U.S. patent application number 10/090495 was filed with the patent office on 2003-09-04 for planter coulter apparatus with mechanical overload protection.
This patent application is currently assigned to Case Corporation. Invention is credited to Paluch, Paul M..
Application Number | 20030164127 10/090495 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27733457 |
Filed Date | 2003-09-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030164127 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Paluch, Paul M. |
September 4, 2003 |
PLANTER COULTER APPARATUS WITH MECHANICAL OVERLOAD PROTECTION
Abstract
A mechanical overload member apparatus for use with a planter
apparatus including a coulter bar and coulter/fertilizer units
mounted thereto, the coulter bar pivotally mounted to the underside
of a wheel supported carrier frame designed for transport in a
transport direction where a hydraulic cylinder is linked between
the frame and the bar for moving the bar between a ground clearing
transport position and a ground engaging position where the frame,
cylinder and frame form a linkage path, the overload member linked
within the linkage path such that a draft force applied to the bar
in a direction opposite the transport direction causes a secondary
force on the member and, when the secondary force exceeds a
threshold force, the overload member failing and thereby rendering
the linkage path non-rigid.
Inventors: |
Paluch, Paul M.; (Downers
Grove, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAW DEPARTMENT CASE LLC
700 STATE STREET
RACINE
WI
53404
US
|
Assignee: |
Case Corporation
|
Family ID: |
27733457 |
Appl. No.: |
10/090495 |
Filed: |
March 4, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
111/200 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01B 61/044 20130101;
A01B 73/005 20130101; A01C 7/208 20130101; A01C 7/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
111/200 |
International
Class: |
A01C 001/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An apparatus for use with a planter assembly constructed to move
in a transport direction where the planter assembly includes
support wheels mounted to the underside of a carrier frame, the
apparatus comprising: a bar pivotally mounted to the underside of
the carrier frame for pivotal movement between a transport position
and a functional position; a hydraulic cylinder linked between the
bar and the carrier frame for driving the bar between the transport
and functional positions, the carrier frame, cylinder and bar
forming a linkage path where each of the cylinder, bar and carrier
frame is a linkage component; and an overload locking member linked
between first and second linkage components to maintain the spatial
relationship there between and such that a draft force applied to
the bar in a direction opposite the transport direction causes a
secondary force on the locking member, wherein, the locking member
fails when the secondary force exceeds a threshold force.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the locking member includes a
locking pin.
3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the cylinder has a length
dimension, the apparatus further including at least a first plate
mounted to the first linkage component and forming an aperture for
receiving the pin and maintaining the locking pin essentially
perpendicular to the secondary force.
4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the linkage path further
includes an arm member having an arm length dimension and forming a
bearing surface where the first end is pivotally mounted to the
first plate via a first pivot pin and the second end is pivotally
mounted to the second linkage component via a second pivot pin and,
wherein, the bearing surface contacts and applies the secondary
force to the locking pin.
5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the cylinder is characterized
by a cylinder length and, when the bearing surface contacts the
locking pin, the arm length is substantially perpendicular to the
cylinder length.
6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the arm member forms a locking
pin aperture for receiving the locking pin, the locking pin
aperture forming the bearing surface.
7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the locking pin aperture is
formed between the first and second pivot pins.
8. The apparatus of claim 7 further including a second plate
forming an aperture and mounted to the first linkage component such
that the first and second plate apertures are axially aligned, the
first and second plates form a space there between for receiving
the arm member, the first end of the arm member is pivotally
mounted between the first and second plates, the locking aperture
aligns with the first and second plate apertures and the locking
pin is receivable within the first and second plate apertures as
well as within the locking aperture.
9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the first linkage component is
the bar and the second linkage component is the cylinder.
10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the cylinder includes a base
end and a rod end and wherein the rod end is linked to the arm
member.
11. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the first linkage component
includes a first limiting surface and the arm member includes a
second limiting surface and wherein, when the limiting surfaces
contact, the first and second plate apertures are aligned with the
locking aperture.
12. The apparatus of claim 1 further including at least one ground
engaging unit mounted to the bar such that, when the bar is in the
functional position, the units are in a lower ground engaging
position and when the bar is in the transport position, the units
are in an upright ground clearance position.
13. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the bar is a coulter bar and
the ground engaging units are coulter/fertilizer units.
14. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the bar is mounted to the
carrier frame on a side of the support wheels facing the transport
direction.
15. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the cylinder is a first
cylinder and the planter assembly further includes an implement bar
pivotally mounted to the carrier frame and a second hydraulic
cylinder linked between the carrier frame and the implement bar for
driving the implement bar between a transport position and a
functional position and, wherein, the second cylinder is plumbed in
parallel with the first cylinder.
16. An apparatus for use with a planter assembly constructed to
move in a transport direction where the planter assembly includes
support wheels mounted to the underside of a carrier frame, the
apparatus comprising: a bar pivotally mounted to the underside of
the carrier frame for pivotal movement between a transport position
and a functional position; an arm member having an arm length
dimension and forming a bearing surface, the arm member pivotally
linked to the bar at the first end via a first pivot pin; a
hydraulic cylinder pivotally linked at a first end via a second
pivot pin to the second end of the arm member, the second end of
the cylinder pivotally linked to the carrier frame, the cylinder
for driving the bar between the transport and functional positions;
and an overload locking member securable to the bar such that the
bearing surface bears there against placing a secondary force
thereon when a draft force is applied to the bar wherein, the
locking member fails when the secondary force exceeds a threshold
force.
17. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein the locking member includes a
locking pin.
18. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein the cylinder has a cylinder
length, the apparatus further including first and second plates
mounted to the bar, forming an axially aligned aperture pair and a
space there between for receiving the arm member, the locking pin
receivable through the aperture pair and, wherein, with the bearing
surface bearing against the locking pin, the arm member length is
substantially perpendicular to the cylinder length.
19. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein the arm member forms a
locking pin aperture for receiving the locking pin, the locking pin
aperture forming the bearing surface.
20. The apparatus of claim 19 wherein the first linkage component
includes a first limiting surface and the arm member includes a
second limiting surface and wherein, when the limiting surfaces
contact, the first and second plate apertures are aligned with the
locking aperture.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Not applicable.
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates generally to agricultural
equipment and more specifically to a coulter overload protection
apparatus for use with a planter assembly.
[0004] 2. Background of the Invention
[0005] An exemplary agricultural planter assembly may includes
support wheels centrally mounted to a long (e.g., 40 feet)
implement bar with a tongue member extending centrally from the
support wheels to a hitch on a tractor or some other type of prime
mover and a plurality (e.g., sixteen) of separate
coulter/fertilizer units and corresponding row units. Hereinafter,
unless indicated otherwise and in the interest of simplifying this
explanation, an exemplary planter assembly including a forty foot
long implement bar and sixteen row units and corresponding
coulter/fertilizer units will be assumed.
[0006] Each coulter/fertilizer unit is typically mounted to a front
end of a corresponding row unit and includes a coulter or cutting
knife member that cuts a fertilizer trench in soil there below and
a fertilizer dispensing tube that delivers fertilizer into the
fertilizer trench. The row units are mounted to the implement bar
in an equi-spaced configuration. An exemplary row unit includes a
seed bin, a dispenser and some type of soil agitator (e.g., a
coulter or knife assembly). During operation, the agitators are
forced into the ground and form seed trenches.
[0007] Each bin is mounted above a corresponding dispenser and
feeds seed to the dispensers via gravity. The dispensers open
behind corresponding agitators and drop seed into the seed
trenches. The coulter/fertilizer units and corresponding row units
are typically offset somewhat (e.g.,. 2 inches) so that the seed
and fertilizer trenches are separated so that the fertilizer does
not "burn" the seed as well known in the art. Once the seed
sprouts, new plant roots make there way into the fertilizer
trenches and growth is enhanced.
[0008] Typically the implement bar is moveable between an upright
position where the ground engaging components of the row units and
coulter/fertilizer units are raised above the ground for transport
and a ground engaging position where the units can be activated to
trench and fertilize and seed, respectively. Here the motive force
for moving the implement bar between the upright and ground
engaging positions may be either hydraulic or mechanical.
[0009] While a long implement bar and corresponding large number of
row units and coulter/fertilizer units is advantageous during a
planting operation (e.g., more row units translate into less time
to perform a planting operation), long implement bars are difficult
to accommodate during machine transport between fields, about a
farmers property and during storage. To accommodate optimal
transport and operating planter configurations, the industry has
developed several different folding or pivoting implement bar
configurations. One such pivoting configuration (hereinafter "the
pivoting assembly") is described in U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 10/062,612 which is entitled "Planter Hitch Apparatus" was
filed on Jan. 31, 2002 and which is incorporated herein, in its
entirety, by reference. The pivoting assembly includes an implement
bar and other components mounted to a mainframe assembly.
[0010] Hereinafter, unless indicated otherwise, when the implement
bar is referenced, it will be assumed that the reference includes
the implement bar and all other attached assembly components
including the row units, the coulter/fertilizer units, etc. and
when the implement bar weight is referenced it will be assumed that
the implement bar weight reference corresponds to the combined
weight of the implement bar and all attached components. In
addition, unless indicated otherwise, when the mainframe is
referenced, it will be assumed that the reference includes the
mainframe and all other attached assembly components including the
implement bar, the row units, the coulter/fertilizer units, etc.
and when the mainframe weight is referenced it will be assumed that
the mainframe weight reference corresponds to the combined weight
of the mainframe and all attached components.
[0011] The pivoting assembly includes a carrier assembly having a
carrier frame and a platform. The platform is mounted to a top
surface of the carrier frame and the carrier frame has a width that
should be relatively stable during operation and yet is limited to
a dimension suitable for transport purposes. For instance, the
width dimension may be 10 to 12 feet for a planter assembly
including a 40 foot implement bar. Support wheels are mounted to
the underside of the carrier frame along a single axis and
proximate a rear edge of the carrier platform with at least one
wheel proximate each end of the carrier frame width dimension so
that the wheels provide stable support for the carrier frame and
carrier platform there above. The mainframe is pivotally mounted to
a rear side corner of a carrier platform so that the mainframe and
implement bar attached thereto can be positioned perpendicular to
the transport direction during operation and parallel to the
transport direction during transport.
[0012] A roller or wheel assembly is spaced apart from the pivot
and mounted to the underside of the mainframe to ease the
conversion process between the transport and operating positions
and to provide support to the mainframe and attached implement
bar.
[0013] In addition, to support the implement bar when in the
operating position, lateral support wheels are mounted to the
distal ends of the implement bar that can be extended to engage the
ground there below or can be retracted during conversion between
the implement bar positions and during transport.
[0014] Whenever a wheel supported planter assembly is going to be
attached to a tractor hitch for transport and operation, ideally
the planter assembly is configured such that the implement assembly
load is relatively balanced across the support wheels but has some
positive hitching weight so that the assembly remains stable during
transport. Here, as the phrase implies, positive hitch weight is
caused by configuration weight disposed between the support wheels
and a tractor hitch which tends to bear down on the hitch. Where
positive hitch weight is to great some tractors may have difficulty
moving a hitched planter assembly. Similarly, as the phrase
implies, negative hitch weight is caused by configuration weight
disposed on a side of the support wheels opposite the hitch and
tends to tip the assembly tongue upward away from the hitch.
[0015] In the case of the pivoting assembly described above, it has
been determined that, to best balance the implement assembly load
across the support wheels in both the transport and operating
positions, the implement bar and row units should be mounted such
that, when the implement bar is in the operating and upright
position (i.e., extends perpendicular to the transport direction
with the row units in the upright position), the bar (and attached
row units) is generally behind the support wheels. With the row
units and bar mounted in this manner, when the implement bar is
upright and in the operating position, the weight of the implement
bar and the hitch and carrier platform together provide a
stabilizing positive weight that is somewhat balanced in front of
and behind the support wheels, the possibility of negative weight
is minimal, the implement bar weight is essentially balanced on
either lateral side of the wheels and is supported generally evenly
across the pivot point and the roller assembly. In addition, when
the implement bar is in the transport position (and hence is
necessarily upright), the weight of the implement bar and attached
components is greater in front than it is behind the support wheel
axis, the overall positive weight is stable and yet not to great,
the implement bar is positioned above the carrier platform and the
implement bar weight is essentially evenly laterally distributed
above the platform.
[0016] Unfortunately, when the implement bar and row units are
optimally juxtaposed behind the support wheels, the wheels make it
impossible to attach coulter/fertilizer units to the front ends of
some of the row units. For instance, assume that a planter assembly
includes 16 separate row units with six central units directly
behind the platform and support wheels and five lateral units to
either side of the six central units. In this case, while
coulter/fertilizer units can be attached to the front ends of the
ten lateral units (i.e., five lateral units on either side of the
central units), the wheels are in the space required to attach the
coulter/fertilizer units to the six central row units.
[0017] Therefore, it would be advantageous to have a planter
assembly that includes a separate coulter/fertilizer unit
positioned in front of each row unit where the assembly is pivotal
to facilitate conversion between operating and transport
positions.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0018] It has been recognized that a coulter/fertilizer assembly
can be attached to the underside of the carrier frame in front of
the support wheels where the assembly includes a separate
coulter/fertilizer unit for and aligned with each of the central
row units. To this end, the coulter/fertilizer assembly in at least
one embodiment includes a coulter bar mounted to the underside of
the carrier frame that extends along the width of the carrier frame
in front of the support wheels. A separate coulter/fertilizer units
is mounted to the coulter bar in front of each of the central row
units with the same fertilizer-seeding offset described above.
Additional coulter/fertilizer units are mounted to the front ends
of the lateral row units on either side of the central units. The
coulter/fertilizer units mounted to the coulter bar will be
referred to hereinafter as central coulter units and the
coulter/fertilizer units mounted to the front ends of the lateral
row units will be referred to hereinafter as lateral
coulter/fertilizer units
[0019] Typically, like the implement bar, the coulter bar will be
constructed such that it can be moved between a ground engaging
position wherein the coulter/fertilizer units facilitate
fertilization and an upright position wherein the
coulter/fertilizer units are stored above ground for transport.
While the coulter/fertilizer assembly may be constructed such that
the coulter bar is manually moveable between the upright and ground
engaging positions, in some embodiments the coulter bar may be
pivotally mounted to the carrier frame and linked to a hydraulic
cylinder. In some embodiments, when the cylinder is extended the
coulter bar is moved to the upright position and when the cylinder
is retracted the coulter bar is driven toward the ground engaging
position.
[0020] One problem with coulter/fertilizer units is that the
coulters can become damaged if too much force is applied thereto.
For instance, if a coulter contacts a rock while being pulled
through a field, the slicing edge of the coulter may be damaged or,
in some cases, even destroyed.
[0021] In the case of the lateral coulter/fertilizer units (i.e.,
in the present example, to the five row units on either side of the
central row units and proximate the ends of the implement bar), the
implement bar has been known to flex somewhat such that, when a
coulter contacts a large rock or the like, the implement bar
absorbs some of the impacting force and the coulter is forced over
the rock thereby minimizing coulter damage.
[0022] Unfortunately, because the coulter bar is relatively short,
the coulter bar does not appreciably flex and therefore cannot
absorb much force that is applied to the central coulter unit
coulters. Thus, the central coulter unit coulters that are linked
to the relatively inflexible coulter bar are far more susceptible
to damage than the coulters linked to the flexible implement
bar.
[0023] To protect the central coulter units, at least one
embodiment of the invention includes an overload protection
mechanism that, when the force on the central coulter units exceeds
a preset threshold force, reduces the force on the central coulter
units by allowing the coulter bar to pivot toward the upright or
transport position. Here, the threshold force level is selected to
be less than the a force level that will likely cause coulter
damage.
[0024] Consistent with the above discussion, one embodiment of the
invention includes an apparatus for use with a planter assembly
constructed to move in a transport direction where the planter
assembly includes support wheels mounted to the underside of a
carrier frame, the apparatus comprising a bar pivotally mounted to
the underside of the carrier frame for pivotal movement between a
transport position and a functional position, a hydraulic cylinder
linked between the bar and the carrier frame for driving the bar
between the transport and functional positions, the carrier frame,
cylinder and bar forming a linkage path where each of the cylinder,
bar and carrier frame is a linkage component and an overload
locking member linked between first and second linkage components
to maintain the spatial relationship there between and such that a
draft force applied to the bar in a direction opposite the
transport direction causes a secondary force on the locking member,
wherein, the locking member fails when the secondary force exceeds
a threshold force.
[0025] In some embodiments the locking member includes a locking
pin. In some embodiments the cylinder has a length dimension, the
apparatus further including at least a first plate mounted to the
first linkage component and forming an aperture for receiving the
pin and maintaining the locking pin essentially perpendicular to
the secondary force.
[0026] In some embodiments the linkage path further includes an arm
member having an arm length dimension and forming a bearing surface
where the first end is pivotally mounted to the first plate via a
first pivot pin and the second end is pivotally mounted to the
second linkage component via a second pivot pin and, wherein, the
bearing surface contacts and applies the secondary force to the
locking pin. Here, the cylinder may be characterized by a cylinder
length and, when the bearing surface contacts the locking pin, the
arm length may be substantially perpendicular to the cylinder
length.
[0027] The arm member in some embodiments forms a locking pin
aperture for receiving the locking pin, the locking pin aperture
forming the bearing surface. Still further, in some embodiments the
locking pin aperture is formed between the first and second pivot
pins. Here, the apparatus may further include a second plate
forming an aperture and mounted to the first linkage component such
that the first and second plate apertures are axially aligned, the
first and second plates forming a space there between for receiving
the arm member, the first end of the arm member may be pivotally
mounted between the first and second plates, the locking aperture
may align with the first and second plate apertures and the locking
pin may be receivable within the first and second plate apertures
as well as within the locking aperture.
[0028] In some embodiments the first linkage component is the bar
and the second linkage component is the cylinder, the cylinder may
include a base end and a rod end and the rod end may be linked to
the arm member. The first linkage component may include a first
limiting surface and the arm member may include a second limiting
surface so that when the limiting surfaces contact, the first and
second plate apertures are aligned with the locking aperture.
[0029] The apparatus may further include at least one ground
engaging unit mounted to the bar such that, when the bar is in the
functional position, the units are in a lower ground engaging
position and when the bar is in the transport position, the units
are in an upright ground clearance position. Here the bar may be a
coulter bar and the ground engaging units may be coulter/fertilizer
units.
[0030] In some embodiments the bar is mounted to the carrier frame
on a side of the support wheels facing the transport direction.
[0031] In some embodiments the cylinder is a first cylinder and the
planter assembly further includes an implement bar pivotally
mounted to the carrier frame and a second hydraulic cylinder linked
between the carrier frame and the implement bar for driving the
implement bar between a transport position and a functional
position and, wherein, the second cylinder is plumbed in parallel
with the first cylinder.
[0032] The invention also includes an apparatus for use with a
planter assembly constructed to move in a transport direction where
the planter assembly includes support wheels mounted to the
underside of a carrier frame, the apparatus comprising a bar
pivotally mounted to the underside of the carrier frame for pivotal
movement between a transport position and a functional position, an
arm member having an arm length dimension and forming a bearing
surface, the arm member pivotally linked to the bar at the first
end via a first pivot pin, a hydraulic cylinder pivotally linked at
a first end via a second pivot pin to the second end of the arm
member, the second end of the cylinder pivotally linked to the
carrier frame, the cylinder for driving the bar between the
transport and functional positions and an overload locking member
securable to the bar such that the bearing surface bears there
against placing a secondary force thereon when a draft force is
applied to the bar wherein, the locking member fails when the
secondary force exceeds a threshold force.
[0033] In some embodiments the cylinder has a cylinder length, the
apparatus further including first and second plates mounted to the
bar, forming an axially aligned aperture pair and a space there
between for receiving the arm member, the locking pin receivable
through the aperture pair and, wherein, with the bearing surface
bearing against the locking pin, the arm member length is
substantially perpendicular to the cylinder length. In some
embodiments the arm member forms a locking pin aperture for
receiving the locking pin, the locking pin aperture forming the
bearing surface. Still more specifically, in some embodiments the
first linkage component includes a first limiting surface and the
arm member includes a second limiting surface and wherein, when the
limiting surfaces contact, the first and second plate apertures are
aligned with the locking aperture.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0034] FIG. 1 is a is perspective view of a preferred embodiment of
a planter apparatus constructed in accordance with one embodiment
of the present invention;
[0035] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the carrier frame of
illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0036] FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of the carrier frame
illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0037] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a mainframe assembly used
with the configuration of FIG. 1;
[0038] FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 in an
extended operating position;
[0039] FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 in a
transport position;
[0040] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 in
an intermediate position with an implement between the operating
and the transport positions;
[0041] FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of the embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 1 with storage units attached and in the
transport position;
[0042] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 8
with storage units in the transport position;
[0043] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a coulter assembly attached
to the agricultural apparatus;
[0044] FIG. 11 is a detail perspective view of the coulter assembly
and the carrier frame;
[0045] FIG. 12 is a side elevation view of the coulter assembly in
the functional or ground engaging planting position;
[0046] FIG. 13 is a detail cross-sectional view taken along lines
13-13 of FIG. 11;
[0047] FIG. 14 is a detail cross-sectional view taken along lines
14-14 of FIG. 11;
[0048] FIG. 15 is a detail perspective view of the coulter
assembly's hydraulic cylinder and relief valve;
[0049] FIG. 16 is a detail perspective view like FIG. 11, showing
the coulter assembly in the ground clearance or transport
position;
[0050] FIG. 17 is a side elevation view of the coulter assembly in
the ground clearance or transport position;
[0051] FIG. 18 is a side elevation view of the coulter assembly
showing the overload function in operation;
[0052] FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram of the system hydraulics in
an inoperative mode;
[0053] FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram of the coulter hydraulics in
an operative mode;
[0054] FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram similar to the diagram of
FIG. 20 illustrating force applied to a coulter cylinder and an
open relief valve;
[0055] FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram similar to FIG. 11 above,
albeit illustrating an assembly including a mechanical overload
protection mechanism as opposed to a hydraulic protection
mechanism;
[0056] FIG. 23 is similar to FIG. 12 above, albeit illustrating the
mechanical overload protection mechanism;
[0057] FIG. 24 is an exploded view of a coulter bar and mechanical
overload protection mechanism;
[0058] FIG. 25 is similar to FIG. 14 above, albeit illustrating a
mechanical overload protection mechanism taken along the line 25-25
of FIG. 24;
[0059] FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 26-26
of FIG. 24;
[0060] FIG. 27 is similar to FIG. 18, albeit illustrating the
mechanical overload protection system where a mechanical linking
pin has been destroyed; and
[0061] FIG. 28 is similar ot FIG. 19, albeit illustrating a
hydraulic system used in conjunction with the mechanical overload
protection system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0062] Referring now to FIGS. 1 through 4, a preferred embodiment
of the present invention will be described in the context of an
agricultural assembly 10 which includes a carrier frame assembly
12, a main frame assembly 69 and a planter assembly 15. As its
label implies, carrier frame assembly 12 includes components
configured to facilitate transport or carrying of other assembly 10
components. Similarly, as their labels imply, main frame assembly
69 includes components configured to generally support any of
several different implement assemblies while planter assembly 15,
includes components used to plant seeds. Main frame assembly 69 is
mounted to carrier frame assembly 12 and planter assembly 15 is
mounted to main frame assembly 69.
[0063] Referring still to FIGS. 1 through 4 and also to FIG. 5 (and
generally to other Figures in the specification), the exemplary
planter assembly 15 includes an implement bar 16, row units 17,
support wheels 35, 36, wheel support members 37 and extendable
markers 42, 43. Implement bar 16 is typically a rigid steel
rectilinear bar having dimensions within the six by six to ten by
ten range and extends along the length of implement assembly 15.
Bar 16 is generally mounted to main frame assembly 69 in a manner
described below.
[0064] Exemplary assembly 10 includes sixteen row units 17
equi-spaced along the length of bar 16. As well known in the art,
each unit 17 includes a seed bin, some type of soil agitator (e.g.,
a coulter or spade of some type) and a seed dispenser. Although not
illustrated, each bin opens above a corresponding seed dispenser
and a separate agitator is provided that, as assembly 10 is pulled
through a field, is directly in front of the seed dispenser. As
assembly 10 is pulled through a field, the agitators each form a
trench into which a corresponding dispenser dispenses seeds.
Referring to FIG. 8, support wheels 31 are separated and form
spaces 140, 142, 144, etc., that, as assembly 10 is pulled through
a field, travel along paths that are between crop rows being
formed. Referring also to FIG. 1, row units 17 are positioned on
bar 16 such that units directly behind a dimension D1 formed by the
wheels 31 form rows between the wheels. For instance, one row unit
17 may be mounted to bar 16 so that a resulting row is formed
within the space defined by the paths formed by the left two wheels
as illustrated, another row unit 17 may be mounted to bar 16 so
that a resulting row is formed within the space defined by the
paths formed by the right two wheels as illustrated and perhaps two
row units may be mounted to form two rows in the space between
paths defined by the center wheels.
[0065] Wheels 35 and 36 are mounted via wheel support members 37 at
opposite ends of bar 16 and are generally positionable in two
positions with respect to the ground (not illustrated). First, as
illustrated in the figures, wheels 35 and 36 and/or the entire
implement assembly 15 may be manipulated via hydraulic cylinders or
the like such that wheels 35 and 36 are in an upright position
where the wheels 35 and 36 clear the ground below. Second, wheels
35 and 36 or the entire implement assembly 15 may be manipulated
such that wheels 35 and 36 contact the ground below and support the
ends of the implement assembly there above with implement
components either above the ground or, depending on implement type,
perhaps partially engaging the ground.
[0066] Markers 42 and 43, like wheels 35 and 36, are mounted at
opposite ends of bar 16 and generally extend from bar 16 to a front
side (see FIGS. 1, 5, etc) of the implement assembly. Operation of
markers 42 and 43 is well known in the art and therefore will not
be explained here in detail. Suffice it to say markers 42 and 43
may assume either a stored position (see FIG. 5) where the markers
are generally retracted or an extended and operating position (not
illustrated) where the markers 42 and 43 are unfolded and extend at
least in part in the direction away from units 17 and toward a
tractor (not illustrated) that may be attached to assembly 10.
[0067] Referring now to FIG. 4, the main frame assembly 69
includes, among other components, a main frame bar member 14, a
roller assembly 14, a latching assembly 45, and a pivot plate 28.
Pivot plate 28 is mounted to an undersurface of bar member 14 about
one-fourth the length of bar member 14 from a first end thereof and
forms a downwardly opening pivot receiving aperture (not observable
in the Figs.) for receiving a carrier frame assembly pivot pin (see
34 in FIG. 2) which is described in more detail below. Latch
assembly 45 cooperates with other system latching components (e.g.,
see two instances of latch 46 in FIG. 2) mounted on the carrier
frame assembly 12 to lock the main frame assembly 69 and attached
implement assembly 15 in either a transport position (see FIGS. 6,
8 and 9) or an operating position (see FIGS. 1 and 5). Precise
configuration and operation of assembly 45 is not explained here in
the interest of simplifying this explanation.
[0068] Roller assembly 44 is mounted to bar member 14 at a point
about one-fourth the length of bar 14 from a second bar 14 end (not
numbered) and includes at least one roller mounted for rotation in
a direction substantially perpendicular to the length of bar member
14 and that is formed so as to be supportable on a track runner
(e.g., 38 in FIG. 2) formed by a carrier frame platform (see
platform 24 in FIGS. 2 and 3) that is explained in greater detail
below. Thus, plate 28 and assembly 14 are, in the present example,
essentially equi-spaced along the length of bar 14. Positioning of
plate 28 and wheel assembly 44 is important to ensure proper
balancing of the attached implement assembly 15 and is generally a
function of how best to balance assembly 15 about a carrier
assembly axis 210 (see FIG. 2).
[0069] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 9 and also FIG. 19, assembly 10
further includes first and second lift cylinders 120 and 122 and
corresponding first and second pivoting brackets 124 and 126,
respectively. Brackets 124 and 126 are constructed so that opposite
ends of each bracket are pivotally securable to the main frame bar
member 14 and the implement bar 16. The first and second lift
cylinders 120 and 122 each includes a rod end and a base end and
opposite ends are linked to the mainframe bar member 14 and the
implement bar 16 such that, when the cylinders are retracted, the
implement bar 16 and linked components are lowered into a
functional and ground engaging position illustrated in FIG. 1 and,
when the cylinders 120 and 122 are extended, implement bar 16 is
raised into a transport and ground clearance position illustrated
in FIGS. 8 and 9.
[0070] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, in addition to the components
described above, storage pods 40 are shown secured to the main
frame bar 14. Similarly, fertilizer pods 55 are illustrated in FIG.
10.
[0071] Referring still to FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 5, carrier frame
assembly 12 generally includes a cross bar 13, two wheel assemblies
30, a draw bar assembly 18 and platform 24. Each wheel assembly 30
includes an axle support member 32 and a pair of support wheels 31
mounted on opposite sides of a corresponding support member 32. As
best seen in FIG. 8, the support wheels define support dimension
D1. Dimension D1 is wide enough that the entire planter assembly 10
is laterally stable but should be limited to a size that is
accommodated by a typical roadway. For instance, dimension D1 may
be between 10 and 15 feet.
[0072] Cross bar 13 is a steel elongated bar. A separate one of
wheel assemblies 30 is mounted at each one of the cross bar 13 ends
and extends downward there from so that assemblies 30 support cross
bar 13 above ground. A pivot pin 34 is provided that extends
upwardly from a top surface of bar 13. Pin 34 is formed about a
vertical axis 11 and is formed so as to be receivable by the
downwardly facing opening formed by pivot plate 28 (see FIG. 4) for
rotation thereabout.
[0073] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, draw bar assembly 18 is a two
stage tongue assembly. Assembly 18 is described in great detail in
the Planter Hitch Apparatus patent application referenced above and
which has been incorporated herein by reference and therefore
apparatus 18 will not again be described here in detail. Suffice it
to say at this time that, among other components, assembly 18
includes a first tongue member 25 having first and second ends 150
and 151 and forming a first passageway (not illustrated). As best
seen in FIG. 3, first tongue member 25 is secured at its first end
150 to a central point of cross bar 13 via welding or some other
suitable securing process. In addition, assembly 18 further
includes second and third tongue members 19 and 20, respectively,
and includes two tongue cylinders (only one shown at 50, the second
tongue cylinder internally disposed within the tongue assembly).
Second member 19 is receivable within first tongue member 25 and
first tongue member 20 is receivable within second tongue member in
a telescoping manner such that, when retracted, distal ends 171,
161 and 151 of members 20, 19 and 25, respectively, are adjacent
each other. Members 19 and 25 are driven by cylinder 50 and the
internally mounted cylinder between the retracted and operating
configuration illustrated in FIG. 3 and the extended and transport
configuration illustrated in FIG. 9. A hitch member 26 is mounted
to the distal end 171 of tongue member 20 for linking assembly 10
to a prime mover like a tractor.
[0074] Referring to FIGS. 2, 3, 8, platform 24 is essentially a
rigid flat bed member that is secured to a top surface of cross bar
13 and approximately half of first tongue member 25 proximate cross
bar 13. Referring also to FIGS. 11 and 12, additional support bars
62 may also be provided to support platform 24. Among other
features, platform 24 forms a track runner 38 on a top surface
which is reinforced on a platform undersurface (see FIG. 3) via
supporting tracks 23 and 22 or in any other manner known in the
art. Pivot pin 34 extends through an opening in platform 24.
Referring also to FIG. 4, track runner 38 forms an arc about pivot
pin 34 having a radius dimension that is identical to the space
dimension between pivot plate 28 and roller assembly 44 on bar 14.
Runner 38 is dimensioned so as to securely support the roller of
assembly 44 in any position along the runner and thereby provide
support to main frame bar 14 there above.
[0075] Referring still to FIGS. 2 and 4, transport and operating
implement locking brackets or latches 46 are also provided on the
top surface of platform 24. A transport bracket 46 is generally
spaced from pivot pin 34 along a line parallel to the length of
first tongue member 25 while an operating bracket 46 is generally
spaced from pin 34 on the side of first tongue member 25 opposite
pin 34. Each bracket 34 is formed so as to securely receive and
lock to latch assembly 45 to lock the main frame assembly 69 and
other components secured thereto to platform 24 in either the
transport or operating positions.
[0076] Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2, 4 and 8, with carrier frame
assembly 12 assembled and implement assembly 15 secured to the main
frame assembly 69 as described above, the main frame bar 14 is
positioned such that pin 34 is received in the opening formed by
plate 28 and with the assembly 44 roller supported on runner 38.
Gravity maintains main frame assembly 69 on runner 38 and some type
of collar (not illustrated) on pin 34 may be provided to further
ensure that assembly 69 remain secured. With wheels 35 and 36
and/or the implement assembly manipulated so that the wheels 35, 36
are off the ground, the entire main frame bar 14 and components
attached thereto are moveable between the transport position
illustrated in FIG. 9 to the operating position illustrated in FIG.
1 and to any intermediate position there between (see FIG. 7) by
simply rotating main frame bar 14 about pivot pin 34.
[0077] As indicated above, when in either the transport or
operating positions, latch assembly 45 and one of brackets 46
cooperate to lock main frame bar 14 to carrier assembly 12 to
eliminate relative movement during transport. Any means for
rotating bar 14 about pin 34 may be employed. Similarly, any means
for operating latch assembly 45 and for raising and lowering the
implement assembly and/or the lateral support wheels 35, 36 may be
employed.
[0078] Referring again to FIG. 1 where the assembly is shown in the
operating position, consistent with reducing the number of required
headland passes needed to perform an agricultural task for an
entire field, the cross bar assembly 18 is relatively short.
Referring also to FIGS. 7 and 9, however, it can be seen that, in
order to accommodate a long implement configuration in the
transport position, the tongue assembly has to be extended.
[0079] Referring again to FIG. 1 and also to FIG. 10, some
definitions will be helpful in understanding the remainder of this
specification. To this end, while implement bar 16 is a single
component, bar 16 includes portions that will be referred to
hereinafter as different segments. The segments include a central
segment 135 that, when bar 16 is in the operating position (see
FIG. 1), is behind and adjacent the support dimension D1 (see FIG.
8). In addition, bar 16 includes lateral segments 137 and 139 that
extend laterally to either side of central segment 135. The row
units mounted to central segment 135 will be referred to
hereinafter as central row units and the row units mounted to the
lateral segments 137 and 139 will be referred to hereinafter as
lateral row units. Thus, as illustrated in FIG. 1, there are six
central row units 17 and five lateral row units to either side of
the central row units.
[0080] Referring now to FIG. 10, in addition to the components
described above, the illustrated embodiment further includes a
plurality of coulter/fertilizer units 130a and 130b, a separate
unit 130 for each of the row units 17. Like the row units 17, the
coulter/fertilizer units include lateral and central units
including six central coulter/fertilizer units 130b (only two
illustrated in FIG. 10) and five lateral units 130a to either side
of the central units 130b. As illustrated, lateral units 130a are
rigidly mounted to the front sides (i.e. on a side of the row units
facing the transport direction) of each of their respective row
units 17 in some fashion. Thus, when implement bar 16 is raised and
lowered, the lateral coulter/fertilizer units 130a raise and lower
therewith.
[0081] Referring to FIGS. 10 through 12, as well known in the
agricultural arts, each coulter unit includes a coulter or knife
member 58 of some type and a fertilizer nozzle 57 that opens
directly behind the corresponding coulter 58. Fertilizer tanks 55
are linked to nozzles 57 via tubes 56 for supplying fertilizer
thereto.
[0082] Referring still to FIG. 10 it should be appreciated that, as
illustrated, the wheel assemblies 30 (see also FIG. 8) below the
carrier frame make it essentially impossible to mount
coulter/fertilizer units to the front ends of the central row units
(i.e., the row units 17 mounted to central bar segment 135).
Despite not being able to mount coulter/fertilizer units to the
front ends of the central row units, the coulter/fertilizer
functions have to be performed for each of the central row
units.
[0083] According to the present invention, the coulter/fertilizer
functions for the central row units are facilitated by providing a
coulter/fertilizer assembly/apparatus 50 on the transport direction
side of the support wheels. Referring still to FIG. 10 and also to
FIGS. 11, 12, 13 and 16 through 18, coulter assembly 50 includes,
among other things, mounting brackets 60, at least one coulter
cylinder 74, a coulter bar 54 and a plurality of coulter/fertilizer
units 58. Bar 54 is pivotally mounted to the underside of carrier
frame 12 or, more specifically, to a support bar 62 on the
underside of frame 12. To this end, two downwardly extending hanger
brackets 60 are mounted to the under side of bar 62 via bolts 63 or
some other securing mechanism (e.g., welding). At a lower distal
end, each bracket 60 forms an opening (not separately numbered)
and, when installed properly, the two openings are concentric.
[0084] Two pivot brackets 64 are welded to a top side of coulter
bar 54, each bracket 64 supporting a pin member 66 (see FIG. 13)
sized to be received within one of the bracket 60 openings. Bar 54
is mounted to the brackets 60 via the pivot bracket pins 66 that
are received within the bracket openings so that bar 54 is moveable
between a functional position shown in FIG. 12 and a transport
position shown in FIG. 17.
[0085] Coulter/fertilizer units 52 are equi-spaced and secured to
coulter bar 54 with mounting assemblies, each mounting assembly
including a clamping brackets 67 and an adjustment bars 68.
Clamping bracket 67 includes plates 70 and 71 and clamping bolts
72. Plates 70 and 71 are juxtaposed on opposite sides of coulter
bar 54 with bolts 72 clamping the plates together against
oppositely facing surfaces of bar 54. Mounting members 69 are
bolted to the outwardly facing surface of plate 70 and are formed
to receive and lock adjustment bar 68.
[0086] As in the case of the lateral coulter/fertilizer units 130a
mounted to the lateral row units 17, each central
coulter/fertilizer unit 130b includes a coulter or knife member 58
of some type for forming a trench and a fertilizer nozzle 57 that
follows the coulter member 58. Each nozzle is linked to one of the
fertilizer tanks 55 via a supply tube 56 (see again FIG. 10). Units
52 are mounted to the lower ends of bars 68.
[0087] Referring to FIGS. 10, 11, 12 and 14, a downwardly extending
lug 76 is mounted to the underside of draw bar 18 on a side of
coulter bar 54 that faces the transport direction (i.e., on a side
of bar 54 opposite the support wheels 30, 31. Another lug 77b is
mounted to bar 54 which, when bar 54 is in the functional position
(see FIG. 12), faces in the transport direction. Hydraulic cylinder
74 is pivotally anchored to lug 76 at one end and is pivotally
attached to coulter bar 54 via a clevis 77 and pin 77a pivotally
secured to lug 77b at the other end. Hereinafter it will be assumed
that the base and rod ends of cylinder 74 are linked to the draw
bar 18 and coulter bar 54, respectively, unless indicated
otherwise.
[0088] Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, in the lowered, or functional
position, cylinder 74 is generally pressurized in the retracted
state, providing a rigid link between coulter bar 54 and carrier
frame 12. When in the functional position, cylinder 74 resists
draft loads acting between coulter/fertilizer units 58 and soil
58a.
[0089] FIGS. 16 and 17 show coulter apparatus 50 in the
inoperative, end-of-field (i.e., when the operator must turn the
assembly around at the end of a field) or transport position where
cylinder 74 is pressurized in an extended state so that coulter bar
54 pivots about pins 66 and cylinder 74 raises coulter/fertilizer
assembly 50 to a ground clearing height (i.e., where the
coulter/fertilizer units 52 clear the soil 58a there below).
[0090] In addition to the components above, several embodiments of
the invention include some type of overload protection mechanism
that, when excessive force is applied to the coulter/fertilizer
units 52, reduces the pressure on units 52 thereby allowing those
units to fold toward the transport position (see FIG. 17) to reduce
the risk of damaging the units 52. To this end, referring to FIGS.
15 and 19, a first embodiment of the overload protection mechanism
includes an overload relief valve 80 that is plumbed to the coulter
cylinder 74. Relief valve 80, as its label implies, releases
cylinder pressure to relieve the units 52 when cylinder pressure
(also referred to herein as a secondary force) exceeds a threshold
pressure level calculated to be below a pressure that is likely to
cause damage to the units 52.
[0091] Referring now to FIG. 18 coulter/fertilizer unit 52 is shown
having encountered an obstacle 58b of sufficient resistance to
actuate (i.e., open) the relief valve 80. When valve 80 opens,
pressure is relieved on the rod side of cylinder 74 thereby
allowing cylinder 74 to extend under the force of the obstacle 58b.
After cylinder 74 extends and coulter 58 has passed the obstacle
58b, valve 80 can again be closed and pressure reapplied to the rod
side of cylinder 74 to retract the rod and thus again lower the
coulter/fertilizer units and bar 54 into the functional
position.
[0092] In at least some embodiments of the invention cylinder 74 is
tied into the lift system that is used to lift and lower the
implement bar 16 and row and coulter/fertilizer units mounted
thereto. By linking the cylinders that control bars 16 and 54
together, the coulter/fertilizer units 130a and 130b can be raised
and lowered in unison. To this end, referring now to FIG. 19, an
exemplary hydraulic control system is illustrated. The system
includes a lift valve assembly 84, a coulter valve assembly 86, the
lift cylinder assemblies 79a and 79b (i.e., the cylinder assemblies
including cylinders 120 and 122 used to lift and lower the
implement bar 16) and the coulter cylinder 74.
[0093] Lift valve assembly 84 is comprised of solenoid valves 84a,
84b and 84c, and a pilot-operated check valve 84d. Ports 85a and
85b are connected to a tractor hydraulic system (not shown)
including an auxiliary valve, a hydraulic pump, a reservoir tank,
and other hydraulic equipment.
[0094] Port 85a is linked to series first and second valves 84a and
84b where each of valves 84a and 84b may be open for two
directional flow or may be set as a check valve to block flow in
one direction and allow flow the in the other direction. The second
position of valve 84a blocks flow from port 85a while the second
position of valve 84b blocks flow in the opposite direction.
[0095] The outlet of valve 84b is linked to the base sides of each
of lift cylinders 120 and 122 via lines 87a and 87b. The rod sides
of each of cylinders 120 and 122 is linked to a pilot-operated
check valve 84d via lines 88a and 88b, respectively, which is in
turn linked to port 85b via a valve 84c. Valve 84c is similar to
valve 84a in that it has two positions where the first position
allows bi-directional flow and the second position only allows flow
from the system to port 85b. Check valve 84d generally allows flow
from port 85b to the system but generally blocks flow in the
opposite direction unless primed at a valve inlet. The check valve
priming inlet is linked to the output of valve 84b via a line 87d
so that, when fluid pressure is applied at port 85a with valves 84a
and 84b open, check valve 84d allow flow from the system to valve
84c and out to the reservoir. Thus, valve 84d only allows flow from
the system out port 85b when the system is controlled to extend the
cylinders and blocks flow after cylinders 120 and 122 are
retracted. The end of valve 84b that is linked to valve 86a and the
end of valve 84c that is linked to valve 84d are sometimes referred
to herein as first and second intermediate ports, respectively.
[0096] Referring still to FIG. 19, coulter valve assembly 86
includes a solenoid operated valve 86a and relief valve 80. Relief
valve 80 includes an inlet port linked to a line 78a and an outlet
port linked to a line 78b and a pilot line 78c that feeds a valve
primer. Valve 80 is preferably adjustable so that a threshold
pressure level can be modified. Valve 80 inlet line 78a is linked
to the rod side of cylinder 74 and outlet line 78b is linked to the
base side of cylinder 74 with line 78c linked to line 78a. Thus,
when pressure in line 78a exceeds a threshold pressure level set
for valve 80, the pressure in pilot line 78c causes valve 80 to
open.
[0097] The outlet of valve 84b is linked to solenoid valve 86a via
a line 87c and the outlet of valve 86a is linked to the base side
of cylinder 74. Valve 86a includes two positions, a bi-directional
position and a second position in which valve 86a blocks flow from
the base end of cylinder 74 and from relief valve 80. The rod side
of cylinder 74 is linked to the rod sides of cylinders 120 and 122.
Thus, the series cylinder 74 and valve 86a are plumbed in parallel
with cylinders 120 and 122. When valve 86a is in the second
position, cylinder 74 is essentially cut out of the parallel
plumbing arrangement and will not extend and retract with the lift
cylinders 120 and 122. Thus, valve 86a can be used to effectively
isolate cylinder 74 and the coulter/fertilizer units 52 controlled
thereby.
[0098] Referring now to FIG. 20, to drive the cylinders 120, 122
and 74 into their retracted states so that the linked implement bar
16 and coulter bar 54 are driven down and into their functional,
ground engaging and operating positions, valves 84a, 84b, 84c and
86a are all controlled to allow counter-clockwise fluid flow and
the auxiliary tractor valve (not illustrated) is placed in a
"lower" position to provide pressurized fluid at port 85b. When
fluid is supplied at port 85b, fluid passes through check valve 84d
and pressurized cylinders 120,122 and 74 through lines 88a, 88b and
88c, respectively. As cylinders 120, 122 and 74 retract, fluid is
returned through lines 87a, 87b and 87c, respectively, and through
port 85a to the reservoir tank. Once the functional bar positions
are attained, the tractor auxiliary valve of the planting apparatus
(not shown) is placed in a "float" mode, which means that ports 85a
and 85b are connected together through the auxiliary valve (not
shown) and in turn are connected to a reservoir tank (also not
shown).
[0099] During operation under normal loading conditions,
pilot-operated check valve 84d prevents fluid from exiting the rod
side of cylinder 74, as well as preventing fluid from exiting the
rod side of lift cylinders 120 and 122. Check valve 84d enables
cylinder 74 to act as a rigid link, withstanding the draft loads on
coulter/fertilizer units 52.
[0100] Referring still to FIG. 20 and also to FIG. 10,
coulter/fertilizer units 52 and ground engaging units 17 are raised
simultaneously by setting the tractor auxiliary valve (not shown)
to a "raise" position to apply hydraulic pressure at port 85a and
by controlling the system valves to allow clockwise fluid flow.
When pressure is applied at port 85a, lift cylinders 120 and 122
are extended by pressure through lines 87a and 87b, coulter
cylinder 74 is extended by pressure through line 87c, pressure
through pilot line 87d primes check valve 84d which is opened so
that hydraulic fluid is permitted to flow from cylinders 120, 122
and 74, through lines 88a, 88b and 88c, respectively, through open
check valve 84d and out port 85b to return into the reservoir
tank.
[0101] When fertilization is not required, it is desirable to raise
and lower cylinders 120 and 122 while holding coulter bar 54 and
attached coulter/fertilizer units 52 in the raised and ground
clearing position. This is accomplished by deactivating solenoid
valve 86a when coulter cylinder 74, and lift cylinders 120 and 122
are in the extended or raised positions. Cylinder 74 is effectively
locked while cylinders 120 and 122 are allowed to extend and
retract freely. Reenergized solenoid valve 86a causes coulter
apparatus 50 to raise and lower simultaneously with implement bar
16.
[0102] Referring to FIGS. 18, 20 and 21, when in the lowered, or
functional position, when one or more central coulter members 58
encounters substantial resistance from an obstruction 58b, an
extending force is applied in the direction of arrow 169 on the rod
end of cylinder 74. This force causes increased pressure in lines
88c and 78a. Sufficient force causes a threshold pressure to be
exceeded in pilot line 78c, opening pressure relief valve 80,
permitting fluid to flow from the rod side of cylinder 74, through
lines 78b and 87c, and through valves 86a, 84b and 84a, and into
the tractor's reservoir tank. As the rod of cylinder 74 extends,
coulter bar 54 is lifted out of the ground, reducing the load on
coulter bar 54 and avoiding possible damage to coulter assembly
50.
[0103] To reset coulter bar 54 in the functional position, the
operator moves the tractor's auxiliary valve (not shown) from the
"float" position to the "lower" position, supplying pressure to
retract cylinder 74 in the manner described above. The tractor's
auxiliary valve is then moved back to the "float" position for
continued operation.
[0104] Referring now to FIGS. 22 through 28, a mechanical coulter
overload protection embodiment is illustrated. The mechanical
embodiment includes many of the components described above and
therefore, in the interest of simplifying this explanation,
components that are similar or identical to those described above
will not be described again here in detail. Generally, the
mechanical overload mechanism includes a mechanical component or
locking member that maintains the spatial relationship between at
least two linkage components where each of the coulter bar, the
carrier frame and the coulter cylinder are linkage components. The
mechanical component is designed so that it will fail when a
secondary force applied thereto exceeds a threshold force level
where, as above, the threshold level is selected to be less than a
force likely to cause damage to the coulter/fertilizer units. When
the mechanical component fails, the coulter bar and components
secured thereto, as in the case of the hydraulic overload
protection system above, are essentially free to move, under the
force of an obstruction, toward the transport position thereby
reducing the likelihood of damage to the coulter/fertilizer
units.
[0105] Referring specifically to FIGS. 23 through 25, the
mechanical overload system includes, among other linking components
(e.g., bolts, nuts, etc.), a specially designed clevis 92, a
mechanical arm member 91 and a mechanical failure component 93. Arm
member 91 is generally elongated extending between first and second
ends 91f and 91g, respectively, and defines three separate
apertures including first, second and third apertures 91c, 91d and
91b, respectively. Apertures 91c and 91d are formed at opposite
ends of arm member 91 and are sized to receive pivot pins 92a and
91a in a manner described in more detail below. In the illustrated
embodiment, aperture 91b is formed between apertures 91c and 91d
but relatively more proximate aperture 91b and is relatively
smaller then each of apertures 91c and 91d. In addition, referring
specifically to FIG. 25, arm member 91 forms a rear edge or
limiting surface 91e that is essentially flat. Aperture 91b forms a
bearing surface (not separately numbered) that, as its label
implies, bears against another member (e.g., pin 93) during
operation. In the illustrated embodiment, referring again to FIG.
24, the bearing surface of aperture 91b faces essentially in the
same direction as limiting surface 91e.
[0106] A clevis 77 formed at the end of coulter cylinder 74
includes two facing plates that are separated by a space for
receiving second end 91g of arm member 91 and the plates form an
aperture pair 77a (only one aperture in the pair numbered) that
aligns with aperture 91d when the end of arm member 91 is received
between the plates. With the end of member 91 positioned between
the clevis 77 plates, a pin 91a is placed through aperture pair 77a
and aperture 91d and is secured therein via a cotter pin or the
like.
[0107] Clevis 92 includes first and second separated plates 92d and
92e that extend generally upward and in the transport direction
from coulter bar 54 when bar 54 is in the functional position. The
clevis plates 92d and 92e are separated such that the space there
between is sufficient to receive first end 91f of arm member 91.
Clevis 92 forms two separate aperture pairs, each pair including
axially aligned apertures in each of the clevis plates. The first
aperture pair 92c is provided to receive a first pivot pin 92a that
also passes through aperture 91c in arm member 91 to lock member 91
to clevis 92. Pin 92a can be locked in place via a cotter pin or
the like.
[0108] The second aperture pair formed by clevis 92 includes an
axially aligned aperture pair having dimensions similar to those of
aperture 91b in arm member 91. Second pair 92b is formed in clevis
92 such that pair 92c is below corresponding apertures in the first
pair 92c when coulter bar 54 is in the functional position (see
again FIG. 25). In addition, the spacing between each aperture in
second pair 92b and a corresponding aperture in first pair 92c is
identical to the spacing between apertures 91b and 91c in arm
member 91. Moreover, bar 54 forms a second limiting surface 54a
(see FIG. 24) and apertures 91b and 91C are formed with respect to
limiting surface 91e so that, when arm 91 is mounted to clevis 92
via pin 92a and is forced backward so that limiting surfaces 91e
and 54a contact, aperture pair 92b and aperture 91 b are
aligned.
[0109] Pin 93 is sized to fit through aperture pair 92b and
aperture 91 b and includes a head 93a that limits travel of pin 93
through aperture pair 92b and a distal end that receives a nut
member 93b for locking pin 93 in place. Pin 93 is constructed so as
to have a relatively less robust design than either of pins 92a and
91a and so that pin 93 will generally fail and snap in pieces when
a pressure thereon exceeds a threshold pressure that is below a
pressure that may damage a coulter member 58 there below.
[0110] Referring to FIGS. 24 and 26, a pin storage assembly 94 is
provided that includes brackets welded to coulter bar 54 and a
plurality of additional pins 93 and nuts 93b that cooperate to
secure the pins to the brackets. The additional pins 93 and nuts
93b are useable in cases where a pin is destroyed during operation
to re-enable the coulter assembly.
[0111] With arm member 91 secured to each of clevis 92 and clevis
77 as described above, bar 54 and cylinder 74 are moved such that
aperture pair 92b and aperture 91b are aligned (i.e. until rear
edge 91e of arm member 91 contacts bar 54). Thereafter, a pin 93 is
slid through the aligned apertures and a nut 93b is secured to the
distal pin end. This general configuration is illustrated best in
FIG. 23.
[0112] Referring now to FIG. 28, the hydraulic plumbing used with
the mechanical overload system described above is similar to the
hydraulic plumbing described above in the context of the hydraulic
overload protection system, the one difference being that there is
no relief valve 80. Thus, the coulter valve assembly 86 only
includes a solenoid valve 86a linking the outlet of valve 84b to
the base side of cylinder 74 and the rod side of cylinder 74 is
linked to the rod sides of lift cylinders 120 and 122. Because of
the similarity between the system of FIG. 28 and the system of FIG.
19 above, other system components will not be described again here
in detail.
[0113] Once pin 93 is received in aligned apertures 92b and 91b and
is secured therein, the mechanical overload system described above
operates in a fashion similar to the hydraulic overload system
during normal operation. To this end, to raise the coulter bar 54
and components attached thereto into the transport position (see
FIG. 17), pressurized fluid is provided at port 85a and to lower
the coulter bar and components attached thereto to the functional
and ground engaging position (see FIG. 23) pressurized fluid is
provided at port 85b.
[0114] Referring to FIGS. 23 and 27, with the coulter bar and
coulter/fertilizer units 52 mounted thereto in the functional
position, when an obstruction 58b is encountered by one or more of
the units 52, the obstruction 58b applies a force on the bar 54 and
therefore on the pin 93. When the applied force is less than the
threshold force required to snap pin 93 into pieces, the pin 93
remains intact and maintains the coulter/fertilizer units 52 in
their functional positions. However, where the applied force
exceeds the threshold force, pin 93 snaps into pieces and clevis 92
and bar 54 secured thereto pivot about pin 92a so that arm member
91 extends essentially horizontally between pins 91 a and 92a. When
arm 91 extends horizontally, the bar 54 and mounted components are
forced up and toward the transport position illustrated in FIG.
17.
[0115] After a pin 93 is destroyed, to re-link the overload system
for subsequent operation, one of the additional pins 93 is removed
from the additional pin assembly 94 (see FIGS. 24 and 26), the
apertures 92b and 91b are realigned by extending cylinder 74 and
the additional pin is inserted and secures within the aligned
apertures. Thereafter normal operation can again commence.
[0116] While the drawings, specific examples, and particular
formations given describe exemplary embodiments, they serve the
purpose of illustration only. The materials and configurations
shown and described may differ depending on the chosen performance
characteristics and physical characteristics of the planter
equipment. For example, the type of planter equipment may differ.
For example, while the embodiments described include a coulter
cylinder mounted on the transport direction side of the coulter bar
54, other embodiments may include the cylinder mounted on the other
side of the bar 54. In these cases at least some embodiments do not
even include a coulter cylinder. Moreover, any type of overload
protection system for a centrally mounted coulter/fertilizer
apparatus is contemplated. Furthermore, while the overload
protection mechanism is described as being between the coulter
cylinder and the bar, the mechanism may be provided at other
locations along the linage path. For instance, the overload
mechanism may operate between the cylinder and the carrier frame.
Moreover, in the case of the mechanical overload mechanism, the
locking pin may be locked via apertures in the cylinder mounted
clevis (see 7 in FIG. 24) as opposed to in the bar mounted clevis
92. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may
be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the
exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the
invention as expressed in the appended claims.
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