FIELD

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

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

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 bolt on feature 600 installed on a draper belt 8 in accordance with one or more embodiments.

[0014] Fig. 7 is a diagram illustrating a repair patch 700 for a draper belt 8 in accordance with one or more embodiments.

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

[0016] Fig. 9 is a diagram illustrating a damaged belt 8 needing repair in accordance with one or more embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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).

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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 can create a problem for crop residue build up between the belt and the crop ramp. Current art utilizes molded rubber protrusions from the belt surface 14 to clean out this crop residue. Some applications may require higher wear performance than rubber can offer. As a result, a method is needed for attaching parts made of other materials to a conveyor belt. [0023] Draper headers have seen many advancements in the past which have increased the performance requirements for draper belts. With this comes the need to mechanically attach features to draper belts with a toothed fastener. These features could include but not limited to cleats, belt stiffeners, wear pads, assemblies of various types, tracking guides, belt edges, raised patterns anywhere on the belt surface, electrical sensors, and other suitable bolt on variations are contemplated.

[0024] Due to the demanding conditions that draper belts experience on a combine header, there are times when belts experience damage. Since many headers flex to conform closely to the contour of the ground, this provides for the intake of rocks, tree branches, mud and dirt, and other foreign objects. Additionally, when some of the current headers flex over the ground, they also can flex the belt forward, backward, up and down, separately from the belt rollers. While belt damage could be the result of inferior belt quality, many times the cause for damage is simply the belt experiencing a low frequency extreme event. Some of the types of belt damage observed from these extreme events are belt edge damage from mis tracking, splice damage and wear, belt carcass rip or puncture, and feature wear. Current methods for repairing draper belts requires the removal of the belt from the header and precision hand work to shorten the belt and create a new splice to splice in a new full belt cross section. This results in many hours of down time for the operator during harvest.

[0025] Accordingly, there is a need for a method to provide for the efficient repair of draper belts without requiring the full removal of the belt from the header, and the attachment of performance enhancing features to draper belts.

[0026] One or more embodiments are disclosed that provide belt repair and/or bolt on features.

[0027] It is appreciated that bolt on clean out features/patches can be applied throughout any are of the belt surface including the belt edges. The features use low profile hardware/fasteners, such as the fasteners 212, to attach to the draper belt 8. The features/patches can utilize elastomeric materials and/or other materials such as metal, cork, wood, electrical sensors, and the like. [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 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.

[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 splicing 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.

[0035] 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. [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 a bolt on feature 600 installed on a draper belt 8 in accordance with one or more embodiments. It is appreciated that the feature 600 is provided for illustrative purposes and that suitable variations are contemplated.

[0052] The feature 600 is attached or bolted on to the draper belt 8 using fasteners 212.

[0053] The clean out feature 600 includes grooves and/or protrusions 614 configured to clean out unwanted remnants.

[0054] In one example, the feature 600 is installed along edges of the draper belt 8.

[0055] Another example, the feature 614 is bolted in the center portion of the belt spanning from edge to edge

[0056] Fig. 7 is a diagram illustrating a repair patch 700 for a draper belt 8 in accordance with one or more embodiments. It is appreciated that the repair patch 700 is provided for illustrative purposes and that suitable variations are contemplated.

[0057] In this example, the draper belt 8 has a damaged or degraded section 712.

[0058] The repair patch 700 is attached or bolted on to the belt 8 using one or more fasteners 212. The patch 700 utilizes the fasteners 212 with plates instead of washers along edges of the repair patch 800.

[0059] Engagement members/teeth of the fasteners 212 contact reinforcement layers of the belt 8 and the repair patch 700.

[0060] The repair patch 700 is a low profile repair.

[0061] Fig. 8 is a diagram illustrating a repair patch 800 for a draper belt 8 in accordance with one or more embodiments. It is appreciated that the repair patch 800 is provided for illustrative purposes and that suitable variations are contemplated.

[0062] In this example, the draper belt 8 has a damaged or degraded section 712.

[0063] The repair patch 800 is attached or bolted on to the belt 8 using one or more fasteners 212. The patch utilizes the fasteners 212 with plates instead of washers along edges of the repair patch 800.

[0064] The fasteners 212 are arranged in a pattern having selected distances between fasteners that provide sufficient attachment.

[0065] The repair patch 800 is a low profile repair.

[0066] Fig. 9 is a diagram illustrating a damaged belt 8 needing repair in accordance with one or more embodiments.

[0067] The belt 8 is shown having an example damaged section 902. This can be a hole, rip or the like. [0068] A plurality of attachment holes 912 are formed based on a size of the repair patch. Fasteners 212 can be used to attach the repair patch 800 to the belt 8.

[0069] 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.

[0070] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a patch assembly for a draper belt including: a plurality of attachment holes formed in a portion of the draper belt at a plurality of attachment locations; a patch; and a plurality of fasteners having engagement members that engage reinforcement layers of the draper belt and the patch.

[0071] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a bolt on feature for a draper belt including: a single or plurality of attachment holes formed in a portion of the draper belt at a single or plurality of attachment locations; one or more attachment features; and a single or plurality of fasteners having engagement members that engage reinforcement layers of the draper belt and the attachment feature.

[0072] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an assembly, the patch being a repair patch and configured to cover a damaged portion of the draper belt.

[0073] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an assembly, the patch including an elastomeric material. [0074] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an assembly, the patch including a metal material.

[0075] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an assembly, the patch including a fabric reinforcement layer configured to be engaged by the engagement members of the plurality of fasteners.

[0076] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an assembly, the patch including a metal reinforcement layer configured to be engaged by the engagement members of the plurality of fasteners.

[0077] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an assembly, the patch having a rectangular shape.

[0078] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an assembly, the patch having an irregular shape.

[0079] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an assembly, the patch having curved edges.

[0080] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an assembly, the patch overlaying the portion of the belt.

[0081] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an assembly, an upper surface of the patch being under an upper surface of the portion of the belt.

[0082] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an assembly, the patch including a plurality of holes that correspond to the plurality of holes in the portion of the draper belt.

[0083] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an assembly, the patch including a rubber belt guide on its bottom surface

[0084] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an assembly, the attachment feature(s) located along belt edges [0085] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an assembly, the attachment feature including an elastomeric material.

[0086] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an assembly, the attachment feature including a metal material.

[0087] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an assembly, the attachment feature including a polymer material.

[0088] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an assembly, the attachment feature including a fiberglass material.

[0089] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an assembly, the attachment feature including a plastic material.

[0090] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an assembly, the attachment feature including a rubber material.

[0091] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an assembly, the attachment feature including a fabric reinforcement layer configured to be engaged by the engagement members of the plurality of fasteners.

[0092] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an assembly, the attachment feature including a wood material.

[0093] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an assembly, the attachment feature including a carbon fiber material.

[0094] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an assembly, the attachment feature including a composite material.

[0095] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an assembly, the attachment feature including an electronic sensor.

[0096] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an assembly, the attachment feature including an assembly of the above materials. [0097] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an assembly, the attachment feature(s) located along any portion of the belts upper carrying surface.

[0098] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an assembly, the attachment feature(s) located along any portion of the belts lower carrying surface.

[0099] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an assembly, the attachment feature(s) span from between belt edges.

[00100] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an assembly, the attachment feature(s) attached perpendicular to direction of belt travel.

[00101] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an assembly, the attachment feature(s) attached at some angle to direction of belt travel.

[00102] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an assembly, the attachment feature(s) attached at a plurality of angles to direction of belt travel.

[00103] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a patch assembly for a belt for carrying material including: a plurality of attachment holes formed in a portion of the belt at a plurality of attachment locations; a patch; and an attachment feature having a plurality of fasteners having engagement members that engage reinforcement layers of the belt and the patch.

[00104] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an assembly, the patch being a repair patch and configured to cover a damaged portion of the draper belt.

[00105] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an assembly, the patch including an elastomeric material.

[00106] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an assembly, the patch including a metal material. [00107] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an assembly, the patch including a fabric reinforcement layer configured to be engaged by the engagement members of the plurality of fasteners.

[00108] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an assembly, the patch including a metal reinforcement layer configured to be engaged by the engagement members of the plurality of fasteners.

[00109] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an assembly, the patch having a rectangular shape.

[00110] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an assembly, the patch having one or more curved edges.

[00111] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an assembly, the patch overlaying the portion of the belt.

[00112] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an assembly, an upper surface of the patch being under an upper surface of the portion of the belt.

[00113] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an assembly, the patch including a plurality of holes that correspond to the plurality of holes in the portion of the draper belt.

[00114] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an assembly, the patch including a rubber belt guide on its bottom surface

[00115] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an assembly, the attachment feature(s) located along belt edges

[00116] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an assembly, the attachment feature including a polymer material.

[00117] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an assembly, the belt including an elastomeric material and being a draper belt to carry agricultural material. [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.