U.S. patent application number 11/281846 was filed with the patent office on 2006-06-15 for seedbed preparation implement having rotary disc with adjustable gang angle.
This patent application is currently assigned to CNH America LLC. Invention is credited to Jeffrey Powell, Edward G. Sheets.
Application Number | 20060124327 11/281846 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25537956 |
Filed Date | 2006-06-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060124327 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Powell; Jeffrey ; et
al. |
June 15, 2006 |
Seedbed preparation implement having rotary disc with adjustable
gang angle
Abstract
A disc gang is provided that is suitable for use as part of a
multifunctional seedbed preparation implement or in a standalone
disc harrow. The disc gang is configured to permit a gang angle of
the disc gang to be adjusted to accommodate differing soil
conditions and/or to obtain different tillage characteristics. The
disc gang may include a frame mounted on a mainframe of a primary
tillage implement such as a cultivator. The frame includes a main
beam mounted on the implement's mainframe and a disc support beam
connected to the main beam and supporting a plurality of rotating
discs. The gang angle can be infinitely adjusted through a
designated range by pivoting one end of the disc gang about a
vertical pivot axis while permitting another end portion of the
disc gang to slide along a support surface for that end. The disc
support beam may also be configured to be raised and lowered
relative to the main beam so as to permit the cutting depth of the
discs to be adjusted independently of the working depth of the
remainder of the implement. The disc gang preferably is modular so
as to negate the need for complex mechanical and hydraulic
connections between the disc gang and the remainder of the
implement.
Inventors: |
Powell; Jeffrey; (Round
Lake, IL) ; Sheets; Edward G.; (Eureka, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CNH AMERICA LLC
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAW DEPARTMENT
700 STATE STREET
RACINE
WI
53404
US
|
Assignee: |
CNH America LLC
|
Family ID: |
25537956 |
Appl. No.: |
11/281846 |
Filed: |
November 17, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10624237 |
Jul 22, 2003 |
7000708 |
|
|
11281846 |
Nov 17, 2005 |
|
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|
09992142 |
Nov 6, 2001 |
6612381 |
|
|
10624237 |
Jul 22, 2003 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
172/600 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01B 23/046 20130101;
A01B 63/26 20130101; A01B 49/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
172/600 |
International
Class: |
A01B 35/28 20060101
A01B035/28 |
Claims
1. A disc gang assembly configured for attachment to a mainframe of
a seedbed preparation implement that is configured to be pulled in
a draft direction, said disc gang assembly comprising: (A) a frame
connected to the mainframe and that comprises 1) a main beam which
is mountable on the mainframe and angularly offset with respect to
said draft direction, and 2) a disc support beam which is located
in front of said main beam and which is directly connected to said
main beam by at least one support arm; and (B) a disc gang
comprising a plurality of ground engaging rotary discs which are
supported on said support beam and which are configured to rotate
about an axis that extends at a gang angle relative to a
perpendicular to said draft direction, wherein said discs are
directly connected to said disc support beam and connected to said
main beam via said at least one support arm, wherein said frame
includes hardware configured to connect said frame relative to the
implement mainframe so as to permit said frame be movable relative
to the mainframe, wherein the disc gang is disposed forward of said
mainframe with respect to said draft direction.
2. The disc gang as recited in claim 1, wherein said mainframe is
directly supported by ground-engaging wheels.
3. The disc gang as recited in claim 1, wherein said mainframe is
connected between a front disc harrow and a rear disc harrow, the
front disc harrow comprising the disc gang.
4. A disc gang assembly configured for attachment to a mainframe of
a seedbed preparation implement that is configured to be pulled in
a draft direction, said disc gang assembly comprising: a pair of
adjacent disc gangs supported on a corresponding pair of frames,
each disc gang carrying ground engaging rotary discs which are
configured to rotate about an axis that extends at a gang angle
relative to a perpendicular to said draft direction, wherein each
disc gang is pivotally connected to the implement mainframe at a
location adjacent the other disc gang so as to permit said gang
angle of each disc gang to be infinitely adjusted through a range
of at least 3.degree. while maintaining substantial linear
alignment with the other disc gang, wherein each disc gang is
disposed forward of said mainframe with respect to said draft
direction.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of and claims priority to
pending U.S. application Ser. No. 10/624,237, filed on Jul. 22,
2003, which is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/992,142
filed on Nov. 6, 2001, and wherein the entirety of both is hereby
incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates to seedbed preparation implements and,
more particularly, relates to a disc gang usable, e.g., on a
multifunctional seedbed preparation implement and having an
adjustable gang angle.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] An increasing number of seedbed preparation implements are
configured to till the soil, level it, and/or break up lumps in a
single pass so as to minimize the number of passes required to
prepare a field for planting. Implements of this general type are
sometimes known as "multifunctional seedbed preparation
implements." Multifunctional seedbed implementation implements are
gaining popularity because minimizing the number of required passes
conserves fuel and also reduces wind and water erosion.
[0004] One type of multifunctional seedbed preparation implement is
the so-called Combo Mulch Finisher, manufactured, e.g. by Case
Corporation. The Combo Mulch Finisher includes a disc harrow having
one or more disc gangs, a cultivator located behind the disc
harrow, and an optional rotary or tine harrow located behind the
cultivator. The three tandem-oriented implement components are
configured to partially or completely prepare a seedbed for
planting, yet leave a high residue cover for maximum conservation
efforts. Specifically, the front disc harrow aggressively cuts and
sizes residue ahead of the cultivator and turns the soil to bury
some of the residue. The cultivator shatters clods produced by the
disc harrow, mixes the clods with the soil, incorporates chemicals,
and returns some of the residue to the surface. The rear harrow, if
present, reduces clods and levels ridges left by the cultivator.
The working depth of the entire implement can be adjusted by
raising or lowering the cultivator mainframe relative to the wheels
that support it on the ground. In some implements of this type, the
working depth of the individual disc gangs of the disc harrow can
be independently adjusted by raising and lowering at least a
disc-suspension portion of each disc gang relative to the
cultivator.
[0005] Each disc gang typically includes a plurality of concave
circular steel discs with tapered or beveled peripheral edges. The
discs, although tending to roll or rotate as they are pulled
forward, penetrate into and break up the soil and stalks and other
residue lying on the ground. The soil and residue then ride along
and across the concave surfaces so as to be turned or inverted. A
portion of the residue is buried with this turning, with the
percentage of buried residue increasing with the amount of soil
turning. The amount of soil turning is determined, in part, by the
angle of attack of each disc blade relative to the draft direction,
i.e., the direction along which the implement is being pulled along
the field. This angle of attack is known as the "gang angle" and is
defined as the angle of the discs' gang axis relative to a line
extending perpendicularly to the draft direction. Typical gang
angles range from 5.degree. to 10.degree., but other angles are
used in some situations.
[0006] It is often desirable to adjust the gang angle in order to
set or maintain a desired amount of soil turning for, e.g., residue
management or tilth management purposes. Residue management
comprises controlling a seedbed preparation implement to leave a
desired percentage of the seedbed surface covered by crop residue.
This percentage typically ranges from about 30% to about 70%,
depending on field conditions and other factors. Proper residue
management provides several benefits, including: [0007] protecting
the soil surface from compaction, crusting, and erosion by
absorbing the energy of rainfall on the soil; [0008] building soil
organic matter to increase moisture holding capacity and expand
soil nutrient pool; [0009] building and strengthening soil
aggregates to resist crusting and provide adequate pore space and
water permeability; [0010] improving water infiltration; [0011]
accelerating soil warming to take full advantage of the growing
season; and [0012] creating a soil environment needed for higher
yields.
[0013] Soil tilth is a measure of the relationship between the
soil, air, water, organic matter, and biological activity. Good
soil tilth has approximately 50% mineral soil and organic matter
and about 50% pore space. Maintaining good soil tilth provides
several advantages, including: [0014] maximizing water and air
permeability to reduce ponding, run-off, and erosion; [0015]
allowing good early root growth; [0016] increasing air and water
exchange from plant food availability; [0017] enabling percolation
of excess water deep into the soil; and [0018] enabling roots to
penetrate deeper into the soil to provide moisture needed during
periods of drought.
[0019] Setting the gang angle at a desired value is one viable
method of obtaining desired residue retention and/or tilth
characteristics under prevailing soil conditions and operating
speeds. It would be beneficial to adjust that angle to obtain
different residue retention and/or tilth characteristics under the
same operating conditions or to maintain the same residue retention
and/or tilth characteristics as soil conditions and/or operating
speeds vary from area to area or even from field to field. Hence,
incorporating gang angle adjustability into a disc gang of a
multifunctional seedbed preparation implement would considerably
increase the flexibility and versatility of a disc gang. However,
no heretofore known multifunctional seedbed preparation implement
employed disc gangs with adjustable gang angles. This lack is
believed to result from impracticalities resulting from the ways in
which these machines were constructed and operated.
[0020] The gang angles of some standalone disc harrows are
adjustable, but adjustment is typically either difficult or
imprecise. For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 3,080,933 to Kramer, U.S.
Pat. No. 4,180,135 to Birkenbach, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,462,123 to
Harlan all disclose tandem disc harrows having front and rear sets
of disc gangs, each of which includes two disc gangs that have
independently adjustable gang angles. Each disc gang of all of
these systems includes a rigid frame that is mounted on the
mainframe of the disc harrow so as to pivot about a vertical axis.
Another portion of the frame is mountable on the mainframe only at
a selected one of a plurality of discreet, spaced-apart mount
points, usually taking the form of spaced mounting holes in a plate
on the disc harrow's mainframe. As a result of this configuration,
the gang angle cannot be adjusted "infinitely", i.e., continuously
within the range of gang angle adjustment. It instead can be
adjusted only discreetly, with a degree of precision that is
limited by the spacing between the mount points. The resultant
configuration has relatively low flexibility and versatility. It is
also poorly suited for adaptability to disc gangs used in a Combo
Mulch Finisher or any other multifunctional seedbed preparation
implement.
[0021] The need therefore has arisen to provide a multifunctional
seedbed preparation implement having disc gangs with adjustable
gang angles.
[0022] The need has also arisen to provide a disc gang that is
usable either on a multifunctional seedbed preparation implement or
on a standalone disc harrow and that has infinite gang angle adjust
capability, at least over a designated range of gang angle
adjustment.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0023] In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, a
multifunctional seedbed implement includes a disc gang having a
gang angle that is adjustable relative to the remainder of the
implement. The implement includes at least a cultivator and a disc
harrow. The cultivator includes a mainframe configured to be pulled
in a draft direction, and a plurality of ground engaging plow
shanks mounted on the mainframe. The disc harrow include at least
one disc gang including a disc support beam, a plurality of ground
engaging discs rotatably supported on the support beam and
configured to rotate about a common axis that extends at a disc
gang angle relative to a perpendicular to the draft direction, and
a main beam which is attached to the disc support beam and which is
mounted on the mainframe so as to permit the disc gang to be
movable relative to the frame as a unit so as to adjust the gang
angle.
[0024] Preferably, the gang angle is infinitely adjustable within
at least a designated range of, e.g., from about 5.degree. to about
10.degree..
[0025] The main beam is preferably pivotably mounted on the
mainframe adjacent a first end thereof and is mounted on a slotted
plate at a location remote from the first end so as to permit the
main beam to slide along a slot in the slotted plate for gang angle
adjustment. An actuator, such as a cylinder or a turnbuckle, is
coupled to the disc gang and to the mainframe and is manually or
automatically actuatable to pivot the disc gang about to the
mainframe to effect gang angle adjustment.
[0026] In order to permit the cutting depth of the discs to be
adjusted, support arms may couple the main beam to the disc support
beam and may be pivotable to raise and lower the disc support beam
relative to the main beam.
[0027] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a disc
gang is provided that is configured for attachment to a mainframe
of a seedbed preparation implement that is configured to be pulled
in a draft direction. The implement may be a standalone disc harrow
or a multifunctional implement such as a Combo Mulch Finisher. The
disc gang comprises a plurality of ground engaging rotary discs and
a frame. The discs are configured to rotate about an axis that
extends at a gang angle relative to a perpendicular to the draft
direction. The frame supports the discs and is configured to be
connectable to the frame so as to be movable relative to the
implement's mainframe so as to permit the gang angle to be
infinitely adjusted through a range of at least 3.degree.. The
frame preferably comprises a main beam which is mountable on the
implement's mainframe and a disc support beam. The disc support
beam is located in front of the main beam, is connected to the main
beam by a plurality of arms, and supports the discs. Preferably,
the arms are pivotable to raise and lower the disc support beam
relative to the main beam and, thereby, adjust the cutting depth of
the discs.
[0028] A method of adjusting the gang angle of a disc gang is also
disclosed.
[0029] Other objects, features, and advantages of the invention
will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following
detailed description and accompanying drawings. It should be
understood, however, that the detailed description and specific
examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the present
invention, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation.
Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the
present invention without departing from the spirit thereof, and
the invention includes all such modifications.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0030] Preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention are
illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which like reference
numerals represent like parts throughout, and in which:
[0031] FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a multifunctional seedbed
preparation implement constructed in accordance with a preferred
embodiment of the invention;
[0032] FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of the implement of FIG.
1;
[0033] FIG. 3 is a fragmentary top plan view of a portion of the
implement of FIGS. I and 2, including one of the disc gang
assemblies of that implement;
[0034] FIG. 4 is a front elevation view taken generally along the
lines 4-4 in FIG. 3;
[0035] FIG. 5 is a side elevation view taken generally along the
lines 5-5 of FIG. 3;
[0036] FIG. 6 is a sectional elevation view taken generally along
the lines 6-6 of FIG. 3;
[0037] FIG. 7 is a sectional elevation view taken generally along
the lines 7-7 of FIG. 3 and illustrating portions of the implement
in phantom;
[0038] FIG. 8 is a sectional elevation view taken generally along
the lines 8-8 of FIG. 3 and illustrating portions of the implement
in phantom;
[0039] FIG. 9 is a fragmentary perspective view of the disc gang
assembly of FIG. 3 and adjacent components of the implement;
and
[0040] FIG. 10 is a fragmentary, partially exploded top plan view
of the disc gang assembly of FIG. 3 and adjacent components of the
implement, illustrating the disc gang assembly removed from the
remainder of the implement.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
1. Resume
[0041] Pursuant to the invention, a disc gang is provided that is
well suited (but not exclusively suited) for use as part of a
multifunctional seedbed preparation implement and that is
configured to permit a gang angle of the disc gang to be adjusted
to accommodate different operating conditions and/or to obtain
different tillage characteristics. In one embodiment, the disc gang
includes a frame mounted on a mainframe of a primary tillage
implement such as a cultivator. The frame includes a main beam
mounted on the implement's mainframe and a disc support beam
connected to the main beam and supporting a plurality of rotating
discs. The gang angle can be infinitely adjusted through a
designated range of, e.g., about 5.degree. to about 10.degree., by
pivoting one end of the disc gang about a vertical pivot axis while
permitting another end portion of the disc gang to slide along a
slotted plate or other unsegmented support surface for that end
portion. The disc support beam may also be configured to be raised
and lowered relative to the main beam so as to permit the cutting
depth of the discs to be adjusted independently of the working
depth of the remainder of the implement. The disc gang preferably
is modular so as to negate the need for complex mechanical and
hydraulic connections between the disc gang and the remainder of
the implement.
2. System Overview
[0042] Disc gangs constructed in accordance with the invention can
be used on a variety of implements. They may be used on a
standalone implement such as a tandem disc harrow having front and
rear disc gang sets. They are particularly well suited for use in a
multifunctional seedbed preparation implement such as a Combo Mulch
Finisher and, accordingly, will be described in conjunction with
such a seedbed preparation implement, it being understood that they
are not limited to that type of implement.
[0043] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2 a Combo Mulch Finisher
implement 20 incorporating disc gangs having the characteristics
described above includes a front disc harrow 22, a cultivator 24
located behind the disc harrow and supporting the disc harrow, and
a rear harrow 26 (in this case a tine harrow) towed behind the
cultivator 24. The implement 20 is towed by a hitch 29 that extends
forwardly from a mainframe 28 of the cultivator 24 and that is
configured for connection to the drawbar of a tractor or the like.
The hitch 29 is a single strap pull clevis style hitch with a
safety chain and hitch jack (not shown). The hitch 29 is long
enough to allow tight turning without interfering with the rear
dual or triple tractor tires.
[0044] The construction and operation of the cultivator 24 and rear
harrow will now be briefly described. The construction and
operation of the disc harrow 22 will be detailed in Section 3
below.
[0045] Still referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the cultivator 24 is
configured to plow soil for seedbed preparation. It includes the
mainframe 28, wheels 30 that support the mainframe 28 on the
ground, and a plurality of plow shanks or sweeps 32 that extend
downwardly from the mainframe 28 for working the soil. The wheels
30 are mounted on arms 34 that are pivotable with respect to the
mainframe 28. The arms 34 are coupled to a hydraulic cylinder 36 by
a suitable linkage 38 that raises and lowers the arms 34 upon
cylinder extension and retraction. The wheels 30 therefore can be
raised from their illustrated, lowermost position to either 1) a
partially raised position to reduce the penetration depth of the
shanks 32 or 2) a fully raised position for transport. The typical
working depth will vary from machine to machine and most often will
be between 7 and 8 inches. A depth indicator (not shown) may be
provided for a quick reference on the operating depth of the
cultivator.
[0046] The cultivator mainframe 28 is divided into three
transversely adjacent sections including a center section 42 and a
pair of wings 44, 46 that are articulated to the center section 42
by hinges 48. The wings 44, 46 can flex upwardly about 10.degree.
and downwardly about 9.degree. to follow uneven terrain and
contours in the field, thereby promoting consistent seedbed depth
for ideal planting conditions. Each section 42, 44, 46 is formed
from a plurality of longitudinally extending beams 50 and a
plurality of transversely extending beams 52 interconnected to one
another.
[0047] In the illustrated embodiment, the forwardmost beam 52a
doubles as a support for at least part of the disc harrow 22, and
the rearwardmost beam 52b doubles as an articulation point for the
rear harrow 26. Some of the beams 52 also support the shanks 32.
Those transverse beams 52 that support shanks 32 are spaced
longitudinally from one another to form rows or "ranks." Each of
the beams 52 preferably comprises a hollow rectangular tube, and
those beams that support the plow shanks therefore are often
referred to as "rank tubes."
[0048] The cultivator 24 of the illustrated embodiment has five
ranks. The shanks 32 of successive ranks are indexed relative to
the lines of travel of the shanks of the remaining ranks to effect
a so-called "split the middle" sweep pattern, which allows for
complete tilling and the production of uniform ridges as described
below. Of course, the number of sections, the number of ranks, and
the number of plow shanks in each rank will vary from application
to application depending, e.g., on the intended width of the tilled
swath, the type of soil, and the degree of seedbed preparation
desired.
[0049] The characteristics of the particular plow shanks 32
employed for a given operation will vary depending upon the
intended function of the implement and its intended operating
conditions. For moderate soil conditions where a high action spring
tension shank is desired, a so-called "vibra shank" will likely be
employed. In applications in which reduced soil disturbance and
reduced fuel consumption are desired, a so-called "vibra edge
shank" will likely be employed. A so-called "vibra chisel shank"
will likely be employed under heavy soil conditions.
[0050] The rear harrow 26 will now be discussed with continued
reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. The harrow 26 is not necessary in many
applications in which clod reduction and/or soil level maximization
are not of concern. Where it is employed, the harrow 26 may
comprise any rotary or tine structure configured to break up clods
and level ridges left by the cultivator 24. In the illustrated
embodiment, the harrow 26 comprises a tine harrow divided into a
center, main section 54 and two end sections 56, 58 that are
disposed laterally adjacent the main section 54. The main section
54 of the illustrated embodiment is wider than the two flanking end
sections 56 and 58. However, different numbers of harrow sections
of different relative widths, or even a single harrow section
spanning the width of the swath tilled by the cultivator 24, could
be provided if desired.
[0051] Still referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, each harrow section
includes at least a plurality of tines 60 and a frame that supports
the tines 60. The frame preferably comprises 1) a plurality (4 in
the illustrated embodiment) of tine bars 62 that support the tines
60 in longitudinally spaced, transversely extending rows, and 2) a
pair of longitudinally extending support arms 64. The frame is
coupled to the cultivator mainframe 28 by a tow arm 66 pivotably
attached to the rearwardmost rank tube 52b of the mainframe 28 by a
pivoting mount 68. The tow arm 66, in turn, provides part of a
parallelogram linkage mechanism that permits the frame to move
vertically relative to the tow arm 66 while maintaining a parallel
relationship therebetween. Each parallelogram linkage includes a
tow arm 66, a corresponding support arm 64 of the frame, and front
and rear links 70, 72 connecting the support arm 64 to the tow arm
66.
[0052] A one pass seedbed preparation operation performable by the
implement will now be described.
[0053] As the implement 20 is pulled along the soil to be worked in
a draft direction, the disc harrow 22 cuts residue and turns soil
as detailed in Section 3 below. The cultivator 24 then passes over
the soil worked by the disc harrow 22, with each rank of shanks 32
tilling a previously-untilled portion of the swath worked by the
shanks of the preceding rank. Hence the shanks ahead of the rear
two rows of shanks take a full cut and leave alternating strips of
untilled soil. The shanks in the next to last row till one half of
the width of the remaining untilled strips and take out the middle
of the ridges left by the shanks in the row directly in front of
that row. The shanks of the rear row till the other half of the
untilled strips and fill the grooves left by the next to last row
of shanks and take out the middle of the ridge left by the shanks
of the third row, resulting in a groove behind each of the shanks
of the rear row and a ridge adjacent each groove.
[0054] The harrow 26 then levels the ridges and grooves left by the
cultivator 24 and reduces clods left behind by the cultivator 24.
The soil is now ready for planting, with the desired surface
residue, soil tilth, and other soil characteristics being obtained
by suitable adjustments to the disc gang angle, disc penetration
depth, and cultivator penetration depth.
3. Construction and Operation of Disc Gang
[0055] Still referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the disc harrow 22 of the
combined seedbed preparation implement 20 comprises two sets of
disc gangs provided on opposite sides of a line L that laterally
bisects the seedbed preparation implement 20. The number of disc
gangs in each set will vary depending upon the overall width of the
implement 20 and on the length of the individual gangs. In the
illustrated embodiment in which the implement is about 26' wide,
each set is formed from inboard and outboard disc gangs 80 and 82
that are independently mounted on the mainframe 28 and
independently adjustable to vary the disc gang angle. The gangs 80
and 82 of each set are located adjacent one another on opposite
sides of a hinge 48 of the mainframe 28 so that the inboard gang 80
moves with the center section 42 of the mainframe 28 while the
outboard gang 82 can pivot up and down with the wing 44 or 46. An
actuator 74 is provided for effecting gang angle adjustment of each
disc gang 80 or 82.
[0056] The inboard and outboard gangs 80, 82 each have a first end
pivotably mounted on the cultivator mainframe 28 and a second end
slidably supported on the mainframe. Specifically, and referring
initially to FIGS. 3 and 9, the first or pivoting end of the
outboard gang 82 is mounted on an extension 50a of one of the
inboard longitudinal beams, and the second end is mounted on an
extension of the outwardmost longitudinal beams 50b. The first and
second ends of the inboard gang 80 are similarly mounted on a
transverse beam 52c and a longitudinal beam 50c, respectively.
[0057] Apart from their mounting locations on the mainframe 28, the
inboard and outboard disc gangs 80 and 82 of each set are identical
to one another. Components of each disc gang 80, 82 therefore will
be designated by the same reference numerals, and the same
description will be applied towards all disc gangs.
[0058] Referring now to FIGS. 3-5 and 10, the outboard disc gang 82
comprises a modular unit mounted on the front end of the cultivator
mainframe 28. It includes a frame 84 and a plurality of discs 86
that are supported on the frame 84 and that ride along the ground
during a tillage operation. Referring to FIGS. 3-5, a plurality (9
in the illustrated embodiment) of the discs 86 are spaced along the
length of the frame 84. Each disc 86 has a concave surface that
faces the transverse centerline L of the implement 20. All of the
discs 86 are mounted on a common bolt or shaft 88 so as to rotate
about a common axis that extends at the disc gang angle. The shaft
88 is supported on the frame 84 by a pair of spaced carrier springs
90. The carrier springs 90 assert a yieldable downward pressure on
the discs 86 but permit limited movement of the discs 86 relative
to the frame 84 to accommodate variations in ground topography or
the encountering of large rocks. A scraper 92 is disposed closely
adjacent the rear sides of each disc 86 to scrape soil and plant
residue from the associated disc 86. The scrapers 92 are mounted on
a support bar 94 clamped on the frame 84 by a plurality of
longitudinally-spaced clamps 96.
[0059] Still referring to FIGS. 3-5, the frame 84 may comprise any
structure that supports the discs 86 and scrapers 92 and that
permits the gang angle to be adjusted. The frame 84 preferably also
is configured to permit vertical movement of the discs 86 relative
to the mainframe 28 to to adjust cutting depth. In the illustrated
embodiment, the frame 84 includes a disc support beam 98 that
supports the discs 86 and a main beam 100 that mounts the disc gang
82 on the mainframe 28. The beams 98, 100 are parallel with one
another and with the gang angle. Each of the beams 98 and 100
comprises a rectangular hollow tube, but I-beams, n-beams,
angle-irons, or flat plates could be used as well. The frame 84
additionally includes a pair of spaced arms 102 that connect the
breams 98, 100 to one another. The arms 102 extend in parallel with
one another and transversely to the beams 98 and 100. Each arm 102
comprises an n-iron, but could be formed from a tube, flat plate,
etc.
[0060] Referring to FIGS. 3, 5, and 6, the front end of each of the
arms 102 is rigidly mounted on top of the disc support beam 98 by a
bracket 104. The rear end of each of the arms 102 is pivotably
attached to the main beam 100 by a clevis pin assembly 106. This
arrangement permits the disc support beam 98 and discs 86 to be
raised and lowered relative to the main beam 100 to change the
cutting depth for a particular cultivator depth setting. This
cutting depth is adjusted by extending or retracting a hydraulic
cylinder 108 operably coupled to the beams 98 and 100. Specifically
referring to FIGS. 6, 9, and 10, a cylinder end of the cylinder 108
is pinned to an ear mount 110 extending forwardly from an upwardly
and forwardly inclined strut 112 mounted on a generally central
portion of the main beam 100. A rod end of the cylinder 108 is
pivotably attached to another ear mount 114 mounted on front of a
generally central portion of the disc support beam 98. As best seen
in FIGS. 3 and 10, this relationship between the hydraulic cylinder
108 and the frame components 98, 100 renders the disc gang 82 as a
whole modular and permits the essentially entire disc gang 82 to be
attached to or removed from the mainframe 28 as a unit, thereby
enhancing versatility of the implement 20 and simplifying
manufacturing and assembly.
[0061] It is conceivable that gang angle adjustment could be
accommodated by a suitable connection of the disc support beam 98
to the arms 102 or of the arms 102 to the main beam 100. If depth
adjustment is not desired, it is also conceivable that this
adjustment could be accommodated by eliminating the main beam 100
and mounting the disc support beam 98 directly on the mainframe 28
so as to accommodate angular adjustment of the disc support beam 98
relative to the mainframe 28. In the illustrated embodiment,
however, gang angle adjustment is accommodated by mounting the main
beam 100 on the cultivator mainframe 28 so as to permit the entire
frame 84 to pivot about a vertical axis through a gang adjust angle
.alpha. (FIG. 3). The angle .alpha. typically will extend about
5.degree., beginning at an angle of about 5.degree. from a
perpendicular to the draft direction and ending at an angle of
about 10.degree.. However, the extent of the angular range may vary
dramatically from application to application. To effect this gang
angle adjustment, each disc gang 80, 82 can be driven to pivot
about the mainframe 28 by the actuator 74.
[0062] Mounting hardware for accommodating the gang angle
adjustment and for holding the disc gang 82 in its adjusted
position includes a pivot pin assembly at the first end of the disc
gang 82 and a sliding clamp plate arrangement between the first and
second ends, and preferably adjacent the second end, of the disc
gang. Referring to FIGS. 3 and 7, the pivot pin 118 extends
vertically through a bore through the main beam 100 and through a
mating bore in an ear mount 120. The ear mount 120 is located
beneath the main beam 100 and extends transversely from the
foremost end of the associated transverse beam 50a as seen in FIG.
3. (The pivot pin assembly for the inboard disc gang 80 differs
from the above-described configuration only in that the pin 118
extends directly through the underlying transverse beam 52c rather
than through a protruding ear mount.) Referring to FIG. 8, the
second end of the main beam 100 is mounted on an unsegmented guide
that supports the beam while permitting the beam to pivot through
the designated range. In the illustrated embodiment, the guide
comprises a slotted plate 122 that supports a pair of angle
brackets 124 so as to permit infinite adjustment of the gang angle
by sliding the brackets 124 along a slot 126 in the plate 122.
Specifically, a vertical leg of each angle bracket 124 is welded or
otherwise affixed to each side of the beam 100 so that an elongated
slot 128 in the horizontal leg of each bracket 124 overlies an
orthogonally-situated elongated slot 126 in the plate 122. The
plate 122 is, in turn, welded to the top of the longitudinal beam
50b as seen in FIGS. 3 and 10 (the corresponding plate 122 for the
inboard disc gang 80 is welded to the top of the longitudinal beam
50d, also as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 10). Pins, such as bolts
130 extend through the mating slots 126 and 128 so as to ride
through those slots upon disc gang angle adjustment. If desired,
the bolts 130 could be selectively tightened to prevent inadvertent
movement of the disc gang 82 relative to the mainframe 28, but that
tightening would not be required in situations in which the
actuator 74 is capable of holding the disc gang in position.
[0063] The actuator 74 may comprise any manually operated or
powered device that is selectively actuatable to drive the
associated main beam 100 to pivot about the pin 118. The actuator
74 of the illustrated embodiment comprises a turnbuckle. As best
seen in FIGS. 8 and 10, the turnbuckle 74 has a rear end pivotably
coupled to an ear 132 on the mainframe 28 and a front end pivotably
mounted to an ear mount 134 on the rear of the main beam 100. As is
conventional with turnbuckles of this type, manual operation of a
crank 136 on the turnbuckle 74 in one direction or the other causes
the turnbuckle 74 to extend or retract, resulting in clockwise or
counterclockwise pivoting of the associated disc gang 80 or 82
about the associated pivot pin 118 and accordingly, results in gang
angle adjustment. Due to the absence of any discreet mount points
of the second end of the main beam 100 on the mainframe 28, this
adjustment can be infinite within the desired range of gang angle
adjustment rather than discreet. This in turn greatly enhances the
versatility of the machine. If desired, decals (not shown) or other
indicia may be mounted on the implement 20 in the vicinity of the
turnbuckle 74 so as to permit the operator to precisely obtain the
desired disc gang angle.
[0064] In operation, as the implement 20 is being pulled along the
field to be worked by a tractor or other prime mover, the rotating
discs 86 cut into the soil and throw the soil inwardly towards the
transverse centerline L. The depth of disc penetration for a
particular cultivator setting can be adjusted by suitable operation
of the hydraulic cylinders 108. The amount of the soil turning and,
accordingly, the degree of soil tilth and/or the degree of surface
residue coverage remaining behind the disc gang for a particular
operating speed in particular soil conditions, is determined by the
prevailing gang angle .alpha.. That angle can be adjusted for each
disc gang simply by loosening the bolts 130, turning the crank 136
to extend or retract the associated turnbuckle 74 to drive the disc
gang 80 or 82 to pivot about the associated pin 118, and
retightening the bolts 130. Versatility is maximized by permitting
the gang angle of the individual gangs 80 and 82 of each set to be
adjusted individually. For instance, it may be desirable in some
instances to set a slightly shallower disc gang angle for the
inboard gang 80 of each set to prevent soil from ridging at the
center of the machine. The individual adjustment made possible by
the invention makes "fine tuning" for this and other purposes
possible. The cutting depths of each gang 80 and 82 of each set can
also be adjusted by suitable operation of the cylinders 108.
[0065] Many changes and modifications could be made to the
invention without departing from the spirit thereof. For instance,
the gang angle adjustment characteristics of the present invention
are applicable to implements other than a multi component seedbed
preparation implement. Those other implements include, but are not
limited to, a tandem standalone disc harrow. Different mounting
arrangements could also be used for mounting the disc gangs on the
mainframe of the implement, and the disc gang frames could take
other forms than that disclosed, particularly if the machine does
not require cutting depth adjustment capability. Actuators other
than tumbuckles could also be used to effect gang angle adjustment.
For instance, a double acting hydraulic cylinder could be used in
place of each turnbuckle. A cylinder would have the benefit of
being of being capable of automatically adjusting gang angle "on
the fly" with the use of appropriate sensors and control circuitry.
If a cylinder were used, and if adjustment on the fly is not
required, a heavier duty locking system would preferably be used in
place of the bolts to negate the need to rely on hydraulic pressure
in the cylinders to hold the disc gangs in place.
* * * * *