CA1043003A - Depth sensing system for tillage implements - Google Patents
Depth sensing system for tillage implementsInfo
- Publication number
- CA1043003A CA1043003A CA263,614A CA263614A CA1043003A CA 1043003 A CA1043003 A CA 1043003A CA 263614 A CA263614 A CA 263614A CA 1043003 A CA1043003 A CA 1043003A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- depth
- tillage
- meter
- implement
- sensing device
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01D—MEASURING NOT SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR A SPECIFIC VARIABLE; ARRANGEMENTS FOR MEASURING TWO OR MORE VARIABLES NOT COVERED IN A SINGLE OTHER SUBCLASS; TARIFF METERING APPARATUS; MEASURING OR TESTING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G01D5/00—Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing member; Means for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for converting; Transducers not specially adapted for a specific variable
- G01D5/12—Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing member; Means for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for converting; Transducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using electric or magnetic means
- G01D5/14—Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing member; Means for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for converting; Transducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using electric or magnetic means influencing the magnitude of a current or voltage
- G01D5/16—Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing member; Means for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for converting; Transducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using electric or magnetic means influencing the magnitude of a current or voltage by varying resistance
- G01D5/165—Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing member; Means for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for converting; Transducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using electric or magnetic means influencing the magnitude of a current or voltage by varying resistance by relative movement of a point of contact or actuation and a resistive track
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01B—SOIL WORKING IN AGRICULTURE OR FORESTRY; PARTS, DETAILS, OR ACCESSORIES OF AGRICULTURAL MACHINES OR IMPLEMENTS, IN GENERAL
- A01B63/00—Lifting or adjusting devices or arrangements for agricultural machines or implements
Landscapes
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Soil Sciences (AREA)
- Environmental Sciences (AREA)
- Lifting Devices For Agricultural Implements (AREA)
- Agricultural Machines (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
This invention is a depth control system for tillage implements com-prising a ground contacting depth sensor that is rockably mounted to the tillage implement, a rotary potentiometer mechanically connected to the oscillating shaft of the rockably mounted depth sensor, an electrical circuit having components to receive signals from the poten-tiometer average out those signals and translate them into meter read-ings in an instrument viewing panel at the operator's station. The meter readings are given in inches and the meter dials can be adjusted to suit the tillage implement upon which the depth control system is mounted.
This invention is a depth control system for tillage implements com-prising a ground contacting depth sensor that is rockably mounted to the tillage implement, a rotary potentiometer mechanically connected to the oscillating shaft of the rockably mounted depth sensor, an electrical circuit having components to receive signals from the poten-tiometer average out those signals and translate them into meter read-ings in an instrument viewing panel at the operator's station. The meter readings are given in inches and the meter dials can be adjusted to suit the tillage implement upon which the depth control system is mounted.
Description
36J1~3 This invention relates to a depth control syst3m for tillage implements.
More particularly lt relates to a depth sensing and recording device for a single till~ge implement, or ~or a plurality of tillage implements in tandam. It provides accurate feedback informatio~ to the operator BS to the true operating depth at all times.
This inYention is similar in function to that described and claimed in my Ca~adian application No. 202,388. It differs, however, in the manner in which changei in depth are sensed snd translated into readings that may be obssrved at the operator's station.
The main comp~nents of the present invention comprise a depth se~sing devioe in the form of a wheel assembl~ that is mounted in traili~g rela-tionship t~ a tillage i~plement~ a rotary potentiomster mechanically con-ne~ted to the wheel assembly~ an electrical circuit th~t recei~es the signals induced by the rotary potentiometer, ave~ages ou-t the signals and translates them into depth readings in the readout meters at the operator~s station.
A ski assembly may be used as an alternative to a wheel assembly for certain types of soil ~uGh as sand or sand-loam. The ski assembl~ is mounted in front of the tillage i~plement so th~t it runs on a dry unworked surface.
It will function~ ho~ever, in a traillng position as well.
The wheel assembly is rockably mounted in a base plste that is secured to the rear of the tillage implement. The mounting shaft of the wheel assembly is integral therewith so that up and down movements of the wheel, as it follows the ground ~ontour, are translated into oscillating movements of the mounting shaft~ The shaft of the rotary potentiometer is rigidly oonnected to this mounting shaft so that the oscillations are translated into signals that provide ths depth readings.
A separate wheel assQmbly is attached to each implement o~ a tandem hookup.
This eD~bles the operstor to co~pare the depth reading~ of each implement and adjust each implement to operate at the same depth or at preseleoted .
~ -2-430[)3 variations in depth. The ski assembly can be used for certain soil types whereas the wheel assembly can be used ~or all soil types.
The invention will now be more fully described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:
Figure 1 shows a wheel assembly, mounting bases for different implements and potentiometer parts in an exploded view.
Figure 2 shows a ski assembly with mounting means and the same potentio-meter parts as Figure 1.
Figure 3 is a circuit diagram for the depth sensing and recording compon-ents of the invention.
Figure 4 shows a three meter instrument panel with leads to three rotary potentiometers.
;; As shown in Figure 1, wheel assembly 1 ;s rockably mounted in mounting base 2 which is a mounting base adapted to a discer. A wheel height adjust-ment nut is shown at 3. The shaft of rotary potentiometer ~ has a slide fit reduced diameter end portion that is received in a smooth bore in oscillating shaft 6 where it is secured by a set screw 6a. Shaft ~ is welded to the wheel assembly mounting shaft so that it oscillates with it.
The potentiometer mount bracket is shown at 5. Shaft 6 is mounted in bearing 7 in flange 8. An adjusting ring is shown at 9 and a pair of clamps for the adjusting ring at 10. Cover 11 encloses the ent;re potentio-meter assembly. The lead to the instrument panel is shown at 12. Mounting base 13 permits assembly of the depth sens;ng unit to a tillage implement other than a discer.
Figure 2 shows a sk; assembly with the same potentiometer components as F;gure 1 so that these parts bear the same reference numerals. The rock-able ski assembly is shown at 14, a compression spring to keep the ski assembly ;n ground contact is shown at 15. A lower mount;ng plate 16 secures the ski assembly to the ~ront o~ a tillage implement.
~ L043~03 In Figure 3, a 12-volt battery 17 provides current to a 1 K potentiometer 19 which is mechanically connected to the wheel or ski, assembly. A 15 K
potentiometer 20 provides a second resistance in the circuit3 a 0-1 milli-ammeter 21 receiYes the potentiometer signals and a 10,000 to 25~000 microfarad capacitor 22, bridging the milliammeter, averages out the signals. SPST switches are shown at 18 & 23.
Figure 4 shows an instrument panel box and controls for three depth regu-lators in tandem and three viewing meters for giving the depth readings in inches. Instrument panel 24 has horizontally disposed meter dials 25 and controls 26 that consist of a meter dial adjusting screw and a fast-slow dial movement switch for each meter. The controls also include a light switch, a power switch and a meter dial reversing switch. The reversing switch reverses the direction of dial movement. This enables the operator to use the meters interchangeably with either the wheel assembly or the ski assemblyO Electrical lead 27 runs from the instrument panel 24 to a quick disconnect coupler 28. Leads 29 in the coupler run to the rotary potentiometers on the tillage implements. The F-S switch on the instrument panel controls the responsiveness of the meter dial. In the S position the meter dial responds slowly, giving an average indication of implement depth as the wheel or ski assembly bounces along the soil. In the F position the meter responds quickly. This is beneficial when the meter is used to indi-cate cylinder posit;on or implement position when using a linear potentio-meter.
It is pertinent to the present invention~o describe the method of assembly of the depth control system to a tillage implement. After the wheel assembly is installed on the implement, the operator places the implement down on the working soil surface so that it is just touching the soil surface. Then the operator turns the wheel height adjustment nut 3 (Figure 1) so that the wheel is just touching the soil surface. Then both adjusting ring clamps 10 are loosened, the adjusting ring 9 rotated until the meter in the instru-ment panel begins to move off of zero, at which point the adjusting ring clamps are tightened up. The final step is to place the implement at the ~ 43~)CI ;~
desired working depth in the soil, loosen the adjusting screw locking nut on the instrument panel, turn the adjusting screw until the meter is at the desired reading and tighten the locking nut. The depth control system is now ready for use in the field and requires no readjustment on that implement.
For greater accuracy, two or more wheel or ski assemblies can be mounted on each implement and wired in series.
It is thus seen that the control system of the present invention provides true depth readings at the operator's station, enabling the operator to change the depth settings and have them confirmed in the meter readouts.
More particularly lt relates to a depth sensing and recording device for a single till~ge implement, or ~or a plurality of tillage implements in tandam. It provides accurate feedback informatio~ to the operator BS to the true operating depth at all times.
This inYention is similar in function to that described and claimed in my Ca~adian application No. 202,388. It differs, however, in the manner in which changei in depth are sensed snd translated into readings that may be obssrved at the operator's station.
The main comp~nents of the present invention comprise a depth se~sing devioe in the form of a wheel assembl~ that is mounted in traili~g rela-tionship t~ a tillage i~plement~ a rotary potentiomster mechanically con-ne~ted to the wheel assembly~ an electrical circuit th~t recei~es the signals induced by the rotary potentiometer, ave~ages ou-t the signals and translates them into depth readings in the readout meters at the operator~s station.
A ski assembly may be used as an alternative to a wheel assembly for certain types of soil ~uGh as sand or sand-loam. The ski assembl~ is mounted in front of the tillage i~plement so th~t it runs on a dry unworked surface.
It will function~ ho~ever, in a traillng position as well.
The wheel assembly is rockably mounted in a base plste that is secured to the rear of the tillage implement. The mounting shaft of the wheel assembly is integral therewith so that up and down movements of the wheel, as it follows the ground ~ontour, are translated into oscillating movements of the mounting shaft~ The shaft of the rotary potentiometer is rigidly oonnected to this mounting shaft so that the oscillations are translated into signals that provide ths depth readings.
A separate wheel assQmbly is attached to each implement o~ a tandem hookup.
This eD~bles the operstor to co~pare the depth reading~ of each implement and adjust each implement to operate at the same depth or at preseleoted .
~ -2-430[)3 variations in depth. The ski assembly can be used for certain soil types whereas the wheel assembly can be used ~or all soil types.
The invention will now be more fully described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:
Figure 1 shows a wheel assembly, mounting bases for different implements and potentiometer parts in an exploded view.
Figure 2 shows a ski assembly with mounting means and the same potentio-meter parts as Figure 1.
Figure 3 is a circuit diagram for the depth sensing and recording compon-ents of the invention.
Figure 4 shows a three meter instrument panel with leads to three rotary potentiometers.
;; As shown in Figure 1, wheel assembly 1 ;s rockably mounted in mounting base 2 which is a mounting base adapted to a discer. A wheel height adjust-ment nut is shown at 3. The shaft of rotary potentiometer ~ has a slide fit reduced diameter end portion that is received in a smooth bore in oscillating shaft 6 where it is secured by a set screw 6a. Shaft ~ is welded to the wheel assembly mounting shaft so that it oscillates with it.
The potentiometer mount bracket is shown at 5. Shaft 6 is mounted in bearing 7 in flange 8. An adjusting ring is shown at 9 and a pair of clamps for the adjusting ring at 10. Cover 11 encloses the ent;re potentio-meter assembly. The lead to the instrument panel is shown at 12. Mounting base 13 permits assembly of the depth sens;ng unit to a tillage implement other than a discer.
Figure 2 shows a sk; assembly with the same potentiometer components as F;gure 1 so that these parts bear the same reference numerals. The rock-able ski assembly is shown at 14, a compression spring to keep the ski assembly ;n ground contact is shown at 15. A lower mount;ng plate 16 secures the ski assembly to the ~ront o~ a tillage implement.
~ L043~03 In Figure 3, a 12-volt battery 17 provides current to a 1 K potentiometer 19 which is mechanically connected to the wheel or ski, assembly. A 15 K
potentiometer 20 provides a second resistance in the circuit3 a 0-1 milli-ammeter 21 receiYes the potentiometer signals and a 10,000 to 25~000 microfarad capacitor 22, bridging the milliammeter, averages out the signals. SPST switches are shown at 18 & 23.
Figure 4 shows an instrument panel box and controls for three depth regu-lators in tandem and three viewing meters for giving the depth readings in inches. Instrument panel 24 has horizontally disposed meter dials 25 and controls 26 that consist of a meter dial adjusting screw and a fast-slow dial movement switch for each meter. The controls also include a light switch, a power switch and a meter dial reversing switch. The reversing switch reverses the direction of dial movement. This enables the operator to use the meters interchangeably with either the wheel assembly or the ski assemblyO Electrical lead 27 runs from the instrument panel 24 to a quick disconnect coupler 28. Leads 29 in the coupler run to the rotary potentiometers on the tillage implements. The F-S switch on the instrument panel controls the responsiveness of the meter dial. In the S position the meter dial responds slowly, giving an average indication of implement depth as the wheel or ski assembly bounces along the soil. In the F position the meter responds quickly. This is beneficial when the meter is used to indi-cate cylinder posit;on or implement position when using a linear potentio-meter.
It is pertinent to the present invention~o describe the method of assembly of the depth control system to a tillage implement. After the wheel assembly is installed on the implement, the operator places the implement down on the working soil surface so that it is just touching the soil surface. Then the operator turns the wheel height adjustment nut 3 (Figure 1) so that the wheel is just touching the soil surface. Then both adjusting ring clamps 10 are loosened, the adjusting ring 9 rotated until the meter in the instru-ment panel begins to move off of zero, at which point the adjusting ring clamps are tightened up. The final step is to place the implement at the ~ 43~)CI ;~
desired working depth in the soil, loosen the adjusting screw locking nut on the instrument panel, turn the adjusting screw until the meter is at the desired reading and tighten the locking nut. The depth control system is now ready for use in the field and requires no readjustment on that implement.
For greater accuracy, two or more wheel or ski assemblies can be mounted on each implement and wired in series.
It is thus seen that the control system of the present invention provides true depth readings at the operator's station, enabling the operator to change the depth settings and have them confirmed in the meter readouts.
Claims (8)
1. A depth control system for tillage implements comprising a depth sensing device that is maintained in ground contact over all surfaces through an oscillatable mounting connection with a tillage implement, a variable resistance wiper element that receives the movement of oscillation through a rigid connecting means rheostat means cooperating with the wiper element to form a variable resistance unit that is mounted on the tillage implement and produces a series of signals related to the degree of oscillation, electrical circuit means to carry said signals to a meter box at a control station on the prime mover for said tillage implement, milliameter means and capacitor means in said meter box to receive said signals and to average out said signals, and a meter dial providing direct depth readings.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the depth sensing device has a moving contact with the ground surface.
3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the variable resistance wiper element is a rotary potentiometer.
4. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the moving contact of the depth sensing device is a rolling contact in the form of a swivel wheel assembly, the mounting of said wheel assembly being in trailing relationship to the tillage implement.
5. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the moving contact of the depth sensing device is a sliding contact in the form of a ski assembly, the mounting of said ski assembly being in front of the tillage implement or behind said implement.
6. The apparatus of claim 4 or 5 wherein height adjustment means are provided for the ground contacting element of the depth sensing device to enable control adjustments in the system that correlate desired operating depth with meter readout depth upon initial assembly of the system to various tillage implements.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein a plurality of depth control systems are provided for a plurality of tillage implements in tandem, and readout meters for all the systems are combined in a single instrument panel at the operator's station and wherein a quick disconnect coupler is provided for the leads from the plurality of variable resistance units.
8. The apparatus of claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein a plurality of depth control systems is mounted on each of a plurality of tillage implements.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA263,614A CA1043003A (en) | 1976-10-18 | 1976-10-18 | Depth sensing system for tillage implements |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA263,614A CA1043003A (en) | 1976-10-18 | 1976-10-18 | Depth sensing system for tillage implements |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1043003A true CA1043003A (en) | 1978-11-21 |
Family
ID=4107076
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA263,614A Expired CA1043003A (en) | 1976-10-18 | 1976-10-18 | Depth sensing system for tillage implements |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1043003A (en) |
Cited By (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4529039A (en) * | 1981-10-22 | 1985-07-16 | Canadian Patents And Development Limited | Control system for controlling the displacement of a working portion of an implement |
| US8235130B2 (en) | 2008-06-05 | 2012-08-07 | Cnh Canada, Ltd. | Method and apparatus for controlling the depth of an agricultural work unit mounted to a frame that can be raised and lowered by a cylinder assembly |
| US8857530B2 (en) | 2011-03-07 | 2014-10-14 | Cnh Industrial Canada, Ltd. | Automatic depth control system for an agricultural implement |
| US10704573B2 (en) | 2017-08-29 | 2020-07-07 | Cnh Industrial Canada, Ltd. | System and method for rephasing fluid-driven actuators |
-
1976
- 1976-10-18 CA CA263,614A patent/CA1043003A/en not_active Expired
Cited By (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4529039A (en) * | 1981-10-22 | 1985-07-16 | Canadian Patents And Development Limited | Control system for controlling the displacement of a working portion of an implement |
| US8235130B2 (en) | 2008-06-05 | 2012-08-07 | Cnh Canada, Ltd. | Method and apparatus for controlling the depth of an agricultural work unit mounted to a frame that can be raised and lowered by a cylinder assembly |
| USRE45303E1 (en) | 2008-06-05 | 2014-12-30 | Cnh Canada, Ltd. | Method and apparatus for controlling the depth of an agricultural work unit mounted to a frame that can be raised and lowered by a cylinder assembly |
| US8857530B2 (en) | 2011-03-07 | 2014-10-14 | Cnh Industrial Canada, Ltd. | Automatic depth control system for an agricultural implement |
| US10704573B2 (en) | 2017-08-29 | 2020-07-07 | Cnh Industrial Canada, Ltd. | System and method for rephasing fluid-driven actuators |
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