[0001]This invention refers to a novel slat model for agricultural machine
elevators, particularly tall stalky plant harvesters, such as sugarcane and sweet sorghum, being designed to provide a significant increase in transportation capacity and mainly with low plant matter loss levels.
[0002] This invention also refers to an elevator structure and a harvesting
machine of the type for harvesting tall stalky plants, designed and developed for the due adaptation and application of this slat model, thus resulting in high-productivity agricultural equipment.
Background of the Invention
[0003] According to the state of the art, and as must be known
generally to those skilled in the art, there are countless models of agricultural machines and equipment designed to boost productivity when harvesting a wide variety of plant crops, such as combine harvesters for grains, fodder machines, as well as harvesting machines for what are known as tall stalky plants such as sugarcane and sweet sorghum.
[0004] As must be understood by those skilled in the art, tall stalky plant
harvesting machines are designed and developed for harvesting this specific type of crops, because their intrinsic characteristics impose specific conditions for their safe and appropriate processing, from cutting to transferring to transshipment facilities and lorries.
[0005] It is worth stressing that sugarcane and sweet sorghum crops are
largely and constantly evolving in terms of development of new plant varieties, aiming at enhancing productivity both in what concerns the number of tons harvested per hectare and the amount of alcohol and/or sugar produced from each harvested ton. With the progress of biogas extraction technology, several studies are known today on the use of these plant crops for generating electricity from their biomass where, in contrast to alcohol and sugar production, not only the stem of the plant is used, but also their foliage and sometimes even their inflorescences as well.

[0006] Thus, sugarcane varieties intended for power generation
purposes, commonly called energy cane, as well as their harvesting and
processing systems, are being studied and developed in order to increase the
quantity of fibers and lower the amount of concentrated sucrose in these plants,
in order to make the best possible use of the harvested matter.
[0007] Although the tall stalky plant equipment and harvesting machines known
at the state of the art perform their functions adequately, with high productivity
rates, it has been noted that it would still be possible to attain developments and
technical improvements that would in some way be reflected in harvest
outcomes, especially with regard to reducing losses during the harvest process
and transfers of plant matter to trucks and transshipment facilities.
[0008] In this context, it was possible to note that plant matter
elevators known at the state of the art are comprised of a structural assembly
that could in some way be improved, as its characteristics result in some of the
plant matter harvested and processed by the machines not being conveyed in
the best possible manner, with adverse effects on harvest yields. More
specifically, as must be understood by those skilled in the art, these elevators
consists basically of a structure having a base floor, normally perforated to allow
minor debris to fall through as the harvested matter is being transported, with a
set of slats moving across this bottom floor, interconnected by a chain, belt or
some other equivalent means that causes these slats to move, dragging and
transporting the plant matter towards the secondary extractor on the harvesting
machines, finally discharging it into trucks and transshipment facilities.
[0009] One of the inconvenient aspects noted by the inventors is that
known slat models used in harvesting machines of the state of the art are comprised of a relatively standardized small-dimensional configuration, especially with regard to height, imposing certain constraints on the amount of plant matter that each slat can drag and carry between the uptake region at the bottom of the elevator and the outflow region at the top of the elevator. More specifically, it is noted that due to the dimensions of slats of the state of the art, the volumetric transportation capacity of matter between slats is small and often insufficient, depending on the working conditions established by the operators.

[0010] As a result, depending on the amount of plant matter gathered by
the harvesting machine, the volume of material entering the uptake region at the bottom of the elevator is substantially large and, due to the size of the slats, when they begin to drag and transport this material, part of this material will no doubt fall out of the slats reach and return to the base of the elevator by gravity, or they will drop out of the elevator. As a result, such plant matter is discarded from the harvest, resulting in losses for farmers.
[0011] This limitation related to the ability to drag and carry imposed by
the slat configuration directly affects productivity, as in some cases the machine
operator may need to reduce its speed, in order to avoid overloading the
elevator, which might affect the harvest, due to the equipment breakdown or to
the waste resulting from plant matter dropping out of the elevator structure, in
case there is an excessive build-up of such plant matter.
[0012] These inconvenient aspects are even more evident when
harvesting machines are used to harvest plant matter for obtaining biomass and consequently dragging and carrying all the harvested matter, not only the plant stems, but also foliage and straw, in other words with no cleaning process using primary and secondary extractors, which are normally switched off for this type of harvest.
[0013] Similarly, as may be noted, harvesting machines, especially those
intended for harvesting sugarcane and sweet sorghum, known in the state of the art, disclose some technical and functional aspects that could be improved and upgraded in order to reduce plant matter losses while being dragged and carried by the elevators, but mainly in order to increase the capacity of the elevators to drag and carry the harvested matter, thus boosting the productivity of harvesting machines in a practical and effective manner. This is the objective of the present invention.
Description of the Invention
[0014] Thus, according to the foregoing, this inventio intends to provide a
novel slat model to be used on agricultural machine elevators, particularly those intended for harvesting tall stalky plants such as sugarcane and sweet sorghum, wherein said slat is comprised of technical, functional and

construction techniques that can significantly enhance the harvester
productivity, in addition to reducing the risks of plant matter losses.
[0015] More objectively, one of the purposes of this invention is to
provide a novel slat model in a configuration that manages to significantly
increase the capacity for dragging and carrying plant matter, thus conveying
larger quantities of plant matter to trucks and transshipment facilities during the
harvest, as the harvester moves forward.
[0016] In order to attain the technical and functional effects outlined
above, this invention thus refers to a novel slat that is formed by at least one
main plate whose width is substantially equivalent to the width of the elevator
structure, and is arranged between two assembly frameworks, provided with
connection elements that divide the body of the slat into a lower part and an
upper part, with the height of the mentioned upper part being equivalent to at
least 3 times the height of the mentioned lower part.
[0017] In a possible embodiment of this invention, the mentioned height
of the upper part is equivalent to at least 3.5 times the height of the mentioned
lower part. More particularly, in another embodiment of this invention, said
height of the upper part is equivalent to 3.55 times the height of the mentioned
lower part. In this context, according to this invention, the mentioned slat has a
total height of about 232 mm.
[0018] Moreover, as set forth in another embodiment of the slat
addressed by this invention, the mentioned width of said main plate is between
800 mm and 900 mm, and more particularly around 857 mm.
[0019] In an alternative embodiment of the slat addressed by this
invention, the mentioned main plate comprises grooves/slots forming a surface
that is suitable for dragging and carrying the harvested matter.
[0020] Also in order to attain the mentioned technical effects, this
invention also refers to a tall stalky plant harvester elevator comprised of a
structure consisting basically of three segments interconnected by pivot axles
and also a bottom floor across which a set of slats move, with the mentioned
slats spaced away from each other at a distance equivalent to about 2 to 3
times the total height of the slats.

[0021] Additionally, in an embodiment of this invention, said distance
between the mentioned slats on the bottom floor is equivalent to 2.2 times the
total height of these slats. In a particular embodiment, this distance varies
between 450 and 550 mm, and more particularly is about 508 mm.
[0022] In another embodiment of this invention, the tall stalky plant
harvester elevator has a volumetric capacity formed by the space between two
slats that may vary between 80 cm3 and 120 cm3, and more particularly, is
equivalent to about 101 cm3.
[0023] Furthermore, in yet another embodiment of the harvester elevator
according to this invention, the mentioned first segment is comprised of side
walls whose edges support the driving axle in a position where said walls
extend over a length equivalent to at least 1.5 times the total height of the
mentioned slats, and more particularly, the mentioned length comprises an
extension equivalent to about 1.59 times the total height of the slats. In an even
more particular manner, this length may extend to about 288 mm.
[0024] In a possible embodiment of this invention, the intermediate
segment of the elevator structure comprises an upper protecting hood to
prevent the plant matter from overflowing, wherein said hood may be a plate or
a net made of either metal or plastic or some other combination of these
particular shield models.
[0025] According to of the embodiments of the harvesting machine
elevator addressed by this invention, the configuration of the mentioned upper
hood may be domed with a curvature radius, or may optionally present a
substantially flat surface. More particularly, this protecting hood may present a
ratio of at least 1.1 between the width and the radius of its curvature.
[0026] Additionally, in yet another embodiment of this invention, the
mentioned curvature radius of the upper protecting hood is around 1300 mm,
when said elevator has a width of about 864 mm.
[0027] This invention also addresses a harvesting machine designed for
harvesting tall stalky plants that consists of a chassis with tracks or wheels, and
also comprising a drivetrain, an operating and control cab, and primary and
secondary cleaning extractor systems, with such primary and secondary
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cleaning extractor systems interconnected through an elevator with a set of slats as defined in this invention. More particularly, in some embodiments of this invention, the mentioned harvesting machine is intended for harvesting sugarcane and / or sweet sorghum.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0028] The technical characteristics, advantages and effects of this invention, as
described above, will be better understood and in a more appropriate manner
by a person skilled in the art through the following detailed descriptions of the
preferred embodiments, which is not restrictive and provided for purely
exemplary purposes, with references to the appended schematic Figures, as
follows:
[0029] Figure 1 shows a schematic side view of a sugarcane and
/ or sweet sorghum harvester, identifying its main structural elements that are
relevant for the context, according to the subject of this this invention;
[0030] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the slat for sugarcane and /
or sweet sorghum harvester machine elevators addressed by this invention;
[0031] Figure 3 shows a schematic side view of the slat shown in Figure
2 as addressed by this invention;
[0032] Figure 4 shows a schematic view in perspective of the of the
sugarcane and / or sweet sorghum harvester machine elevator structure,
according to this invention;
[0033] Figure 5 shows a partial schematic side view of the sugarcane
and / or sweet sorghum harvester machine elevator structure, according to this
invention;
[0034] Figure 6 shows a schematic side view of a section of the
sugarcane and / or sweet sorghum harvester machine elevator structure,
according to this invention; and
[0035] Figures 7 and 8 shows schematic views of alternative
embodiments of the sugarcane and / or sweet sorghum harvester machine
elevator structure, according to this invention.
Description of Embodiments of the Invention
7

[0036] The invention is now described as for the particular embodiments,
referring to the appended Figures as examples of embodiments. The reference numbers shown in the Figures are repeated throughout the different views, in order to indicate identical or similar technical characteristics. Moreover, the terms used here such as: above, below, upper, lower, side, right, left, front, rear and variations thereof must be construed according to the guidelines presented in Figure 1.
[0037] Initially, for mere illustration purposes and for a better
understanding of matter addressed by this invention, Figure 1 illustrates a schematic representation of an agricultural machine (A) of the type used for harvesting sugarcane and / or sweet sorghum. The harvesting machine (A) may be, for example, the one known in the state of the art, made by CNH Industrial N.V. and sold under the Case IH brand.
[0038] Consequently, as must be understood by those skilled in the art,
the harvesting machine (A) comprises a chassis (F) mounted on tracks (E) or wheels, a drivetrain (M), and an operation and control cab (C), wherein the illustrated machine model has a front part adapted to hold a platform that supports the plant cutting mechanisms. The machine (A) also comprises a primary cleaning extractor system (L1) and a cleaning extractor system (L2) that are interconnected by an elevator 10 that comprises a structure configured to hold a set of slats, according to this invention.
[0039] Still in order to contextualize the matter, according to this invention
and as should be known generally for those skilled in the art, elevators 10 on harvester machines (A) consist of a structure such as a metal lattice, for example, which usually comprises three segments 10a, 10b, 10c that tilt on pivot axles 11 in order to allow proper positioning of the third segment 10c and more specifically the discharge end 12 as related to the plant matter uptake base 13 in the first segment 10a. Additionally, the mentioned internal structure of the elevators 10 has a bottom floor 34, usually perforated to allow minor debris such as sand and dirt to fall through, that are not dragged by the set of slats that move over said bottom floor 34 in order to carry the plant matter, and
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under the bottom floor when returning after discharging the plant matter at the outflow end.
[0040] Thus, based on the context presented above and as represented
schematically in Figures 2 and 3, the novel model of a slat 20 comprises at least one main plate 21 with a width (x) substantially equivalent to the width of the elevator structure 10, that is arranged between two assembly frameworks 22 having connection elements 23 that provide the total height (H) of the slat 20 into a lower part 20a with a height (h1) and an upper part 20b with a height (h2), whereby the height (h2) of the upper part 20b is equivalent to at least 3 times the height (h1) of the lower part 20a.
[0041] In one embodiment of this invention, the slat 20 has a
configuration in which the height (h2) of the upper part 20b is equivalent to at
least 3.5 times the height (h1) of the lower part 20a, more particularly, the
height (h2) constitutes a ratio of 3.55 times the height (h1).
[0042] Furthermore, according to another embodiment of this invention,
said slat 20 comprises a total height (H) equivalent to 232 mm and, under this condition, the lower part 20a has a height (h1) of 51 mm and the upper part 20b has a height (h2) of 181 mm.
[0043] Particularly with regard to the plate 21, according to one
embodiment of this invention, the mentioned width (x) may vary between 800 mm and 900 mm, while in a more specific embodiment, such widths width (x) is 857 mm.
[0044] In another configuration of this invention, the mentioned main
plate 21 comprises grooves/slots 24 in order to obtain a better drag surface for
contact with the plant matter being transported thereby, thus ensuring that all
plant matter is carried properly from the plant matter uptake base 13 of the first
segment 10a of the elevator 10 to the outflow end 12 of its third segment 10c.
[0045] Additionally, as mentioned above and shown in Figures 4, 5 and
6, this invention also encompasses a novel structure for an elevator 10, that is basically formed by three segments 10a, 10b, 10c, interconnected by pivot axles 11, wherein said structure also has a bottom floor 34 over (and under) which a set of slats 20 move, powered by a drivetrain consisting of the drive
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axle 30 and belts/chains 31, dragging and carrying the harvested matter,
wherein said slats are set apart from each other at a distance (d) equivalent to
about 2 to 3 times the height (H) of the mentioned slats 20.
[0046] More particularly, said distance (d) is equivalent to 2.2 times the
total height (H) of said slats 20. Under these conditions and according to particular embodiments, this distance (d) may vary between 450 and 550 mm, and more particularly, is equivalent to 508 mm.
[0047] In a particular embodiment of this invention, the volumetric
dragging capacity (V) is equivalent to a ratio between the total height (H) and width (x) of the slats with the distance (d) between two slats 20. Under these conditions, according to this invention, the mentioned volumetric capacity (V) may vary between 80 cm3 and 120 cm3, and, in one advantageous manner, this volumetric capacity is around 101 cm3.
[0048] Additionally, the first segment 10a has side walls 32 whose who
ends support said drive axle 30 in a position where the mentioned walls 32 extend to a length (R1) equivalent to at least 1.5 times the total height (H) of said slats 20, and more particularly the length (R1) is 1.59 times the height (H) of the mentioned slats 20. Advantageously, this length is around 288 mm, which ensures the necessary protection of the mentioned slats 20 when transitioning between returning and moving forward in order to drag the harvested plant matter.
[0049] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, in another
possible embodiment of the harvesting machine elevator, according to this invention, said segment 10b is provided with an upper hood 33 to prevent the dragged and carried matter from overflowing and falling off the structure of the elevator 10. This upper hood 33 may be comprised of different configurations, shapes and materials, such as plates, nets, made of metal or plastic or any other known model.
[0050] In an embodiment of the harvesting machine elevator, as
addressed by this invention, this upper hood 33 is comprised of a domed configuration with a curvature radius or optionally may present a substantially flat surface. In a particular embodiment of this invention, said upper hood 33
10

presents a ratio of at least 1.1 between the width of the elevator and the curvature radius.
[0051] More objectively, and in another embodiment of this invention, this
curvature radius of the upper hood 33 is around 1300 mm while the elevator has a width of about 864 mm.
[0052] Finally, and also as mentioned above, this invention also refers to
an agricultural machine, such as a tall stalky plants harvester (A) comprised of a
chassis (F) with tracks (E) or wheels, a drivetrain (M), an operation and control
cab (C), a primary cleaning extractor system (L1) and a cleaning extractor
system (L2) that are interconnected by an elevator 10 comprised of a structure
configured to hold a set of slats 20, as defined by this invention.
[0053] In a particular embodiment of this invention, the mentioned
harvesting machine (A) is intended for harvesting sugarcane and / or sweet sorghum.
[0054] Thus, according to the foregoing, it is important to understand
quite clearly that the novel model of a slat 20 used for elevators 10 on
harvesting machines (A) according to this invention, allows a significant
increase in the productivity of agricultural machines and equipment, due to a
much higher capacity to drag and carry the harvested plant matter, with no risk
of losses caused by overflowing or to any dragging constraints as related to the
slats. As a result, machine operators may maintain or even increase the speed
with which they move along the plantation, without jeopardizing the plant matter
transportation and transfer system into buckets, and / or transshipment facilities.
[0055] Finally, pursuant to the matters discussed above, it is worthwhile
stressing that this description is intended only to present and define examples of preferred embodiments of the novel slat model and elevators applied to tall stalky plant harvesting machines, according to this invention. As must be clearly understood by those skilled in the art, many modifications and combinations of equivalent elements and details are thus possible, without extending beyond the scope of the protection defined by the appended Claims.
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CLAIMS

A SLAT FOR AGRICULTURAL MACHINE ELEVATORS, consisting of at least one main plate (21), with width (x) substantially equivalent to the width of the elevator structure (10), being positioned between two assembly frameworks (22) provided with connection elements (23) that divide the body of the slat (20) into a lower part (20a) with a height (hi) and an upper part (20b) with a height (h2), characterized in that the height (h2) of the upper part (20b) is equivalent to at least 3 times the height (hi) of the lower part (20a).
2. A SLAT FOR AGRICULTURAL MACHINE ELEVATORS, according to Claim 1, characterized in that the said height (h2) of the upper part (20b) is equivalent to at least 3.5 times the height (hi) of the lower part (20a), and more particularly said height (h2) is 3.55 times the height (hi).
3. A SLAT FOR AGRICULTURAL MACHINE ELEVATORS, according to Claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a total height (H) of 232 mm.
4. A SLAT FOR AGRICULTURAL MACHINE ELEVATORS, according to Claim 1, characterized in that the mentioned width (x) of said main plate (21) has a value between 800 mm and 900 mm, and more particularly around 857 mm.
5. A SLAT FOR AGRICULTURAL MACHINE ELEVATORS, according to Claim 1, characterized in that said main plate (21) has grooves/slots (24).
6. AN ELEVATOR FOR TALL STALKY PLANT HARVESTERS,
comprised of a structure consisting of three segments (10a, 10b, 10c),
interconnected by pivot axles (11) and also a bottom floor (34) over which a set
of slats move, characterized in that the said slats (20) are set apart from each
other at a distance (d) equivalent to about 2 to 3 times the total height (H) of the
slats (20).
7. ELEVATOR FOR TALL STALKY PLANT HARVESTERS,
according to Claim 6, characterized in that said distance (d) is equivalent to
2.2 times the total height (H) of said slats (20).
8. AN ELEVATOR FOR TALL STALKY PLANT HARVESTERS,

according to Claim 6, characterized in that said distance (d) varies between 450 and 550 mm, and more particularly, is equivalent to 508 mm.
9. AN ELEVATOR FOR TALL STALKY PLANT HARVESTERS,
according to Claim 6, characterized in that the volumetric dragging capacity
(V), between two slats (20) varies between 80 cm3 and 120 cm3, and more
particularly, is equivalent to 101 cm3.
10. AN ELEVATOR FOR TALL STALKY PLANT HARVESTERS, according to Claim 6, characterized in that said first segment (10a) has side walls (32) whose ends support the driving axle (30) in a position where said walls (32) extend to a length (R1) equivalent to at least 1.5 times the total height (H) of said slats (20), more particularly, the length (R1) is equivalent to 1.59 times the total height (H) of said slats (20).
11. AN ELEVATOR FOR TALL STALKY PLANT HARVESTERS, according to Claim 10, characterized in that the length (R1) comprises an extension equivalent to 288 mm.
12. AN ELEVATOR FOR TALL STALKY PLANT HARVESTERS, according to Claim 6, characterized in that said segment (10b) is comprised of an upper protecting hood (33).
13. AN ELEVATOR FOR TALL STALKY PLANT HARVESTERS, according to Claim 12, characterized in that said upper protecting hood (33) is a plate, net, made of metal or plastic or a combination thereof.
14. AN ELEVATOR FOR TALL STALKY PLANT HARVESTERS, according to Claim 12, characterized in that said upper protecting hood (33) has a domed configuration with a curvature radius or is substantially flat.
15. AN ELEVATOR FOR TALL STALKY PLANT HARVESTERS, according to Claim 12, characterized in that said upper protecting hood (33) has a ratio of at least 1.1 between the width of the elevator and the curvature radius.
16. AN ELEVATOR FOR TALL STALKY PLANT HARVESTERS, according to Claim 12, characterized in that the said curvature radius of the upper protecting hood (33) is around 1300 mm when the elevator has a width of about 864 mm.

17. A HARVESTER MACHINE, for harvesting tall stalky plants,
comprised of a chassis (F) with tracks (E) or wheels, and comprises a drivetrain
(M), an operation and control cab (C), and primary (L1) and secondary (L2)
cleaning extractor systems, characterized in that its primary (L1) and
secondary (L2) cleaning extractor systems are interconnected by an elevator
(10) with slats (20), as defined in any of the previous claims.
18. HARVESTER MACHINE, according to Claim 17,
characterized in that it is intended for harvesting sugarcane and / or sweet
sorghum.