Patent Description:
As is described in <CIT> to CNH America LLC, a typical header of an agricultural combine includes one or more cutters, e.g., cutter bars with reciprocating knives, which cut the crop material that is harvested from the field. Once the crop material is cut, a conveyor system, which is positioned rearwardly of the cutter(s), transports the crop material to the feeder housing. Modern headers generally have cutters and attachments which are specifically optimized to harvest a particular kind of crop material. For instance, the header may include a rotating reel with tines or the like to sweep the crop material towards the cutter(s).

A draper header is typically used to harvest fluffy or bushy crop material such as soy beans or canola. A draper header generally includes a conveyor that is in the form of one or more flat belts, known as draper belts, to convey the crop material to the feeder housing. Typically, a draper header may include two lateral draper belts that convey the crop material longitudinally inward and a center feed belt that conveys the crop material into the feeder housing. Each draper belt may be wrapped around rollers, for example, various combinations of drive rollers and idler rollers. The draper belts may include cleats extending transversely across the full width of the header, which contact the crop material to help facilitate its transportation into the feeder housing.

It can be necessary to adjust the tension on the belts of the header. Current methods for adjusting the tension on the belts are challenging due to difficulties in accessing the belt adjustment components. <CIT> discloses a combine belt tensioning device of the known type.

Thus, it would be advantageous to provide a convenient and simple method for adjusting the tension on the belt of a draper header of an agricultural vehicle.

According to one aspect of the invention, a header for a combine harvester comprises a conveyor belt for conveying crop material in a conveyance direction; and an adjusting device for adjusting a tension of the conveyor belt, the adjusting device comprising a cable that is movable with respect to a frame member of the header, wherein a first attachment portion of the cable is either directly or indirectly attached to one end of a roller for the conveyor belt, and wherein the first attachment portion extends either parallel to or substantially parallel to a tensioning direction of the conveyor belt for adjusting the tension of the conveyor belt. The cable is connected to a shaft that is biased by a spring to maintain the conveyor belt in a state of tension and the spring is positioned against the frame member.

According to another aspect not part of the invention, a header for a combine harvester comprises a roller; a conveyor belt mounted to the roller for conveying crop material in a conveyance direction; and an adjusting device for adjusting a tension of the conveyor belt, the adjusting device comprising a cable assembly that is movable with respect to a frame member of the header, the cable assembly comprising a first cable and a second cable. A first attachment portion of the first cable of the cable assembly is either directly or indirectly attached to one end of the roller. A first attachment portion of the second cable of the cable assembly is either directly or indirectly attached to an opposite end of the roller for the conveyor belt. The first attachment portions each extend either parallel to or substantially parallel to a tensioning direction of the conveyor belt for adjusting the tension of the conveyor belt.

According to another aspect not part of the invention, an adjusting device for adjusting a tension of the conveyor belt is provided. The adjusting device comprising a cable that is movable with respect to a frame member, wherein a first attachment portion of the cable is either directly or indirectly attached to one end of a roller for the conveyor belt, and wherein the first attachment portion extends either parallel to or substantially parallel to a tensioning direction of the conveyor belt for adjusting the tension of the conveyor belt.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplification set out herein illustrates an embodiment of the invention, in one form, and such exemplification is not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.

The terms "forward", "rearward", "left" and "right", when used in connection with the agricultural combine and/or components thereof are usually determined with reference to the direction of forward operative travel of the combine, but again, they should not be construed as limiting. The terms "longitudinal" and "transverse" are determined with reference to the fore-and-aft direction of the combine and are equally not to be construed as limiting.

Referring now to the drawings, as is described in <CIT>, <FIG> illustrates an agricultural harvester applicable to the subject application in the form of a combine harvester <NUM> to which is attached a header <NUM>. The header <NUM> has a crop cutter or knife assembly <NUM> arranged close the ground. The knife assembly can include a stationary blade and a reciprocating blade which together act as shears that cut the crop near the ground. A harvesting reel <NUM> having tines <NUM> rotates about a horizontal axis adjacent to the knife assembly <NUM> to gather the cut crop and feed it into unillustrated processing machinery of the harvester.

Turning to <FIG>, there are shown several views of a draper header <NUM> for use with the combine harvester <NUM> in place of the header <NUM>. The header <NUM> includes a crop cutter and harvesting reel <NUM> (<FIG>) followed rearwardly by a crop or grain conveyor system. The harvesting reel <NUM> gathers the crop cut by the crop cutter <NUM> and delivers the cut crop to a conveyor system. The conveyor system typically includes a header conveyor constructed as a pair of opposed, laterally extending conveyors <NUM> which extend from the lateral ends of the header frame or chassis <NUM> (shown in cross-section in <FIG>) toward a generally central region of the chassis. As indicated by arrows <NUM> of <FIG>, cut crop is delivered by conveyors <NUM> toward a centrally located infeed conveyor <NUM>. Infeed conveyor <NUM> may also be referred to herein as a belt or conveyor belt. Infeed conveyor <NUM> extends substantially perpendicular to conveyors <NUM> and is driven by a belt drive shaft <NUM> to move crop in the direction of arrows <NUM> toward an outlet <NUM> (<FIG> and <FIG>) which leads to a feederhouse <NUM>. As seen in <FIG>, before reaching outlet <NUM>, the cut crop first encounters a centrally located rotatable infeed auger <NUM> which impels the crop or grain through the outlet <NUM>. More specifically, the cut crop is engaged by the helical vanes or flights <NUM> of the infeed auger <NUM> and is pushed thereby through outlet <NUM>.

It has been observed that conventional infeed conveyors suffer certain disadvantages. As noted above, it can be necessary to adjust the tension on the conventional infeed conveyor. Current methods for adjusting the tension on a conventional infeed conveyor are challenging due to difficulties in accessing the belt adjustment components. The devices shown in <FIG> are effective in remedying those difficulties.

<FIG> is another partial schematic top plan view of the header of <FIG>. <FIG> depicts the infeed conveyor <NUM>, which is moved in the direction of arrow <NUM> by a belt drive shaft <NUM>. The other end of the infeed conveyor <NUM> is wrapped around a belt idler shaft <NUM>, which may also be referred to herein as a roller or shaft. The belt idler shaft <NUM> may extend along the entire width of the conveyor <NUM>, as shown. Alternatively, the shaft <NUM> may extend along only a portion of the conveyor <NUM>. The end of the shaft <NUM> is journaled in a bearing <NUM>. Bearing <NUM> has an integral flange <NUM> extending therefrom or bearing <NUM> is in a housing. A linkage <NUM> is connected between flange <NUM> of bearing <NUM> and a frame member <NUM> of header <NUM>. Frame member <NUM> is a stationary component of header <NUM>, and may comprise more than one stationary component. More particularly, frame member <NUM> is stationary at least with respect to the belt of the infeed conveyor <NUM>. The infeed conveyor <NUM> may be able to pivot with respect to the frame of the header.

Linkage <NUM> comprises a first link <NUM> that is pivotably connected to flange <NUM> by a pinned connection. The opposite end of first link <NUM> is pivotably connected to one leg of a joint <NUM> by a pinned connection. Joint <NUM> forms part of linkage <NUM>, and may be referred to in the art as a clevis. A proximal end <NUM> (i.e., proximal to joint <NUM>) of a second link <NUM> is pivotably connected to another leg of joint <NUM> by a pinned connection. A third leg of joint <NUM> is pivotably connected to frame member <NUM> by a pinned connection <NUM>.

Second link <NUM> of linkage <NUM> passes through an opening <NUM> formed in frame member <NUM> and is configured to translate within opening <NUM>, as will be described later. A conical washer <NUM> is slideably positioned over link <NUM>. Link <NUM> is capable of translating with respect to conical washer <NUM>. Conical washer <NUM> includes a conical end that faces and engages with opening <NUM> on a side <NUM> of frame member <NUM>. It should be understood that washer <NUM> is not fixed to frame member <NUM> or link <NUM>. A flat washer <NUM> is also slideably positioned over link <NUM> and is spaced at a distance from conical washer <NUM>. A compression spring <NUM> is positioned over link <NUM> and between conical washer <NUM> and flat washer <NUM>. It should be understood that link <NUM> is positioned through opening <NUM>, washers <NUM> and <NUM>, and compression spring <NUM>. The distal end <NUM> of link <NUM> is threaded for receiving two threaded fasteners <NUM> (e.g., nuts).

Those skilled in the art will recognize that other fastening arrangements exist other than nuts and threads. For example, link <NUM> may include a series of holes staggered along its length and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis "A" for receiving one or more pins therethrough. As another alternative, a clamp may be mounted to the outer diameter of link <NUM>. As another alternative, link <NUM> may include a series of holes staggered along its length and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis "A" for receiving one or more threaded screws.

Referring still to <FIG>, adjusting the position of the fasteners <NUM> changes the tension on conveyor belt <NUM>. For example, moving the fasteners <NUM> further toward frame member <NUM> (in the direction of arrow <NUM>) causes compression of spring <NUM>, which causes the link <NUM> to translate in the direction of arrow <NUM>, which causes joint <NUM> to rotate about pinned connection <NUM> in a clockwise direction, which causes link <NUM> to translate in the direction of arrow <NUM>, which causes bearing <NUM> and shaft <NUM> to move in the direction of arrow <NUM>. Movement of shaft <NUM> in the direction of arrow <NUM> increases the tension on conveyor belt <NUM>. Link <NUM> pulls on the center axis of bearing <NUM>, which limits a moment being applied to bearing <NUM> and shaft <NUM>. Unlike conventional belt tensioning systems, spring <NUM> and link <NUM> translate or move in a direction that is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the direction <NUM> of belt tensioning. Stated differently, spring <NUM> and link <NUM> translate in a transverse direction with respect to the combine.

Conversely, moving the fasteners <NUM> further away from frame member <NUM> (in the direction of arrow <NUM>) causes expansion of spring <NUM>, which causes the link <NUM> to translate in the direction of arrow <NUM>, which causes joint <NUM> to rotate about pinned connection <NUM> in a counterclockwise direction, which causes link <NUM> to translate in the direction of arrow <NUM>, which causes bearing <NUM> and shaft <NUM> to move in the direction of arrow <NUM>. Movement of shaft <NUM> in the direction of arrow <NUM> decreases the tension on conveyor belt <NUM>.

A user accessible cover (not shown) may be provided on an exterior surface of header <NUM> for accessing the fasteners <NUM>. The position of fasteners <NUM> is readily accessible to an operator of header <NUM>, unlike conventional belt tensioning systems.

<FIG> is a partial schematic top plan view of a header according to a second example. The header of <FIG> is substantially similar to the header of <FIG>, with the exception that the header of <FIG> includes a cable <NUM> in lieu of the linkage <NUM> for adjusting the level of tension of bearing <NUM> of the idler shaft <NUM>. Also, as compared with <FIG>, the cable <NUM> provides a tension force to the opposite end of the bearing <NUM> of the idler shaft <NUM>. Lastly, the stationary frame member <NUM> has a different appearance in <FIG>, however, it is functionally equivalent to the stationary frame member <NUM> shown in <FIG>.

The cable <NUM> extends between two ends <NUM> and <NUM>. The ends may also be referred to herein as attachment portions. The first end <NUM> of the cable <NUM> is fixed to the link <NUM>. The end of the link <NUM> includes an opening for receiving the first end <NUM>. The first end <NUM> is pinned, crimped, tied, clamped, fastened, or is otherwise fixed to the end of the link <NUM>. Similarly, the second end <NUM> is tied, pinned, crimped, clamped, fastened, or is otherwise fixed to an opening provided on a flange <NUM> of the bearing <NUM>. The second end <NUM> is oriented either parallel or substantially parallel (e.g., within twenty degrees) to the tensioning direction <NUM>/<NUM> of the conveyor belt <NUM>, wherein the first end <NUM> is either perpendicular or substantially perpendicular (e.g., within twenty degrees) to the tensioning direction <NUM>/<NUM> of the conveyor belt <NUM>.

The cable <NUM> is positioned and guided within a rigid tube <NUM>, such that the cable <NUM> is capable of sliding within the tube <NUM>. The tube <NUM> has a greater column strength and lower flexibility than the cable <NUM> such that the tube <NUM> does not bend, deform, or deflect in response to sliding movement of the cable <NUM>. The tube <NUM> effectively routes the cable <NUM> between the link <NUM> and the bearing <NUM>. Each end of the tube <NUM> is mounted to a bracket <NUM> that is fixed to a stationary point on the frame member <NUM> or the header. The tube <NUM> remains stationary during movement of the cable <NUM>. According to a different example not disclosed herein, the tube <NUM> may be replaced by a series of rollers along which the cable <NUM> is routed.

In use, adjusting the position of the fasteners <NUM> changes the tension on conveyor belt <NUM>. For example, moving the fasteners <NUM> further toward frame member <NUM> (in the direction of arrow <NUM>) causes compression of spring <NUM>, which causes the link <NUM> to translate in the direction of arrow <NUM>, which increases the tension on the cable <NUM>, which linearly pulls the second end <NUM> of cable <NUM> in the direction of arrow <NUM>, which causes bearing <NUM> and shaft <NUM> to move in the direction of arrow <NUM>. Movement of shaft <NUM> in the direction of arrow <NUM> increases the tension on conveyor belt <NUM>. As compared with the linkage <NUM> shown in <FIG>, the cable <NUM> imparts even less of a bending moment (if any) to the bearing <NUM>. Stated differently, the cable <NUM> imparts no bending moment to the bearing <NUM>.

Conversely, moving the fasteners <NUM> further away frame member <NUM> (in the direction of arrow <NUM>) causes expansion of spring <NUM>, which causes the link <NUM> to translate in the direction of arrow <NUM>, which decreases the tension on the cable <NUM>, which allows the bearing <NUM> and shaft <NUM> to move in the direction of arrow <NUM>. Movement of shaft <NUM> in the direction of arrow <NUM> decreases the tension on conveyor belt <NUM>.

<FIG> is a partial schematic top plan view of a header according to a third example, and <FIG> is a detailed view of the header shown in <FIG>. Turning now to those figures, the header of <FIG> is substantially similar to the header of <FIG> with the exception that the cable is a cable assembly <NUM> that is connected to both sides of the bearing <NUM>. More particularly, the cable assembly <NUM> includes a first cable <NUM> that extends between two ends <NUM> and <NUM>. The first end <NUM> of the cable <NUM> is fixed to the link <NUM> and the second end <NUM> is fixed to a flange on the far side of the bearing <NUM> (like that described above with respect to <FIG>). The cable <NUM> is positioned and guided within a series of tubes <NUM> (like the tube <NUM> described above), such that the cable <NUM> is capable of sliding within the tubes <NUM>. Each end of each tube <NUM> is mounted to a bracket <NUM>, which is fixed to a stationary point on the frame member <NUM> or the header. Like the example described above, the tubes <NUM> may be replaced by a series of rollers <NUM> along which the cable <NUM> is routed.

The cable assembly <NUM> also includes a second cable <NUM> that extends between two ends <NUM> and <NUM>. The first end <NUM> of the cable <NUM> is fixed to a three-piece block assembly <NUM> and the second end <NUM> is fixed to a flange on the near side of the bearing <NUM> (i.e., near block assembly <NUM>). The cable <NUM> is positioned and guided within a tube <NUM> (like the tube <NUM> described above), such that the cable <NUM> is capable of sliding within the tube <NUM>. Each end of each tube <NUM> is mounted to a bracket <NUM>, which is fixed to a stationary point on the frame member <NUM> or the header.

The three-piece block assembly <NUM> comprises two mating half-blocks each having two channels for accommodating the rounded exterior surface of the cables <NUM> and <NUM>. The half-blocks are fixed together by a fastener <NUM> (comprising the third piece of the block <NUM>). The block assembly <NUM> fixes the cables <NUM> and <NUM> together such that the cables do not slide relative to each other. The three-piece block assembly <NUM> is adjustable for adjusting the tension on the second cable <NUM> relative to the tension on the first cable <NUM>.

In use, adjusting the position of the fasteners <NUM> changes the tension on conveyor belt <NUM>. For example, moving the fasteners <NUM> further toward frame member <NUM> causes compression of spring <NUM>, which causes the link <NUM> to translate in the direction of frame member <NUM>, which increases the tension on both cables <NUM> and <NUM>, which causes both ends of the bearing <NUM> and its shaft <NUM> to move in the direction of arrow <NUM>. Movement of shaft <NUM> in the direction of arrow <NUM> increases the tension on conveyor belt <NUM>. As compared with the cable <NUM> shown in <FIG>, the cable assembly <NUM> imparts even less of a bending moment (if any) to the bearing <NUM> because the cable assembly <NUM> is fixed to both ends of the shaft <NUM> (via bearings <NUM>). Stated differently, the cable assembly <NUM> imparts no bending moment to the bearing <NUM>.

Conversely, moving the fasteners <NUM> further away frame member <NUM> causes expansion of spring <NUM>, which causes the link <NUM> to translate away from the frame member <NUM>, which decreases the tension on the cable assembly <NUM>, which allows the bearing <NUM> and shaft <NUM> to move in the direction of arrow <NUM>. Movement of shaft <NUM> in the direction of arrow <NUM> decreases the tension on conveyor belt <NUM>.

Turning now to <FIG>, a different cable assembly is shown for use with the header shown in <FIG>. The cable assembly is configured for adjusting the tension of the belt <NUM>. The cable assembly shown in <FIG> includes a first cable <NUM> that is configured to be fixedly connected to the link <NUM>, a second cable <NUM> that is configured to be fixedly connected to one side of the bearing <NUM>, and a third cable <NUM> that is configured to be fixedly connected to an opposite side of the bearing <NUM>. A block assembly <NUM>, like the block assembly <NUM>, is employed for fixing all three cables together. An adjustment mechanism <NUM>, in the form of a male fastener (threaded stud) that is adjustably fixed to a female fastener (threaded socket), is fixed to the cable <NUM>. More particularly, the cable <NUM> is divided into two segments, i.e., one cable segment extending between the block assembly <NUM> and the adjustment mechanism <NUM> and another cable segment extending between the adjustment mechanism <NUM> and the bearing <NUM>. It is possible to adjust the adjustment mechanism <NUM> for changing the tension on the cable <NUM> (and consequent adjustment on the bearing <NUM>). The adjustment mechanism <NUM> may vary from that shown and described. Other adjustment mechanisms <NUM> are envisioned such as a turnbuckle, a pin/slot arrangement, fastener, clamp, or a latch, for example.

<FIG> depicts another cable assembly for use with the header shown in <FIG> and for adjusting the tension of the belt <NUM>. The cable assembly shown in <FIG> includes a first cable <NUM> that is configured to be fixedly connected to the link <NUM>, a second cable <NUM> that is configured to be fixedly connected to a bearing <NUM> on one side of the shaft <NUM>, and a third cable <NUM> that is configured to be fixedly connected to a bearing <NUM> on an opposite side of the shaft <NUM>. The cables <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> each have an end that is fixed to a spool <NUM>. The spool <NUM> can be mounted to a fixed point on the header, such as the frame member <NUM>. The spool <NUM> is configured to rotate about its axis (see curved arrow).

In use, when the cable <NUM> is pulled away from the spool <NUM> (i.e., in the direction of the arrow) by adjusting the position of the fasteners <NUM> (as described above), for example, the spool <NUM> rotates in a counterclockwise direction, which causes the cables <NUM> and <NUM> to wind on the spool <NUM>, thereby increasing the tension on the belt <NUM>. Conversely, when the cable <NUM> is permitted to wind on the spool <NUM> (by virtue of the force of spring <NUM>), the spool <NUM> rotates in a clockwise direction, which causes the cables <NUM> and <NUM> to unwind from the spool <NUM>, thereby decreasing the tension on the belt <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A header (<NUM>) for a combine harvester (<NUM>) including a conveyor belt (<NUM>) for conveying crop material in a conveyance direction (<NUM>), the header further comprising
an adjusting device for adjusting a tension of the conveyor belt, characterized in that the adjusting device comprises a cable (<NUM>) that is movable with respect to a frame member (<NUM>) of the header, wherein a first attachment portion (<NUM>) of the cable is either directly or indirectly attached to one end of a roller (<NUM>) for the conveyor belt, and wherein the first attachment portion (<NUM>) extends either parallel to or substantially parallel to a tensioning direction (<NUM>) of the conveyor belt for adjusting the tension of the conveyor belt,
wherein the cable (<NUM>) is connected to a shaft (<NUM>) that is biased by a spring (<NUM>) to maintain the conveyor belt (<NUM>) in a state of tension and wherein the spring (<NUM>) is positioned against the frame member (<NUM>).