CA2390843A1 - Field marker disc with adjustable operating angle - Google Patents
Field marker disc with adjustable operating angle Download PDFInfo
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- CA2390843A1 CA2390843A1 CA 2390843 CA2390843A CA2390843A1 CA 2390843 A1 CA2390843 A1 CA 2390843A1 CA 2390843 CA2390843 CA 2390843 CA 2390843 A CA2390843 A CA 2390843A CA 2390843 A1 CA2390843 A1 CA 2390843A1
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- disc
- pivot plate
- pivot
- operating angle
- bias
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- 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
- A01B69/00—Steering of agricultural machines or implements; Guiding agricultural machines or implements on a desired track
- A01B69/02—Ridge-marking or like devices; Checkrow wires; Accessories therefor
- A01B69/024—Ridge-marking or like devices; Checkrow wires; Accessories therefor adapted to cut and form a ridge or forrow in the soil surface, e.g. with a disc
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- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Soil Sciences (AREA)
- Environmental Sciences (AREA)
- Guiding Agricultural Machines (AREA)
Abstract
A field marker apparatus comprises a marker arm adapted for attachment at an inner end thereof to an agricultural implement such that the marker arm extends laterally from the implement as the implement moves in an operating travel direction, and an outer end of the marker arm is supported by a rotatable disc adapted to engage the ground to make a furrow substantially parallel to the operating travel direction. The disc is pivotally mounted to the apparatus such that an operating angle between the disc and the operating travel direction can pivot from a most aggressive operating angle to a least aggressive operating angle. A bias element is operative to exert a bias force on the disc that causes the disc to pivot towards the most aggressive operating angle.
Description
F&K 1283-07-O1 FIELD MARKER DISC WITH ADJUSTABLE OPERATING ANGLE
This invention is in the field of agricultural implements and in particular disc markers to operative to mark a driving guide in the soil for implement operation.
BACKGROUND
Field markers are used in many farm operations, including seeding, tillage, chemical application, and fertilizer application. Field markers generally include a disc on the end of an arm to make a visible mark on the ground laterally offset from the implement to give the driver a visible guide for spacing the implement on the next pass.
Such disc markers are disclosed for example in United States Patent Numbers 6,125,944 and 5,785,128 to Redekop, 5,542,190 to Wahls, 5,425,427 to Haugen, and 5,027,525 to Haukaas. Breakaways using shear pins, bolts, trips or the like are desirable to allow the marker to move back when it contacts an obstacle, thus avoiding or at least reducing damage from the contact. When the breakaway acts, it is generally required to stop operations and reset the marker in the operating position. Particular breakaways for field markers are disclosed in United States Patent Numbers 5,957,216 to Redekop, 4,825,957 to White et al., and 6,263,976 and 6,334,492 to Hundeby.
F&K 1283-07-O1 The patents of Hundeby also disclose a slotted mounting plate for the disc that facilitates adjusting the disc from a more aggressive to a less aggressive angle relative to the operating travel direction. This angle is adjusted so that the proper mark is made in the soil as soil conditions vary from field to field. When the soil is hard, and the angle of the disc with respect to the direction of travel is too small, the disc will not bite into the soil, instead riding on top and making only a slight mark that is difficult to see and follow.
The disc will also ride out of the ground and fail to make a satisfactory mark when trash covering the ground is excessive.
To overcome this problem, the disc angle is adjusted to a more aggressive larger angle to the travel direction, where it will bite into the soil better, and penetrate trash better, and thus make a satisfactorily visible mark. On the other hand, when the soil is relatively soft, and the disc angle is too large, the disc will bite in too much and plow an undesirable trench. Also such plowing causes excessive strain on the marker arm which can damage the arm, and can in some cases trip breakaways.
The manual disc angle adjustment in the prior art markers of Hundeby and others does not address the common situation where soil conditions vary within a single field. The disc angle must be set such that it makes a satisfactory mark in the hard areas, and plows a trench in the soft areas, or alternatively makes a mark that is difficult to see in the hard areas, and satisfactory in the soft areas.
F&K 1283-07-O1 The fixed angle also causes the similar problems on curves and turns. The effective operating angle of the disc changes on curves and turns such that the angle becomes less aggressive when turning one direction, and more aggressive when turning the other direction.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is the object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for automatically adjusting the operating angle of a field marker disc to a suitable angle as soil conditions change. It is a further object of the present invention to provide such an apparatus that automatically adjusts the disc operating angle to a suitable angle when the implement is moving along a curved path.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide such an apparatus wherein a bias force is balanced against the force exerted on the disc by the soil to maintain the disc at a suitable operating angle as the force exerted on the disc by the soil varies.
In a first aspect the invention provides a field marker apparatus comprising a marker arm adapted for attachment at an inner end thereof to an agricultural implement such that the marker arm extends laterally from the implement as the implement moves in an operating travel direction, and an outer end of the marker arm is supported by a rotatable disc adapted to engage the ground to make a furrow substantially parallel to the operating _ . _~.____...
F&K 1283-07-O1 travel direction. The disc is pivotally mounted to the apparatus such that an operating angle between the disc and the operating travel direction can pivot from a most aggressive operating angle to a least aggressive operating angle. A bias element is operative to exert a bias force on the disc that causes the disc to pivot towards the most aggressive operating angle.
In a second aspect the invention provides a disc apparatus adapted for attachment to a field marker having a marker arm adapted for attachment at an inner end thereof to an agricultural implement such that the marker arm extends laterally from the implement as the implement moves in an operating travel direction. The disc apparatus comprises mounting means to mount a disc rotatably to an outer end of the marker arm such that the outer end of the marker arm is supported by the disc, and such that the disc engages the ground to make a furrow substantially parallel to the operating travel direction;. The mounting means further comprises pivot means operative to allow the disc to pivot about a substantially upright pivot axis such that an operating angle between a rotational plane of the disc and the operating travel direction can vary from a most aggressive operating angle to a least aggressive operating angle. Bias means are operative to exert a bias force on the disc that causes the disc to pivot towards the most aggressive operating angle.
The bias force moves the rotational plane of the disc away from the line of travel increasing the operating angle to a more aggressive angle such that the disc bites into the soil more. When the disc bites into the soil more, the drag force of the soil on the disc F&K 1283-07-O1 increases. This drag force is exerted on the disc in a direction opposite to the bias force and causes the disc to pivot towards the least aggressive operating angle. If the bias force and any limits on pivotal movement of the disc were removed, the disc would rotate in a plane that was substantially parallel to the operating travel direction, with an operating angle of essentially zero, where the drag forces on the disc would be minimal as the disc would be rolling along the soil without moving any soil, or at most a minimal amount of soil.
When the bias force and the opposite drag force are equal, the disc does not pivot any further and the apparatus is in equilibrium. The apparatus is configured such that the equilibrium operating angle is that operating angle where the disc makes a visible furrow in typical soil and trash conditions without plowing a trench. The bias force can be adjustable so that by increasing or decreasing the bias force, the equilibrium operating angle can be varied to suit particular soil conditions and to create a more pronounced or less pronounced furrow.
When the disc of the apparatus of the invention encounters a soft field area the disc bites in more, increasing the drag force such that the drag force overcomes the bias force and pivots the disc towards a less aggressive operating angle until the drag force experienced by the disc again equals the bias force and a new less aggressive equilibrium operating angle is achieved. At this new equilibrium angle, the disc makes a satisfactory mark in the soft ground.
F&K 1283-07-O1 Contrarily, when the disc encounters a harder field area, or heavy trash cover, the disc rides out of the ground and bites in less, reducing the drag force such that the bias force overcomes the drag force and pivots the disc towards a more aggressive operating angle such that the disc bites into the soil more and increases the drag force until the drag force experienced by the disc again equals the bias force and a new more aggressive equilibrium operating angle is achieved. At this new equilibrium angle, the disc makes a satisfactory mark in the hard or trashy ground.
Thus the operating angle of the disc varies though a range from most to least aggressive operating angles as the implement carrying the marker moves along the field encountering varying soil conditions. The disc may ride out or plow briefly, but the bias apparatus will quickly make the necessary adjustments to correct the operating angle.
Conveniently the bias element can be a spring, and a shock absorber can be added to dampen the movement of the disc. Alternatively an active hydraulic cylinder can be used to exert a constant bias force on the disc.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:
While the invention is claimed in the concluding portions hereof, preferred embodiments are provided in the accompanying detailed description which may be best understood in F&K 1283-07-O1 conjunction with the accompanying diagrams where like parts in each of the several diagrams are labeled with like numbers, and where:
Fig. 1 is a top view of an embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 2 is a top view of the embodiment of Fig. 1 mounted on the outer end of an implement;
Fig. 3 is a top view of the embodiment of Fig. 1 wherein the disc is oriented at the least aggressive angle;
Fig. 4 is a top view of the embodiment of Fig. 1 wherein the disc is oriented at the most aggressive angle;
Fig. 5 is a top view of a hydraulic cylinder used as an alternate bias element;
Fig. 6 is a top view of an alternate embodiment of the invention, showing an alternate configuration of the disc, bias element, and pivot plate;
Fig. 7 is a top view of the embodiment of Fig. 6 showing the operating angle in a negative position with respect to the straight ahead operating travel direction.
F&K 1283-07-O1 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS:
Figs. 1 and 2 illustrate a field marker apparatus 1 of the invention comprising a marker arm 3 adapted for attachment at an inner end 3A thereof to an agricultural implement 5 such that the marker arm 3 extends laterally from the implement 5 as the implement 5 moves in an operating travel direction T. The outer end 3B of the marker arm 3 is supported by a rotatable disc 7 that bites into and engages the ground 9 to make a furrow 11 substantially parallel to the operating travel direction. As seen in Fig.
This invention is in the field of agricultural implements and in particular disc markers to operative to mark a driving guide in the soil for implement operation.
BACKGROUND
Field markers are used in many farm operations, including seeding, tillage, chemical application, and fertilizer application. Field markers generally include a disc on the end of an arm to make a visible mark on the ground laterally offset from the implement to give the driver a visible guide for spacing the implement on the next pass.
Such disc markers are disclosed for example in United States Patent Numbers 6,125,944 and 5,785,128 to Redekop, 5,542,190 to Wahls, 5,425,427 to Haugen, and 5,027,525 to Haukaas. Breakaways using shear pins, bolts, trips or the like are desirable to allow the marker to move back when it contacts an obstacle, thus avoiding or at least reducing damage from the contact. When the breakaway acts, it is generally required to stop operations and reset the marker in the operating position. Particular breakaways for field markers are disclosed in United States Patent Numbers 5,957,216 to Redekop, 4,825,957 to White et al., and 6,263,976 and 6,334,492 to Hundeby.
F&K 1283-07-O1 The patents of Hundeby also disclose a slotted mounting plate for the disc that facilitates adjusting the disc from a more aggressive to a less aggressive angle relative to the operating travel direction. This angle is adjusted so that the proper mark is made in the soil as soil conditions vary from field to field. When the soil is hard, and the angle of the disc with respect to the direction of travel is too small, the disc will not bite into the soil, instead riding on top and making only a slight mark that is difficult to see and follow.
The disc will also ride out of the ground and fail to make a satisfactory mark when trash covering the ground is excessive.
To overcome this problem, the disc angle is adjusted to a more aggressive larger angle to the travel direction, where it will bite into the soil better, and penetrate trash better, and thus make a satisfactorily visible mark. On the other hand, when the soil is relatively soft, and the disc angle is too large, the disc will bite in too much and plow an undesirable trench. Also such plowing causes excessive strain on the marker arm which can damage the arm, and can in some cases trip breakaways.
The manual disc angle adjustment in the prior art markers of Hundeby and others does not address the common situation where soil conditions vary within a single field. The disc angle must be set such that it makes a satisfactory mark in the hard areas, and plows a trench in the soft areas, or alternatively makes a mark that is difficult to see in the hard areas, and satisfactory in the soft areas.
F&K 1283-07-O1 The fixed angle also causes the similar problems on curves and turns. The effective operating angle of the disc changes on curves and turns such that the angle becomes less aggressive when turning one direction, and more aggressive when turning the other direction.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is the object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for automatically adjusting the operating angle of a field marker disc to a suitable angle as soil conditions change. It is a further object of the present invention to provide such an apparatus that automatically adjusts the disc operating angle to a suitable angle when the implement is moving along a curved path.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide such an apparatus wherein a bias force is balanced against the force exerted on the disc by the soil to maintain the disc at a suitable operating angle as the force exerted on the disc by the soil varies.
In a first aspect the invention provides a field marker apparatus comprising a marker arm adapted for attachment at an inner end thereof to an agricultural implement such that the marker arm extends laterally from the implement as the implement moves in an operating travel direction, and an outer end of the marker arm is supported by a rotatable disc adapted to engage the ground to make a furrow substantially parallel to the operating _ . _~.____...
F&K 1283-07-O1 travel direction. The disc is pivotally mounted to the apparatus such that an operating angle between the disc and the operating travel direction can pivot from a most aggressive operating angle to a least aggressive operating angle. A bias element is operative to exert a bias force on the disc that causes the disc to pivot towards the most aggressive operating angle.
In a second aspect the invention provides a disc apparatus adapted for attachment to a field marker having a marker arm adapted for attachment at an inner end thereof to an agricultural implement such that the marker arm extends laterally from the implement as the implement moves in an operating travel direction. The disc apparatus comprises mounting means to mount a disc rotatably to an outer end of the marker arm such that the outer end of the marker arm is supported by the disc, and such that the disc engages the ground to make a furrow substantially parallel to the operating travel direction;. The mounting means further comprises pivot means operative to allow the disc to pivot about a substantially upright pivot axis such that an operating angle between a rotational plane of the disc and the operating travel direction can vary from a most aggressive operating angle to a least aggressive operating angle. Bias means are operative to exert a bias force on the disc that causes the disc to pivot towards the most aggressive operating angle.
The bias force moves the rotational plane of the disc away from the line of travel increasing the operating angle to a more aggressive angle such that the disc bites into the soil more. When the disc bites into the soil more, the drag force of the soil on the disc F&K 1283-07-O1 increases. This drag force is exerted on the disc in a direction opposite to the bias force and causes the disc to pivot towards the least aggressive operating angle. If the bias force and any limits on pivotal movement of the disc were removed, the disc would rotate in a plane that was substantially parallel to the operating travel direction, with an operating angle of essentially zero, where the drag forces on the disc would be minimal as the disc would be rolling along the soil without moving any soil, or at most a minimal amount of soil.
When the bias force and the opposite drag force are equal, the disc does not pivot any further and the apparatus is in equilibrium. The apparatus is configured such that the equilibrium operating angle is that operating angle where the disc makes a visible furrow in typical soil and trash conditions without plowing a trench. The bias force can be adjustable so that by increasing or decreasing the bias force, the equilibrium operating angle can be varied to suit particular soil conditions and to create a more pronounced or less pronounced furrow.
When the disc of the apparatus of the invention encounters a soft field area the disc bites in more, increasing the drag force such that the drag force overcomes the bias force and pivots the disc towards a less aggressive operating angle until the drag force experienced by the disc again equals the bias force and a new less aggressive equilibrium operating angle is achieved. At this new equilibrium angle, the disc makes a satisfactory mark in the soft ground.
F&K 1283-07-O1 Contrarily, when the disc encounters a harder field area, or heavy trash cover, the disc rides out of the ground and bites in less, reducing the drag force such that the bias force overcomes the drag force and pivots the disc towards a more aggressive operating angle such that the disc bites into the soil more and increases the drag force until the drag force experienced by the disc again equals the bias force and a new more aggressive equilibrium operating angle is achieved. At this new equilibrium angle, the disc makes a satisfactory mark in the hard or trashy ground.
Thus the operating angle of the disc varies though a range from most to least aggressive operating angles as the implement carrying the marker moves along the field encountering varying soil conditions. The disc may ride out or plow briefly, but the bias apparatus will quickly make the necessary adjustments to correct the operating angle.
Conveniently the bias element can be a spring, and a shock absorber can be added to dampen the movement of the disc. Alternatively an active hydraulic cylinder can be used to exert a constant bias force on the disc.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:
While the invention is claimed in the concluding portions hereof, preferred embodiments are provided in the accompanying detailed description which may be best understood in F&K 1283-07-O1 conjunction with the accompanying diagrams where like parts in each of the several diagrams are labeled with like numbers, and where:
Fig. 1 is a top view of an embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 2 is a top view of the embodiment of Fig. 1 mounted on the outer end of an implement;
Fig. 3 is a top view of the embodiment of Fig. 1 wherein the disc is oriented at the least aggressive angle;
Fig. 4 is a top view of the embodiment of Fig. 1 wherein the disc is oriented at the most aggressive angle;
Fig. 5 is a top view of a hydraulic cylinder used as an alternate bias element;
Fig. 6 is a top view of an alternate embodiment of the invention, showing an alternate configuration of the disc, bias element, and pivot plate;
Fig. 7 is a top view of the embodiment of Fig. 6 showing the operating angle in a negative position with respect to the straight ahead operating travel direction.
F&K 1283-07-O1 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS:
Figs. 1 and 2 illustrate a field marker apparatus 1 of the invention comprising a marker arm 3 adapted for attachment at an inner end 3A thereof to an agricultural implement 5 such that the marker arm 3 extends laterally from the implement 5 as the implement 5 moves in an operating travel direction T. The outer end 3B of the marker arm 3 is supported by a rotatable disc 7 that bites into and engages the ground 9 to make a furrow 11 substantially parallel to the operating travel direction. As seen in Fig.
2, the marker arm 3 is pivotally attached to the implement 5 so it can move up and down to follow the ground 9. Typically such marker arms 3 also fold into a transport position.
The disc 7 is rotatably mounted via a shaft 10 and bearings 12 to a pivot plate 13. The pivot plate 13 is pivotally attached to the outer end 3B of the marker arm 3 by a pivot pin such that the pivot plate can pivot about a generally upright pivot axis PA.
Thus the 15 disc 7 can pivot with respect to the arm 3 such that the operating angle N
between the disc 7 and the operating travel direction T can change from a most aggressive operating angle MN to a least aggressive operating angle LN, as seen in Figs. 3 and 4.
The pivoting movement of the pivot plate 13 with respect to the arm 3 is limited by a limit pin 17 fixed to the arm 3 that extends through an arctuate slot 19 in the pivot plate 13.
The length of the slot 19 defines the most and least aggressive operating angles MN, LN, with the limit pin contacting the end of the slot 19 at both extremes as illustrated in Figs.
The disc 7 is rotatably mounted via a shaft 10 and bearings 12 to a pivot plate 13. The pivot plate 13 is pivotally attached to the outer end 3B of the marker arm 3 by a pivot pin such that the pivot plate can pivot about a generally upright pivot axis PA.
Thus the 15 disc 7 can pivot with respect to the arm 3 such that the operating angle N
between the disc 7 and the operating travel direction T can change from a most aggressive operating angle MN to a least aggressive operating angle LN, as seen in Figs. 3 and 4.
The pivoting movement of the pivot plate 13 with respect to the arm 3 is limited by a limit pin 17 fixed to the arm 3 that extends through an arctuate slot 19 in the pivot plate 13.
The length of the slot 19 defines the most and least aggressive operating angles MN, LN, with the limit pin contacting the end of the slot 19 at both extremes as illustrated in Figs.
3 and 4.
F&K 1283-07-O1 A bias element 20 is operative to exert an inward force F on the pivot plate 13. In the embodiment of Fig. 1, 3, and 4 the pivot plate 13 extends forward and rearward from a pivot axis PA and the bias element 20 is attached at one end thereof to the forward portion of the pivot plate 13 via a cable 25 attached to one of a plurality of holes 27 in the forward portion of the pivot plate. The opposite end of the bias element 20 is attached to a mid-point of the marker arm 3. The disc 7 is rotatably mounted on the rearward portion of the pivot plate 13 and oriented such that the rotational axis RA of the disc 7 extends forward and outward from the disc 7.
With the configuration of the disc 7, pivot plate 13, and pivot axis PA, the force F exerted by the bias element 20 on the pivot plate 13 causes the disc 7 to experience a bias force BF that pulls the disc 7 forward towards the most aggressive operating angle ML
illustrated in Fig. 4. The bias force BF exerted on the disc 7 can be adjusted by attaching the cable 25 to different holes 27 located nearer to or farther from the pivot axis PA to change the leverage exerted on the disc 7 by the bias element 20 exerting force F.
The bias element 20 illustrated in Fig. 1 comprises a spring 22 and also a shock absorber 24 to dampen the movement of the pivot plate 13. An alternate bias element is illustrated in Fig. 5, being an extendable hydraulic cylinder 50 operatively connected to an active hydraulic sourcE supplying hydraulic fluid 52 at an operating pressure such that the hydraulic cylinder 50 extends and retracts, and hydraulic fluid 50 goes into and out of the hydraulic cylinder 50, in response to forces exerted thereon that are greater or lesser F&K 1283-07-O1 than the force exerted by the operating pressure on the hydraulic cylinder 50.
The bias element of Fig. 5 has the advantage that the force F is constant as the operating angle N
varies and the hydraulic cylinder 50 extends and retracts, whereas the force F
will vary as a spring extends and contracts.
Where a spring is used, the pivot axis PA and spring location could be oriented on an arc so that as the disc pivots the leverage changes to compensate for changes in the force F as spring length varies, thereby maintaining a relatively stable bias force BF on the disc.
Maintaining the bias force BF stable is not required for the operation of the apparatus, as the drag force DF and bias force BF will balance out in any event, but performance is improved where variations in the bias force BF are minimized.
As seen in Fig. 2, the rotational axis RA of the disc 7 is oriented somewhat downward when in the operating position as is common with such marking discs. Fig. 1 shows how the rotational axis RA and the rotational plane of the disc 7 are oriented with respect to the operating travel direction T when the arm is in a substantially horizontal position, to more simply show the operation of the apparatus.
Fig. 6 illustrates an alternate configuration of the apparatus wherein the bias element exerts an outward force F. The bias element is attached at a first end thereof to the rearward portion of the pivot plate 113 and at the opposite end thereof to a mid-point of the marker arm 103. The disc 107 is rotatably mounted on a forward portion of the pivot F&K 1283-07-O1 plate 113 such that a rotational axis RA of the disc 107 extends forward and outward from the disc 107. The disc 107 is illustrated as a flat disc which is sometimes used in such markers instead of the concave disc illustrated in Figs. 1 - 4 to make the furrow 111.
The bias force BF moves the rotational plane of the disc 7, 107 away from the line of travel increasing the operating angle N to a more aggressive operating angle N
such that the disc bites into the soil more. When the disc bites into the soil more, the drag force DF
of the soil on the disc increases. As illustrated, this drag force DF is exerted on the disc in a direction opposite to the bias force BF and causes the disc to pivot towards the least aggressive operating angle LN. Various alternate configurations could also be used to exert a bias force on the disc that would be counter-balanced by the drag force of the soil against the disc, and result in an operative apparatus. Compression or extension springs could be used, and an active hydraulic cylinder can be configured to exert a force F in either direction, as is known in the art.
When the bias force BF and the opposite drag force DF are equal, the disc 7, 107 does not pivot any further and the apparatus is in equilibrium. When the disc 7, 107 encounters a soft field area the disc bites in more, increasing the drag force DF such that the drag force DF overcomes the bias force BF and pivots the disc towards a less aggressive operating angle N until the drag force DF experienced by the disc again equals the bias force BF
and a new less aggressive equilibrium operating angle N is achieved. At this new equilibrium angle N, the disc makes a satisfactory mark in the soft ground.
F&K 1283-07-O1 Contrarily, when the disc 7, 107 encounters a harder field area, or heavy trash cover, the disc rides out of the ground and bites in less, reducing the drag force DF
such that the bias force BF overcomes the drag force DF and pivots the disc towards a more aggressive operating angle N such that the disc bites into the soil more and increases the drag force DF until the drag force DF experienced by the disc again equals the bias force BF and a new more aggressive equilibrium operating angle N is achieved. At this new equilibrium angle, the disc makes a satisfactory mark in the hard or trashy ground.
In the same manner the operating angle N of the disc changes as the implement follows a curved path. When the embodiment of Fig. 1 is turned to the left, the operating angle N
will decrease as the travel direction T indicated by the arrow moves to the left, and the disc action will become less aggressive. The drag force DF will decrease and the bias force BF will move the disc towards a more aggressive angle, maintaining a suitable operating angle F and disc action so that the furrow 11 remains visible.
Similarly when turning to the right, the operating angle N will increase and the drag force DF will increase, overcoming the bias force BF to move the disc towards a less aggressive operating angle N, and thereby prevent plowing a trench.
In order to allow for proper action of the apparatus in pronounced turns, the slot 119 can be elongated such that the pivot plate 113 and disc 107 can move to position wherein the angle N is negative with respect to the straight forward operating travel direction T.
F&K 1283-07-O1 The apparatus of the invention thus continuously adjusts the angle N as the drag force DF
of the soil on the disc varies, either from a change on soil conditions or a curve.
The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention.
Further, since numerous changes and modifications will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all such suitable changes or modifications in structure or operation which may be resorted to are intended to fall within the scope of the claimed invention.
F&K 1283-07-O1 A bias element 20 is operative to exert an inward force F on the pivot plate 13. In the embodiment of Fig. 1, 3, and 4 the pivot plate 13 extends forward and rearward from a pivot axis PA and the bias element 20 is attached at one end thereof to the forward portion of the pivot plate 13 via a cable 25 attached to one of a plurality of holes 27 in the forward portion of the pivot plate. The opposite end of the bias element 20 is attached to a mid-point of the marker arm 3. The disc 7 is rotatably mounted on the rearward portion of the pivot plate 13 and oriented such that the rotational axis RA of the disc 7 extends forward and outward from the disc 7.
With the configuration of the disc 7, pivot plate 13, and pivot axis PA, the force F exerted by the bias element 20 on the pivot plate 13 causes the disc 7 to experience a bias force BF that pulls the disc 7 forward towards the most aggressive operating angle ML
illustrated in Fig. 4. The bias force BF exerted on the disc 7 can be adjusted by attaching the cable 25 to different holes 27 located nearer to or farther from the pivot axis PA to change the leverage exerted on the disc 7 by the bias element 20 exerting force F.
The bias element 20 illustrated in Fig. 1 comprises a spring 22 and also a shock absorber 24 to dampen the movement of the pivot plate 13. An alternate bias element is illustrated in Fig. 5, being an extendable hydraulic cylinder 50 operatively connected to an active hydraulic sourcE supplying hydraulic fluid 52 at an operating pressure such that the hydraulic cylinder 50 extends and retracts, and hydraulic fluid 50 goes into and out of the hydraulic cylinder 50, in response to forces exerted thereon that are greater or lesser F&K 1283-07-O1 than the force exerted by the operating pressure on the hydraulic cylinder 50.
The bias element of Fig. 5 has the advantage that the force F is constant as the operating angle N
varies and the hydraulic cylinder 50 extends and retracts, whereas the force F
will vary as a spring extends and contracts.
Where a spring is used, the pivot axis PA and spring location could be oriented on an arc so that as the disc pivots the leverage changes to compensate for changes in the force F as spring length varies, thereby maintaining a relatively stable bias force BF on the disc.
Maintaining the bias force BF stable is not required for the operation of the apparatus, as the drag force DF and bias force BF will balance out in any event, but performance is improved where variations in the bias force BF are minimized.
As seen in Fig. 2, the rotational axis RA of the disc 7 is oriented somewhat downward when in the operating position as is common with such marking discs. Fig. 1 shows how the rotational axis RA and the rotational plane of the disc 7 are oriented with respect to the operating travel direction T when the arm is in a substantially horizontal position, to more simply show the operation of the apparatus.
Fig. 6 illustrates an alternate configuration of the apparatus wherein the bias element exerts an outward force F. The bias element is attached at a first end thereof to the rearward portion of the pivot plate 113 and at the opposite end thereof to a mid-point of the marker arm 103. The disc 107 is rotatably mounted on a forward portion of the pivot F&K 1283-07-O1 plate 113 such that a rotational axis RA of the disc 107 extends forward and outward from the disc 107. The disc 107 is illustrated as a flat disc which is sometimes used in such markers instead of the concave disc illustrated in Figs. 1 - 4 to make the furrow 111.
The bias force BF moves the rotational plane of the disc 7, 107 away from the line of travel increasing the operating angle N to a more aggressive operating angle N
such that the disc bites into the soil more. When the disc bites into the soil more, the drag force DF
of the soil on the disc increases. As illustrated, this drag force DF is exerted on the disc in a direction opposite to the bias force BF and causes the disc to pivot towards the least aggressive operating angle LN. Various alternate configurations could also be used to exert a bias force on the disc that would be counter-balanced by the drag force of the soil against the disc, and result in an operative apparatus. Compression or extension springs could be used, and an active hydraulic cylinder can be configured to exert a force F in either direction, as is known in the art.
When the bias force BF and the opposite drag force DF are equal, the disc 7, 107 does not pivot any further and the apparatus is in equilibrium. When the disc 7, 107 encounters a soft field area the disc bites in more, increasing the drag force DF such that the drag force DF overcomes the bias force BF and pivots the disc towards a less aggressive operating angle N until the drag force DF experienced by the disc again equals the bias force BF
and a new less aggressive equilibrium operating angle N is achieved. At this new equilibrium angle N, the disc makes a satisfactory mark in the soft ground.
F&K 1283-07-O1 Contrarily, when the disc 7, 107 encounters a harder field area, or heavy trash cover, the disc rides out of the ground and bites in less, reducing the drag force DF
such that the bias force BF overcomes the drag force DF and pivots the disc towards a more aggressive operating angle N such that the disc bites into the soil more and increases the drag force DF until the drag force DF experienced by the disc again equals the bias force BF and a new more aggressive equilibrium operating angle N is achieved. At this new equilibrium angle, the disc makes a satisfactory mark in the hard or trashy ground.
In the same manner the operating angle N of the disc changes as the implement follows a curved path. When the embodiment of Fig. 1 is turned to the left, the operating angle N
will decrease as the travel direction T indicated by the arrow moves to the left, and the disc action will become less aggressive. The drag force DF will decrease and the bias force BF will move the disc towards a more aggressive angle, maintaining a suitable operating angle F and disc action so that the furrow 11 remains visible.
Similarly when turning to the right, the operating angle N will increase and the drag force DF will increase, overcoming the bias force BF to move the disc towards a less aggressive operating angle N, and thereby prevent plowing a trench.
In order to allow for proper action of the apparatus in pronounced turns, the slot 119 can be elongated such that the pivot plate 113 and disc 107 can move to position wherein the angle N is negative with respect to the straight forward operating travel direction T.
F&K 1283-07-O1 The apparatus of the invention thus continuously adjusts the angle N as the drag force DF
of the soil on the disc varies, either from a change on soil conditions or a curve.
The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention.
Further, since numerous changes and modifications will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all such suitable changes or modifications in structure or operation which may be resorted to are intended to fall within the scope of the claimed invention.
Claims (18)
1. A field marker apparatus comprising:
a marker arm adapted for attachment at an inner end thereof to an agricultural implement such that the marker arm extends laterally from the implement as the implement moves in an operating travel direction, and an outer end of the marker arm is supported by a rotatable disc adapted to engage the ground to make a furrow substantially parallel to the operating travel direction;
wherein the disc is pivotally mounted to the apparatus such that an operating angle between the disc and the operating travel direction can pivot from a most aggressive operating angle to a least aggressive operating angle; and a bias element operative to exert a bias force on the disc that causes the disc to pivot towards the most aggressive operating angle.
a marker arm adapted for attachment at an inner end thereof to an agricultural implement such that the marker arm extends laterally from the implement as the implement moves in an operating travel direction, and an outer end of the marker arm is supported by a rotatable disc adapted to engage the ground to make a furrow substantially parallel to the operating travel direction;
wherein the disc is pivotally mounted to the apparatus such that an operating angle between the disc and the operating travel direction can pivot from a most aggressive operating angle to a least aggressive operating angle; and a bias element operative to exert a bias force on the disc that causes the disc to pivot towards the most aggressive operating angle.
2. The apparatus of Claim 1 wherein the bias force exerted by the bias element is adjustable.
3. The apparatus of any one of Claims 1 and 2 wherein the disc is rotatably mounted to a pivot plate that is pivotally attached to the outer end of the marker arm such that as the pivot plate pivots with respect to the marker arm, the operating angle varies.
4. The apparatus of Claim 3 wherein:
the pivot plate extends forward and rearward from a pivot axis;
the bias element exerts an inward force on the forward portion of the pivot plate;
and the disc is rotatably mounted on a rearward portion of the pivot plate.
the pivot plate extends forward and rearward from a pivot axis;
the bias element exerts an inward force on the forward portion of the pivot plate;
and the disc is rotatably mounted on a rearward portion of the pivot plate.
5. The apparatus of Claim 3 wherein:
the pivot plate extends forward and rearward from a pivot axis;
the bias element exerts an outward force on the rearward portion of the pivot plate; and the disc is rotatably mounted on a forward portion of the pivot plate.
the pivot plate extends forward and rearward from a pivot axis;
the bias element exerts an outward force on the rearward portion of the pivot plate; and the disc is rotatably mounted on a forward portion of the pivot plate.
6. The apparatus of any one of Claims 1 - 5 wherein the bias element comprises a spring.
7. The apparatus of Claim 6 wherein the bias element further comprises a shock absorber.
8. The apparatus of any one of Claims 1 - 5 wherein the bias element comprises an extendable hydraulic cylinder operatively connected to an active hydraulic source supplying hydraulic fluid at an operating pressure such that the hydraulic cylinder extends and retracts in response to forces exerted thereon that are greater or lesser than the force exerted by the operating pressure on the hydraulic cylinder.
9. The apparatus of any one of Claims 3 - 8 wherein the apparatus further comprises an arctuate slot defined by the pivot plate, and a substantially fixed pin engaged in the slot such that pivotal movement of the disc is limited.
10. A disc apparatus adapted for attachment to a field marker having a marker arm adapted for attachment at an inner end thereof to an agricultural implement such that the marker arm extends laterally from the implement as the implement moves in an operating travel direction, the disc apparatus comprising:
mounting means to mount a disc rotatably to an outer end of the marker arm such that the outer end of the marker arm is supported by the disc, and such that the disc engages the ground to make a furrow substantially parallel to the operating travel direction;
wherein the mounting means further comprises pivot means operative to allow the disc to pivot about a substantially upright pivot axis such that an operating angle between a rotational plane of the disc and the operating travel direction can vary from a most aggressive operating angle to a least aggressive operating angle;
and bias means operative to exert a bias force on the disc that causes the disc to pivot towards the most aggressive operating angle.
mounting means to mount a disc rotatably to an outer end of the marker arm such that the outer end of the marker arm is supported by the disc, and such that the disc engages the ground to make a furrow substantially parallel to the operating travel direction;
wherein the mounting means further comprises pivot means operative to allow the disc to pivot about a substantially upright pivot axis such that an operating angle between a rotational plane of the disc and the operating travel direction can vary from a most aggressive operating angle to a least aggressive operating angle;
and bias means operative to exert a bias force on the disc that causes the disc to pivot towards the most aggressive operating angle.
11. The apparatus of Claim 10 further comprising means to adjust the bias force.
12. The apparatus of any one of Claims 10 and 11 wherein the mounting means comprises a pivot plate, and wherein the disc is rotatably mounted to the pivot plate, and wherein the pivot plate is pivotally attached to the outer end of the marker arm such that as the pivot plate pivots with respect to the marker arm, the operating angle varies.
13. The apparatus of Claim 12 wherein:
the pivot plate extends forward and rearward from the pivot axis;
the bias means comprises a bias element exerting an inward force on a forward portion of the pivot plate; and the disc is rotatably mounted on a rearward portion of the pivot plate.
the pivot plate extends forward and rearward from the pivot axis;
the bias means comprises a bias element exerting an inward force on a forward portion of the pivot plate; and the disc is rotatably mounted on a rearward portion of the pivot plate.
14. The apparatus of Claim 12 wherein:
the pivot plate extends forward and rearward from the pivot axis;
the bias means comprises a bias element exerting an outward force on a rearward portion of the pivot plate; and the disc is rotatably mounted on a forward portion of the pivot plate.
the pivot plate extends forward and rearward from the pivot axis;
the bias means comprises a bias element exerting an outward force on a rearward portion of the pivot plate; and the disc is rotatably mounted on a forward portion of the pivot plate.
15. The apparatus of any one of Claims 13 and 14 wherein the bias element comprises a spring.
16. The apparatus of Claim 15 wherein the bias element further comprises a shock absorber.
17. The apparatus of any one of Claims 13 and 14 wherein the bias element comprises an extendable hydraulic cylinder operatively connected to an active hydraulic source supplying hydraulic fluid at an operating pressure such that the hydraulic cylinder extends and retracts in response to forces exerted thereon that are greater or lesser than the force exerted by the operating pressure on the hydraulic cylinder.
18. The apparatus of any one of Claims 12 - 17 wherein the apparatus further comprises an arctuate slot defined by the pivot plate, and a substantially fixed pin engaged in the slot such that pivotal movement of the disc is limited.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2390843 CA2390843A1 (en) | 2002-06-18 | 2002-06-18 | Field marker disc with adjustable operating angle |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2390843 CA2390843A1 (en) | 2002-06-18 | 2002-06-18 | Field marker disc with adjustable operating angle |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2390843A1 true CA2390843A1 (en) | 2003-12-18 |
Family
ID=30005516
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2390843 Abandoned CA2390843A1 (en) | 2002-06-18 | 2002-06-18 | Field marker disc with adjustable operating angle |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2390843A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RU2542125C2 (en) * | 2012-06-15 | 2015-02-20 | Федеральное государственное бюджетное образовательное учреждение высшего профессионального образования "Белгородская государственная сельскохозяйственная академия имени В.Я. Горина" | Disc sowing section |
-
2002
- 2002-06-18 CA CA 2390843 patent/CA2390843A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RU2542125C2 (en) * | 2012-06-15 | 2015-02-20 | Федеральное государственное бюджетное образовательное учреждение высшего профессионального образования "Белгородская государственная сельскохозяйственная академия имени В.Я. Горина" | Disc sowing section |
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| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Dead |