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US 11,606,893 B2Granted
Automated leveling and depth control system of a work machine and method thereof
AssigneeDeere & Company
InventorsAdam D. Sporrer, Anthony Sikora, Ricky B. Theilen
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An agricultural implement includes a transversely extending frame forming a first, a second, and a third frame section. A first actuator is coupled to the first frame section, a second actuator coupled to the second frame section, and a third actuator coupled to the third frame section. Sensors are coupled to each frame section to detect a height of the respective frame section relative to an underlying surface. A control unit is disposed in electrical communication with the sensors and operably controls the actuators to adjust the height of each frame section.
Claims18
A work implement, comprising:
- a transversely extending frame including a front end and a rear end;
- a hitch member configured to couple to a work machine, the hitch member being coupled to the front end of the frame;
- a front wheel and a rear wheel coupled to and supporting the frame, the front wheel and rear wheel adapted to move along an underlying surface;
- a front wheel arm coupled to the front wheel and pivotably coupled to the front end of the frame at a first pivot location;
- a rear wheel arm coupled to the rear wheel and pivotably coupled to the rear end of the frame at a second pivot location;
- a linkage coupled to the front wheel arm and rear wheel arm, the linkage including a linkage actuator for adjustably controlling a length of the linkage;
- a first sensor coupled to the frame at or near the first pivot location, the first sensor configured to detect a first height of the frame relative to the underlying surface;
- a second sensor coupled to the frame at or near the second pivot location, the second sensor configured to detect a second height of the frame relative to the underlying surface;
- and
- a control unit disposed in electrical communication with the first sensor and the second sensor, the control unit operably controlling the linkage actuator based on the detected first height and second height.
7 more elements
A work implement, comprising:
- a transversely extending frame including a front end and a rear end;
- a hitch member configured to couple to a work machine, the hitch member being coupled to the front end of the frame;
- a front wheel and a rear wheel coupled to and supporting the frame, the front wheel and rear wheel adapted to move along an underlying surface;
- a front wheel arm coupled to the front wheel and pivotably coupled to the front end of the frame at a first pivot location;
- a rear wheel arm coupled to the rear wheel and pivotably coupled to the rear end of the frame at a second pivot location;
- and
- a rear actuator coupled to the frame and the rear wheel arm, the rear actuator being actuated between a first position and a second position to raise or lower the frame relative to the underlying surface;
- wherein the frame comprises a main frame, a first sub-frame, and a second sub-frame,
- the main frame including a first work tool and a first sensor configured to detect a first height of the first work tool above or below the underlying surface,
- the first sub-frame including a second work tool and a second sensor configured to detect a second height of the second work tool above or below the underlying surface, and
- the second sub-frame including a third work tool and a third sensor configured to detect a third height of the third work tool above or below the underlying surface;
- and
- wherein the implement further comprises a control unit configured to controllably actuate the rear actuator based on the detected first, second, and third heights to control a depth of the first work tool, the second work tool, and the third work tool relative to the underlying surface.
10 more elements
A work implement, comprising:
- a hitch member configured to couple to a work machine;
- a transversely extending frame being coupled to the hitch member and including a first frame section, and a second frame section,
- wherein the first frame section includes:
- a first frame body having front end and a rear end,
- a front wheel and a rear wheel coupled to and supporting the first frame body, the front wheel and rear wheel adapted to move along an underlying surface,
- a front wheel arm coupled to the front wheel and pivotably coupled to the front end of the first frame body at a first pivot location of the first frame section,
- a rear wheel arm coupled to the rear wheel and pivotably coupled to the rear end of the first frame body at a second pivot location of the first frame section, and
- a first rear actuator coupled to the first frame body and the rear wheel arm, the first rear actuator being controllably actuated between a first position and a second position to raise or lower the first frame section relative to the underlying surface, and
- wherein the second frame section includes:
- a second frame body having a front end and a rear end,
- a front wheel and a rear wheel coupled to and supporting the second frame body, the front wheel and rear wheel adapted to move along an underlying surface,
- a front wheel arm coupled to the front wheel and pivotably coupled to the front end of the second frame body at a first pivot location of the second frame section,
- a rear wheel arm coupled to the rear wheel and pivotably coupled to the rear end of the second frame body at a second pivot location of the second frame section,
- a second rear actuator coupled to the second frame body and the rear wheel arm, the second rear actuator being controllably actuated between a first position and a second position to raise or lower the second frame section relative to the underlying surface independent of the first frame section.
11 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.