Frame and leveling assembly for agricultural implement

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-10660254-B2
Application number	US-201815998824-A
Country	US
Kind code	B2
Filing date	Aug 15, 2018
Priority date	Aug 15, 2018
Publication date	May 26, 2020
Grant date	May 26, 2020

Abstract

A tillage implement includes an implement frame having a first lengthwise frame member, a second lengthwise frame member, and a lateral frame member connected to and extending between the first and second lengthwise frame members. A hitch assembly is rotatably connected to the implement frame. A wheel assembly is connected to the implement frame and moveable between a raised position and a lowered position. A rockshaft is rotatably connected to the implement frame and connected to the wheel assembly. A leveling assembly is connected to the implement frame, the rockshaft, and the hitch assembly. The leveling assembly is configured to adjust the position of the hitch assembly based on movement of the rockshaft. The leveling assembly includes an actuator connected to and aligned with a leveling link.

First claim

What is claimed:

1. A tillage implement configured to be towed behind an agricultural vehicle, the tillage implement comprising:
an implement frame having a first lengthwise frame member, a second lengthwise frame member, and a lateral frame member connected to and extending between the first and second lengthwise frame members;
a hitch assembly rotatably connected to the implement frame;
a wheel assembly connected to the implement frame and moveable between a raised position and a lowered position;
a rockshaft rotatably connected to the implement frame and connected to the wheel assembly, wherein movement of the wheel assembly between the raised position and the lowered position causes rotation of the rockshaft; and
a leveling assembly connected to the implement frame, the rockshaft, and the hitch assembly, wherein the leveling assembly is configured to adjust the position of the hitch assembly based on movement of the rockshaft, and wherein the leveling assembly includes an actuator connected to and aligned with a leveling link,
wherein the actuator includes a piston and a cylinder and the cylinder includes a base and a projection extending from the base and into the leveling link.

2. The tillage implement of claim 1 , wherein a pin extends through the leveling link and the projection.

3. The tillage implement of claim 1 , wherein the leveling link includes a collar engaging the base.

4. The tillage implement of claim 1 , wherein the leveling assembly includes a leveling arm connected to the implement frame and the actuator.

5. The tillage implement of claim 4 , wherein the levelling assembly includes a fore leveling link connected to the hitch assembly and to the leveling arm.

6. The tillage implement of claim 4 , wherein the leveling arm is rotatably connected to the lateral frame member.

7. The tillage implement of claim 1 , wherein the hitch assembly is rotatably connected to the first lateral frame member and to the second lateral frame member.

8. The tillage implement of claim 1 , wherein the actuator includes a dual-acting hydraulic actuator.

9. The tillage implement of claim 1 , wherein the actuator substantially engages the leveling link.

10. The tillage implement of claim 1 , wherein the leveling link includes a collar having an outer diameter equal to an outer diameter of the actuator.

11. A tillage implement configured to be towed behind an agricultural vehicle, the tillage implement comprising:
an implement frame;
a hitch assembly rotatably connected to the implement frame;
a wheel assembly connected to the implement frame and moveable between a raised position and a lowered position;
a rockshaft rotatably connected to the implement frame and connected to the wheel assembly, wherein movement of the wheel assembly between the raised position and the lowered position causes rotation of the rockshaft;
a fore leveling link connected to the hitch assembly;
a leveling arm connected to the fore leveling link and to the implement frame;
a leveling actuator connected to the leveling arm, the leveling actuator having a moveable piston extending from a first end and a projection extending from a second end; and
an aft leveling link connected to the actuator and to the rockshaft, wherein at least a portion of the projection extends inside of the aft leveling link,
wherein the position of the hitch assembly is adjusted based on movement of the rockshaft, and wherein the position of the hitch assembly is adjusted based on movement of the piston.

12. The tillage implement of claim ii, wherein the leveling actuator includes a base and the projection extends from the base into the aft leveling link.

13. The tillage implement of claim 12 , wherein the aft leveling link includes a first set of openings and the projection includes a second set of openings aligned with the first set of openings.

14. The tillage implement of claim 13 , wherein a pin extends through the first set of openings and the second set of openings.

15. The tillage implement of claim 14 , wherein a cotter extends through the pin.

16. The tillage implement of claim 11 , wherein the aft leveling link includes a collar having an outer diameter equal to an outer diameter of the actuator.

17. The tillage implement of claim 11 , wherein the leveling arm is rotatably connected to the implement frame.

18. The tillage implement of claim 11 , wherein a height actuator is connected to the wheel assembly to move the wheel assembly between the raised position and the lowered position.

19. The tillage implement of claim 11 , wherein the actuator includes a dual-acting hydraulic actuator.

20. The tillage implement of claim 11 , wherein the actuator substantially engages the leveling link.

Assignees

• Deere & Co

Inventors

• Becker Shawn J
• Beeck Mark D
• Peterson Andrew J
• Ruckle Jarrod R

Classifications

• A01B73/044

  the axis being oriented in a longitudinal direction (A01B73/042 takes precedence) · CPC title

• A01B59/042

  having pulling means arranged on the rear part of the tractor · CPC title

• A01B63/22 Primary

  operated by hydraulic or pneumatic means · CPC title