DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The embodiments herein generally relate to a sugarcane harvester and more particularly, to a base cutter apparatus for the sugarcane harvester. Further, embodiments herein relate to a method for adjusting cutting angle of the base cutter apparatus in the sugarcane harvester.

BACKGROUND
[002] Sugarcane harvester is an agricultural machine which is used to harvest sugarcane. Usually, the sugarcane harvester includes a base cutter which is used for cutting sugarcanes. Adjustment of a cutting angle of the base cutter is required for better cutting of sugarcanes. However, adjusting the cutting angle of the base cutter is time consuming.Further, the base cutter is removed from the sugarcane harvester during service of the base cutter which in turn results in increased re-assembly time and increased labor cost.
[003] Therefore, there exists a need for a base cutter apparatus for a sugarcane harvester, which obviates the aforementioned drawbacks. Further, there exists a need for a method for adjusting cutting angle of the base cutter apparatus in the sugarcane harvester.

OBJECTS

[004] The principal object of embodimentsherein is toprovide abase cutter apparatus for a sugarcane harvester.
[005] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide a method for adjusting cutting angle of a base cutter apparatus in a sugarcane harvester.
[006] Another object of embodiments herein is toprovide abase cutter apparatus for a sugarcane harvester, which enables easier adjustment of a cutting angle of the base cutter apparatus and reduces the time taken for the adjustment of the cutting angle.
[007] Another object of embodiments herein is toprovide a base cutter apparatus for a sugarcane harvester, which is durable and has less weight.
[008] Another object of embodiments herein is toprovide abase cutter apparatus for a sugarcane harvester, which enables easier servicing of the base cutter apparatus without the need for removingthe base cutter apparatus from the sugarcane harvester.
[009] These and other objects of embodimentsherein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with following description and accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0010] The embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, throughout which like reference letters indicate corresponding parts in various figures. The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following description with reference to the drawings, in which:
[0011] Fig. 1 depicts a side view of a sugarcane harvester with a base cutter apparatus, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0012] Fig. 2 depicts a perspective view of a base cutter apparatus, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0013] Fig. 3 depicts a cross-sectional view of the base cutter apparatus, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0014] Fig. 4 depicts anotherperspective view of the base cutter apparatus, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0015] Fig. 5 depicts a side view of a front tool and the base cutter apparatus mounted thereon, where the base cutter apparatus is provided at a first cutting angle, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0016] Fig. 6 depicts another side view of the front tool and the base cutter apparatus mounted thereon, where the base cutter apparatus is provided at a second cutting angle, according to embodiments as disclosed herein; and
[0017] Fig. 7 depicts a flowchart indicating a method for adjusting a cutting angle of the base cutter apparatus in the sugarcane harvester, according to embodimentsas disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
[0019] The embodiments herein achieve a base cutter apparatus for a sugarcane harvester, which enables easier adjustment of a cutting angle of the base cutter apparatus and reduces the time taken for the adjustment of the cutting angle. Further, embodiments herein achieve a method for adjusting the cutting angle of the base cutter apparatus in the sugarcane harvester. Referring now to the drawings Figs 1 through 7, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown embodiments.
[0020] Fig. 1 depicts a side view of a sugarcane harvester (10) with a base cutter apparatus (100), according to embodiments as disclosed herein. The sugarcane harvester (10) includes a base cutter apparatus (100) and a front tool (10F, as shown in fig. 5 and fig. 6). The base cutter apparatus (100) is adapted to cut the sugarcanes. Fig. 2 depicts a perspective view of the base cutter apparatus (100), according to embodiments as disclosed herein. Fig. 3 depicts a cross-sectional view of the base cutter apparatus (100), according to embodiments as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the base cutter (100) includes a cradle (102), a main frame (104), a left side support plate (106), a right side support plate (108), a front cover (110), at least one cutting angle adjustment member (112), a plurality of locking members (114), an input shaft (116), an input shaft mounting hub (118), at least one input shaft bearing (120), a first power transmission unit (122), a second power transmission unit (124), an extension shaft (126), a first coupling (128), a second coupling (130), a third coupling (132), a first base cutter assembly (134) and a second base cutter assembly (136). For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the base cutter apparatus (100) is provided with two base cutter assemblies. It is also within the scope of the embodiment herein to provide any number of base cutters according to the requirement and type and configuration of sugarcane harvester.
[0021] In an embodiment, the cradle (102) is adaptedto mount the base cutter apparatus (100) to the front tool (10F, as shown in fig. 5) of the sugarcane harvester (10). In an embodiment, the cradle (102) includes a base (102B as shown in fig. 2 to fig. 4) and a plurality of legs (102L& 102R, as shown in fig, 2 to fig. 4). The base (102B) of the cradle (102) is secured to the front tool (10F) thereby mounting the base cutter apparatus (100) to the front tool (10F) of the sugarcane harvester (10). The base (102B) extends along a widthwise direction of the sugarcane harvester (10). One end of the leg (102L) is connected to a first end (102f, as shown in fig. 2) of the base (102B) and another end of the leg (102L) is connected to left side support plate (106) through the input shaft mounting hub (118). One end of another leg (102R) is connected to a second end (102s, as shown in fig. 2) of the base (102B) and another end of the leg (102R) is connected to the right side support plate (108) through a hub (119, as shown in fig. 2 and fig. 3).
[0022] The main frame (104) is adapted to support the first power transmission unit(122), the second power transmission unit (124), the first base cutter assembly (134) and the second base cutter assembly (136). The main frame (104) is mounted to the cradle (102) through the left side support plate (106) and the right side support plate (108).
[0023] In an embodiment, the left side support plate (106) and the right side support plate (108) are adapted to mount the main frame (104) to the cradle (102). The left side support plate (106) is connected to the main frame (104) adjacent to a left side of the main frame (104). The right side support plate (108) is connected to the main frame (104) adjacent to a right side of the main frame (104). The left side support plate (106) and the right side support plate (108) are connected to the cutting angle adjustment member (112). The left side support plate (106) is pivotably connected to the input shaft mounting hub (118). The right side support plate (108) is pivotably connected to the hub (119).The right side support plate (108) is opposite to the left side support plate (106). The front cover (110) is adapted to cover a portion of the main frame (104) thereby covering the first power transmission unit (122) and the second power transmission unit (124). The front cover (110) is removed during service of the base cutter apparatus (100).
[0024] In an embodiment, the cutting angle adjustment member (112) is adapted to alter a cutting angle of the first base cutter assembly (134) and the second base cutter assembly (136).The cutting angle adjustment member (112) is moved with respect to a slot (10Fa, as shown in fig. 5 and fig. 6) provided in the front tool (10F) when the cutting angle adjustment member (112) is unlocked from the front tool (10F) and when the first base cutter assembly (134) and the second base cutter assembly (136) are moved to change the cutting angle of the first base cutter assembly (134) and the second base cutter assembly (136).
[0025] In an embodiment, the plurality of locking members (114) is adapted to lock the cutting angle adjustment member (112) with the front tool (10F) to maintain the cutting angle of the first base cutter assembly (134) and the second base cutter assembly (136). For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, each locking member (114) is at least a bolt. It is also within the scope of embodiments herein to provide any other fasteners or any other locking means to lock the cutting angle adjustment member (112) without otherwise deterring the intended function of the locking member (114) as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings.
[0026] In an embodiment, the input shaft (116) is driven by a hydraulic motor (not shown) through a belt and pulley drive mechanism (not shown). It is also within the scope of embodiments herein to provide any other actuators and any other drive mechanisms for driving the input shaft 116). The input shaft (116) remains in the same position during adjustment of cutting angle of the first base cutter assembly (134) and the second base cutter assembly (136). The input shaft (116) is adapted to drive the first power transmission unit (122). The input shaft (116) is adapted to be rotatably mounted to the input shaft mounting hub (118) through the input shaft bearing (120). The input shaft mounting hub (118) is adapted to mount the input shaft (116).
[0027] The first power transmission unit (122) is driven by the input shaft (116) and the first power transmission unit (122) in turn drives the first base cutter assembly (134). The first power transmission unit (122) is adapted to drive the second base cutter assembly (134) through the second power transmission unit (124). The first power transmission unit (122) mainly comprises at least one bevel gear (not shown).It is also within the scope of embodiments herein to provide the first power transmission unit (122) with any other type of gears for transmitting power. The first power transmission unit (122) is adapted to be supported and provide inside the main frame (104).
[0028] The second power transmission unit (124) is adapted to be driven by the first power transmission unit (122) and the second power transmission unit (124) in turn drives the second base cutter assembly (134). The second power transmission unit (124) mainly comprises at least one bevel gear. It is also within the scope of embodiments herein to provide the second power transmission unit (124) with any other type of gears for transmitting power. The second power transmission unit (124) is rotatably coupled to the first power transmission unit (122) through the first coupling (128) and the extension shaft (126). The second power transmission unit (124) is adapted to be supported and provided inside the main frame (104). The first power transmission unit (122) is adapted to rotate the first base cutter assembly (134) in a counter clockwise direction. The second power transmission unit (136) is adapted to rotate the second base cutter assembly (136) in a clockwise direction.The second power transmission unit (136) is adapted to change the alignment of force by 90 degree and provide power to the second base cutter assembly (136) through the third coupling (132).
[0029] One end of the extension shaft (126) is connected to the first power transmission unit (122) and another end of the extension shaft (126) is connected to the first coupling (128). The first coupling (128) and the extension shaft (126) is adapted to couple the first power transmission unit (122) with the second power transmission unit (124).The first coupling (128) is coupled between the extension shaft (126) and the second power transmission unit (124)thereby coupling the first power transmission unit (122) with the second power transmission unit (124). The second coupling (130) is adapted to couple the first base cutter assembly (134) with the first power transmission unit (122). The third coupling (132) is adapted to couple the second base cutter assembly (136) with the second power transmission unit (124).
[0030] The first base cutter assembly (134) is rotatably coupled to the first power transmission unit (122) though second coupling (130). The first base cutter assembly (134) includes a base cutter leg (134L), a plurality of bearings (134B), a cutting blade mounting member (134M), a housing (134H) and a plurality of cutting blades (134C).The base cutter leg (134L) is adapted to be rotatably coupled with the first power transmission unit (122) through the second coupling (130). One end of the base cutter leg (134L) is coupled with the first power transmission unit (122) through the second coupling (130) and another end of the base cutter leg (134L) is connected to the cutting blade mounting member (134M). The plurality of bearings (134B) is adapted to rotatably mount the base cutter leg (134L) with respect to the main frame (104) thereby rotatably mounting the first base cutter assembly (134) to the main frame (104). The cutting blade mounting member (134M) is a disc which mounts the plurality of cutting blades (134C).The cutting blade mounting member (134M) is connected to the base cutter leg (134L). The housing (134H) is adapted to house the bearings (134B) and the base cutter leg (134L). The plurality of cutting blades (134C) is adapted to cut the sugarcanes. Each cutting blade (134C) is adapted to be mounted to the cutting blade mounting member (134M) and spaced away from corresponding other cutting blade (134C).
[0031] The second base cutter assembly (136) is rotatably coupled to the second power transmission unit (124) through the third coupling (132). The second base cutter assembly (136) includes a base cutter leg (136L), a plurality of bearings (136B), a cutting blade mounting member (136M), a housing (136H) and a plurality of cutting blades (136C). The base cutter leg (136L) is adapted to be rotatably coupled with the second power transmission unit (124) through the third coupling (132). One end of the base cutter leg (136L) is coupled with the second power transmission unit (124) through the third coupling (132) and another end of the base cutter leg (136L) is connected to the cutting blade mounting member (136M). The plurality of bearings (136B) is adapted to rotatably mount the base cutter leg (136L) with respect to the main frame (104) thereby rotatably mounting the second base cutter assembly (136) to the main frame (104). The cutting blade mounting member (136M) is a disc which mounts the plurality of cutting blades (136C). The cutting blade mounting member (136M) is connected to the base cutter leg (136L). The housing (136H) is adapted to house the bearings (136B) and the base cutter leg (136L). The plurality of cutting blades (136C) is adapted to cut the sugarcanes. Each cutting blade (136C) is adapted to be mounted onto the cutting blade mounting member (136M) and spaced away from corresponding other cutting blade (136C).
[0032] Fig. 7 depicts a flowchart indicating a method (200) for adjusting a cutting angle of the base cutter apparatus (100) in the sugarcane harvester (10), according to embodiments as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the method (200) includes, removing at least one locking member (114) from a cutting angle adjustment member (112) to unlock the cutting angle adjustment member (112) from a front tool (10F) of the sugarcane harvester (10), step (202) and moving a first base cutter assembly (134) and a second base cutter assembly (136) to change the cutting angle of the first base cutter assembly (134) and the second base cutter assembly (136), step (204) and securing the cutting angle adjustment member (112) with the front tool (10F) by engaging the locking member (114) with the cutting angle adjustment member (112) to maintain the cutting angle of the first base cutter assembly (134) and the second base cutter assembly (136), step (206).
[0033] When there is a requirement to adjust the cutting angle of the base cuter apparatus (100) from a cutting angle (A, as shown in fig. 5) to a cutting angle (B, as shown in fig. 6) or vice versa, at least one locking member (114) on both sides of the cutting angle adjustment member (112), is removed from the cutting angle adjustment member (112) to unlock the cutting angle adjustment member (112) from the front tool (10F) of the sugarcane harvester (10). Thereafter, the first base cutter assembly (134) and the second base cutter assembly (136) are moved to change the cutting angle of the first base cutter assembly (134) and the second base cutter assembly (136). Thereafter, the locking members (114) are engaged with the cutting angle adjustment member (112) and locking member receiving portion (not shown) in the front tool (10F) to secure the cutting angle adjustment member (112) with the front tool (10F) therein to maintain the cutting angle of the first base cutter assembly (134) and the second base cutter assembly (136).
[0034] Therefore, a base cutter apparatus (100) for a sugarcane harvester, which enables easier adjustment of cutting angle thereof, is provided.
[0035] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.

,CLAIMS:STATEMENT OF CLAIMS
We claim:
1. A base cutter apparatus (100)for a sugarcane harvester (10), said base cutter apparatus (100) comprising:
at least one cutting angle adjustment member (112);
a left side support plate (106) adapted to be connected to a main frame (104) and said cutting angle adjustment member (112);
a right side support plate (108) adapted to be connected to the main frame (104) and said cutting angle adjustment member (112);
a first power transmission unit (122) adapted to be rotatably coupled to an input shaft (116);
a second power transmission unit (124) adapted to be rotatably coupled to said first power transmission unit (122);
a first base cutter assembly (134) adapted to be rotatably coupled to said first power transmission unit (122); and
a second base cutter assembly (136) adapted to be rotatably coupled to said second power transmission unit (124).

2. The base cutter apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said cutting angle adjustment member (112) is adapted to alter a cutting angle of said first base cutter assembly (134) and said second base cutter assembly (136), where
said cutting angle adjustment member (112) is moved with respect to a slot (10Fa) provided in a front tool (10F) of the sugarcane harvester (10) when said cutting angle adjustment member (112) is unlocked from the front tool (10F) and when said first base cutter assembly (134) and said second base cutter assembly (136) are moved to changethe cutting angle of said first base cutter assembly (134) and said second base cutter assembly (136).

3. The base cutter apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said base cutter apparatus (100) comprises a plurality of locking members (114) adapted to lock said cutting angle adjustment member (112) with the front tool (10F) to maintain the cutting angle of said first base cutter assembly (134) and said second base cutter assembly (136).

4. The base cutter apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said base cutter apparatus (100) comprises a cradle (102) adapted to mount said base cutter apparatus (100) to a front tool (10F) of the sugarcane harvester (10),
wherein
said cradle (102) includes,
a base (102B) adapted to be secured to the front tool (10F); and
a plurality of legs (102L and 102R),
wherein
one end of said leg (102L) is connected to a first end (102f) of said base (102B) and another end of said leg (102L) is connected to said left side support plate (106) through a input shaft mounting hub (118); and
one end of another said leg (102R) is connected to a second end (102s) of said base (102B) and another end of said leg (102R) is connected to said right side support plate (108) through a hub (119).

5. The base cutter apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, whereinsaid base cutter apparatus (100) comprises,
an extension shaft (126) adapted to be connected to said first power transmission unit (122); and
a first coupling (128) adapted to be connected with said extension shaft (126) and said second power transmission unit (124) thereby coupling said first power transmission unit (122) with said second power transmission unit (124).

6. The base cutter apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of said first power transmission unit (122) and said second power transmission unit (124) comprises at least one bevel gear.

7. The base cutter apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said second power transmission unit (124) comprises a front cover (110) adapted to connected to said main frame (104),
wherein
said front cover (110) is adapted to be removed during service of said base cutter apparatus (100).

8. A base cutter apparatus (100) for a sugarcane harvester (10), said base cutter apparatus (100) comprising:
at least one cutting angle adjustment member (112) adapted to alter a cutting angle of a first base cutter assembly (134) and a second base cutter assembly (136); and
a plurality of locking members (114) adapted to lock said cutting angle adjustment member (112) to maintain the cutting angle of said first base cutter assembly (134) and said second base cutter assembly (136).

9. The base cutter as claimed in claim 8, wherein said cutting angle adjustment member (112) is moved with respect to a slot (10Fa) provided in a front tool (10F) of the sugarcane harvester (10) when said cutting angle adjustment member (112) is unlocked from the front tool (10F) and when said first base cutter assembly (134) and said second base cutter assembly (136) are moved to change the cutting angle of said first base cutter assembly (134) and said second base cutter assembly (136).

10. A method (200) for adjusting a cutting angle of a base cutter apparatus (100) in a sugarcane harvester (10), said method (200) comprising:
removing at least one locking member (114) from a cutting angle adjustment member (112) to unlock the cutting angle adjustment member (112) from a front tool (10F) of the sugarcane harvester (10);
moving a first base cutter assembly (134) and a second base cutter assembly (136) to change the cutting angle of the first base cutter assembly (134) and the second base cutter assembly (136); and
securing the cutting angle adjustment member (112) with the front tool (10F) by engaging the locking member (114) with the cutting angle adjustment member (112) to maintain the cutting angle of the first base cutter assembly (134) and thesecond base cutter assembly (136).

Dated: 19th March, 2019
Signature:
Name of Signatory: Somashekar Ramakrishna
Patent Agent No: 2024