FIELD

[0001] The field to which the disclosure generally relates is harvesting machines, and more particularly to fastener assemblies for draper belt fabrication and repair.

BACKGROUND

[0002] This section provides background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the disclosure. It should be understood that the statements in this section of this document are to be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art.

[0003] Agricultural harvesting machines such as combine harvesters are used to reap, thresh, and winnow grain crops such as wheat, rye, barley, corn, soybeans, oats, flax, sunflower, and canola. More specifically, combine harvesters are used to cut grain crops at the base, separate the grains from the remainder of the plant (the chaff), and sort the grain from the chaff. These machines require special adaptations to accommodate specific crops, navigate through field landscapes, and resist damage from the crops, stone, and the elements; especially moisture and high temperature which can lead to the degradation of the machine’s rubber components.

[0004] Generally harvesting machines gather crops using a header having crop dividers which define crop gathering gaps as the machine moves through a field. The gathered crops are pushed by a reel into a cutter bar, which runs the length of the header and is equipped with teeth made of metal or plastic to cut crops at their base. Headers may have a rigid or flexible header platform depending upon the operational needs and the crop being harvested. Flexible header platforms or “flex headers” have a cutter bar which is capable of flexing over uneven terrain. Machines using flex headers are most often used to cut soybeans, whereas conventional header platforms have a rigid cutter bar and are most often used to cut cereal crops. Freshly cut crops fall behind the cutter bar and onto a plurality of side by side draper belts which are wrapped around parallel spaced rollers. Draper belts function primarily to consolidate crops and move the crops from the header towards the threshing drum. Crops are fed into the threshing drum by spinning augurs. Inside the threshing drum, the grains are shaken from the plant. Grains fall through sieves into a grain collecting tank, and the plant waste, or chaff, is moved to the back of the machine for disposal.

[0005] Draper belts are an important component of agricultural harvesters. These belts are often subject to prolonged sun exposure, high temperatures, cold temperatures, rain, moisture, dirt, plant debris, and stone, as well as high levels of friction from the moving machinery and crops. Draper belts are typically called upon to operate for long periods of time and over a service life of many years. For these reasons it is necessary that draper belts be specially adapted to maximize durability and service life, and it is desirable for such adaptations to be cost effective.

[0006] Accordingly there is a need for a fastening technique that will allow for more economical fabrication, installation, and repair of draper belts. If a fastener can be used to support the full width of a mechanically spliced belt even under the crop ramp, this would allow end users to more conveniently and quickly replace belts reducing down time, and allow header manufactures to simplify their header designs. In addition, mechanically splice belts are more easily repaired.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Certain embodiments of the disclosure will hereafter be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements. It should be understood, however, that the accompanying figures illustrate the various implementations described herein and are not meant to limit the scope of various technologies described herein, and wherein

[0008] Fig. 1 shows a general cross-sectional view of an agricultural harvesting machine.

[0009] Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating a draper belt fastener assembly 212 in accordance with one or more embodiments. [0010] Fig. 3 is a diagram illustrating a plurality of draper belt fastener assemblies 212 in accordance with one or more embodiments.

[0011] Fig. 4 is a diagram illustrating another example of draper belt fastener assemblies 212 in accordance with one or more embodiments.

[0012] Fig. 5 is a diagram illustrating the ground engagement nut 206 in accordance with one or more embodiments.

[0013] Fig. 6 is a diagram illustrating ground engagement nuts 206 of varying heights to accommodate any belt thickness in accordance with one or more embodiments.

[0014] Fig. 7 is a diagram illustrating assemblies 212, 712 in accordance with one or more embodiments.

[0015] Fig. 8 is a diagram illustrating a hybrid splice/attachment of splices 208, 210 in accordance with one or more embodiments.

[0016] Fig. 9 is a diagram illustrating how the assemblies 212 and or 712 could be utilized as singles and/or as combinations in accordance with one or more embodiments.

[0017] Fig. 10 is a diagram illustrating assemblies 212, 712 in a line at an angle to the belt edge. Assemblies can take on a pattern across the belt width other than a straight line in accordance with one or more embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] The following description of the variations is merely illustrative in nature and is in no way intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, its application, or uses. The description and examples are presented herein solely for the purpose of illustrating the various embodiments of the disclosure and should not be construed as a limitation to the scope and applicability of the disclosure. In the summary of the disclosure and this detailed description, each numerical value should be read once as modified by the term “about” (unless already expressly so modified), and then read again as not so modified unless otherwise indicated in context. Also, in the summary of the disclosure and this detailed description, it should be understood that a value range listed or described as being useful, suitable, or the like, is intended that any and every value within the range, including the end points, is to be considered as having been stated. For example, “a range of from 1 to 10” is to be read as indicating each and every possible number along the continuum between about 1 and about 10. Thus, even if specific data points within the range, or even no data points within the range, are explicitly identified or refer to only a few specific, it is to be understood that inventors appreciate and understand that any and all data points within the range are to be considered to have been specified, and that inventors had possession of the entire range and all points within the range.

[0019] Unless expressly stated to the contrary, "or" refers to an inclusive or and not to an exclusive or. For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by anyone of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or not present) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present).

[0020] In addition, use of the "a" or "an" are employed to describe elements and components of the embodiments herein. This is done merely for convenience and to give a general sense of concepts according to the disclosure. This description should be read to include one or at least one and the singular also includes the plural unless otherwise stated.

[0021] The terminology and phraseology used herein is for descriptive purposes and should not be construed as limiting in scope. Language such as "including," "comprising," "having," "containing," or "involving," and variations thereof, is intended to be broad and encompass the subject matter listed thereafter, equivalents, and additional subject matter not recited.

[0022] Also, as used herein any references to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular element, feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. The appearances of the phrase "in one embodiment" in various places in the specification are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment.

[0023] A challenge for draper belts in the past has been to make a belt that is lightweight yet adequately robust to survive in the draper environment. Historically draper belts have utilized reinforcement strips of rubber coated fabric that are applied longitudinally in specific regions on the main carcass of the belt. This results in a belt with cross sectional thickness that varies with carcass thickness. The carcass thickness is greater where the reinforcement strips have been applied. This varying thickness create challenges for mechanical splice options since the result is different tension values between the thicker and thinner cross sections. Current art belt fasteners do not adequately adjust for this varying belt thickness to evenly distribute belt tension across the entire belt width.

[0024] Many modern combine headers utilize a crop ramp 11a (shown in Fig. 1) positioned directly behind the cutter bar 11 and runs parallel to the cutter bar the width of the header. This crop ramp acts as a bridge for the cut crop to pass over while moving from the cutter bar to the belt 8. This crop ramp often extends rearward over the front edge of the belt 8. This poses a problem for mechanically spliced belts since most durable current art fasteners extend upward a significant distance from the surface of the belt 14 and would interfere with the crop ramp since there is minimum clearance under the crop ramp for the belt and fastener to pass through. The belt edge can be left unsupported under the crop ramp. However, if the belt edges are not secured, it may catch on either the header framework or on the crop ramp itself. To address this, techniques have included the use of an endless belt. These belts are more expensive and require more labor to remove and install on the header. In addition, endless belts are not easily repaired. This can result in more downtime when the belt needs to be replaced.

[0025] It is common for draper belts of the prior art to fail for one or more reasons. Frequently draper belts mis-track and are damaged by either the front or the back end of the machine header as a result of less than optimal belt or fastener design combination. Many times with current art fasteners, belt mis tracking initiates at the splice. The reason for this is that many fastener designs require the belt’s tracking guide(s) to be non-continuous across the splice. The tracking guide is critical to keeping the belt from mis tracking, especially on combine headers where the belt drive roller and idler roller do not always remain parallel to each other. Since tracking is a critical function of the belt, multiple guides can be utilized on the belts and the desire is to stagger the timing of when the guide splices reach the rollers. To do this, a splice must be utilized that is not parallel to the rollers. This is an issue for current art since the fastener designs combinations cannot twist/flex around a roller but must remain parallel to the roller.

[0026] Accordingly, there is a need for a fastening technique that will allow for more economical fabrication, installation, and repair of draper belts. If a fastener can be used to support the full width of a mechanically spliced belt even under the crop ramp and can function for splice designs are parallel or non-parallel to the belt rollers, this would allow end users to more conveniently and quickly replace belts reducing down time, and allow header manufactures to simplify their header designs while still maintaining or increasing belt performance.

[0027] One or more embodiments are disclosed that include fastening techniques that provide or facilitate more economical fabrication, installation and repair of draper belts.

[0028] Fig. 1 describes a harvesting machine 19 in accordance with one or more embodiments.

[0029] A portion 100 of Fig. 1 shows that the machine 19 includes a reel 1 , a cutter bar 4, a threshing drum 2, and a grain elevator 3. The reel 1 functions to move crops into the cutter bar 4 which cuts the crops at their base using metal or plastic teeth. Cut crops fall upon a plurality of side by side draper belts which consolidate the crops and move them towards the threshing drum 2. The threshing drum 2 beats and breaks the crops to shake the grains 5 from the remainder of the plant, also known as the chaff 6. The grains 5 are collected inside a grain collecting tank and the machine disposes of the chaff 6 through the back of the machine 19, and grains 5 are moved from the grain tank at a grain elevator 3.

[0030] An exploded portion 110 of Fig. 1 shows a section of a harvesting machine having a reel 9, a feeding drum 10, a cutter bar 11 , a crop ramp 11 a, and a draper belt 8 having cleats 7 located on carry layer 14. The carry 14 layer can be chosen from a wide variety of rubbery polymers having a desired combination of physical properties and chemical resistance.

[0031] The carry layer 14 includes a plurality of cleats 7.

[0032] The draper belt 8 has one or more splices and/or repairs utilizing fastening and assembling techniques as described below.

[0033] Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating a draper belt fastener assembly 212 in accordance with one or more embodiments. It is appreciated that the assembly 212 is provided for illustrative purposes and that suitable variations are contemplated.

[0034] The assembly 212 comprises a low profile bolt 202, a plate/washer 204 and a reinforcement engaging nut 206. The bolt 202, when assembled, extends above an upper surface less than a thickness of the belt or splices 208, 210 also referred to as a left side of the belt 208 and a right side of the belt 210. In another example, the bolt extends above the upper surface at about 50 percent of the thickness of the belt or splices 208, 210.

[0035] The assembly 212 is shown attaching or facilitating attachment of a left side splice/portion 208 of a draper belt 8 and the right side 210 of the draper belt 8. The splices 208, 210 are at least a portion of the draper belt 8 and can form the entire draper belt 8.

[0036] The splices 208 and 210 overlap as shown and have a hole formed therethrough. The hole or void permits the bolt 202 to extend from a top surface through the splices 208 and engage the engaging nut/member 206.

[0037] The washer/plate 204 is positioned between a head of the bolt 202 and an upper surface of the splice 210.

[0038] In this example, the bolt 202 is tightened to a selected torque to the engaging nut 206 that secures the splices 208 and 210 without damaging or degrading the splices 208 and 210.

[0039] The engaging nut 206 comprises one or more reinforcement engaging members, such as teeth, that extent from a bottom surface of the splice 208 to a reinforcement layer of the splices 208 and 210 of the belt 8. In this example, the teeth extend through the reinforcement layer of the splice 208 and into the reinforcement layer of the splice 210.

[0040] Guides are shown extending from bottom surfaces of the splices 208 and 210.

[0041] As a result, the assembly provides 212 a secure fastening technique for draper belts and the like.

[0042] Fig. 3 is a diagram illustrating a plurality of draper belt fastener assemblies 212 in accordance with one or more embodiments. It is appreciated that the assemblies 212 are provided for illustrative purposes and that suitable variations are contemplated.

[0043] Here, a portion of a left hand splice is cut away to further illustrate the assemblies 212.

[0044] A guide 314, such as a V-shaped guide, is shown to facilitate tracking of the belt 8 during operation.

[0045] Fig. 4 is a diagram illustrating another example of draper belt fastener assemblies 212 in accordance with one or more embodiments. It is appreciated that the assemblies 212 are provided for illustrative purposes and that suitable variations are contemplated.

[0046] In this example, the assembly 212 comprises two nuts 206 and incorporates a plate 204, 404. Further, the bolts 202 are shown with flat heads to reduce their profile.

[0047] The plate 404 accommodates a plurality of nuts 206, shown as two in this example. The plate 404 can provide additional strength and stability to the assembly 212.

[0048] Fig. 5 is a diagram illustrating the ground engagement nut 206 in accordance with one or more embodiments. It is appreciated that the nut 206 is provided for illustrative purposes and that suitable variations are contemplated. [0049] The nut 206 is shown with a plurality of engagement members/teeth 512. The teeth 512 have a length selected to engage reinforcement members of the draper belt 8, including the portions 208, 210.

[0050] The nut 206 is shown with internal or female threading to facilitate attachment with the bolt 202.

[0051] Fig. 6 is a diagram illustrating ground engagement nuts 206 in accordance with one or more embodiments. It is appreciated that the nuts 206 are provided for illustrative purposes and that suitable variations are contemplated.

[0052] Here, the nuts 206 are shown having teeth 512 (also referred to as engagement members) of varied lengths.

[0053] Fig. 7 is a diagram illustrating assemblies 212, 712 in accordance with one or more embodiments. It is appreciated that the assemblies 712 are provided for illustrative purposes and that suitable variations are contemplated.

[0054] The assemblies utilize varied length engagement members 712 to accommodate varied belt thicknesses and/or reinforcement layer placement.

[0055] Fig. 8 is a diagram illustrating a hybrid splice/attachment of splices 208, 210 in accordance with one or more embodiments.

[0056] A bar splice is shown in a middle/central portion of the splice. The bar splice utilizes a first bar and a second bar to sandwich the splices or portions 208, 210 together.

[0057] Edge portions utilize assemblies 212, 712.

[0058] It is appreciated that the draper belt 8 can have thicker edge portions.

[0059] Fig. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example splice 900 in accordance with one or more embodiments. A plurality of assemblies 212 are utilized across the splice to securely fasten/attach the splices 208, 210.

[0060] The example shows that different combinations of splicing techniques can be combined. [0061] Fig. 10 shows the example splice 900, 1000 from a different perspective.

[0062] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a draper belt fastener assembly (212) including: a reinforcement engaging base having a plurality of reinforcement engaging teeth (512) configured to extent into reinforcement layers of first and second portions of a draper belt (8); a bolt (202) configured to engage the base and extend through the first and second portions.

[0063] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an assembly (212), further including a washer positioned between an upper surface of the second portion (100) and a head of the bolt (202).

[0064] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an assembly (212), further including a plate (404) (204) positioned between an upper surface of the second portion (100) and a head of the bolt (202).

[0065] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an assembly (212), the reinforcement layers including fabric.

[0066] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an assembly (212), the reinforcement layers including steel members.

[0067] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an assembly (212), the plate (404) (204) configured to accommodate a plurality of bolts.

[0068] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an assembly (212), the bolt (202) having a low profile head.

[0069] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an assembly (212), the low profile head being a flat head.

[0070] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an assembly (212), the draper belt (8) having one or more splices (210) (208) attached to the belt by the draper belt fastener.

[0071] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an assembly (212), the draper belt (8) including: a carry layer on a first side of the draper belt, wherein the carry layer includes a plurality of cleats, wherein the cleats are reinforced with reinforcing rods; a pulley cover layer on a second side of the draper belt; a reinforcing layer which is situated between the carry layer and the pulley cover layer, and an edge section of the belt; a center section of the belt; and a V shaped guide (314) on the second side.

[0072] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a draper belt (8) having a splice, the belt including: a left hand portion (208); a right hand portion (210); a fastening assembly (212) configured to attach the left hand portion (100) with the right hand portion (100), the assembly (212) including: a reinforcement engaging base having a plurality of reinforcement engaging teeth (512) configured to extent into reinforcement layers of left and right hand portions of a draper belt; and a bolt (202) configured to engage the base and extend through the first and second portions.

[0073] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a draper belt (8), where the fastening assembly (212) is oriented at an angle * from the longitudinal edge of the belt.

[0074] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a draper belt (8), the angle being greater than 0.

[0075] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a draper belt (8), the fastening assembly (212) having a straight line.

[0076] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a draper belt (8), the fastening assembly (212) having a varying pattern across the belt width.

[0077] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a draper belt (8), further including a bar splice.

[0078] The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be sufficiently thorough, and will convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the disclosure, but are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. It will be appreciated that it is within the scope of the disclosure that individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.

[0079] Although a few embodiments of the disclosure have been described in detail above, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible without materially departing from the teachings of this disclosure. Accordingly, such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure as defined in the claims.