Tillage Point Having Variable Ground Engaging Structure

Abstract

The present invention provides a tillage point having a ground engaging structure configured to adjust with respect to the ground so that the tillage point can flexibly adapt to various field conditions. The ground engaging structure can comprise wings for increasing soil fracture below the ground surface and/or a cover board for moving soil along the ground surface. The ground engaging structure can variably adjust using an actuator, such as a hydraulic cylinder, connected to linkage which can move the ground engaging structure through multiple angles about a pivot point during tillage operations. In addition, a controller can adjust the actuator to maintain an angle of the ground engaging structure according to a location on a prescription map.

Claims

1. A tillage point, comprising: a body configured to engage soil along a direction of travel, the body including: a nose extending from the body; and a ground engaging structure disposed above of the nose, the ground engaging structure extending outwardly from the body in lateral directions with respect to the direction of travel; linkage connected to the ground engaging structure; and an actuator connected to the linkage, the actuator and the linkage being configured to actuate the ground engaging structure to move with respect to a pivot point arranged between the body and the ground engaging structure to adjust an orientation of the ground engaging structure with respect to the ground.

2. The tillage point of claim 1, wherein the actuator is a hydraulic cylinder having a rod configured to extend and retract from a base, wherein the hydraulic cylinder is configured to adjust the ground engaging structure in a plurality of positions.

3. The tillage point of claim 2, wherein the body extends from a shank connected to a shank mount, a first end of the hydraulic cylinder is connected to the shank mount, and a second end of the hydraulic cylinder is connected to the linkage.

4. The tillage point of claim 1, wherein the ground engaging structure comprises wings extending from a top surface of the body, the wings being configured to increase soil fracture below the ground surface.

5. The tillage point of claim 4, further comprising a cover board disposed above the wings, the cover board being configured to move soil along the ground surface, wherein the cover board extends from the top surface of the body in lateral directions with respect to the direction of travel, and wherein an orientation of the cover board is non-adjustable.

6. The tillage point of claim 4, wherein the pivot point is arranged between the body and a lower portion of the wings so that an orientation of an upper portion of the wings can be angled with respect to the ground.

7. The tillage point of claim 1, wherein the ground engaging structure comprises a cover board extending from a top surface of the body, the cover board being configured to move soil along the ground surface.

8. The tillage point of claim 7, further comprising wings disposed below the cover board, the wings being configured to increase soil fracture below the ground surface, wherein the wings extend from the top surface of the body in lateral directions with respect to the direction of travel, and wherein an orientation of the wings is non-adjustable.

9. The tillage point of claim 7, wherein the pivot point is arranged between the body and a lower portion of the cover board so that an orientation of an upper portion of the cover board can be angled with respect to the ground.

10. The tillage point of claim 1, further comprising a controller in communication with the actuator, wherein the controller controls the orientation of the ground engaging structure according to a location on a prescription map.

11. An agricultural implement, comprising: a tool framework configured to be towed behind a vehicle in a direction of travel; a plurality of shanks mounted to the tool framework; and a plurality of tillage points, each tillage point extending from a respective shank and comprising: a body configured to engage soil along the direction of travel, the body including: a nose extending from the body; and a ground engaging structure disposed above of the nose, the ground engaging structure extending outwardly from the body in lateral directions with respect to the direction of travel; linkage connected to the ground engaging structure; and an actuator connected to the linkage, the actuator and the linkage being configured to actuate the ground engaging structure to move with respect to a pivot point arranged between the body and the ground engaging structure to adjust an orientation of the ground engaging structure with respect to the ground.

12. The agricultural implement of claim 11, wherein the actuator is a hydraulic cylinder having a rod configured to extend and retract from a base, wherein the hydraulic cylinder is configured to adjust the ground engaging structure in a plurality of positions.

13. The agricultural implement of claim 12, wherein the shank is connected to a shank mount, a first end of the hydraulic cylinder is connected to the shank mount, and a second end of the hydraulic cylinder is connected to the linkage.

14. The agricultural implement of claim 11, wherein the ground engaging structure comprises wings extending from a top surface of the body, the wings being configured to increase soil fracture below the ground surface.

15. The agricultural implement of claim 14, further comprising a cover board disposed above the wings, the cover board being configured to move soil along the ground surface, wherein the cover board extends from the top surface of the body in lateral directions with respect to the direction of travel, and wherein an orientation of the cover board is non-adjustable.

16. The agricultural implement of claim 14, wherein the pivot point is arranged between the body and a lower portion of the wings so that an orientation of an upper portion of the wings can be angled with respect to the ground.

17. The agricultural implement of claim 11, wherein the ground engaging structure comprises a cover board extending from a top surface of the body, the cover board being configured to move soil along the ground surface.

18. The agricultural implement of claim 17, further comprising wings disposed below the cover board, the wings being configured to increase soil fracture below the ground surface, wherein the wings extend from the top surface of the body in lateral directions with respect to the direction of travel, and wherein an orientation of the wings is non-adjustable.

19. The agricultural implement of claim 17, wherein the pivot point is arranged between the body and a lower portion of the cover board so that an orientation of an upper portion of the cover board can be angled with respect to the ground.

20. The agricultural implement of claim 11, further comprising a controller in communication with the actuator, wherein the controller controls the orientation of the ground engaging structure according to a location on a prescription map.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals represent like parts throughout.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a side view of an agricultural implement including tillage points having ground engaging structures configured to adjust in orientation with respect to the ground according to an aspect of the present invention;

[0011] FIG. 2 is a side view of a tillage point in which a ground engaging structure, which comprise wings for increasing soil fracture below the ground surface, is oriented in a first position according to an aspect of the present invention;

[0012] FIG. 3 is a side view of the tillage point of FIG. 2 in which the ground engaging structure is actuated to a second position according to an aspect of the present invention;

[0013] FIG. 4 is a side view of an alternative tillage point in which a ground engaging structure, which comprises a cover board for moving soil along the ground surface, is oriented in a first position according to an aspect of the present invention; and

[0014] FIG. 5 is a side view of the tillage point of FIG. 4 in which the ground engaging structure is actuated to a second position according to an aspect of the present invention.

[0015] These and other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the present invention, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention without departing from the spirit thereof, and the invention includes all such modifications.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] Referring now to the drawings and specifically to FIG. 1, an agricultural implement 10 is shown by way of example. The implement 10 may be used to till a field to prepare the soil by plowing, ripping, or turning. A portion of soil residue, such as plant stalks and/or weeds, may be removed during the tilling process. Further, the soil may be loosened and aerated, which in turn facilitates deeper penetration of roots. The tilling process may also help in the growth of microorganisms present in the soil and thus, maintain the fertility of the soil. An exemplar implement could be, for example, an Ecolo-Tiger 875 disk ripper, as available from CNH Industrial, Inc. As depicted, the implement 10 includes a tow bar 12 having a coupling mechanism, such as a hitch, used to couple the implement 10 to a towing vehicle, such as a tractor. The implement 10 also includes disk blades 14 coupled to a frame 16, which supports the blades 14, wheels, and other components of the implement 10. The frame 16 may be formed of a durable, strong material, such as structural steel.

[0017] Multiple ground engaging tools 18 are also coupled to the frame 16. In certain aspects, the ground engaging tools 18 may include plows, chisels, hoe openers, harrow tines, tillage points, or any combination thereof, or indeed any desired ground engaging tool. As depicted, the ground engaging tools 18 include tillage points 20 coupled to the frame 16 by shanks 22. The tillage points 20 may be configured to enable variable tilling operations in the field as described herein. In the illustrated embodiment, the ground engaging tools 18 are positioned to till a field at a depth 24. In certain aspects, the depth 24 of the tillage points 20 within the soil may be adjusted by raising or lowering the tools 18. For example, the depth 24 may be particularly adjusted based on local farming practices and/or field conditions. The depth 24 and arrangement of the tools 18 may create valleys and berms which may be smoothed out and leveled off by soil shaping disks 26. Specifically, a row of soil leveling disks 26 is disposed behind the ground engaging tools 18. The soil shaping disks 26 are each coupled to a tool bar 28 that extends from the frame 16. As depicted, the row of soil shaping disks 26 includes multiple disk assemblies disposed at different locations along the tool bar 28. The arrangement and spacing of the individual disk assemblies along the tool bar 28 improves a shape of the soil surface to improve germination while reducing soil compaction.

[0018] Referring now to FIG. 2, a side view of an exemplar tillage point 20 is provided according to an aspect of the present invention. The tillage point 20 can include a body 34 configured to engage soil along a direction of travel 36. The body 34 can extend from a shank 22 coupled to a shank mount 23 by fasteners 38, one or more of which fasteners may be configured to shear upon encountering a resistance exceeding a threshold, such as rocks or tree roots, to protect the system from damage. The body 34 can include a nose 40 extending from the body 34. Configuration of the nose 40 may enable subterranean fracturing of soil at a high-speed operation. The body 34 can also include a ground engaging structure 42 disposed above of the nose 40. Configuration of the ground engaging structure 42 may enable increased fracturing of soil in a wide swath while producing a smooth soil surface. The ground engaging structure 42 extends outwardly from the body 34 in lateral directions with respect to the direction of travel 36. As shown, the ground engaging structure 42 can comprise wings 60 extending from a top surface 44 of the body 34 in opposing directions. The wings 60 can be sloped downward as they extend outward from the body 34, and can be swept rearward with respect to the direction of travel 36, for optimum soil fracturing. In addition, a cover board 62 can be disposed above the wings 60. The cover board 62 can be configured to move soil along the ground surface. The cover board 62 can extend from the top surface 44 of the body 34 in lateral directions with respect to the direction of travel 36. Orientation of the cover board 62 can be made non-adjustable (rigidly fixed, such as bolted or welded).

[0019] A linkage 50 can be connected to the ground engaging structure 42, with an actuator 52 connected to the linkage 50, for variably adjusting an orientation of the ground engaging structure 42. In particular, the actuator 52 and the linkage 50 can be configured to actuate the ground engaging structure 42 to move with respect to a pivot point C, which can comprise a pivot pin and/or fastener, arranged between the body 34 and a lower portion of the ground engaging structure 42 to adjust an orientation of the ground engaging structure 42 with respect to the ground. The actuator 52 can be a hydraulic cylinder having a rod 54 configured to extend and retract from a base 56 to adjust the ground engaging structure 42 in multiple positions. The linkage 50, illustrated as centerline, can be a rigid connective component such as a steel member. A first end of the actuator 52 can be connected to a lug 58 at a mounting point E which, in turn, may be attached to the shank mount 23. Also, a second end of the actuator 52 can be connected to the linkage 50 at a pivot point D, which can comprise another pivot pin and/or fastener.

[0020] In operation, extension and retraction of the actuator 52 can cause the linkage 50 to pivot at a pivot point A on the shank 22, which can comprise another pivot pin and/or fastener. This, in turn, can cause the linkage 50 to move the ground engaging structure 42 up and down at a pivot point B, which can comprise another pivot pin and/or fastener, located at an upper portion of the ground engaging structure. Such movement results in pivoting of the ground engaging structure 42 at the pivot point C located at the lower portion or leading edge of the ground engaging structure 42. In other words, pivoting on the upper portion of the ground engaging structure 42 by the linkage 50 causes pivoting of the ground engaging structure 42 at a lower portion thereof about the pivot point C. As illustrated, the rod 54 is extended with respect to the base 56, putting the ground engaging structure 42 in a flattened base position in which it is fully seated with respect to the body 34. However, with additional reference to FIG. 3, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout, the rod 54 can be retracted with respect to the base 56, putting the ground engaging structure 42 in an angled position in which it is lowered (angled) downward from the body 34 normal to the direction of travel 36.

[0021] Accordingly, the ground engaging structure 42 can variably adjust using the actuator 52 connected to the linkage 50 to move the ground engaging structure 42 through multiple angles about the pivot point C during tillage operations. In addition, a controller, which could be on the implement 10 or the tow vehicle, can adjust the actuator 52 to maintain an angle of the ground engaging structure 42 according to a location, which may be determined by a Global Positioning System (GPS), on a prescription map stored in a data structure.

[0022] Referring now to FIG. 4, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout, in an alternative aspect, a side view of an exemplar tillage point 20 is provided according to an aspect of the present invention. The tillage point 20 can include a body 34 configured to engage soil along a direction of travel 36. The body 34 can extend from a shank 22 coupled to a shank mount 23 by fasteners 38, one or more of which fasteners may be configured to shear upon encountering a resistance exceeding a threshold, such as rocks or tree roots, to protect the system from damage. The body 34 can include a nose 40 extending from the body 34. Configuration of the nose 40 may enable subterranean fracturing of soil at a high-speed operation. The body 34 can also include a ground engaging structure 42 disposed above of the nose 40. Configuration of the ground engaging structure 42 may enable increased fracturing of soil in a wide swath while producing a smooth soil surface. The ground engaging structure 42 extends outwardly from the body 34 in lateral directions with respect to the direction of travel 36. As shown, the ground engaging structure 42 can comprise a cover board 62 extending from a top surface 44 of the body 34 in opposing directions. The cover board 62 can be configured to move soil along the ground surface. The cover board 62 can be sloped downward as it extends outward from the body 34, and can be swept rearward with respect to the direction of travel 36, for optimum soil spreading. In addition, wings 60 can be disposed below the cover board 62. The wings 60 can be configured to increase soil fracture below the ground surface. The wings 60 can extend from the top surface 44 of the body 34 in lateral directions with respect to the direction of travel 36. Orientation. of the wings 60 can be made non-adjustable (rigidly fixed, such as bolted or welded).

[0023] A linkage 50 can be connected to the ground engaging structure 42, with an actuator 52 connected to the linkage 50, for variably adjusting an orientation of the ground engaging structure 42. In particular, the actuator 52 and the linkage 50 can be configured to actuate the ground engaging structure 42 to move with respect to a pivot point C, which can comprise a pivot pin and/or fastener, arranged between the body 34 and a lower portion of the ground engaging structure 42 to adjust an orientation of the ground engaging structure 42 with respect to the ground. The actuator 52 can be a hydraulic cylinder having a rod 54 configured to extend and retract from a base 56 to adjust the ground engaging structure 42 in multiple positions. The linkage 50 can be a rigid connective component such as a steel member. A first end of the actuator 52 can be connected to a lug 58 at a mounting point E which, in turn, may be attached to the shank mount 23. Also, a second end of the actuator 52 can be connected to the linkage 50 at a pivot point D, which can comprise another pivot pin and/or fastener.

[0024] In operation, extension and retraction of the actuator 52 can cause the linkage 50 to pivot at a pivot point A on the shank 22, which can comprise another pivot pin and/or fastener. This, in turn, can cause the linkage 50 to move the ground engaging structure 42 up and down (or fore and aft) at a pivot point B, which can comprise another pivot pin and/or fastener, located at an upper portion of the ground engaging structure. Such movement results in pivoting of the ground engaging structure 42 at the pivot point C located at the lower portion or leading edge of the ground engaging structure 42. In other words, pivoting on the upper portion of the ground engaging structure 42 by the linkage 50 causes pivoting of the ground engaging structure 42 at a lower portion thereof about the pivot point C. As illustrated, the rod 54 is retracted with respect to the base 56, putting the ground engaging structure 42 in a flattened base position in which it is fully seated with respect to the body 34 (less vertical). However, with additional reference to FIG. 5, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout, the rod 54 can be extended with respect to the base 56, putting the ground engaging structure 42 in an angled position in which it is raised (angled) upward (more vertical) from the body 34 in the direction of travel 36.

[0025] Accordingly, the ground engaging structure 42 can variably adjust using the actuator 52 connected to the linkage 50 to move the ground engaging structure 42 through multiple angles about the pivot point C during tillage operations. In addition, a controller, which could be on the implement 10 or the tow vehicle, can adjust the actuator 52 to maintain an angle of the ground engaging structure 42 according to a location, which may be determined by a GPS, on a prescription map stored in a data structure.

[0026] Although the best mode contemplated by the inventors of carrying out the present invention is disclosed above, practice of the above invention is not limited thereto. It will be manifest that various additions, modifications and rearrangements of the features of the present invention may be made without deviating from the spirit and the scope of the underlying inventive concept.