[0001] The present subject matter relates generally to choppers for agricultural
harvesters, such as sugar cane harvesters, and, more particularly, to a blade
adjustment system for a chopper of an agricultural harvester and related blade
adjustment methods.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Typically, agricultural harvesters include an assembly of processing
equipment for processing harvested crop materials. For instance, within a sugarcane
harvester, severed sugar cane stalks are conveyed via a feed roller assembly to a
chopper that cuts or chops the sugar cane stalks into pieces or billets (e.g., 6 inch cane
sections). The processed crop material discharged from the chopper 50 is then
directed as a stream of billets and debris into a primary extractor, within which the
airborne debris (e.g., dust, dirt, leaves, etc.) is separated from the sugar cane billets.
The separated/cleaned billets then fall into an elevator assembly for delivery to an
external storage device.
[0003] During periods of continuous operation of a sugarcane harvester, the
chopper blades extending from the pair of chopper drums located within the chopper
are typically subject to significant wear. Such wear can reduce the amount of overlap
or clearance between the chopper blades one on chopper drum as compared to the
other chopper drum, thereby reducing the operating efficiency of the chopper. To
address this issue, operators typically must rotate one of the chopper drums relative to
the other to correct for any reductions in the amount of overlap or clearance.
Unfortunately, in conventional sugarcane harvesters, such relative rotation of the
chopper drums is achieved by draining the oil from the associated gearbox and
partially disassembling the internal components of the gearbox to allow one of the
chopper drums to be rotated. As a result, the blade adjustment process is very time
consuming and tedious, resulting in loss of operating time within the field.
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[0004] Accordingly, an improved system and related method for adjusting the
relative positioning of chopper blades of a chopper of an agricultural harvester would
be welcomed in the technology.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0005] Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the
following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned
through practice of the invention.
[0006] In one aspect, the present subject matter is directed to a system for
adjusting the relative positioning of chopper blades of an agricultural harvester. The
system comprises a chopper including a first chopper drum and a second chopper
drum, with each of the first and second chopper drums including at least one chopper
blade provided in operative association therewith. The system also includes a
gearbox supported relative to the chopper and including first and second drive gears
positioned therein, with the first drive gear meshing with the second drive gear such
that the first and second drive gears rotate simultaneously. The first drive gear is
configured to be coupled to the first chopper drum via a first drum shaft for rotation
therewith during operation of the chopper, and the second drive gear is configured to
be coupled to the second chopper drum via a second drum shaft for rotation therewith
during operation of the chopper. Additionally, the system includes a shaft assembly
coupled between the first drum shaft and the first drive gear, with the shaft assembly
comprising a drum connector shaft and a gear mounting shaft. The drum connector
shaft is rotationally coupled to the first drum shaft, and the gear mounting shaft is
rotationally coupled to the first drive gear. Moreover, the gear mounting shaft is
configured to be selectively coupled to the drum connector shaft such that the gear
mounting shaft is operable in both an engaged state, in which the gear mounting shaft
is rotationally coupled to the drum connector shaft, and a disengaged state, in which
the gear mounting shaft is rotatable relative to the drum connector shaft.
Furthermore, when in the disengaged state, rotation of the gear mounting shaft
relative to the drum connector shaft results in rotation of the second chopper drum
relative to the first chopper drum via the meshing engagement provided via the first
and second drive gears.
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[0007] In another aspect, the present subject matter is directed to a method for
adjusting the relative positioning of chopper blades of an agricultural harvester. The
harvester comprises a chopper including first and second chopper drums, with each of
the first and second chopper drums including at least one chopper blade provided in
operative association therewith. The harvester further comprises a gearbox supported
relative to the chopper and including first and second drive gears positioned therein,
the first drive gear meshing with the second drive gear such that the first and second
drive gears rotate simultaneously, The first drive gear is configured to be coupled to
the first chopper drum via a first drum shaft for rotation therewith during operation of
the chopper, and the second drive gear is configured to be coupled to the second
chopper drum via a second drum shaft for rotation therewith during operation of the
chopper. The method includes accessing a shaft assembly positioned within the
gearbox that provides a rotational coupling between the first chopper drum and the
first drive gear, with the shaft assembly comprising a drum connector shaft
rotationally coupled to the first drum shaft and a gear mounting shaft being
rotationally coupled to the first drive gear. The method further includes rotationally
disengaging the gear mounting shaft from the drum connector shaft, and rotating the
gear mounting shaft relative to the drum connector shaft such that the second chopper
drum is rotated relative to the first chopper drum via the meshing engagement
provided via the first and second drive gears.
[0008] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention
will become better understood with reference to the following description and
appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and,
together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best
mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the
specification, which makes reference to the appended figures, in which:
[0010] FIG. 1 illustrates a simplified, side view of one embodiment of an
agricultural harvester in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter;
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[0011] FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic view of one embodiment of a system for
adjusting the relative positioning of chopper blades of a chopper of an agricultural
harvester in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter;
[0012] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of the system
shown in FIG. 2 in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter, particularly
illustrating a gearbox of the disclosed system with a cover plate exploded away from
an associated access port defined in the gearbox;
[0013] FIG. 4 illustrates a sectional, perspective view of the gearbox shown in
FIG. 3 taken about line 4-4;
[0014] FIG. 5 illustrates an enlarged portion of the sectional, perspective view of
the gearbox shown in FIG. 4 as indicated by box 5-5;
[0015] FIG. 6 illustrates an exploded, perspective view of the first drive gear and
shaft assembly components shown in FIG. 5;
[0016] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the
system shown in FIG. 2 in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter,
particularly illustrating a gearbox of the disclosed system with a cover plate exploded
away from an associated access port defined in the gearbox;
[0017] FIG. 8 illustrates a sectional, perspective view of the gearbox shown in
FIG. 7 taken about line 8-8;
[0018] FIG. 9 illustrates an enlarged portion of the sectional, perspective view of
the gearbox shown in FIG. 8 as indicated by box 9-9;
[0019] FIG. 10 illustrates an exploded, perspective view of the first drive gear and
the shaft assembly components shown in FIG. 9 along an associated tool of the
disclosed system; and
[0020] FIG. 11 illustrates an alternative exploded, perspective view of the system
components shown in FIG. 10.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0021] Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention,
one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is
provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In
fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and
55043/CNHI-114
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variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or
spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one
embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further
embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications
and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
[0022] In general, the present subject matter is directed to a blade adjustment
system for chopper of an agricultural harvester and related blade adjustment methods.
Specifically, in several embodiments, the disclosed system includes an adjustable
shaft assembly configured to allow one of the chopper drums of the chopper to be
disengaged from its respective drive gear to allow the other chopper drum to be
rotated relative to the disengaged chopper drum when it is desired to adjust the
relative positioning of the chopper blades supported on the chopper drums. For
instance, as will be described below, the shaft assembly may include first and second
shaft assembly components configured to be selectively coupled to one another (e.g.,
via removable fasteners) to allow such shaft assembly components to be transitioned
between engaged and disengaged states. In such an embodiment, one of the shaft
assembly components may be coupled to the drum shaft of the corresponding chopper
drum and the other shaft assembly component may be coupled to the respective drive
gear. By rotationally disengaging the shaft assembly component, the rotational
coupling otherwise provided between the drum shaft and the drive gear will be
disengaged, thereby allowing the shaft assembly component coupled to the drive gear
to be rotated to rotate the other chopper drum relative to the disengaged chopper
drum.
[0023] Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of one
embodiment of an agricultural harvester 10 in accordance with aspects of the present
subject matter. As shown, the harvester 10 is configured as a sugarcane harvester.
However, in other embodiments, the harvester 10 may correspond to any other
suitable agricultural harvester known in the art.
[0024] As shown in FIG. 1, the harvester 10 includes a frame 12, a pair of front
wheels 14, a pair of rear wheels 16, and an operator’s cab 18. The harvester 10 may
also include a primary source of power (e.g., an engine mounted on the frame 12)
which powers one or both pairs of the wheels 14, 16 via a transmission (not shown).
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Alternatively, the harvester 10 may be a track-driven harvester and, thus, may include
tracks driven by the engine as opposed to the illustrated wheels 14, 16. The engine
may also drive a hydraulic fluid pump (not shown) configured to generate pressurized
hydraulic fluid for powering various hydraulic components of the harvester 10.
[0025] Additionally, the harvester 10 may include various components for cutting,
processing, cleaning, and discharging sugar cane as the cane is harvested from an
agricultural field 20. For instance, the harvester 10 may include a topper assembly 22
positioned at its front end to intercept sugar cane as the harvester 10 is moved in the
forward direction. As shown, the topper assembly 22 may include both a gathering
disk 24 and a cutting disk 26. The gathering disk 24 may be configured to gather the
sugar cane stalks so that the cutting disk 26 may be used to cut off the top of each
stalk. As is generally understood, the height of the topper assembly 22 may be
adjustable via a pair of arms 28 hydraulically raised and lowered, as desired, by the
operator.
[0026] Additionally, the harvester 10 may include a crop divider 30 that extends
upwardly and rearwardly from the field 20. In general, the crop divider 30 may
include two spiral feed rollers 32. Each feed roller 32 may include a ground
shoe 34 at its lower end to assist the crop divider 30 in gathering the sugar cane stalks
for harvesting. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 1, the harvester 10 may include a knockdown roller 36 positioned near the front wheels 14 and a fin roller 38 positioned
behind the knock-down roller 36. As the knock-down roller 36 is rotated, the sugar
cane stalks being harvested are knocked down while the crop divider 30 gathers the
stalks from agricultural field 20. Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the fin roller 38 may
include a plurality of intermittently mounted fins 40 that assist in forcing the sugar
cane stalks downwardly. As the fin roller 38 is rotated during the harvest, the sugar
cane stalks that have been knocked down by the knock-down roller 36 are separated
and further knocked down by the fin roller 38 as the harvester 10 continues to be
moved in the forward direction relative to the field 20.
[0027] Referring still to FIG. 1, the harvester 10 may also include a base cutter
assembly 42 positioned behind the fin roller 38. As is generally understood, the base
cutter assembly 42 may include blades (not shown) for severing the sugar cane stalks
as the cane is being harvested. The blades, located on the periphery of the
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assembly 42, may be rotated by a hydraulic motor (not shown) powered by the
vehicle’s hydraulic system. Additionally, in several embodiments, the blades may be
angled downwardly to sever the base of the sugar cane as the cane is knocked down
by the fin roller 38.
[0028] Moreover, the harvester 10 may include a feed roller assembly 44 located
downstream of the base cutter assembly 42 for moving the severed stalks of sugar
cane from base cutter assembly 42 along the processing path. As shown in FIG. 1, the
feed roller assembly 44 may include a plurality of bottom rollers 46 and a plurality of
opposed, top pinch rollers 48. The various bottom and top rollers 46, 48 may be used
to pinch the harvested sugar cane during transport. As the sugar cane is transported
through the feed roller assembly 44, debris (e.g., rocks, dirt, and/or the like) may be
allowed to fall through bottom rollers 46 onto the field 20.
[0029] In addition, the harvester 10 may include a chopper 50 located at the
downstream end of the feed roller assembly 44 (e.g., adjacent to the rearward-most
bottom and top feed rollers 46, 48). In general, the chopper 50 may be used to cut or
chop the severed sugar cane stalks into pieces or “billets” 51, which may be, for
example, six (6) inches long. The billets 51 may then be propelled towards an
elevator assembly 52 of the harvester 10 for delivery to an external receiver or storage
device (not shown).
[0030] As is generally understood, pieces of debris 53 (e.g., dust, dirt, leaves, etc.)
separated from the sugar cane billets 51 may be expelled from the harvester
10 through a primary extractor 54, which is located immediately behind the chopper
50 and is oriented to direct the debris 53 outwardly from the harvester 10.
Additionally, an extractor fan 56 may be mounted within the primary extractor 54 for
generating a suction force or vacuum sufficient to pick up the debris 53 and force the
debris 53 through the primary extractor 54. The separated or cleaned billets 51,
heavier than the debris 53 being expelled through the extractor 54, may then fall
downward to the elevator assembly 52.
[0031] As shown in FIG. 1, the elevator assembly 52 may generally include an
elevator housing 58 and an elevator 60 extending within the elevator housing 58
between a lower, proximal end 62 and an upper, distal end 64. In general, the elevator
60 may include a looped chain 66 and a plurality of flights or paddles 68 attached to
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and evenly spaced on the chain 66. The paddles 68 may be configured to hold the
sugar cane billets 51 on the elevator 60 as the billets are elevated along a top span 70
of the elevator 70 defines between its proximal and distal ends 62, 64. Additionally,
the elevator 60 may include lower and upper sprockets 72, 74 positioned at its
proximal and distal ends 62, 64, respectively. As shown in FIG. 1, an elevator motor
76 may be coupled to one of the sprockets (e.g., the upper sprocket 74) for driving the
chain 66, thereby allowing the chain 66 and the paddles 68 to travel in an endless loop
between the proximal and distal ends 62, 64 of the elevator 60.
[0032] Moreover, in some embodiments, pieces of debris 53 (e.g., dust, dirt,
leaves, etc.) separated from the elevated sugar cane billets 51 may be expelled from
the harvester 10 through a secondary extractor 78 coupled to the rear end of the
elevator housing 58. For example, the debris 53 expelled by the secondary extractor
78 may be debris remaining after the billets 51 are cleaned and debris 53 expelled by
the primary extractor 54. As shown in FIG. 1, the secondary extractor 78 may be
located adjacent to the distal end 64 of the elevator 60 and may be oriented to direct
the debris 53 outwardly from the harvester 10. Additionally, an extractor fan 80 may
be mounted at the base of the secondary extractor 78 for generating a suction force or
vacuum sufficient to pick up the debris 53 and force the debris 53 through the
secondary extractor 78. The separated, cleaned billets 51, heavier than the debris 53
expelled through the extractor 78, may then fall from the distal end 64 of the elevator
60. Typically, the billets 51 may fall downwardly through an elevator discharge
opening 82 of the elevator assembly 52 into an external storage device (not shown),
such as a sugar cane billet cart.
[0033] During operation, the harvester 10 is traversed across the agricultural field
20 for harvesting sugar cane. After the height of the topper assembly 22 is adjusted
via the arms 28, the gathering disk 24 on the topper assembly 22 may function to
gather the sugar cane stalks as the harvester 10 proceeds across the field 20, while the
cutter disk 26 severs the leafy tops of the sugar cane stalks for disposal along either
side of harvester 10. As the stalks enter the crop divider 30, the ground shoes 34 may
set the operating width to determine the quantity of sugar cane entering the throat of
the harvester 10. The spiral feed rollers 32 then gather the stalks into the throat to
allow the knock-down roller 36 to bend the stalks downwardly in conjunction with the
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action of the fin roller 38. Once the stalks are angled downwardly as shown in FIG. 1,
the base cutter assembly 42 may then sever the base of the stalks from field 20. The
severed stalks are then, by movement of the harvester 10, directed to the feed roller
assembly 44.
[0034] The severed sugar cane stalks are conveyed rearwardly by the bottom and
top feed rollers 46, 48, which compress the stalks, make them more uniform, and
shake loose debris to pass through the bottom rollers 46 to the field 20. At the
downstream end of the feed roller assembly 44, the chopper 50 cuts or chops the
compressed sugar cane stalks into pieces or billets 51 (e.g., 6 inch cane sections). The
processed crop material discharged from the chopper 50 is then directed as a stream of
billets 51 and debris 53 into the primary extractor 54. The airborne debris 53 (e.g.,
dust, dirt, leaves, etc.) separated from the sugar cane billets is then extracted through
the primary extractor 54 using suction created by the extractor fan 56. The
separated/cleaned billets 51 then fall downwardly through an elevator hopper 86 into
the elevator assembly 52 and travel upwardly via the elevator 60 from its proximal
end 62 to its distal end 64. During normal operation, once the billets 51 reach the
distal end 64 of the elevator 60, the billets 51 fall through the elevator discharge
opening 82 to an external storage device. If provided, the secondary extractor 78
(with the aid of the extractor fan 80) blows out trash/debris 53 from harvester 10,
similar to the primary extractor 54.
[0035] Referring now to FIG. 2, a schematic view of one embodiment of a system
100 for adjusting the relative positioning of chopper blades of a chopper of an
agricultural harvester is illustrated in accordance with aspects of the present subject
matter. In general, the system 100 may include a chopper 102 configured to cut or
chop severed sugar cane stalks into pieces or “billets”, such as the chopper 50
described above with reference to FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the chopper 102 may
generally include an outer housing 104 and one or more chopper elements rotatably
supported within the housing 104. For instance, in the illustrated embodiment, the
chopper 102 includes a pair of chopper drums (e.g., a first drum 106 and a second
drum 108) rotatably supported within the housing 104. As is generally understood, a
plurality of chopper blades 110 may be coupled to or extend from each chopper drum
106, 108 to allow the harvested crop material received from the feed roller assembly
55043/CNHI-114
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44 (FIG. 1) to be cut or chopped, thereby generating a stream of processed crop
material that is discharged from the chopper 102 via an outlet (not shown) of the
housing 104.
[0036] Additionally, as shown in FIG. 2, the system 100 may include a gearbox
120 supported relative to the chopper 102. In several embodiments, the gearbox 120
may generally be configured to house one or more components used to rotationally
couple the first and second chopper drums 106, 108 to each other such that the drums
106, 108 rotate simultaneously when driven via an associated rotational drive
source(s) (e.g., an input motor 122, such as a hydraulic motor, rotationally coupled to
each respective chopper drum 106, 108). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the first
chopper drum 106 is rotationally coupled to a first drive gear 124 (e.g., via a first
drum shaft 126) and the second chopper drum 108 is rotationally coupled to a second
drive gear 128 (e.g., via a second drum shaft 130), with the first and second drive
gears 128, 130 being configured to rotationally engage or otherwise mesh with each
other within the gearbox 120 to synchronize rotation of the chopper drums 106, 108.
Specifically, each chopper drum 106, 108 may be rotationally driven by its respective
input motor 122, with the meshing drive gears 124, 128 functioning as synchronizing
gears to ensure that the chopper drums rotate in-sync with each other.
[0037] In accordance with aspects of the present subject matter, one of the drum
shafts 126, 130 may be configured to be coupled to its respective drive gear 124, 128
via an adjustable shaft assembly 140 that allows the drum shaft to be temporarily
disengaged from its respective drive gear, thereby permitting one of the chopper
drums to be rotated relative to the other chopper drum to adjust the relative
positioning of the chopper blades 110. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the
adjustable shaft assembly 140 is installed between the first drum shaft 126 and the
first drive gear 124. As such, during operation of the chopper 100, the shaft assembly
140 may provide a rotational coupling between the first drum shaft 126 and the first
drive gear 124 such that rotational motion of the first chopper drum 106 is
synchronized with the rotational motion of the second chopper drum 108 via the
meshing engagement of the drive gears 124, 128. However, when it is desired to
adjust the relative positioning of the chopper blades 110, the shaft assembly 140 may
allow the first drive gear 124 to be de-coupled or disengaged from the first drum shaft
55043/CNHI-114
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126, thereby allowing the second chopper drum 108 to be rotated relative to the first
chopper drum 106 to adjust the clearance or positioning of the chopper blades 110 of
the second chopper drum 108 relative to the chopper blades 110 of the first chopper
drum 106.
[0038] As will be described in greater detail below, the shaft assembly 140 may,
in several embodiments, include both a drum connector shaft 150 and a gear mounting
shaft 160, with the drum connector shaft 150 configured to be rotationally fixed or
mounted to the first drum shaft 126 (e.g., via a splined connection) and the gear
mounting shaft 160 configured to be rotationally fixed or mounted to the first drive
gear 124 (e.g., via fasteners). In such an embodiment, the gear mounting shaft 160
may be configured to be selectively coupled to the drum connector shaft 150 (e.g., via
fasteners) for rotation therewith, thereby allowing the gear mounting shaft 160 to be
transitioned between an engaged state and a disengaged state relative to the drum
connector shaft 150. Specifically, when in the engaged state, the gear mounting shaft
160 may be rotationally fixed or coupled to the drum connector shaft 150 to allow the
shaft assembly 140 to provide a rotational coupling between the first drum shaft 126
and the first drive gear 124. However, when in the disengaged state, the gear
mounting shaft 160 may be rotationally disengaged from the drum connector shaft
150, thereby allowing the gear mounting shaft 160 to be rotated relative to the drum
connector shaft 150. In such instance, the relative rotation of the gear mounting shaft
160 may result in rotation of the first drive gear 124 coupled thereto, which may, in
turn, be transmitted to the second chopper drum 108 via the meshing gears 124, 128
to allow such drum 108 to be rotated relative to the first chopper drum 106, thereby
adjusting the relative positioning of the chopper blades 110.
[0039] Additionally, in several embodiments, an access port 132 may be defined
in the gearbox 120 at or adjacent to the location of the adjustable shaft assembly 140
to allow an operator to access the shaft assembly 140 when it is desired to adjust the
relative positioning of the chopper blades 110. For instance, as shown in FIG. 2, an
access port 132 (and associated cover plate 134) are provided at the location of the
shaft assembly 140. In such an embodiment, the operator may remove the cover plate
134 to access to the shaft assembly 140 via the access port 132 and may subsequently
disengage the gear mounting shaft 160 from the drum connector shaft 150. As will be
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described below, a suitable tool may then be inserted through the access port 132 to
allow the operator to rotate the gear mounting shaft 160 relative to the drum connector
shaft 150 and, thus, rotate the second chopper drum 108 relative to the first chopper
drum 106.
[0040] It should be appreciated that, in several embodiments, a sealing member or
seal may be provided between the gear mounting shaft 160 and an adjacent portion of
the gearbox 120 at the location of the access port 132 to retain the lubricant (e.g., oil)
contained within the gearbox 120 while the relative positioning of the chopper blades
110 is being adjusted. For instance, as shown in FIG. 2, a seal 138 may be provided
between an outer perimeter of the gear mounting shaft 160 and the portion of the
gearbox 120 defining the access port 132 to prevent any lubricant from leaking out of
the access port 132 as the blade adjustment process is being performed. As a result,
the relative positioning of the chopper blades 110 can be adjusted without draining the
oil or other lubricant contained within the gearbox 120.
[0041] As particularly shown in FIG. 2, in contrast to the shaft assembly 140
described above that is provided between the first drum shaft 126 and the first drive
gear 124, the second drum shaft 130 is rotationally coupled to the second drive gear
128 via a single connector shaft 136. Specifically, the second drum shaft 130 is
rotationally fixed or coupled at one end to the second chopper drum 108 and at the
opposed end to the connector shaft 136 (e.g., via a splined connection), with the
connector shaft 136 being, in turn, rotationally fixed or coupled directly between the
second drum shaft 130 and the second drive gear 128. As such, the second drum shaft
130 and the connector shaft 136 provide a direct rotational connection between the
second chopper drum 108 and the second drive gear 128.
[0042] It should be appreciated that, in other embodiments, the adjustable gear
assembly 140 may, instead, be provided in operative association with the second
chopper drum 108, such as by installing the drum connector shaft 150 and the gear
mounting shaft 160 between the second drum shaft 130 and the second drive gear
128. In such embodiments, when the gear mounting shaft 160 is rotationally
disengaged from the drum connector shaft 150, relative rotation of the gear mounting
shaft 160 may result in rotation of the first chopper drum 106 relative to the second
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chopper drum 108 to facilitate an adjustment of the relative positioning of the chopper
blades 110.
[0043] Referring now to FIGS. 3-6, several views of one embodiment of the
gearbox 120 and associated components of the system 100 described above with
reference to FIG. 2 are illustrated in accordance with aspects of the present subject
matter. Specifically, FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the gearbox 120 with the
cover plate 134 exploded away from the associated access port 132 defined in the
gearbox. Additionally, FIG. 4 illustrates a sectional, perspective view of the gearbox
shown in FIG. 3 taken about line 4-4 with the cover plate 134 removed, particularly
illustrating the various internal components connecting the first drum shaft 126 to the
second drum shaft 128, such as the shaft assembly 140, the first and second drive
gears 124, 128, and the connector shaft 136. Moreover, FIG. 5 illustrates an enlarged
portion of the sectional, perspective view of the gearbox shown in FIG. 4 as indicated
by box 5-5, while FIG. 6 illustrates an exploded, perspective view of the first drive
gear and shaft assembly components of the disclosed system 100.
[0044] As particularly shown in 4, the internal geared connection within the
gearbox 120 between the first drum shaft 126 and the second drum shaft 130 is
generally configured the same as that described above with reference to FIG. 2. For
instance, the first drum shaft 126 is coupled to a first drive gear 124 via an adjustable
shaft assembly 140 and the second drum shaft 130 is coupled to a second drive gear
128 via a connector shaft 136, with the first and second drive gears 124, 128 being
configured to mesh with each other to allow rotational motion to be transferred
between the first and second drum shafts 126, 130 during operation of the chopper
102 (FIG. 2).
[0045] Additionally, as particularly shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the shaft assembly
140 includes both a drum connector shaft 150 and a gear mounting shaft 160, with the
drum connector shaft 150 configured to be rotationally fixed or mounted to the first
drum shaft 126 and the gear mounting shaft 160 configured to be rotationally fixed or
mounted to the first drive gear 124. Specifically, in one embodiment, the drum
connector shaft 150 may be configured to be coupled to the first drum shaft 126 via a
splined connection. For instance, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the drum connector
shaft 150 may include a first cylindrical portion 151 defining a plurality of internal
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splines 152 (FIG. 6) configured to rotationally engage a corresponding set of external
splines 180 (FIG. 5) defined around the outer perimeter of an adjacent end 182 (FIG.
5) of the drum shaft 126. In such an embodiment, when the first cylindrical portion
151 of the drum connector shaft 150 is inserted into the adjacent end 182 of the first
drum shaft 126, the external splines 180 of the drum shaft 126 may rotationally
engage the internal splines 152 of the drum connector shaft 150, thereby rotationally
coupling the shafts 126, 150 to each other.
[0046] Moreover, in several embodiments, the gear mounting shaft 160 may be
configured to be coupled to the first drive gear 124 via a plurality of fasteners (not
shown), such as a plurality of mounting bolts. For instance, as particularly shown in
FIGS. 5 and 6, the gear mounting shaft 160 may include a radially outer gear
mounting flange 161 defining a plurality of fastener openings 162 in a bolt-hole
pattern matching the bolt-hole pattern of a corresponding set of fastener openings 184
defined in the first drive gear 124. In such an embodiment, by aligning the fastener
openings 162 of the gear mounting shaft 160 with the fastener openings 184 of the
first drive gear 124, suitable fasteners may be inserted through the aligned openings
162, 184 to rotationally couple the gear mounting shaft 160 to the first drive gear 124.
[0047] Additionally, as indicated above with reference to FIG. 2, the gear
mounting shaft 160 may be configured to be selectively coupled to the drum
connector shaft 150 for rotation therewith, thereby allowing the gear mounting shaft
160 to be transitioned between an engaged state and a disengaged state relative to the
drum connector shaft 150. Specifically, in several embodiments, the gear mounting
shaft 160 may be configured to be selectively coupled to the drum connector shaft 150
via a plurality of fasteners 142 (FIG. 5), such as a plurality of mounting bolts. For
instance, as particularly shown in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 6, the gear
mounting shaft 160 may include a radially inner mounting flange 163 defining a
plurality of elongated adjustment slots 164 in a bolt-hole pattern matching the bolthole pattern of a corresponding set of threaded openings 153 defined in an enlarged,
second cylindrical portion 154 of the drum connector shaft 150. In such an
embodiment, by aligning the elongated adjustment slots 164 of the gear mounting
shaft 160 with the threaded openings 153 of the drum connector shaft 150, suitable
threaded fasteners 142 may be inserted through the adjustment slots 164 and threaded
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into the threaded openings 153 to couple the gear mounting shaft 160 to the drum
connector shaft 150. Specifically, by fully tightening the threaded fasteners 142, the
gear mounting shaft 160 may be placed in its engaged state relative to the drum
connector shaft 150 in which the gear mounting shaft 160 is rotationally engaged with
the drum connector shaft 150.
[0048] Similarly, by loosening the threaded fasteners 142, the gear mounting shaft
160 may be placed in its disengaged state relative to the drum connector shaft 150 in
which the gear mounting shaft 160 is allowed to be rotated relative to the drum
connector shaft 150. In doing so, the angular range of travel of the gear mounting
shaft 160 relative to the drum connector shaft 150 is generally defined by the
elongated adjustment slots 164. Specifically, with the threaded fasteners 142 simply
loosened (as opposed to being removed), the gear mounting shaft 160 can be rotated
relative to drum connector shaft 150 in a first rotational direction until one end of
each adjustment slot 164 contacts the corresponding fastener 142 extending
therethrough and in a second rotational direction until the opposed end of each
adjustment slot 164 contacts the associated fastener 142. As indicated above, such
relative rotation of the gear mounting shaft 160 may result in rotation of the first drive
gear 124 coupled thereto, which may, in turn, be transmitted to the second drum shaft
130 via the meshing gears 124, 128 to allow the second chopper drum 108 (FIG. 2) to
be rotated relative to the first chopper drum 106 (FIG. 2), thereby adjusting the
relative positioning of the chopper blades 110 (FIG. 2).
[0049] As shown in FIG. 3, an access port 132 is defined through the gearbox 120
at or adjacent to the location of the adjustable shaft assembly 140. During operation
of the associated chopper 102 (FIG. 2), the access port 132 is generally configured to
be covered via an associated cover plate 134 (FIG. 3). However, when it is desired to
adjust the relative positioning of the chopper blades 110, the cover plate 134 may be
removed to allow an operator to gain access to the shaft assembly 140. For example,
as shown in FIG. 3, with the cover plate 134 removed, the access port 132 may allow
an operator to directly access the gear mounting shaft 160 and the threaded fasteners
142 used to rotationally couple the gear mounting shaft 160 to the drum connector
shaft 150. As a result, with the access provided via the access port 132, the operator
may loosen the threaded fasteners 142 to rotationally disengage the gear mounting
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shaft 160 from the drum connector shaft 150 to allow the gear mounting shaft 160 to
be subsequently rotated relative to the drum connector shaft 150.
[0050] In several embodiments, to facilitate rotation of the gear mounting shaft
160 relative to the drum connector shaft 150, the gear mounting shaft 160 may
include or incorporate one or more tool engagement features configured to engage a
corresponding tool 190 (FIG. 4) used for rotating the gear mounting shaft 160. For
instance, in one embodiment, the tool 190 may correspond to a hand tool or other
suitable tool configured to be inserted into a portion of the gear mounting shaft 160 to
allow the tool 190 to rotationally engage the gear mounting shaft 160. In such an
embodiment, the tool engagement feature(s) of the gear mounting shaft 160 may
correspond to a tool opening 165 defining a shape that is complementary to the shape
of the portion of the tool 190 configured to be received therein. For instance, as
shown in FIG. 4, the tool 190 may have an insertion portion 191 defining a hexagonal
shape. In such an embodiment, the tool opening 160 may be configured to define a
complementary hexagonal shape such that, when the insertion portion 191 of the tool
190 is inserted through the opening 165 with the gear mounting shaft 160 in its
loosened or disengaged state, the tool 190 may be used to rotate the gear mounting
shaft 160 relative to the drum connector shaft 150. As shown in the illustrated
embodiment, the tool opening 165 is defined by the radially inner mounting flange
163 of the gear mounting shaft 160 such that the tool opening 165 is generally
centered on or coaxially aligned with the rotational axis of the gear mounting shaft
160.
[0051] It should be appreciated that, in other embodiments, the tool opening 165
defined by the gear mounting shaft 160 may have any other suitable shape that allows
a corresponding tool 190 to be inserted therein and rotationally engage the gear
mounting shaft 160. For instance, in another embodiment, the tool opening 165 may
correspond to a splined opening formed by a plurality of internal splines defined
around the inner perimeter of the radially inner mounting flange 163. In such an
embodiment, the insertion portion 191 of the tool 190 may include a plurality of
external splines configured to engage the internal splines of the gear mounting shaft
160 when the insertion portion 191 of the tool 190 is inserted through the tool opening
165. In another embodiment, the tool opening 165 may correspond to a rectangular or
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square shaped opening. In such an embodiment, the insertion portion 191 of the tool
190 may, for example, be configured to define a complementary rectangular or square
shape to allow the tool 190 to rotationally engage the gear mounting shaft 160 when
the insertion portion 191 of the tool 190 is inserted through the tool opening 165.
[0052] Moreover, as indicated above, a sealing member or seal may be provided
between the gear mounting shaft 160 and an adjacent portion of the gearbox 120 at
the location of the access port 132 to retain the lubricant (e.g., oil) contained within
the gearbox 120 while the relative positioning of the chopper blades 110 is being
adjusted. For instance, as particularly shown in FIG. 5, an annular seal 138 is coupled
to the portion of the gearbox 120 defining the access port 132 and extends radially
inwardly therefrom to allow the seal to seal against the outer circumference of the
gear mounting shaft 160. Thus, as the gear mounting shaft 160 is being rotated
relative to the gearbox 120 (and the drum connector shaft) during the blade
adjustment process, the seal 138 may prevent oil from leaking out of the gearbox 120.
[0053] Referring now to FIGS. 7-11, several views of an alternative embodiment
of the system 100 described above with reference to FIG. 2 are illustrated in
accordance with aspects of the present subject matter. For purposes of discussion, the
components, features, and/or structures of the system 100 shown in FIGS. 7-11 that
are the same or similar to corresponding components, features, and/or structures of the
of the system 100 described above will be designated by the same reference character
with an asterisk (*) added. FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of the gearbox 120*
with the cover plate 134* exploded away from the associated access port 132*
defined in the gearbox 120*. Additionally, FIG. 8 illustrates a sectional, perspective
view of the gearbox 120* shown in FIG. 7 taken about line 8-8 with the cover plate
134* removed, particularly illustrating the various internal components connecting the
first drum shaft 126* to the second drum shaft 128*, such as the shaft assembly 140*,
the first and second drive gears 124*, 128*, and the connector shaft 136*. FIG. 9
illustrates an enlarged portion of the sectional, perspective view of the gearbox 120*
shown in FIG. 8 as indicated by box 9-9. Moreover, FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate
alternative exploded, perspective views of the first drive gear 124*, the shaft assembly
components, and the associated tool 190* of the disclosed system 100.
55043/CNHI-114
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[0054] As particularly shown in 8, the internal geared connection within the
gearbox 120* between the first drum shaft 126* and the second drum shaft 128* is
generally configured the same as that described above with reference to the
embodiments of the system 100 shown in FIGS. 2-6. For instance, the first drum
shaft 126* is coupled to a first drive gear 124* via an adjustable shaft assembly 140*
and the second drum shaft 130* is coupled to a second drive gear 128* via a
connector shaft 136*, with the first and second drive gears 124*, 128* being
configured to mesh with each other to allow rotational motion to be transferred
between the first and second drum shafts 126*, 130* during operation of the
associated chopper 102 (FIG. 2).
[0055] Additionally, as particularly shown in FIGS. 9-11, the shaft assembly 140*
includes both a drum connector shaft 150* and a gear mounting shaft 160*, with the
drum connector shaft 150* configured to be rotationally fixed or mounted to the first
drum shaft 126* and the gear mounting shaft 160* configured to be rotationally fixed
or mounted to the first drive gear 124*. Specifically, in one embodiment, the drum
connector shaft 150* may be configured to be coupled to the first drum shaft 126* via
a splined connection. For instance, as shown in FIGS. 9-11, the drum connector shaft
may include a first cylindrical portion 151* defining a plurality of internal splines
152* (FIGS. 10 and 11) configured to rotationally engage a corresponding set of
external splines 180* (FIG. 9) defined around the outer perimeter of an adjacent end
182* of the drum shaft 126*. In such an embodiment, when the first cylindrical
portion 151* of the drum connector shaft 150* in inserted into the adjacent end 126*
of the drum shaft 126*, the external splines 180* of the drum shaft 126* may
rotationally engage the internal splines 152* of the drum connector shaft 150*,
thereby rotationally coupling the shafts 126*, 150* to each other.
[0056] Moreover, in several embodiments, the gear mounting shaft 160* may be
configured to be coupled to the first drive gear 124* via a plurality of fasteners (not
shown), such as a plurality of mounting bolts. For instance, as particularly shown in
FIG. 11, the gear mounting shaft 160* may include a radially outer gear mounting
flange 161* defining a plurality of fastener openings 162* in a bolt-hole pattern
matching the bolt-hole pattern of a corresponding set of fastener openings 184*
defined in the first drive gear 124*. In such an embodiment, by aligning the fastener
55043/CNHI-114
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openings 162* of the gear mounting shaft 160* with the fastener openings 184* of the
first drive gear 124*, suitable fasteners may be inserted through the aligned openings
162*, 184* to rotationally couple the gear mounting shaft 160* to the first drive gear
124*.
[0057] Additionally, similar to the embodiments described above, the gear
mounting shaft 160* may be configured to be selectively coupled to the drum
connector shaft 150* for rotation therewith, thereby allowing the gear mounting shaft
160* to be transitioned between an engaged state and a disengaged state relative to the
drum connector shaft 150*. Specifically, in several embodiments, the gear mounting
shaft 160* may be configured to be selectively coupled to the drum connector shaft
150* via a plurality of fasteners 142* (FIG. 9), such as a plurality of mounting bolts.
For instance, as particularly shown in the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 10 and 11,
the drum connector shaft 150* may include a radially outer mounting flange 155*
defining a plurality of elongated adjustment slots 156* in a bolt-hole pattern matching
the bolt-hole pattern of a corresponding set of threaded openings 166* defined in an
inner cylindrical portion 167* of the gear mounting shaft 160*. In such an
embodiment, by aligning the elongated adjustment slots 156* of the drum connector
shaft 150* with the threaded openings 166* of the gear mounting shaft 160*, suitable
threaded fasteners 142* may be inserted through the adjustment slots 156* and
threaded into the threaded openings 166* to couple the gear mounting shaft 160* to
the drum connector shaft 150*. Specifically, by fully tightening the threaded
fasteners 142*, the gear mounting shaft 160* may be placed in its engaged state
relative to the drum connector shaft 150* in which the gear mounting shaft 160* is
rotationally engaged with the drum connector shaft 150*.
[0058] Similarly, by loosening the threaded fasteners 142*, the gear mounting
shaft 160* may be placed in its disengaged state relative to the drum connector shaft
150* in which the gear mounting shaft 160* is allowed to be rotated relative to the
drum connector shaft 150*. In doing so, the angular range of travel of the gear
mounting shaft 160* relative to the drum connector shaft 150* is generally defined by
the elongated adjustment slots 156*. Specifically, with the threaded fasteners 142*
simply loosened (as opposed to be removed), the gear mounting shaft 160* can be
rotated relative to drum connector shaft 150* in a first rotational direction until each
55043/CNHI-114
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fastener 142* contacts one end of its respective adjustment slot 156* and in a second
rotational direction until the fastener 142* contacts the opposed end of its respective
adjustment slot 156*. As indicated above, such relative rotation of the gear mounting
shaft 160* may result in rotation of the first drive gear 124* coupled thereto, which
may, in turn, be transmitted to the second drum shaft 130* via the meshing gears
124*, 128* to allow the second chopper drum 108 (FIG. 2) to be rotated relative to the
first chopper drum 106 (FIG. 2), thereby adjusting the relative positioning of the
chopper blades 110 (FIG. 2).
[0059] As shown in FIG. 7, an access port 132* is defined through the gearbox
120* at or adjacent to the location of the adjustable shaft assembly 140*. During
operation of the associated chopper 102 (FIG. 2), the access port 132* is generally
configured to be covered via an associated cover plate 134* (FIG. 3). However, when
it is desired to adjust the relative positioning of the chopper blades 110, the cover
plate 134* may be removed to allow an operator to gain access to shaft assembly
140*. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, with the cover plate 134* removed, the
access port 132* may allow an operator to directly access the threaded fasteners 142*
extending through the elongated adjustment slots 156* of the drum connector shaft
150*. As a result, with the access provided via the access port 132*, the operator may
loosen the threaded fasteners 142* to rotationally disengage the gear mounting shaft
160* from the drum connector shaft 150* to allow the gear mounting shaft 160* to be
subsequently rotated relative to the drum connector shaft 150*.
[0060] Similar to the embodiment described above with reference to FIGS. 3-6, to
facilitate rotation of the gear mounting shaft 160* relative to the drum connector shaft
150*, the gear mounting shaft 160* may include or incorporate one or more tool
engagement features configured to engage a corresponding tool 190* used for rotating
the gear mounting shaft 160*. For instance, as shown in the illustrated embodiment
of FIGS. 8, 10, 11, the tool 190* corresponds to a hand tool including a handle or
lever 192* having a tool gear 193* mounted to one thereof. In such an embodiment,
the tool engagement feature(s) of the gear mounting shaft 160* may, for example,
correspond to gear teeth 168* configured to mesh with or otherwise rotationally
engage the tool gear 193*. For instance, as particularly shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the
gear mounting shaft 160* includes an annular lip 169* extending axially from its
55043/CNHI-114
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radially outer mounting flange 161* that supports a group of internal gear teeth 168*
positioned along a given circumferential section of the inner circumference of the
annular lip 169*. In addition, as particularly shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, an alignment
opening 157* is defined through the mounting flange 155* of the drum connector
shaft 150* at a location adjacent to the internal gear teeth 168* that is configured to
receive a corresponding alignment pin 194* (FIG. 11) extending axially outwardly
along the centerline of the tool gear 193*. In such an embodiment, the tool 190* may
be configured to be inserted within the interior of the annular lip 169* defined by the
gear mounting flange 160* such that the alignment pin 194* of the tool 190* is
received within the alignment opening 157* defined by the drum connector shaft 150*
and the tool gear 193* interlocks or meshes with the internal gear teeth 168* of the
gear mounting flange 160*. With the gear mounting shaft 160* in its disengaged
state, the lever or handle 192* may then be rotated clockwise or counterclockwise to
pivot the tool 190* relative to the drum connector shaft 150* about the alignment pin
194*, which, in turn, results in corresponding rotation of the gear mounting shaft 160*
relative to the drum connector shaft 150* (via the meshing engagement of the tool
gear 193* with the internal gear teeth 168*) to allow the relative positioning of the
chopper blades 110 to be adjusted.

We Claim:

1. A system for adjusting the relative positioning of chopper blades of an
agricultural harvester, the system comprising:
a chopper including a first chopper drum and a second chopper drum, each of
the first and second chopper drums including at least one chopper blade provided in
operative association therewith;
a gearbox supported relative to the chopper and including first and second
drive gears positioned therein, the first drive gear meshing with the second drive gear
such that the first and second drive gears rotate simultaneously, the first drive gear
configured to be coupled to the first chopper drum via a first drum shaft for rotation
therewith during operation of the chopper, the second drive gear configured to be
coupled to the second chopper drum via a second drum shaft for rotation therewith
during operation of the chopper; and
a shaft assembly coupled between the first drum shaft and the first drive gear,
the shaft assembly comprising a drum connector shaft and a gear mounting shaft, the
drum connector shaft being rotationally coupled to the first drum shaft and the gear
mounting shaft being rotationally coupled to the first drive gear;
wherein:
the gear mounting shaft is configured to be selectively coupled to the drum
connector shaft such that the gear mounting shaft is operable in both an engaged state,
in which the gear mounting shaft is rotationally coupled to the drum connector shaft,
and a disengaged state, in which the gear mounting shaft is rotatable relative to the
drum connector shaft; and
when in the disengaged state, rotation of the gear mounting shaft relative to
the drum connector shaft results in rotation of the second chopper drum relative to the
first chopper drum via the meshing engagement provided via the first and second
drive gears.
2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the gear mounting shaft is
configured to be selectively coupled to the drum connector shaft via a plurality of
fasteners.
3. The system as claimed in claim 2, wherein each fastener of the
plurality of fasteners is configured to extend through a respective adjustment slot of a
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plurality of adjustment slots defined in a portion of one of the drum connector shaft or
the gear mounting shaft, each adjustment slot defining an angular range of travel
across which the gear mounting shaft is rotatable relative to the drum connector shaft
when in the disengaged state.
4. The system as claimed in claim 3, wherein each fastener of the
plurality of fasteners extends through its respective adjustment slot and is received
within a respective threaded opening of a plurality of threaded openings defined in a
portion of the other of the drum connector shaft or the gear mounting shaft, each
fastener configured to be rotated relative to its respective threaded opening to allow
the gear mounting shaft to be transitioned between the engaged and disengaged states.
5. The system as claimed in claim 4, wherein the plurality of adjustment
slots are defined in a mounting flange of the gear mounting shaft and the plurality of
threaded openings are defined in the drum connector shaft.
6. The system as claimed in claim 4, wherein the plurality of adjustment
slots are defined in a mounting flange of the drum connector shaft and the plurality of
threaded openings are defined in the gear mounting shaft.
7. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the gearbox defines an
access port adjacent to provide access to the shaft assembly from the exterior of the
gearbox, further comprising a sealing member positioned between an outer perimeter
of the gear mounting shaft and a portion of the gearbox defining the access port.
8. The system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a tool configured
to rotate the gear mounting shaft relative to the drum connector shaft when the gear
mounting shaft is in the disengaged state, the tool being configured to engage a
corresponding tool engagement feature of the gear mounting shaft.
9. The system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the corresponding tool
engagement feature comprises a tool opening having a shape that is complementary to
a portion of the tool configured to be inserted within the tool opening.
10. The system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the corresponding tool
engagement feature comprises a plurality of engagement teeth configured to mesh
with a portion of the tool.
11. A method for adjusting the relative positioning of chopper blades of an
agricultural harvester, the harvester comprising a chopper including first and second
55043/CNHI-114
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chopper drums, with each of the first and second chopper drums including at least one
chopper blade provided in operative association therewith, the harvester further
comprising a gearbox supported relative to the chopper and including first and second
drive gears positioned therein, the first drive gear meshing with the second drive gear
such that the first and second drive gears rotate simultaneously, the first drive gear
configured to be coupled to the first chopper drum via a first drum shaft for rotation
therewith during operation of the chopper, the second drive gear configured to be
coupled to the second chopper drum via a second drum shaft for rotation therewith
during operation of the chopper, the method comprising:
accessing a shaft assembly positioned within the gearbox that provides a
rotational coupling between the first chopper drum and the first drive gear, the shaft
assembly comprising a drum connector shaft rotationally coupled to the first drum
shaft and a gear mounting shaft being rotationally coupled to the first drive gear;
rotationally disengaging the gear mounting shaft from the drum connector
shaft; and
rotating the gear mounting shaft relative to the drum connector shaft such that
the second chopper drum is rotated relative to the first chopper drum via the meshing
engagement provided via the first and second drive gears.
12. The method as claimed in claim 11, wherein accessing the shaft
assembly comprises removing a cover plate positioned over an access port defined in
a portion of the gearbox adjacent to a location of the shaft assembly.
13. The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein rotating the gear
mounting shaft relative to the drum connector shaft comprises rotating the gear
mounting shaft relative to both the drum connector shaft and a sealing member
positioned between an outer perimeter of the gear mounting shaft and a portion of the
gearbox defining the access port.
14. The method as claimed in claim 11, wherein rotationally disengaging
the gear mounting shaft from the drum connector shaft comprises loosening a
plurality of fasteners coupling the gear mounting shaft to the drum connector shaft.
15. The method as claimed in claim 14, wherein each fastener of the
plurality of fasteners is configured to extend through a respective adjustment slot of a
plurality of adjustment slots defined in a portion of one of the drum connector shaft or
55043/CNHI-114
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the gear mounting shaft, wherein rotating the gear mounting shaft relative to the drum
connector shaft comprises rotating the gear mounting shaft relative to the drum
connector shaft to adjust a circumferential position of each fastener within its
respective adjustment slot.
16. The method as claimed in claim 15, wherein each fastener of the
plurality of fasteners extends through its respective adjustment slot and is received
within a respective threaded opening of a plurality of threaded openings defined in a
portion of the other of the drum connector shaft or the gear mounting shaft.
17. The method as claimed in claim 11, optionally comprising engaging a
tool with a corresponding tool engagement feature of the gear mounting shaft.
18. The method as claimed in claim 17, wherein rotating the gear
mounting shaft relative to the drum connector shaft comprises rotating the gear
mounting shaft via rotation of the tool.
19. The method as claimed in claim 17, wherein engaging the tool with the
corresponding tool engagement feature of the gear mounting shaft comprises inserting
a portion of the tool through a tool opening defined by the gear mounting shaft, the
tool opening having a shape that is complementary to the portion of the tool inserted
therein.
20. The method as claimed in claim 17, wherein engaging the tool with the
corresponding tool engagement feature of the gear mounting shaft comprises
engaging a tool gear of the tool with corresponding gear teeth of the gear mounting
shaft.