Abstract:
A depth control system for a frame mounted to a movement system, wherein the frame is mounted such that the frame can be raised and lowered in relation to the movement system by a depth adjustment system, the depth control system comprising: a depth control support attached to the depth adjustment system and configured to move with the frame during depth adjustment; a depth control arm extending from the depth control support towards a first end of the frame; a frame guide incorporated to the first end of the frame designed to receive the depth control arm; and a locking mechanism adapted to receive and lock the depth control arm in relation to the frame guide such that the depth control support prevents the frame from moving in at least one direction.

Description:
[0001]    This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/231,744 filed Aug. 6, 2009, which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD 
       [0002]    This application generally relates to a depth or height control system for equipment that includes implements to be raised and lowered. More particularly, the present application relates to an improved depth or height control system for farm equipment. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Large scale farming involves the use of power-driven assemblies of cultivation equipment to allow for cultivating and planting fields faster, more efficiently, and with less expenditure of resources. In many cases, the equipment, such as tillage equipment, includes a frame or platform that is towed behind a powered vehicle, such as a tractor. These equipment frames can be raised or lowered in relation to supports, typically wheels, in order to bring the tools in contact with the ground or crops at an appropriate height. Maintaining an appropriate height can be an important factor. For example, in planting, seed depth impacts when the plants will germinate and subsequently grow. This can determine when a crop matures and can have an impact on yield or the like. 
         [0004]    The raising and lowering of the equipment frame can be handled by hydraulic or similar systems provided on the equipment (here, the term “hydraulics” is intended to include both air and oil types). A disadvantage of using hydraulic systems is the tendency to leak fluid. In these systems, the seals required to separate the pressurized hydraulic fluid from the atmosphere can wear and leaks may occur. Further, when the pressure within the hydraulic system is fluctuating due to differing pressures from the farm implements and the like, additional stresses are placed on the mechanical components of the hydraulic systems, which increases the likelihood of breakdown. If there is a leak or breakdown, the hydraulic system will not be able to maintain or change the height of the frame. 
         [0005]    Some conventional systems make use of mechanical stops or the like to maintain height if, for example, the hydraulics fail or are overloaded. However, systems making use of a mechanical stop can be difficult to adjust to a preferred height or depth because they need to be adjusted under a load, whether due to the hydraulics or because the farm implements are in a lowered position or the like. In these systems, the hydraulics typically need to be depressurized before the mechanical stop can be set. 
         [0006]    As such, there is need for an improved depth control for height adjustment systems. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0007]    Generally speaking, the embodiments herein relate to a depth or height control for a depth/height adjustment system on a piece of equipment. In particular, the embodiments relate to a depth control system that provides an improved mechanical stop or locking mechanism in relation to a depth setting of a frame of a piece of equipment. The mechanical stop can be adjusted by a predetermined amount, for example, every ½″, to set the frame at the desired working depth. The depth control system is configured such that it can be adjusted from the front of the equipment, with ease under no load or resistance when the equipment is raised or in the transport mode. There is no need to depressurize the hydraulics or the like. 
         [0008]    In one aspect there is provided a depth control system for a frame mounted to a movement system, wherein the frame is mounted such that the frame can be raised and lowered in relation to the movement system by a depth adjustment system, the depth control system comprises: a depth control support attached to the depth adjustment system and configured to move with the frame during depth adjustment; a depth control arm extending from the depth control support towards a first end of the frame, a frame guide incorporated to the first end of the frame designed to receive the depth control arm; and a locking mechanism adapted to receive and lock the depth control arm in relation to the frame guide such that the depth control support prevents the frame from moving in at least one direction. 
         [0009]    In a particular case, the locking mechanism of the depth control system may have a sleeve designed to abut against the frame guide, the sleeve comprising at least one positioning hole that matches a plurality of positioning holes within the depth control arm. 
         [0010]    In this case, the locking mechanism further may further have a pin designed to fit the at least one positioning hole of the sleeve and the plurality of positioning holes in the depth control arm. 
         [0011]    In one particular case, the plurality of positioning holes within the depth control arm may be offset every ½ inch. 
         [0012]    In another particular case, the depth control system may include a fine adjustment mechanism. The fine adjustment mechanism may have a clevis and a threaded bolt provided to the connection between the depth control support and the depth control arm. 
         [0013]    In some cases, the depth the depth adjustment system may have a suspension system. 
         [0014]    In some particular cases, the suspension system further may have hydraulics. 
         [0015]    In another aspect, there is provided a depth control system for a frame mounted to a wheel frame, wherein the depth control system is mounted between the frame and the wheel frame such that the frame may be lowered in relation to the wheels, the depth control system comprising: a depth control support and a frame support wherein the depth control support and the frame support are configured to move during depth adjustment; a depth control arm extending from the depth control support towards a first end of the frame, the depth control arm comprising a plurality of positioning holes on an end; a support arm extending from the frame support towards the first end of the frame; a frame guide incorporated to the first end of the frame designed to receive the depth control arm and the support arm; a sleeve designed to abut against the frame guide, the sleeve comprising at least one hole that matches the plurality of positioning holes within the depth control arm; and a pin designed to fit the at least one positioning of the sleeve and the plurality of positioning holes in the depth control arm such that the depth control support prevents the frame from moving in at least one direction. 
         [0016]    In a particular case, the plurality of positioning holes within the depth control arm may be offset every ½ inch. 
         [0017]    In another particular case, the depth control system may include a fine adjustment mechanism. The fine adjustment mechanism may have a clevis and a threaded bolt provided to the connection between the depth control support and the depth control arm. 
         [0018]    In a particular case, the depth control system may be operatively connected to a suspension system. The suspension system may have hydraulics. 
         [0019]    In still another aspect, there is provided farm equipment comprising: a movement system; a center frame; a depth control system mounted between the center frame and the movement system such that the center frame can be raised or lowered in relation to the movement system by a depth adjustment system, the depth control system comprising: a depth control support attached to the depth adjustment system and configured to move with the frame during depth adjustment; a depth control arm extending from the depth control support towards a first end of the frame; a frame guide incorporated to the first end of the frame designed to receive the depth control arm; and a locking mechanism adapted to receive and lock the depth control arm in relation to the frame guide such that the depth control support prevents the center frame from moving in at least one direction. 
         [0020]    In one case, the farm equipment of claim may have at least one side attachment attached to the center frame wherein the at least one side attachment comprises: a side attachment movement system; a side attachment frame and a depth control system mounted between the side attachment frame and the side attachment movement system such that the side attachment frame can be raised or lowered in relation to the side attachment movement system by a depth adjustment system at a different depth than the center frame, the depth control system comprising: a depth control support attached to the depth adjustment system and configured to move with the frame during depth adjustment; a depth control arm extending from the depth control support towards a first end of the frame; a frame guide incorporated to the first end of the frame designed to receive the depth control arm; and a locking mechanism adapted to receive and lock the depth control arm in relation to the frame guide such that the depth control support prevents the side attachment frame from moving in at least one direction. 
         [0021]    In some cases the depth control system of the center frame and the depth control system of the at least one side attachment may have a fine adjustment mechanism. The fine adjustment mechanism may have a clevis and a threaded bolt provided to the connection between the depth control support and the depth control arm. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES 
         [0022]    For a better understanding of the embodiments described herein and to show more clearly how they may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings which show example embodiments and in which: 
           [0023]      FIG. 1  is a photo showing a piece of farm equipment, in particular, farm equipment for tillage, including an embodiment of the depth control system; 
           [0024]      FIG. 2  is a photo showing further detail relating to the depth control system of the farm equipment of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0025]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of another piece of farm equipment including an embodiment of the depth control system; 
           [0026]      FIG. 4A  is a perspective view of the farm equipment of  FIG. 3  with a height adjustment system in an up position; 
           [0027]      FIG. 4B  is a side view of the farm equipment of  FIG. 4A ; 
           [0028]      FIG. 5A  is a perspective view of the farm equipment of  FIG. 3  with a height adjustment system in a down position; 
           [0029]      FIG. 5B  is a side view of the farm equipment of  FIG. 5A ; 
           [0030]      FIG. 6A  shows a simplified view of the farm equipment of  FIG. 3  showing details of the height adjustment system in an up position; 
           [0031]      FIG. 6B  shows a detailed view of the height adjustment system of  FIG. 6A ; 
           [0032]      FIG. 7A  shows a simplified view of the farm equipment of  FIG. 3  showing details of the height adjustment system in a down position; 
           [0033]      FIG. 7B  shows a detailed view of the height adjustment system of  FIG. 7A ; 
           [0034]      FIG. 8  is a detailed illustration of a fine adjustment mechanism for the farm equipment of  FIG. 3 ; and 
           [0035]      FIG. 9  is a detailed illustration of the suspension of the farm equipment according to one embodiment. 
       
    
    
       [0036]    It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements or steps. In addition, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the exemplary embodiments described herein. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments described herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the embodiments described herein. Furthermore, this description is not to be considered as limiting the scope of the embodiments described herein in any way, but rather as merely describing the implementation of the various embodiments described herein. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0037]    In the following description, the embodiments relate to farm equipment used for tillage. It will be understood by one of skill in the art that similar principles may be applied to other equipment in a similar way, and should not be considered limited to farm equipment. The embodiments may be applied to equipment with a frame that is mounted to a movement system where it is desirable for the frame to be raised and lowered in relation to a movement system. Other farm implements that may benefit from this system include cultivator blades, chisel plows, or the like. The farm equipment is typically towed behind a powered vehicle, most often a tractor. 
         [0038]      FIGS. 1 and 2  are photographs showing a piece of farm equipment including an improved depth control system. In this case, the farm equipment is configured for tillage.  FIG. 3  is a perspective view of another piece of farm equipment  100 . The farm equipment typically includes an equipment frame  105  comprising a grid of longitudinal structural members  110  and lateral cross-members  115  that define a roughly rectangular or quadrilateral arrangement. Other equipment may take alternate shapes, for example, a more triangular arrangement, depending on the farm equipment in use. Farm implements, such as cultivator discs and chisel plows, may then be placed on the structural members  110  of the equipment frame  105 . A hitch  120  may be provided to allow the farm equipment  100  to be attached to a tractor or other powered vehicle (not shown). Other attachments may be used, such as a drawbar. The farm equipments includes a depth control system  125  and a height adjustment mechanism  130 , in this case a hydraulic suspension system, mounted between the equipment frame  105  and a wheel frame  135 . Wheels  140  are provided to the wheel frame  135  and provide ground contact points. The wheels  140  are an example of a movement system but the systems herein may also be used with other movement systems, for example continuous track or caterpillar track systems. 
         [0039]      FIGS. 4A ,  4 B and  5 A,  5 B show perspective and side views of the farm equipment  100  in up and down positions, respectively. Note that  FIG. 5A  shows an embodiment in which the equipment includes “wings” as shown in  FIG. 1  and described further below. As shown in these figures, the frame  105  can be raised as in  FIGS. 4A and 4B  and lowered as in  FIGS. 5A and 5B  with respect to the wheel frame  135  of the equipment  100 . As shown in  FIG. 5A , the farm equipment may further include “wings”, which are side attachments  142 , which may increase the useable area of the farm equipment. The use of side attachments  142 , and how they are attached to the farm equipment frame  105  is generally known in the art. The side attachments  142  may also be adapted to include a depth control system  125  and a height adjustment mechanism  130  per each side attachment  142 . As each depth control system  125  and height adjustment mechanism  125  may be adjusted independently the side attachments  142  may be at a different depth than each other and than the center frame of the farm equipment  100 . 
         [0040]      FIGS. 6A and 7A  show additional detail of the equipment frame  105  and height adjustment/suspension system  130  in up and down positions, respectively, with  FIG. 7A  providing a simplified view of the frame  105 . The suspension system  130  drives a frame support  145  that is positioned between the equipment frame  105  and the wheel frame  135  to raise or lower the equipment frame  105  in relation to the wheel frame  135  by acting in conjunction with a support arm  150 . In this embodiment, a depth control support  155  is provided to the wheel frame  135  and a depth control arm  160  is provided to the depth control support  155 . The depth control arm  160  extends from the depth control support to a frame guide  165 , which, in this embodiment, is placed at the front of the frame  105 . The frame guide  165  may be provided in the frame itself or may be provided as a separate element welded, bolted or otherwise provided to the frame. 
         [0041]    The depth control arm  160  extends through the frame guide  165 , through an aperture incorporated within the frame guide  165 . The depth control arm  160  is provided with a locking mechanism to lock the depth control arm  160  in relation to the frame guide  165  to prevent movement in at least one direction. In this example, the locking mechanism includes one or more positioning holes  170  on at least a portion of the depth control arm  160  that extends through the frame aperture. Another component of the locking mechanism is a sleeve  175  that is provided to fit over the depth control arm  160 . The sleeve  175  is larger than the aperture in the frame guide  165  and includes one or more positioning holes that match with the positioning holes  170  on the depth control arm  160  such that the sleeve  175  can be placed at predetermined positions along the depth control arm  160  by use of a pin  180  or the like that passes through the positioning holes  170  of the sleeve  175  and the depth control arm  160 . The at least one positioning hole in the sleeve  175  are configured to match the positioning holes  170  in the depth control arm  160  by having a similar diameter, in order for the pin  180  (a component of the locking mechanism) to fit through the positioning holes in both the sleeve  175  and the depth control arm  160 . The positioning holes  170  of the depth control arm may be spaced at, for example, approximately ½″ intervals although larger or smaller intervals may be preferred depending on the farm implement being used and the variations of depth required. It will be understood that either of the sleeve  175  or the depth control arm  160  may have a plurality of holes to allow the sleeve  175  to be positioned at the appropriate location for a desired depth setting. 
         [0042]    A secondary frame guide (not shown) may be attached to the frame  105  to enclose the sleeve  175  between the frame guide  165  and secondary frame guide. The secondary frame guide would also include an aperture through which the depth control arm  160  may extend. A secondary sleeve (not shown) similar to sleeve  175  could then be used to lock the depth control arm  160  in place in relation to the secondary frame guide to control movement of the depth control arm  160  in a second direction. 
         [0043]      FIGS. 6B and 7B  show additional detail of the depth control arm  160  and sleeve  175  in up and down positions, respectively. As shown in  FIG. 7B , when the equipment frame  105  is lowered, the sleeve  175  will abut the frame guide  165  because it is larger than the aperture in the frame guide  165  and, because of the connection with the depth control arm  160 , will not allow the frame  105  to move any lower in relation to the wheels, than the predetermined height set by the sleeve  175 . This is intended to be the case even if the hydraulics were to fail. As shown in  FIG. 7A , when the frame  105  is raised, the sleeve  175  can be easily moved on the depth control arm  160  to change or set the height/depth without having to depressurize the hydraulic system  130 . As such, it is possible to set the depth control system  125  using a locking mechanism, such as a sleeve, in a situation where the depth control system  125  is not under load and the user can easily and efficiently change the setting. 
         [0044]    In some cases, there may also be a fine adjustment mechanism  190  that will normally be set before the use of the farm equipment  100 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 3 , the fine adjustment mechanism is at the depth control support  155  where the depth control arm  160  is connected or at the frame support  145  where the support arm  150  is connected.  FIG. 8  shows additional detail of this embodiment of the fine adjustment mechanism  190 . The fine adjustment mechanism includes a clevis  195  and a threaded bolt  200  provided where the depth control arm  160  connects to the depth control support  155 . The depth control arm  160  can be adjusted along the threaded bolt  200  to allow for fine adjustment of the eventual positioning of the sleeve and positioning holes for the depth control system  125 . 
         [0045]      FIG. 9  shows additional detail of the suspension system  130 . The suspension system  130  includes a hydraulic cylinder  205  that connects at one end to the depth control support  155  or wheel frame  135  and at the other end to the frame support  145 . When the frame  105  is to be raised or lowered, the hydraulic cylinder  205  causes the frame support  145  to pivot around a suspension pivot point  210  connected to the frame  105  and cause the frame  105  to raise or lower in relation to the wheels  140 . In this process, the depth control support  145  moves such that, as the frame  105  is raised, the depth control arm  160  slides through the frame guide  165  and the sleeve  175  is adjustable. As the frame  105  is lowered, the depth control arm  160  slides through the frame guide  165  until the sleeve  175  abuts the frame guide  165  and serves to prevent the frame  105  from lowering any further and locks the depth of the frame  105  so that the action of the farm implements cannot pull the frame  105  lower and protects the hydraulic cylinder  205  from excess forces. 
         [0046]    In the embodiment of the farm equipment having “wings”, as each of the centre part of the frame and the side attachments may have their own depth control systems  125  and suspension system  130 , each suspension system  130  may be operated individually and independently to create different depth levels as required. 
         [0047]    It will be understood that other arrangements and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art based on the disclosure of the above embodiments. Further, various modifications can be made to the exemplary embodiments described and illustrated herein, without departing from the general scope of the application.