NZ756409B2 - An attachment system for a soil working implement - Google Patents

Abstract

attachment system for an implement 1 is disclosed, the attachment system is arranged to be connected, at least in a working position, to a three-point implement linkage 21 on an implement carrier 2, and which is provided with at least one wheel 15 which is arranged to support the implement 1 in the transport position of the implement, where connection pins 128 which are arranged to be connected to the lower three-point connectors of a three-point implement linkage are arranged to be adjustable between a retracted first position and a second position displaced in a direction away from an implement frame, and wherein a coupling beam connected to the connection pins is fixed to the implement frame in said first position, and the coupling beam is pivotally arranged around a vertical pivot axis in the implement frame in the second position. The system allows for an easy transition between the towing position and the working positions of the implement. he transport position of the implement, where connection pins 128 which are arranged to be connected to the lower three-point connectors of a three-point implement linkage are arranged to be adjustable between a retracted first position and a second position displaced in a direction away from an implement frame, and wherein a coupling beam connected to the connection pins is fixed to the implement frame in said first position, and the coupling beam is pivotally arranged around a vertical pivot axis in the implement frame in the second position. The system allows for an easy transition between the towing position and the working positions of the implement.

Description

AN ATTACHMENT SYSTEM FOR A SOIL WORKING IMPLEMENT An attachment system is described, for an implement which is arranged to be connected, at least In a working position, to a three-point implement linkage on an implement carrier, and which is provided with at least one wheel, which is arranged to support the implement in a transport position.

Three-point-mounted, ted ents attached to a tractor will extend a long way rearwards from the rear part of the tractor. A seven-furrow reversible plough will lly project 7-8 metres rearwards from the tractor. When g h a bend, such a configuration could create ions ous to traffic as the rear end of the implement makes large deflections sideways. This is increased by there being, as a rule, some play between the implement and the three-point linkage of the tractor, and even if the draft links of the three-point e are braced laterally, there may also be some ility in the draft links.

Trailed implements that are rolling on wheels of their own and are attached to the drawbar, possibly some other connection point, of the tractor exhibit the advantage, in terms of transport, of following behind the tractor. For the tractor driver it is easier to take into account the fact that the wheels of a trailed implement will follow a path having a smaller turning radius than the tractor; that is to say, go further inside than the tractor in a curve, and driving with trailed implements is considered to represent a smaller risk to traffic than driving with elongated, three-point-mounted implements.

W09728677 A1 discloses a semi-mounted reversible , that is to say a plough which is rolling on a set of supporting wheels both in a working position and in a transport position and is pivotally connected to the draft links of a tractor via a coupling beam. The document does not say anything about a three-point connection between the tractor and the plough. The plough is lowered to its working position and is lifted to its transport position by means of hydraulically operated supporting wheels and by al displacement of the coupling beam by the draft links of the tractor be- ing operated.

FR 2651637 A1 discloses a displaceable and pivotal coupling beam for the attachment of a semi-mounted plough to the daft links of a tractor. The coupling beam may be fixed during ploughing. This document does not mention a three-point connection be- tween the tractor and the plough, either.

The invention has for its object to remedy or reduce at least one of the drawbacks of the prior art or at least provide a useful alternative to the prior art.

The object is achieved through features, which are specified in the description below and in the claims that .

Even though, in the description that follows, the invention has been partly concretized as an attachment system for a three—point-mounted plough, this is not to be con- strued as a restriction, as the invention represents a solution to the general problems that are associated with all elongated, three—point-mounted implements.

The invention provides a transport arrangement, which combines the advantages that a three—point-mounted ent has during work, for e weight transfer to a connected implement-carrier, typically a tractor, with the advantage that a towed im— plement has during transport. In a first position, that is to say in a g position, a coupling beam, including two spaced—apart lower connection points and Iorming at- tachment points n the implement and draft links arranged in a three-point link- age on the implement carrier, is releasably connected to a forward portion of an im- t frame, typically in a lower portion of a led headstock that projects s, forming an attachment point in its upper portion for a top link that forms an upper connection between the implement and the three—point linkage of the imple- ment carrier. In its first position, the coupling beam is connected in a rotationally rigid manner to the implement frame.

In a second position, that is to say in a transport position, at least the lower connec- tion points are arranged ced in the working direction of the implement, and in said second position, the coupling beam is arranged to be pivotal around a substan- tially vertical pivot axis.

In a first ment, the lower connection points are arranged on ng arms that P26556I’CO0Prim pling beam from its rigid connection to the implement frame at the same time, so that the coupling beam can be pivoted around said al pivot axis. When resetting to the working position, the coupling beam is locked in its rotationally rigid position in the implement frame, possibly in a on in which a limited pivoting is allowed, for ex- ample for contour ploughing.

In a second embodiment of the invention, the coupling beam is pivotally supported around a vertical pivot axle arranged in the middle portion of the ng beam and supported in an elongated slot in the ent frame. The implement frame is pro- vided with locking means in order to, in a first position, hold the coupling beam in a retracted position, rigidly or partially pivotally connected to the implement frame, and, in a second position, hold the coupling beam in an extended, pivotal position.

In a third embodiment, two ntally foldable drawbars are arranged between a middle portion of the coupling beam and the implement frame, which, in the first posi- tion of the coupling beam, exhibit a folded position substantially coinciding with the direction of the coupling beam. In the second position of the coupling beam, in which it has been released from the implement frame and pulled away from it in a horizontal ion, the rs are at least partially unfolded. The drawbars may include means that restrict the unfolding, for example in the form of a stopping device in one or more of the pivot joints formed in the drawbars.

To allow the lower connection points to be moved away from the implement frame when the implement is connected to the implement carrier, said top link must be dis- ted from the upper tion point on the implement frame, possibly exhibit so large a length of stroke that the top link does not prevent the displacement of the lower connection points to their second position, ably also allow g to a float position to allow a free, vertical angular change of the longitudinal axis of the imple- ment carrier relative to the longitudinal axis of the implement, for example when driv— ing on a surface with a varying gradient of slope in the moving direction of the imple- ment carrier and the implement. In this position, the implement may be trailed behind the implement carrier by the implement resting on one or more transport wheels suit- 3O able therefor. Said transport wheels may be wheels that, when the implement is in its working position, are used for controlling the working depth of the implement.

An advantage of the transport arrangement according to the invention is that the transport wheels are ed with a y mounted rotation axle, which simplifies the wheel arrangement of the ent in relation to what has been usual wh/meHAM depth wheels of a three—point—mounted implement have been used as support' P26556PCO0PrmI wheels during transport, such an arrangement requiring a pivot—suspension wheel sys— tem that can pivot around a vertical axle during transport-driving h bends. To provide sufficient transportability, it is an advantage if the implement is provided with two depth wheels, possibly two bogie ements, which are readjustable for transport—driving, said two wheels, possibly bogie arrangements, being spaced apart transversally to the ort direction of the implement.

The invention relates more specifically to an attachment system for an implement which is arranged, at least in a working position, to be connected to a three-point im- plement linkage on an implement carrier, and which is provided with at least one wheel, which is arranged to t the implement in the transport position of the implement, characterized by connection pins, which are arranged to be connected to the lower point connectors of a three-point implement linkage, being arranged to be adjustable be- tween a retracted first position and a second position displaced in a direction away from an implement frame, wherein a) a coupling beam connected to the connection pins is fixed to the implement frame in said first position, and the coupling beam is pivotally arranged around a vor tical pivot axis in the implement frame, or b) a coupling beam, which is arranged to be connected to the lower three-point connectors of the implement carrier, is releasably connected to a lower ‘orward frame portion of the implement, and a middle portion of the coupling beam is provided with a vertical pivot axle in engagement with cut—outs in the implement frame, or c) a coupling beam, which is ed to be connected to the lower three-point connectors of the implement carrier, is releasably connected to a lower, d frame n of the implement, and two foldable drawbars connect a middle portion of the coupling beam to the lower, d frame portion, the drawbars including several pivot joints provided with ntially vertical pivot axes.

The coupling beam may, in its first position, be pivotal over a .irst pivoting angle and, in its second position, be connected to the implement frame, l around a sub- stantially vertical pivot axis over a second pivoting angle, the first pivoting angle being smaller than the second pivoting angle.

The connection pins may be arranged on an end portion of coupling arms attached to the end ns of the coupling beam and adjustable between a retracted first posi- tion and a second position projecting forwards.

The coupling arms may be pivotally arranged around a horizontal axis in the co P26556PC00/‘ri'm beam.

The coupling arms may be arranged to be horizontally displaceable in the g di- rection of the implement.

The ng arms may be provided with a locking portion arranged, in the first posi- tion of the coupling arms, to lockingly engage with the implement frame.

The implement frame may be provided with several blocking devices, which are ar- ranged to gly engage with the coupling arms.

The pivoting of the coupling beam may, in its first position and its second position, be restricted by adjustable blocking devices or abutment portions in the implement frame.

The implement may be provided with several frame couplings, which are arranged to engage with corresponding engagement portions arranged on the coupling beam.

The engagement portions may be arranged on the end portions of the coupling beam.

Each of the drawbars may be connected to the implement frame via a rear pivot joint.

The rs may be arranged with a rear pivot joint with coinciding pivot axes, and the pivoting of the drawbars at the rear pivot joint may be restricted by a joint block.

The drawbars may be arranged with a pivot joint each, arranged in a spaced-apart manner.

The drawbar may be provided with a stopping device restricting the ing move— ment of one of the drawbar.

The stopping device may be an adjustable abutment ed at a middle pivot joint on at least one of the drawbars.

The implement may be a plough.

In what follows, an e of a preferred embodiment is described, which is visual- ized in the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective g of an implement, shown here as a reversi- P26556PC00Prin! vention, a coupling beam for the draft links of a point linkage be— ing arranged in a locked manner in a first position, and lower connection points arranged on coupling arms having been pivoted around a horizon- tal axis to a retracted first position, in which they provide locking of the U! coupling beam; Figure 2 shows a perspective drawing of the reversible plough attached to the tractor with the transport arrangement according to the first embodi- ment of the invention, the coupling beam for the draft links being ar- ranged in a second position, pivotal around a vertical axis, and the lower connection points being placed in a forward position, the coupling arms having been pivoted around their horizontal axis into a second position pointing ds and the top link of the three-point linkage having been extended; Figure 3 shows a perspective drawing of the reversible plough attached to the tractor with a transport arrangement according to a second ment of the invention, a coupling beam for the draft links of the three—point linkage being pivotally supported in an implement frame by a vertical pivot axle arranged in the coupling beam being supported in elongated slots in a n of the ent frame, shown here in a first position partially pivotal around the pivot axle, the pivoting being restricted by g means; Figure 4 shows a perspective drawing of the transport arrangement according to the second embodiment of the invention, in which the ng beam for the draft links of the three—point linkage has been pulled forwards to its second position, pivotal around the pivot axle to a larger angle than in its first position, the pivoting being restricted by locking means; Figure 5 ShOWS a perspective drawing of the reversible plough attached to the tractor with a transport arrangement ing to a third embodiment of the invention, a coupling beam for the draft links of the three-point link- age being rigidly ted to the implement frame, with the connected drawbars folded up; Figure 6 P26556PCO0Prim Figures 7a and 7b show plans of the rear pivot joints of the drawbars arranged with separate pivot axes, shown in an extended second on with the coupling beam pivoted to its maximum deflection, and in a retracted first position; and Figures 8a and 8b show plans of the rear pivot joint of the drawbars ed with coinciding pivot axes, shown in the extended second position and in the retracted first position.

In the figures, the reference numeral 1 indicates a machine, also termed an imple- ment in the description that follows and shown in the figures as a reversible plough, ted to an implement r 2, typically a tractor and also called a tractor here- inafter, via an implement attachment 21 known per se, arranged to lift and lower the ent 1 relative to the supporting surface, in ce having three attachment points 211a, 211b, 212a between the r 2 and the implement 1 and thereby also being termed the three-point linkage. The three-point linkage 21 includes two draft links 211, each provided with a lower three-point connector 211a, 211b, and a top link 212 provided with an upper point connector 212a. The three—point connectors 211a, 211b, 212a are of a kind known per se, for example with catch hooks for con- nection balls.

The implement 1 includes an implement frame 11 in which, in a lower, .orward portion 111, a coupling beam 12 is releasably arranged. The coupling beam 12 is arranged to be connected to the lower three—point connectors 211a, 211b. The implement frame 11 includes a headstock 112 projecting up from the lower, forward portion 111 of the implement frame 11 and forming an connection point for the upper three—point con- nector 212a of the top link 212.

Reference is now made to s 1 and 2 in particular, in which a transport arrange- ment according to a first embodiment of the ion is shown.

The coupling beam 12 is connected to the implement frame 11, optionally pivotal around the substantially vertical pivot axis 124 of a pivot axle 1211.

In a first position, that is to say a working position W, the coupling beam 12 is rota- tionally rigidly attached to the implement frame 11. Coupling arms 125 which, in a first end portion 1251, are ed to be connected to the lower three-point connect— ors 211a, 211b by means of connection pins 128 or the like, are attached to end por- P26556PCO0Prinl second end portion 1252, and, at the second end portion 1252, a g portion 127 has been formed, arranged for engagement with an engagement portion 114 on the implement frame 11. The implement frame 11 is provided with ng s (not shown) which are ed to gly engage with the coupling arms 125 at least when the locking n 127 of the coupling arms 125 are in engagement with the engagement portions (not shown) of the implement frame 11. The blocking devices may also engage with the coupling arms 125 when these are arranged in a second position pivoted forwards (not shown). The blocking devices may be remote- controlled, for example by means of hydraulic actuators (not shown).

When the coupling arms 125 have been d away from their first position W, the ng beam 12 may, in a second position T, be pivoted freely, at least within cer- tain outer limits, around its vertical pivot axis 124, there being a vertical pivot axle 1211 supported in a lower, forward frame portion 111 (see figure 2).

When the coupling arms 125 are adjusted from the first position to the second posi- tion, an sed distance is achieved n the implement carrier 2 and the im— plement 1, while, at the same time, the ng beam 12 is made pivotal ve to the implement frame 11. Thereby the implement 1 may be trailed behind the tractor 2 by the implement 1 being supported by the draft links 211 of the tractor and depth wheels or supporting wheels 15 arranged in the rear portion of the implement 1. Ref- erence is made to the detailed description of the adjustment between the first and second positions W, T, following after the description of the third exemplary embodi- ment of the invention.

Now reference is made to figures 3 and 4, in which a transport arrangement according to a second embodiment of the invention is shown. The coupling beam 12 is arranged in the forward, lower frame portion 111. A vertical pivot axle 1211 (see figure 4) ar- ranged in the middle portion of the coupling beam 12 is supported with its pivot axis 124 in elongated cut-outs 117, also called frame slots, formed in the lower, forward frame portion 111 of the implement frame 11 and arranged in the longitudinal direc- tion of the implement 1. The coupling beam's 12 travelling in the longitudinal direction of the implement 1 and pivoting around the pivot axis 124 of the pivot axle 1211 are restricted by blocking s 115, shown here as displaceable locking pins 1151 and fixed abutment portions 118 in the implement frame 11.

In its first position W, the coupling beam 12 has been moved backwards to its rear position, in which it may be rotationally rigidly locked to the implement frame partially pivotal around its pivot axis 124, for example for the implement 1 be P26556PCO0Prim follow the implement carrier 2 in working conditions in which the tractor 2 follows the landscape contours in a field that is being worked, for example during contour plough- lng.

In its second position T, the coupling beam 12 has been moved forwards to its d position in which it is ed to be pivotal around its pivot axis 124, the pivot axle 1211 preferably being prevented from being displaced in the frame slots 117.

Reference is now made particularly to figures 5, 6, 7a, 7b, 8a and 8b, in which a transport arrangement according to a third embodiment of the invention is shown.

With engagement portions (not shown) suitable therefor, the coupling beam 12 is ar- ranged to lockingly engage with frame ngs 13, alternatively several joint blocks 143C arranged in the implement frame 11. This position is the first position W of the coupling beam 12, see figure 5. The frame couplings 13, alternatively the joint blocks 143C may be operated by actuators (not . The actuators may be remote- controlled.

The end portions of the coupling beam 12 is arranged to be connected to the lower point connectors 211a, 211D by means of connection pins 128 or the like.

An extendable transport drawbar 14 is formed by two drawbars 14a, 14b which are le around vertical pivot axes and are connected to a middle portic 1 121 of the coupling beam 12 via a forward pivot joint 141. The rs 14a, 14b are connected via a rear pivot joint 143 each to the forward, lower frame portion 111 of the imple- ment frame 11. The rear oints 143 may be separate from each other and spaced apart in the transverse ion of the implement 1, see the reference numer- als 143a, 143b in figures 7a and 7b, but may coincide, see the reference numeral 143 in figures 8a and 8b. In the latter configuration, the rear, common pivot joint 143 must be lockable so that the extended drawbars 14a, 14b form a non-pivotal exten- sion of the implement frame 11, for example by the drawbars 14a, 14b resting, in their extended position, against joint blocks 143C (see figure 8a) arranged in the im- plement frame 11.

Each of the drawbars 14a, 14b also includes a middle pivot joint 142.

In a folded position (see figures 7b and 8b), the drawbars 14a, 14b may be ed in a pocket (not shown) provided in the lower, forward frame portion 111 of the im- plement frame 11.

‘O-SFNQN When it is desirable to transport-drive the implement 1 in a d position be ad the ..

P26556PCO0Prim tractor 2, the implement 1 is lowered onto the supporting surface, and the top link 212 is disconnected 1 from the headstock 112 of the implement 1, possibly is set to the hydraulic float position. Before the coupling beam 12 is adjusted from the first position W to the second position T, the wheel(s) 15 of the implement 1 that is (are) ed to be used during transport-driving are adjusted to its (their) transport posi- tion(s) and the depth-control device 151 (see figure 1) is operated so that the rear portion of the implement 1 is lifted clear of the supporting surface.

According to the first embodiment of the invention, the coupling beam 12 is released from its first position W by the locking portions 127 of the coupling arms 125 being disengaged from the implement frame 11, and the tractor 2 is moved forwards so that the coupling arms 125 are pivoted forwards, the g portions 127 allowing the coupling beam to pivot around its al pivot axis 124. Thereby the tractor 2 achieves a larger distance to the implement 1, and the coupling beam 12 may be piv- oted around its vertical pivot axis 124.

According to the second embodiment of the invention, the coupling beam 12 is re- leased from its first position W by the relevant blocking devices 115 being vated so that the coupling beam 12 may be ced forwards in the implement frame 11 to its second on T in which relevant blocking devices (not shown) are activated so that the pivot axle 1211 of the coupling beam 12 is prevented from being displaced in the frame slots 117. The connection pins 128 of the ng beam 12 are thereby moved forwards so that the tractor 2 achieves a larger distance to the implement 1 and the coupling beam 12 may be pivoted around its vertical pivot axis 124.

According to the third embodiment of the invention, the coupling beam 12 is released from its first position W by the frame couplings 13 being ed. The r 2 is moved forwards so that the coupling beam 12 is pulled away from the implement frame 11 and the drawbars 14a, 14b are extended to their second on T.

It goes for all the embodiments that when the coupling beam 12 is placed in its sec— ond position T, the draft links 211 of the r 2 are lifted so that the forward n of the implement 1 is lifted from the supporting surface. The implement 1 is now sup- ported by the wheels 15 of the implement 1 and the draft links 211 of the tractor 2 and can thus be moved as a trailed implement.

When driving through a bend, the implement 1 is pivoted relative to the tractor 2 at P26556PCO0PrinI rear pivot joints 143a, 143b form a rigid connection between the implement 1 and the unfolded drawbars 14a, 14b which, in this state, form the transport drawbar 14 pro- jecting forwards from the implement 1.

When resetting to the first position W, the implement 1 may be lowered onto the sup— porting surface by the wheel/wheels 15 being lifted and the draft links 211 being Iow- ered. The tractor 2 is reversed so that the ng beam 12 engages with the frame couplings 13 and is locked, possibly is locked or restricted from ng movement by the relevant blocking devices 115 being activated. According to the third embodiment of the invention, the rs 14a, 14 are folded up.

It goes for all the embodiments that when the first position W has been achieved for the coupling beam 12, the top link 212 is connected to the headstock 112, possibly is readjusted from its float position, and the implement 1 is then manoeuvred as a P26556PCO0Prim

Claims (5)

C l a i m s

1. An attachment system for an implement (1) which is arranged to be connected, at least in a working position, to a three-point implement linkage (21) on an implement carrier (2), and which is ed with at least one wheel (15) which is 5 arranged to t the implement (1) in the transport position of the implement (1), characterised in that connection pins (128) which are arranged to be connected to the lower three-point connectors (211a, 211b) of a three-point implement linkage (21) are arranged to be adjustable between a retracted first position (W), wherein a 10 coupling beam (12) is locked to an implement frame (11) in a rotationally rigid manner, or in a position in which a limited pivoting is allowed, and an extended second position (T) displaced in a direction away from an implement frame (11), wherein the coupling beam (12) is extendedly pivotal relative to the implement frame (11), wherein 15 the ments system comprises coupling means (126, 128, 125) arranged to connect the coupling beam (12) to the ent frame (11) in a rotationally rigid manner, and change from rigid to free pivotal state of the coupling beam (12) is obtained by displacement of the connecting pins (128) forward in relation to the 20 implement frame (11) thereby affecting the coupling means (126, 128, 125) such that a larger distance between the ting pins (128) and the implement frame (11) is obtained after unlocking locking means (127, 114); and wherein the coupling beam (12) connected to the connection pins (128) is fixed, to the implement frame (11) in said first position (W), and the coupling beam (12) in said 25 second position (T) is pivotal around a vertical pivot axis (124) in the ent frame (11), the tion pins (128) being arranged in end portions of coupling arms (125) ed to end portions of the coupling beam (12) and adjustable between a retracted position wherein the coupling beam (12) is partly pivotal or rigidly locked, and a on projecting forwards wherein the ng beam (12) is 30 extendedly pivotal.

2. The attachment system according to claim 1, wherein the coupling arms (125) are ed to be pivotal around coinciding horizontal pivot axes (126) which are arranged between a first end portion (1251) and a second end portion (1252) of the coupling arms (125) and in end portions of the coupling beam (12).

3. The attachment system according to claim 1, wherein the coupling arms (125) are provided with locking ns (127) arranged, in a first position (W) of the coupling arms (125), to lockingly engage with engagement ns (114) of the implement frame (11). 5

4. The attachment system according to claim 1, wherein the implement frame (11) is provided with several blocking devices which are ed to lockingly engage with the coupling arms (125).

5. The attachment system according to claim 1, wherein the implement (1) is a plough. W\\