled to the frame element at another suitable point along the leaf spring.

In the illustrated embodiment, the leaf spring <NUM> has a second end <NUM> coupled (e.g., rigidly coupled) to the arm <NUM> by a fastener <NUM>. The fastener <NUM> may be a bolt, a screw, a rivet, or any other suitable type of fastener. While the leaf spring <NUM> is coupled to the arm <NUM> by a single fastener in the illustrated embodiment, in other embodiments, the leaf spring may be coupled to the arm by any suitable number of fasteners (e.g., <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or more). Furthermore, in certain embodiments, the leaf spring may be coupled to the arm by another suitable connection, such as a welded connection, an adhesive connection, a press-fit connection, a connection formed by a clamp, or a combination thereof. For example, the leaf spring may be coupled to the arm by multiple connections of the same type or of different types. In addition, while the leaf spring <NUM> is coupled to the arm <NUM> at the second end <NUM> of the leaf spring <NUM> in the illustrated embodiment, in other embodiments, the leaf spring may be coupled to the arm at another suitable point along the leaf spring.

In the illustrated embodiment, the leaf spring <NUM> (e.g., second end <NUM> of the leaf spring <NUM>) is coupled to a central portion <NUM> of the arm <NUM>. However, in other embodiments, the leaf spring may be coupled to another suitable portion of the arm. For example, the leaf spring may be coupled to a first end portion <NUM> of the arm <NUM>, which is positioned opposite from a second end portion <NUM> of the arm <NUM> that is coupled to the cutter bar assembly <NUM>. Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, the leaf spring <NUM> has a bent portion <NUM> that enables the second end <NUM> of the leaf spring <NUM> to be angled at least <NUM> degrees from the first end <NUM> (e.g., at least while the arm is in the neutral position/orientation). For example, in certain embodiments, the leaf spring may enable the angle of the second end relative to the first end to be about <NUM> degrees to about <NUM> degrees, about <NUM> degrees to about <NUM> degrees, about <NUM> degrees to about <NUM> degrees, or about <NUM> degrees to about <NUM> degrees (e.g., at least while the arm is in the neutral position). The angle of the second end relative to the first end may be selected based on the configuration of the leaf spring and/or the orientation of the frame element coupled to the leaf spring, among other factors.

In certain embodiments, the cross-section of the leaf spring <NUM> may be configured to control the force applied by the leaf spring and/or the location at which the leaf spring bends. For example, a larger cross-sectional area along the leaf spring may provide a greater bending resistance and/or force applied by the leaf spring to the arm (e.g., while the arm is deflected from the neutral position/orientation). In addition, a smaller cross-sectional area along the leaf spring may provide less bending resistance and/or force applied by the leaf spring to the arm (e.g., while the arm is deflected from the neutral position/orientation). Furthermore, the leaf spring may include a bending control section having a smaller cross-section than the remainder of the leaf spring. For example, the bending control section may have a smaller height (e.g., along the vertical axis <NUM>) and/or a smaller width (e.g., along the lateral axis) relative to the remainder of the leaf spring. Due to the smaller cross-sectional area of the bending control section, a substantial portion of the flexing/bending of the leaf spring may occur at the bending control section. The bending control section may be positioned along the leaf spring at a desired location (e.g., at the bent portion <NUM> of the leaf spring <NUM>). However, in other embodiments, the bending control section may be omitted (e.g., the leaf spring may have a substantially constant cross-sectional shape/area along the length of the leaf spring). Furthermore, in certain embodiments, the arm assembly may include a spring force adjustment system configured to control the force applied by the leaf spring. For example, the spring force adjustment system may include a device (e.g., clamp, etc.) disposed about the leaf spring and configured to control bending and/or the effective length of the leaf spring. In addition, the spring force adjustment system may include an assembly that adjusts the mounting location of the spring (e.g., to the frame and/or to the arm) to control bending and/or the effective length of the leaf spring.

In the illustrated embodiment, the arm assembly <NUM> includes an actuator <NUM> coupled to the element <NUM> of the frame <NUM> and to the arm <NUM>. The actuator <NUM> is configured to urge the arm <NUM> to rotate in the upward direction <NUM>, thereby urging the cutter bar assembly <NUM> to move upwardly along the vertical axis <NUM> relative to the soil surface. In the illustrated embodiment, the actuator <NUM> has a first end <NUM> coupled (e.g., rotatably coupled) to the frame element <NUM>, and the actuator has a second end <NUM> coupled (e.g., rotatably coupled) to the first end portion <NUM> of the arm <NUM>. As previously discussed, the first end portion <NUM> is positioned opposite the second end portion <NUM>, which is coupled to the cutter bar assembly <NUM>. While the actuator <NUM> is coupled to the arm <NUM> at the first end portion <NUM> in the illustrated embodiment, in other embodiments, the actuator may be coupled to another suitable portion of the arm. For example, the actuator may be coupled to the central portion of the arm.

In the illustrated embodiment, the actuator <NUM> is a pneumatic cylinder or a hydraulic cylinder. In certain embodiments, the force applied by the pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder to the arm may be adjusted (e.g., by controlling fluid flow to/from the cylinder) to control movement of the arm (e.g., in response to interaction of the cutter bar assembly with the soil surface). While the actuator is a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder in the illustrated embodiment, in other embodiments, the actuator may include any suitable device configured to urge (e.g., selectively urge) the arm <NUM> to rotate in the upward direction <NUM>. For example, the actuator may include a spring (e.g., a coil spring, a leaf spring, a tension spring, a compression spring, etc.) configured to urge the arm to rotate in the upward direction. In such embodiments, the spring may be adjustable (e.g., the force applied by the spring may be adjustable) to control the force applied by the spring to the arm. Furthermore, the actuator may include multiple devices configured to urge the arm to rotate in the upward direction. For example, the actuator may include one or more pneumatic cylinders, one or more hydraulic cylinders, one or more springs, one or more other suitable biasing elements (e.g., a resilient element, an electromechanical actuator, etc.), or a combination thereof.

In the illustrated embodiment, the arm assembly <NUM> is coupled to the header frame <NUM> (e.g., the element <NUM> of the frame <NUM>) only by the leaf spring <NUM> and the actuator <NUM>. Accordingly, the leaf spring <NUM> and the actuator <NUM> may enable the arm <NUM> to move along the longitudinal axis <NUM> in response to contact between the cutter bar assembly <NUM> and an obstacle. For example, contact between the cutter bar assembly <NUM> and an obstacle in the field may drive the arm <NUM> rearwardly along the longitudinal axis <NUM> relative to the direction of travel. In response, the actuator <NUM> may be driven to extend and the leaf spring <NUM> may be driven to deform, thereby absorbing energy associated with the contact. As a result, the energy applied to the cutter bar assembly <NUM> and the frame <NUM> by the obstacle may be reduced.

In addition, a pivot joint, which may be used in certain headers to pivotally couple an arm to the header frame, may be omitted. As a result, the time and complexity associated with positioning each arm relative to the header frame to establish a substantially straight cutter bar assembly (e.g., a cutter bar assembly having a substantially constant longitudinal position relative to the header frame) may be substantially reduced. For example, in headers that employ pivot joints to couple the arms to the header frame, the frame is machined to precisely locate each pivot joint on the frame to establish the substantially straight cutter bar assembly. However, in the illustrated embodiment, the longitudinal position of each arm may be adjusted by controlling the connection point between the leaf spring and the arm to establish the substantially straight cutter bar assembly. For example, the arm may include a slot configured to receive the leaf spring/arm fastener <NUM>. While the fastener is loose, the longitudinal position of the arm may be adjusted to establish the substantially straight cutter bar assembly. The fastener <NUM> may then be tightened to secure the arm in the desired longitudinal position. The process of adjusting the position of each arm may be significantly less complex and time-consuming than precisely machining the header frame to locate the pivot joints. In addition, each pivot joint may include a bushing configured to reduce friction associated with pivoting of the arm. However, the bushings may be periodically replaced due to wear, which may be an expensive and time-consuming process. Accordingly, by omitting the pivot joints, maintenance operations on the header may be substantially reduced.

While one arm assembly of the header is described above, the actuator/leaf spring connection between the arm and the header frame may be utilized with one or more other arm assemblies of the header. For example, in certain embodiments, each arm assembly of the header may utilize an actuator/leaf spring connection between the arm and the header frame. Furthermore, while the actuator and the leaf spring are coupled to the same component of the header frame (e.g., the frame element <NUM>) in the illustrated embodiment, in other embodiments, the actuator may be coupled to one component of the frame, and the leaf spring may be coupled to another component of the frame. In addition, while the leaf-spring is substantially L-shaped in the illustrated embodiment, in other embodiments, the leaf spring may have another suitable shape (e.g., substantially straight, having one or more curves, etc.) for connecting the arm to the frame of the header.

<FIG> is a side view of another embodiment of an arm assembly <NUM> that may be employed within the header of <FIG>, in which an arm <NUM> of the arm assembly <NUM> is in a lowered position. Similar to the embodiment described above with reference to <FIG>, the arm <NUM> is configured to support the cutter bar assembly <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the arm is formed from a tube having a substantially rectangular cross-section (e.g., in a plane formed by the vertical and lateral axes). However, in other embodiments, the tube may have another suitable cross-sectional shape, such as elliptical, circular, or hexagonal, among others. Furthermore, while the arm is formed from a tube in the illustrated embodiment, the arm may have another suitable cross-sectional shape in other embodiments (e.g., solid, T-shaped, I-shaped, etc.). In addition, while the cross-sectional area of the arm <NUM> remains substantially constant along the length of the arm <NUM> (e.g., the extent of the arm along the longitudinal axis <NUM>), in other embodiments, the cross-sectional area of the arm may vary. For example, the arm may have a wider portion and a narrower portion (e.g., along the lateral axis and/or along the vertical axis).

In the illustrated embodiment, the arm assembly <NUM> includes a leaf spring <NUM> coupled to the frame <NUM> (e.g., the element <NUM> of the frame <NUM>) and to the arm <NUM>. The leaf spring <NUM> is configured to enable the arm to rotate and/or move along the vertical axis <NUM> relative to the frame <NUM> of the header. For example, the leaf spring <NUM> may enable the arm <NUM> to rotate/move in the upward direction <NUM> and in the downward direction <NUM>. Furthermore, the leaf spring <NUM> may urge the arm <NUM> toward a neutral position/orientation. Accordingly, if the arm <NUM> is deflected in the downward direction <NUM>, the leaf spring <NUM> may urge the arm in the upward direction <NUM>, and if the arm <NUM> is deflected in the upward direction <NUM>, the leaf spring <NUM> may urge the arm in the downward direction <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the neutral position is above the illustrated lowered/working position, such that the leaf spring urges the arm in the upward direction <NUM> while the cutter bar assembly <NUM> is in contact with the soil surface.

In the illustrated embodiment, the leaf spring <NUM> has a first end <NUM> coupled (e.g., rigidly coupled) to the frame element <NUM> by a fastener <NUM>. The fastener <NUM> may be a bolt, a screw, a rivet, or any other suitable type of fastener. While the leaf spring <NUM> is coupled to the frame element <NUM> by a single fastener in the illustrated embodiment, in other embodiments, the leaf spring may be coupled to the frame element by any suitable number of fasteners (e.g., <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or more). Furthermore, in certain embodiments, the leaf spring may be coupled to the frame element by another suitable connection, such as a welded connection, an adhesive connection, a press-fit connection, a connection formed by a clamp, or a combination thereof. For example, the leaf spring may be coupled to the frame element by multiple connections of the same type or of different types. In addition, while the leaf spring <NUM> is coupled to the frame element <NUM> at the first end <NUM> of the leaf spring <NUM> in the illustrated embodiment, in other embodiments, the leaf spring may be coupled to the frame element at another suitable point along the leaf spring.

In the illustrated embodiment, the leaf spring <NUM> has a second end <NUM> coupled (e.g., rigidly coupled) to the cutter bar assembly <NUM> by a fastener <NUM>. The fastener <NUM> may be a bolt, a screw, a rivet, or any other suitable type of fastener. While the leaf spring <NUM> is coupled to the cutter bar assembly <NUM> by a single fastener in the illustrated embodiment, in other embodiments, the leaf spring may be coupled to the cutter bar assembly by any suitable number of fasteners (e.g., <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or more). Furthermore, in certain embodiments, the leaf spring may be coupled to the cutter bar assembly by another suitable connection, such as a welded connection, an adhesive connection, a press-fit connection, a connection formed by a clamp, or a combination thereof. For example, the leaf spring may be coupled to the cutter bar assembly by multiple connections of the same type or of different types. In addition, while the leaf spring <NUM> is coupled to the cutter bar assembly <NUM> at the second end <NUM> of the leaf spring <NUM> in the illustrated embodiment, in other embodiments, the leaf spring may be coupled to the cutter bar assembly at another suitable point along the leaf spring.

In the illustrated embodiment, the second end <NUM> of the leaf spring <NUM> is also coupled to the arm <NUM>. As illustrated, the arm <NUM> has a first end portion <NUM> and a second end portion <NUM>. As discussed in detail below, the first end portion <NUM> of the arm <NUM> is coupled to an actuator <NUM>. In addition, the second end portion <NUM> of the arm <NUM> is coupled to the cutter bar assembly <NUM> and to the second end <NUM> of the leaf spring <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the second end portion <NUM> of the arm <NUM> is coupled to the second end <NUM> of the leaf spring via a pivot joint <NUM>. The pivot joint <NUM> is formed within a mount <NUM> that is rigidly coupled to the leaf spring <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the mount <NUM> is coupled to the leaf spring <NUM> by the same fastener <NUM> that couples the leaf spring <NUM> to the cutter bar assembly <NUM>. However, in other embodiments, the mount may be coupled to the leaf spring and/or to the cutter bar assembly by another suitable connection, such as a welded connection or an adhesive connection, among others. While the second end portion <NUM> of the arm <NUM> is pivotally coupled to the leaf spring <NUM> via the pivot joint <NUM> of the mount <NUM> in the illustrated embodiment, in other embodiments, the second end portion of the arm may be pivotally coupled to the leaf spring and the cutter bar assembly by another suitable pivotal connection. For example, in certain embodiments, the second end portion of the arm may be pivotally coupled directly to the cutter bar assembly, or the second end portion of the arm may be pivotally coupled to a mount that is directly and/or rigidly coupled to the cutter bar assembly (e.g., via a welded connection, via an adhesive connection, etc.). In such embodiments, the arm may be pivotally coupled to the leaf spring via the connection between the leaf spring and the cutter bar assembly. Furthermore, while the arm is coupled to the leaf spring at the second end portion of the arm and the second end of the leaf spring in the illustrated embodiment, in other embodiments, the arm may be coupled (e.g., rigidly or pivotally coupled) to the leaf spring at another suitable position along the length of the leaf spring and/or at another suitable position along the length of the arm.

In certain embodiments, the cross-section of the leaf spring <NUM> may be configured to control the force applied by the leaf spring and/or the location at which the leaf spring bends. For example, a larger cross-sectional area along the leaf spring may provide a greater bending resistance and/or force applied by the leaf spring to the arm/cutter bar assembly (e.g., while the arm is deflected from the neutral position/orientation). In addition, a smaller cross-sectional area along the leaf spring may provide less bending resistance and/or force applied by the leaf spring to the arm/cutter bar assembly (e.g., while the arm is deflected from the neutral position/orientation). Furthermore, the leaf spring may include a bending control section having a smaller cross-section than the remainder of the leaf spring. For example, the bending control section may have a smaller height (e.g., along the vertical axis <NUM>) and/or a smaller width (e.g., along the lateral axis) relative to the remainder of the leaf spring. Due to the smaller cross-sectional area of the bending control section, a substantial portion of the flexing/bending of the leaf spring may occur at the bending control section. The bending control section may be positioned along the leaf spring at a desired location. However, in other embodiments, the bending control section may be omitted (e.g., the leaf spring may have a substantially constant cross-sectional shape/area along the length of the leaf spring). Furthermore, in certain embodiments, the arm assembly may include a spring force adjustment system configured to control the force applied by the leaf spring. For example, the spring force adjustment system may include a device (e.g., clamp, etc.) disposed about the leaf spring and configured to control bending and/or the effective length of the leaf spring. In addition, the spring force adjustment system may include an assembly that adjusts the mounting location of the spring (e.g., to the frame and/or to the arm/cutter bar assembly) to control bending and/or the effective length of the leaf spring.

In the illustrated embodiment, the actuator <NUM> of the arm assembly <NUM> is coupled to the element <NUM> of the frame <NUM> and to the arm <NUM>. The actuator <NUM> is configured to urge the arm <NUM> to rotate in the upward direction <NUM>, thereby urging the cutter bar assembly <NUM> to move upwardly along the vertical axis <NUM> relative to the soil surface. In the illustrated embodiment, the actuator <NUM> has a first end <NUM> coupled (e.g., rotatably coupled) to the frame element <NUM> (e.g., via a bracket), and the actuator has a second end <NUM> coupled (e.g., rigidly coupled) to the first end portion <NUM> of the arm <NUM>. As previously discussed, the first end portion <NUM> is positioned opposite the second end portion <NUM>, which is coupled to the cutter bar assembly <NUM>. While the actuator <NUM> is coupled to the arm <NUM> at the first end portion <NUM> in the illustrated embodiment, in other embodiments, the actuator may be coupled to another suitable portion of the arm. For example, the actuator may be coupled to a central portion of the arm.

In the illustrated embodiment, the arm assembly <NUM> is coupled to the header frame <NUM> (e.g., the element <NUM> of the frame <NUM>) only by the leaf spring <NUM> and the actuator <NUM>. Accordingly, a pivot joint, which may be used in certain headers to pivotally couple an arm to the header frame, may be omitted. As a result, the time and complexity associated with positioning each arm relative to the header frame to establish a substantially straight cutter bar assembly (e.g., a cutter bar assembly having a substantially constant longitudinal position relative to the header frame) may be substantially reduced. For example, in headers that employ pivot joints to couple the arms to the header frame, the frame is machined to precisely locate each pivot joint on the frame to establish the substantially straight cutter bar assembly. However, in the illustrated embodiment, the longitudinal position of each arm may be adjusted by controlling the connection point between the leaf spring and the frame element to establish the substantially straight cutter bar assembly. For example, the frame element may include a slot configured to receive the leaf spring/frame element fastener <NUM>. While the fastener is loose (e.g., and while the actuator is in a state that does not apply a force to the arm), the longitudinal position of the arm may be adjusted to establish the substantially straight cutter bar assembly. The fastener <NUM> may then be tightened to secure the arm the desired longitudinal position. The process of adjusting the position of each arm may be significantly less complex and time-consuming than precisely machining the header frame to locate the pivot joints. In addition, each pivot joint may include a bushing configured to reduce friction associated with pivoting of the arm. However, the bushings may be periodically replaced due to wear, which may be an expensive and time-consuming process. Accordingly, by omitting the pivot joints, maintenance operations on the header may be substantially reduced.

In certain embodiments, a lateral belt may extend over the leaf spring <NUM> (e.g., above the leaf spring <NUM> along the vertical axis <NUM>) and below the arm <NUM> (e.g., along the vertical axis <NUM>). For example, an inner surface of the lateral belt may contact a top surface of the leaf spring. In such a configuration, the shape of the lateral belt along the longitudinal axis <NUM> may substantially match the shape of the leaf spring <NUM> along the longitudinal axis <NUM>. Accordingly, the shape of the leaf spring while the arm is in the lowered position may be particularly selected to establish a desired shape of the lateral belt. Furthermore, in embodiments in which the inner surface of the lateral belt contacts the top surface of the leaf spring, a coating (e.g., polymeric coating) may be applied to the top surface of the leaf spring to facilitate movement of the lateral belt.

While the actuator and the leaf spring are coupled to the same component of the header frame (e.g., the frame element <NUM>) in the illustrated embodiment, in other embodiments, the actuator may be coupled to one component of the frame, and the leaf spring may be coupled to another component of the frame. Furthermore, while one arm assembly of the header is described above, the actuator/leaf spring connection between the arm and the header frame may be utilized with one or more other arm assemblies of the header. For example, in certain embodiments, each arm assembly of the header may utilize an actuator/leaf spring connection between the arm and the header frame. In addition, in certain embodiments, a header may include one or more arm assemblies <NUM> disclosed above with reference to <FIG> and/or one or more arm assemblies <NUM> disclosed above with reference to <FIG>.

Claim 1:
An agricultural header (<NUM>), comprising:
a frame (<NUM>); and
an arm assembly (<NUM>, <NUM>), comprising an arm (<NUM>, <NUM>) configured to support a cutter bar assembly (<NUM>) of the agricultural header (<NUM>); and
an actuator (<NUM>, <NUM>) coupled to the frame (<NUM>) and to the arm (<NUM>, <NUM>), wherein the actuator (<NUM>, <NUM>) is configured to urge the arm (<NUM>, <NUM>) to move the cutter bar assembly (<NUM>) upwardly relative to a soil surface;
characterized in that the arm assembly (<NUM>, <NUM>) is coupled to the frame (<NUM>) only by a leaf spring (<NUM>, <NUM>) and the actuator (<NUM>, <NUM>).