U.S. patent application number 14/934367 was filed with the patent office on 2016-03-03 for system and method of adjusting the chassis height of a machine.
The applicant listed for this patent is AGCO Corporation. Invention is credited to James Slawson.
Application Number | 20160059662 14/934367 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52809049 |
Filed Date | 2016-03-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160059662 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Slawson; James |
March 3, 2016 |
SYSTEM AND METHOD OF ADJUSTING THE CHASSIS HEIGHT OF A MACHINE
Abstract
A vehicle includes a chassis, a plurality of ground engaging
elements supporting the chassis above a ground surface, a motor for
driving at least one of the ground engaging elements to thereby
propel the machine along the ground surface, and a chassis height
adjustment system for selectively raising and lowering the chassis
relative to the ground surface. A track width adjustment system is
configured to shift the position of at least one of the ground
engaging elements laterally relative to the chassis and a
controller is configured to automatically actuate the track width
adjustment system when the chassis height adjustment system is
actuated to preserve a constant track width as the chassis moves up
and down relative to the ground surface.
Inventors: |
Slawson; James; (Spirit
Lake, IA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
AGCO Corporation |
Hesston |
KS |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
52809049 |
Appl. No.: |
14/934367 |
Filed: |
November 6, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14052953 |
Oct 14, 2013 |
9180747 |
|
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14934367 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
239/172 ;
280/6.157 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60G 3/01 20130101; A01B
76/00 20130101; B60G 2300/083 20130101; B60G 17/0195 20130101; B60G
2500/30 20130101; A01M 7/0042 20130101; A01G 25/09 20130101; B60G
2202/152 20130101; B60G 17/016 20130101; A01B 63/026 20130101; B60G
2200/44 20130101; B60G 2202/413 20130101; A01C 23/047 20130101;
B60G 2500/40 20130101; B60G 2300/40 20130101; B60G 2204/4232
20130101 |
International
Class: |
B60G 17/0195 20060101
B60G017/0195; A01B 76/00 20060101 A01B076/00; A01G 25/09 20060101
A01G025/09; A01B 63/02 20060101 A01B063/02; A01C 23/04 20060101
A01C023/04; A01M 7/00 20060101 A01M007/00 |
Claims
1. A vehicle comprising: a chassis; a plurality of ground engaging
elements supporting the chassis above a ground surface; a motor for
driving at least one of the ground engaging elements to thereby
propel the machine along the ground surface; a chassis height
adjustment system for selectively raising and lowering the chassis
relative to the ground surface; a track width adjustment system for
shifting the position of at least one of the ground engaging
elements laterally relative to the chassis; and a controller
configured to automatically actuate the track width adjustment
system when the chassis height adjustment system is actuated to
preserve a constant track width as the chassis moves up and down
relative to the ground surface.
2. The vehicle as set forth in claim 1, the track width adjustment
system including a telescoping axle coupled with each of the ground
engaging elements and an actuator associated with each of the
telescoping axles for moving each axle between a retracted position
and an extended position.
3. The vehicle as set forth in claim 1, further comprising a
plurality of support assemblies, each of the support assemblies
supporting the chassis on one of the ground engaging elements and
defining a line of connection between a ground engaging element
attachment point and a chassis attachment point, each line of
connection defining an angle .theta. corresponding to an angle of
deviation from a direction of vertical travel of the chassis.
4. The vehicle as set forth in claim 3, the controller configured
to actuate the track width adjustment system to shift the at least
one ground engaging element a distance that is proportional to a
change in the distance between the ground engaging element
attachment point and the chassis attachment point.
5. The vehicle as set forth in claim 3, the controller configured
to actuate the track width adjustment system to shift the at least
one ground engaging element a distance .DELTA.W, wherein
.DELTA.W=sin(.theta.).times..DELTA.H and .DELTA.H is a change in
the distance between the wheel attachment point and the chassis
attachment point along the line of connection.
6. The vehicle as set forth in claim 3, each of the support
assemblies comprising-- a first attachment component for attaching
the assembly to the ground engaging element at the ground engaging
element attachment point; a second attachment component for
attaching the assembly to the chassis at the chassis attachment
point; an adjustment component for shifting the first attachment
component between a plurality of operating positions relative to
the second attachment component, each of the operating positions
corresponding to a different distance of separation between the
first attachment component and the second attachment component; and
a suspension component operably interposed between the first
attachment component and the second attachment component, the
suspension component configured to regulate motion transfer between
the first attachment component and the second attachment component,
the suspension component functioning independently of the operating
position.
7. The vehicle as set forth in claim 1, the machine being a sprayer
including a liquid holding tank and a delivery system for applying
contents of the holding tank.
8. The vehicle as set forth in claim 1, the controller configured
to simultaneously actuate the chassis height adjustment system and
the track width adjustment system to preserve the constant track
width as the chassis moves up and down relative to the ground
surface.
9. The vehicle as set forth in claim 1, further comprising a user
interface for allowing a user to actuate the chassis height
adjustment system, the controller configured to automatically
actuate the track width adjustment system as the user actuates the
chassis height adjustment system to preserve the constant track
width as the chassis moves up and down relative to the ground
surface.
10. An agricultural applicator comprising: a chassis; four wheels
supporting the chassis above a ground surface, the four wheels
including two left wheels and two right wheels; a motor for driving
at least one of the wheels to thereby propel the machine along the
ground surface; a chassis height adjustment system for selectively
raising and lowering the chassis relative to the ground surface; a
track width adjustment system for shifting each of the wheels
laterally relative to the chassis; and a controller for
automatically actuating the track width adjustment system when the
chassis height adjustment system is actuated to shift the wheels
laterally relative to the chassis to thereby preserve a constant
track width as the chassis is raised or lowered, wherein shifting
the wheels laterally involves shifting the two left wheels in a
first direction and shifting the two right wheels in a second
direction, the second direction being opposite the first
direction.
11. The vehicle as set forth in claim 10, the track width
adjustment system including a telescoping axle coupled with each of
the wheels and an actuator associated with each of the telescoping
axles for moving each axle between a retracted position and an
extended position.
12. The vehicle as set forth in claim 10, further comprising a
plurality of support assemblies, each of the support assemblies
supporting the chassis on one of the wheels and defining a line of
connection between a wheel attachment point and a chassis
attachment point, each line of connection defining an angle .theta.
corresponding to an angle of deviation from a direction of vertical
travel of the chassis.
13. The vehicle as set forth in claim 12, the controller configured
to actuate the track width adjustment system to shift each of the
wheels a distance that is proportional to a change in the distance
between the wheel attachment point and the chassis attachment
point.
14. The vehicle as set forth in claim 12, the controller configured
to actuate the track width adjustment system to shift each of the
wheels a distance .DELTA.W, wherein
.DELTA.W=sin(.theta.).times..DELTA.H and .DELTA.H is a change in
the distance between the wheel attachment point and the chassis
attachment point along the line of connection.
15. The vehicle as set forth in claim 12, each of the support
assemblies comprising-- a first attachment component for attaching
the assembly to the ground engaging element at the ground engaging
element attachment point; a second attachment component for
attaching the assembly to the chassis at the chassis attachment
point; an adjustment component for shifting the first attachment
component between a plurality of operating positions relative to
the second attachment component, each of the operating positions
corresponding to a different distance of separation between the
first attachment component and the second attachment component; and
a suspension component operably interposed between the first
attachment component and the second attachment component, the
suspension component configured to regulate motion transfer between
the first attachment component and the second attachment component,
the suspension component functioning independently of the operating
position.
16. The vehicle as set forth in claim 10, controller configured to
simultaneously actuate the chassis height adjustment system and the
track width adjustment system to preserve the constant track width
as the chassis moves up and down relative to the ground
surface.
17. The vehicle as set forth in claim 10, further comprising a user
interface for allowing a user to actuate the chassis height
adjustment system, the controller configured to automatically
actuate the track width adjustment system as the user actuates the
chassis height adjustment system to preserve the constant track
width as the chassis moves up and down relative to the ground
surface.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.120 as a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.
14/052,953, filed Oct. 14, 2013. The full disclosure, in its
entirety, of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/052,953 is hereby
incorporated by reference.
FIELD
[0002] Embodiments of the present invention relate to mobile
machines, such as self-propelled agricultural machines and similar
vehicles. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention
relate to mobile machines with adjustable-height chassis.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Some agricultural vehicles are configured to be operated in
fields among row crops. Application machines such as self-propelled
sprayers, for example, may have wheels configured to pass between
crop rows and a spray boom that extends outwardly from the vehicle
to spray the crop as the machine travels through the field. In
order to avoid damaging the crops as the vehicle moves through the
field, each of the wheels must have the proper width to travel
between the rows, and the track width--the lateral distance between
the wheels--must match row spacing so that the wheels are properly
positioned between crop rows. Furthermore, the vehicle should have
sufficient ground clearance (the distance between the vehicle body
and the surface over which it moves) to clear the crops.
[0004] While a standard height agricultural vehicle may be used to
process short crops, such as early stage corn or the like,
difficulties arise when processing taller crops, such as mature
corn, that are taller than the ground clearance of a standard
vehicle. For such crops, high clearance vehicles may be used. While
high clearance vehicles provide sufficient clearance to pass over
the top of taller crops, they suffer from various limitations. For
example, high clearance vehicles, such as those that provide a crop
clearance of seventy inches or more, may have an overall height
that exceeds highway height restrictions, thereby making the
transport of such vehicles to and from the field difficult. For
example, public highways often restrict the height of a load to
twelve feet or less which may be exceeded when a high clearance
vehicle is placed on a transport trailer. Thus, measures may need
to be taken to lower the vehicle to an acceptable transport height,
such as deflating the tires or entirely removing the wheels.
[0005] In addition, while high clearance vehicles may be desirable
for use on tall crops, they are not as effective in processing
shorter crops without added complexity in the boom lifting
mechanism to accommodate the range of motion required to place the
boom at the proper height above the crop when spraying at the
various crop heights. Some systems have been developed to increase
the ground clearance of an existing vehicle. But these systems are
complicated and require the removal of existing vehicle equipment
and/or the addition of new equipment.
[0006] The above section provides background information related to
the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art.
SUMMARY
[0007] A vehicle constructed in accordance with an embodiment of
the present invention comprises a chassis, a plurality of ground
engaging elements supporting the chassis above a ground surface,
and a motor for driving at least one of the ground engaging
elements to thereby propel the machine along the ground surface. A
chassis height adjustment system selectively raises and lowers the
chassis relative to the ground surface and a track width adjustment
system shifts the position of at least one of the ground engaging
elements laterally relative to the chassis. A controller is
configured to automatically actuate the track width adjustment
system when the chassis height adjustment system is actuated to
preserve a constant track width as the chassis moves up and down
relative to the ground surface.
[0008] An agricultural applicator constructed in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention comprises a chassis, four
wheels supporting the chassis above a ground surface, the four
wheels including two left wheels and two right wheels, and a motor
for driving at least one of the wheels to thereby propel the
machine along the ground surface. A chassis height adjustment
system selectively raises and lowers the chassis relative to the
ground surface, and a track width adjustment system shifts each of
the wheels laterally relative to the chassis. A controller is
configured to automatically actuate the track width adjustment
system when the chassis height adjustment system is actuated to
shift the wheels laterally relative to the chassis to thereby
preserve a constant track width as the chassis is raised or
lowered, wherein shifting the wheels laterally involves shifting
the two left wheels in a first direction and shifting the two right
wheels in a second direction, the second direction being opposite
the first direction.
[0009] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of
concepts in a simplified form that are further described in the
detailed description below. This summary is not intended to
identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject
matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the
claimed subject matter. Other aspects and advantages of the present
invention will be apparent from the following detailed description
of the embodiments and the accompanying drawing figures.
DRAWINGS
[0010] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail
below with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein:
[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an agricultural applicator
constructed in accordance with principles of the present
invention.
[0012] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the agricultural applicator
of FIG. 1 with two of the wheels omitted to more fully illustrate
support assemblies interposed between the wheels and the
chassis.
[0013] FIGS. 3a-c are block diagrams of various exemplary
embodiments of a control system of the applicator of FIG. 1.
[0014] FIG. 4 illustrates certain features of a cabin of the
applicator of FIG. 1 including one or more user interface elements
allowing a user to control certain functions of the applicator.
[0015] FIG. 5 is an outside perspective view of one of the support
assemblies of the applicator of FIG. 2.
[0016] FIG. 6 is an inside perspective view of the support assembly
of FIG. 5
[0017] FIG. 7 illustrates the support assembly of FIG. 5 pivoted to
a first position relative to an axle of the applicator.
[0018] FIG. 8 illustrates the support assembly of FIG. 5 pivoted to
a second position relative to the axle.
[0019] FIG. 9 illustrates the support assembly of FIG. 5 in a first
operating position.
[0020] FIG. 10 illustrates the support assembly of FIG. 5 in a
second operating position.
[0021] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a support assembly
constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the invention,
the assembly being similar to the assembly of FIG. 5 and including
a locking mechanism for mechanically locking the assembly into any
of a plurality of operating positions.
[0022] FIG. 12 is a partially exploded perspective view of the
support assembly of FIG. 11.
[0023] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a support assembly
constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the invention,
the assembly being similar to the assembly of FIG. 5 and including
a remotely controlled locking mechanism for mechanically locking
the assembly into any of a plurality of operating positions.
[0024] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a support assembly
constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the invention,
the assembly being similar to the assembly of FIG. 5 and including
a lift-and-set locking mechanism for mechanically locking the
assembly into any of a plurality of operating positions.
[0025] FIG. 15 is an outside perspective view of a support assembly
constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the
invention.
[0026] FIG. 16 is an inside perspective view of the support
assembly of FIG. 15.
[0027] FIG. 17 illustrates a wheel attachment component of the
support assembly of FIG. 15 pivoted to a first position relative to
an axle of the applicator.
[0028] FIG. 18 illustrates the wheel attachment component of the
support assembly of FIG. 15 pivoted to a second position relative
to the axle.
[0029] FIG. 19 illustrates the support assembly of FIG. 15 in a
first operating position.
[0030] FIG. 20 illustrates the support assembly of FIG. 15 in a
second operating position.
[0031] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a support assembly
constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the invention,
the assembly being similar to the assembly of FIG. 15 and including
a locking mechanism for mechanically locking the assembly into any
of a plurality of operating positions.
[0032] FIG. 22 is an outside perspective view of a support assembly
constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the
invention.
[0033] FIG. 23 is in inside perspective view of the support
assembly of FIG. 22.
[0034] FIG. 24 illustrates the support assembly of FIG. 22 pivoted
to a first position relative to an axle of the applicator.
[0035] FIG. 25 illustrates the support assembly of FIG. 22 pivoted
to a second position relative to the axle.
[0036] FIG. 26 illustrates the support assembly of FIG. 22 in a
first operating position.
[0037] FIG. 27 illustrates the support assembly of FIG. 22 in a
second operating position.
[0038] FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a support assembly
constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the invention,
the assembly being similar to the assembly of FIG. 22 and including
a locking mechanism for mechanically locking the assembly into any
of a plurality of operating positions.
[0039] FIG. 29 is an outside perspective view of a support assembly
constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the
invention.
[0040] FIG. 30 is an inside perspective view of the support
assembly of FIG. 29.
[0041] FIG. 31 is an outside perspective view of a support assembly
constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the
invention.
[0042] FIG. 32 is an inside perspective view of the support
assembly of FIG. 31.
[0043] FIG. 33 illustrates the support assembly of FIG. 31 pivoted
to a first position relative to an axle of the applicator.
[0044] FIG. 34 illustrates the support assembly of FIG. 31 pivoted
to a second position relative to the axle.
[0045] FIG. 35 illustrates the support assembly of FIG. 31 in a
first operating position.
[0046] FIG. 36 illustrates the support assembly of FIG. 31 in a
second operating position.
[0047] FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional view of the support assembly of
FIG. 31.
[0048] FIG. 38 is a perspective view of a support assembly
constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the
invention.
[0049] FIG. 39 illustrates the support assembly of FIG. 38 in a
first operating position.
[0050] FIG. 40 illustrates the support assembly of FIG. 38 in a
second operating position.
[0051] FIG. 41 is an outside perspective view of a support assembly
constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the
invention.
[0052] FIG. 42 is an inside perspective view of the support
assembly of FIG. 41.
[0053] FIG. 43 is a perspective view of a support assembly
constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the
invention.
[0054] FIG. 44 is a partially exploded view of the support assembly
of FIG. 43.
[0055] FIG. 45 is a front elevation view of the applicator of FIG.
1, illustrating the applicator chassis in a lowered operating
position.
[0056] FIG. 46 is a front elevation view of the applicator of FIG.
1, illustrating the applicator chassis in a raised operating
position and the position of the wheels and support assemblies
corresponding to the lowered operating position of FIG. 45
illustrated in broken line.
[0057] FIG. 47 is a diagram illustrating the kingpin angle of the
support assemblies illustrated in FIGS. 45 and 46.
[0058] The drawing figures do not limit the present invention to
the specific embodiments disclosed and described herein. The
drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being
placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0059] The following detailed description of embodiments of the
invention references the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are
intended to describe aspects of the invention in sufficient detail
to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. Other
embodiments can be utilized and changes can be made without
departing from the scope of the claims. The following detailed
description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense. The
scope of the present invention is defined only by the appended
claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such
claims are entitled.
[0060] In this description, references to "one embodiment", "an
embodiment", or "embodiments" mean that the feature or features
being referred to are included in at least one embodiment of the
technology. Separate references to "one embodiment", "an
embodiment", or "embodiments" in this description do not
necessarily refer to the same embodiment and are also not mutually
exclusive unless so stated and/or except as will be readily
apparent to those skilled in the art from the description. For
example, a feature, structure, act, etcetera described in one
embodiment may also be included in other embodiments, but is not
necessarily included. Thus, the present technology can include a
variety of combinations and/or integrations of the embodiments
described herein.
[0061] The particular size and shape of the various components of
the invention may vary substantially from one embodiment to another
without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.
Therefore, while dimensions and proportions of various components
are set forth herein, it will be understood that such information
is provided by way of example and does not limit the scope of the
invention as recited in the claims.
[0062] Turning now to the drawing figures, and initially FIGS. 1-4,
an exemplary applicator 10 constructed in accordance with
embodiments of the invention is illustrated. The applicator 10
broadly includes a chassis 12, a plurality of wheels 14 or other
ground engaging elements supporting the chassis 12 above a ground
surface, an application system 16, an operator cabin 18, and an
engine compartment 20. A plurality of support assemblies 22
interposed between the wheels 14 and the chassis 12 support the
chassis 12 on the wheels 14 and provide suspension, height
adjustment and/or steering functions, as discussed in greater
detail below.
[0063] Certain components of the applicator 10 have been omitted
from the figures for simplicity of illustration and to show certain
features of the applicator 10 that would otherwise be concealed.
The engine, for example, has been omitted to illustrate components
of the applicator frame, including portions of the front axle 24.
Certain hydraulic lines, such as hydraulic lines running to and
from the assemblies 22, are also omitted. The applicator 10 is
illustrated and discussed herein as an exemplary machine with which
the support assemblies 22 may be used. It will be appreciated by
those skilled in the art that the support assemblies 22 may be used
with other machines including other types of applicators or other
vehicles or mobile machines that would benefit from the advantages
of the various embodiments of the support assemblies disclosed
herein, such as chassis height adjustment and independent
suspension.
[0064] The applicator 10 includes a pair of front wheels 14b, 14c
and a pair of rear wheels 14a, 14d of the appropriate size and
shape to allow the applicator 10 to travel among row crops with
minimal crop disturbance. A used herein, a "wheel" includes an
inner, rigid wheel and an outer, flexible tire mounted on the wheel
unless otherwise specified. Each wheel 14 may present, for example,
an outer diameter of between sixty and eighty-five inches and a
width of between ten and twenty-five inches. More specifically,
wheels 14 designed for use with row crops may present an outer
diameter of about seventy inches or about eighty inches and a width
of about fifteen inches. Alternatively, the wheels 14 may present a
width of up to twenty-five inches (or more) for pre-emergent
applications, for use on soft terrain, or both to maximize
flotation and minimize soil compaction. Each of the wheels 14 may
weigh between 600 and 1,000 pounds and may specifically weigh about
700 pounds or about 800 pounds. In one exemplary embodiment, each
of the wheels 14 is about seventy inches tall, about fifteen inches
wide and weighs about 700 pounds.
[0065] The particular size, shape and configuration of the wheels
14 is not important to the present invention and may vary
substantially from one embodiment to another without departing from
the spirit or scope of the invention. In some embodiments, the
invention may be used with a vehicle with ground engaging elements
other than wheels, such as tracks. Hereinafter, reference will be
made to a "wheel" or "wheels" with the understanding that the
illustrated wheels 14 may be replaced with other types of ground
engaging elements without departing from the scope of the
invention.
[0066] One or more drive motors 26 may be associated with one or
more of the wheels 14 for driving rotation of the wheel or wheels
relative to the chassis 12 to thereby propel the applicator 10 in
forward and reverse directions. In the illustrated embodiment, a
separate hydraulic motor 26 is drivingly connected to each wheel 14
such that each of the wheels 14 may be driven independently to
propel the applicator 10. Either two or all four of the wheels 14
may be steerable. In some embodiments, the steering functionality
of some of the wheels 14 may be selectively enabled and disabled.
By way of example, the front wheels 14b, 14c may always be
steerable while supplemental steering provided by the rear wheels
14a, 14d may be selectively enabled and disabled. An operator may
control the drive motors 26 and steering functions of the wheels
14, including enabling and disabling the steering ability of
certain of the wheels 14, from one or more of the user interface
elements of the cabin illustrated in FIG. 4.
[0067] The applicator 10 includes mechanisms for adjusting the
track width of the wheels to accommodate, for example, different
spacing needs for row crops. In the illustrated embodiment, the
applicator 10 includes telescoping axles with an outer axle 28 and
an inner axle 30 associated with each wheel 14, wherein the inner
axle 30 slidingly engages the outer axle 28 and allows the wheel 14
to shift laterally relative to the chassis 12. A hydraulic piston
or similar actuator may drive the inner axle 30 inwardly and
outwardly to shift the position of the wheel 14. The inner 30 and
outer 28 axles form part of the chassis 12 and, in the illustrated
embodiment, the outer axles 28 are rigidly connected to another
portion of the chassis, such as one or more frame elements.
[0068] The application system 16 is supported on the chassis 12 and
may be conventional in nature. In the illustrated embodiment, the
application system 16 includes a liquid holding tank 32 and a
delivery system 34 for applying a liquid from the holding tank 32
to a crop or field. The holding tank 32 may have a capacity of
between two hundred gallons and two thousand gallons and, more
specifically, may have a capacity of 700, 900, 1,100 or 1,300
gallons. The delivery system 34 includes a pair of booms 36
supporting hoses, pumps and spray nozzles or similar components for
dispersing or otherwise applying the contents of the tank to a
crop. Alternatively, the application system 16 may be configured to
apply dry material to a field and therefore may include a hopper
and a mechanism for dispersing particulate material from the
hopper, such as a pneumatic spreader or one or more spinners.
[0069] The operator cabin 18 or "cab" is supported on the chassis
12 and positioned forward of the application system 16. The cabin
18 presents a control environment 38 including a steering wheel 40,
one or more pedals 42, a drive lever 44, one or more electronic
instrument panels 46, and a control panel 48 including buttons,
switches, levers, gauges and/or other user interface elements. The
various components of the control environment 38 enable the
operator to control the functions of the applicator 10, including
driving and operating the application system 16. The various user
interface elements are positioned around and proximate a seat 50
for easy access by an operator during operation of the applicator
10. The control environment 38 may include a touchscreen display.
One or both of the electronic instrument panels 46, for example,
may be or include a touchscreen, or a display terminal (not
illustrated) with a touchscreen may be mounted on or near the
control panel 48.
[0070] As mentioned above, the applicator 10 includes a support
assembly 22 interposed between each of the wheels 14 and the
chassis 12. Each support assembly 22 connects to a hub of one of
the wheels 14 and to one of the inner axles 30 such that the wheel
14 and the support assembly 22 shift laterally as a single unit
relative to the chassis 12 when the inner axle 30 is shifted
relative to the outer axle 28 to adjust the applicator's track
width. In some embodiments, the support assemblies 22 include
height adjustment components for raising and lowering the chassis
12 of the vehicle between various operating positions. One or more
of the support assemblies 22 (or portions thereof) may be
selectively pivotable relative to the chassis 12 to thereby steer
the applicator 10.
[0071] Each of the support assemblies 22 may include one or more
actuators for adjusting a height of the chassis, for steering the
associated wheel, or both. In some embodiments, the actuators are
hydraulic actuators such as linear or rotary hydraulic actuators.
FIG. 3a illustrates an exemplary hydraulic control system 52 for
operating hydraulic actuator sections 54 in which a centralized
hydraulic pump 56, driven by an internal combustion engine 58 or
other power source, communicates pressurized hydraulic fluid to a
hydraulic controller 60 that regulates fluid flow between the pump
56 and the hydraulic actuator sections 54 associated with the
support assemblies via a plurality of hydraulic transfer lines 62.
The hydraulic controller 60 may include, for example, a hydraulic
manifold or similar device.
[0072] Each of the hydraulic transfer lines 62 communicates
hydraulic power between the hydraulic controller 60 and one or more
hydraulic actuator sections 54 and, thus, may include one or more
hydraulic pressure lines and one or more hydraulic return lines.
Each of the hydraulic transfer lines may communicate hydraulic
power to more than one actuator, and each of the actuator sections
54 may include a group of actuators associated with each wheel 14
and/or assembly 22. By way of example, a first actuator associated
with the actuator section 54 may drive steering of the wheel, a
second actuator may drive rotation of the wheel, and a third
actuator may adjust a height of the chassis 12. It will be
appreciated that the actuator sections 54 are exemplary in nature
and that the various hydraulic actuators may not be grouped as
described herein.
[0073] The system 52 includes a control interface 64 in
communication with the hydraulic controller 60. The control
interface 64 may be part of a user interface that includes one or
more physical or virtual user interface elements 66, such as
buttons, switches or dials, and is preferably part of the control
environment 38 illustrated in FIG. 4.
[0074] It will be appreciated that various different types of
technology may be used to actuate the support assemblies 22. Thus,
while the various actuators are illustrated and described herein as
hydraulic actuators, it will be understood that other types of
actuators may be used in place of, or in connection with, the
hydraulic actuators without departing from the spirit or scope of
the invention. By way of example, electro-mechanical actuators may
be used in place of at least some of the hydraulic actuators
illustrated and discussed herein.
[0075] FIG. 3b illustrates another exemplary control system 68 that
is identical to the system 52 but includes a computerized
controller 70 with a control module 72 for controlling the
hydraulic controller 60. The system 68 may also include a wireless
interface element 74 in wireless communication with the controller
60 for allowing a user to remotely control the actuator sections
54. The wireless interface element 74 may be a dedicated device,
such as a device similar to a conventional key fob used with cars
and other vehicles, or a computing device such as smart phone,
tablet computer, or wearable computing device programmed or
configured for use with the system 68. The wireless interface
element 74 may be configured to communicate with the hydraulic
controller 60 and/or the computerized controller 70 via short-range
wireless communications, such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, or via a
communications network such as a cellular network.
[0076] The controller 70 may include one or more integrated
circuits programmed or configured to control the hydraulic
controller 60 to actuate the support assemblies 22 as described
herein. By way of example, the controller 70 may include one or
more general purpose microprocessors or microcontrollers,
programmable logic devices, or application specific integrated
circuits. The controller 70 may also include one or more discrete
and/or analog circuit components operating in conjunction with the
one or more integrated circuits, and may include or have access to
one or more memory or storage elements operable to store executable
instructions, data, or both. The control module 72 may be a
hardware or software module specifically dedicated to enabling the
controller 70 to control the hydraulic controller 60 as described
herein.
[0077] Another control system 76 illustrated in FIG. 3c is similar
to the system 68 but includes additional hydraulic circuit
components, such as hydraulic accumulators 78, for use with some
embodiments of the invention. In some embodiments, each of the
support assemblies 22 may include a single hydraulic actuator that
both raises and lowers the chassis 12 and provides suspension
functions, as explained below. Such hydraulic systems may require
specialized hydraulic circuit components such as the hydraulic
accumulators 78.
[0078] One of the support assemblies 22 is illustrated in greater
detail in FIGS. 5-10. The assembly 22 broadly includes a chassis
attachment component 80 for attaching to the vehicle chassis 12; a
wheel attachment component 82 for attaching to a wheel 14 or other
ground engaging element; a suspension component 84 operably
interposed between the chassis attachment component 80 and the
wheel attachment component 82 for regulating motion transfer
between the two attachment components 80, 82; a plurality of strut
bars 86, 88 connecting the wheel attachment component 82 to the
suspension component 84, and an adjustment mechanism 90 comprising
a plurality of adjustment elements 92, 94 for shifting the wheel
attachment component 82 between a plurality of operating positions
relative to the chassis attachment component 80. The chassis
attachment component 80 may include a pivot element 96 for allowing
the assembly 22 to pivot relative to the chassis 12 and a pivot
actuator may drive the pivoting motion to thereby steer a wheel or
other ground engaging element connected to the wheel attachment
component 82. In the illustrated embodiment, the pivot element 96
is or includes a rotary actuator.
[0079] The wheel attachment component 82 presents a generally
cylindrical body 98 and a pair of upwardly-opening receptacles 100
for receiving and connecting to the strut bars 86, 88. The
receptacles 100 are positioned on opposite sides of and above the
cylindrical body 98. Pivot torque is transferred to the wheel
attachment component 82 by the strut bars 86, 88 via the
receptacles 100. The wheel attachment component 82 includes a
plurality of apertures or other features spaced angularly around
the body 98 for connecting to a hub of a wheel, a hydraulic motor
and/or a gear reduction hub, a caliper disc brake assembly, a
parking brake assembly, and/or similar components.
[0080] The suspension component 84 includes a lower suspension
member 102, an upper suspension member 104 and a pneumatic spring
106 or similar motion-regulating element positioned between and
attached to the upper and lower suspension members. The upper
suspension member 104 is connected to a top side or portion of the
spring 106 and the lower suspension member 102 is connected to a
lower side or portion of the spring 106. Each of the upper 104 and
lower 102 suspension members presents an elongated shape and
includes a plurality of apertures or other features for attaching
to the spring 106. The lower suspension member 102 includes
apertures or other features located proximate end portions thereof
to facilitate connection to the strut bars 86, 88, and the upper
suspension member 104 includes apertures or other features located
proximate outer portions thereof to facilitate connection to the
adjustment mechanism 90. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper
suspension member 104 is longer than the lower suspension member
102 enabling attachment to the adjustment elements 92, 94 that are
positioned outboard of the lower suspension member 102.
[0081] The pneumatic spring 106 uses trapped or compressed air or
other fluid to regulate motion transfer between the chassis
attachment component 80 and the wheel attachment component 82. The
pneumatic spring 106 may contain air, water, nitrogen, antifreeze
or other fluid and may be single, double, or triple convolute. A
pair of flexible straps 108 may be positioned on opposite sides of
the spring 106 to limit extension of the spring and a bumper may be
positioned inside or outside the spring to limit spring
compression. Other technologies may be used, including, for
example, a coil-type compression spring and a shock-absorbing
cylinder and piston assembly.
[0082] The suspension components 84 of the assemblies 22 may be the
only components of the applicator 10 configured to regulate motion
transfer between the wheels 14 (or other ground engaging element)
and the chassis 12. The outer axles 28, for example, may be rigidly
connected to portions of the applicator's frame. Furthermore, the
suspension components 84 operate to regulate motion transfer
between the wheels 14 and the chassis 12 regardless of the
operating position of the assemblies 22. Thus, the suspension
components 84 perform essentially the same function regardless of
whether the chassis 21 is in a lowered position (e.g., FIG. 45), a
raised position (e.g., FIG. 46) or somewhere in between.
[0083] The first strut bar 86 and the second strut bar 88 are
rigidly connected to the receptacles 100 of the wheel attachment
component 82 and are rigidly coupled with the suspension component
84 such that movement of the wheel attachment component 82 relative
to the chassis attachment component 80 is communicated through the
suspension component 84 via the strut bars 86, 88. More
specifically, a first end of the first strut bar 86 is connected to
a first receptacle 100 of the wheel attachment component 82 and a
first end of the second strut bar 88 is connected to a second
receptacle 100 of the wheel attachment component 82. A second end
of the first strut bar 86 is connected to a first side of the lower
suspension member 102 and a second end of the second strut bar 88
is connected to a second side of the lower suspension member 102.
As explained above, the lower suspension member 102 is an
elongated, rigid member with outer apertures on opposing ends
thereof for connecting to the strut bars 86, 88 and one or more
inner apertures between the outer apertures for rigidly attaching
to a first side or portion of the spring 106. Thus, the lower
suspension member 102 interconnects the spring 106 and the strut
bars 86, 88.
[0084] The first and second strut bars 86, 88 are parallel or
substantially parallel and are separated by a space. The strut bars
86, 88 slidingly engage the chassis attachment component 80 to
allow the wheel attachment component 82 to move relative to the
chassis attachment component 80 while also transferring pivot
torque between the wheel attachment component 82 and the chassis
attachment component 80. The strut bars 86, 88 may be separated by
a space of between about three inches and twenty inches and, more
specifically, may be separated by a space of between about eight
inches and about fifteen inches. The length of each of the strut
bars 86, 88 may be between about twelve inches and about thirty-six
inches and, more specifically, between about twenty inches and
about thirty inches. The strut bars 86, 88 may be positioned
symmetrically about a center of the wheel attachment component 82
and a center of the chassis attachment component 80.
[0085] The chassis attachment component 80 comprises a lower
chassis attachment member 110 and an upper chassis attachment
member 112 separated by a space. The pivot element 96 is interposed
between, and rigidly connected to, the attachment members 110, 112.
Each of the lower 110 and upper 112 chassis attachment members
includes a pair of spaced through holes in axial alignment for
slidingly receiving the strut bars 86, 88. Each of the lower 110
and upper 112 chassis attachment members also includes a pair of
apertures or other features positioned outboard of the through
holes for engaging the adjustment elements 92, 94.
[0086] The chassis attachment component 80 is rigidly but
adjustably coupled with the upper suspension member 104 via the
adjustment elements 92, 94 such that actuating the adjustment
mechanism 90 causes the upper suspension member 104 to shift
relative to the chassis attachment component 80, thereby shifting
the wheel attachment component 82 relative to the axle 30. The
lower suspension member 102 is rigidly connected to the wheel
attachment component 82 via the strut bars 86, 88, as explained
above, such that motion transfer between the chassis attachment
component 80 and the wheel attachment component 82 passes through,
and is regulated by, the suspension component 84. Such motion
transfer may correspond to up and down movement of the wheels 14
relative to the chassis 12 such that the suspension component 84
may provide a spring or shock absorbing function and may, for
example, dampen motion transfer between the wheels 14 and the
chassis 12.
[0087] The height adjustment mechanism 90, comprising the height
adjustment elements 92, 94, is configured to shift the wheel
attachment component 82 between a plurality of operating positions
relative to the chassis attachment component 80. As used herein, an
"operating position" is a selectable position of the wheel
attachment component 82 relative to the chassis attachment
component 80 in which the distance between the attachment
components 80, 82 is rigidly or flexibly fixed. If the distance
between the attachment components 80, 82 is flexibly fixed, the
relative positions of the attachment components may fluctuate but
will return to the same operating position. Stated differently, the
average distance between the attachment components 80, 82 will
remain the same even though the instantaneous distance may
fluctuate above and/or below the average distance. Fluctuations in
the relative positions of the attachment components 80, 82 may
result, for example, from operation of the suspension component 84,
operation of a hydraulic component, or both.
[0088] In operation, shifting the wheel attachment component 82
between operating positions relative to the chassis attachment
component 80 will raise and lower the vehicle's chassis 12 between
various operating positions relative to the ground surface. Each
assembly 22 is operable to shift between two or more operating
positions, such as, for example, between two, three, four, five,
six, seven, eight, nine, ten, twelve, fourteen or sixteen operating
positions. Additionally, each assembly 22 may be infinitely
adjustable between a first extreme operating position (FIG. 9) and
a second extreme operating position (FIG. 10). The difference
between the first extreme operating position and the second extreme
operating position may be within the range of about five inches to
about fifty inches. More specifically, the difference may be about
ten inches, about twenty inches, about thirty inches or about forty
inches.
[0089] As illustrated, the adjustment elements 92, 94 are connected
to the upper and lower chassis attachment members 110, 112 and to
the upper suspension member 104, such that extending or retracting
the adjustment elements 92, 94 causes the upper suspension member
104 (and a top end or portion of the spring 106 to which it is
connected) to shift up or down relative to the chassis attachment
component 80. The adjustment elements 92, 94 may include fluid
actuators and/or electro-mechanical actuators. By way of example,
the adjustment elements 92, 94 may include hydraulic cylinders that
drive piston rods between retracted and extended positions.
[0090] As used herein, the suspension component 84 is "operably
interposed" between the wheel attachment component 82 and the
chassis attachment component 80 if it regulates motion transfer
between the two components 80, 82. Thus, the suspension component
84 need not be positioned physically between the attachment
components 80, 82 in order to be operably interposed therebetween.
As illustrated, the suspension component 84 may be positioned above
(and in line with) both the wheel attachment component 82 and the
chassis attachment component 80 and yet be operably interposed
therebetween.
[0091] The assembly 22 is configured to pivot relative to the axle
30 to thereby pivot a wheel coupled with the wheel attachment
component 82 and steer the applicator 10. The assembly 22 may pivot
between a first extreme position (FIG. 7) and a second extreme
position (FIG. 8) about an axis of rotation passing through, and
defined by, the pivot element 96. The extreme pivot positions may
correspond to an angular separation of between, for example, about
90.degree. and about 300.degree.. The assembly 22 pivots as a
single unit such that, regardless of the position of the wheel
attachment component 82 relative to the chassis attachment
component 80, the wheel attachment component 82, the chassis
attachment component 80 and the suspension component 84 pivot in
unison.
[0092] In the illustrated embodiment, the pivot element 96 attaches
to an outer end of the axle 30, the suspension component 84 is
positioned above the axle 30, and the wheel attachment component 82
is positioned below the axle 30 opposite the suspension component
84. Furthermore, the wheel attachment component 82, the chassis
attachment component 80 and the suspension component 84 lie on a
line that corresponds to, or is parallel with, the axis of rotation
of the assembly 22.
[0093] The pivot element 96 may include a rotatory hydraulic
actuator connected to the axle 30 and to the lower 110 and upper
112 chassis attachment members. The rotary hydraulic actuator
selectively drives pivoting movement of the assembly 22 relative to
the chassis 12 and may be controlled by a vehicle operator or an
automated guidance system to steer the applicator 10.
[0094] By way of example, the rotary actuator may be an L30 series
helical hydraulic rotary actuator manufactured by HELAC
CORPORATION, or a similar device. A rotary hydraulic actuator is a
device manufactured to drive or induce rotational movement in
response to hydraulic input. Thus, a portion of the rotary actuator
rotates relative to another portion of the rotary actuator and does
not require external connections or components to generate
rotational motion. A rotary actuator may be designed, for example,
to internally translate linear motion into rotational motion. In
one exemplary embodiment, the rotary hydraulic actuator may
generate output torque of between 3,000 and 32,000 foot-pounds at a
hydraulic pressure of between 2,000 and 4,000 psi or, more
specifically, may generate torque of between 10,000 and 25,000
foot-pounds at a hydraulic pressure of between 2,000 and 4,000 psi.
The rotary actuator may have a total angular displacement of
between about 90.degree. and about 360.degree..
[0095] The illustrated rotary hydraulic actuator 96 includes a
plurality of spaced mounting feet or flanges 114 for securing to
the axle 30 or other part of the chassis 12 and a cylindrical
housing 116 with opposing ends that mount to, and rotate, the lower
and upper chassis attachment members 110, 112. In the illustrated
embodiment, the mounting feet 114 are configured to attach to a
plurality of attachment points arranged in a planar configuration,
such as on a single planar surface. Thus, the rotary actuator 96
may function both to mount the chassis attachment component 80 to
the axle 30 and to rotate the assembly 22 relative to the axle 30
and, therefore, may simplify the design, manufacture, maintenance
and repair of the assembly 22 and related components. The housing
116 may have a diameter of between about five inches and twelve
inches and a length of between about eleven inches and about forty
inches. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the
rotary actuator 116 and the connections between the rotary actuator
96 and the assembly 22 and the axle 30 must be sufficiently strong
to sustain the shock and rigors of routine use.
[0096] Rather than including a rotary actuator, the assembly 22 may
include, or may be coupled with, another type of actuator such as a
linear hydraulic actuator for driving pivoting motion.
Alternatively, the assembly 22 may be configured to rigidly attach
to the vehicle chassis 12 and not pivot relative to the chassis,
wherein the chassis attachment component 80 is rigidly attached to
the inner axle 30 or other portion of the chassis 12. This may be
desirable, for example, when the assembly 22 supports a ground
engaging element that is not intended to steer the applicator 10.
The chassis attachment component 80 may be rigidly attached to the
axle 30 by replacing the pivot element 96 with a casting presenting
the same size and shape as the pivot element 96 to rigidly connect
to the chassis attachment component 80 and to the axle 30. The
assembly 22 may be configured to facilitate interchanging a rotary
actuator configured to pivot the assembly and a static component
configured to secure the assembly in a fixed position. Conventional
bolts or other easily removable attachment elements may be used to
secure the rotary actuator 96 to the axle 30 and to the assembly 22
and may be positioned to facilitate access thereto. Thus, an
actuator and a fixed element may both be provided with each of the
assemblies 22 such that a user may interchange the actuator and the
fixed element as desired.
[0097] In operation, the assemblies 22 may be used to raise and
lower the chassis of the applicator 10. More specifically, an
operator may remotely control operation of the assemblies 22 to
raise and lower the chassis 12 using, for example, one of the user
interface elements forming part of the control environment 38
illustrated in FIG. 4. Thus, the operator may raise and lower the
chassis 12 while seated in the cabin 18.
[0098] In one exemplary scenario, the operator fills the holding
tank 32 at a central location, such as a local cooperative
facility, and drives the applicator 10 to a field in a lowered
operating position. Once at the field, the operator controls the
assemblies 22 to raise the chassis 12 to a desired height to apply
the product. The operator raises the chassis 12 while seated in the
cabin 18. When the application is complete or when the applicator
10 needs to return to the cooperative for additional product, the
operator lowers the chassis 12 and drives the applicator 10 to the
cooperative or to another field. Thus, adjusting the height of the
chassis 12 allows for safer travel to and from the field by
lowering the applicator's center of gravity and overall height.
[0099] In another exemplary scenario, the applicator 10 and a
tender vehicle are taken to an area of application such as a field
or group of fields. The applicator 10 is placed in a lowered
chassis position and prepared by filling it with liquid chemical or
other product to be applied to a crop. The tender vehicle may be
configured to interface with the applicator 10 only when the
applicator 10 is in a lowered chassis position. When the applicator
10 is prepared, the operator may drive the applicator 10 to a
starting position, raise the chassis 12 to a desired height using
one or more interface elements within the cabin 18, and begin the
application process. The operator refills the applicator 10 by
returning to the tender vehicle, lowering the applicator chassis 12
to interface with the tender vehicle, then raising the chassis 12
after the applicator 10 has been refilled and resumes the
application operation. When application for a first crop is
complete, the applicator 10 may be used to apply a chemical to a
second crop of a different height than the first crop. The operator
may adjust the chassis height of the applicator 10 for optimal
application on the second crop, wherein the optimal height for
application on the second crop may be different than the optimal
height for application on the first crop.
[0100] An assembly 130 constructed in accordance with another
embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12. The
assembly 130 may be identical to the assembly 22, except that the
assembly 130 includes a mechanical locking mechanism 132 for
mechanically locking the assembly 130 in any of a plurality of the
operating positions. The assembly 130 is adapted to accommodate the
locking mechanism 132 by, for example, extending the overall length
of the upper suspension member 104 and the upper chassis attachment
member 112 and including receptacles in the extreme ends of each
for engaging lock bars 134. The locking mechanism 132 may be used
to secure the assembly 130 in an operating position and relieve the
adjustment mechanism 90 from the weight of the applicator 10, which
can be substantial when the applicator 10 is fully loaded.
[0101] In the illustrated assembly, the locking mechanism 132
includes the lock bars 134 connected to both the upper suspension
member 104 and the upper chassis attachment member 112 and that are
positioned outboard of the adjustment elements 92, 94. Each of the
lock bars 134 may include a plurality of spaced through holes or
recesses 136 and a locking pin 138 configured to simultaneously
engage the upper chassis attachment member 112 and any one of the
through holes 136 to rigidly connect the lock bar 134 with the
upper chassis attachment member 112. The lock bars 134 of the
illustrated assembly include ten through holes 136 such that the
assembly 130 may be locked into any of ten different operating
positions. The strut bars 86, 88, adjustment elements 92, 94 and
lock bars 134 may form a linear or substantially linear
pattern.
[0102] In use, the operator may remove the pins 138 from the
locking mechanisms 132, adjust the height of the chassis 12 to a
desired height, and insert the pins 138 in the locking mechanisms
132 to lock the chassis 12 into the desired operating position.
This process may require the operator to leave the cabin 18 one or
more times and manually remove and replace the locking pins 138
and/or may require a second person to remove and replace the pins
138 while the operator adjusts the chassis height. One way to
eliminate the need for the operator to travel back and forth
between the cabin 18 and the support assemblies 130 is for the
operator to use the wireless interface element 74 described above
and illustrated in FIG. 3b. The operator may use the wireless
interface element 74 to adjust the chassis height while positioned
proximate the assembly 130, wherein the operator manually removes
the locking pins 138, adjusts the chassis height, and manually
replaces the pins 138 all while positioned proximate the support
assemblies 130.
[0103] An alternative locking mechanism 140 is illustrated in FIG.
13 that eliminates the need for the operator to leave the cabin 18
to engage or disengage the locking mechanism. More specifically,
the locking mechanism 140 is remotely actuated by the operator. The
locking mechanism 140 may include locking pins or similar
components that are remotely controlled or actuated by the operator
via wires or cables connected to the locking mechanisms 140. The
locking pins may be contained within a housing 142 that is secured
to the upper chassis attachment member 112, wherein when the pins
are in an unlocked position the lock bars 134 slide through the
housing 142, but when the pins are in the locked position the lock
bars 134 are coupled with the housing 142 and the upper chassis
attachment member 112. A user seated in the cab 18 of the
applicator 10, for example, may actuate a user interface component
of the control system such as a physical or virtual button that in
turn drives an electrical actuator that moves locking pins into and
out of engagement with the lock bars. Other mechanisms may be used
to actuate the locking mechanisms, including hydraulic actuators
and mechanical push-pull cables.
[0104] Another alternative locking mechanism 144 is illustrated in
FIG. 14. The locking mechanism 144 is similar to the locking
mechanism 132, described above, except that the upper chassis
attachment member 112 is not configured to receive lock pins for
rigidly coupling with the lock bars 134, and the locking mechanism
144 includes lower 146 and upper 148 lock collars. Each of the lock
collars 146, 148 slidingly engage the lock bars 134 and are
selectively coupled with the lock bars 134 via lock pins 150
(similar to the pins 138 described above), and are not coupled with
the upper chassis attachment member 112. The lock collars 146, 148
may be coupled with the lock bars 134 to rigidly fix the lock bars
134 into position relative to the upper chassis attachment member
112. Each lock collar 146, 148 includes a pin configured to engage
one of the through holes 136 of the lock bars 134.
[0105] The locking mechanism 144 enables an operator to perform a
lift-and-set chassis height adjustment operation. When the
applicator 10 is at rest, the adjustment elements 92, 94 are
disengaged or relaxed and the weight of the applicator 10 rests
primarily on the lower lock collars 146. To adjust the operating
position of the assembly 130, the operator moves the upper lock
collars 148 to an extreme upper position on the lock bars 134 by
disengaging the pins 150, sliding the collars 148 upward on the
lock bars 134 to the highest through hole 136, then reengages the
pins 150 with the highest through holes thereby locking the upper
lock collars 148 in the highest position. The operator then
actuates the adjustment mechanism 90 to raise the vehicle chassis
12, thereby lowering the lock bars 134 relative to the upper
chassis attachment member 112 until the upper chassis attachment
member 112 engages the upper lock collars 148. With the assembly
130 thus in a fully raised position, the operator positions the
lower lock collars 146 at the desired operating position. The
operator then actuates the adjustment mechanism 90 to lower the
vehicle chassis 12 so that the upper chassis attachment member 112
rests on the lower lock collars 146. The operator then repositions
the upper lock collars 148 adjacent or proximate the upper chassis
attachment member 112.
[0106] An exemplary support assembly 200 constructed in accordance
with another embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 15
through 20. The assembly 200 is configured to support a vehicle
chassis on a wheel of the vehicle and may be used, for example,
with the applicator 10 in lieu of the assemblies 22. The assembly
200 broadly includes a chassis attachment component 202 for
attaching to the chassis 12 of the vehicle; a wheel attachment
component 204 for attaching to a wheel or other ground engaging
element of the vehicle; a suspension component 206 operably
interposed between the chassis attachment component 202 and the
wheel attachment component 204 for regulating motion transfer
between the two attachment components 202, 204; a single strut bar
208 coupling the wheel attachment component 204 with the suspension
component 206; and an adjustment component 210 comprising a
plurality of adjustment elements 212, 214 for shifting the wheel
attachment component 204 between a plurality of operating positions
relative to the chassis attachment component 202. The single strut
bar 208 may be pivotable relative to the chassis attachment
component 202, and a pivot actuator 216 may drive pivoting motion
of the strut bar 208 to thereby steer the wheel or other ground
engaging element coupled with the wheel attachment component
204.
[0107] The wheel attachment component 204 includes only a single
receptacle 218 for connecting to the strut bar 208 but may
otherwise be similar or identical to the wheel attachment component
82 described above. The receptacle 218 is positioned generally
center on, and above, a cylindrical body 220 of the wheel
attachment component 204. Pivot torque is transferred to the wheel
by the strut bar 208 via the receptacle 218, therefore the
connection between the receptacle 218 and the strut bar 208 must be
sufficiently strong to transfer the torque required to pivot the
wheel relative to the chassis 12.
[0108] The suspension component 206 includes a lower suspension
member 222, an upper suspension member 224 and a pneumatic spring
226 or similar motion-regulating element positioned between and
attached to the upper 224 and lower 222 suspension members. The
upper suspension member 224 is connected to a top side or portion
of the spring 226 and the lower suspension member 222 is connected
to a lower side or portion of the spring 226. Each of the upper and
lower suspension members presents an elongated shape and includes a
plurality of apertures or other features for attaching to the
spring 226. Each of the suspension members 222, 224 also includes
apertures or other features located proximate outer portions
thereof to facilitate connection of the suspension component 206 to
the adjustment component 210. More specifically, the lower
suspension member 222 includes a pair of cylindrical outer flanges
228, 230 defining through holes for slidingly receiving adjustment
bars 232, and the upper suspension member 224 includes holes or
receptacles for rigidly receiving the adjustment bars 232. The
upper and lower suspension members may present the same size and
shape or substantially the same size and shape.
[0109] The suspension component 206 also includes elements or
features for engaging the pivot actuator 216. Specifically, the
lower suspension member 222 includes a pair of support bars 236
configured to pivotably engage a cylinder portion of the pivot
actuator 216 so that a piston portion of the actuator 216 may
engage a pivot flange 238 that is rigidly connected to the strut
bar 208. The support bars 236 are rigidly connected to the lower
suspension member 222 and hold the first portion of the pivot
actuator 216 in a pivotable but stationary position so that
extension and retraction of the second portion of the actuator 216
causes the pivot flange 238 (and the strut bar 208) to pivot
relative to the rest of the assembly 200.
[0110] The strut bar 208 is rigidly connected to the wheel
attachment component 204 and is pivotably coupled with the
suspension component 206 such that up and down movement of the
wheel attachment component 204 relative to the chassis attachment
component 202 is communicated through the suspension component 206
via the strut bar 208. More specifically, a first end of the strut
bar 208 is connected to the receptacle 218 of the wheel attachment
component 204 and a second end of the strut bar 208 is pivotably
coupled with the lower suspension member 222. As used herein, a
"single strut bar" means one, and only one, strut bar.
[0111] The chassis attachment component 202 includes a lower
chassis attachment member 240 and an upper chassis attachment
member 242 separated by a vertical member 244. The vertical member
244 includes a through hole for slidingly engaging the strut bar
208. Furthermore, each of the chassis attachment members 240, 242
includes apertures or similar elements for connecting to the
adjustment elements 212, 214. The vertical member 244 is rigidly
connected to both the lower and upper attachment members 240, 242
and to the inner axle 30, and may be integrally formed with the
inner axle 30. Thus, the chassis attachment component 202, the
height adjustment component 210 and the suspension component 206 do
not pivot relative to the chassis 12. Rather, only the wheel
attachment component 204 and the strut bar 208 pivot relative to
the chassis 12. The chassis attachment component 202 may be a
single casting or weldment.
[0112] The chassis attachment component 202 is rigidly but
adjustably coupled with the upper suspension member 224 via the
adjustment elements 212, 214 such that motion transfer between the
chassis attachment component 202 and the wheel attachment component
204 passes through, and is regulated by, the suspension component
206. When the adjustment mechanism 210 shifts the wheel attachment
component 204 relative to the chassis attachment component 202, the
wheel attachment component 204 and the suspension component 206
move in unison or substantially in unison. The wheel attachment
component 204 is positioned below the chassis attachment component
202 and, thus, below the axle 30, while the suspension component
206 is positioned above the chassis attachment component 202 and,
thus, above the axle 30. The suspension component 206, the chassis
attachment component 202 and the wheel attachment component 204 may
all be positioned on a line that corresponds to, or is parallel
with, the axis of rotation of the strut bar 208.
[0113] The pivot actuator 216 is configured to steer the wheel by
pivoting the wheel attachment component 204 between a first extreme
position (FIG. 17) and a second extreme position (FIG. 18). The
adjustment mechanism 210 is configured to move the wheel attachment
component 204 between a first extreme operating position (FIG. 19)
and a second extreme operating position (FIG. 20). The adjustment
mechanism 210 may be infinitely adjustable between the two extreme
operating positions or may be configured to move the wheel
attachment component 204 between a finite number of operating
positions relative to the chassis attachment component 202. The
difference between the first extreme operating position and the
second extreme operating position may be within the range of from
about five inches to about fifty inches. More specifically, the
difference may be about ten inches, about twenty inches, about
thirty inches or about forty inches.
[0114] An assembly 300 constructed in accordance with another
embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 21. The assembly
300 may be identical to the assembly 200, except that the assembly
300 includes a locking mechanism 302 for mechanically locking the
assembly 300 in any of the plurality of operating positions. In the
illustrated assembly 300, the locking mechanism 302 includes a pair
of lock bars 304 connected to the upper suspension member 224 the
selectively coupled with the upper chassis attachment member 242
via lock pins 308. The lock bars 304 are positioned outboard of the
adjustment elements 212, 214. Each of the lock bars 304 may include
a plurality of spaced through holes 306 and a locking pin 308
configured to engage the upper chassis attachment member 242 and
any one of the through holes 306 to rigidly connect the lock bar
304 with the upper chassis attachment member 242. The lock bars 304
of the illustrated assembly 300 include ten through holes 306 such
that the assembly 300 may be locked into any of ten different
operating positions. Thus, the locking mechanism 302 may be similar
or identical to the locking mechanism 132 described above, and may
include manual locking pins (as illustrated) or remotely-controlled
locking mechanism like the mechanism 140 described above.
Alternatively, the assembly 300 may include a lift-and-set type
locking mechanism similar to the locking mechanism 144 described
above.
[0115] An exemplary support assembly 400 for supporting a vehicle
chassis on a wheel of the vehicle in accordance with another
embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 22-27. The
assembly 400 is configured to support a vehicle chassis on a wheel
of the vehicle and may be used, for example, with the applicator 10
in lieu of the assemblies 22. The assembly 400 broadly includes a
chassis attachment component 402 for attaching to the chassis 12 of
the vehicle; a wheel attachment component 404 for attaching to a
wheel or other ground engaging element of the vehicle 12; a
suspension component 406 operably interposed between the chassis
attachment component 402 and the wheel attachment component 404 for
regulating motion transfer between the two attachment components
402, 404; a single strut bar 408 coupling the wheel attachment
component 404 with the suspension component 406; and an adjustment
component 410 comprising a plurality of adjustment elements 412,
414 for shifting the wheel attachment component 404 between a
plurality of operating positions relative to the chassis attachment
component 402. The single strut bar 408 is rigidly coupled with the
wheel attachment component 404 and the suspension component 406 and
the chassis attachment component is pivotably coupled with the
inner axle 30. The assembly 400 may include a pivot actuator 416
for pivoting the entire assembly 400 relative to the chassis
12.
[0116] The assembly 400 may be similar or identical to the assembly
200, described above, except that the single strut bar 408 is
rigidly connected to both the wheel attachment component 404 and
the suspension component 406, the chassis attachment component 402
pivots relative to the chassis 12, and the pivot actuator 416 is
drivingly coupled with the chassis attachment component 402. In the
illustrated embodiment, a cylindrical receptacle portion 418 of the
inner axle 30 pivotably engages upper 420 and lower 422 chassis
attachment members and includes a through hole for pivotably and
slidingly engaging the strut bar 408. Through holes in the upper
420 and lower 422 chassis attachment members also slidingly engage
the strut bar 408 such that the strut bar 408 slides within the
chassis attachment member 402.
[0117] The assembly 400 includes a pivot actuator 416 similar to
the pivot actuator 216 described above, except that the actuator
416 is drivingly connected to the chassis attachment component 402
rather than the suspension component. The pivot actuator 416 is
configured to pivot the assembly 400 between a first extreme
position (FIG. 24) and a second extreme position (FIG. 25). The
adjustment mechanism 410 is configured to move the wheel attachment
component 404 between a first extreme operating position (FIG. 26)
and a second extreme operating position (FIG. 27). The adjustment
mechanism 410 may be infinitely adjustable between the two extreme
operating positions or may be configured to move the wheel
attachment component 404 between a finite number of operating
positions relative to the chassis attachment component 402. The
difference between the first extreme operating position and the
second extreme operating position may be within the range of from
about five inches to about fifty inches. More specifically, the
difference may be about ten inches, about twenty inches, about
thirty inches or about forty inches.
[0118] A support assembly 500 constructed in accordance with
another embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 28. The
assembly 500 includes a locking mechanism 502 for mechanically
locking the assembly 500 in any of a plurality of the operating
positions, but is otherwise similar or identical to the assembly
400, described above. The locking mechanism 502 includes a pair of
lock bars 504 connected to an upper suspension member 506 and an
upper chassis attachment member 508. The lock bars 504 are
positioned outboard of adjustment elements 412, 414. Each of the
lock bars 504 may include a plurality of spaced through holes 510
and a locking pin 512 configured to engage the upper chassis
attachment member 508 and any one of the through holes 510 to
rigidly connect the lock bar 504 with the upper chassis attachment
member 508. In the illustrated embodiment, the lock bars 504
include ten through holes 510 such that the assembly 500 may be
locked into any of ten different operating positions. Thus, the
locking mechanism 502 may be similar or identical to the locking
mechanism 132 described above, and may include manual locking pins
or remotely-controlled locking pins. Alternatively, the assembly
500 may include a lift-and-set type locking mechanism similar to
the locking mechanism 144 described above.
[0119] An exemplary support assembly 600 for supporting a vehicle
chassis on a wheel of the vehicle in accordance with another
embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 29-30. The
assembly 600 broadly includes a chassis attachment component 602
for attaching to the chassis of the vehicle; a wheel attachment
component 604 for attaching to a wheel or other ground engaging
element of the vehicle; a suspension component 606 operably
interposed between the chassis attachment component 602 and the
wheel attachment component 604 for regulating motion transfer
between the two attachment components; and a plurality of strut
bars 608, 610 connecting the wheel attachment component 604 to the
suspension component 606. The chassis attachment component 602 may
include a pivot element 612 for allowing the entire assembly 600 to
pivot relative to the chassis 12 and a pivot actuator may drive the
pivoting motion to thereby steer a wheel or other ground engaging
element connected to the wheel attachment component. In the
illustrated embodiment, the pivot actuator is a rotary actuator
that functions as both the pivot element and the actuator.
[0120] The assembly 600 may be similar or identical to the assembly
22, described in detail above, except that the assembly 600 does
not include a height adjustment component. Rather, the operating
position of the wheel attachment component 604 relative to the
chassis attachment component 602 is fixed by the length of the
strut bars 608, 610 and by the length of a pair of fixed structural
members 614 that replace the height adjustment elements of the
assembly 22.
[0121] An exemplary support assembly 700 for supporting a vehicle
chassis on a wheel of the vehicle constructed in accordance with
principles of another embodiment of the invention is illustrated in
FIGS. 31-37. The assembly 700 is configured to support a vehicle
chassis on a wheel of the vehicle and may be used, for example,
with the applicator 10 in lieu of the assemblies 22. The assembly
700 broadly includes a frame 702 pivotably connected to the vehicle
chassis at a connection location; a wheel attachment component 704
slidingly coupled with the frame 702, configured to pivot in unison
with the frame 702 and to move between a plurality of operating
positions relative to the frame 702; a suspension component 706
operably interposed between the frame 702 and the wheel attachment
component 704 for regulating motion transfer between the frame 702
and the wheel attachment component 704; and an adjustment actuator
708 rigidly coupled with the frame 702 and configured to shift the
wheel attachment component 704 between any of the plurality of
operating positions relative to the frame 702. A pair of support
members 710 are rigidly coupled with the wheel attachment component
704 and slidingly engage the frame 702.
[0122] The frame 702 includes a lower spindle member 712 and an
upper spindle member 714 separated by a space and pivotably coupled
with the inner axle 30. A pair of lower side members 716 are
attached to outer ends of the lower 712 and upper 714 spindle
members and rigidly interconnect the spindle members. In the
illustrated embodiment, the lower side members 716 are cylindrical
in shape and each includes a through-hole or similar feature to
slidingly engage one of the support members 710. An upper
suspension member 718 is separated from the upper spindle member
714 by a space wherein a pair of upper side members 720 rigidly
interconnect the upper spindle member 714 and the upper suspension
member 718. The upper suspension member 718 includes a pair of
through holes 722 for slidingly receiving the support members
714.
[0123] The suspension component 706 includes a lower suspension
member 724 rigidly coupled with a spring 726 and with the
adjustment actuator 708. The lower suspension member 724 is also
selectively coupled with the support members 710 via a pair of
locking pins 728, 730, as explained below. The lower suspension
member 724 is an elongated, rigid member with a first (bottom) side
connected to a top portion of the actuator 708 and a second (top)
side connected to a first end or portion of the spring 726. The
lower suspension member 724 further defines a pair of cylindrical
barrel portions 732 at the ends thereof for slidingly receiving the
support members 710.
[0124] As mentioned previously, the suspension component 706
includes a pneumatic spring 726 or similar component for regulating
motion transfer between the wheel attachment component 704 and the
frame 702. The spring 726 is positioned between the upper 718 and
lower 724 suspension members and between the support members 710.
Thus, the spring 726 is positioned within the frame 702 such that
the spring 726, the frame 702 and the wheel attachment component
704 all pivot in unison.
[0125] The adjustment actuator 708 is housed within a receptacle
portion 734 of the axle 30 and an adjustment member 736 of the
adjustment actuator 708 is connected to the wheel attachment
component 704. The actuator 708 drives the adjustment member 736 to
move the wheel attachment component 704 between a plurality of
operating positions relative to the frame 702. The actuator 708 may
include, for example, a conventional hydraulic cylinder. In the
illustrated embodiment, the assembly 700 includes a single actuator
housed within the receptacle portion 734 of the axle 30. It will be
appreciated that this configuration reduces the number of exposed
components as well as the overall size of the assembly 700.
[0126] The wheel attachment component 704 may be moveable between a
first extreme operating position (FIG. 35) and a second extreme
operating position (FIG. 36). The difference between the first
extreme operating position and the second extreme operating
position may be within the range of about five inches to about
fifty inches. More specifically, the difference may particularly be
about ten inches, about twenty inches, about thirty inches or about
forty inches.
[0127] In the illustrated embodiment, the wheel attachment
component 704 is positioned below the axle 30, the suspension
component 706 is positioned above the axle 30 and the adjustment
actuator 708 is positioned within the receptacle portion 734 of the
axle 30 such that the wheel attachment component 704, the
suspension component 706 and the adjustment actuator 708 all lie on
a line that corresponds to or is parallel with the axis of rotation
of the assembly 700. The lower side members 716 are positioned
proximate and on opposite sides of the receptacle portion 734 of
the axle 30, and the upper side members 720 are positioned on
opposite sides of the spring 726 and outboard of the support
members 710.
[0128] The assembly 700 includes a pair of locking pins 728, 730
for selectively coupling the support members 710 with the frame 702
to thereby lock the wheel attachment component 704 into any of a
plurality of operating positions relative to the frame 702. The
locking pins 728, 730 engage the barrel portions 732 of the lower
suspension member 724 and selectively engage any of a plurality of
through holes (not illustrated) of the support members 710 to
thereby fixedly couple the lower suspension member 724 with the
support members 710.
[0129] A pivot actuator 738 is pivotably coupled with both a recess
740 of the inner axle 30 and pivotably coupled with a pivot flange
742 the frame 702 to pivot the assembly 700 relative to the axle 30
and thereby steer a wheel attached to the wheel attachment
component 704. More specifically, the pivot actuator 738 is
operable to pivot the assembly 700 between a first extreme position
(FIG. 33) and a second extreme position (FIG. 34).
[0130] A cross section of the receptacle portion 722 of the axle 30
and a portion of the support assembly 700 is illustrated in FIG.
37. A pair of annular inserts 734, 736 extend through the lower 710
and upper 712 spindle members and into the receptacle portion 722
of the axle 30. A bushing material 738 may be interposed between
the inserts 734, 736 and an inner surface of the receptacle portion
722 to facilitate rotation of the frame 702 relative to the
receptacle portion 722. The actuator 707 is positioned inside the
inserts 734, 736 and may not be in contact with the inserts 734,
736.
[0131] An assembly 800 constructed in accordance with another
embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 38-40. The
assembly 800 broadly includes a frame 802 pivotably coupled with
the vehicle chassis 12; an attachment component 804 slidingly
coupled with the frame 802; and an adjustment actuator rigidly
coupled with the frame 802 and configured to shift the attachment
component 804 between a plurality of operating positions relative
to the frame 802 and to regulate motion transfer between the
attachment component 804 and the frame 802. The adjustment
actuator, housed within a receptacle portion 806 of the axle 30, is
the only mechanism for securing the attachment component 804 in the
operating positions and is the only mechanism for regulating motion
transfer between the attachment component 804 and the frame 802.
The assembly 800 may also include a pivot actuator 808 for pivoting
the frame 802 relative to the chassis 12.
[0132] The assembly 800 is similar or identical to the assembly
700, described above, except that the assembly 800 does not include
a pneumatic spring or locking mechanisms on support members 810.
Rather, the adjustment actuator is configured to move the
attachment component 804 between the plurality of operating
positions relative to the frame, to secure the attachment component
804 in any of the operating positions, and to regulate motion
transfer between the attachment component 804 and the frame 802. If
the adjustment actuator includes a hydraulic actuator, for example,
maintaining a certain hydraulic pressure on the cylinder may hold
the cylinder in a first of the operating positions. Increasing the
hydraulic pressure may cause the piston to extend to a second
operating position that corresponds to a higher chassis height than
the first operating position. Reducing the hydraulic pressure may
cause the piston to retract to a third operating position that
corresponds to a lower chassis height than the first operating
position.
[0133] The attachment component 804 may be moveable between a first
extreme operating position, illustrated in FIG. 39, and a second
extreme operating position, illustrated in FIG. 40. The difference
between the first extreme operating position and the second extreme
operating position may be within the range of about five inches to
about fifty inches. More specifically, the difference may
particularly be about ten inches, about twenty inches, about thirty
inches or about forty inches.
[0134] Referring again to FIG. 3c, the hydraulic system may include
various specialized components to enable the locking and suspension
functions performed by the hydraulic adjustment actuator. One or
more hydraulic accumulators 78 may be included, for example, to
regulate pressure spikes in the hydraulic system associated with
bouncing or other rapid movement of the wheel attachment component
relative to the frame. Furthermore, a computerized control system
may be used to control the hydraulic pressure to thereby secure the
assembly in any of the operating positions.
[0135] An assembly 850 constructed in accordance with another
embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 41-42. The
assembly 850 broadly includes a frame 852 configured to be
pivotably coupled with the inner axle 30 of the vehicle chassis 12;
a wheel attachment component 854 positioned below the axle 30; a
pair of support members 856 rigidly coupled with the wheel
attachment component 854 and slidingly coupled with the frame 852
such that the support members 856 transfer toque between the frame
852 and the wheel attachment component 854 causing the wheel
attachment component 854 to pivot in unison with the frame 852; a
suspension component 858 operably interposed between the frame 852
and the wheel attachment component 854 for regulating motion
transfer between the frame 852 and the wheel attachment component
854; and a pivot actuator 860 for pivoting the frame 852 relative
to the chassis 12.
[0136] The assembly 850 is similar or identical to the assembly
700, described above, except that the assembly 850 does not include
an adjustment actuator. Rather, the assembly 850 is configured such
that wheel attachment component 854 operates at a single operating
position relative to the frame 852. Because the attachment
component 854 does not shift between different operating positions
relative to the frame 852, the support members 856 may be rigidly
coupled with the wheel attachment component 854 and with the
suspension component 858 without the use of locking elements.
[0137] The assembly 850 may alternatively include removable support
members 862, as illustrated in FIGS. 43-44. The support members 862
are removably coupled with the lower suspension member and with the
wheel attachment component 854 so that they can be removed and
replaced with other support members of a different size. Replacing
the support members 862 with other support members of a different
size allows the operator to adjust the height of the chassis 12.
The support members 862 are "removably" coupled with the lower
suspension member and with the wheel attachment component if they
are configured to be removed and replaced without cutting or
otherwise compromising the support members 862 or any other
component of the assembly 850, and without compromising the
strength of the connections. The support members 862 may be
removably coupled with the lower suspension member and the wheel
attachment component 854 using, for example, bolts or similar
fasteners that may be repeatedly removed from and reattached to the
support members 862.
[0138] With reference now to FIGS. 45-47, the track width of the
applicator 10 is illustrated as the distance between the wheels
14a, 14b on a first side of the applicator 10 and the wheels 14c,
14d on a second side of the applicator 10. As explained above, the
applicator 10 includes a track width adjustment system including
telescoping axles 28, 30 and actuators (not illustrated) for moving
the inner axles 30 between extended and retracted positions. The
track width may be infinitely adjustable between, for example,
about 120 inches and about 152 inches.
[0139] The applicator 10 may be configured such that the support
assemblies 22 are not parallel with the direction of vertical
movement of the chassis 12 when the support assemblies 22 are used
to adjust the height of the chassis 12. As illustrated in FIG. 45,
each support assembly 22 connects to the chassis 12 at a chassis
connection point 900 and connects to one of the wheels 14 at a
wheel connection point 902. A straight line 904 interconnecting the
chassis connection point 900 and the wheel connection point 902 is
angled relative to vertical movement of the chassis 12 and is also
angled relative to a vertical longitudinal axis of the wheel 14.
Line 906 represents the direction of vertical movement of the
chassis 12 and the direction of the vertical longitudinal axis of
the wheel 14. This angled position of the assemblies 22 may be
desirable for several reasons, including providing sufficient
separation between the support assembly 22 and the wheel 14 and
providing an optimal steering configuration.
[0140] As illustrated in FIG. 46, the angled position of the
assemblies 22 relative to the vehicle's frame presents certain
challenges to use of the support assembly 22 to raise and lower the
vehicle's chassis 12. As the support assemblies 22 are actuated to
raise the chassis 12, for example, the wheels 14 are also pushed
laterally outward away from the vehicle's chassis 12. This may
present a problem because some surfaces may prevent the wheels 14
from sliding relative to the chassis 12, particularly if the
applicator 10 is loaded with product. In these situations the
operator may be required to raise and lower the applicator 10 while
the applicator 10 is travelling forward or backwards. Furthermore,
it may be undesirable to operate the applicator 10 at a new track
width such that the operator must re-adjust the track width to the
desired amount each time he or she adjusts the height of the
chassis 12. As explained above, re-adjusting may need to be
performed while the applicator 10 is moving.
[0141] To address the problems associated with lateral movement of
the wheels that occurs when the applicator height is adjusted, the
control system 52 may be configured to automatically adjust the
track width as the height of the applicator 10 is adjusted such
that the wheels 14 do not move laterally relative to the ground
surface as the applicator 10 is raised and lowered. With particular
reference to FIG. 47, if the support assembly 22 is positioned at
an angle of inclination .theta. relative to the direction of travel
of the chassis 12, the change in lateral position of the wheel
.DELTA.W is defined as .DELTA.W=sin(.theta.).times..DELTA.H, where
.DELTA.H is the change in the distance between the chassis point of
connection 900 and the wheel point of connection 902 along the line
109. In this equation, .DELTA.W represents the change in lateral
position of one of the wheels 14 or, in other words, the wheels 14
on one side of the applicator 10. The total change in track width
is defined as twice that amount, or two times .DELTA.W.
[0142] The control system 52 may be configured such that as the
operator adjusts the height of the machine using, for example, a
button or dial located in the cabin 18, the control system 52
detects the height adjustment and automatically adjusts the track
width accordingly to preserve the track width of the applicator 10.
Alternatively, the control system may be configured to actuate both
the chassis height adjustment system and the track width adjustment
system. In this implementation, the user may adjust the chassis
height via a user interface element wherein the control system 52
actuates the height adjustment system to adjust the chassis height
to the desired height and also adjusts the track width system to
preserve the track width of the applicator. In either
implementation, the control system 52 adjusts the track width
according to the equation .DELTA.W=sin(.theta.).times..DELTA.H,
explained above.
[0143] Although the invention has been described with reference to
the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the attached drawing
figures, it is noted that equivalents may be employed and
substitutions made herein without departing from the scope of the
invention as recited in the claims.
* * * * *