Hitch assembly and cross-tube structure for an agricultural implement

An agricultural implement is provided that includes a frame assembly. Moreover, the agricultural implement includes a multiple wheel assemblies coupled to the frame assembly. Additionally, the agricultural implement includes a cross-tube coupled to wheel assemblies and positioned between the wheel assemblies. The agricultural implement includes a rear hitch assembly coupled to the frame assembly. The rear hitch assembly is also configured to be coupled to an auxiliary implement. Furthermore, the cross-tube is positioned vertically above the rear hitch assembly.

BACKGROUND

The invention relates generally to agricultural implements, and more particularly, to a hitch assembly and cross-tube structure for an agricultural implement.

Agricultural implements are typically pulled through a field by a tow vehicle. The agricultural implements may direct tools to perform various functions in the field, such as fertilizing, opening, closing, cutting, and forming trenches. Certain agricultural implements may include a rear hitch assembly for towing an auxiliary implement (e.g., a tank assembly for storing agricultural material) behind the agricultural implement. As the size of farms grow, larger auxiliary implements may be utilized to store additional agricultural material (e.g., fertilizer, seeds, etc.). However, as auxiliary implement sizes increase, auxiliary implement weights also increase. An increased weight increases the stress applied to the hitch assembly and/or the agricultural implement. Accordingly, the hitch assembly may be constructed more robustly to withstand stress applied by larger auxiliary implements. Unfortunately, such reinforced hitch assemblies may reduce the ground clearance of the hitch assembly, possibly impeding maneuvering of the agricultural implement, and/or interfering with the agricultural functions of the implement.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

In one embodiment, an agricultural implement has a frame assembly, multiple wheel assemblies, a cross-tube, and a rear hitch assembly. The wheel assemblies are coupled to the frame assembly. The cross-tube is coupled to the frame assembly. Moreover, the cross-tube is coupled to the wheel assemblies and is positioned between the wheel assemblies. Furthermore, the rear hitch assembly is coupled to the frame assembly and configured to be coupled to an auxiliary implement. The cross-tube is positioned vertically above the rear hitch assembly.

In another embodiment, an agricultural implement has a frame assembly, multiple wheel assemblies, a cross-tube, and a hitch assembly. The wheel assemblies are coupled to the frame assembly. Moreover, the cross-tube is coupled to the wheel assemblies and positioned between the wheel assemblies. Furthermore, the hitch assembly is coupled to the frame assembly and the cross-tube and has a hitch configured to be coupled to an auxiliary implement, a tow vehicle, or some combination thereof.

In another embodiment, an agricultural implement has a frame assembly, multiple wheel assemblies, a cross-tube, and a hitch assembly. The wheel assemblies are coupled to the frame assembly. The agricultural implement also includes multiple support bracket assemblies. Each support bracket assembly is coupled to a respective one of the wheel assemblies. Moreover, the cross-tube is coupled to the support bracket assemblies and positioned between the support bracket assemblies. Furthermore, the hitch assembly is coupled to the frame assembly and has a hitch configured to be coupled to an auxiliary implement, a tow vehicle, or some combination thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1is a side view of an embodiment of an agricultural system10. The agricultural system10includes a tow vehicle12, an agricultural implement14, and a tank assembly16. The tow vehicle12may be any vehicle suitable for towing the agricultural implement14, such as a tractor, off-road vehicle, work vehicle, and so forth. Additionally, the agricultural implement14may be any implement suitable for agricultural use, such as a tiller implement, a fertilizer implement, or another agricultural implement. Furthermore, although the tank assembly16is illustrated, in other embodiments, any suitable auxiliary implement may be towed behind the agricultural implement14.

The tow vehicle12is coupled to the agricultural implement14by a front hitch assembly18. As illustrated, the agricultural implement14is coupled to the tank assembly16by a rear hitch assembly20. The agricultural system10travels over a surface22, such as the ground, a road, a field, or another surface. A distance24between a hitch of the front hitch assembly18and the surface22defines the ground clearance at the front of the agricultural implement14. Additionally, a distance26between a hitch of the rear hitch assembly20and the surface22defines the ground clearance at the rear of the agricultural implement14. In certain embodiments, changes in the distance24may result in an equivalent or opposite change in the distance26. The change in the distance26may cause a force against the hitch of the tank assembly16, thereby increasing stress on the tank assembly16and/or the agricultural implement14. Accordingly, in certain embodiments, the rear hitch assembly20may be configured to maintain a substantially constant distance26during operation of the agricultural system10to reduce stress on the agricultural implement14and/or the tank assembly16.

For purposes of discussion, reference may be made to a direction27parallel to the direction of travel of the agricultural implement14, a vertical direction28, and a direction29perpendicular to the direction of travel of the agricultural implement14. Furthermore, as discussed in detail below, certain embodiments of the agricultural implement14may include reinforced structures to accommodate heavier tank assemblies16without substantially lowering the ground clearance of the agricultural implement14. By maintaining or increasing the ground clearance, the agricultural implement14may be used without interfering with plants and/or residue in the field.

FIG. 2is a perspective view of an embodiment of the agricultural implement14ofFIG. 1. For purposes of discussion, reference may be made to a centerline C of the agricultural implement14. The illustrated embodiment of the implement14includes a frame assembly30, a cross-tube31, the front hitch assembly18, and the rear hitch assembly20. As illustrated, the cross-tube31is positioned vertically below the front hitch assembly18in the direction28. However, in other embodiments, the cross-tube31may be positioned above the front hitch assembly18. Furthermore, the front hitch assembly18is coupled to the frame assembly30(e.g., by one or more brackets, braces, bolts, welded connections, or another suitable connection). Moreover, the cross-tube31may be positioned vertically above both the frame assembly30and the rear hitch assembly20in the direction28. In other embodiments, the cross-tube31may be positioned vertically above the rear hitch assembly20, and coplanar with or vertically below the frame assembly30in the direction28. In addition, in some embodiments the cross-tube31may be positioned vertically above the frame assembly30in the direction28, and coplanar to or vertically below the frame assembly30in the direction28.

The front hitch assembly18includes a hitch32configured to be coupled to the tow vehicle12. Furthermore, the rear hitch assembly20includes a hitch34configured to be coupled to the tank assembly16. As illustrated, the front hitch assembly18includes a first arm36and a second arm38arranged in a y-shape. However, other embodiments of the front hitch assembly18may include 1, 2, 3, or more arms arranged in a suitable arrangement. For example, some embodiments may include arms arranged in a t-shape, u-shape, a-shape, or perpendicular configurations. Additionally, the first and second arms36and38of the front hitch assembly18are coupled to the frame assembly30. In certain embodiments, the front hitch assembly18may be coupled to the frame assembly30using welded connections, bolts, brackets, or other suitable connections for coupling the front hitch assembly18either statically or rotatably to the frame assembly30.

As illustrated, the frame assembly30includes a front cross-bar40, a middle cross-bar42, a rear cross-bar44, and support members46. In the illustrated embodiment, the cross-bars40,42, and44are configured in a parallel arrangement. Certain embodiments of the frame assembly30may include cross-bars oriented in a non-parallel arrangement and may include or exclude the support members46. Additionally, some embodiments of the frame assembly may include more or fewer cross-bars. As illustrated, the support members46extend cross-wise to the cross-bars40,42, and44to provide structural integrity to the frame assembly30.

The agricultural implement14includes multiple wheels48. As discussed below, the wheels48enable adjustment of the height of the frame assembly. The illustrated embodiment of the agricultural implement14includes ten wheels48, but other embodiments of the agricultural implement14may include 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or more wheels. Further, the agricultural implement14includes field preparation assemblies50coupled to the front cross-bar40and to the middle cross-bar42. The illustrated field preparation assemblies50include coulter discs52, but certain field preparation assemblies50may include harrows (e.g., disc harrows) or other suitable tools for preparing a field for deposition of agricultural material (e.g., seeds, fertilizer) into soil. Additionally, each field preparation assembly50includes a pivoting joint54configured to facilitate rotation of the coulter disc52when a force is applied to the field preparation assembly50. Moreover, each field preparation assembly50includes a spring56configured to bias the coulter disc52toward the soil surface. The illustrated embodiment of the agricultural implement14includes nineteen preparation assemblies50, but other embodiments of the agricultural implement14may include 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, or another number preparation assemblies. Further, each of the preparation assemblies50may be coupled either to a cross-bar (e.g., cross-bars40,42, or44) or to the support members46by one or more brackets, braces, bolts, welded connections, or another suitable connection.

The agricultural implement14includes multiple ground engaging assemblies58coupled to the rear cross-bar44, and one ground engaging assembly58coupled to the middle cross-bar42. As illustrated, the ground engaging assemblies58each include a ground engaging tool60, a closing system62, a pivot64, and a spring66. In some embodiments, the ground engaging tool60may be a hollow blade (e.g., knife) configured to engage soil and to deliver a fertilizer (e.g., anhydrous ammonia) on or into the soil. In other embodiments, the ground engaging tool60may be a plowshare or other suitable tool for engaging soil. The closing systems62are configured to close an opening in the soil formed by the ground engaging tool60, such as the disc sealers illustrated in the present embodiment.

The pivot64is configured to facilitate rotation of the ground engaging assembly58when the ground engaging tool60contacts an obstruction (e.g., rock) to protect the ground engaging tool60and/or the agricultural implement14. When the ground engaging tool60contacts an obstruction, the ground engaging assembly58rotates and compresses the spring66. After the ground engaging tool60no longer contacts the obstruction, the spring66decompresses and returns the ground engaging assembly58to the position maintained before encountering the obstruction. While the illustrated embodiment of the agricultural implement14includes nineteen ground engaging assemblies58, other embodiments of the agricultural implement14may include 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or more ground engaging assemblies58. Further, the ground engaging assemblies58may be coupled to the frame assembly30by one or more brackets, braces, bolts, welded connections, or another suitable connection.

In certain agricultural implements, the size of various components of the agricultural implement14(e.g., frame assembly30, front hitch assembly18, and rear hitch assembly20) may be increased to enable the agricultural implement14to tow larger auxiliary implements. However, by increasing the size of the various components, the ground clearance of the agricultural implement14may be reduced. Accordingly, the functionality of the agricultural implement14may be reduced. As discussed in detail below, certain embodiments enable the reinforcement of the agricultural implement14without reducing ground clearance thereby utilizing a more robust frame without reducing functionality of the agricultural implement. For example, the agricultural implement14may be used in a side-dressing application (e.g., of a fertilizer). In side-dressing applications, nutrients are placed on or in the soil near the roots of growing plants. As will be appreciated, a higher ground clearance of the agricultural implement14enables side-dressing plants of greater height (e.g., plant species or time elapsed in the plant's growth). In other words, by maintaining or raising the ground clearance, the agricultural implement14enables side-dressing applications to be performed for a larger variety of plants and/or later in a plant's growth cycle. Additionally, greater ground clearance of the agricultural implement14reduces the likelihood of field residue interfering with operation of the agricultural implement14(e.g., when applying fertilizer in the fall).

FIG. 3is a top view of a portion of the agricultural implement14ofFIG. 2having a reinforced frame assembly30. The illustrated embodiment of the agricultural implement14has the front hitch assembly18omitted for clarity. As previously discussed, the agricultural implement14includes the rear hitch assembly20. The rear hitch assembly20extends rearwardly in the direction27. In some embodiments, a longitudinal axis78of the rear hitch assembly20may be positioned along the centerline C of the agricultural implement14. The rear hitch assembly20includes a first arm80and a second arm82arranged in a y-shape. As illustrated, a ground engaging assembly58is coupled to the middle cross-bar42, and positioned between the first arm80and the second arm82. Furthermore, as illustrated, the y-shape formed by the first arm80and the second arm82enables the ground engaging assembly58to be disposed along the centerline C of the implement14.

As discussed in detail below, the first arm80and the second arm82are rotatably coupled to the middle cross-bar42. In the present embodiment, the agricultural implement14includes wheel assemblies83coupled to the frame assembly30and located adjacent to the first and second arms80and82of the rear hitch assembly20. The wheel assemblies83each include a cross-tube support bracket assembly84. As illustrated, the cross-tube31is coupled between the two cross-tube support bracket assemblies84. Specifically, the support bracket assemblies84are coupled to the cross-tube31by bolts85, but in other embodiments, may couple the support bracket assemblies84may be coupled to the cross-tube31by one or more brackets, braces, welded connections, or other suitable connections. The bracket assemblies84are coupled to structural supports86to facilitate the movement of the cross-tube31with the wheels48. As discussed below, the support bracket assemblies84may extend vertically upwardly from the structural supports86in the direction28to a position above the frame assembly30and/or the rear hitch assembly20. Additionally, the structural supports86are configured to enable the height of the frame assembly30to be adjusted. For example, the structural supports86may be rotated upwardly and/or downwardly, thereby varying the distance between the wheels48and the frame assembly30.

As illustrated, the agricultural implement14includes bracket assemblies88and90. Specifically, the bracket assembly88includes brackets92and94coupled to the cross-tube31. The bracket assembly88is configured to enable the first arm80to slidably couple to the cross-tube31. Similarly, the bracket assembly90includes brackets96and98coupled to the cross-tube31. The bracket assembly90is configured to enable the second arm82to slidably couple to the cross-tube31. As will be appreciated, by coupling the rear hitch assembly20to the cross-tube31at a location vertically above the rear hitch assembly20, the rear hitch assembly20is able to rotate to a position proximate to the front cross-bar40. In other words, the cross-tube31enables coupling the rear hitch assembly20to the frame assembly30without substantially decreasing the ground clearance of the agricultural implement14. Accordingly, the positions of the cross-tube31and support bracket assemblies84enable an increase in the clearance between the rear hitch assembly20and the ground. As previously discussed, by providing additional ground clearance, the agricultural implement14may facilitate increased flexibility in the locations and seasonal time periods suitable for using the agricultural implement14.

FIG. 4is a bottom view of a portion of the agricultural implement ofFIG. 2. As illustrated, the rear hitch assembly20includes a first pin assembly120coupling the first arm80to the middle cross-bar42. The first pin assembly120is coupled to brackets122and124. Specifically, the first pin assembly120includes a pin126inserted through an opening in the first arm80, and respective openings in the brackets122and124to pivotably secure the first arm80to the middle cross-bar42. As will be appreciated, the first pin assembly120enables the first arm80to rotate about the pin126in the vertical direction28. Likewise, the rear hitch assembly20includes a second pin assembly128coupling the second arm82to the middle cross-bar42. Similar to the first pin assembly120, the second pin assembly128is coupled to brackets130and132via a pin134. Specifically, the pin134is inserted through an opening in the second arm82, and respective openings in the brackets130and132to pivotably secure the second arm82to the middle cross-bar42, and to enable the second arm82to rotate about the pin134in the vertical direction28. Although the illustrated embodiments of the pin assemblies120and128include pins coupled to brackets to facilitate rotation of the rear hitch assembly20, some embodiments of the pin assemblies120and128may include other suitable connections (e.g., hinges, ball and socket joints, etc.) that enable rotation of the rear hitch assembly20in a suitable direction.

As discussed above, the bracket assemblies88and90are coupled to the cross-tube31. A third pin assembly136includes a pin138, and may include additional components (e.g., nuts, bolts, washers, clamps, etc.), suitable for securing the third pin assembly136to the bracket assembly88. As discussed below, the bracket assembly88and the pin assembly136together form a slidable connection between the first arm80and the cross-tube31. The slidable connection is formed by inserting the pin138through an opening in the first arm80, and respective openings in the brackets92and94. A fourth pin assembly140includes a pin142, and may include additional components suitable for securing the fourth pin assembly140to the bracket assembly90. Similar to the bracket assembly88, the bracket assembly90and the pin assembly140together form a slidable connection between the second arm82and the cross-tube31. The slidable connection is formed by inserting the pin142through an opening in the second arm82, and respective openings in the bracket96and the bracket98. For example, in certain embodiments, each of the openings is a slot configured to facilitate movement of the pins138and142relative to the brackets92,94,96, and98.

FIG. 5is a perspective view of a portion of the agricultural implement14ofFIG. 1. The front hitch assembly18, the field preparation assemblies50, and the ground engaging assemblies58are omitted fromFIG. 5to more clearly illustrate other portions of the agricultural implement14. As previously discussed, adjusting a position of the wheels48varies the height of the frame assembly30. Specifically, rotating the structural supports86varies the position of the wheels48, thereby adjusting the height of the frame assembly30. The structural supports86are coupled to the front cross-bar40by pin assemblies150. As will be appreciated, the pin assemblies150facilitate rotation of the structural supports86relative to the frame assembly30. To achieve rotation of the structural supports86, the agricultural implement14includes actuators152and mounting brackets154. In the illustrated embodiment, the actuators152are hydraulic actuators, while in other embodiments the actuators152may be another suitable type of actuator.

As the actuators152extend, the corresponding mounting brackets154rotate in a downward direction thereby inducing a corresponding structural support86to rotate in the downward direction28. In other words, by extending the actuators152, the actuators152drive the wheels48downwardly relative to the frame assembly30along the vertical direction28, thereby raising the frame assembly30to a greater height above the surface22. As will be appreciated, the actuators152may also be used to lower the frame assembly30relative to the surface22by retracting the actuators152. When the actuators152are retracted, the mounting brackets154and the structural supports86rotate in an upward direction, thereby driving the wheels48upwardly in the vertical direction28, and lowering the frame assembly30.

When the height of the frame assembly30is adjusted, the support structures86move in the opposite vertical direction28of the frame assembly30. In other words, as the frame assembly30is raised, the support structures86extend downwardly in the vertical direction28. As the actuators152induce the support structures86to move in the vertical direction28, the support bracket assemblies84, which are coupled to the support structures86, move in the same vertical direction28. Accordingly, the cross-tube31also moves in the same vertical direction28. In certain embodiments, the cross-tube31may move to a position vertically below the frame assembly30. In other embodiments, the cross-tube31may remain vertically above the frame assembly30even when the cross-tube31is at its lowest point relative to the frame assembly30. Moreover, when the support structures86pivot about the pin assemblies150, the support structures86move in the direction27in addition to moving in the vertical direction28. The movement of the support structures86in the direction27induces the support bracket assemblies84to rotate. The rotation of the support bracket assemblies84induces the cross-tube31to rotate about a longitudinal axis158of the cross-tube31.

As illustrated, each of the brackets92,94,96, and98are generally coupled below the cross-tube31and are configured to couple the rear hitch assembly20to the cross-tube31. In the illustrated embodiment, the cross-tube31is positioned above the rear hitch assembly20in the vertical direction28. Additionally, each of the brackets92,94,96, and98includes a slot156into which the pin138or the pin142is inserted. Each slot156is wider than a diameter of the corresponding pin. Accordingly, the pins138and142may slide within the slots156. As previously discussed, the cross-tube31rotates about its axis158when the height of the frame assembly30is adjusted. As the cross-tube31rotates about its axis158, the brackets92,94,96, and98also rotate about the longitudinal axis158of the cross-tube31. As will be appreciated, during the rotation of the cross-tube31, the pins138and142slide within the slots156to enable the rear hitch assembly20to rotate relative to the frame assembly30. In other words, the combination of pin assemblies120,128,136, and140with bracket assemblies88and90enable the rear hitch assembly20to rotate in relation to the frame assembly30, while positioning the cross-tube31above the rear hitch assembly20to provide additional ground clearance.

As previously discussed, the height of the frame assembly30may be adjusted by an automatic or manual system. Additionally or alternatively, operation of the agricultural implement14on an uneven surface may induce the height of the frame assembly30to vary. As discussed below, the rear hitch assembly20may compensate for the changes in the height of the frame assembly30to maintain a substantially consistent distance26between the hitch34and the surface22, thereby reducing stress on the agricultural implement14(e.g., the rear hitch assembly20, the front hitch assembly18) and the tank assembly16. Specifically, the hitch34of the rear hitch assembly20is connected to the tank assembly16at the height of a tank assembly hitch. By enabling the rotation of the rear hitch assembly20in relation to the frame assembly, the angle at which the rear hitch assembly20couples to the frame assembly30may vary. The variability of the angle between the rear hitch assembly20and the frame assembly30enables the agricultural implement14to compensate for changes to the height of the frame assembly30during operation.

By enabling the hitch34to maintain a substantially constant height during operation, the agricultural implement reduces stress (e.g., sheer) on the agricultural implement14(e.g., the rear hitch assembly20) and the tank assembly16. Additionally, by enabling the reinforcement of the agricultural implement14without reducing ground clearance by mounting the cross-tube31above the hitch assembly20, the agricultural implement14may enable the use of larger auxiliary implements (e.g., tank assembly16) without substantially interfering with the operation of the agricultural implement14. For example, greater ground clearance may enable the operation of the agricultural implement14in fields with taller plants and/or during later periods in a plant's growth cycle than is possible with an implement having lower ground clearance with a cross-tube mounted below a hitch assembly.