Patent Description:
The width of crop and forage mowing implements, such as mower-conditioners, self-propelled windrowers, and other similar machines, have been increasing to meet the capacity of modern balers and forage harvesters. These wider mowing implements move the mowed crop material laterally inward to feed a processing system, such as but not limited to conditioning systems. In order to help move the mowed crop material laterally inward toward the center of the implement, one or more converging drums may be positioned above outer ends of a cutter bar. The converging drums rotate about a vertical, central longitudinal axis and help direct the mowed crop laterally inward toward the center of the implement.

Additionally, some processing systems, such as but not limited to conditioning systems, process the mowed crop material through a narrow horizontal opening defined between two opposing rollers. Often, the mowed crop material must be moved vertically upward or downward toward the horizontal opening between the rollers. <CIT> discloses a mower with at least two circumferential mowing tools, each revolving around vertical, parallel axes of rotation, each consisting of a drum with knives arranged in the area of its lower end and driver strips attached to the outer circumference of the drums. <CIT> discloses a mower including drums mounted on a generally upright axis for rotation with end cutting units.

The present invention is related to a converging drum for a crop mowing implement according to claim <NUM>. The converging drum includes a body having an exterior surface. The body extends along a central longitudinal axis, between a first end and a second end. The body is configured to rotate about the central longitudinal axis in a defined rotational direction. The converging drum includes at least one ramp feature that is attached to and extends radially outward from the exterior surface of the body, relative to the central longitudinal axis. The ramp feature is disposed between the first end and the second end of the body. The ramp feature is arranged to form an acute angle relative to a reference plane, which is disposed orthogonal to the central longitudinal axis. The body includes a planar wall portion extending parallel to the central longitudinal axis. The ramp feature includes a plate, which defines a circular segment having a thickness. The plate includes a straight inner edge disposed against the planar wall portion of the body, and extends outward away from the planar wall surface of the body to a curved distal edge.

In an embodiment, the acute angle formed between the ramp feature and the reference plane is open in a direction toward the defined rotational direction to present a descending ramp surface as the converging drum rotates in the defined rotational direction. The descending ramp is operable to direct crop material in a downward direction along the central longitudinal axis.

In a further embodiment, the acute angle formed between the ramp feature and the reference plane is open in a direction away from the defined rotational direction to present an ascending ramp surface as the converging drum rotates in the defined rotational direction. The ascending ramp surface is operable to direct crop material in an upward direction along the central longitudinal axis.

In a further embodiment, the at least one ramp feature includes a plurality of ramp features disposed angularly about the central longitudinal axis. The plurality of ramp features may include a first group of ramp features and/or a second group of ramp features.

In a further embodiment, each respective ramp feature of the first group of ramp features includes their respective acute angle of each ramp feature open toward the defined rotational direction to present a descending ramp surface. The descending ramp surface is operable to direct crop material in a downward direction along the central longitudinal axis. In one aspect of the disclosure, the first group of ramp features is disposed adjacent the second end of the body.

In a further embodiment, each respective ramp feature of the second group of ramp features includes their respective acute angle of each ramp feature open away from the defined rotational direction to present an ascending ramp surface. The ascending ramp surface is operable to direct crop material in an upward direction along the central longitudinal axis. In one aspect of the disclosure, the second group of ramp features is disposed adjacent the first end of the body.

In a further embodiment, the converging drum includes only the first group of ramp features. In another aspect of the disclosure, the converging drum includes only the second group of ramp features. In another aspect of the disclosure, the converging drum includes both the first group of ramp features and the second group of ramp features.

In a further embodiment, the acute angle is equal to or less than eighty degrees, and equal to or greater than ten degrees. In another aspect of the disclosure, the acute angle is equal to or less than forty-five degrees, and equal to or greater than fifteen degrees.

The invention is further related to a mowing implement for cutting a crop material according to claim <NUM>. The mowing implement includes a frame forming a work area including a forwardly located inlet zone and a rearwardly located discharge zone. A cutter bar is supported by the frame between the inlet zone and the discharge zone. The cutter bar extends along an axis disposed generally transverse to a direction of travel. The cutter bar includes a plurality of spaced apart knife-carrying rotary discs disposed in the work area for rotation about respective vertical axes. A crop conditioning system is attached to the frame. The crop conditioning system includes an upper conditioner roll and a lower conditioner roll, and is positioned to receive crop material therebetween from the cutter bar. The mowing implement includes at least one converging drum that is attached to one of the frame and the cutter bar. The mowing implement is operable to move crop material laterally along the axis of the cutter bar toward the discharge zone. The converging drum includes a body having an exterior surface. The body extends vertically along a central longitudinal axis, between a first end and a second end. The body is configured to rotate about the central longitudinal axis in a defined rotational direction. The converging drum further includes at least one ramp feature. The ramp feature is attached to and extends radially outward from the exterior surface of the body relative to the central longitudinal axis. The ramp feature is disposed between the first end and the second end of the body; and is arranged to form an acute angle relative to a reference plane. The reference plane is disposed orthogonal to the central longitudinal axis. The body includes a planar wall portion extending parallel to the central longitudinal axis. The ramp feature includes a plate, which defines a circular segment having a thickness. The plate includes a straight inner edge disposed against the planar wall portion of the body, and extends outward away from the planar wall surface of the body to a curved distal edge.

The ramp feature(s) of the converging drum may be arranged to direct the cut crop material upward and/or downward to better position the crop material for processing, e.g., between the upper conditioner roll and the lower conditioner roll of the conditioning system.

The above features and other advantages will become apparent from the following description and accompanying drawings.

The detailed description of the drawings refers to the accompanying figures.

Those having ordinary skill in the art will recognize that terms such as "above," "below," "upward," "downward," "top," "bottom," "left," "right," etc., are used descriptively for the figures, and do not represent limitations on the scope of the disclosure, as defined by the appended claims.

Referring to the Figures, wherein like numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views, a mowing implement <NUM> is generally shown embodied as a mower-conditioner implement. <FIG> illustrates the mowing implement <NUM> being drawn by an agricultural vehicle <NUM>. The mowing implement <NUM> may be pulled by the vehicle <NUM> to mow and/or condition crops or grasses, such as shown in <FIG>. However, in other embodiments, the mowing implement <NUM> may be pushed by the agricultural vehicle <NUM> to mow and/or condition crops or grasses.

Referring to <FIG>, the mowing implement <NUM> includes a frame <NUM> forming a work area. The work area includes a forwardly located inlet zone <NUM>, and a rearwardly located discharge zone <NUM>. The frame <NUM> includes a top frame member <NUM> that extends between a right-side outer wall <NUM> and a left-side outer wall <NUM>. A series of consecutive panels <NUM> also extend between the right-side outer wall <NUM> and the left-side outer wall <NUM>, along a front edge of the top frame member <NUM>. Together with the right-side outer wall <NUM> and the left-side outer wall <NUM>, the panels <NUM> generally define the forwardly located material inlet zone <NUM> proximal to a front edge of the panels <NUM>. A right-side transverse rear wall <NUM> and a left-side transverse rear wall <NUM> extend inwardly from the right-side outer wall <NUM> and the left-side outer wall <NUM>, respectively.

The right-side transverse rear wall <NUM> and the left-side transverse rear wall <NUM> terminate approximately at the ends of a crop conditioning system <NUM>. The crop conditioning system <NUM> is attached to the frame <NUM>, and includes an upper conditioner roll <NUM> and a lower conditioner roll <NUM>. The crop conditioning system <NUM> is positioned to receive crop material therebetween from a cutter bar <NUM>, described in greater detail below.

The upper conditioner roll <NUM> and a lower conditioner roll <NUM>, which generally define the width of the material discharge zone <NUM>, are located centrally in the mowing implement <NUM>. It is to be understood that the locations of the material inlet zone <NUM> and the material discharge zone <NUM> are not critical to the teachings of this disclosure, and that implements having material inlet zones <NUM> and material discharge zones <NUM> which are not centered relative to the implement would benefit from the teachings of the present disclosure. Moreover, various other types of crop conditioning systems may be used instead of or in addition to the crop conditioning system <NUM> shown in the Figures and described herein. Such other crop conditioning systems may include, but are not limited to, flail/impeller conditioners, and the like.

The top frame member <NUM>, together with the right-side outer wall <NUM> and the left-side outer wall <NUM> generally define the work area between the top frame member <NUM> and the ground. Material such as crops or grasses can generally enter the work area via the material inlet zone <NUM>, be processed within the work area, and be discharged via the rearwardly located material discharge zone <NUM>. Within the work area, each of the upper and lower conditioner rolls <NUM>, <NUM> and of the crop conditioning system <NUM> includes a central cylindrical drum to which is attached a plurality of axially extending ribs or flutes that mesh together for conditioning crop that passes between them. The mowing implement <NUM> includes a spring-loaded link assembly that yieldably resists upward movement of the upper conditioner roll <NUM> caused by crop passing between the upper and lower conditioner rolls <NUM>, <NUM> and. The arrangement of gearing is such that the upper and lower conditioner rolls <NUM>, <NUM> and are counter-rotated, i.e., rotate in opposite rotational directions, so as to draw crop in between them.

A rotatably mounted auger <NUM> extends between the right-side outer wall <NUM> and the left-side outer wall <NUM>, and passes in front of the crop conditioning system <NUM>. In particular, the auger <NUM> is positioned in front of the lower conditioner roll <NUM> with a central axis of the auger <NUM> laterally spaced apart from, and lower than a central axis of the lower conditioner roll <NUM>. The auger <NUM> includes a central cylindrical drum with a central portion and outer ends. The outer ends of the auger <NUM> include flighting, and a plurality of fins is attached to the central portion. In operation, the design of the auger <NUM> enables the delivery of cut crop material into a nip or gap area of the crop conditioning system <NUM>, with the auger <NUM> and lower conditioner roll <NUM> co-rotated in the same rotational direction, and with the auger <NUM> and the upper conditioner roll <NUM> counter-rotated in opposite rotational directions.

A cutter bar <NUM> is supported by the frame <NUM>, between the inlet zone <NUM> and the discharge zone <NUM>. The cutter bar <NUM> extends along an axis <NUM> that is disposed generally transverse to a direction of travel of the implement. The cutter bar <NUM> extends between the right-side outer wall <NUM> and the left-side outer wall <NUM>, and is located just forward of the crop conditioning system <NUM>. While the present disclosure could be advantageously applied to rotary cutter bars of various constructions, the cutter bar <NUM> of the exemplary embodiment is a known type containing a plurality of intermeshed spur gears including a plurality of idler gears meshed with each other and arranged in transverse alignment over the length of the cutter bar <NUM>, with selected ones of the idler gears being meshed with drive gears respectively associated, one each, with a plurality of cutting discs <NUM> spaced along the cutter bar <NUM>. For details of the gear housing and gearing of the cutter bar <NUM>, reference may be had to<CIT>.

The cutter bar <NUM> includes a plurality of spaced apart knife-carrying rotary cutting discs <NUM> disposed in the work area for rotation about respective vertical axes. The cutting discs <NUM> are located forward of the crop conditioning system <NUM>. Each of the cutting discs <NUM> is coupled to an upright drive shaft to which power is coupled for causing them to rotate in appropriate directions, for delivering cut crop material to the crop conditioning system <NUM>.

The mowing implement <NUM> includes at least one converging drum <NUM> that is attached to one of the frame <NUM> and/or the cutter bar <NUM>, and that is operable to move cut crop material laterally along the axis <NUM> of the cutter bar <NUM> toward the conditioning system <NUM> and the discharge zone <NUM>. The mowing implement <NUM> may include one or more converging drums <NUM> on the either side of the auger <NUM>. The converging drums <NUM> are provided for augmenting the rotating cutter discs in conveying cut crop into the discharge passage for further processing by the upper and lower conditioner rolls <NUM>, <NUM> and. Each of the converging drums <NUM> rotates in a pre-defined rotational direction. The pre-defined rotational direction for each converging drum <NUM> may include either a clockwise direction or a counterclockwise direction. In the exemplary embodiment shown and described herein, each of the converging drums <NUM> are mounted for rotation about a respective generally upright axis. However, in other embodiments, one or more of the converging drums <NUM> may be mounted at varying angles relative to vertical. In addition, the direction of rotation can be varied to suitably converge material for a given arrangement. In one example, for a multiple converging drum <NUM> arrangement, each of the converging drums <NUM> can be independently rotated in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction so as to feed the cut crop material into the crop conditioning system <NUM>. The speed of rotation can also be varied such that, for example, a laterally inner converging drum <NUM> may rotate at a first speed (e.g., rpm), while a laterally outer converging drum <NUM> may rotate a second speed different from the first speed.

Referring to <FIG>, an exemplary embodiment of the converging drum <NUM> is generally shown and described herein. The specific design of each converging drum <NUM> is dependent upon the direction of rotation of that converging drum <NUM>, and the vertical direction that converging drum <NUM> is designed to move the cut crop material. The detailed description provides an exemplary embodiment of the converging drum <NUM>. However, it should be appreciated, based on the teachings of this disclosure below, that each converging drum <NUM> may include its own specific configuration based on its location on the mowing implement <NUM>, location relative to other converging drums <NUM>, a direction of desired crop movement, etc. Furthermore, the shape, construction, etc. of the converging drums <NUM> may differ from the exemplary embodiment shown in the Figures and described herein.

Referring to <FIG>, the converging drum <NUM> includes a body <NUM>. The body <NUM> includes an exterior surface <NUM>, and extends along a central longitudinal axis <NUM> between a first end <NUM> and a second end <NUM>. As shown in the Exemplary embodiment, the central longitudinal axis <NUM> is generally vertical. However, it should be appreciated that the central longitudinal axis <NUM> is not required to be vertical. In other words, the body <NUM> may be angled to some degree relative to vertical. The body <NUM> is configured to rotate about the central longitudinal axis <NUM> in a defined rotational direction. As noted above, the defined rotational direction may be either a clockwise rotational direction, or a counterclockwise rotational direction. As shown in <FIG>, the defined rotational direction is a clockwise rotational direction indicated by arrow <NUM>.

The converging drum <NUM> includes a first end plate <NUM> defining the first end <NUM> of the body <NUM>, and a second end plate <NUM> defining the second end <NUM> of the body <NUM>. The first end plate <NUM> and the second end plate <NUM> are spaced apart from each other along the central longitudinal axis <NUM>. In some embodiments, the first end plate <NUM> may be fixed for rotation with a respective cutting disc <NUM>. In other embodiments, the first end plate <NUM> is not attached to a respective cutting disc <NUM>, and may be suspended above the cutting discs <NUM> with a vertical gap therebetween to allow the cutter bar <NUM> to flex vertically.

In the exemplary embodiment of the converging drum <NUM> shown and described herein, the body <NUM> further includes four vertical angle members <NUM> extending between and interconnecting the first end plate <NUM> and the second end plate <NUM>. The angle members <NUM> extend along and parallel with the central longitudinal axis <NUM>, and are each located such that their respective corners are disposed at or near the peripheries of the first end plate <NUM> and the second end plate <NUM>, and cooperate to form a rectangular cross section perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis <NUM>. In the exemplary embodiment shown and described herein, the rectangular cross section is a square cross section. It should be appreciated that the body <NUM> of the converging drum <NUM> may be configured differently than described herein, and may include a cross sectional shape perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis <NUM> that is not rectangular, such as but not limited to a triangular shape, a pentagon, etc..

The embodiment of the converging drum <NUM> according to the present invention shown in the Figures and described herein includes the body <NUM> having at least one planar wall portion <NUM> that extends parallel to the central longitudinal axis <NUM>. As shown in the exemplary embodiment, the body <NUM> includes four planar wall portions <NUM>, i.e., one planar wall portion <NUM> for each side of the rectangular cross-sectional shape of the body <NUM>. It should be appreciated that other embodiments may include a different number of planar wall portions <NUM>. In yet other examples that are not part of the present invention, the body <NUM> may define a circular or oval cross-sectional shape, such that the body <NUM> does not include any planar wall portions.

The converging drum <NUM> includes at least one ramp feature <NUM> that is attached to and extends radially outward from the exterior surface <NUM> of the body <NUM>, relative to the central longitudinal axis <NUM>. The ramp feature <NUM> is disposed between the first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM> of the body <NUM>. In the exemplary embodiment, the at least one ramp feature <NUM> includes a plurality of ramp features <NUM>, with at least one ramp feature <NUM> disposed on each planar wall portion <NUM> of the body <NUM>.

The ramp feature <NUM> of the exemplary embodiment shown in the Figures and described herein includes a plate <NUM> that defines a circular segment having a thickness. As such, the embodiment of the ramp feature <NUM> according to the present invention includes a straight inner edge surface <NUM> disposed against the planar wall portion <NUM> of the body <NUM>. The plate <NUM> extends outward away from the planar wall surface of the body <NUM> to a curved distal edge surface <NUM>. It should be appreciated that the ramp feature <NUM> may be shaped and/or configured differently than the exemplary embodiment shown in the Figures and described herein. In an example that is not part of the present invention, if the body <NUM> includes a circular cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis <NUM>, then the inner edge surface <NUM> of the plate <NUM> would exhibit a curved or circular shape. Additionally, the distal edge surface may differ from the curved distal edge surface <NUM> shown in the Figures and described herein. In an example that is not part of the present invention, the distal edge surface may include a rectangular or polygonal exterior shape.

As best shown in <FIG>, the ramp feature <NUM> is arranged to form an acute angle <NUM> relative to a reference plane <NUM>. The reference plane <NUM> is disposed orthogonal to the central longitudinal axis <NUM>. As best shown in <FIG>, it should be appreciated that the reference plane <NUM> is defined by two axes, e.g., an x-axis <NUM> and a y-axis <NUM>. Each of the x-axis <NUM> and the y-axis <NUM> is perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis <NUM> such that the central longitudinal axis <NUM> is perpendicular to the reference plane <NUM> in all radial directions about the central longitudinal axis <NUM>.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in the Figures and described herein, the acute angle <NUM> is equal to or less than eighty degrees (<NUM>°), and equal to or greater than ten degrees (<NUM>°). More preferably, the acute angle <NUM> is equal to or less than forty-five degrees (<NUM>°), and equal to or greater than fifteen degrees (<NUM>°).

As best shown in <FIG>, the acute angle <NUM> may be open toward the defined rotational direction, such as shown by ramp feature 76A, or may open away from the defined rotational direction, such as shown by ramp feature 76B. The acute angle <NUM> is open toward the defined rotational direction, i.e., in the same direction as the defined rotational direction, to present a descending ramp surface to create a descending ramp <NUM> that is operable to direct crop material in a downward vertical direction along the central longitudinal axis <NUM>. The downward vertical direction is generally indicated by arrow <NUM>. The acute angle <NUM> is open away from the defined rotational direction, i.e., in a direction opposite to the defined rotational direction, to present an ascending ramp surface to create an ascending ramp <NUM> that is operable to direct crop material in an upward direction along the central longitudinal axis <NUM>. The upward vertical direction is generally indicated by arrow <NUM>.

As noted above, the at least one ramp feature <NUM> includes a plurality of ramp features <NUM> disposed angularly about the central longitudinal axis <NUM>. The plurality of ramp features <NUM> may include a first group <NUM> of ramp features <NUM> and/or a second group <NUM> of ramp features <NUM>.

Each of the first group <NUM> of ramp features <NUM> is disposed on a respective wall portion <NUM> of the body <NUM> of the converging drum <NUM>. Each of the first group <NUM> of ramp features <NUM> includes the respective acute angle <NUM> of each ramp feature <NUM> open toward the defined rotational direction to present the descending ramp <NUM> operable to direct crop material in the downward direction along the central longitudinal axis <NUM>. The first group <NUM> of ramp features <NUM> is disposed adjacent the second end <NUM> of the body <NUM>.

Each of the second group <NUM> of ramp features <NUM> is disposed on a respective wall portion <NUM> of the body <NUM> of the converging drum <NUM>. Each of the second group <NUM> of ramp features <NUM> includes the respective acute angle <NUM> of each ramp feature <NUM> open away from the defined rotational direction to present the ascending ramp <NUM> operable to direct crop material in the upward direction along the central longitudinal axis <NUM>. The second group <NUM> of ramp features <NUM> is disposed adjacent the first end <NUM> of the body <NUM>.

The exemplary embodiment of the converging drum <NUM> shown in <FIG> includes both the first group <NUM> of ramp features <NUM> and the second group <NUM> of ramp features <NUM>. However, it should be appreciated that other embodiments of the converging drum <NUM> may include only the first group <NUM> of ramp features <NUM>, such as shown in <FIG>, or only the second group <NUM> of ramp features <NUM>, such as shown in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, each of the ramp features <NUM> extends a length along the central longitudinal axis <NUM>. The ramp features <NUM> may extend from the first end <NUM> of the body <NUM> to the second end <NUM> of the body <NUM>. In other embodiments, the ramp features <NUM> only extend partially between the first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM> of the body <NUM>. Additionally, the ramp features <NUM> may be disposed adjacent the first end <NUM> or the second end <NUM>. In other embodiments, however, the ramp features <NUM> may be centrally located along the central longitudinal axis <NUM>, between the first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM> of the body <NUM>, such that the ramp features <NUM> are spaced generally equidistant from both the second end <NUM> and the first end <NUM> of the body <NUM>.

The particular configurations of the other embodiments of the converging drums <NUM> will depend on the particular location of the converging drum <NUM> on the mowing implement <NUM>, the rotational direction of the converging drum <NUM>, and a desired elevation control for the mowed crop material. The ramp features <NUM> on the converging drum <NUM> are configured to increase the elevation of the mowed crop material, or decrease the elevation of the mowed crop material, as needed, to better feed the crop material into the conditioning system <NUM>, between the upper conditioner roll <NUM> and the lower conditioner roll <NUM>. Accordingly, the placement, number, and configuration of the ramp features <NUM> is dependent upon the specific crop movement desired for a particular location on the mowing implement <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A converging drum for a crop mowing implement (<NUM>), the converging drum (<NUM>) comprising:
a body (<NUM>) having an exterior surface (<NUM>) and extending along a central longitudinal axis (<NUM>) between a first end (<NUM>) and a second end (<NUM>), wherein the body (<NUM>) is configured to rotate about the central longitudinal axis (<NUM>) in a defined rotational direction;
at least one ramp feature (<NUM>) attached to and extending radially outward from the exterior surface (<NUM>) of the body (<NUM>) relative to the central longitudinal axis (<NUM>), and disposed between the first end (<NUM>) and the second end (<NUM>) of the body (<NUM>); and wherein the at least one ramp feature (<NUM>) is arranged to form an acute angle (<NUM>) relative to a reference plane (<NUM>) disposed orthogonal to the central longitudinal axis (<NUM>), characterized in that
the body (<NUM>) includes a planar wall portion (<NUM>) extending parallel to the central longitudinal axis (<NUM>), and in that
the at least one ramp feature (<NUM>) includes a plate having a straight inner edge (<NUM>) disposed against the planar wall portion (<NUM>) of the body (<NUM>), and in that
the plate extends outward away from the planar wall surface of the body (<NUM>) to a curved distal edge (<NUM>).