FIELD

[0001] The field to which the disclosure generally relates is harvesting machines, and more particularly to draper belt splicing.

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 splicing that will allow for more economical fabrication, installation, repair and joining/splicing of draper belts.

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 a draper belt splice 600 in accordance with one or more embodiments.

[0014] Fig. 7 is a diagram illustrating a draper belt splice 700 in accordance with one or more embodiments.

[0015] Fig. 8 is a diagram illustrating a draper belt splice 800 in accordance with one or more embodiments.

[0016] Fig. 9 is a diagram illustrating a plurality of splice edge profiles 900 in accordance with one or more embodiments.

[0017] Fig. 10 is a diagram illustrating a bi-directional splice 1000 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 and splice designs 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 and belt splice combinations 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 carcass and splice 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, fastener, or splice design combination. Many times with current art fasteners-splice designs, belt mis tracking initiates at the splice. The reason for this is that many fastener and resulting belt lap 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 is utilized that is not parallel to the rollers. This is an issue for current art fastener and splice lap designs since these combinations cannot twist/flex around a roller but must remain parallel to the roller.

[0026] Accordingly, there is a need for splicing techniques that more efficiently join belt sections/pieces together. [0027] One or more embodiments are disclosed that include overlapped splicing techniques that provide or facilitate more economical fabrication, installation and splicing of draper belts.

[0028] This splice facilitates the following:

[0029] Can fit under crop ramps on combine headers or low hanging framework on conveyor systems;

[0030] Allows for continuous v-guide across the splice;

[0031] One version of the design is bidirectional allowing for belt to be easily installed to run in either direction based off machine configuration;

[0032] Another version is more basic and is not bidirectional requiring the belt to be made for a specific machine run configuration;

[0033] Can function equally well with any suitable splice shape; and

[0034] Can work for varying belt thickness allowing for equal tension across 2 ply and 1 ply belt constructions in the same belt.

[0035] Fig. 1 describes a harvesting machine 19 in accordance with one or more embodiments.

[0036] 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.

[0037] An exploded portion 110 of Fig. 1 shows a section of a conventional 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.

[0038] The carry layer 14 includes a plurality of cleats 7.

[0039] The draper belt 8 has one or more splices and/or repairs utilizing splicing techniques as described below.

[0040] 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.

[0041] The assembly 212 comprises a low profile bolt 202, a plate/washer 204 and a reinforcement engaging nut 206.

[0042] The assembly 212 is shown attaching or facilitating attachment of a left side splice/portion 208 of a draper belt 8 and a right side splice/portion 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] The washer/plate 204 is positioned between a head of the bolt 202 and an upper surface of the splice 210.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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. [0047] Guides are shown extending from bottom surfaces of the splices 208 and 210.

[0048] As a result, the assembly provides 212 a secure fastening technique for draper belts and the like.

[0049] 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.

[0050] Here, a portion of a left hand splice is cut away to further illustrate the assemblies 212.

[0051] A guide 314, such as a V-shaped guide, is shown to facilitate tracking of the belt 8 during operation.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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. [0057] The nut 206 is shown with internal or female threading to facilitate attachment with the bolt 202.

[0058] Fig. 6 is a diagram illustrating a draper belt splice 600 in accordance with one or more embodiments. It is appreciated that the splice 600 is provided for illustrative purposes and that suitable variations are contemplated.

[0059] The splice 600 joins a first section 208 and a second section 210 of a draper belt 8.

[0060] The sections 208, 210 include a guide (e.g., V guide) to facilitate belt tracking/alignment.

[0061] In this example, the guide(s) are shown in two locations.

[0062] A cutout/section(s) 612 is/are removed proximate splice edges around guide locations.

[0063] The cutout facilitates splicing/joining while having a continuous guide across the splice 600.

[0064] The splice 600 is a low profile.

[0065] The splice 600 is bidirectional because of the cutout 612 which allows it to be assembled with either belt end 210 on top or belt end 208 on top, depending on direction of belt travel needed on the machine.

[0066] The cutout(s) 612 permit the sections 208 and 210 to overlap and provide a continuous guide. The cutout 612 is sized/configured to provide a selected overlap.

[0067] The splice edges can be straight across or at an angle (phi). The edges 614 are shown as straight across in this example. The edges 614 are transverse to a direction of travel.

[0068] A left side depicts the splice 600 pre-joining.

[0069] A right side depicts the splice 600 after joining/splicing. [0070] A plurality of low profile fasteners 212 are used to join the sections.

[0071] As a result, the splice 600 has a lower profile than other types of splices.

[0072] Fig. 7 is a diagram illustrating a draper belt splice 700 in accordance with one or more embodiments. It is appreciated that the splice 700 is provided for illustrative purposes and that suitable variations are contemplated.

[0073] In this example, the upper surface of the section 210 is over the upper surface of the section 208.

[0074] Belt direction of movement from left to right is enabled by this splice.

[0075] A roller 714 is shown where the guide moves along the roller 714.

[0076] Fig. 8 is a diagram illustrating a draper belt splice 800 in accordance with one or more embodiments. It is appreciated that the splice 800 is provided for illustrative purposes and that suitable variations are contemplated.

[0077] A belt direction of movement from right to left is enables by this configuration.

[0078] The upper surface of section 208 is over the upper surface of section 210.

[0079] The guide moves along the roller 714.

[0080] Fig. 9 is a diagram illustrating a plurality of splice edge profiles 900 in accordance with one or more embodiments. It is appreciated that the profiles 900 are provided for illustrative purposes and that suitable variations are contemplated.

[0081] 916 is an angled edge profile.

[0082] 918 is a multi segment, angled profile.

[0083] 920 is a multiple angled segment profile.

[0084] 614 is a straight edge profile. [0085] 922 is a stepped edge profile.

[0086] 924 is a curved middle edge profile with line portions and a central curved portion.

[0087] 926 is an S-shaped edge profile.

[0088] 928 is a angled step profile.

[0089] Fig. 10 is a diagram illustrating a draper belt splice 1000 in accordance with one or more embodiments. It is appreciated that the splice 1000 is provided for illustrative purposes and that suitable variations are contemplated.

[0090] The splice 1000 joins a first section 208 and a second section 210 of a draper belt 8.

[0091] The sections 208, 210 include a guide (e.g., V guide) to facilitate belt tracking/alignment.

[0092] In this example, the guide(s) are shown in two locations.

[0093] A cutout/section(s) 1012 is/are removed from the belt guide proximate splice edges on one of the belt ends 208 or 210 but not both.

[0094] The cutout facilitates splicing/joining while having a continuous guide across the splice 1000.

[0095] The splice 1000 is a low profile.

[0096] The splice 1000 is unidirectional. Functional direction of belt travel depends on if the cutout 1012 is on belt end 208 or 210.

[0097] The cutout(s) 1012 permit the sections 208 and 210 to overlap and provide a continuous guide. The cutout 1012 is sized/configured to provide a selected overlap.

[0098] The splice edges can be straight across or at an angle (phi). The edges 1014 are shown as straight across in this example. The edges 1014 are transverse to a direction of travel. [0099] A left side depicts the splice 1000 pre-joining.

[00100] A right side depicts the splice 1000 after joining/splicing.

[00101] A plurality of low profile fasteners 212 are used to join the sections.

[00102] As a result, the splice 1000 has a lower profile than other types of splices.

[00103] 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.

[00104] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an overlapped draper belt splice including: a first belt section having an upper layer, a lower layer; a second belt section having an upper layer, and a lower layer; and the first belt section further having a cutout proximate and configured to overlap an overlap portion of the second section to an edge of the first belt section.

[00105] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a draper belt splice, further including a guide formed on the lower layer of the first belt section.

[00106] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a splice, the cutout proximate the guide and configured to remove a portion of the guide corresponding to the overlap portion. [00107] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a splice, further including a plurality of reinforcement engaging assemblies configured to attach the first belt section and the second belt section.

[00108] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a splice, the reinforcement engaging assemblies each including a reinforcement engaging base having a plurality of reinforcement engaging teeth configured to extend into reinforcement layers of first and second sections and a bolt configured to engage the base and extend through the first and second sections.

[00109] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a splice, the first and second sections attached without using a connecting bar.

[00110] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a splice, the second section further including a guide aligned with the guide of the first section.

[00111] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a splice, the splice configured for operation in a plurality of running directions.

[00112] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a splice, the guide of the first section and the guide of the second section configured to move on a rotatable roller.

[00113] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a splice, the splice used as a complete draper belt in a harvesting machine.

[00114] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a splice, the belt end cut profile at some angle phi with the longitudinal belt edge.

[00115] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a splice, the belt end cut pattern following a straight line

[00116] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a splice, the belt end profile with a pattern that follows a non straight line whether that is with an arc or plurality of arcs at angles with each other, a line segment or plurality of straight segments at angles to each other, or a combination of both arcs and line segments at angles with each other. [00117] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a splice, the first belt section and the second belt section forming a complete draper belt.

[00118] 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.