Abstract:
One or more portions of an agricultural implement may have components that can be adjusted to adjust the height of the portions. This can allow the implement to be used in a transport position or in a field use position. To better control the change in the height, an implement can include a mechanical control valve that mechanically controls an input to one or more actuators that are providing the height adjustment. The mechanical control valve can be used to attempt to synchronize the actuation or more than one actuator so that the height of the implement is adjusted in a controlled manner. The mechanical control valve can be self-adjusting to maintain a synchronized change in height.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to provisional application Ser. No. 62/314,075, filed Mar. 28, 2016, the contents of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety and for all purposes. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to agricultural implements. More particularly, but not exclusively, the invention relates to an agricultural planter wheel arm position that is load holding and does not require an electrical control system. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Agricultural implements, and particularly, agricultural planting implements, include numerous hydraulic cylinders. These cylinders are generally controlled and monitored via an electronic control system. This can cause problems if the electronics fail or are damaged. There is currently no hydraulic system for implements that provide mechanical feedback for wheel arm position that is load holding and does not require an electrical control system. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    It is a principal object, feature, and/or advantage of the present invention to overcome the deficiencies in the art. 
         [0005]    It is an object, feature, and/or advantage of the invention to control a change in height of an agricultural implement via a mechanical control valve. 
         [0006]    It is another object, feature, and/or advantage of the invention to attempt to substantially synchronize actuation of mechanisms for adjusting the height of an implement. 
         [0007]    It is still another object, feature, and/or advantage of the invention to mechanically meter an input to one or more actuators used to adjust the height of a portion of an implement to control the raising and/or lowering of the implement. 
         [0008]    These and/or other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The present invention is not to be limited to or by these objects, features and advantages. No single embodiment need provide each and every object, feature, or advantage. 
         [0009]    According to aspects of the invention, an agricultural implement is provided, and includes at least one member supported by a first wheel on a first side and a second wheel on a second side, the first and second wheels connected to the member via first and second wheel arms; and a system for actuating the first and second wheel arms to raise and lower the at least one member relative to the wheels; wherein the system comprises a mechanically-operated valve operatively connected to the first and second wheel arms for controlling the actuation of the system on the wheel arms to aid in raising and lowering the member to substantially raise and lower in sync. 
         [0010]    According to additional aspects of the invention, a method of raising and lowering one or more portions of an agricultural implement includes the steps of actuating first and second actuators associated with first and second wheels of the implement, said actuators actuated by an input; mechanically metering said input based upon the height at a first location of the implement compared to a height of a second location of the implement; said mechanically metering of the input controlling the raising and lowering of the first and second locations to substantially raise and lower the same in sync with one another. 
         [0011]    According to still further aspects of the invention, a method includes the step of mechanically metering the input for two or more actuators on an agricultural implement to substantially sync the movement of components of the implement based upon actuation of the two or more actuators. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an agricultural planter implement. 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is an isometric view of hydraulic components mounted to a typical row planter. 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  is a rear view of hydraulic components mounted to a typical row planter. 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  is a top bottom of hydraulic components mounted to a typical row planter. 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  is a side view of logic components mounted to a typical row planter. 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  is a schematic representation of circuit  1 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  is a schematic representation of circuit  2 . 
           [0019]      FIG. 8  is a schematic representation of circuit  3 . 
       
    
    
       [0020]    Various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts throughout the several views. Reference to various embodiments does not limit the scope of the invention. Figures represented herein are not limitations to the various embodiments according to the invention and are presented for exemplary illustration of the invention. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0021]      FIG. 1  shows an agricultural implement  10 , in this case, a planter for use with aspects of the invention. The implement  10  may be a planter, fertilizer, or the like, and is usually attached to and pulled by a tractor. However, it should be appreciated that other equipment and/or vehicles may move the implement  10 . For purposes of the present disclosure, the implement  10  will be referred to as a planter. The planter  10  includes a tongue  14  having a first end  16  and an opposite second end  20 . The tongue  14  includes a hitch  18 , with the hitch  18  being connectable to a tractor (not shown). At the second end  20  of the tongue  14  is a central tool bar  22 . The tongue  14  may be a telescoping tongue with components capable of being inserted into one another such that the planter  10  is a front folding style implement. However, the invention is not to be limited to such front folding style implements and is to include any such implement for use in the agricultural industry. For example, lift and rotate or rear folding planters are also contemplated to include some or all parts of the present disclosure. 
         [0022]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , central hoppers  38  are positioned at the central toolbar  22 . The hoppers  38  are configured to store seed, fertilizer, insecticide, or other types of material for use in farming. The use of the central hoppers  38  allows for a large amount of material to be added in a centralized location. However, the disclosure also contemplates the use of multiple hoppers positioned at each of the row units  34  of the planter  10 . When central hoppers  38  are used at the central toolbar  22 , it should be appreciated that the central hoppers will be in fluid communication with each of the row units  34 . Also connected to the central toolbar  22  is a plurality of central wheels  45 ,  47 ,  49 , and  51  extending generally downwardly from the central toolbar  22 . The wheels contact the ground and support substantially all or most of the weight from the central hoppers  38 . The wheels stabilize the implement  10  and contact the ground when in a working position or a transport position, e.g., if the implement  10  is a front folding implement such that the wings  30 ,  32  are folded forward with wing wheels  39 ,  168 ,  41 , and  42  not contacting the ground. 
         [0023]    Extending generally from both sides of the toolbar  22  are first and second wings  30  and  32 . The wings  30  and  32  are generally identical and mirror images of one another. Therefore, only one wing will be described with the knowledge that the other wing will be generally the same configuration. The first wing  30  includes a bar  36 . Mounted to the bar  36  are a plurality of row units  34 , as well as a plurality of wheels  39 ,  40 ,  41 , and  42 . The wheels  39 - 42  are configured to contact the ground. The row units  34  may include seed meters, fertilizers, insecticide sprayers, or other dispensers, discs, or plows. The wings  30 ,  32  may also include at least one fold cylinder  28  and a weight distribution cylinder  43 . The fold cylinder(s)  28  is configured to fold the wings to a position wherein the first and second wings  30 ,  32  are generally adjacent the tongue  14  of the implement  10 . Therefore, the fold cylinders  28  must be sufficiently strong enough to be able to move the wings. Furthermore, draft links  24 ,  26  may extend between the tongue  14  and the wings  30 ,  32  to aid in supporting and folding of the wings. The weight distribution cylinder  43  can be utilized to translate the weight of the planter across the width of the planter to avoid and/or mitigate compaction in the field. 
         [0024]      FIG. 1  also shows markers  17  and  12  connected to each of the wings  30  and  32 , respectively. The markers  12 ,  17  create an identifiable border to aid in traversing the field. The markers may be selectively used such that a cylinder  48  is activated to raise and lower the marker  12  from the position shown to a position wherein the marker  12  is in contact or near contact with the ground. 
         [0025]    Thus, as can be appreciated, there are numerous cylinders used with implements, such as a planter as shown and described. These cylinders are generally controlled and monitored via an electronic control system. This can cause problems if the electronics fail or are damaged. The invention provides for wheel arm position that is load holding and does not require an electrical control system. 
         [0026]      FIGS. 2-7  are exemplary embodiments of a mechanical cylinder synchronizer, which may be utilized with an agricultural implemental  10  according to aspects of the disclosure. During the transport-to-field sequence or the field-to-transport sequence, ideally the right and left sides of the implement raise or lower in synchronous relationship to each other, hence they are in phase. Rephasing is necessary when the left or right side raises or lowers faster or slower in relation to each other. 
         [0027]    As shown in  FIG. 2 , the planter  10  is viewed from the rear and in a lowered state. Lowered refers to the height of the toolbar relative to the ground, wherein the lowered state generally means a working state in which the row units are interacting with a field. Connected to the central toolbar  22  are left side central wheels  45  and  47 . On the right side of central toolbar  22  are center wheels  49  and  51 . Center wheels  45 ,  47 ,  49 , and  51  are supported by wheel arms  58 ,  60 ,  62 , and  64 . Wheel arms  58  and  60  are lifted and lowered via cylinders  44  and  46 . In a preferred embodiment, the cylinders are hydraulic cylinders, but it should be appreciated that the cylinders could be hydraulic, electric, pneumatic, or some combination thereof. Likewise, wheel arms  62  and  64  are lifted and lowered via cylinders  48  and  50 . Each lifting/lowering cylinder  44 ,  46 ,  48 , and  50  attaches to the central toolbar  22  to weldments  214 ,  216 ,  218 , and  220  via the cylinder barrel. Rotational arrow  222  represents wheel arms  58 ,  60 ,  62 , and  64  path of travel. With the wheels lowered, they are at position  222 A. With the toolbar lifted, the wheels are at position  222 B. 
         [0028]    As shown in  FIG. 3 , the planter  10  is viewed from the bottom, wherein the left side is seen on the left and the right side is seen on the right. Wheel arms  58 ,  60 ,  62 , and  64  are each weldments, which are comprised of components  58 A-C,  60 A-C,  62 A-C, and  64 A-C respectively. Each lifting/lowering cylinder  44 ,  46 ,  48 , and  50  threaded male rod end (not shown) is attached to wheel arm plates  58 B,  60 B,  62 B, and  64 B respectively. Further, as shown in  FIG. 4 , the planter  10  is viewed from the rear and in a lowered state. Hydraulic components related to mechanical cylinder synchronization are located within manifolds  66 ,  68  and  70 . Hydraulic circuit components which monitor each concentric shaft are located within logic manifold  66 . Left side lifting/lowering cylinder hydraulic circuit components are located within manifold  68 . Right side lifting/lowering cylinder hydraulic circuit components are located within manifold  70 . 
         [0029]      FIG. 6  shows aspects of an exemplary embodiment of an agricultural implement  10 , in this case, a mechanical cylinder synchronizer hydraulic circuit  11 . Coupler  74  connects to a prime mover (e.g., tractor, not shown) dedicated planter-lowering port on a selective valve control device (not shown). Likewise, coupler  76  connects to a prime mover (not shown) dedicated planter-lifting port on a selective valve control device (not shown). Couplers  74  and  76  each have a check valve  78  and  80 , respectively, that are mechanically opened when inserted into a tractor. When a prime mover operator (not shown) actuates the lowering function to lower planter  10  from a transport height to a lowered height for field use, pressurized hydraulic fluid flows through hydraulic line  104  to flow divider/combiners  98  and  100 . Flow divider/combiner  98  maintains a 50/50 flow to hydraulic lines  122  and  124 . Hydraulic lines  122  and  124  allow hydraulic fluid to flow into the in-stroke port of cylinders  44  and  46 . Simultaneously, flow divider/combiner  100  maintains a 50/50 flow to hydraulic lines  126  and  128 . Hydraulic lines  126  and  128  pressurizes the in-stroke of cylinders  48  and  50 . 
         [0030]    Valve  82  is closed when wing  32  is locked out. Closing valve  82  also closes valve  86 . Likewise, valve  84  is closed when wing  30  is locked out. Closing valve  84  also closes valve  88 . Logic valves  106  and  108  located in manifold  66  and are in direct contact with plunger arm  228 , as shown in  FIG. 5 . Manifold  66  is fixed to a plate, which is connected to one of the concentric shafts  54  on the wheel arm  60 . The opposite plate is fixed to the rocker  230 , which is connected to the other concentric shaft  56  from the opposing wheel arm  62 . When the shafts become misaligned, the rocker  230  pushes up on the plunger arm  228 , which closes the plunger valve  106  or  108  thus shutting the logic valve. Valve  86  can be controlled by both valves  82  and  106 . Valve  88  can be controlled by both valves  84  and  108 . Valves  106  and  108  can be closed at any time but not at the same time; this is dependent upon the respective rotation angle  222  of wheel arms  60  and  62  in the synchronizer manifold  66 . Slip clutch  226  prevents any damage to the rotational assembly  224  if rocker arm  228  reaches its max movement. 
         [0031]    Valves  90  and  92  are for accessory functions and are not needed for the synchronizer to operate, but are used for other fold functions (this is valid for circuit  11  and circuit  13 ). The operator operates a switch or button to send voltage to the valve to open it. Without this signal, the planter cannot be lowered in the transport position. Valve  92  overrides valve  82  in lowering functions when wings are locked for the left side. Valve  96  overrides valve  84  in lowering functions when wings are locked for the left side. Thus, utilizing circuit  11  when the planter is in a non-phased position (tipped), the low side is locked (caught) in place until the high side is retracted to within phase of the lower cylinder providing a rephasing function mid stroke during the lowering function). The catch function is completely mechanical such that it is independent of whether hydraulic or electrical power is applied or not, creating a safety catch during transportation, planting, or storage from possible leaks or drift. 
         [0032]      FIG. 7  shows aspects of another exemplary embodiment of an agricultural implement  10 , in this case, mechanical cylinder synchronizer hydraulic circuit  13 . Coupler  74  connects to a prime mover (not shown) dedicated planter-lowering port on a selective valve control device, not shown. Likewise, coupler  76  connects to a prime mover (not shown) dedicated planter-lifting port on a selective valve control device, not shown. Couplers  74  and  76  each have a check valve  78  and  80  respectively that are mechanically opened when inserted into a tractor (not shown). When a prime mover operator (not shown) actuates the lowering function to lower planter  10  from a transport height for field use, pressurized hydraulic fluid flows through hydraulic line  104  to flow divider/combiners  98  and  100 . Flow divider/combiner  98  maintains a 50/50 pressure to hydraulic lines  122  and  124 . Hydraulic lines  122  and  124  allow hydraulic fluid to flow into the in-stroke port of cylinders  44  and  46 . Simultaneously, Flow divider/combiner  100  maintains a 50/50 pressure to hydraulic lines  126  and  128 . Hydraulic lines  126  and  128  pressurizes the in-stroke of cylinders  48  and  50 . Shuttle valves  140 ,  148  and check valve  136  allow pressure to drain to the return (line  152 ) thus permitting flow through valve  86 . If valve  106  is closed, pressure builds on the control port of  86 , thus blocking flow during the lowering function. 
         [0033]    When a prime mover operator (not shown) actuates the lifting function to raise planter  10  from field use to transport height, pressurized hydraulic fluid flows through hydraulic line  152  to manifold  132  and through valves  90  and  82 . Valve  82  is open when wing  32  is in the folded or transport position. Check valve  136  allows pressurized fluid to flow logic valve  106  to shuttle valve  140 . Shuttle valves  140  and  150  provide pressure feedback to each cylinder  48  and  50  out-stroke port through hydraulic lines  160  and  162  and thus to maintain a constant psi drop across cylinders  44  and  46 . Concurrently, pressurized hydraulic fluid flows through hydraulic line  160  to manifold  134  and through valves  94  and  84 . Valve  84  is open when wing  32  is in the folded or transport position. Check valve  144  allows pressurized fluid to flow logic valve  108  to shuttle valve  144 . Shuttle valves  144  and  148  provide pressure feedback to each cylinder  44  and  46  out-stroke port through hydraulic lines  152  and  162  and thus to maintain a constant psi drop across cylinders  44  and  46 . Shuttle valves  146 ,  148  and check valve  144  allow pilot pressure to drain to out the stroke port of cylinders  44  and  46  if plunger valve  108  is open. If valve  108  is closed, pilot pressure builds on control port of valve  86 , thus closing valve  86  and blocking flow during the lifting function. 
         [0034]    Slip clutch  226  prevents any damage to the rotational assembly  224  if rocker arm  228  reaches its max movement. Valves  90  and  92  are for accessory functions and are not needed for the synchronizer to operate but are used for other fold functions. The operator has to operate a switch or button to send voltage to the valve to open it. Without this signal, the planter cannot be lowered in the transport position. Valve  92  overrides valve  82  in lowering functions when wings are locked for the left side. Valve  96  overrides valve  84  in lowering functions when wings are locked for the left side. 
         [0035]    Thus, utilizing circuit  13  when the planter is in a non-phased position (tipped), the low side is locked (caught) in place until the high side is retracted to within phase of the lower cylinder providing a rephasing function mid stroke during the lowering function). The catch function is completely mechanical such that it is independent of whether hydraulic or electrical power is applied or not, creating a safety catch during transportation, planting, or storage from possible leaks or drift. In addition, circuit  13  can rephase itself mechanically during lift. Flow is blocked to the higher cylinder until the lower cylinder is in phase with the higher cylinder. 
         [0036]      FIG. 8  shows yet another embodiment of an agricultural implement  10 , in this case, a mechanical cylinder synchronizer hydraulic circuit  15 . Plunger valves  106  and  108  are located in manifold  232  and are in direct contact with plunger arm  228 . See, e.g.,  FIG. 5 . Valves  182  and  188  are mechanically controlled pressure relief valves that are connected to concentric shafts  54  and  56 . They function similar to valves  106  and  108  but instead of being open or closed, their pressure setting is increased, which in turn induces an extra load on their respective cylinders. Valves  106  and  108  still function as a “catch” during lift. When a prime mover operator (not shown) actuates the lifting function to raise planter  10  from field use height to a transport height, pressurized hydraulic fluid flows through hydraulic line  210 . 
         [0037]    Pressure from the line  210  forces open the valve  186 . Pilot pressure flows through check valves  204 ,  108 ,  188  (which has a setting of 0 psi when cylinders are in phase),  206  or to the return. If the pressure setting of valve  188  is increased by an increase of the position angle error, the pressure required to open valve  186  increases, thus balancing the load between the left and right cylinders. 
         [0038]    When a prime mover operator (not shown) actuates the lowering function to raise planter  10  from transport height to field use height, pressurized hydraulic fluid flows through hydraulic line  212 . 
         [0039]    Pressure from line  212  forces open valve  188 . Pilot pressure flows through check valves  196 ,  106 ,  182  (which has a setting of 0 psi when cylinders are in phase),  198  or too the return. If the pressure setting of valve  182  is increased by an increase of the position angle error, the pressure required to open valve  192  increases thus balancing the load between the left and right cylinders. 
         [0040]    Therefore, various systems, methods, and apparatus are provided to aid in controlling the lifting and/or lowering of an agricultural implement, or portions thereof. The circuits, controls, assemblies, etc., shown and described provide for a controlled lowering/lifting of the implement without requiring an electric control system. Instead, the disclosure provides for a mechanical feedback in the form of automatically shutting off the flow of hydraulics during the lifting or lowering process when one side becomes out of phase with the other. This allows the “lagging” side to catch up until the sides of the implement are or are close to one another in phase (i.e., lowering together). 
         [0041]    Utilizing the mechanical feed provides numerous advantages. The system is less technical, and therefore, less complex than electrically-driven control systems that require complex algorithms and measurements to aid in providing substantially uniform lowering and/or lifting of the implement. The mechanical system is self-actuating in that the lag of one side will actuate the valve on the opposite side that is ahead, which will close off the valve, either entirely or partially, in order to allow the lagging side to continue to move to catch up until such point wherein the sides are in sync or substantially in sync. The closing and opening of the valves will direct and redirect the hydraulic fluid passing through the system, which is being used to lower and lift the implement via the cylinders. Thus, the system becomes less complex by not controlling the volumetric flow via solenoid or other electrically-driven mechanism, and instead by one mechanical plunger or other mechanism mechanically actuating the other to operate. 
         [0042]    However, it should also be appreciated that any of the methods, systems, and/or apparatus shown and/or disclosed could include some electrically-operated components, which could act alone or in tandem with the mechanical components to aid in lifting and/or lowering the portions of the implement such that the lifting/lowering occurs in sync or at least partially in sync. The addition of the electrical components can provide a more controlled and/or precise measuring and/or redirecting of the hydraulic fluid, electric current, air, or other fluid that is being used to actuate the cylinders that are providing the lifting and/or lowering actions. 
         [0043]    Therefore, the system, method, and means of lifting and/or lowering sections of a planter have been disclosed. The invention contemplates numerous variations, options, and alternatives, and it is not to be limited to the specific embodiments described herein. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that, while the invention has been heretofore disclosed, various other changes may also be included within the scope of the invention.