DK201500813A1 - A system for controlling the working depth of an agricultural implement - Google Patents
A system for controlling the working depth of an agricultural implement Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- DK201500813A1 DK201500813A1 DKPA201500813A DKPA201500813A DK201500813A1 DK 201500813 A1 DK201500813 A1 DK 201500813A1 DK PA201500813 A DKPA201500813 A DK PA201500813A DK PA201500813 A DKPA201500813 A DK PA201500813A DK 201500813 A1 DK201500813 A1 DK 201500813A1
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- DK
- Denmark
- Prior art keywords
- hydraulic
- tractor
- coupling mechanism
- hydraulic actuator
- implement
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01B—SOIL WORKING IN AGRICULTURE OR FORESTRY; PARTS, DETAILS, OR ACCESSORIES OF AGRICULTURAL MACHINES OR IMPLEMENTS, IN GENERAL
- A01B63/00—Lifting or adjusting devices or arrangements for agricultural machines or implements
- A01B63/02—Lifting or adjusting devices or arrangements for agricultural machines or implements for implements mounted on tractors
- A01B63/10—Lifting or adjusting devices or arrangements for agricultural machines or implements for implements mounted on tractors operated by hydraulic or pneumatic means
- A01B63/111—Lifting or adjusting devices or arrangements for agricultural machines or implements for implements mounted on tractors operated by hydraulic or pneumatic means regulating working depth of implements
- A01B63/114—Lifting or adjusting devices or arrangements for agricultural machines or implements for implements mounted on tractors operated by hydraulic or pneumatic means regulating working depth of implements to achieve a constant working depth
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- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Soil Sciences (AREA)
- Environmental Sciences (AREA)
- Lifting Devices For Agricultural Implements (AREA)
Abstract
The invention relates to a coupling mechanism (100) for coupling an agricultural implement (200) to af tractor (300); said coupling mechanism comprising: a top link (2), said top link is having af front end (4) configured to be pivotally mounted on a rear end (6) of af tractor; and said top link is having an opposite rear end (8) configured to be pivotally mounted on af three point linkage (10) of an agricultural implement; a first lift arm (12) and af second lift arm (14); said first lift arm and said second lift arm each having af front end (16) configured to be pivotally mounted on af rear end of a tractor and an opposite rear end (18) configured to be pivotally mounted on a three point linkage of an agricultural omplement; said two front ends of the first and second lift arm, at their points of mounting, are configured to share a common pivot axis (20); wherein said first and second lift arms being adapted to be arranged below the top link; a first hydraulic actuator (22); said hydraulic actuator is having af first end (24) configured to be pivotally mounted at a rear end of af tractor; and a second end (26) configured to be pivotally connected to a three point linkage of an agricultural implement; a hydraulic control valve (28) comprising an inlet (30 and an outlet (30´) for pressurized hydraulic fluid; one or more primary outlets (32) for supplying pressurized hydraulic fluid to said first hydraulic actuator (22); and one or more secondary outlets 834) for supplying pressurized hydraulic fluid to a second hydraulic actuator (36) being located on said implement (200) to be moved by said tractor (300); wherein said hydraulic control valve (28) comprising one or more individual valves for controlling the flow of hydraulic fluid from the inlet (30) for pressurized hydraulic fluid to the first hydraulic actuato (22) and the second hydraulic actuator (36), respectively.
Description
A system for controlling the working depth of an agricultural implement Field of the invention
The present invention relates to the field of agriculture. More specifically, the present invention relates in a first aspect to a coupling mechanism for coupling an agricultural implement to a tractor. In a second aspect the present invention relates to a tractor comprising a coupling mechanism according to the fist aspect. In a third aspect the present invention relates to an agricultural system comprising a tractor according to the second aspect of the present invention in combination with an agricultural implement. In a fourth aspect the present invention relates to the use of a coupling mechanism according to the first aspect of the present invention or of a tractor according to the second aspect of the present invention or of an agricultural system according to the third aspect of the present invention. In a fifth aspect the present invention relates to a kit for installing on a tractor for improving the control of the working depth of a soil conditioning agricultural implement.
Background of the invention
In the field of agriculture it has for centuries been acknowledged that in order to obtain a good yield of crops in terms of quantity and quality it will be necessary at regular intervals to provide a conditioning of the soil in which the crops are to be grown.
Such conditioning may relate to ploughing, cultivation, harrowing etc. The conditioning serves the purpose of aerating the soil, destroy the rooting of weed and to burry residues of last year’s crops.
Conditionings like ploughing, cultivation and harrowing are typically performed by towing an agricultural tool or implement behind a tractor.
Such agricultural implement are having a not insignificant extension in the direction of the intended movement through the soil. For this reason it will often be necessary to support the implement with one or more wheels located at a front part of the implement as well as with one or more wheels at a rear part of the implement.
For achievement of an optimum conditioning of the soil it is with certain implements of paramount importance that the working depth of the tool is being held within certain limits.
In case an implement is having front wheels as well as rear wheels, the attaining of an optimum working depth of the implement will require height adjustment of the front wheels as wells as the rear wheels.
To this end, in many implements the height adjustment of the rear wheels and thereby the working depth of the rear part of the implement may be manually adjusted by turning a handle at the rear part of the implement, which handle thereby adjusts the vertical position of the rear wheel relative to the rest of the implement. Other implements may be provided with a hydraulic cylinder for adjustment of the height of the rear wheel.
The height adjustment of the front wheels and thereby the working depth of the front part of the implement will typically be adjusted by manually adjustment of the height of the three point hitch of the tractor towing the implement. A three point hitch is a mounting or coupling arrangement positioned at a rear part of a tractor. A three point hitch comprises two lower lift arms attached to the tractor’s hydraulic system enabling hydraulic lift and lowering of these two lift arm. Additionally a three point hitch comprises an upper rigid top link, which length may be manually adjustable by turning a tumbuckle having two oppositely threaded inner threads connecting two oppositely threaded end bars. In addition, manually hydraulic top linkages are also available on the market.
However as each manufacturer of tractors provides their equipment with its own proprietary hydraulic systems it will usually not be possible to fit an agricultural soil conditioning implement having hydraulics for adjusting the height above ground of a rear part of that implement to the specific hydraulic system of a specific tractor, thereby allowing a centralized, combined, simultaneous and simple height adjustment, and thereby also working depth of the front part as well as the rear part of that soil conditioning implement.
To the contrary it will be necessary to adjust separately the working depth at the front end of the soil conditioning implement using the tractor’s three point hitch on the one hand and the working depth at the rear end of the soil conditioning implement using the implements own height adjustment means on the other hand.
This adjustment process poses some difficulties because an adjustment of the height above ground of the implement at the front end, and thus the adjustment of the working depth at the front end will affect the height above ground of the implement at the rear end, and thus the adjustment of the working depth at the rear end.
This fact is mainly due to the fact that an adjustment of the height above ground of the implement at one end thereof will change the implement’s longitudinal angle and thereby affect the height above ground of the implement at its opposite end.
Accordingly, the prior art systems require a significant effort and time in order for making a correct adjustment of the working depth at the two opposite ends thereof prior to a working operation thereof.
In addition, change in soil composition or individually wheel penetration affects the operation depth which poses challenges for the operator to take into account, during operation.
Specifically soil strength and soil composition can influence the work performed by the soil working implement if working depth is not adjusted.
It is an objective of the present invention to alleviate or even eliminate the above stated disadvantages.
Brief description of the invention
This objective is attained with the present invention in its first, second, third, fourth, and fifth aspect, respectively.
Accordingly, the present invention relates in a first aspect to a coupling mechanism for coupling an agricultural implement to a tractor; said coupling mechanism comprising: a top link, said top link is having a front end configured to be pivotally mounted on a rear end of a tractor; and said top link is having an opposite rear end configured to be pivotally mounted on a three point linkage of an agricultural implement; a first lift arm and a second lift arm; said first lift arm and said second lift arm each having a front end configured to be pivotally mounted on a rear end of a tractor and an opposite rear end configured to be pivotally mounted on a three point linkage of an agricultural implement; said two front ends of the first and second lift arm, at their points of mounting, are configured to share a common pivot axis; wherein said first and second lift arms being adapted to be arranged below the top link; a first hydraulic actuator; said hydraulic actuator is having a first end configured to be pivotally mounted at a rear end of a tractor; and a second end configured to be pivotally connected to a three point linkage of an agricultural implement; a hydraulic control valve comprising an inlet and an outlet for pressurized hydraulic fluid; one or more primary outlets for supplying pressurized hydraulic fluid to said first hydraulic actuator ; and one or more secondary outlets for supplying pressurized hydraulic fluid to a second hydraulic actuator being located on said implement to be moved by said tractor; wherein said hydraulic control valve comprising one or more individual valves for controlling the flow of hydraulic fluid from the inlet for pressurized hydraulic fluid to the first hydraulic actuator and the second hydraulic actuator, respectively.
In a second aspect the present invention relates to a tractor comprising a coupling mechanism according to the first aspect of the present invention.
In a third aspect the present invention relates to an agricultural system comprising a tractor according to the second aspect in combination with an agricultural implement, wherein said second hydraulic actuator is being mounted on said agricultural implement and being configured to allow hydraulic adjustment of the working depth of a rear part of said agricultural implement.
In a fourth aspect the present invention relates to a use of a coupling mechanism according to the first aspect of the present invention or of a tractor according to the second aspect of the present invention or of an agricultural system according to the third aspect of the present invention for a soil conditioning purpose.
In a fifth aspect the present invention relates to a kit for installing on a tractor for improving the control of the working depth of a soil conditioning agricultural implement to be towed behind said tractor, said kit comprising: a first hydraulic actuator; said hydraulic actuator is having a first end configured to be pivotally mounted at a rear end of a tractor; and a second end configured to be pivotally connected to a three point linkage of an agricultural implement; a hydraulic control valve comprising an inlet and an outlet for pressurized hydraulic fluid; one or more primary outlets for supplying pressurized hydraulic fluid to said first hydraulic actuator; and one or more secondary outlets for supplying pressurized hydraulic fluid to a second hydraulic actuator being located on said implement to be moved by said tractor; wherein said hydraulic control valve comprising one or more individual valves for controlling the flow of hydraulic fluid from the inlet for pressurized hydraulic fluid to the first hydraulic actuator and the second hydraulic actuator, respectively.
The present invention in its various aspects provides for allowing an easy and fast adjustment of the working depth at the two opposite ends of an agricultural soil conditioning implement to be towed behind a tractor.
The coupling mechanism utilized in the various aspects of the present invention allows for improved adjustment of the working depth of an implement by adjustment of the height of a front part and a rear part of the implement, and hence the working depth at a front part and at a rear part, fully independently of the control system of the hydraulic system of the tractor.
This concept of adjustment allows a high level of control to be implemented, making agricultural implements fully automatically controllable.
The invention in its various aspects will enable utilizing on-board, de-centralized control system for optimization of the soil working depth. A centralized on-line auxiliary system will further enable control based on e.g. soil maps, soil texture or soil composition maps, residue maps, soil compaction maps etc.
Brief description of the figures
Fig.l schematically illustrates a prior art coupling mechanism of a tractor.
Fig. 2 schematically illustrates a prior art coupling mechanism of a tractor according to the present invention.
Fig. 3 schematically illustrates a control system to be used with the present invention for controlling the coupling mechanism of a tractor when equipped with an agricultural soil conditioning implement.
Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a bracket to be used with the coupling mechanism according to the first aspect of the present invention
Detailed description of the invention
The present invention relates in a first aspect to a coupling mechanism for coupling an agricultural implement to a tractor; said coupling mechanism comprising: a top link, said top link is having a front end configured to be pivotally mounted on a rear end of a tractor; and said top link is having an opposite rear end configured to be pivotally mounted on a three point linkage of an agricultural implement; a first lift arm and a second lift arm; said first lift arm and said second lift arm each having a front end configured to be pivotally mounted on a rear end of a tractor and an opposite rear end configured to be pivotally mounted on a three point linkage of an agricultural implement; said two front ends of the first and second lift arm, at their points of mounting, are configured to share a common pivot axis; wherein said first and second lift arms being adapted to be arranged below the top link; a first hydraulic actuator; said hydraulic actuator is having a first end configured to be pivotally mounted at a rear end of a tractor; and a second end configured to be pivotally connected to a three point linkage of an agricultural implement; a hydraulic control valve comprising an inlet and an outlet for pressurized hydraulic fluid; one or more primary outlets for supplying pressurized hydraulic fluid to said first hydraulic actuator ; and one or more secondary outlets for supplying pressurized hydraulic fluid to a second hydraulic actuator being located on said implement to be moved by said tractor; wherein said hydraulic control valve comprising one or more individual valves for controlling the flow of hydraulic fluid from the inlet for pressurized hydraulic fluid to the first hydraulic actuator and the second hydraulic actuator, respectively.
The coupling mechanism is intended to be used on a tractor when towing an agricultural implement having hydraulic means for raising and lowering a rear end thereof, in relation to the ground, thereby allowing full and independent adjustment of the working depth into the soil of the working tools of that agricultural implement.
The coupling mechanism is being independent of the hydraulic control system incorporated into the tractor, thus allowing control without the necessity to interfere with a proprietary hydraulic control system of the tractor. Only hydraulic pressurized fluid is needed from the tractor’s hydraulic system. Such availability of hydraulic pressurized fluid is a standard feature of essentially all tractors.
In one embodiment of the coupling mechanism of the first aspect of the present invention, the coupling mechanism furthermore comprising a hydraulic hose for connecting the inlet for pressurized hydraulic fluid of the hydraulic control valve and/or comprising a hydraulic hose for connecting the outlet for pressurized hydraulic fluid of the hydraulic control valve to a hydraulic pump or a reservoir for pressurized hydraulic fluid on a tractor and/or furthermore comprising hydraulic hoses for connecting the hydraulic control valve to the first hydraulic actuator and the second hydraulic actuator, respectively.
Hydraulic hoses provide for conveying the pressurized hydraulic fluid form the pump or reservoir to the hydraulic control valve and further on to the first hydraulic actuator and the second hydraulic actuator, respectively.
In one embodiment of the coupling mechanism of the first aspect of the present invention the top link comprises means, such as a tumbuckle for adjusting the effective length of said top link. A tumbuckle may provide an easy, manual fine tuning of a rest setting of the three point hitch of the tractor.
In one embodiment of the coupling mechanism of the first aspect of the present invention the coupling mechanism furthermore comprising a control unit for controlling the individual valves of the hydraulic control valve.
Such a control unit allows for controlling the control valve according to a predefined control scheme.
In one embodiment of the coupling mechanism of the first aspect of the present invention the control unit comprising input means, such as an alphanumerical keyboard, for allowing a user to provide instmctions to said control unit with the view to control said hydraulic control valve.
In one embodiment of the coupling mechanism of the first aspect of the present invention the control unit furthermore comprising display means, such as a monitor or a user interphase (UI), for displaying to a user the settings and/or status of the coupling mechanism or parts thereof.
Such means allows for controlling and communicating with the control unit.
In one embodiment of the coupling mechanism of the first aspect of the present invention the control unit comprises means for providing a calibration relating to the general degree of movement of the first hydraulic actuator relative to the second hydraulic actuator.
Such means allows for adjustment in such a way that the front end and the rear end of the agricultural implement will move up/and down the same amount of distance, upon a height adjustment.
In one embodiment of the coupling mechanism of the first aspect of the present invention the one or both of said hydraulic actuators is/are being double acting hydraulic actuator(s).
In one embodiment of the coupling mechanism of the first aspect of the present invention the one or both of said hydraulic actuators is/are being a pair of oppositely arranged single acting hydraulic actuators.
These types of hydraulic actuators will both provide the desired effect of movement.
In one embodiment of the coupling mechanism of the first aspect of the present invention the coupling mechanism is configured to allow operation of the first actuator and the second actuator, respectively, independently from any hydraulic control system of said tractor.
Such a feature allows for easy add-on on an existing three point linkage between a tractor and an agricultural implement to be towed or moved behind that tractor.
In one embodiment of the coupling mechanism of the first aspect of the present invention the coupling mechanism further comprising a bracket for mounting on an agricultural implement, wherein said bracket comprising a transversal beam, a first longitudinal side wing and a second longitudinal side wing; wherein said first longitudinal side wing and said second longitudinal side wing each comprises means for mounting on an agricultural implement; and wherein said transversal beam comprises means for mounting said second end of said first hydraulic actuator.
Such a bracket is intended to be clamped onto an agricultural implement and due to the presence on the transversal beam of means for mounting said second end of said first hydraulic actuator, allows for easy and fast connecting the second end of said first hydraulic actuator to the agricultural implement.
In one embodiment of this embodiment, the means for mounting on an agricultural implement comprises an opening configured to accommodate a part of the agricultural implement and/or one or more holes for accommodating bolts for bolting the implement to the bracket.
In another embodiment the means for mounting said second end of said first hydraulic actuator comprises two elements extending in a forward direction from said transversal beam and each comprising a hole for accommodating a bolt.
These embodiments provide for a simple and inexpensive, and yet sturdy bracket for allowing easy and fast connecting the second end of said first hydraulic actuator to the agricultural implement.
In a second aspect the present invention relates to a tractor comprising a coupling mechanism according to the first aspect of the present invention.
In a third aspect the present invention relates to an agricultural system comprising a tractor according to the second aspect in combination with an agricultural implement, wherein said second hydraulic actuator is being mounted on said agricultural implement and being configured to allow hydraulic adjustment of the working depth of a rear part of said agricultural implement.
In one embodiment of the agricultural system of the third aspect of the present invention the implement being a soil conditioning implement such as a plough or a harrow.
In a fourth aspect the present invention relates to a use of a coupling mechanism according to the first aspect of the present invention or of a tractor according to the second aspect of the present invention or of an agricultural system according to the third aspect of the present invention for a soil conditioning purpose.
In one embodiment of the use according to the fourth aspect of the present invention the soil conditioning purpose is being ploughing or harrowing.
In a fifth aspect the present invention relates to a kit for installing on a tractor for improving the control of the working depth of a soil conditioning agricultural implement to be towed behind said tractor, said kit comprising: a first hydraulic actuator; said hydraulic actuator is having a first end configured to be pivotally mounted at a rear end of a tractor; and a second end configured to be pivotally connected to a three point linkage of an agricultural implement; a hydraulic control valve comprising an inlet and an outlet for pressurized hydraulic fluid; one or more primary outlets for supplying pressurized hydraulic fluid to said first hydraulic actuator; and one or more secondary outlets for supplying pressurized hydraulic fluid to a second hydraulic actuator being located on said implement to be moved by said tractor; wherein said hydraulic control valve comprising one or more individual valves for controlling the flow of hydraulic fluid from the inlet for pressurized hydraulic fluid to the first hydraulic actuator and the second hydraulic actuator, respectively.
In one embodiment of the kit according to the fifth aspect of the present invention the kit further comprising one or more features as defined in respect of the embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention.
Referring now in details to the drawings for the purpose of illustrating preferred embodiments of the present invention, Fig. 1 illustrates the principle of a conventional and traditional design of a lifting hitch on a tractor. The lifting hitch is arranged on a rear part of the tractor and allows lifting and lowering agricultural tools or agricultural implements to be towed or moved behind the tractor.
Fig. 1 is a plan view as seen sideways from between the rear wheels of the tractor. Fig. 1 shows a traditional and conventional coupling mechanism 100 in the form three point hitch of the rear end of a tractor. The hitch comprises a top link 2 having a front end 4 and a rear end 8. The front end 4 of the top link 2 is pivotally mounted at a point on the tractor itself. The opposite rear end 6 of the top link 2 is pivotally mounted on a three point linkage of an agricultural implement 200 (not shown in fig. l).The implement 200 may be an implement for cultivating soil or crops.
Below the top link are arranged first lift arm 12 and a second lift arm 14. The front end 16 of the lift arm 12,14 is pivotally mounted on the tractor itself. The rear end 18 of the lift arm 12, 14 is pivotally mounted on the three point linkage of the agricultural implement 200.
The lift arms 12,14 is being connected to a hydraulic actuator 54 in such a way that the height of the lift arms 12,14 may be adjusted by providing hydraulic pressure to said actuator.
The top link 2 comprises a tumbuckle 40 for adjustment of the effective length thereof.
As mentioned above, the height of the coupling mechanism may be adjusted by hydraulic pressure to the hydraulic actuator 54.The hydraulic pressure may be provided by using the hydraulic system of the tractor.
Hence, providing hydraulic pressure to the hydraulic actuator implies lifting or lowering of the lift arms 12,14. If an agricultural implement was connected to the three point hiss, the front end of the implement may be raised or lowered in this way.
However, the prior art coupling mechanism 100 in the form three point hitch outlined in fig. 1 does not allow for adjustment of a rear part of the implement 200 connected to the three point hitch.
Fig. 2 illustrates schematically a coupling mechanism according to the first aspect of the present invention for improving working depth of an agricultural implement 200 in the form of a plough.
In fig. 2 the coupling mechanisms of the present invention comprises the conventional and traditional tree point hitch illustrated in fig. 1 to which additional elements have been added.
Accordingly, fig. 2 is a plan view as seen sideways from between the rear wheels of the tractor. The coupling mechanism of fig. 2 comprises a top link 2 having a front end 4 and a rear end 8. The front end 4 of the top link 2 is pivotally mounted at a point on the tractor itself. The opposite rear end 6 of the top link 2 is pivotally mounted on an three point linkage of an agricultural implement 200 in the form of a plough comprising five plough bodies 66,66’,66”,66’”,66””. However, other implements comprising soil working tools may be used with the present invention as well.
The three point linkage of the agricultural implement is connected to the frame 64 of the agricultural implement. The plough schematically illustrated in fig. 2 comprises a rear wheel 68 which is pivotally connected to the frame 64 via a suspension 70. The suspension 70 is connected to the frame 64 of the plough by a second hydraulic actuator 36. The rear wheel is configured to roll on top of the soil surface 60.
The second hydraulic actuator allows adjustment of the working depth of the rear part of the plough 200.
Below the top link are arranged first lift arm 12 and a second lift arm 14. The front end 16 of the lift arm 12,14 is pivotally mounted on the tractor itself. The rear end 18 of the lift arm 12, 14 is pivotally mounted on the three pint linkage 10 of the agricultural implement 200. A hydraulic actuator 54 is pivotally connected to the lift arms 12,14 in such a way that the height of the lift arms 12,14 may be adjusted by providing hydraulic pressure to said actuator.
The top link 2 comprises a tumbuckle 40 for adjustment of the effective length thereof.
In addition to the prior art three point linkage illustrated in fig. 1, the coupling mechanism 100 illustrated in fig. 2 further comprises a first hydraulic actuator 22. The first hydraulic actuator is having a first end 24 pivotally at a rear point of the tractor; and a second end 26 pivotally connected to the three point linkage of the agricultural implement 200..
Furthermore, the coupling mechanism of the present invention illustrated in fig. 2 comprises a hydraulic control valve 28. The hydraulic control valve comprises an inlet 30 and an outlet 30’ for pressurized hydraulic fluid; one or more primary outlets 32 for supplying pressurized hydraulic fluid to said first hydraulic actuator 22; and one or more secondary outlets 34 for supplying pressurized hydraulic fluid to a second hydraulic actuator 36 being located on said implement 200 to be towed by said tractor 300.
The hydraulic control valve 28 is being fed with pressurized hydraulic fluid from a hydraulic pump or reservoir 37 for pressurized hydraulic fluid. Such pressurized hydraulic fluid is readily accessible on most tractors in the form of a hydraulic outlet and inlet on the tractor’s hydraulic system. Such hydraulic pressures may be used without interfering with the individual tractor manufacturer’s proprietary control systems for controlling the hydraulic systems of the individual tractor.
The hydraulic control valve 28 comprises a number of individual valves for controlling the flow of hydraulic fluid from the inlet 30 for pressurized hydraulic fluid to the first hydraulic actuator 22 and the second hydraulic actuator 36, respectively via the hoses 38 connecting the hydraulic control valve with the first hydraulic actuator 22 and the second hydraulic actuator 36, respectively.
This will allow individual adjustment of the first hydraulic actuator as well as the second hydraulic actuator.
Accordingly, using the coupling mechanism shown in fig. 2 for coupling an agricultural implement having its own hydraulic actuator for height adjustment of a rear part thereof, and hence also adjustment of the working depth of the plough bodies 66,66’,66 ”,66’”,66”” into the soil 58, it will be possible to obtain an individual adjustment of the working depth of both a front part as well as a rear part of the tools of the agricultural implement.
In use the tractor’s own hydraulic mechanism for raising and lowering of the lift arms 12,14, in this case the hydraulic actuator 54 will be set into “floating mode” in which mode the hydraulic actuator 54 essentially is freely movable.
The kit according to the fifth aspect of the present invention will accordingly be well suited as an add-on to existing implements equipped with a hydraulic actuator for adjustment of working depth of the front and rear part of that implement.
Fig. 3 schematically illustrates an embodiment of the means for controlling the coupling mechanism 100 according to the present invention.
Fig. 3 shows the hydraulic control valve 28 comprising an inlet 30 and outlet 30’ for pressurized hydraulic fluid from a hydraulic pump or reservoir. The hydraulic control valve comprises two primary outlets 32 for supplying pressurized hydraulic fluid to said first hydraulic actuator 22; and two secondary outlets 34 for supplying pressurized hydraulic fluid to a second hydraulic actuator 36 intended to be located on an agricultural implement 200 to be towed by a tractor.
The hydraulic control valve 28 in its inner comprises one or more individual valves for controlling the flow of hydraulic fluid from the inlet 30 for pressurized hydraulic fluid to the first hydraulic actuator 22 and the second hydraulic actuator 36, respectively via the hoses 38. A control unit 42 for controlling the individual valves of the hydraulic control valve 28 is also shown.
The control unit 42 comprises input means 44 in the form of an alphanumerical keyboard for allowing a user to provide instructions to the control unit with the view to control said hydraulic control valve 28.
Furthermore, the control unit 42 comprising display means 46, such as a monitor, for displaying to a user the settings and/or status of the coupling mechanism or parts thereof.
Hence, using the keyboard 44 and the monitor 46 it will be possible to control the hydraulic valve and accordingly also to control the first hydraulic actuator 26 and the second hydraulic actuator 36, thereby allowing full and individual control of the working depth of a front end and a rear end of a soil conditioning implement to be towed behind a tractor.
Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a bracket to be used with the coupling mechanism according to the first aspect of the present invention.
Fig. 4 shows the bracket 80 for mounting on an agricultural implement 200. The bracket comprising a transversal beam 82, a first longitudinal side wing 84 and a second longitudinal side wing 86.
The first longitudinal side wing 84 and said second longitudinal side wing 86 each comprises means 88 for mounting on an agricultural implement. These means 88 are in the form of an opening 92 in the side wings which opening is being configured to accommodate a part of the agricultural implement 200. Furthermore, these means 88 comprises a number of holes 94 for accommodating bolts for bolting the implement to the bracket.
Furthermore, the bracket comprises means 90 for mounting the second end 26 of said first hydraulic actuator. The means 90 for mounting said second end 26 of said first hydraulic actuator comprises two elements 96 extending in a forward direction from said transversal beam 82 and each comprising a hole for accommodating a bolt.
The bracket may be used for mounting on an agricultural implement having a universal three point linkage. By mounting the bracket on the agricultural implement the implement will be prepared for receiving and fastening the first hydraulic actuator 22 according to the coupling system of the first aspect according to the present invention.
List of reference numerals 2 Top link 4 Front end of top link 6 Rear end of tractor 8 Rear end of top link 10 Three point linkage of agricultural implement 12 First lift arm 14 Second lift arm 16 Front end of lift arm 18 Rear end of lift arm 20 Common pivot axis of two lift arms 22 First hydraulic actuator 24 First end of first hydraulic actuator 26 Second end of first hydraulic actuator 28 Hydraulic control valve 30 Inlet for pressurized hydraulic fluid 30’ Outlet for pressurized hydraulic fluid 32 Primary outlet for pressurized hydraulic fluid 34 Secondary outlet for pressurized hydraulic fluid 36 Second hydraulic actuator 37 Hydraulic pump or reservoir for pressurized hydraulic fluid 38 Hydraulic hose 40 Tumbuckle 42 Control unit 44 Input means 46 Display means 48 Rear part of agricultural implement 50 Three point linkage of tractor 52 Rear wheel of tractor 54 Hydraulic actuator 58 Soil 60 Surface of soil 64 Frame of agricultural implement 66,66’,66” Plough shear of implement 66 ’ ” ,66 ” ” Plough shear of implement 68 Rear wheel of agricultural implement 70 Rear wheel suspension of implement 80 Bracket 82 Transversal beam of bracket 84 First longitudinal side wing 86 Second longitudinal side wing 88 Mounting means of side wing of bracket 90 Mounting means of transversal beam of bracket 92 Opening in side wing of bracket 94 Hole 96 Forwardly extending elements 100 Coupling mechanism 200 Agricultural implement 300 Tractor 400 Agricultural system
Claims (20)
1. A coupling mechanism (100) for coupling an agricultural implement (200) to a tractor (300); said coupling mechanism comprising: a top link (2), said top link is having a front end (4) configured to be pivotally mounted on a rear end (6) of a tractor; and said top link is having an opposite rear end (8) configured to be pivotally mounted on a three point linkage (10) of an agricultural implement; a first lift arm (12) and a second lift arm (14); said first lift arm and said second lift arm each having a front end (16) configured to be pivotally mounted on a rear end of a tractor and an opposite rear end (18) configured to be pivotally mounted on a three point linkage of an agricultural implement; said two front ends of the first and second lift arm, at their points of mounting, are configured to share a common pivot axis (20); wherein said first and second lift arms being adapted to be arranged below the top link; a first hydraulic actuator (22); said hydraulic actuator is having a first end (24) configured to be pivotally mounted at a rear end of a tractor; and a second end (26) configured to be pivotally connected to a three point linkage of an agricultural implement; a hydraulic control valve (28) comprising an inlet (30) and an outlet (30’) for pressurized hydraulic fluid; one or more primary outlets (32) for supplying pressurized hydraulic fluid to said first hydraulic actuator (22); and one or more secondary outlets (34) for supplying pressurized hydraulic fluid to a second hydraulic actuator (36) being located on said implement (200) to be moved by said tractor (300); wherein said hydraulic control valve (28) comprising one or more individual valves for controlling the flow of hydraulic fluid from the inlet (30) for pressurized hydraulic fluid to the first hydraulic actuator (22) and the second hydraulic actuator (36), respectively.
2. A coupling mechanism (100) according to claim 1 furthermore comprising a hydraulic hose (38) for connecting the inlet (30) for pressurized hydraulic fluid of the hydraulic control valve (28) and/or comprising a hydraulic hose (38) for connecting the outlet (30’) for pressurized hydraulic fluid of the hydraulic control valve (28) to a hydraulic pump or a reservoir (37) for pressurized hydraulic fluid on a tractor and/or furthermore comprising hydraulic hoses (38) for connecting the hydraulic control valve (28) to the first hydraulic actuator (22) and the second hydraulic actuator (36), respectively.
3. A coupling mechanism (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said top link (2) comprises means, such as a tumbuckle (40) for adjusting the effective length of said top link.
4. A coupling mechanism (100) according to any of the claims 1-3 furthermore comprising a control unit (42) for controlling the individual valves of the hydraulic control valve (28).
5. A coupling mechanism (100) according to claim 4, wherein said control unit (42) comprising input means (44), such as an alphanumerical keyboard, for allowing a user to provide instructions to said control unit with the view to control said hydraulic control valve (28).
6. A coupling mechanism (100) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein said control unit (42) furthermore comprising display means (46), such as a monitor or a user interphase (UI), for displaying to a user the settings and/or status of the coupling mechanism or parts thereof.
7. A coupling mechanism (100) according to any of the claims 4-6, wherein said control unit (42) comprises means for providing a calibration relating to the general degree of movement of the first hydraulic actuator (22) relative to the second hydraulic actuator (36).
8. A coupling mechanism (100) according to any of the claims 1-7 wherein one or both of said hydraulic actuators (22,36) is/are being double acting hydraulic actuator(s).
9. A coupling mechanism (100) according to any of the claims 1-8 wherein one or both of said hydraulic actuators (22,36) is/are being a pair of oppositely arranged single acting hydraulic actuators.
10. A coupling mechanism (100) according to any of the claims 1-9 wherein the coupling mechanism is configured to allow operation of the first actuator (22) and the second actuator (36), respectively, independently from any hydraulic control system of said tractor.
11. A coupling mechanism (100) according to any of the claims 1-10 further comprising a bracket (80) for mounting on an agricultural implement (200), said bracket comprising a transversal beam (82), a first longitudinal side wing (84) and a second longitudinal side wing (86); wherein said first longitudinal side wing and said second longitudinal side wing each comprises means (88) for mounting on an agricultural implement; and wherein said transversal beam comprises means (90) for mounting said second end (26) of said first hydraulic actuator.
12. A coupling mechanism (100) according to claim 11, wherein the means (88) for mounting on an agricultural implement comprises an opening (92) configured to accommodate a part of the agricultural implement (200) and/or one or more holes (94) for accommodating bolts for bolting the implement to the bracket.
13. A coupling mechanism (100) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein said means (90) for mounting said second end (26) of said first hydraulic actuator comprises two elements (96) extending in a forward direction from said transversal beam (82) and each comprising a hole for accommodating a bolt.
14. A tractor (300) comprising a coupling mechanism (100) according to any of the claims 1 -13.
15. An agricultural system (400) comprising a tractor (300) according to claim 14 in combination with an agricultural implement (200), wherein said second hydraulic actuator is being mounted on said agricultural implement and being configured to allow hydraulic adjustment of the working depth of a rear part (48) of said agricultural implement (200).
16. An agricultural system (400) according to claim 15, wherein said implement being a soil conditioning implement such as a plough or a harrow.
17. Use of a coupling mechanism (100) according to any of the claims 1 - 13 or of a tractor (300) according to claim 14 or of an agricultural system (400) according to claim 15 or 16 for a soil conditioning purpose.
18. Use according to claim 17, wherein the soil conditioning purpose being ploughing or harrowing.
19. A kit (500) for installing on a tractor (300) for improving the control of the working depth of a soil conditioning agricultural implement (200) to be towed behind said tractor, said kit comprising: a first hydraulic actuator (22); said hydraulic actuator is having a first end (24) configured to be pivotally mounted at a rear end of a tractor; and a second end (26) configured to be pivotally connected to a three point linkage of an agricultural implement; a hydraulic control valve (28) comprising an inlet (30) and an outlet (30’) for pressurized hydraulic fluid; one or more primary outlets (32) for supplying pressurized hydraulic fluid to said first hydraulic actuator (22); and one or more secondary outlets (34) for supplying pressurized hydraulic fluid to a second hydraulic actuator (36) being located on said implement (200) to be moved by said tractor (300); wherein said hydraulic control valve (28) comprising one or more individual valves for controlling the flow of hydraulic fluid from the inlet (30) for pressurized hydraulic fluid to the first hydraulic actuator (22) and the second hydraulic actuator (36), respectively.
20. A kit (500) according to claim 19 further comprising one or more features as defined in any of the claims 1-13.
Priority Applications (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| DKPA201500813A DK201500813A1 (en) | 2015-12-17 | 2015-12-17 | A system for controlling the working depth of an agricultural implement |
| PCT/DK2016/050436 WO2017101950A1 (en) | 2015-12-17 | 2016-12-16 | A system for controlling the working depth of an agricultural implement |
| EP16822885.6A EP3389353A1 (en) | 2015-12-17 | 2016-12-16 | A system for controlling the working depth of an agricultural implement |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| DKPA201500813A DK201500813A1 (en) | 2015-12-17 | 2015-12-17 | A system for controlling the working depth of an agricultural implement |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| DK201500813A1 true DK201500813A1 (en) | 2017-07-03 |
Family
ID=59055837
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| DKPA201500813A DK201500813A1 (en) | 2015-12-17 | 2015-12-17 | A system for controlling the working depth of an agricultural implement |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP3389353A1 (en) |
| DK (1) | DK201500813A1 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2017101950A1 (en) |
Citations (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4817730A (en) * | 1988-02-16 | 1989-04-04 | Deere & Company | Hydraulic weight transfer system for an implement with a lift assist wheel |
| US5261495A (en) * | 1991-01-11 | 1993-11-16 | Massey-Ferguson Services N.V. | Implement control |
| EP0852901A1 (en) * | 1996-07-05 | 1998-07-15 | Sugano Farm Machinery Mfg. Co. Ltd. | Bottom cultivating machine & field cultivating machine for forming soil layer having uniform field |
| US5894894A (en) * | 1996-05-15 | 1999-04-20 | Massey Ferguson S.A. | Control of a semi-mounted plough |
Family Cites Families (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE3235818A1 (en) * | 1982-09-28 | 1984-03-29 | Robert Bosch Gmbh, 7000 Stuttgart | Device for controlling the working depth of a soil-cultivating appliance |
| DE10035768A1 (en) * | 2000-07-22 | 2002-01-31 | Bosch Gmbh Robert | Control for soil-cultivator's depth of penetration incorporates electronic control with regulating variables based on signals from sensors |
-
2015
- 2015-12-17 DK DKPA201500813A patent/DK201500813A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
-
2016
- 2016-12-16 WO PCT/DK2016/050436 patent/WO2017101950A1/en active Application Filing
- 2016-12-16 EP EP16822885.6A patent/EP3389353A1/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4817730A (en) * | 1988-02-16 | 1989-04-04 | Deere & Company | Hydraulic weight transfer system for an implement with a lift assist wheel |
| US5261495A (en) * | 1991-01-11 | 1993-11-16 | Massey-Ferguson Services N.V. | Implement control |
| US5894894A (en) * | 1996-05-15 | 1999-04-20 | Massey Ferguson S.A. | Control of a semi-mounted plough |
| EP0852901A1 (en) * | 1996-07-05 | 1998-07-15 | Sugano Farm Machinery Mfg. Co. Ltd. | Bottom cultivating machine & field cultivating machine for forming soil layer having uniform field |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| EP3389353A1 (en) | 2018-10-24 |
| WO2017101950A1 (en) | 2017-06-22 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| PHB | Application deemed withdrawn due to non-payment or other reasons |
Effective date: 20191222 |