CA2311694C - Adjustable width floating swath roller - Google Patents
Adjustable width floating swath roller Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2311694C CA2311694C CA 2311694 CA2311694A CA2311694C CA 2311694 C CA2311694 C CA 2311694C CA 2311694 CA2311694 CA 2311694 CA 2311694 A CA2311694 A CA 2311694A CA 2311694 C CA2311694 C CA 2311694C
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- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- drum
- swath
- frame
- roller
- swath roller
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01D—HARVESTING; MOWING
- A01D84/00—Haymakers not provided for in a single one of groups A01D76/00 - A01D82/00
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- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Environmental Sciences (AREA)
- Soil Working Implements (AREA)
- Vibration Prevention Devices (AREA)
Abstract
A swath roller comprises a frame adapted for movement along a swath laying on the ground;
a drum includes edge compacting end portions and is rotatably mounted in the frame about a substantially horizontal axis substantially perpendicular to the swath such that a center of the drum, equidistant from each end thereof, moves approximately along a centre of the swath.
The drum is mounted at a vertical position in the frame such that the drum contacts the swath and exerts a downward force on same. The drum length is adjustable. A swath roller drum is pivotally mounted in a frame so as to allow the drum to rest on the swath and move up and down as the relative positions of the swath and the frame vary.
a drum includes edge compacting end portions and is rotatably mounted in the frame about a substantially horizontal axis substantially perpendicular to the swath such that a center of the drum, equidistant from each end thereof, moves approximately along a centre of the swath.
The drum is mounted at a vertical position in the frame such that the drum contacts the swath and exerts a downward force on same. The drum length is adjustable. A swath roller drum is pivotally mounted in a frame so as to allow the drum to rest on the swath and move up and down as the relative positions of the swath and the frame vary.
Description
F&K 790-D2-01 s ADJUSTABLE WIDTH FLQATiNG SW,~A,T~ ROX.~.ER
This invention is in the field of agricultural implements and in parbiculat such implemarts for pushing a swath into standing stubble to reduce movement of the swath due to wind.
~a $ACKGROUND
lxn the more nortl~e~cly regions of the world the gcowins season is relatively short. In these areas it is necessary to cut and windrow, or swath, crops before harvesting in order to promote earlier and more uniform maturing and to achieve the necessary drying of the crop.
is These is risk of loss or damage to a cxop while it is in the swath. Xa the case of light and fragile crops such as canola, peas, flax or beans this risk includes loss of crop that is shelled o ut onto the ground due to wind action on the swath and the possibility of the wind actual 1y dislocating and seatteriag the swath, making efficient harvesting impossible.
his these crops dry in the swath they become lighter, more brittle and incr~singlysusoepti'ble to movement & damage by the wind. To minimize losses and damage to the crop in the swath it has become common pracvtice to use a swath collar to oomnpact the swath and anchor it in the supporting standing stubble.
zs F&K 790-p7-O1 Swath rollers are typically mounted onto or towed behind a swather. To date, the state ofthe art is swath rollers that consist of a one piece drum of substantially cylindrical shape that is mountai either in a wheoled frame that straddles the swath, or in a frame attached. to a svvathcr such that the drum is positioned over the swath. The drums rolls along the top of the swath that has just exitod the swathor.
The primary drawback of simple cylindrical swath rollers is that they do nothing to compact or anchor the edges of the swath. Plants at the edges of the swath aro left Iooso and exposed to the wind. In time, wind action shakes and loosens first oz~e tuft of crop;
that tuft then works others loose, arid in tune with continued wind action the entire swath is easily is dislocated by the wind.
Swath roller drums have thus evolved from the original cylindrical drum into drums having ends which are shaped as the frustum of a cone so that the roper coatacts both the top and edges of the Swath. The outer ends of the drum thus push the edges of tho swath down zo farther into the standing stubble than the middle. The swath is then more resistant to movement by wind. Some research has been done where bumps arc provided on the ends of the drum in an. attempt to knit the swath into the standing stubble, and other configurations are contemplated as well. These various drum end sections can be g~erally referred to as edge compacting ends, and are referred to as such in this disclosure.
r'6tc '190-~2-p1 bue to variations in weather, terrain, fertility, and so forth, crop height and volume can vary substantially from year to year, from field to field, and from one location to another within a field. Tn a heavy crop location the operator may raise the swather, increasing the height of the staading stubble, and still a vcr5r larse, wide swath will exit the swather, while in another light crop location, the operator may lower the swather, decreasing the height ofthe standing so stubble, and still a much smaller, narrow swath will exit the swathcr.
To be effective, the edge c~ompading ends of a swath roller drum should be located such that they contact the edges of the swath. Where swath width varies, it is not preseatlypossible to adjust the width so that the edge compacting cads are properly located on the swath edges.
.3 The presort one pioce drums are available in different widths, usually eight or ten feet, and the operator chooses the size that he feels will be most suitably for his average cxop.
In eonveational swath rollers as well, the vertical positioa of the drum with respect to the dame is adj ustable, but once adj usted is fixed such that in large swaths and/or high stubbley a yo wheeled frame may be lifted off the ground, or excxssive upward pressure may be excrtod on the franc mounted on a swathcr. In small swaths and/or low stubble, the drum rnay not contact the swath at all, or at least not sufficiently to anchor same in the available stubble.
gsx 790-02-01.
s SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a swath mller including a drum with edge compacting ends where the length of the drum may be adjusted to ensure that the edge compacting ends act upon the edges of swaths of various sizes in order to achieve optimum io resistance to dislodging by the wind.
Xt is a fuzther object o~the present invention to provide such a swath rolloc wherein the centre of the drum, being that point on the drum equidistant from each end, is fixed with respect to the frame of the swath roller as the width of the drum is adjusted. In this mam~cr the edge is compacting end portions of the drum are properly located to compact the edges of the swath as the drum length is adjusted.
1t is a further object of the present invention to provide such a swath mller wherein the length of the drum may be adjusted remotely by the operator or automatically by a sensor which so senses the width of the swath.
It is a further object ofthe present invention to provide a swath roller wherein the drum may move vertically with respect to the fi~ame such that the drum can float and follow swaths o~
varying height.
F&K 790-02-01 s In one aspect, the present invention provides a swath roller comprising a frame adapted for movement along a swath laying on the ground; a dram includes edge compacting end portions and is rotatably mounted in the frame about a substantially horizontal axis, substantially perpendicular to the swath such that a center of the drum, equidistant from each en,d thereof, moves approximately along a center of the swath. The dnim is zz~ounted at a io _ vertical position in the frame such that the drum contacts the swath aad exerts a downward force on same. The drum length is adjustable.
Ira a second aspect, the invention provides a swath roller comprising a frame adapts for zxxovcment along a swath laying on the ground; a drum rotatably mounted in the frame about is a substantially horizontal axis substantially perpendicular to the swath such that a center of the drum equidistant from each end thereof moves approximately along a center of the swath.
The drum is pi~rotally mounted in the frame such that the drum rests on the swath and moves vertically in response to changes in the relative vertical positions of the swath and the frame.
2o DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:
While the invention is claimed in the concluding portions hereof, preferred embodiments are provided in the accompanying detailed description which may be best understood in conjunction with the accompanying diagrams where like parts in each of the several diagrams 2s are labeled with like numbers, and where:
F&K 790-U2-O1 s Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a swath roller of the invention;
Fig. 2 is an alternate embodiment of the invention;
Figs. 3 and 4 are schematic rear views of a swath roller of the invention;
~o Figs. 5 and SA illustrate an alternate edge compacting end drum portion;
Figs. 6 and 6A illustrate a second alternate edge compacting end drum portion;
is Fig, 7 is a cut-away ,view showing the attachnnent of the drum to the axle;
Fig. 8 is an explodod view showing the attachment of the drum to the frame;
Fig. 9 is a schematic rear view of an embodiment including actuators for adjusting Zo the length of the divm;
Fig.10 is a sch~c top view of the embodiment of Fig. 9 further including a swath width sensor for controlling the actuators.
ss F&K 790-02-Ol.
s DETA~ED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS:
Fig. 1 illustrates a swath miler 1 of the invention comprising a frame 2 adapted for movement along a swath 3 laying on the ground 4. The swath roller of Fig. 1 includes wheels 5 and a hitch 6 allowing same to be towed by a swather. Fig. 2 illustrates an 1o e~bodinaent adapted for movement along the ground by direct attachment to a swather via mounting brackets 7.
A. drum 8 having a drum length 8L and including edge compacting end portions 9 is rotatably mounted in the frame 2 about a substantially horizontal axis substantially perpendicular to is the swath 3 such that the center of the d~um~ CD, equidistant from each end of the drum 8a, moves approximately along the center of the swath CS. Tlae drum 8 is mounted at a vertical position in the frame 2 such that the drum 8 contacts the swath 3 and exerts a downward force on the swath 3, pushing same into the standing stubble 10 as illustrated in Figs. 3 aad 4.
zo As most commonly found in practice, the edge compacting end portions 9 are shaped as the frustum of a cone. Othcx such edge compacting ends, such as the tapered bumps illustrated in Figs. S and SA, or the star shaped ends illustrated in Figs. 6 and 6A are contemplated as well.
All such edge compacting ends should be properly located on the edge of the swath 3 for optimum operations and all are contemplated to fall within the scope of the present 2s invention.
F&K 790-02-O1 As illustrated in Figs. 3 and 4, the drum length 8L is adjustable so that the edge compacting end portions 9 may be properly located in proper relation to the edges 3a of the swath 3 as crop conditions and swath width WS vary. In some crops it may be desired to have the ends 8a of the drum 8 extend slightly past the swath as illustrated in Fig 4. In practice the drum length 8L and resulting location of the edge compacting end portions 9 relative to the edges io 3a of the swath 3 will be an approximation for a given crop condition in a field, although as explained later, more precision znay be obtained where the operator can remotely control the drum length 8L, or where sensors automatically control the drum length 8L.
In order to ensure the proper location of the end compacting portions 9, the dnmi length 8L is is adjustable such that the ends 8a of the dnim 8 are equidistant from the cente~rofthe drum CD
when the drum length 8L is adjusted fram a first length to a second length.
The drum is mounted in the frame 2 such that the center CD of the drum 8 coincides with the center CF of the fi~ame 2. The frame 2 is oriented with respect to the swather such that the center CF of the frame 2 is substantially aligned in the center of the opening in the swather through which 2o the swath 3 passes, with the result that the center CF moves along the center CS of the swath.
Alternatively, the frame 2 could be adjustable such that when the drum length 8L is adjusted, the frame 2 is adjusted as well to maintain the center CD of the dnazzi 8 at any drum length 8L
aligned with the center CS of the swath.
zs F&K 790-02-01 s The drum comprises a cylindrical central drum portion 11 mtatioually mounted to the frame 2 in a fixed lateral position relative to the Frame 2, and two edge compacting end drum portions 9 slidable axially along the ccnh~al drum portion 11. As illustrated ins the cut away drawing of Fig. 7, the central drum section 11 is mounted in a fixed position, held by set screws 17, on an axlo 12 rotatably attached to a link 13 by a bearing 14.
Figure 8 illustrates io the assembly of the End of the din 8 to the frame 2. Link 13 is pivotally attached to the frame 2 by link pin 15 in frame hole 16. The iIlustratod axle 12 extends through the central drum section 1 l, however the axle 12 could alternatively comprise stub axles extarding fibm each end of the central drum section 11.
is ' The drum 8 further carnprises two edge compacting end drum sections 18 which provide the edge compacting end portions 9 of the drum 8. An outboard end 18a of each alge compacting end drum section 18 slidably engages the axle 12 and further comprises a releasable axle lock operable to secure the outboard end 18a to the axle 12.
xn the illustrated embodiment the axle lock comprises two setscrews 29 for tightening onto the axle 12, Zo however many aonveational locks are known and could be used as well.
An inboard end 18b of each edge compacting end drum section 18 comprises an open cylinder 19 having a diameter sli~tly larger than a diameter of the central drum section 11 such that each inboaxd end 18b cats receive and be supported by the central drum section 11.
F&K 790-02-01 s Gauge marks 20 on the central drum section 11 are alignable with the inboard end 18b of the edge compacting end drum sections 18. These allow the operator to align the two edge compacting end drum sections 18 so that the ends Sa of the drum 8 are equidistant from the center CD of the drum, as illustrated in Fig. 3. Each end 8a is a distance 8h/2 from the center CD.
Alternatively, as illustrated in Fig. 2, the dn~m 8 could comgrise iz~u~er drum section 30 and outer drum section 31, each comprising an edge compacting end drum portion 9 at an outboard end 30a, 31 a thereof, and each movable laterally relative to the frame 2, and slidable axially along each otber. 'the inner and outer drum sections 30, 31 are mounted on a.s an axle 12 rotatably attached to the frame, and are slidable aloes the axle 12. Each outboard end 30a, 31a slidably engages the axle 12 and further comprises a releasable axle lock operable to secure the outboard ands 30a, 31 a to the axle 12 in the same mar~caer as illustrated above for the edge compacting drum end sections 18.
ao The inboard end 34b of the inner drmn section 30 slidably engages the axle 12 so that when the lock 29 is released, same may slide along the axle. The inboard end of the outer drum secti on 3 I comprises an open cylinder 32 having a diameter slightly larger than a diameter of the inner drum section 30 such that the inboard end 31b can receive and be supported by the inner drum section 30. Gauge marks 33 on the frame 2, as illustrated in Fig.
2, or on the ~ rax ~so-o2-of s axle 12, as illustrated in Fig. 7, may be used to properly align the center CD of the drum 8 with the center CS of the swath 3.
The verhical position of the drums 8 is adjustable. kink 13 is pivotally attached to the ~6ra~me 2 by link pin 15 in frame pivot hole 16, and can be locked in a vertical position by insisting xo lock pin 21 through Lock bracket 24 attached to link 13 and into one of a plurality of frame lock holes 22. Link 13 extends rearward to form a handle 23 to aid in Ehe vertical adjustment.
Alternatively, lock pin 21 can be removed so that the drum 8 is unsupportod vertically and ~,s moves to rest on the swath 3. The drum then moves vertically in response to ch~ges in the relative positions of the swath 3 and the fi~ame 4 from a minimum vertical positioa to a maximum vertical position, as dictated by the orientation of the drum 8 and frame 2.
Alternatively again, lock pin 21 may be inserted in one of the frame lock holes 22 below the link 13 such that the drum 8 may move freely up and down, but the downward movexx~ent is zv limited by the link 13 contacting the lock pin 21. The swath roller 1 may then be transported without the drum 8 rolling along the ground 4.
Fig. 2 illustrates an embodiment where the frame 2 is pivotally attached at frame pivot pins 42 to a swather via brackets 7. A winch 40 is attached to a bracket 7 and a cable 41 is F&K 790-02-01 s attached to the frame 2 and controlled by the winch 40 to adjust a minimum vertical position of the drum 8. The drum 8 moves freely up and down to follow the swath 3.
Fig. 9 schematically illustrates the rear view of a swath roller comprising a pair of electric or hydraulic or similar actuators 50 operative to adjust the length 8L of the drum 8. The cads 8a io of the drum 8 are attached to the actuators 50 via bear~i~s or bushings 51 so that the drum 8 may rotate freely. The actuators 50 may be controlled conventionally by a swather operator, or the swath roller might, as illustrated in the top view of Fig.10, further comprise a swath width sensor 52 operative to sense the width WS of the swath 3. The swath width sensor 52 is mechanical sensor comprising an arm 53 which pivots against the edge 3a of the swath 3 to is detect the distance behween the edge 3a of the swath 3 and the center CS of tlae swath 3. The sensor 52 sends a control signal to tho actuators 50 via wnduits 54 to move the actuators 50 and increase oz' decrease the drum length 8L as required. Alternatively an ultzasonic or athar conventional sensor could be employed.
2o The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. k~uther, since numerous claaz~ges and modifications will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown arzd described, atxi accordingly, all such suitable changes or modi~cataons in structure ar operation which may be resorted to are intended to fall within the scope of the claimed 25 711VeZ1tiOn.
This invention is in the field of agricultural implements and in parbiculat such implemarts for pushing a swath into standing stubble to reduce movement of the swath due to wind.
~a $ACKGROUND
lxn the more nortl~e~cly regions of the world the gcowins season is relatively short. In these areas it is necessary to cut and windrow, or swath, crops before harvesting in order to promote earlier and more uniform maturing and to achieve the necessary drying of the crop.
is These is risk of loss or damage to a cxop while it is in the swath. Xa the case of light and fragile crops such as canola, peas, flax or beans this risk includes loss of crop that is shelled o ut onto the ground due to wind action on the swath and the possibility of the wind actual 1y dislocating and seatteriag the swath, making efficient harvesting impossible.
his these crops dry in the swath they become lighter, more brittle and incr~singlysusoepti'ble to movement & damage by the wind. To minimize losses and damage to the crop in the swath it has become common pracvtice to use a swath collar to oomnpact the swath and anchor it in the supporting standing stubble.
zs F&K 790-p7-O1 Swath rollers are typically mounted onto or towed behind a swather. To date, the state ofthe art is swath rollers that consist of a one piece drum of substantially cylindrical shape that is mountai either in a wheoled frame that straddles the swath, or in a frame attached. to a svvathcr such that the drum is positioned over the swath. The drums rolls along the top of the swath that has just exitod the swathor.
The primary drawback of simple cylindrical swath rollers is that they do nothing to compact or anchor the edges of the swath. Plants at the edges of the swath aro left Iooso and exposed to the wind. In time, wind action shakes and loosens first oz~e tuft of crop;
that tuft then works others loose, arid in tune with continued wind action the entire swath is easily is dislocated by the wind.
Swath roller drums have thus evolved from the original cylindrical drum into drums having ends which are shaped as the frustum of a cone so that the roper coatacts both the top and edges of the Swath. The outer ends of the drum thus push the edges of tho swath down zo farther into the standing stubble than the middle. The swath is then more resistant to movement by wind. Some research has been done where bumps arc provided on the ends of the drum in an. attempt to knit the swath into the standing stubble, and other configurations are contemplated as well. These various drum end sections can be g~erally referred to as edge compacting ends, and are referred to as such in this disclosure.
r'6tc '190-~2-p1 bue to variations in weather, terrain, fertility, and so forth, crop height and volume can vary substantially from year to year, from field to field, and from one location to another within a field. Tn a heavy crop location the operator may raise the swather, increasing the height of the staading stubble, and still a vcr5r larse, wide swath will exit the swather, while in another light crop location, the operator may lower the swather, decreasing the height ofthe standing so stubble, and still a much smaller, narrow swath will exit the swathcr.
To be effective, the edge c~ompading ends of a swath roller drum should be located such that they contact the edges of the swath. Where swath width varies, it is not preseatlypossible to adjust the width so that the edge compacting cads are properly located on the swath edges.
.3 The presort one pioce drums are available in different widths, usually eight or ten feet, and the operator chooses the size that he feels will be most suitably for his average cxop.
In eonveational swath rollers as well, the vertical positioa of the drum with respect to the dame is adj ustable, but once adj usted is fixed such that in large swaths and/or high stubbley a yo wheeled frame may be lifted off the ground, or excxssive upward pressure may be excrtod on the franc mounted on a swathcr. In small swaths and/or low stubble, the drum rnay not contact the swath at all, or at least not sufficiently to anchor same in the available stubble.
gsx 790-02-01.
s SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a swath mller including a drum with edge compacting ends where the length of the drum may be adjusted to ensure that the edge compacting ends act upon the edges of swaths of various sizes in order to achieve optimum io resistance to dislodging by the wind.
Xt is a fuzther object o~the present invention to provide such a swath rolloc wherein the centre of the drum, being that point on the drum equidistant from each end, is fixed with respect to the frame of the swath roller as the width of the drum is adjusted. In this mam~cr the edge is compacting end portions of the drum are properly located to compact the edges of the swath as the drum length is adjusted.
1t is a further object of the present invention to provide such a swath mller wherein the length of the drum may be adjusted remotely by the operator or automatically by a sensor which so senses the width of the swath.
It is a further object ofthe present invention to provide a swath roller wherein the drum may move vertically with respect to the fi~ame such that the drum can float and follow swaths o~
varying height.
F&K 790-02-01 s In one aspect, the present invention provides a swath roller comprising a frame adapted for movement along a swath laying on the ground; a dram includes edge compacting end portions and is rotatably mounted in the frame about a substantially horizontal axis, substantially perpendicular to the swath such that a center of the drum, equidistant from each en,d thereof, moves approximately along a center of the swath. The dnim is zz~ounted at a io _ vertical position in the frame such that the drum contacts the swath aad exerts a downward force on same. The drum length is adjustable.
Ira a second aspect, the invention provides a swath roller comprising a frame adapts for zxxovcment along a swath laying on the ground; a drum rotatably mounted in the frame about is a substantially horizontal axis substantially perpendicular to the swath such that a center of the drum equidistant from each end thereof moves approximately along a center of the swath.
The drum is pi~rotally mounted in the frame such that the drum rests on the swath and moves vertically in response to changes in the relative vertical positions of the swath and the frame.
2o DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:
While the invention is claimed in the concluding portions hereof, preferred embodiments are provided in the accompanying detailed description which may be best understood in conjunction with the accompanying diagrams where like parts in each of the several diagrams 2s are labeled with like numbers, and where:
F&K 790-U2-O1 s Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a swath roller of the invention;
Fig. 2 is an alternate embodiment of the invention;
Figs. 3 and 4 are schematic rear views of a swath roller of the invention;
~o Figs. 5 and SA illustrate an alternate edge compacting end drum portion;
Figs. 6 and 6A illustrate a second alternate edge compacting end drum portion;
is Fig, 7 is a cut-away ,view showing the attachnnent of the drum to the axle;
Fig. 8 is an explodod view showing the attachment of the drum to the frame;
Fig. 9 is a schematic rear view of an embodiment including actuators for adjusting Zo the length of the divm;
Fig.10 is a sch~c top view of the embodiment of Fig. 9 further including a swath width sensor for controlling the actuators.
ss F&K 790-02-Ol.
s DETA~ED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS:
Fig. 1 illustrates a swath miler 1 of the invention comprising a frame 2 adapted for movement along a swath 3 laying on the ground 4. The swath roller of Fig. 1 includes wheels 5 and a hitch 6 allowing same to be towed by a swather. Fig. 2 illustrates an 1o e~bodinaent adapted for movement along the ground by direct attachment to a swather via mounting brackets 7.
A. drum 8 having a drum length 8L and including edge compacting end portions 9 is rotatably mounted in the frame 2 about a substantially horizontal axis substantially perpendicular to is the swath 3 such that the center of the d~um~ CD, equidistant from each end of the drum 8a, moves approximately along the center of the swath CS. Tlae drum 8 is mounted at a vertical position in the frame 2 such that the drum 8 contacts the swath 3 and exerts a downward force on the swath 3, pushing same into the standing stubble 10 as illustrated in Figs. 3 aad 4.
zo As most commonly found in practice, the edge compacting end portions 9 are shaped as the frustum of a cone. Othcx such edge compacting ends, such as the tapered bumps illustrated in Figs. S and SA, or the star shaped ends illustrated in Figs. 6 and 6A are contemplated as well.
All such edge compacting ends should be properly located on the edge of the swath 3 for optimum operations and all are contemplated to fall within the scope of the present 2s invention.
F&K 790-02-O1 As illustrated in Figs. 3 and 4, the drum length 8L is adjustable so that the edge compacting end portions 9 may be properly located in proper relation to the edges 3a of the swath 3 as crop conditions and swath width WS vary. In some crops it may be desired to have the ends 8a of the drum 8 extend slightly past the swath as illustrated in Fig 4. In practice the drum length 8L and resulting location of the edge compacting end portions 9 relative to the edges io 3a of the swath 3 will be an approximation for a given crop condition in a field, although as explained later, more precision znay be obtained where the operator can remotely control the drum length 8L, or where sensors automatically control the drum length 8L.
In order to ensure the proper location of the end compacting portions 9, the dnmi length 8L is is adjustable such that the ends 8a of the dnim 8 are equidistant from the cente~rofthe drum CD
when the drum length 8L is adjusted fram a first length to a second length.
The drum is mounted in the frame 2 such that the center CD of the drum 8 coincides with the center CF of the fi~ame 2. The frame 2 is oriented with respect to the swather such that the center CF of the frame 2 is substantially aligned in the center of the opening in the swather through which 2o the swath 3 passes, with the result that the center CF moves along the center CS of the swath.
Alternatively, the frame 2 could be adjustable such that when the drum length 8L is adjusted, the frame 2 is adjusted as well to maintain the center CD of the dnazzi 8 at any drum length 8L
aligned with the center CS of the swath.
zs F&K 790-02-01 s The drum comprises a cylindrical central drum portion 11 mtatioually mounted to the frame 2 in a fixed lateral position relative to the Frame 2, and two edge compacting end drum portions 9 slidable axially along the ccnh~al drum portion 11. As illustrated ins the cut away drawing of Fig. 7, the central drum section 11 is mounted in a fixed position, held by set screws 17, on an axlo 12 rotatably attached to a link 13 by a bearing 14.
Figure 8 illustrates io the assembly of the End of the din 8 to the frame 2. Link 13 is pivotally attached to the frame 2 by link pin 15 in frame hole 16. The iIlustratod axle 12 extends through the central drum section 1 l, however the axle 12 could alternatively comprise stub axles extarding fibm each end of the central drum section 11.
is ' The drum 8 further carnprises two edge compacting end drum sections 18 which provide the edge compacting end portions 9 of the drum 8. An outboard end 18a of each alge compacting end drum section 18 slidably engages the axle 12 and further comprises a releasable axle lock operable to secure the outboard end 18a to the axle 12.
xn the illustrated embodiment the axle lock comprises two setscrews 29 for tightening onto the axle 12, Zo however many aonveational locks are known and could be used as well.
An inboard end 18b of each edge compacting end drum section 18 comprises an open cylinder 19 having a diameter sli~tly larger than a diameter of the central drum section 11 such that each inboaxd end 18b cats receive and be supported by the central drum section 11.
F&K 790-02-01 s Gauge marks 20 on the central drum section 11 are alignable with the inboard end 18b of the edge compacting end drum sections 18. These allow the operator to align the two edge compacting end drum sections 18 so that the ends Sa of the drum 8 are equidistant from the center CD of the drum, as illustrated in Fig. 3. Each end 8a is a distance 8h/2 from the center CD.
Alternatively, as illustrated in Fig. 2, the dn~m 8 could comgrise iz~u~er drum section 30 and outer drum section 31, each comprising an edge compacting end drum portion 9 at an outboard end 30a, 31 a thereof, and each movable laterally relative to the frame 2, and slidable axially along each otber. 'the inner and outer drum sections 30, 31 are mounted on a.s an axle 12 rotatably attached to the frame, and are slidable aloes the axle 12. Each outboard end 30a, 31a slidably engages the axle 12 and further comprises a releasable axle lock operable to secure the outboard ands 30a, 31 a to the axle 12 in the same mar~caer as illustrated above for the edge compacting drum end sections 18.
ao The inboard end 34b of the inner drmn section 30 slidably engages the axle 12 so that when the lock 29 is released, same may slide along the axle. The inboard end of the outer drum secti on 3 I comprises an open cylinder 32 having a diameter slightly larger than a diameter of the inner drum section 30 such that the inboard end 31b can receive and be supported by the inner drum section 30. Gauge marks 33 on the frame 2, as illustrated in Fig.
2, or on the ~ rax ~so-o2-of s axle 12, as illustrated in Fig. 7, may be used to properly align the center CD of the drum 8 with the center CS of the swath 3.
The verhical position of the drums 8 is adjustable. kink 13 is pivotally attached to the ~6ra~me 2 by link pin 15 in frame pivot hole 16, and can be locked in a vertical position by insisting xo lock pin 21 through Lock bracket 24 attached to link 13 and into one of a plurality of frame lock holes 22. Link 13 extends rearward to form a handle 23 to aid in Ehe vertical adjustment.
Alternatively, lock pin 21 can be removed so that the drum 8 is unsupportod vertically and ~,s moves to rest on the swath 3. The drum then moves vertically in response to ch~ges in the relative positions of the swath 3 and the fi~ame 4 from a minimum vertical positioa to a maximum vertical position, as dictated by the orientation of the drum 8 and frame 2.
Alternatively again, lock pin 21 may be inserted in one of the frame lock holes 22 below the link 13 such that the drum 8 may move freely up and down, but the downward movexx~ent is zv limited by the link 13 contacting the lock pin 21. The swath roller 1 may then be transported without the drum 8 rolling along the ground 4.
Fig. 2 illustrates an embodiment where the frame 2 is pivotally attached at frame pivot pins 42 to a swather via brackets 7. A winch 40 is attached to a bracket 7 and a cable 41 is F&K 790-02-01 s attached to the frame 2 and controlled by the winch 40 to adjust a minimum vertical position of the drum 8. The drum 8 moves freely up and down to follow the swath 3.
Fig. 9 schematically illustrates the rear view of a swath roller comprising a pair of electric or hydraulic or similar actuators 50 operative to adjust the length 8L of the drum 8. The cads 8a io of the drum 8 are attached to the actuators 50 via bear~i~s or bushings 51 so that the drum 8 may rotate freely. The actuators 50 may be controlled conventionally by a swather operator, or the swath roller might, as illustrated in the top view of Fig.10, further comprise a swath width sensor 52 operative to sense the width WS of the swath 3. The swath width sensor 52 is mechanical sensor comprising an arm 53 which pivots against the edge 3a of the swath 3 to is detect the distance behween the edge 3a of the swath 3 and the center CS of tlae swath 3. The sensor 52 sends a control signal to tho actuators 50 via wnduits 54 to move the actuators 50 and increase oz' decrease the drum length 8L as required. Alternatively an ultzasonic or athar conventional sensor could be employed.
2o The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. k~uther, since numerous claaz~ges and modifications will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown arzd described, atxi accordingly, all such suitable changes or modi~cataons in structure ar operation which may be resorted to are intended to fall within the scope of the claimed 25 711VeZ1tiOn.
Claims (25)
1. A swath roller comprising:
a frame adapted for movement along a swath laying on the ground;
a drum having a drum length and including edge compacting end portions, said drum rotatably mounted in said frame about a substantially horizontal axis substantially perpendicular to said swath such that a center of said drum equidistant from each end thereof moves approximately along a center of said swath, said drum mounted at a vertical position in said frame such that said drum contacts said swath and exerts a downward force on said swath;
wherein said drum length is adjustable.
a frame adapted for movement along a swath laying on the ground;
a drum having a drum length and including edge compacting end portions, said drum rotatably mounted in said frame about a substantially horizontal axis substantially perpendicular to said swath such that a center of said drum equidistant from each end thereof moves approximately along a center of said swath, said drum mounted at a vertical position in said frame such that said drum contacts said swath and exerts a downward force on said swath;
wherein said drum length is adjustable.
2. The swath roller of Claim 1 wherein said drum length is adjustable such that the ends of the drum are equidistant from said center when said drum length is adjusted from a first length to a second length.
3. The swath roller of Claims 1 or 2 wherein said drum comprises a cylindrical central drum section rotationally mounted to said frame in a fixed lateral position relative to said frame, and two edge compacting end drum sections slidable axially along said central drum section.
4. The swath roller of Claim 3 wherein said central drum section is mounted in a fixed position on an axle rotatably attached to said frame.
5. The swath roller of Claim 4 wherein an outboard end of each said edge compacting end drum section slidably engages said axle and further comprises a releasable axle lock operable to secure said outboard end to said axle.
6. The swath roller of Claim 3 wherein an inboard end of each edge compacting end drum section comprises an open cylinder having a diameter slightly larger than a diameter of said central drum section such that each inboard end can receive and be supported by said central drum section.
7. The swath roller of Claim 6 further comprising gauge marks on said central drum section alignable with said inboard end of said edge compacting end drum sections.
8. The swath roller of Claims 1 or 2 wherein said drum comprises two edge compacting end drum sections movable laterally relative to said frame, and slidable axially along each other.
9. The swath roller of Claim 8 wherein said edge compacting end drum sections are mounted on an axle rotatably attached to said frame, and wherein said edge compacting end drum sections are slidable along said axle.
10. The swath roller of Claim 9 wherein an outboard end of each said edge compacting end drum section slidably engages said axle and further comprises a releasable axle lock operable to secure said outboard end to said axle.
11. The swath roller of Claim 10 further comprising gauge marks on said axle.
12. The swath roller of any of Claims 1-11 wherein the vertical position of said drum is adjustable.
13. The swath roller of any of Claims 1 - 11 wherein said drum is pivotally mounted in said frame so that said drum rests on said swath and such that said drum moves vertically in response to changes in the relative positions of said swath and said frame from a minimum vertical position to a maximum vertical position.
14. The swath roller of Claim 13 wherein said minimum vertical position is adjustable.
15. The swath roller of any of Claims 1 -14 wherein said frame is supported on wheels and is adapted to be towed by a swather.
16. The swath roller of any of Claims 1-14 wherein said frame is attached to a swather.
17. The swath roller of Claim 16 wherein said frame is pivotally attached to said swather.
18. The swath roller of Claim 17 further comprising a winch attached to said swather and a cable attached to said frame and controlled by said winch to adjust a minimum vertical position of said drum.
19. The swath roller of Claims 1 or 2 further comprising an actuator operative to adjust the length of said drum.
20. The swath roller of Claim 19 wherein said actuator is controllable by a swather operator during a swathing operation.
21. The swath roller of Claim 19 further comprising a swath width sensor operative to sense a width of said swath and operative to control said actuator to adjust the length of said drum in response to changes in said width.
22. A swath roller comprising:
a frame adapted for movement along a swath laying on the ground;
a drum rotatably mounted in said frame about a substantially horizontal axis substantially perpendicular to said swath such that a center of said drum equidistant from each end thereof moves approximately along a center of said swath, said drum pivotally mounted in said frame such that said drum rests on said swath and moves vertically in response to changes in the relative vertical positions of said swath and said frame.
a frame adapted for movement along a swath laying on the ground;
a drum rotatably mounted in said frame about a substantially horizontal axis substantially perpendicular to said swath such that a center of said drum equidistant from each end thereof moves approximately along a center of said swath, said drum pivotally mounted in said frame such that said drum rests on said swath and moves vertically in response to changes in the relative vertical positions of said swath and said frame.
23. The swath roller of Claim 22 wherein the vertical movement of said drum is restricted to a range of vertical movement from a minimum vertical position to a maximum vertical position.
24. The swath roller of Claims 22 or 23 further comprising a releasable frame lock operative to lock said drum at a fixed vertical position relative to said frame.
25. The swath roller of Claim 23 wherein said minimum vertical position is adjustable.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2311694 CA2311694C (en) | 2000-06-15 | 2000-06-15 | Adjustable width floating swath roller |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2311694 CA2311694C (en) | 2000-06-15 | 2000-06-15 | Adjustable width floating swath roller |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2311694A1 CA2311694A1 (en) | 2001-12-15 |
| CA2311694C true CA2311694C (en) | 2003-03-11 |
Family
ID=4166492
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2311694 Expired - Lifetime CA2311694C (en) | 2000-06-15 | 2000-06-15 | Adjustable width floating swath roller |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2311694C (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CA2818449C (en) | 2013-06-18 | 2016-02-23 | Gerry Lee Miller | Swath roller with controlled anchoring force |
-
2000
- 2000-06-15 CA CA 2311694 patent/CA2311694C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2311694A1 (en) | 2001-12-15 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKEX | Expiry |
Effective date: 20200615 |