MOWER FOR AN AGRICULTURAL MACHINE

Abstract

An agricultural machine (10) or, particularly, a mower for an agricultural machine includes a primary frame (13), a mowing unit (14) mounting a cutterbar therein, an adjustable element (17) and a tilt sensor (19). The adjustable element is adjustable in response to a signal from the sensor to re-configure a mowing angle between the cutterbar and/or mowing unit and a ground surface. Such reconfiguration results in adjusting an effective stubble height of the mower. The adjustable element may be positioned between the primary frame (13) and the agricultural machine (10) or between the primary frame (13) and the mowing unit (14). In the latter case the adjustable element (17) provides independent adjustment of a tilt angle of the mowing unit to a primary actuator (A).

Claims

1. A mower for an agricultural machine comprising: a primary frame for mounting the mower to the agricultural machine; a cutting element; an adjustable element; and a sensor; wherein the adjustable element is adjustable in response to a signal from the sensor to re-configure an angle between the cutting element and a ground surface, thereby adjusting an effective stubble height.

2. The mower of claim 1 wherein the adjustable element is positioned between the primary frame and the agricultural machine.

3. The mower of claim 1 wherein the adjustable element is a top link actuator configured to reciprocate between an extended and retracted position.

4. The mower of claim 1 wherein the sensor is located with the primary frame.

5. (canceled)

6. The mower of claim 1 wherein the adjustable element is positioned between the primary frame and the cutting element.

7. The mower of claim 1 wherein the cutting element is mounted on a cutterbar which, in turn, is mounted from a mowing unit.

8. The mower of claim 7 wherein the cutterbar and/or cutting element is fixedly mounted from the mowing unit such that the adjustable element is configured to adjust the angle of the mowing unit.

9. The mower of claim 7 wherein the cutterbar and/or cutting element is movably mounted from the mowing unit such and the adjustable element is configured to adjust the angle of the cutterbar and/or cutting element relative to the mowing unit.

10. The mower of claim 7 wherein the sensor is located with the mowing unit and/or a second frame extending from the mowing unit.

11. The mower of claim 1 in combination with a control circuit for receiving input signals from the sensor.

12. An agricultural machine in combination with at least one mower according to claim 1.

13. The agricultural machine of claim 12 wherein the mower is attached to the agricultural machine by a primary actuator and a connecting arm of fixed-length connected through a pivot axis located on the primary frame, such that the primary frame can be angularly adjusted by the primary actuator.

14. The agricultural machine of claim 12 having a controller configured to process signals from the sensor.

15. The agricultural machine of claim 14 wherein the controller is configured to provide a display for an operator to prompt adjustments and/or automatically implement adjustments to an effective stubble height of the mower.

16. (canceled)

17. (canceled)

18. The agricultural machine of claim 12 wherein the at least one mower comprises a front mower and a rear mower system and wherein the system is configured to synchronise the angle of each of the front mower and rear mower to achieve the same effective stubble height of the respective mower.

19. A mower comprising: a primary frame for mounting to an agricultural machine; a cutting element; a mowing unit supporting the cutting element; at least one adjustable element, located between the primary frame and cutting element and/or mowing unit; and at least one sensor associated with the cutting element and/or mowing unit; wherein the at least one adjustable element is configured to be adjusted in response to a signal indicative of tilt from the at least one sensor, thereby adjusting an angle between the cutting element and a ground surface independently of an angle between the primary frame and the ground surface.

20. The mower of claim 19 wherein the at least one adjustable element provides a first link as part of a suspension system suspending the mowing unit from the primary frame, the suspension system further including a fixed length link that, in combination with the first link, provides a four bar link.

21. The mower of claim 20 wherein the sensor is mounted with the suspension system.

22. (canceled)

23. (canceled)

24. The mower of claim 1 wherein the sensor is a gyroscope.

25. (canceled)

26. (canceled)

27. A control system for stubble height adjustment of at least one mower, including: at least one sensor for measuring a tilt angle of the at least one mower; a processor for processing signals from the at least one sensor; wherein the processor is configured to receive a signal from the at least one sensor indicating a first angle of tilt of a cutting element of the at least one mower and to calculate a corresponding stubble height of the at least one mower, further configured to send an output signal to an actuator for re-adjustment to a second angle of tilt of the cutting element of the at least one mower, as measured by the at least one sensor.

28. The control system of claim 27 further including a user input means for a user to input a user defined stubble height.

29. (canceled)

30. (canceled)

31. The control system of claim 27 wherein there are at least two mowers, corresponding to a front and rear mower for attachment to an agricultural machine, each mower having a respective sensor for measuring a tilt angle.

32. (canceled)

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] FIG. 1 illustrates a complete side elevation view of a mower according to embodiments of the invention mounted on the front and rear of a tractor, shown in an engaged, ground contacting, position;

[0026] FIG. 2 illustrates a closer side elevation view of a first embodiment of mower, shown in the engaged position from FIG. 1;

[0027] FIG. 3 illustrates a side elevation view of the first embodiment of mower, shown in an engaged position but with the cutting angle adjusted from FIG. 2;

[0028] FIG. 4 illustrates a closer side elevation view of a second embodiment of mower, shown in the engaged position from FIG. 1;

[0029] FIG. 5 illustrates a side elevation view of the second embodiment of mower, shown in an engaged position but with the cutting angle adjusted from FIG. 4;

[0030] FIG. 6 illustrates a complete side elevation view of the tractor with first mower shown in a raised transport position;

[0031] FIG. 7 illustrates a closer side elevation view of the first mower in the raised transport position;

[0032] FIG. 8 illustrates a block diagram representing a control circuit for an agricultural machine implementing the invention;

[0033] FIG. 9 illustrates a rear perspective view of an agricultural machine including a single side mounted rear mower, e.g. corresponding to that of FIG. 4;

[0034] FIG. 10 illustrates a rear perspective view of an agricultural machine including a front mower and double side mounted rear mowers, providing a triple mower total combination; and

[0035] FIG. 11 illustrates a cutterbar incorporating an alternative embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0036] FIG. 1 illustrates an overview of a tractor 10 to which is mounted a front mower 11 and a rear mower 12. Typically, the front mower 10 will be of a dimension that extends at least as wide as a maximum width of the tractor 10, while rear mower 12 may be one or a pair of cutting units that each overlap the front mower 11 in the working direction W and extend further outward to provide a wide cutting coverage area. The general arrangement of cutting units on the front, rear and/or side of a tractor are known in the art and will not be described in more detail herein.

[0037] FIG. 2 illustrates a more detailed side elevation view of the front mower 11 that is comprised of a primary frame 13 mounted from a top connection arm, being a primary actuator A, and a lower connection arm C from the tractor 10. Primary frame 13 ultimately supports a mowing unit 14 via a kinematic system 15 providing suspension and adjustment of the ground contacting portion of the mowing unit 14. In the known way, mowing unit 14 contacts a ground surface G via skid arrangement 16 and the angle at which mowing unit 14 approaches ground surface G determines a cutting or stubble height h.sub.1. A mowing angle β.sub.1 is defined as the angle between ground surface G and the leading edge of cutting blades proximate skid 16.

[0038] Kinematic system 15 features at least one adjustable element 17, a fixed length lower link 15a (making a ‘four-bar link’) and a spring loaded suspension arm 15b connected between primary frame 13 and the mowing unit 14 and/or a secondary frame 18 that extends as part of the structure of mowing unit 14. As such, extension of the adjustable element 17, which may be a hydraulic or pneumatic actuator, provides an ability to adjust the mowing angle β.sub.1 independently of the angle between the primary frame 13 and the ground level G (which is adjustable by primary actuator 14 extending directly from the tractor 10).

[0039] The capacity to adjust a mowing angle β.sub.1 or tilt of the cutterbar in order to adjust the effective stubble height (corresponding to mowing height) h.sub.1 is enabled by at least one sensor 19 mounted upon second frame 18 and/or upon mowing unit 14. Sensor 19 is configured to provide a reference signal of the tilt of mowing unit 14, to be processed by a suitable controller 29 (see FIG. 8), and indicate an operating stubble height h.sub.1. In one form, the sensor is a gyroscope or equivalent sensing means. An alternative may be to implement laser measurement of one or multiple points relative to the ground surface G which can be used to calculate the cutterbar and/or mowing unit tilt and effective stubble height h.sub.1.

[0040] It will be apparent that the advantage of providing independent adjustment of the mowing angle, via actuator 17, from the adjustment of primary actuator A to primary frame 13 is that it avoids fundamentally changing the kinematic layout of the entire machine which may affect other aspects of performance, i.e. lifting height and break back protection features that may be implemented with the device.

[0041] FIG. 3 illustrates the same generally ground engaged position of front mower 11, except that a slight retraction of adjustable element 17 in the direction R raises the leading end of mowing unit 14, resulting in a slight increase in stubble height to a new value h.sub.2 while mowing angle is reduced to a new value β.sub.2. It will be apparent that the fine adjustment of stubble height from h.sub.1 to h.sub.2 is improved by the separately adjustable element 17, compared to the alternative of effecting change through primary actuator A that must support considerably greater forces. Particularly, adjustment of actuator A will affect how the suspension system 15 reacts to ground undulations.

[0042] Stubble height adjustment can be implemented automatically by a controller (see FIG. 8) processing signals from tilt sensor 19 and/or be subject to manual adjustment based on display information ultimately provided by tilt sensor 19.

[0043] FIG. 4 illustrates a more detailed view of the mower 12 illustrated in FIG. 1. This represents a second embodiment of the invention relating to a rear mower coupled/mounted to tractor 10 by connecting links/arms 20 and 21, e.g. in a 3-point link (as seen in FIG. 9), and a telescopic carrier arm 21a; where connecting arm 20 is a primary actuator extensible to move rear mower 12 about a pivot 22 supported by connecting arm(s) 21 and upon which mower 12 is hitched. Telescopic carrier arm 21a extends laterally from the tractor 10 to support rear mowing unit 25 and is pivotable about a further axis 22a to enable the mowing unit 25 to be raised for transport (e.g. on a public road).

[0044] In the context of the rear mower 12, a primary frame 23 provides a mounting platform for a carrier/suspension system 24 associated with carrier arm 21a which ultimately supports the rear mowing unit 25 contacting and/or suspended from ground surface G where a skid 26 and cutting blades 27 of the cutterbar are visible.

[0045] In common with the front mower 11, rear mower 12 includes a sensor 28 configured to measure a tilt angle by suitable means, e.g. a gyroscope or equivalent. Use of the signal from sensor 28, fed back to a controller 29 (see FIG. 8), provides an indication of the tilt angle α.sub.1 of the rear mower and, hence, effective stubble height h.sub.3. Accordingly, adjusting the extension of primary actuator 20 between tractor 10 and primary frame 23 in relation to a reference signal provided by sensor 28 will provide the ability to adjust the mowing angle to a desired angular value, thereby adjusting stubble height. Notably, while adjustment of a mowing angle by a top link from a tractor to a support frame is known, specific automation by use of a tilt sensor and a control circuit (FIG. 8) was not known prior to the present invention being devised. Furthermore, the system of the invention enables cutting of a desired stubble height by front and rear mower units to be synchronised and selected before working without an operator needing to exit the tractor cabin to check settings or by trial and error during operation.

[0046] As such, the stubble height adjustment capability of the invention could be part of a larger system that autonomously adjusts the mower to optimal setting for performance or operating cost. The capability of such a system, via sensors, to adjust hitch height or a lift arm of the tractor is also an advantage. For example, the sensors could be used to provide input to a global system. Independent signals associated with control of front and rear units may be utilised by a bigger environment for great control.

[0047] FIG. 5 illustrates a configuration of rear mower 12 where primary actuator 20 has been retracted in the direction of arrow R, resulting in mowing unit 25 tilting about pivot axis 22 (axis 22 being transverse to the working direction W). A leading edge (in relation to the working direction W) of mowing unit 25 moves closer to ground level G, thereby widening the cutting angle to a new value α.sub.2 and reducing the stubble height of cutting blades 27 of the cutterbar to a new value h.sub.4.

[0048] The carrier system 24 provides suspension and support via connecting rods as shown. Optionally the mounting structures, springs and actuator may be supplied separately for retrofitting to an existing mowing unit. Similarly, the carrier assembly comprising the carrier arm and the suspension system may be supplied separately for retrofitting to an existing mowing unit. Indeed the sensor and associated processing capability can be retrofit to existing cutting systems in both rear and front mower configurations.

[0049] For completeness, FIG. 6 illustrates a view where the front mower 11 has been raised to a transport height, not in contact with ground surface G for a cutting operation. It may also raise to an intermediate, headland, position for temporary disengagement from cutting. FIG. 7 illustrates a more detailed view of the full tractor view of FIG. 6 where the kinematic system 15 is actuated to lift front mower 11 away from ground surface G. Mowing unit 14 moves out of engagement and cutting is no longer possible, although measurements from tilt sensor 19 can still be taken to give a reading of relative tilt of mowing unit 14 to the ground surface G if needed.

[0050] FIG. 8 illustrates a control circuit where sensor 19 or 28 supplies a signal to controller 29 for further processing. User input 30 from an operator/technician located in a tractor cab or elsewhere may be required and have access to a display 31 which shows operational values in numerical, graphic and/or pictographic form. Input 30 and display 31 may be integrated in a touch screen display 32 or equivalent technology.

[0051] Once tilt information is suitably processed controller 29 may send one or more control signals to relevant parts of the agricultural machine. A first (33), second (34), up to a possible n (35) number of control signals may be sent for adjusting elements 17 or 20 as needed. As stated previously, stubble height adjustment may be part of a wider autonomous system associated with controller 29 and, particularly, to synchronise effective stubble height across multiple mowing units.

[0052] FIG. 10 shows a rear perspective overview of an agricultural machine 10 fitted with mowers according to the invention. In the illustrated embodiment the agricultural machine is configured with a triple combination of a front mower 11 and two rear mowers 12, hitched from a rear mounting, e.g. primary actuator 20. Particularly, each carrier arm 21a extends laterally from the tractor 10 to support a rear mowing unit 25 and is pivotable about a further axis 22a to enable the mowing unit 25 to be raised for transport (e.g. on a public road). In this embodiment rear mowing unit 25 has a cutterbar 36 supporting triangular configuration blade system.

[0053] The foregoing mower embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 10 have generally been described by reference to a cutterbar in fixed relation to the mowing unit within which it is mounted, because this is a common configuration of such a device. Tilt sensor 19 generates a signal and ultimately adjustable element 17/20 acts to adjust a tilt angle of the whole unit (14, 25) to achieve a desired stubble height. However, an alternative embodiment is shown by FIG. 11 where a cutterbar 36 may be mounted within a mowing unit 14, 25 (not shown) by a connection allowing relative movement, e.g. a pair of pivoting connections through a common axis X.

[0054] According to FIG. 11 an actuator (not shown) may adjust the mounting angle of cutterbar 36 relative to the mowing unit and the ground, as determined by the control system processing signals from tilt sensor 19, 28.

[0055] The form of cutterbar 36 of FIG. 11 comprises disc shaped cutting elements as an example but any cutterbar or equivalent cutting element mounting means may benefit from an adjustment according to the invention.

[0056] It will be apparent that the tilt adjustable nature of the invention is not necessarily limited to mowing machines but is also applicable to other kinds of agricultural machine including rakes, tedders, seeding machines and soil working machines in which an operating unit is attached to the front and/or rear of a tractor 10 and relative tilt to a ground surface could be adjusted for an effective purpose.