Abstract:
A tandem conditioning reel subsystem for use with a fully-integrated tillage implement including two modes of transportation: a working implement mode and a transportation mode, wherein the tandem conditioning reel subsystem includes trunnion bearing joint and a torsion axle arrangement which allows for superior coverage of the surface of a field.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority in U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos. 61/789,209, filed Mar. 15, 2013, 61/789,289, filed Mar. 15, 2013 and 61/789,352, filed Mar. 15, 2013, all of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present disclosed technology relates generally to agricultural farm equipment, and in particular to a high-speed tillage tool having soil conditioning double tandem reels, the tillage tool to be towed behind a tractor or other suitable vehicle for tilling a field or other piece of land. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    Tillage implements are generally towed behind tractors and can be equipped with one or more leveling reels or cylinders for conditioning and leveling the soil behind the implement during a tilling operation. The present invention relates to a tillage implement with conditioner reels adapted for raising and lowering relative to the implement frame. 
         [0006]    Typical disc tillers and vertical tillers have the negative aspect of soil compaction unless the vehicle is operated at very low speeds. It is difficult to have high quality soil conditioning while traveling at relatively high speeds (8-12 miles per hour). Additionally, transportation of such tillage equipment can be difficult. 
         [0007]    Heretofore there has not been available a tillage tool with the advantages and features of the disclosed subject matter. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    A fully-integrated tillage implement including two modes of transportation: a working implement mode and a transportation mode, wherein a transport wheel assembly can be hydraulically raised and lowered at will to transform the implement between the various positions. A hydraulic leveling bar affixed to the drawbar assembly serves to keep the entire implement level with the tractor while traversing a field or while towing the implement in transport mode. 
         [0009]    The present invention features two sets of rotary disc groups, each disc being individually and independently mounted to a respective mounting assembly, and a double tandem conditioning reel assembly connected by a bearing system specifically designed to allow the conditioning reels to contour to the earth while the implement is in a working orientation. Each element of the present invention is capable of moving with response to changes in field conditions as well as the orientation of the vehicle&#39;s components, thus providing a superior high-speed tillage implement. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]    The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the invention illustrating various objects and features thereof, wherein like references are generally numbered alike in the several views. 
           [0011]      FIG. 1  is an isometric perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention shown in a working configuration. 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  is a right side elevational view thereof, the opposing elevational view being a mirror image thereof 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  s a right side elevational view of an embodiment of the present invention shown in a transport configuration, the opposing elevational view being a mirror image thereof. 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  is a detailed isometric view of an embodiment of a tandem conditioning reel subsystem including bearing. 
           [0015]      FIG. 4A  is a more detailed isometric view of a torsion axle component thereof. 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  is an exploded isometric view thereof. 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  is a top plan view thereof. 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  is a side elevational detail view of an embodiment disc assembly subsystem. 
           [0019]      FIG. 8  is an exploded isometric view thereof. 
           [0020]      FIG. 9  is a detailed isometric view thereof. 
           [0021]      FIG. 10  is a sectional isometric view thereof 
           [0022]      FIG. 11  is a front elevational view thereof. 
           [0023]      FIG. 12  is a front sectional view thereof. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     I. Introduction and Environment 
       [0024]    As required, detailed aspects of the disclosed subject matter are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed aspects are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art how to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. 
         [0025]    Certain terminology will be used in the following description for convenience in reference only and will not be limiting. For example, up, down, front, back, right and left refer to the invention as orientated in the view being referred to. The words, “inwardly” and “outwardly” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the aspect being described and designated parts thereof. Forwardly and rearwardly are generally in reference to the direction of travel, if appropriate. Said terminology will include the words specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof and words of similar meaning 
       II. Embodiment of the Tillage Tool  2   
       [0026]    Referring to the drawings in more detail, the reference numeral  2  generally designates a tillage tool implement to be towed by a tractor or other suitable vehicle (not shown). The tillage tool  2  is generally constructed from a frame  10 , a draw bar assembly  12 , a pair of transport wheel assemblies  4  and the various tilling elements. The draw bar assembly also includes a ring coupling  14  and a chain  16  for securing to a vehicle. 
         [0027]    Each transport wheel assembly  4  is hingedly connected to the frame  10  via a hinge bar  30 , and is locked into one of two positions (working position and travel position) via a hydraulic linear actuator  42 . 
         [0028]    The draw bar assembly  12  is similarly hingedly connected to the frame  10  at two hinged points  32  and is kept level by a hydraulic leveling arm  18 . 
         [0029]    A pair of conditioning reels  6  connected in tandem via a bearing  7  is preceded by a row of front discs  20  and a row of rear discs  22 . Each disc is independently mounted to a leveling bar  8  via a disc mounting assembly  24 . Each is also protected with an air spring  34 , allowing the discs to work uneven fields with ease and without damaging a component. 
         [0030]    The tandem conditioning reels  6  serve to better conform to uneven terrain when the tillage implement  2  is being drawn through a field. When the transport wheel assemblies  4  are raised in a “working” position, the tandem conditioning reels are placed in direct contact with the earth. When the transport wheel assemblies are lowered into a “transport” position, the conditioning reels are automatically raised away from the earth. This is diagramed in  FIGS. 2 and 3  in more detail. 
         [0031]    As shown in  FIG. 3 , when the implement  2  is configured in a “transport” orientation, the wheels  38  of the transport wheel assemblies  4  contact the earth, and the conditioning reels  6  are lifted. This is caused by a hydraulic linear actuator  42  lifting an arm assembly  40  which is connected to the travel wheel assembly  4 . A separate hydraulic linear actuator  26  is connected to the mounting arm  31  which is connected to the bar  9  of the conditioning reels  6 , and this hydraulic linear actuator  26  lifts the conditioning reels away from the surface  36 . As this transformation takes place, a hydraulic level piston and cylinder  18  adjusts the leveling arm  19 , which levels the draw bar assembly  12  as necessary. 
         [0032]    The front disc  20  and rear disc  22  gangs may be alternative left and right discs as illustrated. They may be of varying sizes and designs, and they may optionally be angled. The conditioning reels  6  must follow the discs for optimum results. Additional tools, such as chisels, knives, and tines, could also be affixed behind the discs or the conditioning reels. 
         [0033]    The tools float as the implement  2  passes over uneven areas of a field. The front and rear discs float due to the air springs  34  affixed to those assemblies. In a preferred embodiment, the air springs  34  function similar to the invention disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,992,650 and 7,997,218 which are assigned to a common assignee to the present application and are incorporated herein by reference. 
       III. Bearing System  5  for Double Tandem Conditioning Reels 
       [0034]    Reference numeral  5  generally indicates a bearing system which utilizes two conditioning reels  6  operating in tandem, thereby increasing the ability to contour to a field&#39;s surface and increasing the coverage area of the conditioning reels. A formed side plate  7  provides an offset between the two reels, such that the reels are offset to maximize the surface area covered by the reels. This offset is built in at the angle  11  shown in  FIG. 6 , which separates the angled portion  13  from the leading  15  and trailing  17  ends. As shown more clearly in FIG.  4 , the disc elements of the reels is offset just enough that the discs of the rear conditioning reel is located at appoint between two discs of the foremost reel. 
         [0035]    The double tandem conditioning reels  6  increase contour cover of a field after the front  20  and rear  22  discs have worked the field. As shown in  FIG. 6 , the reels are joined to the formed plate  7  by bolts  52  connected to the trunnion joint ends  56  which in turn connect to the trunnion joint centerpiece  54 . This entire assembly surrounds a pivot point bolt  58  in which the reels  6  are joined to the joint by a bearing  60 . The end plate  59  of the reel  6  is pivotally connected to the trunnion bearing through the pivot bolt  58 , and is connected to the most adjacent intermediate plate  61  with a reel axle  57 . In a preferred embodiment, the axle  57  is only connected to the outer-most intermediate plate  61 , but it could be conceivable to extend the axle through additional plates. This construction allows the reels to spin freely, while providing lateral flexibility parallel to the direction of travel of the implement  2 . The pivot bolt  58  is accessible through an opening  55  in the plate  7 . 
         [0036]    As is true with all trunnion joints, the central element  54  provides a first level of flexibility to the reel  6 , and the pivot bolt  58  passing through the trunnion joint permits the reel to rotate on its axis. The side components  56  of the trunnion joint which are mounted to the formed plate  7  provide even more flexibility to the reel against its path of travel. 
         [0037]    Further aiding in flexibility is the torsion axle shown in  FIGS. 4 ,  4 A, and  5 . The bar  9  of the double tandem system  5  is connected to the mounting arm  31  by a mounting tube  48  affixed to a pair of mounting plates  46  which are bolted to the mounting arm  31 . Urethane or rubber torque tubes  50  are inserted between the bar  9  and the tube  48 . These rubber tubes are flexible and allow the axle to turn slightly without spinning, thus providing flexibility to the entire double tandem system  5 . 
         [0038]    As shown in  FIGS. 4 and 4A , the mounting arm  31  is bolted to the mounting plates  46  via a main mounting bolt  33  and at least two adjusting bolts  35  which are placed into adjusting bolt holes  37  depending upon the pitch of the mounting arm  31  and reels  6  as desired. A spacer  39  is also placed between the mounting plates  46  to maintain structural spacing. 
         [0000]    IV. Disc Assembly  24  with Thrust Bearing Assembly  66   
         [0039]      FIG. 7  generally shows a detailed elevational view of a disc assembly  24  for a front disc  20 , though the rear disc  22  would feature an identical assembly. A curved mounting shank  62  joins each disc  20  to an independent body structure  64 . Flexibility is given to the assembly by the air spring  34  which interfaces with the mounting shank  62  via a plate, and the thrust bearing assembly  66  which provides a rotation point for the arm. The entire concept here is to allow for the disc assembly to float in the field for superior contact with the soil, as well as to prevent damage to the disc or other equipment by allowing each disc to independently bounce over obstacles in the field such as rocks. 
         [0040]      FIG. 8  shows a more detailed explanation of the construction of the disc assembly  24 . Particularly important is the construction of the thrust bearing  66 , which is generally constructed from two bearings  70  housed within a bushing bearing housing  68  and integrated with two bushing bearing inserts  74 , two washers  72 , and two washer backers  76 . A bolt is threaded through these elements and the bearing connects the mounting shank  62  to the body  64  of the mounting assembly  24 . As stated above, the air spring is described in more detail in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,992,650 and 7,997,218 which are assigned to a common assignee to the present application and are incorporated herein by reference. 
         [0041]      FIGS. 9-12  show additional information pertaining to the structure of the thrust bearing  66 . The bolt  78  which is threaded through the components and the nut  80  which secures the bolt to the components is shown as it connects the bearing inserts  74  within the bearings  70  which are all encased in the bearing housing  68  which is manufactured from high molecular weight (HMW) plastic or a similarly suitable material capable of being weather resistant and highly resistant to wear. The bearing  66  must be capable of resisting axial forces as well as providing a pivot point for the shank  62  of the disc assembly  24 . 
         [0042]    It is to be understood that while certain aspects of the disclosed subject matter have been shown and described, the disclosed subject matter is not limited thereto and encompasses various other embodiments and aspects.