Harvesters – Platform adjustments
Reexamination Certificate
1999-05-27
2001-03-20
Will, Thomas B. (Department: 3671)
Harvesters
Platform adjustments
C056S014500
Reexamination Certificate
active
06202397
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a draper harvesting platform and in particular to a tensioning mechanism for a draper belt.
2. Description of Related Art
Draper platforms for harvesting equipment have a flat, wide belt, referred to as a draper or draper belt to convey crop material. The arrangement and number of belts vary among platforms. One style of draper platform has two side belts that convey crop material laterally, to the center of the platform, where a center feed belt moves the crop material longitudinally into a harvesting machine. Each belt is wrapped around a pair of rollers, one being a drive roller and the other being an idler roller. It is necessary to maintain a predetermined amount of tension within the draper belt for proper functioning. A minimum tension is needed to prevent slippage of the belt on the drive roller while excess tension in the belt reduces the life of the belt.
One type of tensioning mechanism utilizes cables and pulleys to position the idler roller. Once positioned, the idler roller is secured in place. Each time the belt needs adjustment, the operator must release the idler roller, re-position the idler roller and then re-secure the idler roller. Adjustment of the belt tension is periodically needed, especially with a new draper belt as the belt stretches during the first few hours of operation. Adjustment of the belt tension is also necessary due to varying crop conditions. A heavy crop load may require a higher belt tension to prevent slippage. With a tensioning system that requires the idler roller to be secured in place, adjustment is a time consuming process and there may not be a clear means of determining if the tension is correct.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a draper belt tensioning mechanism for a harvesting platform that is simple in construction yet reliable in maintaining the proper tension.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a tensioning mechanism that is easily adjusted.
It is a feature of the invention to provide an active tensioning mechanism in which the idler roller is not secured in place but is always biased by the tensioning mechanism. It is an advantage of the active tensioning mechanism that the idler roller can move to maintain the tension in the event the belt is acted on by an outside force that causes movement of the idler roller.
The tensioning mechanism of the present invention includes a linkage having a bell crank coupled to the idler roller. A compression spring operates through a strut to rotate the bell crank to move the idler roller away from the drive roller to tension the draper belt. The idler roller is supported in slide brackets enabling the compression spring to always bias the idler roller away from the drive roller. A single bolt maintains the compression of the spring. Belt tension is adjusted by simply turning the bolt to compress or relieve the spring.
It is another feature of the invention that the linkage is disposed within the envelope enclosed by the draper belt. In this location, the mechanism is generally free from dirt and debris and is relatively protected from damage. The compression spring and bolt are disposed outside the draper belt envelope in a location easily accessible for adjusting the belt tension.
It is still another feature of the present invention to provide a spring gauge in the form of a weld plate extending alongside the compression spring to indicate the proper length for the spring to produce the recommended tension in the draper belt. Where possible, the spring and spring gauge are located in a position where they are visible from the operator's cab of the harvesting machine associated with the platform. This enables the operator to determine the belt tension without leaving the cab.
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Huber: “Einstellvorrichtung Zum Spannen von Fordertuchern, Insbesondere fur Landwirtschaftliche Maschinen”, Bd. 15, Nr. May 5, 1965.
Hulscher Jay T.
Kmoch David Walter
Teller Thomas G.
Watts Bradley James
Deere & Company
Kováacs ÁArpáad Fáabiáan
Will Thomas B.
LandOfFree
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