WO2008144861A1

WO2008144861A1 - An articulating and locking mechamism for a chassis of an agricultural implement, and an agricultural implement

Info

Publication number: WO2008144861A1
Application number: PCT/BR2008/000010
Authority: WO
Inventors: JOãO CARLOS MARCHESAN
Original assignee: Marchesan Implementos E Máquinas Agrícolas Tatú S/A
Priority date: 2007-05-31
Filing date: 2008-01-15
Publication date: 2008-12-04
Also published as: BRPI0702606B1; BRPI0702606A2; CA2722482A1; CA2722482C

Abstract

The present invention relates to an articulating and locking mechanism for a chassis of agricultural implements of broad working width. More particularly, the invention relates to a mechanism that enables alternation between an operation configuration and a rest configuration of agricultural implements, by articulating and locking movements of the chassis of said agricultural implement. Such an articulating and locking mechanism (6) chassis of agricultural implements is used on an agricultural implement (1 ) comprising at least one central chassis (4) and a side chassis (5) associated to each other. The mechanism (6) is capable of enabling or preventing angular movement between the central chassis (4) and the side chassis (5). In addition, the mechanism (6) comprises at least one extending arm (13), the first end of the extending arm (131 ) being associated to the side chassis (5); and further comprising at least one locking device (15) associated to a second end of the extending arm (132), the movement of the extending arm (13) in a first direction being capable of deactivating the locking device (15) to enable angular movement between the central chassis (40) and the side chassis (5), and the movement of the extending arm (13) in a second direction being capable of activating the locking device (15) to prevent angular movement between the central chassis (4) and the side chassis (5). The present invention also relates to an agricultural implement comprising the articulating and locking mechanism for chassis mentioned above.

Description

Specification of the Patent of Invention for: "AN ARTICULATING AND LOCKING MECHAMISM FOR A CHASSIS OF AN AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENT, AND AN AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENT".

Field of the invention The present invention relates to an articulating and locking mechanism for a chassis of agricultural implements of broad working width. More particularly, the invention relates to a mechanism that enables alternation between an operation configuration and a rest configuration of agricultural implements, by articulating and locking movements of the chassis of said agricultural implement.

The present invention also relates to an agricultural implement comprising said articulating and locking mechanism for a chassis. Description of the prior art

Agricultural implements are equipments used for initial preparati- on and leveling of the ground after the grading (preparation of the soil for a- gricultural cultivation). Normally, such implements are coupled to agricultural vehicles such as tractors, the function of which is to transport them and controlling them remotely. A typical application of the agricultural implements is to prepare the soil for annual and perennial crops. The agricultural imple- ments are provided with a tool carrying type chassis, which are usually a number of concave discs cut and spaced apart along said chassis.

At present, the demand for large-size agricultural implements has been increasing, mainly on the part of rural producers of large farmlands.

However, there is a need for these large-size agricultural imple- ments to have their width reduced, occupying a smaller space when they are not in operation, i. e., in rest position. In this way, one would prevent the occupation of a useful space, which could be used for other productive activities. Additionally, one would also reduce the expenses with storage, mainly in the period between two harvests of a crop, in which the agricultural imple- ments occupy the sheds or machine-parking yards. Besides, such a reduction in the width would facilitate the displacement of said agricultural implements on roads and cart-roads in the farm. In the face of this need mentioned before, various configurations of agricultural implements have been developed, which are provided with articulated chassis. Thus, in these solutions, in order to obtain the reduction of the total width of the agricultural implement, one chassis moves angularly with respect to the other through an articulation arranged between them, so that one chassis will rise and the other remains on the ground. In this way, one gains the space which would be occupied by the rising chassis. However, many of these solutions are difficult to implement due to the complexity of the project and/or due to the high cost involved for the manufacture of parts.

In order to overcome such difficulties, the same applicant of the present patent application has developed, in patent US 7,021 ,394, a chassis- articulation mechanism of rapid, simple and safe execution, and a chassis- locking mechanism capable of absorbing and dissipating the load undergone while the agricultural implement is working. This articulating and locking mechanism is a relatively simpler implement and has a lower cost with respect to the techniques known at the time of filing its application.

Such solutions proposed in patent US 7,021 ,394 have represented a significant advance in the technology of the articulating and locking me- chanism of the agricultural implements used in heavy duty. This great advance was due especially to the high capability and retention efficiency of the articulable chassis in operative position on the ground, in the locked state (operation or work of the agricultural implement), and to the high simplicity and ease of moving them angularly, in the unlocked state (rest state of the agricultural implement).

In spite of this document (patent US 7,021 ,394) having described an innovatory and efficient mechanism, new field researches and analyses have been carried out, and it has been found that there is a need and demand for an even simpler operationally mechanism, with greater ease of im- plementation, better cost/benefit relationship and reduced maintenance- execution time. Objectives of the invention

A first objective of the present invention is to provide a mechanism capable of alternating between an operation configuration and a rest configuration of agricultural implements by articulating and locking move- ments of chassis of said agricultural implements.

It is also proposed that such a mechanism should present new constructiveness and configuration so as to provide simpler operation, greater ease of implementation, better cost/benefit relationship and reduced maintenance-execution time with respect to the mechanism already known from the prior art, described in patent US 7,021 ,394.

A second objective of the present invention is to provide an agricultural implement comprising the articulating and locking mechanism proposed above. Brief description of the invention The first objective of the present invention is achieved by providing a mechanism for articulating and locking chassis of agricultural implements, the agricultural implement comprising at least one central chassis and a side chassis associated to each other, the mechanism being capable of enabling or preventing angular movement between the central chassis and the side chassis, the mechanism comprising at least: one extending arm, a first end of the extending arm being associated to the side chassis; and a locking device associated to a second end of the extending arm, the movement of the extending arm in a first direction being capable of deactivating the locking device to enable angular movement between the central chassis and the side chassis, and the movement of the extending arm in a second direction being capable of activating the locking device to prevent angular movement between the central chassis and the side chassis.

The second objective of the present invention is achieved by providing an agricultural implement comprising at least a main structure pro- vided with connection means for connection with an agricultural vehicle; and further comprising at least one articulating and locking mechanism associated to the main structure, the articulating and locking mechanism according to the description above.

Brief description of the drawings

The present invention will now be described in greater detail with reference to the attached drawing, in which: - Figure 1 represents a top view of an agricultural implement provided with a chassis articulating and locking mechanism;

- Figure 2 represents a perspective view of the chassis of agricultural implement illustrated in figure 1 , showing the two possible configurations of the articulations of the chassis of the agricultural implement;. - Figure 3 represents a front view of the chassis illustrated in figure 2;

- Figure 4 represents a front view of the chassis articulating and locking mechanism of the agricultural implement illustrated in figure 1 ;

- Figure 5 represents a perspective view of the chassis articulating and locking mechanism of the agricultural implement illustrated in figure 1 ;

- Figure 6 represents a perspective view of the chassis articulating and locking mechanism of the agricultural implement illustrated in figure 1 , showing in detail the locking device of said chassis;

- Figure 7 represents a top view of the chassis articulating and locking mechanism of the agricultural implement illustrated in figure 1 , showing in a larger detail the locked state of said chassis;

- Figure 8 is a top view of the chassis articulating and locking mechanism of the agricultural implement illustrated in figure 1 , showing in a larger detail the unlocked state of said chassis; - Figure 9 represents a top view of the components and chassis locking parts of the agricultural implement illustrated in figure 1 , said locking mechanism being separated from said agricultural implement. Detailed description of the figures

The agricultural implement 1 , illustrated in figure 1 , comprises a main structure 3, the function of which is to provide a support, lift and association structure for all the other components and parts of the agricultural implement 1. Thus, the main structure 3 is associated to at least:

- traction means 2 capable of being coupled to an agricultural vehicle (not shown), such as a tractor. Other connection means may be u- sed, as long as they are capable of enabling the transportation and neces- sary maneuvers, without causing damages to the parts of the agricultural implement 1 and/or risk to the operators;

- wheelwork means 29 such as preferably but not compulsorily, a tire. Such a tire turns as the agricultural implement 1 is transported by the agricultural vehicle, this movement enabling displacement of the agricultural implement 1 in the field. In this preferred embodiment, the main structure 3 comprises four tires as wheelwork means 29;

- a central chassis 4 of a tool carrying type; preferably such tools are represented by cut and concave discs 7 spaced-apart along the lower part of the central chassis 4, as illustrated in figure 2; in this preferred embo- diment, the main structure 3 is associated to two central chassis 4 arranged obliquely with respect to each other;

- a side chassis 5, also provided with discs 7. The side chassis 5 is associated to an end of the central chassis 4; in this preferred embodiment, each of the two ends of the central chassis 4 is associated to a side chassis 5; therefore, preferably the agricultural implement 1 comprises a total of four side chassis 5;

- an articulating and locking mechanism 6 capable of associating the central chassis 4 and the side chassis 5 by the ends of each chassis; in this preferred embodiment, four articulating and locking mechanisms 6 are used. Such an articulating and locking mechanism is described in greater details hereinafter. Articulating and locking mechanism

Figures 2 and 3 illustrate each the two possible configurations between the central chassis 4 and the side chassis 5, associated at the ends of the central chassis 4. In the first configuration, the central chassis 4 is in alingnment with the side chassis 5, characterizing the locking condition. In the second configuration, the central chassis 4 is out of alignment with the side chassis 5, the side chassis 5 being raised, forming an acute angle with the central chassis 4 and, thus characterizing the unlocked condition. This last situation is enabled by virtue of the action of an articulating mechanism comprising a hydraulic cylinder 8 in association with an articulation rod 9. The hydraulic cylinder 8, when activated by an operator, retracts the articulation rod 9, which activates the beginning of an angular movement of the side chassis 5 with respect to the central chassis 4. Thus, the assembly formed by the hydraulic cylinder 8 and the articulation rod 9, illustrated in figure 4, enables an angular movement of the side chassis 5 with respect to the central chassis 4, such that the side chassis 5 movers from the alignment position until it forms an acute angle (disalignment) with respect to the central chassis 4. Preferably, the action of the hydraulic cylinder 8 is controlled by an operator accommodated in the cabin of the agricultural vehicle.

An important characteristic of the present invention lies in the fact that the articulating mechanism and the locking mechanism operate in conjunction, that is to say, the operations of the articulating and locking mechanisms take place in a synchronized way and are interrelated, the action of the articulating mechanism automatically providing the action of the locking mechanism. With a view to making the concept explained before clearer, one describes a priori the articulating mechanism isolated from the locking mechanism. Articulating mechanism

In Figure 6 one can see that the hydraulic cylinder 8 comprises two ends: a first end 81 associated to the side chassis 5 through a first support plate 12, which is U-shaped and preferably fixed to the upper portion of the chassis 5 by soldering or by fixation means such as, for example screws and bushes. The second end of the hydraulic cylinder 82 is associated to a second end of the articulation rod 92. A first end of the articulation rod 91 is associated to the central chassis 4 through a second support plate 10, preferably fixed to the upper portion of the central chassis 4 by soldering. The second length of support plate 10 comprises a first circular bore, in which a pivot axle 26 is fitted, which connects the first end of the articulation rod 91 to the second support plate 10. The second support plate 10 further comprises a circular bore, in which an intersection axle 14 is fitted, which connects the second support plate 10 to a third support plate 11 , which in turn is associated to the side chassis 5.

In the situation in which the central chassis 4 and the side chas- sis 5 are in alignment, when the operator actuates the compression of the hydraulic cylinder 8, the articulation rod 9 retracts and the assembly formed by the hydraulic cylinder 8 and the articulation rod 9 moves (exerts traction tension to) the side chassis 5, providing angular movement of the side chassis 5 with respect to the central chassis 4 in a first rotational direction around the intersection axle 14.

In the situation in which the side chassis 5 is raised with respect to the central chassis 4, when the operator actuates the decompression of the hydraulic cylinder 8, the articulation rod 9 expands and the assembly formed by the hydraulic cylinder 8 and the articulation rod 9 moves (exerts traction tension to) the side chassis 5, providing angular movement of the side chassis 5 with respect to the central chassis 4 in a second rotational direction, opposite the first one around the intersection axle 14.

Thus, the side chassis 5 moves angularly, following the movement of said assembly, while the central chassis 4 remains always in the sa- me angular position, parallel to the ground. Locking mechanism

The functioning of the locking mechanism is based on the association / dissociation of at least one first locking plate 16 with a second locking plate 25 by activation / deactivation of a locking device 15 provided by alternation of movements of an extending arm 13.

The first locking plate 16, fixed at the upper portion of the central chassis 4 by soldering, is provided with a fitting opening (circular bore) asso- ciable to a locking device 15.

The second locking plate 25, fixed to the upper portion of the si- de chassis 5 by soldering, is also provided with a fitting opening (circular bore). However, unlike the fist locking plate 16, the locking device 15 will always be associated to the second locking plate 25 through its fitting opening. The extending arms 13 associate the locking device 15 to the first support plate 12, which in turn is provided with two counterposed tears, in which the first ends of the extending arms 131 are fitted. The horizontal extension of the tear allows the first end of the extending arm 131 to perform a free movement in the horizontal direction in the tear extension. Said tear limits any movement of the extending arm 13 in the vertical direction. The second ends of the extending arms 132 are connected to the locking devices 15, the function of which is to hold (lock) or release (unlock) the angular movement of the side chassis 5 with respect to the central chassis 4. the locking device 15 comprises at least one locking pin 20 and a pivoting element 19 associated to each other, as shown in figure 6.

The locking pin 20 is capable of moving axially, the movement in a first direction (locking direction) providing the engagement of the locking pin 20 with the locking plate 16, and the movement in the second direction (un- locking direction) providing the disengagement of the locking pin 20 from the locking plate 16. Such axial movement of the locking pin 20 is enabled by virtue of the traction tension provided by the pivoting element 19.

The pivoting element 19 is capable of moving angularly around a pivot pin 24 in clockwise or counterclockwise direction. A first end of the pivo- ting element 191 is associated to the locking pin 20 and a second end of the pivoting element 192 is associated to the second end of the extending arm 132 by means of a support pin 22. In this way, the extending arm 13 pulls the pivoting element 132, moving it angularly, which in turn pulls the locking pin 20, moving it axially in the direction of the fitting bores. In figure 9 one illustrates a top view of a preferred association between the components that perform the unlocking and locking operations directly. An axle connecting extending arms 17 associates the two extending arms 13 through extending-arm support 28, which in turn are fixed by the bushes 27 with a pre-established play. Such a play is necessary for enabling a horizontal angular movement of each extending arm 13. In this way, the extending arm 13 manages to move angularly in the horizontal plane within the limits established by the play extension. Unlocking (figure 8)

As already explained before, in order to facilitate the displacement of the agricultural implements on roads and cart-ways, as well as place them at rest in the period between harvests, the side chassis 5 are raised in angular movement, until they reach a certain angle with respect to the central chassis 4. This angular movement is possible by virtue of the actuation of the hydraulic cylinder 8, providing retraction of the articulation rod 9.

Such actuation of the hydraulic cylinder 8 will also provide release of the locking device 15 by movement of the extending arm 13 in a first two-way direction (horizontal axial movement in conjunction with angular movement parallel to the ground surface), this direction being from the side chassis 5 to the central chassis 4 in conjunction with the radial-approach action of the extending arm 13 with respect to the side chassis 5. The extending arm 13 pulls the pivoting element 19, moving it angularly in a first direction, so as to approximate the second end of the pivoting element 192 with respect to the side chassis 5. The pivoting element 19 pulls the locking pin 20 so as to disengage it from the first engagement opening of the first locking plate 16, thus providing dissociation of the first locking plate 16 from the second locking plate 25. The locking device further comprises an elastic element 18 capable of associating the extending arms 13 to the pivoting elements 19 by means of the support pins 22. Sid elastic element 18 being useful during the transportation of the agricultural implement 1 over the field, upon exerting a traction tension between said associated elements (extending arms 13 and pivoting elements 19, preventing them from shaking unnecessarily or randomly, as the agricultural implement 1 undergoes jolts during the displacement in cart-ways and rural roads. Locking (figure 7)

On the other hand, when one wishes to place the agricultural im- plements in their operation position, the side chassis 5 are lowered through an angular movement around the pivot pin 24, until alignment with the central chassis 4 is reached. This angular movement is possible by virtue of the actua- tion of the hydraulic cylinder 8, providing expansion of the articulation rod 9.

Such actuation of the hydraulic cylinder 8 also provides release of the locking device 15 by movement of the extending arm 13 in a second two-way direction (horizontal axial movement in conjunction with the angular movement parallel to the ground surface), this direction being from the side chassis 5 to the central chassis 4 in conjunction with the radial distancing of the extending arm 13 from the side chassis 5. The extending arm 13 pulls the pivoting element 19, moving it angularly in a second direction opposite the first direction, so as to distance the second end of the pivot element 192 from the side chassis 5. The pivoting element 19 pulls the locking pin 20 so as to fit it into the first engagement opening of the first locking plate 16, thus bringing about association of the first locking plate 16 with the second locking plate 25.

Thus, the movement of the extending arm 13 in a first two-way direction deactivates the locking device 15, providing dissociation of the first locking plate 16 from the second locking plate 25, releasing (enabling) the angular movement between the side chassis 5 and the central chassis 4 until the configuration of raising the side chassis 5 is reached. On the other hand, the movement of the extending art 13 in a second tow-way direction opposite the first one activates the locking device 15, providing association of the first locking plate 16 with the second locking plate 25, blocking (preventing) the angular movement between the central chassis 4 and the side chassis 5 u- pon characterization of the alignment configuration between the central chassis 4 and the side chassis 5.

Therefore, the articulating and locking mechanism 6 enable one to carry out the operational steps with the articulable chassis by using only one hydraulic cylinder 8 in each articulation. The hydraulic cylinders 8 operate associated with locking and releasing mechanical elements, with a sequential operation mode for releasing the locks and subsequently raising one chassis with respect to the other. The advantages of this new configuration of the articulating and locking mechanism described in the present invention are shown in the comparative table hereinafter. Comparative table:

Thus, one can conclude that the replacement of a locking mechanism based on the operation of additional hydraulic cylinders by the mechanism described in the present invention provides the various advantages described above. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, only one hydraulic cylinder 8 per articulating and locking mechanism is necessary for providing both the articulating movement and the locking/unlocking movement of the central chassis 4 and side chassis 5 of the agricultural implement 1.

A preferred embodiment having been described, one should understand that the scope of the present invention embraces other possible variations, being limited only by the contents of the accompanying claims, which include the possible equivalents.

Claims

1. An articulating and locking mechanism (6) for chassis of agricultural implements, the agricultural implement (1 ) comprising at least one central chassis (4) and one side chassis (5) associated to each other, the mechanism (6) being capable of enabling or preventing angular movement between the central chassis (4) and the side chassis (5), the mechanism (6) being characterized by comprising at least:

- an extending arm (13), one first end of the extending arm (131 ) being associated to the side chassis (5); and - a locking device (15) associated to a second end of the extending arm (132), the movement of the extending arm (13) in a first direction being capable of deactivating the locking device (15) to enable angular movement between the central chassis (4) and the side chassis (5), and the movement of the extending arm (13) in a second direction being capable of activating the locking device (15) to prevent angular movement between the central chassis (4) and the side chassis (5).

2. An articulating and locking mechanism (6) for chassis of agricultural implements according to claim 1 , characterized in that a first locking plate (16) is associated to the central chassis (4) and a second locking plate (25) is associated to the side chassis (5), the movement of the extending arm (13) in a first direction being capable of deactivating the locking device (15) to dissociate the first locking plate (16) from the second locking plate (25), and the movement of the extending arm (13) in a second direction being capable of activating the locking device (15) to associate the first locking plate (16) to the second locking plate (25).

3. An articulating and locking mechanism (6) for chassis of agricultural implements according to claim 2, characterized in that the first locking plate (16) is provided with a engagement opening, said engagement opening being associable to the locking device (15).

4. An articulating and locking mechanism (6) for chassis of agricultural implements according to claim 2, characterized in that the second locking plate (25) is provided with an engagement opening, said engagement opening being associated to the locking device (15).

5. An articulating and locking mechanism (6) for chassis of agricultural implements according to claim 3, characterized in that the locking device (15) comprises at least one locking pin (20) capable of moving axially and a pivoting element (19) capable of moving angularly, the locking pin (20) being associated to the second locking plate (25), a first end of the pivoting element (191 ) being associated to the locking pin (20) and a second end of the pivoting element (192) being associated to the second end of the exten- ding arm (132), the movement of the pivoting element (19) further being in a first direction capable of associating the locking pin (20) with the engagement opening of the first locking plate (16) and the movement of the pivoting element (19) in a second direction being capable of dissociating the locking pin (20) with the engagement opening of the first locking plate (16).

6. An articulating and locking mechanism (6) for chassis of agricultural implements according to claim 5, characterized in that the locking device (15) further comprises an elastic element (18) associated to a second end of the pivoting element (192), the elastic element (18) being capable of exerting a traction tension between the extending arm (13) and the pivoting element (19) upon dissociation between the locking pin (20) and the engagement opening of the first locking plate (16).

7. An agricultural implement (1 ) comprising at least: - a main structure (3) provided with connection means (2) for connection with an agricultural vehicle; and being characterized by comprising at least one articulating and locking mechanism (6) associated to the main structure (3), the articulating and locking mechanism (6) being according to claims 1 to 6.