MODERNIZED VERSION OF THE FIELD RELIEF COPYING MECHANISM

Abstract

A significant part of the losses during harvesting by modern combines is caused by the imperfect systems for copying the field terrain. After analyzing and reviewing patents of the mechanisms for copying the field topography by harvester headers, identifying the main advantages and disadvantages of these devices, the author proposes a variant of retrofitting the most common lever-spring copying system that provides automatic adjustment of the cutting height when it goes beyond the copying limits provided by the manufacturer. The device consists of two main parts, one of which is attached to the body of the feeder house, and the second -to the upper bearing bar of the header. The device has two magnetic contact sensors connected to the electric control system of the header position. When the header is operating within the prescribed range of copying, the lever-spring system operates in the normal mode, allowing the header to go around field irregularities and maintain the specified pressure of the support shoes on the ground. When the header moves to the limit of the copy range, the corresponding hydraulic system control sensor is closed and the feeder house height is automatically changed, which prevents the header from galloping or digging the support shoes into the soil. The proposed version of the upgraded terrain copying mechanism does not require significant costs, reduces the complexity of the combine control, improves its average shift productivity and reduces crop losses due to the operator's belated reactions to changes in terrain.