GB1597923A

GB1597923A - Implement for connection to a lifting device of a prime mover

Info

Publication number: GB1597923A
Application number: GB1013878A
Authority: GB
Original assignee: C Van der Lely NV
Current assignee: C Van der Lely NV
Priority date: 1977-03-18
Filing date: 1978-03-14
Publication date: 1981-09-16
Also published as: FR2383591A1; FR2383591B1; DK112378A; DE2811130A1; NL7702938A

Description

(54) AN IMPLEMENT FOR CONNECTION TO A LIFTING DEVICE OF A PRIME MOVER (71) We, C. VAN DER LELY N.V., of 10, Weverskade, Maasland, The Netherlands, a Dutch Limited Liability Company, do hereby declare the invention, for which we pray that a patent may be granted to us, and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement: This invention relates to an implement, particularly, although not exclusively, an agricultural implement for spreading granular and/or powdery material.

According to the present invention there is provided an implement for connection to a lifting device of a prime mover for movement between an upper level and a lower level, the implement comprising lower coupling means for connection to a lower coupling location of the lifting device and upper coupling means for connection to an upper coupling location of the lifting device, at least the lower coupling means constituting, or being provided with, tilting means by which, when the implement is at the lower level, movement of the lower coupling locations results in tilting of the implement between limits.

With a construction in accordance with the present invention, the implement may be held, for example, at one level at the most desired inclination for normal operation of the implement. When the level of the implement above the ground is altered, the implement can be moved so that at the other level, the implement can occupy an optimum position.

An advantageous embodiment of the implement in accordance with the invention is obtained when the tilting means causes the inclination of the implement to change forwardly or backwardly relative to the intended direction of travel. In a preferred construction the tilting means are such that at the lower level the implement may be inclined rearwardly, i.e. away from the lifting device, to a greater or lesser extent as compared with the inclination at the upper level.

A simple, practical embodiment of an implement in accordance with the invention can be obtained by using tilting means in the form of plates having slots which serve to couple the implement to the lower arms of the lifting device. In another embodiment, the tilting means comprises arms which are pivoted to the frame of the implement, by means of which arms the implement can be coupled with the lower arms of the lifting device.

For a better understanding of the present invention and to show how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a side elevation of an implement in one position; Figure 2 is a side elevation of the implement of Figure 1 in another position; Figure 3 is an enlarged side elevation of part of the implement of Figures 1 and 2; Figure 4 is an elevational view of the part shown in Figure 3, as seen in the direction of the arrow IV in Figure 3; Figure 5 shows an alternative construction for the part shown in Figures 3 and 4; Figure 6 is an elevational view of the part shown in Figure 5 taken in the direction of the arrow VI in Figure 5; and Figure 7 shows a modification of the construction shown in Figures 5 and 6.

Figures 1 to 4 show an agricultural implement 1 comprising a spreader for distributing, for example, fertilizer, which is coupled with the lifting device 2 of a tractor 3. The spreader 1 comprises a frame 6 supporting a hopper 7. Beneath the hopper 7 the frame 6 is provided with a rotatable spreading member or ejector disc 8 coupled with a driving gear in a gear box 9. The driving gear in the gear box 9 is connected by an auxiliary shaft 10 to the power takeoff shaft 13 of the tractor 3. The frame 6 comprises two (only one is visible) upwardly extending frame beams 11, which are coupled with one another by a tie beam 12.

Near the top, the frame 6 is provided with upper coupling means in the form of a coupling member 14 and each of the beams 11 also has a lower coupling means in the form of a coupling member 15. The coupling member 14 is connected by a pin 18 with the top arm 16 of the lifting device 2 of the tractor, whereas the coupling members 15 are connected by pins 19 with the lower arms 17 of the Ii lifting device 2. The frame 6 is provided at the lower ends of the beams 11 with supports 21 and at the rear with a support 22.

Each of the coupling members 15 has a slot 25 receiving the associated pin 19. Figure 4 shows that each of the coupling members 15 comprises two plates 26 fastened one on each side of the beam 11. Each of the plates 26 has a slot 25, and the two slots - completely overlap each other as shown in Figures 1 and 2. The slots 25 in the plates 26 are inclined downwardly and rearwardly away from the upper end 27. The centre line 28 of the slots 2 is at an angle 29 of about 45" to the length of the beams 11 as viewed in the side elevation of Figures 1 and 2.

When the spreader 1 is put into use, it is attached to the lifting device 2 of the tractor 3 as is shown in Figures 1 and 2. For operation the spreader 1 occupies the position shown in Figure 1. The ejector disc 8 is then at a distance 31 above the ground and extends horizontally (i.e. generally parallel to the ground) as illustrated in Figure 1. The spreader 1 is then in an upright position at a first, upper, level above the ground. The lifting arms 17 support the spreader by the pins 19 and hold it at the chosen level above the ground. The pins 19 are then located at the upper ends 27 of the slots 25, these upper ends then resting on the pins 19. The top arm 16 of the three-point lifting device holds the spreader in the chosen operational position, serving in particular to prevent the spreader from tilting rearwardly about the pins 19.

From the operational position shown in Figure 1 the spreader can be changed over to a position in which it bears on the ground as is shown in Figure 2. In this position the spreader is at a second, lower, level, which is suitable for filling the hopper 7. The position shown in Figure 2 is obtained by lowering the arms 17 so that the spreader 1 is also lowered. When the implement has descended to an extent such that the supports 21 touch the ground (which happens before the support 22 reaches the ground), the arms 17 can be further moved downwards and the pins 19 will then move along the slots 25 until they reach their lower ends as is shown in Figure 2. As the pins 19 move along the slots 25, the axis of the pivotal connection of the arms 17 to the frame 6 will change its location. This change in location is accompanied by a tilting movement of the spreader downwardly and to the rear.

As a result the top side 32 of the rear wall of the hopper 7 will be slightly lower than it would be in the position obtained merely by lowering the lifting device. The support 22 is arranged with respect to the supports 21 in a manner such that the support 22 bears on the ground when the pins 19 are located at the flower ends of the slots 25. In the position in which the spreader rests on both the front supports 21 and the rear support 22, the spreader is in a sufficiently tilted position for easy filling of the hopper 7. The ease of filling of the hopper 7 is an important factor, since filling has to be repeated each time the contents of the hopper have been spread on the field. The coupling members 15 with the slots 25 provide means for tilting the spreader from the upright position shown in Figure 1 into the rearwardly tilting position shown in Figure 2 when the implement is at the second level shown in Figure 2. Although this construction has been described by reference to a spreader which is tilted backwards when bearing on the ground for easy filling of the hopper, the construction is also applicable to other machinery in order to obtain a desired inclination at different levels of an implement above the ground. For example, chosen positions of the implement may be important for obtaining a satisfactory operational state and/or for rendering various parts readily accessible for cleaning, servicing or repair purposes. Thus, a change of the inclination of the implement may be useful for replacing certain components.

In this embodiment described above with reference to Figures 1 to 4, the tilting means comprises plates having slots, but other constructions are also possible. Figures 5 and 6 show another construction of the tilting means for producing backward tilting of the implement. In Figures 5 and 6 parts corresponding with those of Figures 1 to 4 are designated by the same reference numerals.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 5 and 6 the coupling members 15 are replaced by other coupling members 35. Each of these coupling members 35 comprises two strips 36 mounted pivotally on each respective beam 11 by a shaft 37. The strips 36 are arranged on opposite sides of the beam 11 and are interconnected by an intermediate rod 38. At the ends remote from the shaft 37 the strips 36 have holes 39. In the planes of the strips 36 on either side of the beam 11 are welded respective supporting plates 40.

The ends of the plates 40 extending beyond the beam 11 are connected with one another by means of a strip 41, which is rigidly secured to the plates 40.

When the tilting means illustrated in Figures 5 and 6 are employed, the arms 17 of the lifting device 2 are connected, as before, by pins 19 with the coupling members 35.

Each pin 19 is inserted into the holes 39 of the strips 36 and into a hole in the end of an arm 17. In the operational state of the implement 1, when the lifting device holds the implement in the position shown in Figure 1, the coupling members occupy a position shown in broken outline and designated by 35A in Figure 5. The pins 19 are then in the same position relative to the frame 6 as is illustrated for the pin 19 in Figure 1. In this position the supports 36 bear on the lower sides of the plates 40. The plates 40 thus constitute a stop engaged by the coupling members 35. In order to lower the implement, as in thb preceding embodiment the arms 17 of the lifting device are moved downwardly until the supports 21 touch the ground. At the instant when the supports 21 touch the ground, the coupling members 35 are still in the position 35A in Figure 5. When the lifting device is further lowered, the coupling members 35 will turn through an angle 43 of about 35 about the shaft 37 into a position 35B as shown in Figure 5. In the position 35B the rod 38 engages the frame beam 11 so that the movement of the coupling member 35 about the shaft 38 is limited. In the position indicated by 35B for the coupling members the pin 19 coupling the coupling members with the arms 17 occupies a position relative to the frame 6 corresponding with the position of the pin 19 shown in Figure 2. When the coupling members 35 reach the position 35B, the rear support 22 engages the ground so that the implement has sufficiently tilted back to permit, for example, easy filling of the hopper 7.

Figure 7 shows a further embodiment which largely corresponds with the embodiment shown in Figures 5 and 6. In the embodiment shown in Figure 7 the frame comprises frame beams 60 corresponding with the frame beams 11. To the frame beams 60 are secured at right angles frame beams 61 which at least partly support the hopper 7. The lower ends of the frame beam 60 are connected to beams 62 which are perpendicular to the beams 60, and a rear support corresponding with the support 22 is secured to the beams 62. Near the connection of the beams 62 with the beam 60 the frame is provided with supports 63 by which the implement can bear on the ground in the same manner as described for the supports 21.

The supports 63 are each formed by a plate 64 and a bent-over strip 65 which is perpendicular thereto. The strip 65, as is shown in Figure 7, is located at the front of the plate 64 and its lower end is bent around the lower edge of the plate 64 so that a broad surface is obtained for supporting the implement on the ground. The top end 66 of the strip 65 is welded to the lower end of the beam 60. The top end 66 of the strip is at an angle 68 of about 45" to the length of the beam 60. Between the beams 61 and 62 is arranged a supporting beam 68, the top end of which joins the beam 61 at a distance from the beam 60, whereas the lower end joins the beams 60 and 62 where they meet.

The joint of the supporting beam 68 with the beams is reinforced by a strut 69 between the beam 62 and the strip 68.

Near its top end the beam 68 has pivoted to it a coupling member 70, which is comparable with the coupling member 35. The coupling member 70 comprises two strips 71 located on each side of the beams 60 and 68 and pivoted to the support 68 by means of a pivotal shaft 72. The strips 71 are rigidly interconnected by a strip 73. The strips 71 have holes 74 in line with one another. The beam 60 has fastened to it a strip 75 projecting beyond the beam 60 far enough for its ends to constitute a stop for the coupling member 70 so that when the coupling member 70 is elevated, the two strips 71 engage the ends of the strip 75. The strip 73 is arranged at such a distance from the shaft 72 between the strips 71 that it constitutes a stop co-operating with the top end 66 of the strip 65 of the support 63.

When the tilting means shown in Figure 7 is employed, the arms 17 of the lifting device 2 are connected by means of the pins 19 with the coupling member 70. The pin 19 can be inserted into the holes 74 of the strips 71 of each of the coupling members 70 and into a hole in each of the arms 17. In the operational position of the implement 1 as shown in Figure 1 the coupling members 70 occupy the position indicated by broken lines and designated 70A in Figure 7. In this position the stops 75 engage the strips 71 of each of the coupling member 70. As in the embodiment shown in Figures 5 and 6 the implement is lowered by moving the lifting device with the arms 17 downwards until the supports 63 bear on the ground. At the instant when the supports 63 touch the ground, the coupling members 70 are still in the position designated by 70A in Figure 7.

When the lifting device is lowered further, the coupling members 70 will turn about the shafts 72 and move into a position 70B indicated in Figure 7 by solid lines for the coupling member 70. The coupling members 70 can turn about the shafts 72 until the strip 73 engages the top end 66 of the strip 65.

The implement is then tilted back to an extent such that the rear support 22 of the implement bears on the ground. As compared with the embodiment shown in Figures 5 and 6, the pivotal shift 72 of the coupling member 70 is located further to the rear than the pivotal shaft 37 for the coupling member 35. Thus the support of the implement through the coupling member 70 on the lower arms of the lifting device of the tractor can be improved for various conditions. It is furthermore possible to turn the coupling members with respect to the frame of the implement so that the pins 19 fastening the lower lifting arms 17 to the coupling members 70 can move further to the rear with respect to the frame, viewed in the intended direction of operative travel of the implement, when it is attached to the lifting device at the rear of a tractor as is illustrated in Figures 1 and 2.

WHAT WE CLAIM IS: 1. An implement for connection to a lifting device of a prime mover for movement between an upper level and a lower level, the implement comprising lower coupling means for connection to a lower coupling location of the lifting device and upper coupling means for connection to an upper coupling location of the lifting device, at least the lower coupling means constituting, or being provided with, tilting means by which, when the implement is at the lower level, movement of the lower coupling locations results in tilting of the implement between limits.

2. An implement as claimed in claim 1, in which the tilting means causes the implement to tilt forwardly and backwardly, with respect to the intended direction of travel, when the implement is at the lower level and the lower coupling locations are moved.

3. An implement as claimed in claim 2, in which the tilting means are constructed so that the implement may be inclined away from the lifting device, when it is at the lower level, by a different angle to that by which it is inclined when it is at the upper level.

4. An implement as claimed in claim 3, in which the tilting means is such that, at the upper level, the implement is substantially upright, and, at the lower level, the implement is inclined away from the lifting device.

5. An implement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the tilting means comprises plates provided with slots, the plates constituting the coupling means for connecting the implement at the lower coupling location to the lifting device.

6. An implement as claimed in claim 5, in which the slots are inclined relatively to an upwardly extending axis of the implement.

7. An implement as claimed in claim 6, in which the slots are inclined downwardly away from the lifting device.

8. An implement as claimed in claim 7, in which the slots are inclined by an angle of about 45" to the upwardly extending axis of the implement.

9. An implement as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 8, in which, for connection to each lower coupling location of the lifting device, two of the plates are provided on a frame beam of the implement, between which plates an arm affording the coupling location can be received.

10. An implement as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, in which the tilting means comprises arms which are pivotally connected to a frame of the Implement and by which the implement can be connected at the lower coupling location to the lifting device.

11. An implement as claimed in claim 10, in which the arms are freely pivotable relatively to the frame between two stops.

12. An implement as claimed in claim 11, in which the arms are pivotable through an angle of about 45".

13. An implement as claimed in claim 11 or 12, in which the upper limit of the pivotal movement of the arms is limited by a stop fastened to the frame.

14. An implement as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 13, in which the arms each comprise two pivotable strips located one on each side of a frame beam, and interconnected by a connecting member which provides a stop for co-operation with the frame beam.

15. An implement as claimed in an one of claims 10 to 14, in which the frame beam to which the arms are connected is disposed on the side of the implement facing the lifting device.

16. An implement as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 15, in which the axis of the pivotal connection between the arms and the frame is located on the opposite side of an upwardly extending frame beam from the coupling points between the respective arms

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. coupling members with respect to the frame of the implement so that the pins 19 fastening the lower lifting arms 17 to the coupling members 70 can move further to the rear with respect to the frame, viewed in the intended direction of operative travel of the implement, when it is attached to the lifting device at the rear of a tractor as is illustrated in Figures 1 and 2. WHAT WE CLAIM IS:

1. An implement for connection to a lifting device of a prime mover for movement between an upper level and a lower level, the implement comprising lower coupling means for connection to a lower coupling location of the lifting device and upper coupling means for connection to an upper coupling location of the lifting device, at least the lower coupling means constituting, or being provided with, tilting means by which, when the implement is at the lower level, movement of the lower coupling locations results in tilting of the implement between limits.

and the lifting device.

17. An implement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, which is an agricultural implement.

18. An implement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, which is a spreader for spreading granular or powdery material.

19. An implement substantially as described herein with reference to, and as shown in Figures 1 to 4, or Figures 5 and 6, or Figures 7 and 8, or Figure 9 of the accompanying drawings.

20. A tractor, having a lifting device, in combination with an implement in accordance with any one of the preceding claims.