US20160059662A1 - System and method of adjusting the chassis height of a machine - Google Patents
System and method of adjusting the chassis height of a machine Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20160059662A1 US20160059662A1 US14/934,367 US201514934367A US2016059662A1 US 20160059662 A1 US20160059662 A1 US 20160059662A1 US 201514934367 A US201514934367 A US 201514934367A US 2016059662 A1 US2016059662 A1 US 2016059662A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- chassis
- attachment component
- component
- adjustment system
- track width
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
- B60G17/00—Resilient suspensions having means for adjusting the spring or vibration-damper characteristics, for regulating the distance between a supporting surface and a sprung part of vehicle or for locking suspension during use to meet varying vehicular or surface conditions, e.g. due to speed or load
- B60G17/015—Resilient suspensions having means for adjusting the spring or vibration-damper characteristics, for regulating the distance between a supporting surface and a sprung part of vehicle or for locking suspension during use to meet varying vehicular or surface conditions, e.g. due to speed or load the regulating means comprising electric or electronic elements
- B60G17/0195—Resilient suspensions having means for adjusting the spring or vibration-damper characteristics, for regulating the distance between a supporting surface and a sprung part of vehicle or for locking suspension during use to meet varying vehicular or surface conditions, e.g. due to speed or load the regulating means comprising electric or electronic elements characterised by the regulation being combined with other vehicle control systems
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
- B60G3/00—Resilient suspensions for a single wheel
- B60G3/01—Resilient suspensions for a single wheel the wheel being mounted for sliding movement, e.g. in or on a vertical guide
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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
- A01B63/00—Lifting or adjusting devices or arrangements for agricultural machines or implements
- A01B63/02—Lifting or adjusting devices or arrangements for agricultural machines or implements for implements mounted on tractors
- A01B63/026—Lateral adjustment of their wheels
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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
- A01B76/00—Parts, details or accessories of agricultural machines or implements, not provided for in groups A01B51/00 - A01B75/00
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01C—PLANTING; SOWING; FERTILISING
- A01C23/00—Distributing devices specially adapted for liquid manure or other fertilising liquid, including ammonia, e.g. transport tanks or sprinkling wagons
- A01C23/04—Distributing under pressure; Distributing mud; Adaptation of watering systems for fertilising-liquids
- A01C23/047—Spraying of liquid fertilisers
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
- A01G25/00—Watering gardens, fields, sports grounds or the like
- A01G25/09—Watering arrangements making use of movable installations on wheels or the like
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01M—CATCHING, TRAPPING OR SCARING OF ANIMALS; APPARATUS FOR THE DESTRUCTION OF NOXIOUS ANIMALS OR NOXIOUS PLANTS
- A01M7/00—Special adaptations or arrangements of liquid-spraying apparatus for purposes covered by this subclass
- A01M7/0025—Mechanical sprayers
- A01M7/0032—Pressure sprayers
- A01M7/0042—Field sprayers, e.g. self-propelled, drawn or tractor-mounted
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
- B60G17/00—Resilient suspensions having means for adjusting the spring or vibration-damper characteristics, for regulating the distance between a supporting surface and a sprung part of vehicle or for locking suspension during use to meet varying vehicular or surface conditions, e.g. due to speed or load
- B60G17/015—Resilient suspensions having means for adjusting the spring or vibration-damper characteristics, for regulating the distance between a supporting surface and a sprung part of vehicle or for locking suspension during use to meet varying vehicular or surface conditions, e.g. due to speed or load the regulating means comprising electric or electronic elements
- B60G17/016—Resilient suspensions having means for adjusting the spring or vibration-damper characteristics, for regulating the distance between a supporting surface and a sprung part of vehicle or for locking suspension during use to meet varying vehicular or surface conditions, e.g. due to speed or load the regulating means comprising electric or electronic elements characterised by their responsiveness, when the vehicle is travelling, to specific motion, a specific condition, or driver input
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
- B60G2200/00—Indexing codes relating to suspension types
- B60G2200/40—Indexing codes relating to the wheels in the suspensions
- B60G2200/44—Indexing codes relating to the wheels in the suspensions steerable
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
- B60G2202/00—Indexing codes relating to the type of spring, damper or actuator
- B60G2202/10—Type of spring
- B60G2202/15—Fluid spring
- B60G2202/152—Pneumatic spring
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
- B60G2202/00—Indexing codes relating to the type of spring, damper or actuator
- B60G2202/40—Type of actuator
- B60G2202/41—Fluid actuator
- B60G2202/413—Hydraulic actuator
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
- B60G2204/00—Indexing codes related to suspensions per se or to auxiliary parts
- B60G2204/40—Auxiliary suspension parts; Adjustment of suspensions
- B60G2204/423—Rails, tubes, or the like, for guiding the movement of suspension elements
- B60G2204/4232—Sliding mounts
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
- B60G2300/00—Indexing codes relating to the type of vehicle
- B60G2300/08—Agricultural vehicles
- B60G2300/083—Boom carrying vehicles, e.g. for crop spraying
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
- B60G2300/00—Indexing codes relating to the type of vehicle
- B60G2300/40—Variable track or wheelbase vehicles
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
- B60G2500/00—Indexing codes relating to the regulated action or device
- B60G2500/30—Height or ground clearance
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
- B60G2500/00—Indexing codes relating to the regulated action or device
- B60G2500/40—Steering
Abstract
A vehicle includes a chassis, a plurality of ground engaging elements supporting the chassis above a ground surface, a motor for driving at least one of the ground engaging elements to thereby propel the machine along the ground surface, and a chassis height adjustment system for selectively raising and lowering the chassis relative to the ground surface. A track width adjustment system is configured to shift the position of at least one of the ground engaging elements laterally relative to the chassis and a controller is configured to automatically actuate the track width adjustment system when the chassis height adjustment system is actuated to preserve a constant track width as the chassis moves up and down relative to the ground surface.
Description
- The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §120 as a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/052,953, filed Oct. 14, 2013. The full disclosure, in its entirety, of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/052,953 is hereby incorporated by reference.
- Embodiments of the present invention relate to mobile machines, such as self-propelled agricultural machines and similar vehicles. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention relate to mobile machines with adjustable-height chassis.
- Some agricultural vehicles are configured to be operated in fields among row crops. Application machines such as self-propelled sprayers, for example, may have wheels configured to pass between crop rows and a spray boom that extends outwardly from the vehicle to spray the crop as the machine travels through the field. In order to avoid damaging the crops as the vehicle moves through the field, each of the wheels must have the proper width to travel between the rows, and the track width—the lateral distance between the wheels—must match row spacing so that the wheels are properly positioned between crop rows. Furthermore, the vehicle should have sufficient ground clearance (the distance between the vehicle body and the surface over which it moves) to clear the crops.
- While a standard height agricultural vehicle may be used to process short crops, such as early stage corn or the like, difficulties arise when processing taller crops, such as mature corn, that are taller than the ground clearance of a standard vehicle. For such crops, high clearance vehicles may be used. While high clearance vehicles provide sufficient clearance to pass over the top of taller crops, they suffer from various limitations. For example, high clearance vehicles, such as those that provide a crop clearance of seventy inches or more, may have an overall height that exceeds highway height restrictions, thereby making the transport of such vehicles to and from the field difficult. For example, public highways often restrict the height of a load to twelve feet or less which may be exceeded when a high clearance vehicle is placed on a transport trailer. Thus, measures may need to be taken to lower the vehicle to an acceptable transport height, such as deflating the tires or entirely removing the wheels.
- In addition, while high clearance vehicles may be desirable for use on tall crops, they are not as effective in processing shorter crops without added complexity in the boom lifting mechanism to accommodate the range of motion required to place the boom at the proper height above the crop when spraying at the various crop heights. Some systems have been developed to increase the ground clearance of an existing vehicle. But these systems are complicated and require the removal of existing vehicle equipment and/or the addition of new equipment.
- The above section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art.
- A vehicle constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention comprises a chassis, a plurality of ground engaging elements supporting the chassis above a ground surface, and a motor for driving at least one of the ground engaging elements to thereby propel the machine along the ground surface. A chassis height adjustment system selectively raises and lowers the chassis relative to the ground surface and a track width adjustment system shifts the position of at least one of the ground engaging elements laterally relative to the chassis. A controller is configured to automatically actuate the track width adjustment system when the chassis height adjustment system is actuated to preserve a constant track width as the chassis moves up and down relative to the ground surface.
- An agricultural applicator constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention comprises a chassis, four wheels supporting the chassis above a ground surface, the four wheels including two left wheels and two right wheels, and a motor for driving at least one of the wheels to thereby propel the machine along the ground surface. A chassis height adjustment system selectively raises and lowers the chassis relative to the ground surface, and a track width adjustment system shifts each of the wheels laterally relative to the chassis. A controller is configured to automatically actuate the track width adjustment system when the chassis height adjustment system is actuated to shift the wheels laterally relative to the chassis to thereby preserve a constant track width as the chassis is raised or lowered, wherein shifting the wheels laterally involves shifting the two left wheels in a first direction and shifting the two right wheels in a second direction, the second direction being opposite the first direction.
- This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described in the detailed description below. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the embodiments and the accompanying drawing figures.
- Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein:
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FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an agricultural applicator constructed in accordance with principles of the present invention. -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the agricultural applicator ofFIG. 1 with two of the wheels omitted to more fully illustrate support assemblies interposed between the wheels and the chassis. -
FIGS. 3 a-c are block diagrams of various exemplary embodiments of a control system of the applicator ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 4 illustrates certain features of a cabin of the applicator ofFIG. 1 including one or more user interface elements allowing a user to control certain functions of the applicator. -
FIG. 5 is an outside perspective view of one of the support assemblies of the applicator ofFIG. 2 . -
FIG. 6 is an inside perspective view of the support assembly ofFIG. 5 -
FIG. 7 illustrates the support assembly ofFIG. 5 pivoted to a first position relative to an axle of the applicator. -
FIG. 8 illustrates the support assembly ofFIG. 5 pivoted to a second position relative to the axle. -
FIG. 9 illustrates the support assembly ofFIG. 5 in a first operating position. -
FIG. 10 illustrates the support assembly ofFIG. 5 in a second operating position. -
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a support assembly constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the invention, the assembly being similar to the assembly ofFIG. 5 and including a locking mechanism for mechanically locking the assembly into any of a plurality of operating positions. -
FIG. 12 is a partially exploded perspective view of the support assembly ofFIG. 11 . -
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a support assembly constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the invention, the assembly being similar to the assembly ofFIG. 5 and including a remotely controlled locking mechanism for mechanically locking the assembly into any of a plurality of operating positions. -
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a support assembly constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the invention, the assembly being similar to the assembly ofFIG. 5 and including a lift-and-set locking mechanism for mechanically locking the assembly into any of a plurality of operating positions. -
FIG. 15 is an outside perspective view of a support assembly constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 16 is an inside perspective view of the support assembly ofFIG. 15 . -
FIG. 17 illustrates a wheel attachment component of the support assembly ofFIG. 15 pivoted to a first position relative to an axle of the applicator. -
FIG. 18 illustrates the wheel attachment component of the support assembly ofFIG. 15 pivoted to a second position relative to the axle. -
FIG. 19 illustrates the support assembly ofFIG. 15 in a first operating position. -
FIG. 20 illustrates the support assembly ofFIG. 15 in a second operating position. -
FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a support assembly constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the invention, the assembly being similar to the assembly ofFIG. 15 and including a locking mechanism for mechanically locking the assembly into any of a plurality of operating positions. -
FIG. 22 is an outside perspective view of a support assembly constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 23 is in inside perspective view of the support assembly ofFIG. 22 . -
FIG. 24 illustrates the support assembly ofFIG. 22 pivoted to a first position relative to an axle of the applicator. -
FIG. 25 illustrates the support assembly ofFIG. 22 pivoted to a second position relative to the axle. -
FIG. 26 illustrates the support assembly ofFIG. 22 in a first operating position. -
FIG. 27 illustrates the support assembly ofFIG. 22 in a second operating position. -
FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a support assembly constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the invention, the assembly being similar to the assembly ofFIG. 22 and including a locking mechanism for mechanically locking the assembly into any of a plurality of operating positions. -
FIG. 29 is an outside perspective view of a support assembly constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 30 is an inside perspective view of the support assembly ofFIG. 29 . -
FIG. 31 is an outside perspective view of a support assembly constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 32 is an inside perspective view of the support assembly ofFIG. 31 . -
FIG. 33 illustrates the support assembly ofFIG. 31 pivoted to a first position relative to an axle of the applicator. -
FIG. 34 illustrates the support assembly ofFIG. 31 pivoted to a second position relative to the axle. -
FIG. 35 illustrates the support assembly ofFIG. 31 in a first operating position. -
FIG. 36 illustrates the support assembly ofFIG. 31 in a second operating position. -
FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional view of the support assembly ofFIG. 31 . -
FIG. 38 is a perspective view of a support assembly constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 39 illustrates the support assembly ofFIG. 38 in a first operating position. -
FIG. 40 illustrates the support assembly ofFIG. 38 in a second operating position. -
FIG. 41 is an outside perspective view of a support assembly constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 42 is an inside perspective view of the support assembly ofFIG. 41 . -
FIG. 43 is a perspective view of a support assembly constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 44 is a partially exploded view of the support assembly ofFIG. 43 . -
FIG. 45 is a front elevation view of the applicator ofFIG. 1 , illustrating the applicator chassis in a lowered operating position. -
FIG. 46 is a front elevation view of the applicator ofFIG. 1 , illustrating the applicator chassis in a raised operating position and the position of the wheels and support assemblies corresponding to the lowered operating position ofFIG. 45 illustrated in broken line. -
FIG. 47 is a diagram illustrating the kingpin angle of the support assemblies illustrated inFIGS. 45 and 46 . - The drawing figures do not limit the present invention to the specific embodiments disclosed and described herein. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the invention.
- The following detailed description of embodiments of the invention references the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are intended to describe aspects of the invention in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. Other embodiments can be utilized and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the claims. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense. The scope of the present invention is defined only by the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.
- In this description, references to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, or “embodiments” mean that the feature or features being referred to are included in at least one embodiment of the technology. Separate references to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, or “embodiments” in this description do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment and are also not mutually exclusive unless so stated and/or except as will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the description. For example, a feature, structure, act, etcetera described in one embodiment may also be included in other embodiments, but is not necessarily included. Thus, the present technology can include a variety of combinations and/or integrations of the embodiments described herein.
- The particular size and shape of the various components of the invention may vary substantially from one embodiment to another without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Therefore, while dimensions and proportions of various components are set forth herein, it will be understood that such information is provided by way of example and does not limit the scope of the invention as recited in the claims.
- Turning now to the drawing figures, and initially
FIGS. 1-4 , anexemplary applicator 10 constructed in accordance with embodiments of the invention is illustrated. Theapplicator 10 broadly includes achassis 12, a plurality of wheels 14 or other ground engaging elements supporting thechassis 12 above a ground surface, anapplication system 16, anoperator cabin 18, and anengine compartment 20. A plurality ofsupport assemblies 22 interposed between the wheels 14 and thechassis 12 support thechassis 12 on the wheels 14 and provide suspension, height adjustment and/or steering functions, as discussed in greater detail below. - Certain components of the
applicator 10 have been omitted from the figures for simplicity of illustration and to show certain features of theapplicator 10 that would otherwise be concealed. The engine, for example, has been omitted to illustrate components of the applicator frame, including portions of thefront axle 24. Certain hydraulic lines, such as hydraulic lines running to and from theassemblies 22, are also omitted. Theapplicator 10 is illustrated and discussed herein as an exemplary machine with which thesupport assemblies 22 may be used. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that thesupport assemblies 22 may be used with other machines including other types of applicators or other vehicles or mobile machines that would benefit from the advantages of the various embodiments of the support assemblies disclosed herein, such as chassis height adjustment and independent suspension. - The
applicator 10 includes a pair offront wheels rear wheels 14 a, 14 d of the appropriate size and shape to allow theapplicator 10 to travel among row crops with minimal crop disturbance. A used herein, a “wheel” includes an inner, rigid wheel and an outer, flexible tire mounted on the wheel unless otherwise specified. Each wheel 14 may present, for example, an outer diameter of between sixty and eighty-five inches and a width of between ten and twenty-five inches. More specifically, wheels 14 designed for use with row crops may present an outer diameter of about seventy inches or about eighty inches and a width of about fifteen inches. Alternatively, the wheels 14 may present a width of up to twenty-five inches (or more) for pre-emergent applications, for use on soft terrain, or both to maximize flotation and minimize soil compaction. Each of the wheels 14 may weigh between 600 and 1,000 pounds and may specifically weigh about 700 pounds or about 800 pounds. In one exemplary embodiment, each of the wheels 14 is about seventy inches tall, about fifteen inches wide and weighs about 700 pounds. - The particular size, shape and configuration of the wheels 14 is not important to the present invention and may vary substantially from one embodiment to another without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. In some embodiments, the invention may be used with a vehicle with ground engaging elements other than wheels, such as tracks. Hereinafter, reference will be made to a “wheel” or “wheels” with the understanding that the illustrated wheels 14 may be replaced with other types of ground engaging elements without departing from the scope of the invention.
- One or
more drive motors 26 may be associated with one or more of the wheels 14 for driving rotation of the wheel or wheels relative to thechassis 12 to thereby propel theapplicator 10 in forward and reverse directions. In the illustrated embodiment, a separatehydraulic motor 26 is drivingly connected to each wheel 14 such that each of the wheels 14 may be driven independently to propel theapplicator 10. Either two or all four of the wheels 14 may be steerable. In some embodiments, the steering functionality of some of the wheels 14 may be selectively enabled and disabled. By way of example, thefront wheels rear wheels 14 a, 14 d may be selectively enabled and disabled. An operator may control thedrive motors 26 and steering functions of the wheels 14, including enabling and disabling the steering ability of certain of the wheels 14, from one or more of the user interface elements of the cabin illustrated inFIG. 4 . - The
applicator 10 includes mechanisms for adjusting the track width of the wheels to accommodate, for example, different spacing needs for row crops. In the illustrated embodiment, theapplicator 10 includes telescoping axles with anouter axle 28 and aninner axle 30 associated with each wheel 14, wherein theinner axle 30 slidingly engages theouter axle 28 and allows the wheel 14 to shift laterally relative to thechassis 12. A hydraulic piston or similar actuator may drive theinner axle 30 inwardly and outwardly to shift the position of the wheel 14. The inner 30 and outer 28 axles form part of thechassis 12 and, in the illustrated embodiment, theouter axles 28 are rigidly connected to another portion of the chassis, such as one or more frame elements. - The
application system 16 is supported on thechassis 12 and may be conventional in nature. In the illustrated embodiment, theapplication system 16 includes aliquid holding tank 32 and adelivery system 34 for applying a liquid from the holdingtank 32 to a crop or field. The holdingtank 32 may have a capacity of between two hundred gallons and two thousand gallons and, more specifically, may have a capacity of 700, 900, 1,100 or 1,300 gallons. Thedelivery system 34 includes a pair ofbooms 36 supporting hoses, pumps and spray nozzles or similar components for dispersing or otherwise applying the contents of the tank to a crop. Alternatively, theapplication system 16 may be configured to apply dry material to a field and therefore may include a hopper and a mechanism for dispersing particulate material from the hopper, such as a pneumatic spreader or one or more spinners. - The
operator cabin 18 or “cab” is supported on thechassis 12 and positioned forward of theapplication system 16. Thecabin 18 presents acontrol environment 38 including asteering wheel 40, one ormore pedals 42, adrive lever 44, one or moreelectronic instrument panels 46, and acontrol panel 48 including buttons, switches, levers, gauges and/or other user interface elements. The various components of thecontrol environment 38 enable the operator to control the functions of theapplicator 10, including driving and operating theapplication system 16. The various user interface elements are positioned around and proximate aseat 50 for easy access by an operator during operation of theapplicator 10. Thecontrol environment 38 may include a touchscreen display. One or both of theelectronic instrument panels 46, for example, may be or include a touchscreen, or a display terminal (not illustrated) with a touchscreen may be mounted on or near thecontrol panel 48. - As mentioned above, the
applicator 10 includes asupport assembly 22 interposed between each of the wheels 14 and thechassis 12. Eachsupport assembly 22 connects to a hub of one of the wheels 14 and to one of theinner axles 30 such that the wheel 14 and thesupport assembly 22 shift laterally as a single unit relative to thechassis 12 when theinner axle 30 is shifted relative to theouter axle 28 to adjust the applicator's track width. In some embodiments, thesupport assemblies 22 include height adjustment components for raising and lowering thechassis 12 of the vehicle between various operating positions. One or more of the support assemblies 22 (or portions thereof) may be selectively pivotable relative to thechassis 12 to thereby steer theapplicator 10. - Each of the
support assemblies 22 may include one or more actuators for adjusting a height of the chassis, for steering the associated wheel, or both. In some embodiments, the actuators are hydraulic actuators such as linear or rotary hydraulic actuators.FIG. 3 a illustrates an exemplaryhydraulic control system 52 for operating hydraulic actuator sections 54 in which a centralizedhydraulic pump 56, driven by aninternal combustion engine 58 or other power source, communicates pressurized hydraulic fluid to ahydraulic controller 60 that regulates fluid flow between thepump 56 and the hydraulic actuator sections 54 associated with the support assemblies via a plurality of hydraulic transfer lines 62. Thehydraulic controller 60 may include, for example, a hydraulic manifold or similar device. - Each of the
hydraulic transfer lines 62 communicates hydraulic power between thehydraulic controller 60 and one or more hydraulic actuator sections 54 and, thus, may include one or more hydraulic pressure lines and one or more hydraulic return lines. Each of the hydraulic transfer lines may communicate hydraulic power to more than one actuator, and each of the actuator sections 54 may include a group of actuators associated with each wheel 14 and/orassembly 22. By way of example, a first actuator associated with the actuator section 54 may drive steering of the wheel, a second actuator may drive rotation of the wheel, and a third actuator may adjust a height of thechassis 12. It will be appreciated that the actuator sections 54 are exemplary in nature and that the various hydraulic actuators may not be grouped as described herein. - The
system 52 includes acontrol interface 64 in communication with thehydraulic controller 60. Thecontrol interface 64 may be part of a user interface that includes one or more physical or virtualuser interface elements 66, such as buttons, switches or dials, and is preferably part of thecontrol environment 38 illustrated inFIG. 4 . - It will be appreciated that various different types of technology may be used to actuate the
support assemblies 22. Thus, while the various actuators are illustrated and described herein as hydraulic actuators, it will be understood that other types of actuators may be used in place of, or in connection with, the hydraulic actuators without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. By way of example, electro-mechanical actuators may be used in place of at least some of the hydraulic actuators illustrated and discussed herein. -
FIG. 3 b illustrates anotherexemplary control system 68 that is identical to thesystem 52 but includes acomputerized controller 70 with acontrol module 72 for controlling thehydraulic controller 60. Thesystem 68 may also include awireless interface element 74 in wireless communication with thecontroller 60 for allowing a user to remotely control the actuator sections 54. Thewireless interface element 74 may be a dedicated device, such as a device similar to a conventional key fob used with cars and other vehicles, or a computing device such as smart phone, tablet computer, or wearable computing device programmed or configured for use with thesystem 68. Thewireless interface element 74 may be configured to communicate with thehydraulic controller 60 and/or thecomputerized controller 70 via short-range wireless communications, such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, or via a communications network such as a cellular network. - The
controller 70 may include one or more integrated circuits programmed or configured to control thehydraulic controller 60 to actuate thesupport assemblies 22 as described herein. By way of example, thecontroller 70 may include one or more general purpose microprocessors or microcontrollers, programmable logic devices, or application specific integrated circuits. Thecontroller 70 may also include one or more discrete and/or analog circuit components operating in conjunction with the one or more integrated circuits, and may include or have access to one or more memory or storage elements operable to store executable instructions, data, or both. Thecontrol module 72 may be a hardware or software module specifically dedicated to enabling thecontroller 70 to control thehydraulic controller 60 as described herein. - Another
control system 76 illustrated inFIG. 3 c is similar to thesystem 68 but includes additional hydraulic circuit components, such as hydraulic accumulators 78, for use with some embodiments of the invention. In some embodiments, each of thesupport assemblies 22 may include a single hydraulic actuator that both raises and lowers thechassis 12 and provides suspension functions, as explained below. Such hydraulic systems may require specialized hydraulic circuit components such as the hydraulic accumulators 78. - One of the
support assemblies 22 is illustrated in greater detail inFIGS. 5-10 . Theassembly 22 broadly includes achassis attachment component 80 for attaching to thevehicle chassis 12; awheel attachment component 82 for attaching to a wheel 14 or other ground engaging element; asuspension component 84 operably interposed between thechassis attachment component 80 and thewheel attachment component 82 for regulating motion transfer between the twoattachment components wheel attachment component 82 to thesuspension component 84, and anadjustment mechanism 90 comprising a plurality ofadjustment elements wheel attachment component 82 between a plurality of operating positions relative to thechassis attachment component 80. Thechassis attachment component 80 may include apivot element 96 for allowing theassembly 22 to pivot relative to thechassis 12 and a pivot actuator may drive the pivoting motion to thereby steer a wheel or other ground engaging element connected to thewheel attachment component 82. In the illustrated embodiment, thepivot element 96 is or includes a rotary actuator. - The
wheel attachment component 82 presents a generallycylindrical body 98 and a pair of upwardly-openingreceptacles 100 for receiving and connecting to the strut bars 86, 88. Thereceptacles 100 are positioned on opposite sides of and above thecylindrical body 98. Pivot torque is transferred to thewheel attachment component 82 by the strut bars 86, 88 via thereceptacles 100. Thewheel attachment component 82 includes a plurality of apertures or other features spaced angularly around thebody 98 for connecting to a hub of a wheel, a hydraulic motor and/or a gear reduction hub, a caliper disc brake assembly, a parking brake assembly, and/or similar components. - The
suspension component 84 includes alower suspension member 102, anupper suspension member 104 and apneumatic spring 106 or similar motion-regulating element positioned between and attached to the upper and lower suspension members. Theupper suspension member 104 is connected to a top side or portion of thespring 106 and thelower suspension member 102 is connected to a lower side or portion of thespring 106. Each of the upper 104 and lower 102 suspension members presents an elongated shape and includes a plurality of apertures or other features for attaching to thespring 106. Thelower suspension member 102 includes apertures or other features located proximate end portions thereof to facilitate connection to the strut bars 86, 88, and theupper suspension member 104 includes apertures or other features located proximate outer portions thereof to facilitate connection to theadjustment mechanism 90. In the illustrated embodiment, theupper suspension member 104 is longer than thelower suspension member 102 enabling attachment to theadjustment elements lower suspension member 102. - The
pneumatic spring 106 uses trapped or compressed air or other fluid to regulate motion transfer between thechassis attachment component 80 and thewheel attachment component 82. Thepneumatic spring 106 may contain air, water, nitrogen, antifreeze or other fluid and may be single, double, or triple convolute. A pair offlexible straps 108 may be positioned on opposite sides of thespring 106 to limit extension of the spring and a bumper may be positioned inside or outside the spring to limit spring compression. Other technologies may be used, including, for example, a coil-type compression spring and a shock-absorbing cylinder and piston assembly. - The
suspension components 84 of theassemblies 22 may be the only components of theapplicator 10 configured to regulate motion transfer between the wheels 14 (or other ground engaging element) and thechassis 12. Theouter axles 28, for example, may be rigidly connected to portions of the applicator's frame. Furthermore, thesuspension components 84 operate to regulate motion transfer between the wheels 14 and thechassis 12 regardless of the operating position of theassemblies 22. Thus, thesuspension components 84 perform essentially the same function regardless of whether the chassis 21 is in a lowered position (e.g.,FIG. 45 ), a raised position (e.g.,FIG. 46 ) or somewhere in between. - The
first strut bar 86 and thesecond strut bar 88 are rigidly connected to thereceptacles 100 of thewheel attachment component 82 and are rigidly coupled with thesuspension component 84 such that movement of thewheel attachment component 82 relative to thechassis attachment component 80 is communicated through thesuspension component 84 via the strut bars 86, 88. More specifically, a first end of thefirst strut bar 86 is connected to afirst receptacle 100 of thewheel attachment component 82 and a first end of thesecond strut bar 88 is connected to asecond receptacle 100 of thewheel attachment component 82. A second end of thefirst strut bar 86 is connected to a first side of thelower suspension member 102 and a second end of thesecond strut bar 88 is connected to a second side of thelower suspension member 102. As explained above, thelower suspension member 102 is an elongated, rigid member with outer apertures on opposing ends thereof for connecting to the strut bars 86, 88 and one or more inner apertures between the outer apertures for rigidly attaching to a first side or portion of thespring 106. Thus, thelower suspension member 102 interconnects thespring 106 and the strut bars 86, 88. - The first and second strut bars 86, 88 are parallel or substantially parallel and are separated by a space. The strut bars 86, 88 slidingly engage the
chassis attachment component 80 to allow thewheel attachment component 82 to move relative to thechassis attachment component 80 while also transferring pivot torque between thewheel attachment component 82 and thechassis attachment component 80. The strut bars 86, 88 may be separated by a space of between about three inches and twenty inches and, more specifically, may be separated by a space of between about eight inches and about fifteen inches. The length of each of the strut bars 86, 88 may be between about twelve inches and about thirty-six inches and, more specifically, between about twenty inches and about thirty inches. The strut bars 86, 88 may be positioned symmetrically about a center of thewheel attachment component 82 and a center of thechassis attachment component 80. - The
chassis attachment component 80 comprises a lowerchassis attachment member 110 and an upperchassis attachment member 112 separated by a space. Thepivot element 96 is interposed between, and rigidly connected to, theattachment members adjustment elements - The
chassis attachment component 80 is rigidly but adjustably coupled with theupper suspension member 104 via theadjustment elements adjustment mechanism 90 causes theupper suspension member 104 to shift relative to thechassis attachment component 80, thereby shifting thewheel attachment component 82 relative to theaxle 30. Thelower suspension member 102 is rigidly connected to thewheel attachment component 82 via the strut bars 86, 88, as explained above, such that motion transfer between thechassis attachment component 80 and thewheel attachment component 82 passes through, and is regulated by, thesuspension component 84. Such motion transfer may correspond to up and down movement of the wheels 14 relative to thechassis 12 such that thesuspension component 84 may provide a spring or shock absorbing function and may, for example, dampen motion transfer between the wheels 14 and thechassis 12. - The
height adjustment mechanism 90, comprising theheight adjustment elements wheel attachment component 82 between a plurality of operating positions relative to thechassis attachment component 80. As used herein, an “operating position” is a selectable position of thewheel attachment component 82 relative to thechassis attachment component 80 in which the distance between theattachment components attachment components attachment components attachment components suspension component 84, operation of a hydraulic component, or both. - In operation, shifting the
wheel attachment component 82 between operating positions relative to thechassis attachment component 80 will raise and lower the vehicle'schassis 12 between various operating positions relative to the ground surface. Eachassembly 22 is operable to shift between two or more operating positions, such as, for example, between two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, twelve, fourteen or sixteen operating positions. Additionally, eachassembly 22 may be infinitely adjustable between a first extreme operating position (FIG. 9 ) and a second extreme operating position (FIG. 10 ). The difference between the first extreme operating position and the second extreme operating position may be within the range of about five inches to about fifty inches. More specifically, the difference may be about ten inches, about twenty inches, about thirty inches or about forty inches. - As illustrated, the
adjustment elements chassis attachment members upper suspension member 104, such that extending or retracting theadjustment elements spring 106 to which it is connected) to shift up or down relative to thechassis attachment component 80. Theadjustment elements adjustment elements - As used herein, the
suspension component 84 is “operably interposed” between thewheel attachment component 82 and thechassis attachment component 80 if it regulates motion transfer between the twocomponents suspension component 84 need not be positioned physically between theattachment components suspension component 84 may be positioned above (and in line with) both thewheel attachment component 82 and thechassis attachment component 80 and yet be operably interposed therebetween. - The
assembly 22 is configured to pivot relative to theaxle 30 to thereby pivot a wheel coupled with thewheel attachment component 82 and steer theapplicator 10. Theassembly 22 may pivot between a first extreme position (FIG. 7 ) and a second extreme position (FIG. 8 ) about an axis of rotation passing through, and defined by, thepivot element 96. The extreme pivot positions may correspond to an angular separation of between, for example, about 90° and about 300°. Theassembly 22 pivots as a single unit such that, regardless of the position of thewheel attachment component 82 relative to thechassis attachment component 80, thewheel attachment component 82, thechassis attachment component 80 and thesuspension component 84 pivot in unison. - In the illustrated embodiment, the
pivot element 96 attaches to an outer end of theaxle 30, thesuspension component 84 is positioned above theaxle 30, and thewheel attachment component 82 is positioned below theaxle 30 opposite thesuspension component 84. Furthermore, thewheel attachment component 82, thechassis attachment component 80 and thesuspension component 84 lie on a line that corresponds to, or is parallel with, the axis of rotation of theassembly 22. - The
pivot element 96 may include a rotatory hydraulic actuator connected to theaxle 30 and to the lower 110 and upper 112 chassis attachment members. The rotary hydraulic actuator selectively drives pivoting movement of theassembly 22 relative to thechassis 12 and may be controlled by a vehicle operator or an automated guidance system to steer theapplicator 10. - By way of example, the rotary actuator may be an L30 series helical hydraulic rotary actuator manufactured by HELAC CORPORATION, or a similar device. A rotary hydraulic actuator is a device manufactured to drive or induce rotational movement in response to hydraulic input. Thus, a portion of the rotary actuator rotates relative to another portion of the rotary actuator and does not require external connections or components to generate rotational motion. A rotary actuator may be designed, for example, to internally translate linear motion into rotational motion. In one exemplary embodiment, the rotary hydraulic actuator may generate output torque of between 3,000 and 32,000 foot-pounds at a hydraulic pressure of between 2,000 and 4,000 psi or, more specifically, may generate torque of between 10,000 and 25,000 foot-pounds at a hydraulic pressure of between 2,000 and 4,000 psi. The rotary actuator may have a total angular displacement of between about 90° and about 360°.
- The illustrated rotary
hydraulic actuator 96 includes a plurality of spaced mounting feet orflanges 114 for securing to theaxle 30 or other part of thechassis 12 and acylindrical housing 116 with opposing ends that mount to, and rotate, the lower and upperchassis attachment members feet 114 are configured to attach to a plurality of attachment points arranged in a planar configuration, such as on a single planar surface. Thus, therotary actuator 96 may function both to mount thechassis attachment component 80 to theaxle 30 and to rotate theassembly 22 relative to theaxle 30 and, therefore, may simplify the design, manufacture, maintenance and repair of theassembly 22 and related components. Thehousing 116 may have a diameter of between about five inches and twelve inches and a length of between about eleven inches and about forty inches. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that therotary actuator 116 and the connections between therotary actuator 96 and theassembly 22 and theaxle 30 must be sufficiently strong to sustain the shock and rigors of routine use. - Rather than including a rotary actuator, the
assembly 22 may include, or may be coupled with, another type of actuator such as a linear hydraulic actuator for driving pivoting motion. Alternatively, theassembly 22 may be configured to rigidly attach to thevehicle chassis 12 and not pivot relative to the chassis, wherein thechassis attachment component 80 is rigidly attached to theinner axle 30 or other portion of thechassis 12. This may be desirable, for example, when theassembly 22 supports a ground engaging element that is not intended to steer theapplicator 10. Thechassis attachment component 80 may be rigidly attached to theaxle 30 by replacing thepivot element 96 with a casting presenting the same size and shape as thepivot element 96 to rigidly connect to thechassis attachment component 80 and to theaxle 30. Theassembly 22 may be configured to facilitate interchanging a rotary actuator configured to pivot the assembly and a static component configured to secure the assembly in a fixed position. Conventional bolts or other easily removable attachment elements may be used to secure therotary actuator 96 to theaxle 30 and to theassembly 22 and may be positioned to facilitate access thereto. Thus, an actuator and a fixed element may both be provided with each of theassemblies 22 such that a user may interchange the actuator and the fixed element as desired. - In operation, the
assemblies 22 may be used to raise and lower the chassis of theapplicator 10. More specifically, an operator may remotely control operation of theassemblies 22 to raise and lower thechassis 12 using, for example, one of the user interface elements forming part of thecontrol environment 38 illustrated inFIG. 4 . Thus, the operator may raise and lower thechassis 12 while seated in thecabin 18. - In one exemplary scenario, the operator fills the holding
tank 32 at a central location, such as a local cooperative facility, and drives theapplicator 10 to a field in a lowered operating position. Once at the field, the operator controls theassemblies 22 to raise thechassis 12 to a desired height to apply the product. The operator raises thechassis 12 while seated in thecabin 18. When the application is complete or when theapplicator 10 needs to return to the cooperative for additional product, the operator lowers thechassis 12 and drives theapplicator 10 to the cooperative or to another field. Thus, adjusting the height of thechassis 12 allows for safer travel to and from the field by lowering the applicator's center of gravity and overall height. - In another exemplary scenario, the
applicator 10 and a tender vehicle are taken to an area of application such as a field or group of fields. Theapplicator 10 is placed in a lowered chassis position and prepared by filling it with liquid chemical or other product to be applied to a crop. The tender vehicle may be configured to interface with theapplicator 10 only when theapplicator 10 is in a lowered chassis position. When theapplicator 10 is prepared, the operator may drive theapplicator 10 to a starting position, raise thechassis 12 to a desired height using one or more interface elements within thecabin 18, and begin the application process. The operator refills theapplicator 10 by returning to the tender vehicle, lowering theapplicator chassis 12 to interface with the tender vehicle, then raising thechassis 12 after theapplicator 10 has been refilled and resumes the application operation. When application for a first crop is complete, theapplicator 10 may be used to apply a chemical to a second crop of a different height than the first crop. The operator may adjust the chassis height of theapplicator 10 for optimal application on the second crop, wherein the optimal height for application on the second crop may be different than the optimal height for application on the first crop. - An
assembly 130 constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the invention is illustrated inFIGS. 11 and 12 . Theassembly 130 may be identical to theassembly 22, except that theassembly 130 includes amechanical locking mechanism 132 for mechanically locking theassembly 130 in any of a plurality of the operating positions. Theassembly 130 is adapted to accommodate thelocking mechanism 132 by, for example, extending the overall length of theupper suspension member 104 and the upperchassis attachment member 112 and including receptacles in the extreme ends of each for engaging lock bars 134. Thelocking mechanism 132 may be used to secure theassembly 130 in an operating position and relieve theadjustment mechanism 90 from the weight of theapplicator 10, which can be substantial when theapplicator 10 is fully loaded. - In the illustrated assembly, the
locking mechanism 132 includes the lock bars 134 connected to both theupper suspension member 104 and the upperchassis attachment member 112 and that are positioned outboard of theadjustment elements locking pin 138 configured to simultaneously engage the upperchassis attachment member 112 and any one of the throughholes 136 to rigidly connect thelock bar 134 with the upperchassis attachment member 112. The lock bars 134 of the illustrated assembly include ten throughholes 136 such that theassembly 130 may be locked into any of ten different operating positions. The strut bars 86, 88,adjustment elements bars 134 may form a linear or substantially linear pattern. - In use, the operator may remove the
pins 138 from the lockingmechanisms 132, adjust the height of thechassis 12 to a desired height, and insert thepins 138 in the lockingmechanisms 132 to lock thechassis 12 into the desired operating position. This process may require the operator to leave thecabin 18 one or more times and manually remove and replace the locking pins 138 and/or may require a second person to remove and replace thepins 138 while the operator adjusts the chassis height. One way to eliminate the need for the operator to travel back and forth between thecabin 18 and thesupport assemblies 130 is for the operator to use thewireless interface element 74 described above and illustrated inFIG. 3 b. The operator may use thewireless interface element 74 to adjust the chassis height while positioned proximate theassembly 130, wherein the operator manually removes the locking pins 138, adjusts the chassis height, and manually replaces thepins 138 all while positioned proximate thesupport assemblies 130. - An
alternative locking mechanism 140 is illustrated inFIG. 13 that eliminates the need for the operator to leave thecabin 18 to engage or disengage the locking mechanism. More specifically, thelocking mechanism 140 is remotely actuated by the operator. Thelocking mechanism 140 may include locking pins or similar components that are remotely controlled or actuated by the operator via wires or cables connected to the lockingmechanisms 140. The locking pins may be contained within ahousing 142 that is secured to the upperchassis attachment member 112, wherein when the pins are in an unlocked position the lock bars 134 slide through thehousing 142, but when the pins are in the locked position the lock bars 134 are coupled with thehousing 142 and the upperchassis attachment member 112. A user seated in thecab 18 of theapplicator 10, for example, may actuate a user interface component of the control system such as a physical or virtual button that in turn drives an electrical actuator that moves locking pins into and out of engagement with the lock bars. Other mechanisms may be used to actuate the locking mechanisms, including hydraulic actuators and mechanical push-pull cables. - Another
alternative locking mechanism 144 is illustrated inFIG. 14 . Thelocking mechanism 144 is similar to thelocking mechanism 132, described above, except that the upperchassis attachment member 112 is not configured to receive lock pins for rigidly coupling with the lock bars 134, and thelocking mechanism 144 includes lower 146 and upper 148 lock collars. Each of thelock collars pins 138 described above), and are not coupled with the upperchassis attachment member 112. Thelock collars chassis attachment member 112. Eachlock collar holes 136 of the lock bars 134. - The
locking mechanism 144 enables an operator to perform a lift-and-set chassis height adjustment operation. When theapplicator 10 is at rest, theadjustment elements applicator 10 rests primarily on thelower lock collars 146. To adjust the operating position of theassembly 130, the operator moves theupper lock collars 148 to an extreme upper position on the lock bars 134 by disengaging thepins 150, sliding thecollars 148 upward on the lock bars 134 to the highest throughhole 136, then reengages thepins 150 with the highest through holes thereby locking theupper lock collars 148 in the highest position. The operator then actuates theadjustment mechanism 90 to raise thevehicle chassis 12, thereby lowering the lock bars 134 relative to the upperchassis attachment member 112 until the upperchassis attachment member 112 engages theupper lock collars 148. With theassembly 130 thus in a fully raised position, the operator positions thelower lock collars 146 at the desired operating position. The operator then actuates theadjustment mechanism 90 to lower thevehicle chassis 12 so that the upperchassis attachment member 112 rests on thelower lock collars 146. The operator then repositions theupper lock collars 148 adjacent or proximate the upperchassis attachment member 112. - An
exemplary support assembly 200 constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the invention is illustrated inFIGS. 15 through 20 . Theassembly 200 is configured to support a vehicle chassis on a wheel of the vehicle and may be used, for example, with theapplicator 10 in lieu of theassemblies 22. Theassembly 200 broadly includes achassis attachment component 202 for attaching to thechassis 12 of the vehicle; awheel attachment component 204 for attaching to a wheel or other ground engaging element of the vehicle; asuspension component 206 operably interposed between thechassis attachment component 202 and thewheel attachment component 204 for regulating motion transfer between the twoattachment components single strut bar 208 coupling thewheel attachment component 204 with thesuspension component 206; and anadjustment component 210 comprising a plurality ofadjustment elements wheel attachment component 204 between a plurality of operating positions relative to thechassis attachment component 202. Thesingle strut bar 208 may be pivotable relative to thechassis attachment component 202, and apivot actuator 216 may drive pivoting motion of thestrut bar 208 to thereby steer the wheel or other ground engaging element coupled with thewheel attachment component 204. - The
wheel attachment component 204 includes only asingle receptacle 218 for connecting to thestrut bar 208 but may otherwise be similar or identical to thewheel attachment component 82 described above. Thereceptacle 218 is positioned generally center on, and above, acylindrical body 220 of thewheel attachment component 204. Pivot torque is transferred to the wheel by thestrut bar 208 via thereceptacle 218, therefore the connection between thereceptacle 218 and thestrut bar 208 must be sufficiently strong to transfer the torque required to pivot the wheel relative to thechassis 12. - The
suspension component 206 includes alower suspension member 222, anupper suspension member 224 and apneumatic spring 226 or similar motion-regulating element positioned between and attached to the upper 224 and lower 222 suspension members. Theupper suspension member 224 is connected to a top side or portion of thespring 226 and thelower suspension member 222 is connected to a lower side or portion of thespring 226. Each of the upper and lower suspension members presents an elongated shape and includes a plurality of apertures or other features for attaching to thespring 226. Each of thesuspension members suspension component 206 to theadjustment component 210. More specifically, thelower suspension member 222 includes a pair of cylindricalouter flanges adjustment bars 232, and theupper suspension member 224 includes holes or receptacles for rigidly receiving the adjustment bars 232. The upper and lower suspension members may present the same size and shape or substantially the same size and shape. - The
suspension component 206 also includes elements or features for engaging thepivot actuator 216. Specifically, thelower suspension member 222 includes a pair of support bars 236 configured to pivotably engage a cylinder portion of thepivot actuator 216 so that a piston portion of theactuator 216 may engage apivot flange 238 that is rigidly connected to thestrut bar 208. The support bars 236 are rigidly connected to thelower suspension member 222 and hold the first portion of thepivot actuator 216 in a pivotable but stationary position so that extension and retraction of the second portion of theactuator 216 causes the pivot flange 238 (and the strut bar 208) to pivot relative to the rest of theassembly 200. - The
strut bar 208 is rigidly connected to thewheel attachment component 204 and is pivotably coupled with thesuspension component 206 such that up and down movement of thewheel attachment component 204 relative to thechassis attachment component 202 is communicated through thesuspension component 206 via thestrut bar 208. More specifically, a first end of thestrut bar 208 is connected to thereceptacle 218 of thewheel attachment component 204 and a second end of thestrut bar 208 is pivotably coupled with thelower suspension member 222. As used herein, a “single strut bar” means one, and only one, strut bar. - The
chassis attachment component 202 includes a lowerchassis attachment member 240 and an upperchassis attachment member 242 separated by avertical member 244. Thevertical member 244 includes a through hole for slidingly engaging thestrut bar 208. Furthermore, each of thechassis attachment members adjustment elements vertical member 244 is rigidly connected to both the lower andupper attachment members inner axle 30, and may be integrally formed with theinner axle 30. Thus, thechassis attachment component 202, theheight adjustment component 210 and thesuspension component 206 do not pivot relative to thechassis 12. Rather, only thewheel attachment component 204 and thestrut bar 208 pivot relative to thechassis 12. Thechassis attachment component 202 may be a single casting or weldment. - The
chassis attachment component 202 is rigidly but adjustably coupled with theupper suspension member 224 via theadjustment elements chassis attachment component 202 and thewheel attachment component 204 passes through, and is regulated by, thesuspension component 206. When theadjustment mechanism 210 shifts thewheel attachment component 204 relative to thechassis attachment component 202, thewheel attachment component 204 and thesuspension component 206 move in unison or substantially in unison. Thewheel attachment component 204 is positioned below thechassis attachment component 202 and, thus, below theaxle 30, while thesuspension component 206 is positioned above thechassis attachment component 202 and, thus, above theaxle 30. Thesuspension component 206, thechassis attachment component 202 and thewheel attachment component 204 may all be positioned on a line that corresponds to, or is parallel with, the axis of rotation of thestrut bar 208. - The
pivot actuator 216 is configured to steer the wheel by pivoting thewheel attachment component 204 between a first extreme position (FIG. 17 ) and a second extreme position (FIG. 18 ). Theadjustment mechanism 210 is configured to move thewheel attachment component 204 between a first extreme operating position (FIG. 19 ) and a second extreme operating position (FIG. 20 ). Theadjustment mechanism 210 may be infinitely adjustable between the two extreme operating positions or may be configured to move thewheel attachment component 204 between a finite number of operating positions relative to thechassis attachment component 202. The difference between the first extreme operating position and the second extreme operating position may be within the range of from about five inches to about fifty inches. More specifically, the difference may be about ten inches, about twenty inches, about thirty inches or about forty inches. - An
assembly 300 constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the invention is illustrated inFIG. 21 . Theassembly 300 may be identical to theassembly 200, except that theassembly 300 includes alocking mechanism 302 for mechanically locking theassembly 300 in any of the plurality of operating positions. In the illustratedassembly 300, thelocking mechanism 302 includes a pair of lock bars 304 connected to theupper suspension member 224 the selectively coupled with the upperchassis attachment member 242 via lock pins 308. The lock bars 304 are positioned outboard of theadjustment elements holes 306 and alocking pin 308 configured to engage the upperchassis attachment member 242 and any one of the throughholes 306 to rigidly connect thelock bar 304 with the upperchassis attachment member 242. The lock bars 304 of the illustratedassembly 300 include ten throughholes 306 such that theassembly 300 may be locked into any of ten different operating positions. Thus, thelocking mechanism 302 may be similar or identical to thelocking mechanism 132 described above, and may include manual locking pins (as illustrated) or remotely-controlled locking mechanism like themechanism 140 described above. Alternatively, theassembly 300 may include a lift-and-set type locking mechanism similar to thelocking mechanism 144 described above. - An
exemplary support assembly 400 for supporting a vehicle chassis on a wheel of the vehicle in accordance with another embodiment of the invention is illustrated inFIGS. 22-27 . Theassembly 400 is configured to support a vehicle chassis on a wheel of the vehicle and may be used, for example, with theapplicator 10 in lieu of theassemblies 22. Theassembly 400 broadly includes achassis attachment component 402 for attaching to thechassis 12 of the vehicle; awheel attachment component 404 for attaching to a wheel or other ground engaging element of thevehicle 12; asuspension component 406 operably interposed between thechassis attachment component 402 and thewheel attachment component 404 for regulating motion transfer between the twoattachment components single strut bar 408 coupling thewheel attachment component 404 with thesuspension component 406; and anadjustment component 410 comprising a plurality ofadjustment elements wheel attachment component 404 between a plurality of operating positions relative to thechassis attachment component 402. Thesingle strut bar 408 is rigidly coupled with thewheel attachment component 404 and thesuspension component 406 and the chassis attachment component is pivotably coupled with theinner axle 30. Theassembly 400 may include apivot actuator 416 for pivoting theentire assembly 400 relative to thechassis 12. - The
assembly 400 may be similar or identical to theassembly 200, described above, except that thesingle strut bar 408 is rigidly connected to both thewheel attachment component 404 and thesuspension component 406, thechassis attachment component 402 pivots relative to thechassis 12, and thepivot actuator 416 is drivingly coupled with thechassis attachment component 402. In the illustrated embodiment, acylindrical receptacle portion 418 of theinner axle 30 pivotably engages upper 420 and lower 422 chassis attachment members and includes a through hole for pivotably and slidingly engaging thestrut bar 408. Through holes in the upper 420 and lower 422 chassis attachment members also slidingly engage thestrut bar 408 such that thestrut bar 408 slides within thechassis attachment member 402. - The
assembly 400 includes apivot actuator 416 similar to thepivot actuator 216 described above, except that theactuator 416 is drivingly connected to thechassis attachment component 402 rather than the suspension component. Thepivot actuator 416 is configured to pivot theassembly 400 between a first extreme position (FIG. 24 ) and a second extreme position (FIG. 25 ). Theadjustment mechanism 410 is configured to move thewheel attachment component 404 between a first extreme operating position (FIG. 26 ) and a second extreme operating position (FIG. 27 ). Theadjustment mechanism 410 may be infinitely adjustable between the two extreme operating positions or may be configured to move thewheel attachment component 404 between a finite number of operating positions relative to thechassis attachment component 402. The difference between the first extreme operating position and the second extreme operating position may be within the range of from about five inches to about fifty inches. More specifically, the difference may be about ten inches, about twenty inches, about thirty inches or about forty inches. - A
support assembly 500 constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the invention is illustrated inFIG. 28 . Theassembly 500 includes alocking mechanism 502 for mechanically locking theassembly 500 in any of a plurality of the operating positions, but is otherwise similar or identical to theassembly 400, described above. Thelocking mechanism 502 includes a pair of lock bars 504 connected to anupper suspension member 506 and an upperchassis attachment member 508. The lock bars 504 are positioned outboard ofadjustment elements holes 510 and alocking pin 512 configured to engage the upperchassis attachment member 508 and any one of the throughholes 510 to rigidly connect thelock bar 504 with the upperchassis attachment member 508. In the illustrated embodiment, the lock bars 504 include ten throughholes 510 such that theassembly 500 may be locked into any of ten different operating positions. Thus, thelocking mechanism 502 may be similar or identical to thelocking mechanism 132 described above, and may include manual locking pins or remotely-controlled locking pins. Alternatively, theassembly 500 may include a lift-and-set type locking mechanism similar to thelocking mechanism 144 described above. - An
exemplary support assembly 600 for supporting a vehicle chassis on a wheel of the vehicle in accordance with another embodiment of the invention is illustrated inFIGS. 29-30 . Theassembly 600 broadly includes achassis attachment component 602 for attaching to the chassis of the vehicle; awheel attachment component 604 for attaching to a wheel or other ground engaging element of the vehicle; asuspension component 606 operably interposed between thechassis attachment component 602 and thewheel attachment component 604 for regulating motion transfer between the two attachment components; and a plurality of strut bars 608, 610 connecting thewheel attachment component 604 to thesuspension component 606. Thechassis attachment component 602 may include apivot element 612 for allowing theentire assembly 600 to pivot relative to thechassis 12 and a pivot actuator may drive the pivoting motion to thereby steer a wheel or other ground engaging element connected to the wheel attachment component. In the illustrated embodiment, the pivot actuator is a rotary actuator that functions as both the pivot element and the actuator. - The
assembly 600 may be similar or identical to theassembly 22, described in detail above, except that theassembly 600 does not include a height adjustment component. Rather, the operating position of thewheel attachment component 604 relative to thechassis attachment component 602 is fixed by the length of the strut bars 608, 610 and by the length of a pair of fixedstructural members 614 that replace the height adjustment elements of theassembly 22. - An
exemplary support assembly 700 for supporting a vehicle chassis on a wheel of the vehicle constructed in accordance with principles of another embodiment of the invention is illustrated inFIGS. 31-37 . Theassembly 700 is configured to support a vehicle chassis on a wheel of the vehicle and may be used, for example, with theapplicator 10 in lieu of theassemblies 22. Theassembly 700 broadly includes aframe 702 pivotably connected to the vehicle chassis at a connection location; awheel attachment component 704 slidingly coupled with theframe 702, configured to pivot in unison with theframe 702 and to move between a plurality of operating positions relative to theframe 702; asuspension component 706 operably interposed between theframe 702 and thewheel attachment component 704 for regulating motion transfer between theframe 702 and thewheel attachment component 704; and anadjustment actuator 708 rigidly coupled with theframe 702 and configured to shift thewheel attachment component 704 between any of the plurality of operating positions relative to theframe 702. A pair ofsupport members 710 are rigidly coupled with thewheel attachment component 704 and slidingly engage theframe 702. - The
frame 702 includes alower spindle member 712 and anupper spindle member 714 separated by a space and pivotably coupled with theinner axle 30. A pair oflower side members 716 are attached to outer ends of the lower 712 and upper 714 spindle members and rigidly interconnect the spindle members. In the illustrated embodiment, thelower side members 716 are cylindrical in shape and each includes a through-hole or similar feature to slidingly engage one of thesupport members 710. Anupper suspension member 718 is separated from theupper spindle member 714 by a space wherein a pair ofupper side members 720 rigidly interconnect theupper spindle member 714 and theupper suspension member 718. Theupper suspension member 718 includes a pair of throughholes 722 for slidingly receiving thesupport members 714. - The
suspension component 706 includes alower suspension member 724 rigidly coupled with aspring 726 and with theadjustment actuator 708. Thelower suspension member 724 is also selectively coupled with thesupport members 710 via a pair of lockingpins lower suspension member 724 is an elongated, rigid member with a first (bottom) side connected to a top portion of theactuator 708 and a second (top) side connected to a first end or portion of thespring 726. Thelower suspension member 724 further defines a pair ofcylindrical barrel portions 732 at the ends thereof for slidingly receiving thesupport members 710. - As mentioned previously, the
suspension component 706 includes apneumatic spring 726 or similar component for regulating motion transfer between thewheel attachment component 704 and theframe 702. Thespring 726 is positioned between the upper 718 and lower 724 suspension members and between thesupport members 710. Thus, thespring 726 is positioned within theframe 702 such that thespring 726, theframe 702 and thewheel attachment component 704 all pivot in unison. - The
adjustment actuator 708 is housed within areceptacle portion 734 of theaxle 30 and anadjustment member 736 of theadjustment actuator 708 is connected to thewheel attachment component 704. Theactuator 708 drives theadjustment member 736 to move thewheel attachment component 704 between a plurality of operating positions relative to theframe 702. Theactuator 708 may include, for example, a conventional hydraulic cylinder. In the illustrated embodiment, theassembly 700 includes a single actuator housed within thereceptacle portion 734 of theaxle 30. It will be appreciated that this configuration reduces the number of exposed components as well as the overall size of theassembly 700. - The
wheel attachment component 704 may be moveable between a first extreme operating position (FIG. 35 ) and a second extreme operating position (FIG. 36 ). The difference between the first extreme operating position and the second extreme operating position may be within the range of about five inches to about fifty inches. More specifically, the difference may particularly be about ten inches, about twenty inches, about thirty inches or about forty inches. - In the illustrated embodiment, the
wheel attachment component 704 is positioned below theaxle 30, thesuspension component 706 is positioned above theaxle 30 and theadjustment actuator 708 is positioned within thereceptacle portion 734 of theaxle 30 such that thewheel attachment component 704, thesuspension component 706 and theadjustment actuator 708 all lie on a line that corresponds to or is parallel with the axis of rotation of theassembly 700. Thelower side members 716 are positioned proximate and on opposite sides of thereceptacle portion 734 of theaxle 30, and theupper side members 720 are positioned on opposite sides of thespring 726 and outboard of thesupport members 710. - The
assembly 700 includes a pair of lockingpins support members 710 with theframe 702 to thereby lock thewheel attachment component 704 into any of a plurality of operating positions relative to theframe 702. The locking pins 728, 730 engage thebarrel portions 732 of thelower suspension member 724 and selectively engage any of a plurality of through holes (not illustrated) of thesupport members 710 to thereby fixedly couple thelower suspension member 724 with thesupport members 710. - A
pivot actuator 738 is pivotably coupled with both arecess 740 of theinner axle 30 and pivotably coupled with apivot flange 742 theframe 702 to pivot theassembly 700 relative to theaxle 30 and thereby steer a wheel attached to thewheel attachment component 704. More specifically, thepivot actuator 738 is operable to pivot theassembly 700 between a first extreme position (FIG. 33 ) and a second extreme position (FIG. 34 ). - A cross section of the
receptacle portion 722 of theaxle 30 and a portion of thesupport assembly 700 is illustrated inFIG. 37 . A pair ofannular inserts receptacle portion 722 of theaxle 30. Abushing material 738 may be interposed between theinserts receptacle portion 722 to facilitate rotation of theframe 702 relative to thereceptacle portion 722. The actuator 707 is positioned inside theinserts inserts - An
assembly 800 constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the invention is illustrated inFIGS. 38-40 . Theassembly 800 broadly includes aframe 802 pivotably coupled with thevehicle chassis 12; anattachment component 804 slidingly coupled with theframe 802; and an adjustment actuator rigidly coupled with theframe 802 and configured to shift theattachment component 804 between a plurality of operating positions relative to theframe 802 and to regulate motion transfer between theattachment component 804 and theframe 802. The adjustment actuator, housed within areceptacle portion 806 of theaxle 30, is the only mechanism for securing theattachment component 804 in the operating positions and is the only mechanism for regulating motion transfer between theattachment component 804 and theframe 802. Theassembly 800 may also include apivot actuator 808 for pivoting theframe 802 relative to thechassis 12. - The
assembly 800 is similar or identical to theassembly 700, described above, except that theassembly 800 does not include a pneumatic spring or locking mechanisms onsupport members 810. Rather, the adjustment actuator is configured to move theattachment component 804 between the plurality of operating positions relative to the frame, to secure theattachment component 804 in any of the operating positions, and to regulate motion transfer between theattachment component 804 and theframe 802. If the adjustment actuator includes a hydraulic actuator, for example, maintaining a certain hydraulic pressure on the cylinder may hold the cylinder in a first of the operating positions. Increasing the hydraulic pressure may cause the piston to extend to a second operating position that corresponds to a higher chassis height than the first operating position. Reducing the hydraulic pressure may cause the piston to retract to a third operating position that corresponds to a lower chassis height than the first operating position. - The
attachment component 804 may be moveable between a first extreme operating position, illustrated inFIG. 39 , and a second extreme operating position, illustrated inFIG. 40 . The difference between the first extreme operating position and the second extreme operating position may be within the range of about five inches to about fifty inches. More specifically, the difference may particularly be about ten inches, about twenty inches, about thirty inches or about forty inches. - Referring again to
FIG. 3 c, the hydraulic system may include various specialized components to enable the locking and suspension functions performed by the hydraulic adjustment actuator. One or more hydraulic accumulators 78 may be included, for example, to regulate pressure spikes in the hydraulic system associated with bouncing or other rapid movement of the wheel attachment component relative to the frame. Furthermore, a computerized control system may be used to control the hydraulic pressure to thereby secure the assembly in any of the operating positions. - An
assembly 850 constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the invention is illustrated inFIGS. 41-42 . Theassembly 850 broadly includes aframe 852 configured to be pivotably coupled with theinner axle 30 of thevehicle chassis 12; awheel attachment component 854 positioned below theaxle 30; a pair ofsupport members 856 rigidly coupled with thewheel attachment component 854 and slidingly coupled with theframe 852 such that thesupport members 856 transfer toque between theframe 852 and thewheel attachment component 854 causing thewheel attachment component 854 to pivot in unison with theframe 852; asuspension component 858 operably interposed between theframe 852 and thewheel attachment component 854 for regulating motion transfer between theframe 852 and thewheel attachment component 854; and apivot actuator 860 for pivoting theframe 852 relative to thechassis 12. - The
assembly 850 is similar or identical to theassembly 700, described above, except that theassembly 850 does not include an adjustment actuator. Rather, theassembly 850 is configured such thatwheel attachment component 854 operates at a single operating position relative to theframe 852. Because theattachment component 854 does not shift between different operating positions relative to theframe 852, thesupport members 856 may be rigidly coupled with thewheel attachment component 854 and with thesuspension component 858 without the use of locking elements. - The
assembly 850 may alternatively includeremovable support members 862, as illustrated inFIGS. 43-44 . Thesupport members 862 are removably coupled with the lower suspension member and with thewheel attachment component 854 so that they can be removed and replaced with other support members of a different size. Replacing thesupport members 862 with other support members of a different size allows the operator to adjust the height of thechassis 12. Thesupport members 862 are “removably” coupled with the lower suspension member and with the wheel attachment component if they are configured to be removed and replaced without cutting or otherwise compromising thesupport members 862 or any other component of theassembly 850, and without compromising the strength of the connections. Thesupport members 862 may be removably coupled with the lower suspension member and thewheel attachment component 854 using, for example, bolts or similar fasteners that may be repeatedly removed from and reattached to thesupport members 862. - With reference now to
FIGS. 45-47 , the track width of theapplicator 10 is illustrated as the distance between thewheels applicator 10 and thewheels 14 c, 14 d on a second side of theapplicator 10. As explained above, theapplicator 10 includes a track width adjustment system includingtelescoping axles inner axles 30 between extended and retracted positions. The track width may be infinitely adjustable between, for example, about 120 inches and about 152 inches. - The
applicator 10 may be configured such that thesupport assemblies 22 are not parallel with the direction of vertical movement of thechassis 12 when thesupport assemblies 22 are used to adjust the height of thechassis 12. As illustrated inFIG. 45 , eachsupport assembly 22 connects to thechassis 12 at achassis connection point 900 and connects to one of the wheels 14 at awheel connection point 902. Astraight line 904 interconnecting thechassis connection point 900 and thewheel connection point 902 is angled relative to vertical movement of thechassis 12 and is also angled relative to a vertical longitudinal axis of the wheel 14.Line 906 represents the direction of vertical movement of thechassis 12 and the direction of the vertical longitudinal axis of the wheel 14. This angled position of theassemblies 22 may be desirable for several reasons, including providing sufficient separation between thesupport assembly 22 and the wheel 14 and providing an optimal steering configuration. - As illustrated in
FIG. 46 , the angled position of theassemblies 22 relative to the vehicle's frame presents certain challenges to use of thesupport assembly 22 to raise and lower the vehicle'schassis 12. As thesupport assemblies 22 are actuated to raise thechassis 12, for example, the wheels 14 are also pushed laterally outward away from the vehicle'schassis 12. This may present a problem because some surfaces may prevent the wheels 14 from sliding relative to thechassis 12, particularly if theapplicator 10 is loaded with product. In these situations the operator may be required to raise and lower theapplicator 10 while theapplicator 10 is travelling forward or backwards. Furthermore, it may be undesirable to operate theapplicator 10 at a new track width such that the operator must re-adjust the track width to the desired amount each time he or she adjusts the height of thechassis 12. As explained above, re-adjusting may need to be performed while theapplicator 10 is moving. - To address the problems associated with lateral movement of the wheels that occurs when the applicator height is adjusted, the
control system 52 may be configured to automatically adjust the track width as the height of theapplicator 10 is adjusted such that the wheels 14 do not move laterally relative to the ground surface as theapplicator 10 is raised and lowered. With particular reference toFIG. 47 , if thesupport assembly 22 is positioned at an angle of inclination θ relative to the direction of travel of thechassis 12, the change in lateral position of the wheel ΔW is defined as ΔW=sin(θ)×ΔH, where ΔH is the change in the distance between the chassis point ofconnection 900 and the wheel point ofconnection 902 along the line 109. In this equation, ΔW represents the change in lateral position of one of the wheels 14 or, in other words, the wheels 14 on one side of theapplicator 10. The total change in track width is defined as twice that amount, or two times ΔW. - The
control system 52 may be configured such that as the operator adjusts the height of the machine using, for example, a button or dial located in thecabin 18, thecontrol system 52 detects the height adjustment and automatically adjusts the track width accordingly to preserve the track width of theapplicator 10. Alternatively, the control system may be configured to actuate both the chassis height adjustment system and the track width adjustment system. In this implementation, the user may adjust the chassis height via a user interface element wherein thecontrol system 52 actuates the height adjustment system to adjust the chassis height to the desired height and also adjusts the track width system to preserve the track width of the applicator. In either implementation, thecontrol system 52 adjusts the track width according to the equation ΔW=sin(θ)×ΔH, explained above. - Although the invention has been described with reference to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the attached drawing figures, it is noted that equivalents may be employed and substitutions made herein without departing from the scope of the invention as recited in the claims.
Claims (17)
1. A vehicle comprising:
a chassis;
a plurality of ground engaging elements supporting the chassis above a ground surface;
a motor for driving at least one of the ground engaging elements to thereby propel the machine along the ground surface;
a chassis height adjustment system for selectively raising and lowering the chassis relative to the ground surface;
a track width adjustment system for shifting the position of at least one of the ground engaging elements laterally relative to the chassis; and
a controller configured to automatically actuate the track width adjustment system when the chassis height adjustment system is actuated to preserve a constant track width as the chassis moves up and down relative to the ground surface.
2. The vehicle as set forth in claim 1 , the track width adjustment system including a telescoping axle coupled with each of the ground engaging elements and an actuator associated with each of the telescoping axles for moving each axle between a retracted position and an extended position.
3. The vehicle as set forth in claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of support assemblies, each of the support assemblies supporting the chassis on one of the ground engaging elements and defining a line of connection between a ground engaging element attachment point and a chassis attachment point, each line of connection defining an angle θ corresponding to an angle of deviation from a direction of vertical travel of the chassis.
4. The vehicle as set forth in claim 3 , the controller configured to actuate the track width adjustment system to shift the at least one ground engaging element a distance that is proportional to a change in the distance between the ground engaging element attachment point and the chassis attachment point.
5. The vehicle as set forth in claim 3 , the controller configured to actuate the track width adjustment system to shift the at least one ground engaging element a distance ΔW, wherein ΔW=sin(θ)×ΔH and ΔH is a change in the distance between the wheel attachment point and the chassis attachment point along the line of connection.
6. The vehicle as set forth in claim 3 , each of the support assemblies comprising—
a first attachment component for attaching the assembly to the ground engaging element at the ground engaging element attachment point;
a second attachment component for attaching the assembly to the chassis at the chassis attachment point;
an adjustment component for shifting the first attachment component between a plurality of operating positions relative to the second attachment component, each of the operating positions corresponding to a different distance of separation between the first attachment component and the second attachment component; and
a suspension component operably interposed between the first attachment component and the second attachment component, the suspension component configured to regulate motion transfer between the first attachment component and the second attachment component, the suspension component functioning independently of the operating position.
7. The vehicle as set forth in claim 1 , the machine being a sprayer including a liquid holding tank and a delivery system for applying contents of the holding tank.
8. The vehicle as set forth in claim 1 , the controller configured to simultaneously actuate the chassis height adjustment system and the track width adjustment system to preserve the constant track width as the chassis moves up and down relative to the ground surface.
9. The vehicle as set forth in claim 1 , further comprising a user interface for allowing a user to actuate the chassis height adjustment system, the controller configured to automatically actuate the track width adjustment system as the user actuates the chassis height adjustment system to preserve the constant track width as the chassis moves up and down relative to the ground surface.
10. An agricultural applicator comprising:
a chassis;
four wheels supporting the chassis above a ground surface, the four wheels including two left wheels and two right wheels;
a motor for driving at least one of the wheels to thereby propel the machine along the ground surface;
a chassis height adjustment system for selectively raising and lowering the chassis relative to the ground surface;
a track width adjustment system for shifting each of the wheels laterally relative to the chassis; and
a controller for automatically actuating the track width adjustment system when the chassis height adjustment system is actuated to shift the wheels laterally relative to the chassis to thereby preserve a constant track width as the chassis is raised or lowered, wherein shifting the wheels laterally involves shifting the two left wheels in a first direction and shifting the two right wheels in a second direction, the second direction being opposite the first direction.
11. The vehicle as set forth in claim 10 , the track width adjustment system including a telescoping axle coupled with each of the wheels and an actuator associated with each of the telescoping axles for moving each axle between a retracted position and an extended position.
12. The vehicle as set forth in claim 10 , further comprising a plurality of support assemblies, each of the support assemblies supporting the chassis on one of the wheels and defining a line of connection between a wheel attachment point and a chassis attachment point, each line of connection defining an angle θ corresponding to an angle of deviation from a direction of vertical travel of the chassis.
13. The vehicle as set forth in claim 12 , the controller configured to actuate the track width adjustment system to shift each of the wheels a distance that is proportional to a change in the distance between the wheel attachment point and the chassis attachment point.
14. The vehicle as set forth in claim 12 , the controller configured to actuate the track width adjustment system to shift each of the wheels a distance ΔW, wherein ΔW=sin(θ)×ΔH and ΔH is a change in the distance between the wheel attachment point and the chassis attachment point along the line of connection.
15. The vehicle as set forth in claim 12 , each of the support assemblies comprising—
a first attachment component for attaching the assembly to the ground engaging element at the ground engaging element attachment point;
a second attachment component for attaching the assembly to the chassis at the chassis attachment point;
an adjustment component for shifting the first attachment component between a plurality of operating positions relative to the second attachment component, each of the operating positions corresponding to a different distance of separation between the first attachment component and the second attachment component; and
a suspension component operably interposed between the first attachment component and the second attachment component, the suspension component configured to regulate motion transfer between the first attachment component and the second attachment component, the suspension component functioning independently of the operating position.
16. The vehicle as set forth in claim 10 , controller configured to simultaneously actuate the chassis height adjustment system and the track width adjustment system to preserve the constant track width as the chassis moves up and down relative to the ground surface.
17. The vehicle as set forth in claim 10 , further comprising a user interface for allowing a user to actuate the chassis height adjustment system, the controller configured to automatically actuate the track width adjustment system as the user actuates the chassis height adjustment system to preserve the constant track width as the chassis moves up and down relative to the ground surface.
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US14/934,367 US20160059662A1 (en) | 2013-10-14 | 2015-11-06 | System and method of adjusting the chassis height of a machine |
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US8910954B2 (en) * | 2010-12-14 | 2014-12-16 | Agco Corporation | King-pin height adjuster |
DK2658735T3 (en) * | 2010-12-30 | 2015-06-01 | Agco Corp | Rod-lifting mechanism for an off-road vehicle |
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US8967631B2 (en) * | 2012-04-06 | 2015-03-03 | Papé Machinery | Air assist suspension |
-
2013
- 2013-10-14 US US14/052,953 patent/US9180747B2/en active Active
-
2015
- 2015-11-06 US US14/934,367 patent/US20160059662A1/en not_active Abandoned
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US20220105767A1 (en) * | 2020-10-07 | 2022-04-07 | Deere & Company | Agricultural machine suspension control system |
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US9180747B2 (en) | 2015-11-10 |
US20150102569A1 (en) | 2015-04-16 |
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Legal Events
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |