AUGER ASSEMBLY FOR AN AGRICULTURAL HEADER

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to an auger assembly for an agricultural header.

A harvester may be used to harvest agricultural crops, such as barley, beans, beets, carrots, corn, cotton, flax, oats, potatoes, rye, soybeans, wheat, or other plant crops. Furthermore, a combine (e.g., combine harvester) is a type of harvester generally used to harvest certain agricultural crops that include grain (e.g., barley, corn, flax, oats, rye, wheat). During operation of the harvester, the harvesting process may begin by removing a plant from a field, such as by using a header. The header may cut the agricultural crops and transport the cut agricultural crops to a processing system of the harvester. The header may include a cutter bar assembly configured to cut a portion of each agricultural crop (e.g., a stalk), thereby separating the cut agricultural crop from the soil. The cutter bar assembly may extend along a substantial portion of a width of the header at a forward end of the header.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Certain embodiments commensurate in scope with the disclosed subject matter are summarized below. These embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, but rather these embodiments are intended only to provide a brief summary of certain disclosed embodiments. Indeed, the present disclosure may encompass a variety of forms that may be similar to or different from the embodiments set forth below.

In certain embodiments, an auger assembly includes an auger configured to convey agricultural crops from an agricultural header toward an agricultural crop processing system and one or more brackets rotatably coupled to the auger. The one or more brackets are moveably coupled to an intermediate frame assembly coupled to the agricultural header, and the intermediate frame assembly enables the agricultural header to pivot with respect to a longitudinal axis relative to an intermediate frame of the intermediate frame assembly.

DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side view of an embodiment of an agricultural harvester, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of a header and an intermediate frame assembly that may be employed within the agricultural harvester of FIG. 1, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of an embodiment of the intermediate frame assembly of FIG. 2, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4A is a schematic view of an embodiment of a first lateral side of the intermediate frame assembly of FIG. 2, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4B is a schematic view of an embodiment of a second lateral side of the intermediate frame assembly of FIG. 2, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a joint between the intermediate frame assembly of FIG. 2 and a header frame of the header of FIG. 2, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an arm of the intermediate frame assembly of FIG. 2, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a side schematic view of an embodiment of an auger assembly of the intermediate frame assembly of FIG. 2 and a portion of the header, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a front schematic view of the auger assembly of FIG. 7 and a portion of the header, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a portion of the auger assembly of FIG. 7 and a portion of the header, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

One or more specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below. In an effort to provide a concise description of these embodiments, all features of an actual implementation may not be described in the specification. It should be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developers' specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it should be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill having the benefit of this disclosure.

When introducing elements of various embodiments of the present disclosure, the articles “a,” “an,” “the,” and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. Any examples of operating parameters and/or environmental conditions are not exclusive of other parameters/conditions of the disclosed embodiments.

An agricultural harvester may include a header having a cutter bar assembly. The cutter bar assembly may include a cutter bar, a stationary blade assembly, and a moving blade assembly. The moving blade assembly may be fixed to the cutter bar, and the cutter bar/moving blade assembly may be driven to oscillate relative to the stationary blade assembly. Each blade assembly may include multiple blades distributed along a width of the respective blade assembly. As the moving blade assembly is driven to oscillate, the blades of the moving blade assembly move relative to the blades of the stationary blade assembly. As the header is moved through the field by the agricultural harvester, a portion of a crop (e.g., the stalk) may enter a gap between adjacent blades of the stationary blade assembly and a gap between adjacent blades of the moving blade assembly. Movement of the moving blade assembly causes a blade of the moving blade assembly to move across the gap in the stationary blade assembly, thereby cutting the portion of the crop. The header may include belts that move the cut crops toward an inlet of an agricultural crop processing system. In some embodiments, the header may include a reel assembly that directs the portion of the crop toward the cutter bar assembly and/or directs the cut crops from the cutter bar assembly toward the belts.

The cutter bar assembly may be flexible along a width of the header. In such cases, the cutter bar assembly may be supported by multiple longitudinally-extending arms distributed along the width of the header. Each arm may be pivotally mounted to a header frame of the header, thereby enabling the cutter bar assembly to flex during operation of the agricultural harvester. While the flexible cutter bar assembly is in contact with the soil surface, the flexible cutter bar assembly may follow the contours of the field, thereby enabling a cutting height to be substantially constant along the width of the header. If a greater cutting height is desired (e.g., based on the field conditions, the types of crops being harvested, etc.), the header may be raised such that the flexible cutter bar assembly is positioned above the soil surface. In addition, if a substantially rigid cutter bar is desired (e.g., for certain field conditions, for harvesting certain types of crops, etc.), the pivoting movement of each arm may be blocked, thereby substantially reducing the flexibility of the cutter bar assembly.

It is now recognized that the cutter bar assembly may not respond to changes in contours of the field quickly enough to cut crops at the desired cutting height, such as while operating at higher ground speeds or while operating on uneven terrain. For example, a header height control system may not respond quickly enough while traversing the uneven terrain to cut crops at the desired cutting height, which may result in uneven (e.g., wavy) crop stubble. Additionally, movement of portions of the header relative to one another and/or movement of the header relative to an implement interface of an agricultural vehicle in response to the changing contour of the terrain may cause stress at portions of the header and/or at the implement interface. This stress may increase wear and maintenance of the header and the agricultural vehicle. Further, in embodiments with a rigid cutter bar assembly, raising a side of the cutter bar assembly, such as due to encountering an obstacle at the side, may raise other portion(s) of the cutter bar assembly (e.g., a central portion of the cutter assembly, an opposite side of the cutter bar assembly relative to the raised side) or the entire cutter bar assembly to an undesired cutting height. Accordingly, the embodiments described herein provide an intermediate frame assembly that facilitates pivoting (e.g., tilting, rotation) of the header, thereby enabling the cutter bar assembly to follow terrain at a desired cutting height, such as while operating at higher ground speeds and/or on uneven terrain. Additionally, certain embodiments described herein provide an auger assembly of the intermediate frame assembly that is coupled to a frame of the intermediate frame assembly. The auger assembly may pivot (e.g., tilt) as the header pivots, thereby facilitating transfer of cut agricultural crops from an infeed deck of the header to the auger assembly.

Turning to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a side view of an embodiment of an agricultural harvester 100 (e.g., an agricultural vehicle) having a header 200 (e.g., agricultural header). The agricultural harvester 100 includes a chassis 102 configured to support the header 200 and an agricultural crop processing system 104. To facilitate description of the agricultural harvester 100 and portions thereof, a longitudinal axis 10, a lateral axis 12, and a vertical axis 14 are provided in FIG. 1. In certain embodiments, the longitudinal axis 10, the lateral axis 12, the vertical axis 14, or a combination thereof, may be an axis or axes of the header 200. As described in greater detail below, the header 200 is configured to cut crops and to transport the cut crops toward an inlet 106 of the agricultural crop processing system 104 for further processing of the cut crops. For example, the header 200 may include a reel assembly configured to direct cut crops toward belts that convey the crops toward the inlet of the agricultural crop processing system 104. The agricultural crop processing system 104 receives the cut crops from the header 200 and separates desired crop material (e.g., grain) from crop residue (e.g., husks and pods). For example, the agricultural crop processing system 104 may include a thresher 108 having a cylindrical threshing rotor that transports the cut crops in a helical flow path through the agricultural harvester 100. In addition to transporting the cut crops, the thresher 108 may separate the desired crop material from the crop residue and may enable the desired crop material to flow into a cleaning system located beneath the thresher 108. The cleaning system may remove debris from the desired crop material and transport the desired crop material to a storage compartment within the agricultural harvester 100. The crop residue may be transported from the thresher 108 to a crop residue handling system 110, which may remove the crop residue from the agricultural harvester 100 via a crop residue spreading system 112 positioned at an aft end of the agricultural harvester 100.

As discussed in detail below, the header 200 includes a cutter bar assembly configured to cut the crops within the field. The cutter bar assembly is configured to flex along a width of the header to enable the cutter bar assembly to substantially follow the contours of the field while the cutter bar assembly is engaged with the soil surface. The cutter bar assembly is supported by multiple longitudinally extending arm assemblies distributed along the width of the header. Each arm assembly is pivotally mounted to a header frame of the header, thereby enabling the cutter bar assembly to flex. Additionally, each arm assembly may have a range of motion (e.g., float) relative to the frame. If a substantially rigid cutter bar is desired (e.g., for certain field conditions, for harvesting certain types of crops, etc.), the pivoting movement of each arm may be blocked, thereby substantially reducing the flexibility of the cutter bar assembly.

Additionally, the agricultural harvester 100 includes an implement interface 118 and an intermediate frame assembly 120 (e.g., a frame assembly) coupled to the implement interface 118 and the header 200. The implement interface 118 may include a frame of the agricultural harvester 100 and/or may be a portion of the chassis 102. In certain embodiments, the implement interface 118 may be coupled to and extend from the chassis 102. In certain embodiments, the implement interface 118 may be a combine feeder. In some embodiments, the implement interface 118 may move generally vertically, as indicated by arrows 124, to adjust a position of the header 200 (e.g., to adjust to an operating position or a travel position, to adjust a height of the header 200). For example, the implement interface 118 may move generally along the vertical axis 14 to adjust a position of the header 200 relative to the harvester chassis 102 and/or to adjust a height of the header 200 relative to a ground level. In certain embodiments, the intermediate frame assembly may be coupled to agricultural implements other than a header, such as fertilizing implement, a tilling implement, or another suitable agricultural implement.

The intermediate frame assembly 120 is configured to enable the header 200 to move vertically relative to the implement interface 118. As described in greater detail below, lateral sides of the header 200 are configured to move generally vertically, as indicated by arrows 126. For example, a first lateral side of the header 200 may encounter an obstacle (e.g., a dirt mound, a hill, a rock, crop stubble, crop residue, etc.), which may drive the first lateral side upwardly. The intermediate frame assembly 120 is configured to enable the first lateral side of the header 200 to move upwardly relative to a second, opposite lateral side of the header 200. Additionally, the first lateral side of the header 200 may encounter an obstacle such as a hole that may cause the first lateral side to move downwardly, and the intermediate frame assembly 120 may enable the first lateral side to move downwardly relative to the second lateral side of the header 200. As such, the intermediate frame assembly 120 may enable the header 200 to rotate with respect to (e.g., about) the longitudinal axis 10 (e.g., rotation of the first lateral side, the second lateral side, and/or a central frame portion of the header 200 positioned between the first lateral side and the second lateral side with respect to the longitudinal axis 10). Accordingly, the intermediate frame assembly 120 may facilitate each of the lateral sides of the header 200, as well as portion(s) of the header 200 between the lateral sides, to follow the contour of terrain encountered by the header 200.

The intermediate frame assembly 120 is configured to provide for relative movement of the lateral sides of the header 200 while the cutter bar assembly is in both the flexible configuration and the substantially rigid configuration. For example, while in the flexible configuration, the cutter bar assembly is configured to substantially follow the contours of the field while the cutter bar assembly is engaged with the soil surface, and the intermediate frame assembly 120 is configured to further facilitate following the contours of the field. While in the substantially rigid configuration, the intermediate frame assembly 120 is configured to enable a lateral side of the header 200 to move vertically (e.g., upon encountering an obstacle or uneven terrain at the lateral side) relative to an opposite lateral side of the header 200, thereby enabling the opposite lateral side to substantially remain at a desired cutting height relative to the terrain.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the header 200 that may be employed within the agricultural harvester of FIG. 1. In the illustrated embodiment, the header 200 includes a cutter bar assembly 202 configured to cut a portion of each crop (e.g., a stalk), thereby separating the crop from the soil. The cutter bar assembly 202 is positioned at a forward end of the header 200 along the longitudinal axis 10 and relative to a direction of travel of the header 200 during harvesting operations. As illustrated, the cutter bar assembly 202 extends along a substantial portion of the width of the header 200 (e.g., the extent of the header 200 along the lateral axis 12). The cutter bar assembly 202 includes a cutter bar, a stationary blade assembly, and a moving blade assembly. The moving blade assembly is coupled to the cutter bar (e.g., above the cutter bar along the vertical axis 14), and the cutter bar/moving blade assembly is driven to oscillate relative to the stationary blade assembly. In the illustrated embodiment, the cutter bar/moving blade assembly is driven to oscillate by a driving mechanism 204 positioned at the lateral center of the header 200. However, in other embodiments, the cutter bar/moving blade assembly may be driven by another suitable mechanism (e.g., located at any suitable position on the header). As the agricultural harvester is driven through a field, the cutter bar assembly 202 engages crops within the field, and the moving blade assembly cuts the crops (e.g., the stalks of the crops) in response to engagement of the cutter bar assembly 202 with the crops.

In the illustrated embodiment, the header 200 includes a first lateral deck 206 on a first lateral side 207 of the header 200, a second lateral deck 208 on a second lateral side 209 of the header 200, and an infeed deck 210 (e.g., longitudinal deck) at a central portion 211 of the header 200. The infeed deck 210 is positioned between the first lateral deck 206 and the second lateral deck 208 (e.g., with respect to the lateral axis 12). The first lateral deck 206 includes a first lateral belt 212, the second lateral deck 208 includes a second lateral belt 213, and the infeed deck 210 includes an infeed belt 214 (e.g., a longitudinal belt). Each belt is driven to rotate by a suitable drive mechanism, such as an electric motor or a hydraulic motor. For example, the first lateral belt 212 and the second lateral belt 213 are driven such that the top surface of each belt moves laterally inward. In addition, the infeed belt 214 positioned between the first lateral belt 212 and the second lateral belt 213 with respect to the lateral axis 12 is driven to rotate, such that the top surface of the infeed belt 214 moves rearwardly with respect to the longitudinal axis 10.

In certain embodiments, the crops cut by the cutter bar assembly 202 are directed toward the belts by a reel assembly. Agricultural crops that contact the top surface of the lateral belts 212, 213 are driven laterally inwardly to the infeed belt 214 due to the movement of the lateral belts 212, 213. In addition, agricultural crops that contact the infeed belt 214 and the agricultural crops provided to the infeed belt 214 by the lateral belts 212, 213 are driven rearwardly along the longitudinal axis 10 due to the movement of the infeed belt 214. The infeed belt 214 moves the cut agricultural crops toward an auger assembly 250 of the intermediate frame assembly 120. The auger assembly 250 is disposed in an opening 252 in the header 200 and facilitates directing the cut crops from the belts, through the opening 252, and to the inlet of the agricultural crop processing system.

In the illustrated embodiment, the cutter bar assembly 202 is flexible along the width of the header 200 (e.g., the extent of the header 200 along the lateral axis 12). The cutter bar assembly 202 is supported by multiple arm assemblies extending along the longitudinal axis 10 and distributed along the width of the header 200 (e.g., along the lateral axis 12). Each arm assembly is mounted to a header frame 216 of the header 200 and configured to rotate about a pivot axis relative to the header frame 216. As a result, the cutter bar assembly 202 may flex during operation of the agricultural harvester. The flexible cutter bar assembly 202 may follow the contours of the field while the cutter bar assembly 202 is in contact with the surface of the field, thereby enabling the cutting height (e.g., the height at which each crop is cut) to be substantially constant along the width of the header 200 (e.g., the extent of the header 200 along the lateral axis 12). However, if a substantially rigid cutter bar assembly is desired (e.g., for certain field conditions, for harvesting certain types of crops, etc.), the pivoting movement of the arm assemblies may be blocked, thereby substantially reducing the flexibility of the cutter bar assembly 202.

Additionally, as described above, the intermediate frame assembly 120 may facilitate the cutter bar assembly 202 following contours of the field. In certain embodiments, an implement assembly 220 (e.g., agricultural implement assembly, agricultural header assembly) may include the intermediate frame assembly 120 and/or the header 200. The intermediate frame assembly 120 includes an intermediate frame 230, a first lateral side 232, and a second lateral side 234 opposite the first lateral side 232. As described in greater detail below, the first lateral side 232 and the second lateral side 234 of the intermediate frame assembly 120 are coupled to the first lateral side 207 and the second lateral side 209 of the header 200, respectively, via arms of the intermediate frame assembly 120 that enable the lateral sides 207 and 209 to move generally vertically (e.g., up and/or down) relative to one another, such as when one of the first lateral side 207 or the second lateral side 209 encounters an obstacle (e.g., a dirt mound, a hill, a hole, a rock, crop stubble, crop residue, etc.) or uneven terrain.

To facilitate description, the coupling between the intermediate frame assembly 120 and the header 200 is described in reference to the first lateral side 207 of the header 200 encountering an obstacle, such that the first lateral side 207 rises upwardly relative to the second lateral side 209 and/or other portion(s) of the header 200, as indicated by arrow 240. In addition, other portion(s) of the header 200 may also encounter obstacles and/or uneven terrain, such that the other portion(s) move generally vertically relative to other/different portion(s) of the header 200. The intermediate frame assembly 120 includes a first arm at the first lateral side 232, in which the first arm is pivotally coupled to the header frame 216 of the header 200 at the first lateral side 207. The intermediate frame assembly 120 also includes a second arm at the second lateral side 234, in which the second arm is pivotally coupled to the header frame 216 of the header 200 at the second lateral side 209. As the first lateral side 207 of the header 200 moves upwardly, as indicated by arrow 240, the first arm of the intermediate frame assembly 120 rotates relative to the intermediate frame 230 of the intermediate frame assembly 120 and the header frame 216 of the header 200. Additionally, a first spring coupled to the first lateral side 232 and to the rotating first arm flexes (e.g., contracts) in response to the first arm rotating. Further, the second arm of the intermediate frame assembly 120 is driven to rotate in response to movement of the first lateral side 207 of the header 200. For example, the second arm may rotate in an opposite rotational direction relative to the rotational direction of the first arm or may rotate in the same rotational direction to a lesser degree relative to the first arm. A second spring coupled to the rotating second arm and to the intermediate frame 230 at the second lateral side 234 flexes (e.g., extends or contracts) in response to the second arm rotating. Additionally, the coupling between the arms of the intermediate frame assembly 120 and the header frame 216 may include ball and slider joints configured to enable the header 200 to move laterally relative to the intermediate frame 230 of the intermediate frame assembly 120.

As such, the intermediate frame assembly 120, via the first arm, the second arm, and the ball and slider joints, is configured to enable the first lateral side 207 and the second lateral side 209 of the header 200 to move generally vertically relative to one another and/or laterally relative to the intermediate frame 230. Accordingly, the intermediate frame assembly 120 may isolate movement of the header 200 (e.g., vertical movement, rotational movement) relative to the implement interface (e.g., the combine feeder) of the agricultural harvester. Example embodiments of the ball and slider joints are described below in reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.

As described above, the auger assembly 250 facilitates directing the cut crops from the infeed belt 214, through the opening 252, and to the inlet of the agricultural crop processing system. In the illustrated embodiment, the auger assembly 250 includes an auger 260 and an auger floor 262. As described below in reference to FIGS. 7-9, the auger assembly 250 may include brackets rotatably coupled to the auger 260 and moveably coupled to the intermediate frame 230 of the intermediate frame assembly 120. The auger 260 may pivot (e.g., tilt) with respect to (e.g., about) the longitudinal axis 10 as the header 200 pivots with respect to the longitudinal axis 10. For example, the header frame 216 may include bracket assemblies with stops (e.g., lower stops) that drive the brackets of the auger assembly 250 (e.g., the brackets coupled to the auger 260) to move vertically at side(s) of the auger 260 as the header frame 216 pivots, thereby causing the auger 260 to pivot. The auger assembly 250 may generally rest on the stops due to a force of gravity (e.g., a weight of the auger assembly 250). In certain embodiments, the bracket assemblies of the header frame 216 may include additional stops (e.g., upper stops) that block vertical movement of the brackets of the auger assembly 250. The brackets of the auger assembly 250 may extend into or through slots of the intermediate frame 230 and may move generally vertically within the slots and relative to the intermediate frame 230 as the auger 260 pivots with respect to the longitudinal axis 10. In certain embodiments, the brackets of the auger assembly 250 may be coupled to the intermediate frame 230 via spherical joints and/or ball joints that enable the auger 260 to pivot about axis extending parallel to the lateral axis 12 and through the spherical joints and/or the ball joints. As the header 200 pivots with respect to the longitudinal axis 10, the infeed deck 210 pivots with respect to the longitudinal axis 10. Accordingly, the auger 260 may pivot with the infeed deck 210, thereby facilitating transfer of the cut crops from the infeed deck 210 (e.g., from the infeed belt 214) to the auger assembly 250 as the header 200 pivots with respect to the longitudinal axis 10.

The auger floor 262 is disposed below the auger 260 with respect to the vertical axis 14 and facilitates transfer of the cut crops from the header 200 to the inlet of the agricultural crop processing system. For example, the cut crops may move between the auger 260 and the auger floor 262 and along a surface (e.g., an upper surface) of the auger floor 262 with respect to the longitudinal axis 10 toward the agricultural crop processing system. Additionally, the auger floor 262 overlaps the infeed deck 210 along the longitudinal axis 10. The auger floor 262 may be moveably coupled to the intermediate frame 230, such that the auger floor 262 may move with respect to the intermediate frame 230 as the infeed deck 210 pivots with respect to the longitudinal axis 10 (e.g., due to the auger floor 262 overlapping the infeed deck 210 along the longitudinal axis 10). For example, the auger floor 262 may be coupled to the intermediate frame 230 by hinge joints that enable the auger floor 262 to pivot with respect to the lateral axis 12 at the hinge joints. The hinge joints may be disposed along slider joints of the infeed deck 210 and/or of the intermediate frame assembly 120 that enables the hinge joints to move generally vertically and to pivot with respect to the longitudinal axis 10. Accordingly, the auger floor 262 may pivot with the infeed deck 210, thereby facilitating transfer of the cut crops from the infeed deck 210 (e.g., from the infeed belt 214) to the auger assembly 250 as the header 200 pivots with respect to the longitudinal axis 10.

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the intermediate frame assembly 120 of FIG. 2. As described above, the intermediate frame assembly 120 includes the first lateral side 232 and the second lateral side 234. At the first lateral side 232, the intermediate frame assembly 120 includes a first arm 300 (e.g., an intermediate arm) rotatably coupled to the header frame 216 of the header and rotatably coupled to the intermediate frame 230 of the intermediate frame assembly 120. In the illustrated embodiment, the first arm 300 is rotatably coupled to the header frame 216 at a first joint 302 (e.g., a ball and slider joint) that enables the first lateral side of the header to move vertically and/or laterally relative to the intermediate frame 230. For example, the first arm 300 is configured to rotate about a lateral axis 304 extending parallel to the intermediate frame 230. The lateral axis 304 may extend parallel to the lateral axis 12 described above. Additionally, the intermediate frame assembly 120 includes first springs 310 (e.g., biasing members) coupled to the first arm 300 at a first end 312 of the first springs 310 and to the intermediate frame 230 at a second end 314 of the first springs 310. As illustrated, the first springs 310 include two springs. In other embodiments, the first springs 310 may include more or fewer springs (e.g., one spring, three springs, four springs, six springs, ten springs). The first springs 310 are configured to flex (e.g., extend, contract) in response to movement of the first lateral side of the header and the corresponding rotation of the first arm 300. Accordingly, the first springs 310 may absorb energy associated with the movement of the first lateral side of the header relative to the intermediate frame 230 and may facilitate the cutter bar assembly following contours of the field. Additionally, the first springs 310 are configured to be tuned to adjust a torque on the first arm 300 (e.g., a tension and upward force of the first springs 310 applied to the first arm 300 may be adjusted). In certain embodiments, the intermediate frame assembly may include other biasing member(s) coupled (e.g., rotatably and/or pivotally coupled) to the first arm and the intermediate frame in addition to or in place of the first springs 310, such as a hydraulic cylinder, a pneumatic cylinder, and/or another suitable biasing member.

Additionally, the intermediate frame assembly 120 includes a first member 320 (e.g., a rigid bar) and a first linkage 322 (e.g., link) at the first lateral side 232. The first member 320 is coupled (e.g., pivotally coupled) to the header frame 216 at a first end 324 of the first member 320 and coupled (e.g., pivotally coupled) to the first linkage 322 at a second end 326 of the first member 320. The first linkage 322 includes a first end 328 coupled (e.g., pivotally coupled) to the second end 326 of the first member 320 and a second end 330 coupled (e.g., rigidly coupled, non-rotatably coupled) to a cross-bar 340 (e.g., a rigid bar) of the intermediate frame assembly 120. The cross-bar 340 extends laterally along the intermediate frame 230. Additionally, the cross-bar 340 extends along a lateral extent of the header frame 216 (e.g., along the lateral axis 12). As illustrated, the lateral axis 304 extends through the cross-bar 340, such that the first arm 300 is configured to rotate about the cross-bar 340. The cross-bar 340 extends through the first arm 300 and through a bottom portion 350 of the intermediate frame 230. For example, the bottom portion 350 may be hollow, such as a hollow cylinder, that enables the cross-bar 340 to rotate about the lateral axis 304.

At the second lateral side 234, the intermediate frame assembly 120 includes a second arm 360 (e.g., an intermediate arm) rotatably coupled to the header frame 216 of the header and rotatably coupled to the intermediate frame 230 of the intermediate frame assembly 120. In the illustrated embodiment, the second arm 360 is rotatably coupled to the header frame 216 at a second joint (e.g., a ball and slider joint) that enables the second lateral side of the header to move vertically and/or laterally relative to the intermediate frame 230. For example, the second arm 360 is configured to rotate about the lateral axis 304. Additionally, the intermediate frame assembly 120 includes second springs 370 (e.g., biasing members) coupled to the second arm 360 at a first end of the second springs 370 and to the intermediate frame 230 at a second end 374 of the second springs 370. As illustrated, the second springs 370 include two springs. In other embodiments, the second springs 370 may include more or fewer springs (e.g., one spring, three springs, four springs, six springs, ten springs). The second springs 370 are configured to flex (e.g., extend, contract) in response to movement of the second lateral side of the header and the corresponding rotation of the second arm 360. Accordingly, the second springs 370 may absorb energy associated with the movement of the second lateral side of the header relative to the intermediate frame 230 and may facilitate the cutter bar assembly following contours of the field. Additionally, the second springs 370 are configured to be tuned to adjust a torque on the second arm 360 (e.g., a tension and upward force of the second springs 370 applied to the second arm 360 may be adjusted). In certain embodiments, the intermediate frame assembly may include other biasing member(s) coupled (e.g., rotatably and/or pivotally coupled) to the first arm and the intermediate frame in addition to or in place of the second springs 370, such as a hydraulic cylinder, a pneumatic cylinder, and/or another suitable biasing member.

Additionally, the intermediate frame assembly 120 includes a second member 379 and a second linkage 380 (e.g., link) at the second lateral side 234. The second member 379 is coupled (e.g., pivotally coupled) to the header frame 216 at a first end of the second member 379 and coupled (e.g., pivotally coupled) to the second linkage 380 at a second end 382 of the second member 379. The second linkage 380 includes a first end 384 coupled (e.g., pivotally coupled) to the second end of the second member and a second end 386 coupled (e.g., rigidly coupled, non-rotatably coupled) to the cross-bar 340. The cross-bar 340 extends through the second arm 360.

In certain embodiments, the first member and/or the second member may be adjustable. For example, the first member and/or the second member may be a hydraulically adjustable member or an electrically adjustable member. The adjustable members may facilitate changing an orientation of the header about the lateral axis, thereby facilitating changes and/or adjustment to the height of the cutter bar assembly relative to a terrain surface.

As described in greater detail below in reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B, rotation of the cross-bar 340 drives rotation of the first linkage 322 and the second linkage 380. For example, movement of the first lateral side of the header drives movement of the first member 320, which drives rotation of the first linkage 322. The rotation of the first linkage 322 drives rotation of the cross-bar 340, which drives rotation of the second linkage 380. In the illustrated embodiment, rotation of the first linkage 322 causes the cross-bar 340 to rotate, thereby rotating the second linkage 380 in a rotational direction. Rotation of the second linkage 380 drives movement of the second member 379 at the second lateral side 234, thereby driving movement of the second lateral side of the header in an opposite direction relative to the first lateral side of the header. Movement of the second lateral side of the header in the opposite direction relative to the first lateral side of the header drives movement of the second arm 360 in a rotational direction opposite the rotational direction of the first arm 300, and the second springs 370 are configured to flex (e.g., extend, contract) in response to the movement of the second lateral side of the header. As illustrated and described in reference to FIG. 5, the ball and slider configuration of the first joint 302 and the second joint facilitates relative movement of the first and second lateral sides of the header as the first linkage 322, the cross-bar 340, and the second linkage 380 rotate, such as by enabling balls mounted to the header frame 216 to slide (e.g., laterally) within the first arm 300 and the second arm 360 at the first joint 302 and the second joint, respectively.

In certain embodiments, the downward movement of the second lateral side of the header may be relative to the first lateral side of the header. For example, both the first lateral side of the header and the second lateral side of the header may move upwardly relative to a ground surface. The first lateral side of the header may move upwardly more than the second lateral side of the header, such that the second lateral side moves downwardly relative to the first lateral side.

As described herein, the intermediate frame assembly 120 may include the auger assembly that facilitates transfer of cut agricultural crops from the header to the inlet of the agricultural crop processing system. For example, brackets (e.g., auger brackets) of the auger assembly that rotatably support the auger may be moveably coupled to the intermediate frame 230 of the intermediate frame assembly 120. Additionally, the auger floor of the auger assembly may be moveably coupled to the intermediate frame 230. The intermediate frame 230 includes a lower member 390 (e.g., lower frame member), an upper member 392 (e.g., upper frame member), and side members 394 (e.g., side frame members, first side member, second side member) rigidly coupled to the lower member 390 and the upper member 392, such as via fastener(s), weld(s), or a combination thereof. Each side member 394 includes a slot 396 (e.g., an opening, a pivotal coupling) that may receive a respective bracket of the auger assembly. For example, each bracket of the auger assembly may include a pin (e.g., rod, bar) that extends into or through a respective slot 396. As the header pivots with respect to (e.g., about) the longitudinal axis 10 and drives pivoting of one or both brackets of the auger assembly with respect to (e.g., about) the longitudinal axis 10, the brackets may move along the slots 396. Accordingly, the slots 396 may guide movement of the brackets and the auger and/or limit a range of movement of the brackets and the auger, with respect to the vertical axis 14.

In certain embodiments, the brackets of the auger assembly may be coupled to the side members of the intermediate frame via spherical joints and/or ball joints that enable the auger of the auger assembly to pivot about axis extending parallel to the lateral axis and through the spherical joints and/or the ball joints. For example, each side member may be coupled to a respective bracket of the auger assembly via a respective spherical joint and/or ball joint that enables the auger to pivot (e.g., rotate) about the axis extending through each joint in response to pivoting of the header with respect to the longitudinal axis.

The auger floor of the auger assembly may be moveably coupled to the lower member 390 of the intermediate frame 230. For example, the auger floor may be coupled to the lower member 390 via hinge joints that enable the auger floor to pivot relative to the lower member 390 and with respect to (e.g., about) the lateral axis 12. In certain embodiments, the intermediate frame assembly 120 may include slider joints (e.g., vertical sliders, slots) that enable each hinge joint to move generally vertically relative to the lower member 390, thereby enabling the auger floor to pivot with respect to the longitudinal axis 10. For example, the auger floor may overlap (e.g., overhang) the infeed deck of the header with respect to the longitudinal axis 10, such that pivoting of the infeed deck may drive pivoting of the auger floor with respect to the lateral axis 12 (e.g., via one or both hinge joints) and pivoting of the auger floor with respect to the longitudinal axis 10 (e.g., via one or both hinge joints moving along the slider joint(s)). Accordingly, the auger, the brackets rotatably coupled to the auger, and the auger floor may pivot with respect to the longitudinal axis 10 in response to pivoting of the header with respect to the longitudinal axis 10, thereby facilitating transfer of cut agricultural crops from the header to the auger assembly.

FIG. 4A is a schematic view of the first lateral side 232 of the intermediate frame assembly 120. FIG. 4B is a schematic view of the second lateral side 234 of the intermediate frame assembly 120. FIGS. 4A and 4B depict potential movement of the header 200, the first lateral side 232, and the second lateral side 234 relative to one another. To facilitate description, FIGS. 4A and 4B are described in reference to the first lateral side 207 of the header 200 rising upwardly, as indicated by the arrow 240, which may be caused by the first lateral side 207 encountering an obstacle (e.g., a rock, a dirt mound, etc.) and/or traversing uneven terrain (e.g., a hill, etc.) that pushes the first lateral side 207 upwardly. While the arrow 240 is shown to be adjacent to the cutter bar assembly 202 along the longitudinal axis 10, in other embodiments, other portion(s) of the header may encounter an obstacle that moves the portion(s) of the header vertically, such as wheels coupled to the frame. In a substantially rigid configuration of the cutter bar assembly 202, upward movement of the cutter bar assembly 202, as indicated by the arrow 240, may cause an arm rigidly coupled to the cutter bar assembly 202 and rigidly (e.g., substantially rigidly) coupled to the header frame 216 to drive the header frame 216 upwardly, as indicated by arrow 400. In a flexible configuration of the cutter bar assembly 202, upward movement of a wheel or another portion of the header that is rigidly coupled to the header frame 216 along the vertical axis 14 may also drive the header frame 216 upwardly, as indicated by arrow 400. In addition, in the flexible configuration of the cutter bar assembly 202, the upward movement of the cutter bar assembly 202, as indicated by the arrow 240, may cause the upward movement of the header frame 216 indicated by arrow 400. For example, a header arm of the header that is coupled to the cutter bar assembly 202 may rotate upwardly to enable the flexible configuration and may contact a stop that blocks further rotation of the header arm (e.g., a stop of the header). Blocking the further rotation of the header arm may drive the upward movement of the header frame 216 indicated by arrow 400.

The upward movement of the header frame 216 causes upward movement of the first joint 302. In the illustrated embodiment, a ball 402 is coupled to the header frame 216 (e.g., a ball rigidly mounted/coupled to the central portion of the header frame 216), and the ball 402 is disposed within a sleeve 404 of the first arm 300 to form the first joint 302. The ball 402 is configured to remain in the sleeve 404 and to slide and/or rotate in the sleeve 404. In certain embodiments and as described in greater detail below, the ball may be coupled (e.g., rigidly coupled) to the sleeve and slide along a pin coupled (e.g., rigidly coupled) to the header frame.

As illustrated, the first arm 300 includes a first longitudinal portion 410 (e.g., a first arm portion) and a second longitudinal portion 412 (e.g., a second arm portion). The first longitudinal portion 410 includes the sleeve 404. The second longitudinal portion 412 is rigidly coupled to the first longitudinal portion 410 and is pivotally coupled to the first end 312 of the first springs 310. The upward movement of the first joint 302 drives the first longitudinal portion 410, along with the first arm 300 generally, to rotate about the lateral axis 304, as indicated by arrow 414. As such, the second longitudinal portion 412 also rotates, as indicated by arrow 416. Rotation of the second longitudinal portion 412 causes the first springs 310 to flex (e.g., contract), as indicated by arrows 418. Accordingly, the first springs 310 may absorb energy associated with the movement of the first lateral side 207 of the header relative to the intermediate frame 230 and may facilitate the cutter bar assembly 202 following contours of the field.

Additionally, the upward movement of the header frame 216 drives the first member 320 to move generally upwardly (e.g., along the vertical axis 14), as indicated by arrow 420. The movement of the first member 320 drives the first linkage 322 to rotate, as indicated by arrow 422. As described above, the first linkage 322 is rigidly coupled to the cross-bar 340, such that rotation of the first linkage 322 drives rotation of the cross-bar 340, as indicated by arrow 424.

Turning to the second lateral side 209 of the header 200 and the second lateral side 234 of the intermediate frame assembly 120, rotation of the cross-bar 340 about the lateral axis 304 drives rotation of the second linkage 380, as indicated by arrow 430. Additionally, rotation of the second linkage 380 drives the second member 379 generally downwardly (e.g., along the vertical axis 14), as indicated by arrow 432. For example, the second linkage 380 may move the second end 382 of the second member 379. A first end 434 of the second member 379 is coupled (e.g., pivotally coupled) to the header frame 216 of the header 200. Accordingly, the second member 379 drives the header frame 216 generally downwardly, as indicated by arrow 440, in response to rotation of the second linkage 380.

In certain embodiments, the second lateral side 209 of the header 200 may move upwardly with the first lateral side 207 of the header 200. For example, the second lateral side 209 may move upwardly to a lesser degree relative to the first lateral side 207. More specifically, the cross-bar 340 may drive rotation of the second linkage 380 and downward movement of the second member 379, but the second lateral side 209 of the header 200 may move upwardly relative to a terrain surface. Both the first lateral side 207 and the second lateral side 209 of the header 200 may remain in contact with the terrain surface (e.g., wheels of the header 200 are in contact with the terrain surface, the cutter bar assembly 202 of the header 200 is in contact with the terrain surface, etc.) during the upward movement the first lateral side 207 of the header 200 and the upward movement or downward movement of the second lateral side 209 of the header 200. As such, the header 200 may tilt (e.g., rotate about the longitudinal axis 10) while the second lateral side 209 of the header 200 moves downwardly or upwardly relative to the terrain surface and while the header 200 traverses the terrain surface. Accordingly, the intermediate frame assembly 120 may isolate tilting (e.g., rotation) of the header relative to the agricultural harvester and the implement interface described in reference to FIG. 1.

The second arm 360 of the intermediate frame assembly 120 is rotatably and slidably coupled to the header frame 216 at a second joint 450 (e.g., a ball and slider joint). In the illustrated embodiment, a ball 452 is coupled to the header frame 216 (e.g., a ball rigidly mounted/coupled to the central portion of the header frame 216), and the ball 452 is disposed within a sleeve 454 of the second arm 360 to form the second joint 450. The ball 452 is configured to remain in the sleeve 454 and to slide and/or rotate in the sleeve 454. Additionally, as described above, the first joint 302 is formed by (e.g., includes) the ball 402, which is coupled to the header frame 216, and the sleeve 404 of the first arm 300. As the first lateral side 207 of the header 200 rises upwardly, as indicated by arrow 240, the header frame 216 of the header 200 also moves upwardly at the first lateral side 207. Additionally, the second lateral side 209 of the header 200 is driven downwardly via rotation of the first linkage 322, the cross-bar 340, and the second linkage 380. As the header frame 216 moves vertically (e.g., upwardly and/or downwardly) at the first lateral side 207 and/or at the second lateral side 209, the balls 402 and 452 may rotate within the sleeves 404 and 454, respectively, to accommodate the movement of the header frame 216.

In certain embodiments, the ball 402 may be coupled (e.g., rigidly coupled) to the sleeve 404 and slide along a pin coupled (e.g., rigidly coupled) to the header frame 216. Additionally, the ball 452 may be coupled (e.g., rigidly coupled) to the sleeve 454 and slide along a pin coupled (e.g., rigidly coupled) to the header frame 216. As the first lateral side 207 and/or the second lateral side 209 of the header 200 moves upwardly and/or downwardly, the ball 402 and/or the ball 452 may slide along the respective pins coupled to the header frame 216, thereby accommodating movement of the header frame 216 relative to the intermediate frame 230.

As illustrated, the second arm 360 includes a first longitudinal portion 480 and a second longitudinal portion 482. The first longitudinal portion 480 includes the sleeve 454. The second longitudinal portion 482 is rigidly coupled to the first longitudinal portion 480 and is pivotally coupled to a first end 484 of the second springs 370. The downward movement of the second joint 450 may drive the first longitudinal portion 480, along with the second arm 360 generally, to rotate about the lateral axis 304, as indicated by arrow 486. As such, the second longitudinal portion 482 may also rotate, as indicated by arrow 488. Rotation of the second longitudinal portion 482 causes the second springs 370 to flex (e.g., extend), as indicated by arrows 490. Accordingly, the second springs 370 may absorb energy associated with the movement of the second lateral side 209 of the header relative to the intermediate frame 230 and may facilitate the cutter bar assembly 202 following contours of the field.

As illustrated, the first linkage 322 and the second linkage 380 extend in generally opposite directions (e.g., longitudinal directions, along the longitudinal axis 10) from the respective member. This configuration of the first linkage 322 and the second linkage 380, along with the coupling of the first linkage 322 and the second linkage 380 to the cross-bar 340, enables the relative vertical movement of the first lateral side 207 and the second lateral side 209 of the header 200. For example, as described above, rotation of the first linkage 322, as indicated by the arrow 422, drives rotation of the second linkage 380 in the rotational direction indicated by the arrow 430. Accordingly, the first linkage 322 and the second linkage 380 are configured to rotate in the same rotational direction.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the first joint 302 between the intermediate frame assembly 120 and the header frame 216 of the header 200. As illustrated, the first joint 302 is formed by (e.g., includes) the ball 402 and the sleeve 404 of the first arm 300. The ball 402 is configured to remain in the sleeve 404 and to slide and rotate in the sleeve 404. The header frame 216 includes a bottom member 500, and brackets 502 are coupled (e.g., rigidly coupled) to and extending from the bottom member 500. Additionally, a bar 504 (e.g., a pin) is coupled (e.g., rigidly coupled) to the brackets 502 and to the ball 402. Accordingly, the ball 402 is rigidly coupled to the bottom member 500 of the header frame 216. As described above, in certain embodiments, the ball 402 may be rigidly coupled to the sleeve 404, and the ball 402 may slide along the bar 504.

The first longitudinal portion 410 of the first arm 300 includes the sleeve 404. The sleeve 404 is configured to retain the ball 402, such that the ball 402 and the sleeve 404 may rotate and slide relative to one another. For example, the ball 402 and the sleeve 404 may rotate about the lateral axis 12 relative to one another. Additionally, the ball 402 and the sleeve 404 may slide along the lateral axis 12 relative to one another.

The second joint between the intermediate frame assembly and the header frame of the header may include a ball and slider joint similar to the illustrated first joint 302. For example, at the second joint, the ball, which is coupled to the frame, and the sleeve of the second arm of the intermediate frame assembly may be configured to rotate and slide relative to one another. Accordingly, the first and second joints enable relative movement of the first and second lateral sides of the header as the first linkage, the cross-bar, the second linkage, or a combination thereof, of the intermediate frame assembly rotate.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the first arm 300 of the intermediate frame assembly. The first arm 300 includes the first longitudinal portion 410, the second longitudinal portion 412, and a lateral portion 600 (e.g., a third arm portion). As described above, the first longitudinal portion 410 is configured to couple (e.g., rotatably and slidably couple) to the frame (e.g., via the ball coupled to the frame) of the header at the first lateral side of the header. Additionally, the second longitudinal portion 412 is configured to couple (e.g., pivotally couple) to the first springs of the intermediate frame assembly.

The lateral portion 600 is rigidly coupled to the first longitudinal portion 410 and to the second longitudinal portion 412. Additionally, the lateral portion 600 is generally hollow, such that the cross-bar of the intermediate frame assembly may extend within and/or through the lateral portion 600 and rotate freely within the lateral portion 600. For example, the lateral portion 600 may include a tube or other suitable cylindrical structure that enables the cross-bar to rotate freely. In certain embodiments, bearing(s) may be disposed between the lateral portion and the cross-bar to facilitate rotation of the cross-bar within the lateral portion. The lateral portion 600 may extend generally along the lateral axis 304 and/or along a lateral extent of the intermediate frame of the intermediate frame assembly.

As illustrated, the second longitudinal portion 412 includes a first pair of extensions 610 coupled (e.g., rigidly coupled) to the lateral portion 600 at a first end 612 of the first pair of extensions 610. The second longitudinal portion 412 also includes a second pair of extensions 614 coupled (e.g., rigidly coupled) to the lateral portion 600 at a first end 616 of the second pair of extensions 614. Each of the first pair of extensions 610 and the second pair of extensions 614 is configured to couple (e.g., pivotally couple) to a respective spring of the first springs of the intermediate frame assembly. For example, a second end 618 of the first pair of extensions 610 may couple to the first end of a respective spring of the first springs. The first end of the respective spring may extend between the first pair of extensions 610 at the second end 618 of the first pair of extensions 610. At the second end 618, the first pair of extensions 610 includes holes 620 to enable the end of the respective spring to be coupled (e.g., pivotally coupled) to the first pair of extensions 610 (e.g., a fastener may extend through the first end of the respective spring and the holes 620). Likewise, a second end 622 of the second pair of extensions 614 may couple to the first end of an additional respective spring of the first springs. The first end of the additional respective spring may extend between the second pair of extensions 614 at the second end 622. At the second end 622, the second pair of extensions 614 includes holes 624 to enable the first end of the additional respective spring to be coupled (e.g., pivotally coupled) to the second pair of extensions 614 (e.g., a fastener may extend through the end of the additional respective spring and the holes 624). The first longitudinal portion 410 of the first arm 300 includes brackets 630 coupled (e.g., rigidly coupled) to the lateral portion 600. The brackets 630 are also coupled (e.g., rigidly coupled) to the sleeve 404.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first arm 300 is configured to couple to two springs of the first springs of the intermediate frame assembly. As described above, the intermediate frame assembly may include more or fewer first springs (e.g., one spring, three springs, four springs, six springs, ten springs). As such, the first arm may include more or fewer pairs of extensions configured to couple to the first springs (e.g., one pair of extensions, three pairs of extensions, four pairs of extensions, six pairs of extensions, ten pairs of extensions). In certain embodiments, the pairs of extensions of the first arm may be greater than the number of first springs of the intermediate frame assembly, such that one or more pairs of extensions are not coupled to respective spring(s) of the first springs (e.g., one or more pairs of extensions may not be in use). In certain embodiments, the first arm may include one extension (e.g., instead of a pair of extensions) configured to couple to a spring of the first springs. In certain embodiments, the first arm may include multiple extensions with each extension configured to couple to a respective spring of the first springs.

In certain embodiments, the first longitudinal portion, the second longitudinal portion, and the lateral portion of the second arm may be similar to the first longitudinal portion 410, the second longitudinal portion 412, and the lateral portion 600, respectively, of the first arm 300. For example, the first longitudinal portion of the second arm may include brackets rigidly coupled to the lateral portion and the sleeve of the second arm. Additionally, the second longitudinal portion of the second arm may include pairs of extensions configured to pivotally coupled to the second springs of the intermediate frame assembly. Further, any of the variations of the first arm 300 described herein may apply to the second arm.

FIG. 7 is a side schematic view of an embodiment of the auger assembly 250 of the intermediate frame assembly 120 and a portion of the header 200. For illustrative purposes, portions of the intermediate frame assembly 120 and portions of the header 200 are omitted in FIG. 7. As described above, the auger assembly 250 includes the auger 260, the auger floor 262 moveably coupled to the intermediate frame 230 of the intermediate frame assembly 120, and brackets 700 (e.g., auger brackets, bracket assemblies, a first bracket and a second bracket) rotatably coupled to the auger 260 and moveably coupled to the intermediate frame 230. The auger assembly 250 receives cut agricultural crops from the infeed belt 214 of the infeed deck 210 and conveys the cut crops rearwardly toward the agricultural crop processing system and the intermediate frame 230. For example, the auger 260 receives the cut crops and rotates with respect to the lateral axis 12 to drive the cut crops rearwardly. The cut crops pass from the infeed belt 214, between the auger 260 and the auger floor 262 disposed below the auger 260 with respect to the vertical axis 14, and toward the agricultural crop processing system.

As described above, pivoting of the header 200 drives movement of the auger 260 and the auger floor 262. The header frame 216 of the header 200 includes a frame member 702 (e.g., lower frame member, header frame member) and bracket assemblies 710 coupled to and extending from the frame member 702 with respect to the vertical axis 14. Each bracket assembly 710 includes a bracket 712 coupled (e.g., rigidly coupled) to the frame member 702, a lower stop 714 (e.g., a first stop) coupled to the bracket 712, and an upper stop 716 (e.g., a second stop) coupled to the bracket 712. Each bracket 700 of the auger assembly 250 includes a first end 720 disposed between the lower stop 714 and the upper stop 716 of a respective bracket assembly 710, and a second end 722 moveably coupled to the intermediate frame 230 at the slot 396 formed in a respective side member 394 of the intermediate frame 230. The first end 720 of each bracket 700 is rotatably coupled to the auger 260 (e.g., the auger 260 rotates relative to the brackets 700 with respect to the lateral axis 12).

As the header 200 pivots with respect to (e.g., about) the longitudinal axis 10, the header frame 216 pivots and drives movement of one or both bracket assemblies 710 and pivoting of the infeed deck 210. For example, as described in reference to FIGS. 2-4B, as a lateral side of the header 200 encounters an obstacle and moves upwardly, as indicated by arrow 240, the header frame 216 may be driven upwardly at the lateral side, and the infeed deck 210 may be driven to pivot with respect to the longitudinal axis 10. The lower stop 714 of the bracket assembly 710 at the lateral side drives upward movement of the bracket 700 at the lateral side, as indicated by arrow 730. As the bracket 700 is driven upwardly, the auger 260 pivots with respect to (e.g., about) the longitudinal axis 10. Accordingly, the auger 260 pivots as the infeed deck 210 pivots, thereby facilitating transfer of cut agricultural crops from the infeed belt 214 of the infeed deck 210 to the auger 260.

As the bracket 700 moves upwardly, the second end 722 of the bracket 700 moves within the slot 396 of the intermediate frame 230, as indicated by arrow 732. For example, the bracket 700 includes a pin 734 (e.g., rod, bar) that extends into or through the slot 396 and that moves within the slot 396 as the bracket 700 is driven to move with respect to the vertical axis 14. In certain embodiments, the slot 396 may limit a range of motion of the bracket 700 with respect to the vertical axis 14. While movement of the bracket 700 is described with respect to the vertical axis 14, such as movement of the pin 734 vertically within the slot 396, in certain embodiments, movement of the bracket 700 (e.g., due to the orientation of the slot 396) may be generally vertically (e.g., within one degree of the vertical axis 14, within two degrees of the vertical axis 14, within three degrees of the vertical axis 14, within five degrees of the vertical axis 14, within ten degrees of the vertical axis 14, within thirty degrees of the vertical axis 14).

The upper stop 716 blocks (e.g., limits) movement (e.g., upward movement) of the bracket 700 with respect to the vertical axis 14. For example, the first end 720 of the bracket 700 may contact the upper stop 716 as the bracket 700 is driven upwardly, such that the upper stop 716 limits upward movement of the bracket 700 and the auger 260 rotatably coupled to the bracket 700 at the lateral side. The lower stop 714 blocks (e.g., limits) movement (e.g., downward movement) of the bracket 700 with respect to the vertical axis 14. For example, the auger 260 rests on the lower stop 714 due to a force of gravity. The lower stop 714 and/or the upper stop 716 may include materials that facilitate absorbing energy associated with contacting the bracket 700, such as rubber and/or synthetic materials. In certain embodiments, the lower stop and/or the upper stop may be integrally formed with the bracket of at least one bracket assembly, which may include material(s) such as steel, iron, and/or other suitable material(s).

In certain embodiments, the bracket 700 may be moveably coupled to the side member 394 of the intermediate frame 230 via other suitable coupling(s) that enable the bracket 700 to move with respect to the intermediate frame 230, such as a pivot joint (e.g., a spherical joint, a ball joint). For example, the pivot joint may enable the bracket 700 to pivot with respect to (e.g., about) an axis extending through the pivot joint and parallel to the lateral axis 12 in response to movement (e.g., vertical movement) by the lower stop 714 and/or the upper stop 716 of the bracket assembly 710. Accordingly, the auger 260 rotatably coupled to the bracket 700 may pivot with respect to the axis extending through the pivot joint. In embodiments with the pivot joint coupling the bracket 700 and the side member 394, the slot 396 may be omitted from the side member 394.

As the header 200 pivots with respect to (e.g., about) the longitudinal axis 10, the infeed deck 210 pivots with respect to (e.g., about) the longitudinal axis 10. For example, the infeed deck 210 may be coupled to the header frame 216 and driven to pivot with respect to the longitudinal axis 10 as the header frame 216 pivots with respect to the longitudinal axis 10. The infeed deck 210 includes an infeed frame 740 and rollers 742 rotatably coupled to the infeed frame 740. The infeed belt 214 is disposed around the rollers 742, and at least one of the rollers 742 drives rotation of the infeed belt 214 to convey cut agricultural crops toward the auger 260. A first end 744 of the auger floor 262 overlaps (e.g., overhangs) and contacts the infeed frame 740 with respect to the longitudinal axis 10, such that pivoting of the infeed deck 210 with respect to the longitudinal axis 10 drives pivoting of the auger floor 262 with respect to the longitudinal axis 10, as indicated by arrows 745. A second end 746 of the auger floor 262 is coupled to the lower member 390 of the intermediate frame 230 at hinge joints 750 of the auger assembly 250, thereby enabling the auger floor 262 to pivot with respect to the lateral axis 12 as the infeed deck 210 pivots with respect to the longitudinal axis 10. Additionally, each respective hinge joint 750 is disposed along a respective slider joint 752 that enables the respective hinge joint 750 to move generally vertically (e.g., within one degree of the vertical axis 14, within two degrees of the vertical axis 14, within three degrees of the vertical axis 14, within five degrees of the vertical axis 14, within seven degrees of the vertical axis 14, within ten degrees of the vertical axis 14, within fifteen degrees of the vertical axis 14, within twenty degrees of the vertical axis 14, within thirty degrees of the vertical axis 14, within forty-five degrees of the vertical axis 14) relative to the intermediate frame 230, as indicated by arrow 754, as the infeed deck 210 pivots with respect to the longitudinal axis 10, thereby enabling the auger floor 262 to pivot with respect to the longitudinal axis 10. In certain embodiments, the auger floor may overlap and/or be coupled to other portion(s) of the infeed deck to drive pivoting of the auger floor with respect to the longitudinal axis and/or the lateral axis. The auger 260 and the auger floor 262 pivot as the infeed deck 210 of the header 200 pivots, thereby facilitating transfer of cut agricultural crops from the infeed belt 214 of the infeed deck 210, between the auger 260 and the auger floor 262, and toward the agricultural crop processing system. In certain embodiments, the hinge joints and/or the slider joints may be included in the intermediate frame assembly (e.g., the intermediate frame of the intermediate frame assembly), and/or portion(s) of the hinge joints and/or the slider joints may be included in the infeed deck and other portion(s) of the hinge joints and/or the slider joints may be included in the intermediate frame assembly.

FIG. 8 is a front schematic view of the auger assembly 250 of the intermediate frame assembly 120 and a portion of the header 200. For illustrative purposes, portions of the intermediate frame assembly 120 and portions of the header 200 are omitted in FIG. 8. As described above, the first lateral side 207 of the header 200 may encounter an obstacle, as indicated by the arrow 240, that drives the first lateral side 207 of the header 200 upwardly relative to the second lateral side 209. As the first lateral side 207 moves upwardly, the frame member 702 of the header frame 216 pivots with respect to the longitudinal axis 10, thereby driving a bracket assembly 710A (e.g., a first bracket assembly) of the header frame 216 to move upwardly with respect to the vertical axis 14. The upward movement of the bracket assembly 710A drives upward movement of a bracket 700A (e.g., a first bracket, a first auger bracket) of the auger assembly 250 disposed at the first lateral side 232 of the intermediate frame assembly 120. For example, the bracket assembly 710A includes a bracket 712A coupled to the frame member 702, a lower stop 714A coupled to the bracket 712A, and an upper stop 716A coupled to the bracket 712A. A first end 720A of the bracket 700A is disposed between the lower stop 714A and the upper stop 716A and rests on the lower stop 714A, and upward movement of the lower stop 714A drives the bracket 700A upwardly, as indicated by the arrow 730. The upper stop 716A blocks upward movement of the bracket 700A. As the bracket 700A moves upwardly, a pin 734A disposed at a second end 722A of the bracket 700A moves upwardly within a slot 396A of a side member 394A (e.g., a first side member) of the intermediate frame 230 disposed at the first lateral side 232 of the intermediate frame assembly 120.

Additionally, as the frame member 702 pivots with respect to the longitudinal axis 10, the frame member 702 drives a bracket assembly 710B (e.g., a second bracket assembly) of the header frame 216 to move with respect to the vertical axis 14. For example, the second bracket assembly 710B may move upwardly or downwardly with respect to the vertical axis 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the bracket assembly 710B is driven upwardly, and the upward movement of the bracket assembly 710B is less than the bracket assembly 710A. The upward movement of the bracket assembly 710B drives upward movement of a bracket 700B (e.g., a second bracket, a second auger bracket) of the auger assembly 250 disposed at the second lateral side 234 of the intermediate frame assembly 120. For example, the bracket assembly 710B includes a bracket 712B coupled to the frame member 702, a lower stop 714B coupled to the bracket 712B, and an upper stop 716B coupled to the bracket 712B. A first end 720B of the bracket 700B is disposed between the lower stop 714B and the upper stop 716B and rests on the lower stop 714B, and upward movement of the lower stop 714B drives the bracket 700B upwardly. The upper stop 716B blocks upward movement of the bracket 700B. As the bracket 700B moves upwardly, a pin 734B disposed at a second end 722B of the bracket 700B moves upwardly within a slot 396B of a side member 394B (e.g., a second side member) of the intermediate frame 230 disposed at the second lateral side 234 of the intermediate frame assembly 120.

As described above, the infeed deck 210 is driven to pivot with respect to the longitudinal axis 10, as indicated by arrow 800, as the header frame 216 pivots with respect to the longitudinal axis 10. Additionally, as the bracket 700A is driven upwardly more than the bracket 700B, the auger 260 pivots with respect to the longitudinal axis 10, as indicated by arrow 802. Accordingly, the auger 260 is driven to pivot with respect to the longitudinal axis 10 as the header frame 216 and the infeed deck 210 coupled to the header frame 216 pivot with respect to the longitudinal axis 10, thereby facilitating alignment (e.g., substantial alignment) of the infeed deck 210 and the auger 260 and transfer of the cut crops from the infeed deck 210 to the auger 260. The auger 260 is rotatably coupled to the bracket 700A and the bracket 700B at a bracket joint 804A (e.g., a first bracket joint) and a bracket joint 804B (e.g., a second bracket joint), respectively. In certain embodiments, the auger 260 may be rotatably coupled to the bracket 700A at the bracket joint 804A and/or the bracket 700B at the bracket joint 804B via coupling(s) that enable the auger 260 to move relative to the bracket 700A and/or the bracket 700B with respect to the longitudinal axis 10, the lateral axis 12, and/or the vertical axis 14, such as via spherical joint(s) and/or a ball joint(s).

In certain embodiments, the bracket 700A and the bracket 700B may be moveably coupled to the side member 394A and the side member 394B, respectively, via other suitable coupling(s) that enable the brackets 700A and 700B to move with respect to the intermediate frame 230, such as pivot joints (e.g., spherical joints, ball joints). For example, the pivot joints may enable the brackets 700A and 700B to pivot with respect to (e.g., about) an axis extending through the pivot joints and parallel to the lateral axis 12 in response to movement (e.g., vertical movement) by the lower stop 714A, the lower stop 714B, the upper stop 716A, and/or the upper stop 716B. Accordingly, the auger 260 rotatably coupled to the brackets 700A and 700B may pivot with respect to the axis extending through the pivot joints. In embodiments with the pivot joints coupling the brackets 700A and 700B and the side members 394A and 394B, respectively, the slots 396A and 396B may be omitted from the side members 394A and 394B.

As described above, the auger floor 262 overlaps the infeed deck 210 with respect to the longitudinal axis 10. For example, the first end 744 of the auger floor 262 overlaps (e.g., overhangs) the infeed frame 740 of the infeed deck 210 with respect to the longitudinal axis 10 and contacts the infeed frame 740, such that pivoting of the infeed deck 210 with respect to the longitudinal axis 10 and contact between the infeed frame 740 and the auger floor 262 drives pivoting of the auger floor 262 with respect to the longitudinal axis 10, as indicated by the arrow 745. A second end 746 of the auger floor 262 is coupled to the lower member 390 of the intermediate frame 230 at a hinge joint 750A (e.g., a first hinge joint) of the auger assembly 250, which is disposed at the first lateral side 232 of the intermediate frame assembly 120, and at a hinge joint 750B (e.g., a second hinge joint) of the auger assembly 250, which is disposed at the second lateral side 234 of the intermediate frame assembly 120. The hinge joint 750A and the hinge joint 750B enable the auger floor 262 to pivot with respect to the lateral axis 12 as the infeed deck 210 pivots with respect to the longitudinal axis 10.

Additionally, the hinge joint 750A coupled to a slider joint 752A (e.g., a first slider joint) of the auger assembly 250 at the first lateral side 232 of the intermediate frame assembly 120, and the hinge joint 750B is coupled to a slider joint 752B (e.g., a second slider joint) of the auger assembly 250 at the second lateral side 234 of the intermediate frame assembly 120. The slider joint 752A and the slider joint 752B enable the hinge joint 750A and the hinge joint 750B, respectively, to move generally vertically relative to the intermediate frame 230, as indicated by the arrow 754 at the slider joint 752A, as the infeed deck 210 pivots with respect to the longitudinal axis 10, thereby enabling the auger floor 262 to pivot with respect to the longitudinal axis 10. In certain embodiments, the slider joints may be extend along and/or be coupled to mounts extending (e.g., extending vertically) from the intermediate frame. As such, the auger floor 262 pivots with respect to the longitudinal axis 10 and the lateral axis 12 as the infeed deck 210 pivots with respect to the longitudinal axis 10. Accordingly, the auger 260 and the auger floor 262 pivot as the infeed deck 210 of the header 200 pivots, thereby facilitating transfer of cut agricultural crops from the infeed belt of the infeed deck 210, between the auger 260 and the auger floor 262, and toward the agricultural crop processing system.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a portion of the auger assembly 250 of the intermediate frame assembly 120 and a portion of the header 200. For illustrative purposes, portions of the intermediate frame assembly 120, portions of the auger assembly 250 of the intermediate frame assembly 120, and portions of the header 200 are omitted in FIG. 9. As described above, the auger assembly 250 includes the auger 260, the auger floor 262 moveably coupled to the intermediate frame 230 of the intermediate frame assembly 120, and the bracket 700A rotatably coupled to the auger 260 and moveably coupled to the side member 394A of the intermediate frame 230. Additionally, the header frame 216 includes the frame member 702 and the bracket assembly 710A coupled to and extending from the frame member 702. The bracket assembly 710A includes the bracket 712A extending from and coupled to the frame member 702, the lower stop 714A coupled to the bracket 712A, and the upper stop 716A coupled to the bracket 712A. The bracket 700A includes the first end 720A disposed between the lower stop 714A and the upper stop 716A and that rests on the lower stop 714A due to the weight of the auger 260. The second end 722A of the bracket 700A is moveably coupled to the side member 394A of the intermediate frame 230. For example, the second end 722A includes the pin 734A disposed within the slot 396A of the side member 394A.

The infeed deck 210 is pivotally coupled to the header frame 216 (e.g., the frame member 702 of the header frame 216). For example, the infeed deck 210 includes a linkage 900 (e.g., link) rotatably coupled to the roller 742 of the infeed deck 210 and pivotally coupled to a bracket 902 of the header frame 216. The linkage 900 pivots with respect to the lateral axis 12 and the frame member 702 to enable the infeed deck 210 to pivot with respect to the lateral axis 12 and the frame member 702. At the opposite side of the infeed deck, the infeed deck may include an additional linkage rotatably coupled to the roller of the infeed deck and pivotally coupled to an additional bracket of the header frame. As the header frame 216 pivots with respect to the longitudinal axis 10, the infeed deck 210 is driven to pivot with respect to the longitudinal axis 10 via the coupling between the linkage 900 and the bracket 902 (e.g., pivoting of the header frame 216 drives pivoting of the infeed deck 210).

Additionally, as described above, pivoting of the header frame 216 drives movement (e.g., vertical movement) of the bracket 700A, pivoting of the auger 260 with respect to the longitudinal axis 10, and pivoting of the auger floor 262 with respect to the longitudinal axis 10 and/or the lateral axis 12. For example, the lower stop 714A of the bracket assembly 710A drives upward movement of the first end 720A of the bracket 700A, as indicated by the arrow 730, as the header frame 216 pivots with respect to the longitudinal axis 10. As the first end 720A of the bracket 700A is driven upwardly, the auger 260 pivots with respect to the longitudinal axis 10. Additionally, the pin 734A of the second end 722A of the bracket 700A is driven upwardly within the slot 396A of the side member 394A. Accordingly, the auger 260 pivots as the infeed deck 210 and the header frame 216 pivot, thereby facilitating transfer of cut agricultural crops from the infeed belt of the infeed deck 210 to the auger 260.

A spacing between the lower stop 714A and the upper stop 716A may depend on (e.g., be determined based on) a size of the auger 260, a side of the header 200, a type and/or model of the auger 260, a type and/or model of the header 200, and/or other suitable factors. In certain embodiments, the spacing may be adjustable and may be set by an operator, such as via crank or other suitable adjustment mechanism that enables the operator to increase or decrease the spacing between the lower stop 714A and the upper stop 716A. Likewise, the spacing the lower stop and the upper stop of the bracket assembly at the opposite later side of the header frame may depend on the same or similar factors and/or may be adjustable by the operator. In certain embodiments, the bracket rotatably coupled to the auger may be fixed to the lower stop of the bracket assembly of the header frame. In certain embodiments, the upper stop may be a fixed distance from an upper (e.g., top) beam of the header frame, and/or a spacing between the upper stop and the upper beam of the header frame may be adjustable by the operator.

The first end 744 of the auger floor 262 overlaps (e.g., overhangs) the infeed frame 740 with respect to the longitudinal axis 10, such that pivoting of the infeed deck 210 with respect to the longitudinal axis 10 and contact between the infeed frame 740 and the auger floor 262 drives pivoting of the auger floor 262 with respect to the longitudinal axis 10. The second end 746 of the auger floor 262 is coupled to the lower member of the intermediate frame 230 at the hinge joints of the auger assembly 250 to enable the auger floor 262 to pivot with respect to the lateral axis 12 as the infeed deck 210 pivots with respect to the longitudinal axis 10. Additionally, each respective hinge joint is coupled to a respective slider joint that enables the respective hinge joint to move generally vertically relative to the intermediate frame 230 as the infeed deck 210 pivots with respect to the longitudinal axis 10, thereby enabling the auger floor 262 to pivot with respect to the longitudinal axis 10. Accordingly, the auger 260 and the auger floor 262 pivot as the infeed deck 210 of the header 200 pivots, thereby maintaining alignment (e.g., substantial alignment) of the infeed deck 210 with the auger 260 and the auger floor 262 and facilitating transfer of cut agricultural crops from the infeed belt of the infeed deck 210, between the auger 260 and the auger floor 262, and toward the agricultural crop processing system.

The intermediate frame assembly described herein is configured to enable sides of an agricultural header to move vertically relative to one another. For example, a first lateral side of the header may encounter an obstacle (e.g., a dirt mound, a hill, a rock, crop stubble, crop residue, a hole, etc.), which may drive the first lateral side vertically (e.g., upwardly or downwardly). The intermediate frame assembly is configured to enable the first lateral side to move vertically relative to a second, opposite lateral side of the header.

For example, at a first lateral side of the intermediate frame assembly, the intermediate frame assembly may include a first arm rotatably and/or pivotally coupled to an intermediate frame of the intermediate frame assembly and a header frame of the header, first springs rotatably and/or pivotally coupled to the first arm and the intermediate frame, a first member rotatably and/or pivotally coupled to the first arm and the header frame, a cross-bar extending through the intermediate frame, and a first linkage rotatably and/or pivotally coupled to the first member and rigidly coupled to the cross-bar. At a second lateral side of the intermediate frame assembly, the intermediate frame assembly may include a second arm rotatably and/or pivotally coupled to the intermediate frame and the header frame, second springs rotatably and/or pivotally coupled to the second arm and the intermediate frame, a second member rotatably and/or pivotally coupled to the second arm and the header frame, a cross-bar extending through the intermediate frame, and a second linkage rotatably and/or pivotally coupled to the second member and rigidly coupled to the cross-bar. The first and second linkages may extend in generally opposite longitudinal directions. Vertical movement of the first lateral side of the header may drive rotation of the first arm and may cause the first springs to flex (e.g., contract). Additionally, the vertical movement of the first lateral side of the header may drive the first member upwardly, which may drive rotation of the first linkage. Rotation of the first linkage may drive rotation of the cross-bar. Rotation of the cross-bar may drive rotation of the second linkage, which may drive the second member downwardly. The downward movement of the second member may drive the second lateral side of the header downwardly. The downward movement of the second lateral side of the header may drive rotation of the second arm, which may cause the second springs to flex (e.g., extend). As such, the cross-bar and the first and second linkages may enable the first lateral side of the header to move vertically relative to the second lateral side of the header, or vice versa. In particular, the intermediate frame assembly may enable the header to pivot (e.g., rotate, tilt) with respect to a longitudinal axis (e.g., rotation of the first lateral side of the header, the second lateral side of the header, and/or a central frame portion of the header positioned between the first lateral side and the second lateral side about the longitudinal axis). Accordingly, the intermediate frame assembly may generally isolate rotation of the header from the agricultural harvester (e.g., the implement interface of the agricultural harvester).

In certain embodiments, the intermediate frame assembly includes an auger assembly that pivots with respect to the longitudinal axis as the header frame pivots with respect to the longitudinal axis. For example, the auger assembly may include an auger that rotates to convey cut agricultural crops from an infeed deck of the header toward an agricultural crop processing system, brackets that rotatably support the auger, and an auger floor disposed below the auger, thereby enabling the cut crops to pass between the auger and the auger floor. The header frame may include bracket assemblies that drive movement of the auger assembly brackets as the header frame pivots with respect to the longitudinal axis, thereby driving the auger to pivot with respect to the longitudinal axis. The infeed deck may pivot with the header frame as the header frame pivots with respect to the longitudinal axis. Accordingly, the auger may remain substantially aligned with an infeed belt of the infeed deck, thereby facilitating transfer of the cut crops from the infeed belt, between the auger and the auger floor, and toward the agricultural crop processing system.

In certain embodiments, the auger floor may pivot with respect to the longitudinal axis and/or a lateral axis as the header frame pivots with respect to the longitudinal axis. For example, the auger floor may be pivotally coupled to the intermediate frame via hinge joints of the auger assembly that enable the auger floor to pivot with respect to the lateral axis. The hinge joints may be coupled to slider joints of the auger assembly that enable the hinge joints to move generally vertically, thereby enabling the auger floor to pivot with respect to the longitudinal axis. The auger floor may overlap and contact an infeed frame of the infeed deck, such that pivoting of the infeed frame with respect to the longitudinal axis and contact between the infeed frame and the auger floor may drive pivoting of the auger floor with respect to the longitudinal axis and/or the lateral axis. Accordingly, the auger floor may remain substantially aligned with the infeed deck, thereby facilitating transfer of the cut crops from the infeed deck, between the auger and the auger floor, and toward the agricultural crop processing system.

The techniques presented and claimed herein are referenced and applied to material objects and concrete examples of a practical nature that demonstrably improve the present technical field and, as such, are not abstract, intangible or purely theoretical. Further, if any claims appended to the end of this specification contain one or more elements designated as “means for [perform]ing [a function] . . . ” or “step for [perform]ing [a function] . . . ”, it is intended that such elements are to be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f). However, for any claims containing elements designated in any other manner, it is intended that such elements are not to be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f).

While only certain features of the disclosure have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications and changes will occur to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the disclosure.

AUGER ASSEMBLY FOR AN AGRICULTURAL HEADER

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