阅读说明：本技术 用于割台的锁定系统 (Locking system for header ) 是由 亚历克斯·布莱米耶 于 2021-05-26 设计创作，主要内容包括：公开了用于将收割机割台的浮动臂接合在柔性配置和刚性配置之间的系统和设备。该系统和设备包括锁定管,该锁定管在浮动臂处于刚性配置时不经受扭矩或几乎不经受扭矩。此外,该系统和设备还避免了用于确保浮动臂完全缩回以例如与割台的另一部分邻接接触而进行的调整。(Systems and apparatus for engaging a floating arm of a harvester header between a flexible configuration and a rigid configuration are disclosed. The system and apparatus include a locking tube that experiences little or no torque when the floating arm is in a rigid configuration. In addition, the system and apparatus also avoids adjustment to ensure that the floating arm is fully retracted, for example, into abutting contact with another portion of the header.)

1. A locking system (220) for a harvester header (100, 202), the locking system (220) being movable between a flexible configuration in which a floating arm (214) of the harvester header is freely pivotable and a rigid configuration in which the floating arm is in contact with another portion of the harvester header, the locking system comprising:

a locking tube (222), the locking tube (222) defining a first centerline (226);

a crank (228), the crank (228) pivotably coupled to the locking tube, the crank rotatable to cause pivoting of the locking tube; and

a tensioner (700), the tensioner (700) pivotably coupled to the locking tube and defining a second centerline (754) extending along the tensioner, the first centerline intersecting the second centerline when the locking system is in the rigid configuration.

2. The locking system (220) of claim 1, wherein the tensioner (700) comprises a shaft (706), the shaft (706) coupled to the locking tube (222), wherein the shaft pivots relative to the locking tube during actuation between the flexible configuration and the rigid configuration.

3. The locking system (220) of claim 2, wherein the tensioner (700) further comprises a biasing member (712), the biasing member (712) being compressed when the locking system is actuated to the rigid configuration.

4. The locking system (220) of claim 3, wherein the biasing member (712) is selected from the group consisting of a coil spring and at least one Belleville washer.

5. The locking system (220) of any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the locking tube (222) comprises:

a clevis (234); and

a pin (236), the pin (236) being received on the clevis, the pin defining a threaded bore (246), and

wherein the crank (228) is threadedly received into the threaded bore such that rotation of the crank produces rotation of the locking tube about the first centerline (226).

6. The locking system (220) of any of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a linkage mechanism (702), the linkage mechanism (702) coupling the tensioner (700) to the locking tube (222).

7. The locking system (220) of claim 6, wherein the linkage mechanism (702) includes a link (738), the link (738) defining a recess (737), the recess (737) receiving the locking tube (222) when the locking system is in the rigid configuration.

8. The locking system (220) of any of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a bearing (238), the bearing (238) defining a bore (250), the crank (228) extending through the bore and being pivotable relative to the bearing within the bore about an axis other than a longitudinal axis of the crank.

9. A harvester header (100, 202) comprising:

a frame (102);

a plurality of floating arms (214), the floating arms (214) pivotably coupled to the frame;

a knife (216), the knife (216) coupled to a distal end (218) of the floating arm; and

the locking system (220) of claim 1, the locking tube being rotatably coupled to the frame, the crank also being pivotably coupled to the frame, and the tensioner being pivotably coupled at a first end to the locking tube (222) and pivotably coupled at a second end to one of the floating arms.

10. The harvester header (100, 202) of claim 9, wherein the tensioner (700) includes a shaft (706), the shaft (706) being coupled to the floating arm (214), wherein the shaft pivots relative to the locking tube (222) during actuation of the locking system (220) between the flexible configuration and the rigid configuration.

11. The harvester header (100, 202) of claim 10, wherein the tensioner (700) further includes a biasing member (712), the biasing member (712) being compressed when the locking system (220) is actuated to the rigid configuration.

12. The harvester header (100, 202) of claim 11, wherein the biasing member (712) is selected from the group consisting of a coil spring and at least one bellville washer.

13. The harvester header (100, 202) of any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the locking tube (222) includes:

a clevis (234); and

a pin (236), the pin (236) being received on the clevis, the pin defining a threaded bore (246), and

wherein the crank (228) is threadedly received into the threaded bore such that rotation of the crank produces rotation of the locking tube about the first centerline.

14. The harvester header (100, 202) of any of claims 9 to 13, further comprising a linkage (702), the linkage (702) coupling the tensioner (700) to the lock tube (222).

15. The harvester header (100, 202) of claim 14, wherein the linkage mechanism (702) includes a link (738), the link (738) defining a recess (737), the recess (737) receiving the lock tube (222) when the locking system (220) is in the rigid configuration.

16. The harvester header (100, 202) of any of claims 9 to 15, further comprising a bearing (238), the bearing (238) attached to the frame (102) and defining an aperture (250), the crank (228) extending through the aperture and being pivotable relative to the bearing within the aperture about an axis other than a longitudinal axis of the crank.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to harvesting headers, and more particularly to draper headers.

Background

Agricultural harvesters use various attached tools to harvest crops. One such tool is a "draper" or "draper header". Conventional draper headers use a conveyor with an endless belt to carry the cut crop material from the knives of the leading edge to the central area of the header. From there, the cut crop material is conveyed into a harvester. Once in the harvester, the cut crop material may be further processed by separating the grain from unwanted crop material (commonly referred to as "material other than grain" or "MOG").

Disclosure of Invention

A first aspect of the present disclosure relates to a locking system for a harvester header, the locking system being movable between a flexible configuration in which a floating arm of the harvester header is freely pivotable and a rigid configuration in which the floating arm is in contact with another part of the harvester header. The locking system may include: a locking tube defining a first centerline; a crank pivotably coupled to the locking tube, the crank rotatable to cause pivoting of the locking tube; and a tensioner pivotably coupled to the locking tube and defining a second centerline extending along the tensioner, the first centerline intersecting the second centerline when the locking system is in the rigid configuration.

A second aspect of the present disclosure relates to a harvester header. The harvester header may include: a frame; a plurality of floating arms pivotably coupled to the frame; a knife coupled to a distal end of the floating arm; and a locking system. The locking system may include: a locking tube rotatably coupled to the frame and defining a first centerline; a crank pivotably coupled to the frame and pivotably coupled to the locking tube, the crank rotatable to cause pivoting of the locking tube; and a tensioner pivotably coupled to the locking tube at a first end and pivotably coupled to one of the floating arms at a second end. The tensioner may define a second centerline extending along the tensioner, and the first centerline may intersect the second centerline when the locking system is in the rigid configuration.

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

Drawings

The detailed description of the drawings refers to the accompanying drawings, in which:

fig. 1 is a perspective view of an example draper header, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a portion of a frame of an example draper header, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a portion of an exemplary header frame, illustrating a portion of a locking system, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 4 is a detailed perspective view of an interface between an end of a locking tube and a crank of an exemplary locking system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 5 is another perspective view of a portion of an exemplary locking system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an exemplary locking system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 7-9 are cross-sectional views of a portion of the locking system illustrating movement of the locking system between a flexible configuration and a rigid configuration.

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of an exemplary locking system and floating arm coupled thereto, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 11-13 are perspective views of some components of a locking system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, illustrating actuation of the locking system between a flexible configuration and a rigid configuration.

Detailed Description

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

The present disclosure relates to harvester headers, and in particular to a draper header that includes a locking system movable between a flexible configuration and a rigid configuration. In the flexible configuration, the floating arms of the header are freely pivotable about respective axes; and in the rigid configuration, the floating arm retracts into contact with a portion of the header, providing a knife attached to the floating arm in a straight and rigid configuration. The locking system provides abutting contact between the floating arm and another portion of the frame without the need to provide any adjustment during manufacture or in the field, thereby reducing time and complexity of manufacture and maintenance. Furthermore, in the rigid configuration, the torque applied to the locking tube is reduced to zero or near zero, thereby reducing the size, weight and cost of the header.

Directional words such as "upper," "lower," "top," "bottom," "above," "below," "front," "back," "forward," and "rearward" are used in the context of the illustrated examples as understood by those skilled in the art and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. For example, for a particular type of vehicle in a conventional configuration and orientation, those skilled in the art will understand these terms in the manner they apply to that particular vehicle.

For example, as used herein, with respect to an endless belt, unless otherwise defined or limited, the term "forward" (and similar terms) corresponds to a forward direction of travel of the belt relative to a support frame (e.g., a frame of a draper header) during normal operation of the belt. Likewise, the term "rearward" (and similar terms) corresponds to a direction opposite the forward direction of travel of the belt. In this regard, for example, a "forward-facing" feature on an endless belt may generally face a direction in which the belt travels during normal operation, while a "rearward-facing" feature may generally face a direction opposite to that direction.

As also used herein, with respect to the header (or components of the header), unless otherwise defined or limited, the term "forward" (and similar terms) refers to the direction of travel of the header during normal operation (e.g., the forward direction of travel of a harvester vehicle carrying the header). Similarly, the term "rear" (and similar terms) refers to a direction opposite to the front direction. In this regard, for example, a "front" edge of a knife assembly of a draper header is generally disposed forward of the knife assembly relative to a direction of travel of the draper header during normal operation (e.g., carried by the harvester vehicle). Likewise, the "trailing" edge of the knife assembly is generally disposed at the rear or side of the knife assembly opposite the leading edge relative to the direction of travel of the draper header during normal operation.

Fig. 1 illustrates an exemplary draper header 100, the draper header 100 including a frame 102 supporting first and second side conveyors 104, 106 and a central conveyor 108. Each of the conveyors 104, 106 and 108 is configured as a belt conveyor extending over a respective circumferential length. The conveyors 104, 106, and 108 include endless belts 110, 112, and 114 that move in respective loops along the header 100 by power means such as motors, gears, or internal belts. The conveyors 104 and 106 are disposed on opposing wings 116 and 118, respectively, of the header 100. In the example shown, the conveyor 104 includes two endless belts 110, and the conveyor 106 includes two endless belts 112. In other embodiments, conveyors 104 and 106 may include more or fewer endless belts. Further, although the conveyor 108 is shown as including a single endless belt 114, in other embodiments, the conveyor 108 may include additional endless belts. The endless belts 110, 112, and 114 are supported on two or more rollers of the respective conveyors 104, 106, and 108.

In some embodiments, the endless belts 110, 112, and 114 may be formed of fabric belts impregnated with an elastomer (elastomer-impregnated). Generally, the annular bands 110 and 112 may rotate such that the upper surfaces of the annular bands 110 and 112 move inward along the header 100 in respective directions 120 and 122. In this manner, material, such as cut plant matter, may be moved by the endless belts 110 and 112 to the central conveyor 108, which, in turn, the central conveyor 108 may move the material out of the header 100 using the endless belt 114. For example, the header 100 may discharge material onto a harvester vehicle to which the header 100 is attached. The header 100 also includes a cylindrical conveyor 124. The cylindrical conveyor 124 receives the cut crop material from the central conveyor 108 and carries the crop material back (i.e., in direction 126) through an aperture in the frame 102 between the cylindrical conveyor 124 and the central conveyor 108 and ultimately into the harvester vehicle.

In the example shown, various cleats (clean) 130 are secured to a surface of each of the endless belts 110, 112, and 114, with the cleats 130 extending generally in a direction transverse to the direction of travel of the respective endless belt 110, 112, or 114 (e.g., directions 120, 122, and 126). In some embodiments, cleats 130 may extend less than the entire width of annular bands 110, 112, and 114. For example, one or more of cleats 130 may extend only partially across the respective width of endless belts 110, 112, and 114, and thus, one or more of cleats 130 may not extend to the front or rear edge of endless belts 110, 112, and 114.

The header 100 also includes a knife 132 at a front edge 133 of the header 100. The knife 132 cuts the crop material, for example, severs crop material from a field. The knife 132 extends laterally along the header 100. In some embodiments, the header 100 may further include a front cover disposed between the knife 132 and the annular bands 110, 112, and 114, wherein the front cover extends at least partially over at least the front edges of the annular bands 110 and 112. For example, as shown in fig. 1, the header 100 includes interlocking crop ramp segments 134 in elongated rows, the interlocking crop ramp segments 134 extending substantially along the entire length of the header 20.

As depicted, the header 100 also includes a rear cover 136, which rear cover 136 may be in the form of a back plate deflector or rear frame cover, spaced apart from the crop ramp segment 134 by a width 138. The rear cover 136 may be used to cover and protect various internal components of the header 100, and may also generally define a rear end of a crop carrying area of the header 100. In some embodiments, the cleats 130 may extend across the entire width 138. In other embodiments, the cleats 130 may extend only a portion of the width 138.

During a harvesting operation, the harvester vehicle can carry the header 100 through an agricultural field in a nominal forward direction 140. As the header 100 moves across the field, the knives 132 operate to sever the crop at a location adjacent the ground. The severed crop material falls generally in a rearward direction (i.e., generally opposite direction 140) onto one or more of the three conveyors 104, 106, and 108. The conveyor 104 on the wings 118 uses the endless belt 110 to carry crop material in a direction 120 toward the center of the header 100. The conveyor 106 uses the endless belt 112 to carry the severed crop material in a direction 122 toward the central conveyor 108, and the central conveyor 108 carries the severed crop material in a direction 126 toward and below the cylindrical conveyor 124. The severed crop material from the cylindrical conveyor 124 is conveyed in a direction 126 through an aperture in the frame 102 of the header 100 and into an agricultural harvester.

In the illustrated example, the conveyor 104 and the conveyor 106 are similarly configured, although the conveyors 104 and 106 may carry crop material in opposite directions 120 and 122, respectively. In other embodiments, the transmitters 104 and 106 may be configured differently. However, in general, the description of the transmitter 104 herein may be applicable to the transmitter 106 as well as other transmitters of other embodiments.

Fig. 2 is a view of a portion of a frame 200 of a header 202, the header 202 may be similar to the header 100. The portion of the frame 200 shown corresponds to a portion of the wing 204 of the header 202. The wings 204 may be similar to the wings 118 of the header 100. The frame 200 includes a beam 206, the beam 206 extending laterally along the frame 200. Aft section 208 is coupled to beam 206 and extends from beam 206. The rear section 208 also extends laterally along the frame 200. Outboard side sections 207 are connected to the beam 206 and the rear section 208 and define the lateral ends of the frame 200. A plurality of mounting brackets 210 are also coupled to the beam 206. With the header 202 conventionally oriented, the cradle 210 generally extends in a direction corresponding to the forward direction. The frame 200 also includes a laterally extending cross tube 212, the cross tube 212 being connected to each of the mounting brackets 210. In some embodiments, cross tube 212 may have a square, rectangular, or circular cross-sectional shape and may define a central channel. However, cross tube 212 may have other cross-sectional shapes. The floating arms 214 are pivotably coupled to the mounting bracket 210, and the knife 216 is coupled to a distal end 218 of each of the floating arms 214. Similar to the knife 132, the knife 216 may be a reciprocating knife.

In some embodiments, the mounting bracket 210 and corresponding floating arm 214 may be laterally spaced apart from adjacent mounting brackets 210 and corresponding floating arms 214 by about 2.5 feet (ft) (0.8 meters (m)). In other embodiments, the lateral spacing 215 may be greater than or less than 2.5 feet (0.8 m). In other embodiments, the lateral spacing 215 may vary. Thus, in some embodiments, the lateral spacing 215 between some adjacent mounting brackets 210 and corresponding floating arms 214 may be uniform, while the lateral spacing between other adjacent mounting brackets 210 and corresponding floating arms 214 may be non-uniform.

With the header 202 in the unfixed or flexible configuration, each of the floating arms 214 is able to pivot independently of the other floating arms 214. Thus, each of the floating arms 214 can follow the terrain or contour of the ground as the floating arm 214 contacts and propels over the ground, such as during a harvesting operation. In response to the floating arm 214 moving to conform to the contour of the ground, the knife 216 flexes to also conform to the contour of the ground. Thus, the portion of the crop extending from the ground and remaining in the field may be generally uniform, e.g., the height of the crop remaining in the field extending from the ground may be generally uniform.

In a rigid configuration where the floating arms 214 are held in abutting relation against a portion of the frame 200 (e.g., the cross tube 212), the floating arms are prevented from following the contours of the ground and the knives 216 are maintained in a straight and rigid configuration, e.g., the knives 216 maintain a straight and unbent shape.

The header 202 also includes a locking system 220, the locking system 220 operable to move the floating arm 214 and the knife 216 between the flexible configuration and the rigid configuration. In some embodiments, the header 202 includes a locking system 220 for each wing 204. The independent locking system 220 is operable to move the floating arm 214 and associated portion of the knife 216 of one wing between a rigid configuration and a flexible configuration independently of the floating arm 214 and associated portion of the knife 216 of the other wing. Thus, in some embodiments, the header 202 may include two locking systems 220. In other embodiments, the header may include a single locking system 220 for all of the wings of the header 202.

The locking system 220 includes a rotatable member, which in the example of fig. 1 is a locking tube 222. A locking tube 222 extends laterally along the header 202 through an aperture 224 formed in each mounting bracket 210. The locking tube 222 is rotatable relative to the mounting bracket 210 about a centerline 226. The crank 228 is pivotably coupled to the locking tube 222 such that rotation of the crank 228 causes rotation of the locking tube 222 about the centerline 226.

Fig. 3 is a detailed view of a portion of the header 202. Fig. 3 shows the crank 228 of the wing 204. Crank 228 is pivotably coupled to side portion 207 of wing 205. An end 230 of the locking tube 222 extends from an aperture 232 formed in the side portion 207. A clevis (cleviss) 234 is formed at the end 230 of the lock tube 222. Crank 228 is threadably coupled to pin 236, which pin 236 is received onto clevis 234, as will be discussed in more detail below. The crank 228 also extends through a bearing 238, the bearing 238 being attached to the side portion 207. In some embodiments, the bearing 238 may be in the form of a bushing, a roller bearing, or another type of bearing (e.g., a spherical bearing).

Fig. 4 is a detailed view showing the connection between the crank 228 and the clevis 234 at the end 230 of the lock tube 222. The pin 236 is received through an aperture 240 formed in a side portion 244 of the clevis 234. A spacer (spacer)242 is received on the pin 236 and positioned between two side portions 244 of the clevis 234. Pin 236 includes a threaded bore 246 and crank 228 includes a threaded portion 248, the threaded portion 248 being threadably received in threaded bore 246. The width of the spacers 242 is sized such that: with threaded portion 248 of crank 228 threadably received into threaded bore 246, pin 236 is prevented from being removed from aperture 240.

Fig. 5 is a detail view showing the connection between the crank 228 and the bearing 238. In the example shown, the bearing 238 is attached to the side portion 207 via a fastener 248, such as a bolt. In other embodiments, other types of fasteners may be used. Still further, the bearing 238 may be attached using other types of connection methods, such as press-fit, welding, integrally formed methods, or any other coupling technique to couple the bearing 238 to the side portion 207. The bearing 238 includes a bore 250 through which the crank 228 extends. In the example shown, the cross-sectional dimension of the bore 250 is greater than the cross-sectional dimension of the crank 228 to accommodate pivoting of the crank 228 in response to rotation of the lock tube 222 and clevis 234.

A flange 252 coupled to crank 228 contacts bearing 238 to limit the extent to which crank 228 is allowed to extend beyond bearing 238 in the direction of arrow 254. For example, the flange 252 may be integrally formed on the crank 228, may be integrally formed on a washer secured to the crank 228, or may be integrally formed on other means of limiting the relative movement of the crank 228 and the bearing 238.

Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the locking system 220. In particular, FIG. 6 shows a cross-section of the crank 228, the bearing 238, the end portion 230 of the lock tube 222, and the pin 236. As the crank 228 is rotated in a first rotational direction about the centerline 256 of the crank 228, the threaded engagement between the threaded bore 246 of the pin 236 and the threaded end portion 248 of the crank 228 causes the pin 236 to move relative to and along the threaded end portion 248, thereby causing the locking tube 222 to rotate about the centerline 226 of the locking tube 222 in the direction of arrow 258. Rotation of the crank 228 in the second rotational direction causes the locking tube 222 to rotate about the centerline 226 in the direction of arrow 260 (opposite the direction of arrow 258).

Rotation of the locking tube 222 in the direction of arrow 258 to the first position results in the floating arm 214 being in a fully retracted position, which corresponds to a rigid configuration of the floating arm 214 and the knife 216. Rotation of the locking tube 222 in the direction of arrow 260 to the second position results in the floating arm 214 being in a fully extended position corresponding to the flexible configuration of the floating arm 214 and the knife 216. When the header 202 is conventionally oriented, the weight of the floating arm 214 maintains tension in the crank 228 regardless of the rotational position of the locking tube 222 between the first and second positions. Thus, the crank 228 remains captured on the header 202.

Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the remainder of the locking system 220. Locking system 220 further includes a tensioner 700 and a linkage 702 coupled to locking tube 222. Tensioner 700 comprises: a bracket 704; a shaft 706, the shaft 706 extending through an aperture 708 in a side 710 of the bracket 704; and a biasing member 712, the biasing member 712 being captured on the shaft 706 between the side 710 of the bracket 704 and a flange 714 fixed to the shaft 706. In some embodiments, the flange 714 may be secured between a shoulder 716 and a nut 718, the nut 718 being threadably received onto the shaft 706. In other embodiments, the flange 714 may be secured to the shaft 706 in other manners, such as by welding, press-fitting, or by being integrally formed on the shaft 706.

In some embodiments, the biasing member 712 is a spring, such as a coil spring. In some embodiments, the biasing member 712 is a plurality of biasing members. For example, in some embodiments, as shown in fig. 7, the biasing member 712 is a plurality of Bellville washers 713 stacked along the length of the shaft 706. In some embodiments, the bellville washers are arranged in pairs such that the base of each bellville washer in a pair abuts each other. For example, as shown in fig. 7-9, pairs of bellville washers may be disposed adjacent to each other along the length of the shaft 706. In some embodiments, 32 bellville washers may be used. However, more or fewer bellville washers may be used and the number of bellville washers may vary depending on, for example, the size and mass of the different components of the header.

In other embodiments, the biasing member 712 may be or include a coil spring. For example, in some cases, the biasing member 712 may include a plurality of coil springs. One or more coil springs may be received onto the shaft 706. In other embodiments, the biasing member 712 may be another type of spring.

Tensioner 700 is pivotably coupled to floating arm 214 by a pin 720 coupled to floating arm 214. In the example shown, the pin 720 extends through an aperture 722 formed in a clevis 724, the clevis 724 being attached to the floating arm 214. The shaft 706 extends through a bore 725, the bore 725 being formed through a pin 720. Flange 726 captures shaft 706 to pin 720. In some embodiments, flange 726 may be a washer secured to shaft 706 between shoulder 728 and nut 730, with the nut 730 being threadably received onto a threaded portion 732 of shaft 706. In other embodiments, the flange 726 may be secured to the shaft 706 in other manners (such as press fit or welding), or the flange 726 may be integrally formed on the shaft 706. The shaft 706 also includes an enlarged portion 734, the enlarged portion 734 abutting against the side 710 of the bracket 704. The engagement between side 710 and enlarged portion 734 allows biasing member 712 to be preloaded between side 710 and flange 714. In some embodiments, the biasing member 712 may not be preloaded.

The preload applied to the biasing member 712 may be selected to ensure that the force applied to the floating arms 214 of the locking system 220 by the biasing member 712 lifts the floating arms 214 into abutting contact between all of the floating arms 214 and a portion of the frame (e.g., cross tube 212). Thus, the preload ensures: as the locking system 220 is moved to the rigid configuration, the force ultimately provided by the biasing member 712 fully actuates all of the floating arms 214, even with any changes in the header 202, such as manufacturing variations that may otherwise prevent all of the floating arms 214 from abutting contact with the cross tube 212 when the locking system 220 is in the rigid configuration. Thus, the locking system of the present disclosure is operable to ensure that when the locking system is in a rigid configuration, all of the floating arms of the locking system are fully retracted without requiring adjustment in the field, for example by a user or technician during manufacture or at some later time. Accordingly, the locking system and associated header of the present disclosure reduces maintenance of the locking system and associated header, improves the operational performance of the header, increases the productivity of the header, and reduces the operational costs of the header.

The link mechanism 702 includes: a first link 736 coupled to the locking tube 222, and a second link 738 pivotably coupled to the first link 736 and the bracket 704. In the example shown, first link 738 is attached to lock tube 222 by a fastener 739, such as a bolt. However, in other embodiments, the first link 738 may be attached to the locking tube 222 in other manners, such as by welding, interference fit, adhesive, or by being integrally formed on the locking tube 222. Additionally, in the example shown, a nut 741 is used to secure fastener 739 and first link 736 to locking tube 222.

Referring to fig. 10, the bracket 704 has a generally U-shape, and the second link 738 includes a first side 740 and a second side 742. The free end 744 of the carriage 704 is sandwiched between the first side 740 and the second side 742 at the first end 745 of the second link 738. A tab 746 formed on the first link 736 is disposed between the first and second sides 740, 742 of the second link 738 at the second end 752 of the second link 738. A pin 748 extends through the first and second sides 740, 742 at the second end 752 of the second link 738 and the projection 746 of the first link 736 to pivotably couple the first link 736 and the second link 738. A pin 750 extends between the free end 744 of the bracket 704 and the first and second sides 740, 742 at the first end 745 of the second link 738 to pivotably couple the second link 738 and the bracket 704. In some embodiments, pins 748 and 750 may be rods or fasteners, such as bolts. However, the pins 748 and 750 may have other forms to enable the first link 736 to pivot relative to the second link 738 and the bracket 704 to pivot relative to the second link 738. The floating arm 214 may pivot about a pin 751, the pin 751 pivotally coupling the floating arm 214 to the mounting bracket 210. The pin 751 may be, for example, a fastener (e.g., a bolt), a shaft, or other component operable to allow pivotal movement of the floating arm 214 relative to the mounting bracket 210. Fig. 10 also shows an impact absorber component 1000, which impact absorber component 1000 is attached to the frame 200 of the header 202 (such as the cross tube 212), and which impact absorber component 1000 contacts the floating arms 214 when the floating arms 214 are retracted to the rigid configuration. Impact absorber component 1000 may be attached to cross tube 212 by fasteners 1002, which fasteners 1002 may be, for example, bolts, pins, or rivets.

As shown in fig. 7-10, the second link 738 has an arcuate shape that provides a notch or recess 737 that receives the locking tube 222. The recess 737 formed in an arcuate shape receives the locking tube 222, allowing the centerline 226 of the locking tube 222 to intersect the centerline 754 of the shaft 706, thereby eliminating torque in the locking tube 222, as described in more detail below. In some cases, centerlines 226 and 754 may be slightly offset due to, for example, slight variations in component dimensions, movement of different components, or variations in components. These slight variations may produce an offset between centerlines 226 and 754, which is unavoidable in some cases. However, for purposes of this disclosure, the intersection of centerlines 226 and 754 is intended to encompass a slight offset that may occur between such centerlines 226 and 754.

Fig. 7-9 illustrate actuation of the locking system 220 between the flexible configuration and the rigid configuration. In fig. 7, locking system 220 is in a flexible configuration in which floating arm 214 is fully extended. As a result, the floating arm 214 may freely pivot about the pin 751. Thus, each of the floating arms 214 of the wings (e.g., wings 116 or 118 or wings 204) of a draper header (e.g., draper header 100 or 202) can pivot independently of the other floating arms 214. Although this example describes a locking system included on a single wing of the header, in other embodiments, a single locking system operable to position all of the floating arms of the header between a flexible configuration and a rigid configuration may be used.

Returning again to fig. 7, the locking tube 222 is angularly oriented in the second position such that the biasing member 712 is unloaded, with no preload that may be applied to the biasing member 712. With the locking tube 222 in the second position, the floating arm 214 is free to pivot about the pin 751, allowing the floating arm 714 to follow the contour of the ground when the floating arm 714 is placed in contact with the ground. In fig. 8, the locking tube 222 is partially rotated in the direction of arrow 800, which causes the shaft 706 to translate relative to the pin 720 and rotate with the pin 720. As a result, the shaft 706 both rotates and translates toward the locking tube 222. As shown in fig. 8, shaft 706 is displaced such that flange 728 contacts pin 720. Further rotation of the locking tube 222 in the direction of arrow 800 results in further displacement and rotation of the shaft 706, which in turn causes further compression of the biasing member 712.

With the flange 726 in contact with the pin 720, the floating arm 214 pivots with the pin 751 in the direction of arrow 802 toward the cross tube 212 as the lock tube 222 continues to rotate in the direction of arrow 800. Further, as the shaft 706 pivots in the direction of arrow 802, the amount of torque applied to the locking tube 222 decreases as the centerline 754 of the shaft 706 approaches the centerline 226 of the locking tube 222.

Fig. 9 shows the locking system 220 in a rigid configuration. As shown in fig. 9, the locking tube 222 is moved to the first position. As the locking tube 222 moves from the position shown in fig. 8 to the position shown in fig. 9, the floating arm 214 is retracted due to the contact between the flange 726 and the pin 720. With locking system 220 in the rigid configuration, floating arms 214 are fully retracted and in abutting contact with cross tube 212 or another component of frame 200; locking tube 222 resides in curved recess 737 formed by second link 738; and the centerline 754 of the shaft 706 intersects the centerline 226 of the locking tube 222. Because centerline 754 intersects centerline 226, the torque applied to locking tube 222 is reduced to approximately zero. Further, with the floating arm 214 in a rigid configuration, the knife 216 is also placed in a straight and rigid configuration.

When the floating arm 214 is in the retracted and rigid configuration, the torque applied to the locking tube 222 is virtually zero, and thus the locking tube 222 can be reduced in size, which results in a reduction in weight, size, and cost. Additionally, the compression of biasing member 712 provides a force sufficient to retract all of floating arms 214 into abutting contact with cross tube 212 or some other component of frame 200, despite any dimensional changes imparted to frame 200, for example, during manufacturing. Thus, the locking system 220 may operate to actuate all of the float arms 214 into contact with the cross tube 212 without requiring initial adjustment during manufacture or subsequent adjustment when the header is put into use. Thus, the locking system 220 avoids adjustment, such as by a technician or user, during manufacture or at some time thereafter to ensure full actuation of the floating arm 214 to the rigid configuration.

Fig. 11-13 are perspective views of an exemplary locking system 220 actuated between a flexible configuration and a rigid configuration. Fig. 11 shows locking system 220 in a flexible configuration in which floating arm 214 is free to pivot about pin 751, as shown, for example, in fig. 7. Note that in the example shown, the crank 228 includes a stop 1100, and the stop 1100 allows a selected amount of rotation of the crank 228. Contact between stop 1100 and pin 236 prevents further rotation of crank 228. However, in other embodiments, stop 1100 may be omitted.

As the crank 228 is rotated in the first rotational direction, the threaded engagement between the threaded portion 248 of the crank and the threaded bore 246 of the pin 236 rotates the locking tube 222 in the direction of arrow 1102 until contact occurs between the washer 726 and the pin 720. Referring to fig. 12, as the crank 228 continues to rotate in the first rotational direction, the lock tube 222 continues to rotate in the direction of arrow 1102, causing the floating arm 214 to rotate simultaneously with the pin 751 in the direction of arrow 1104, thereby retracting the floating arm 214, and compressing the biasing member 712. Retraction of the floating arm 214 continues as the crank 228 continues to rotate in the first rotational direction until the floating arm 214 contacts the frame 200, e.g., contacts the cross tube 212. At this point, the locking system 220 is in a rigid configuration and the centerline 754 of the bolt intersects or substantially intersects the centerline 226 of the locking tube 222, resulting in no or little torque being applied to the locking tube 222. Thus, fig. 11-13 illustrate actuating a plurality of floating arms of the header, e.g., floating arms included on the wings of the header, in response to rotation of the crank. Extending the floating arm from the rigid configuration to the flexible configuration may be performed by rotating the crank 228 in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction.

Without in any way limiting the scope, interpretation, or application of the claims presented, a technical effect of one or more of the example embodiments disclosed herein is to provide a locking system that is operable to actuate the floating arm to a retracted or rigid configuration to ensure that the floating arm is in contact with the frame of the header without the need to adjust the header. Another technical effect of one or more of the example embodiments disclosed herein is reducing the size of the locking tube by reducing the torque applied to the locking tube to zero or near zero when the floating arm is retracted to the rigid configuration. As a result, the size, cost and weight of the locking system and header are more generally reduced.

While exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, these descriptions should not be construed in a limiting sense. Rather, other changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure as defined in the appended claims.