Track undercarriage camber stop method

An undercarriage assembly including a track assembly that can be oriented to align with the primary roll axis of the farm implement. The track assembly can be pivotably connected to an undercarriage arm of the farm implement such that the track assembly can be pivoted about a pivot axis parallel to the roll axis of the farm implement. In this configuration, when moving a farm implement in a direction parallel to the roll axis, the track assembly can pivot around the pivot axis in response to an angled road surface to maximize the amount of the track surface that contacts the road surface.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This document pertains generally, but not by way of limitation, to track undercarriage systems for farming implements.

BACKGROUND

In recent years, the average acreage of individual farms has continually increased. To efficiently process the greater acreage, modern farming implements have correspondingly increased in size to maximize the number rows that can be planted, treated, harvested, or otherwise processed with each pass of the farm implement. However, the corresponding increased weight of modern farm implements can compact the soil or planted crops beneath the undercarriage of the farm implement, which can hinder planting or damage crops. As such, processing of fields is often limited or delayed until planted crops reach sufficient size to survive compacting by undercarriage of the farm implement.

To accommodate the additional weight, farm implements can often be fitted with rubber track undercarriages that distribute the weight of the farm implement over a larger surface area. The increased floatation provided by the rubber tracks reduces compaction of the soil and crops allowing more frequent and earlier use of the farm implements. However, while rubber tracks are advantageous for moving the heavy implement across loose soil or a planted field, the rubber tracks are susceptible to damage when traveling on tarmac.

Farm implements are frequently driven on roads when being transported between fields. The residual heat of the road or the heat generated from friction between the rubber track and the tarmac can destroy or greatly reduce the effective life of the rubber track. Also, roads are often rounded or crowned to angle the road surface causing precipitation to run off the road. Typically, the road surface is angled downward from a center apex of the road such that precipitation runs off the sides of the road. The angling of the road surface and the large width of the farm implement can cause only a portion of the rubber track to contact the road concentrating the weight typically distributed across the entirety of the rubber track within the limited contacting portion. The increased friction between the contact portion and the road can cause localized heating increasing the wear rate at which the contact portion. Also, concentrating the weight within the contact portion reduces the overall weight that can be supported by the support structures of the rubber track.

Overview

The present inventors have recognized, among other things, that a problem to be solved can include the increased wear on rubber track undercarriages and the reduced load capacity caused by crowned or uneven road surfaces. In an example, the present subject matter can provide a solution to this problem, such as by a farm implement including a track assembly that can be oriented to align with the primary roll axis of the farm implement. The track assembly can be pivotably connected to an undercarriage arm of the farm implement such that the track assembly can be pivoted about a pivot axis parallel to the primary roll axis of the farm implement. In this configuration, when moving a farm implement in a direction parallel to the primary roll axis (e.g. down a road), the track assembly can pivot around the pivot axis in response to an angled road surface to maximize the amount of the track surface that contacts the road surface. The increased contact area between the road surface and the track surface avoids localized heating of certain areas of the track surface that can cause heated areas of the track surface to wear faster that other regions.

This overview is intended to provide an overview of subject matter of the present patent application. It is not intended to provide an exclusive or exhaustive explanation of the present subject matter. The detailed description is included to provide further information about the present patent application.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As illustrated inFIG. 1, a farm implement10, according to an example of the present disclosure, can include an implement frame12and at least one farming tool14mounted on the implement frame12. The farming tool14can include but is not limited to soil cultivation, planting, fertilizing, irrigation, and harvesting implements. The farm implement10can further comprise at least one undercarriage assembly16for supporting the farm implement10. The undercarriage assembly16can include an undercarriage arm18operably connected to the implement frame12and pivotably connected to a track assembly20.

As illustrated in theFIG. 1, the farm implement10can be driven or pulled along a roll axis x-x. The farm implement10can be configured to be towed, driving by at least one of the track assemblies20, driven by a drive system (not shown), or a combination thereof. For the purposes of this disclosure, the roll axis x-x is the longitudinal axis extending from the center of the front end of the farm implement10to the center of the rear end of the farm implement10such that moving the farm implement10straight forward or backwards moves the farm implement10along the roll axis x-x.

As depicted inFIGS. 2-3, a track assembly20, according to an example, can include a track frame22and a plurality of rollers24positioned on the track frame22. A continuous track26moveable around the plurality of roller24. The continuous track26can comprise rubber, elastomer, metal plates and linkages, and other flexible material or segments. In an example, the plurality of rollers24can include at least two idler rollers24A and at least one secondary roller24B, wherein the idler rollers24A have a larger diameter than the secondary rollers24B. The idler rollers24A can be positioned apart to form a planar portion of the continuous track26for contacting an underlying surface, where the secondary rollers24B are positioned between the idler rollers24A to minimize deformation of the continuous track26between the idler rollers24A.

As depicted inFIGS. 3-4, the track frame22can include a socket28for receiving a bearing stud30of the undercarriage arm18. The unitary ball configuration can permit pivoting of the track assembly20, and correspondingly the planar portion of the continuous track26, relative to the undercarriage arm18. In an example, the undercarriage arm18can include a vertical adjustment assembly (not shown) operably connecting the undercarriage arm18to the implement frame12. The vertical adjustment assembly can move the undercarriage arm18vertically or pivot the undercarriage arm18to move the track assembly20vertically. In an example, the vertical adjustment assembly can include but is not limited to a shock absorbing element for dampening vertical irregularities in the road surface.

As depicted inFIG. 4, in an example, the undercarriage assembly16can further comprise a tilt control linkage32providing a second connection between the undercarriage arm18and the track assembly20. The tilt control linkage32can include a first end34pivotably connected to a connection rod35of track frame22. The tilt control linkage32can also include a camber stop block36positioned at a second end opposite the first end34. The camber stop block36can be slidably receive within a track38within the undercarriage arm18.

As illustrated inFIG. 5A-C, the camber slot block36can be slid along a slide axis y-y within the track38to pivot the track assembly20around pivot axis z-z. In an example, the track assembly20can pivot at least about +/−20 degrees about pivot axis z-z. In another example, the track assembly20can pivot at least about +/−10 degrees about the pivot axis z-z. In another example, the track assembly20can pivot at least about +/−5 degrees about the pivot axis z-z. The camber stop block36can be mechanically moved by a motor or hydraulic piston. In an example, camber stop block36can freely slide within the track38to permit the track assembly20pivot freely. The track assembly20can oriented such that pivot axis z-z is parallel to the roll axis x-x. In this configuration, the planar portion of the continuous track26can be oriented to correspond to the angle of the underlying surface. For example, the planar portion of the continuous track26can be oriented to correspond to a crowned or otherwise angled road surface. In an example, the tilt control linkage32can limit or prevent rotation of track assembly20in about axis transverse to the pivot axis z-z.

In an example, the camber stop block36can be mechanically moved by a motor or hydraulic piston44. In another example, camber stop block36can freely slide within the track38to permit the track assembly20pivot freely. As depicted inFIG. 6, the undercarriage arm18can include a camber stop plate40moveable to intersect the track38and engage the camber stop block36. In an example, the camber stop block36can include a slot42for receiving the camber stop plate40. The camber stop plate40can engage the camber stop block36to prevent sliding of the camber stop block36and fix the pivot of the track assembly20via the tilt control linkage32.

Various Notes & Examples

Example 1 is an undercarriage assembly for a farm implement, comprising: an undercarriage arm; and a track assembly pivotably connected to the undercarriage arm, the track assembly having a continuous track moveable around a plurality of rollers to contact an underlying surface beneath the farm implement; wherein the track assembly is configured to pivot about a pivot axis parallel to a roll axis of the farm implement to align the continuous track with the underlying surface.

In Example 2, the subject matter of Example 1 optionally includes wherein the track assembly further comprises: a track frame defining a socket for receiving a bearing stud of the undercarriage arm to pivotably connected the track assembly to the undercarriage arm; wherein the plurality of rollers are mounted on the track frame such that pivoting the track frame pivots the continuous track.

In Example 3, the subject matter of Example 2 optionally includes wherein the plurality of rollers comprises: at least two idler rollers; and at least one secondary roller positioned between the idler wheels; wherein the idler wheels and the secondary roller are oriented in a linear configuration to define a planar portion of the continuous track for interfacing with the underlying surface.

In Example 4, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-3 optionally include a tilt control linkage having a first end pivotably connected to the track assembly and a second end having a stop block slidably received within a track in the undercarriage arm.

In Example 5, the subject matter of Example 4, wherein the camber stop block is slidable within the track along a slide axis transverse to the pivot axis to pivot the track assembly around the pivot axis.

In Example 6, the subject matter of Example 5 optionally includes wherein the undercarriage arm further comprises a camber stop plate moveable to engage the camber stop block; wherein the camber stop plate prevents sliding of the camber stop block and pivoting of the track assembly about the pivot axis.

In Example 7, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 4-6 optionally include wherein the tilt control linkage is offset from the undercarriage arm such that the tilt control linkage and undercarriage arm limit rotation of the track assembly in a plane parallel to the pivot axis.

In Example 8, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-7 optionally include wherein the undercarriage arm further comprises: a vertical adjustment assembly for moving the undercarriage arm along a vertical axis to elevate and lower the track assembly.

Example 9 is a farm implement, comprising: an implement frame, wherein at least one farming tool is mounted on the implement frame; an undercarriage arm operably connected to the implement frame; and a track assembly pivotably connected to the undercarriage arm, the track assembly having a continuous track moveable around a plurality of rollers to contact an underlying surface beneath the farm implement; wherein the track assembly is configured to pivot about a pivot axis parallel to a roll axis of the farm implement to align the continuous track with the underlying surface.

In Example 10, the subject matter of Example 9 optionally includes wherein the track assembly further comprises: a track frame defining a socket for receiving a bearing stud of the undercarriage arm to pivotably connected the track assembly to the undercarriage arm; wherein the plurality of rollers are mounted on the track frame such that pivoting the track frame pivots the continuous track.

In Example 11, the subject matter of Example 10 optionally includes wherein the plurality of rollers comprises: at least two idler rollers; and at least one secondary roller positioned between the idler wheels; wherein the idler wheels and the secondary roller are oriented in a linear configuration to define a planar portion of the continuous track for interfacing with the underlying surface.

In Example 12, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 9-11 optionally include a tilt control linkage having a first end pivotably connected to the track assembly and a second end having a stop block slidably received within a track in the undercarriage arm.

In Example 13, the subject matter of any of Example 12, wherein the camber stop block is slidable within the track along a slide axis transverse to the pivot axis to pivot the track assembly around the pivot axis.

In Example 14, the subject matter of Example 13 optionally includes wherein the undercarriage arm further comprises: a camber stop plate moveable to engage the camber stop block; wherein the camber stop plate prevents sliding of the camber stop block and pivoting of the track assembly about the pivot axis.

In Example 15, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 12-14 optionally include wherein the tilt control linkage is offset from the undercarriage arm such that the tilt control linkage and undercarriage arm limit rotation of the track assembly in a plane parallel to the pivot axis.

In Example 16, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 9-15 optionally include wherein the undercarriage arm further comprises: a vertical adjustment assembly movably connecting the undercarriage arm to the implement frame, the vertical adjustment assembly configured to move the undercarriage arm along a vertical axis to elevate and lower the track assembly.

Example 17 is a method of moving a farm implement, comprising: providing a implement frame having undercarriage arm pivotably connected to a track assembly, the track assembly having a continuous track moveable around a plurality of rollers; moving the frame implement across an underlying surface along a roll axis; and pivoting the track assembly around a pivot axis parallel to the roll axis to align the continuous track with the underlying surface.

In Example 18, the subject matter of Example 17 optionally includes wherein the track assembly further comprises: a track frame defining a socket for receiving a bearing stud of the undercarriage arm to pivotably connect the track assembly to the undercarriage arm; wherein the plurality of rollers are mounted on the track frame such that pivoting the track frame pivots the continuous track.

In Example 19, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 17-18 optionally include connecting the track assembly to the undercarriage arm with a tilt control linkage, the tilt control linkage having a first end pivotably connected to the track assembly and a second end having a stop block slidably received within a track in the undercarriage arm; and sliding the camber stop block within the track along a slide axis transverse to the pivot axis to pivot the track assembly around the pivot axis.

In Example 20, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 17-19 optionally include moving the undercarriage arm along a vertical axis to elevate and lower the track assembly.

Each of these non-limiting examples can stand on its own, or can be combined in any permutation or combination with any one or more of the other examples.