Four-bar linkage for suspending a header for an agricultural implement
AssigneeVermeer Manufacturing Company
InventorsKent L. Thompson, Shane A. Bollinger, Rustin V. Bentzinger
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A suspension system for agricultural implements having at least one floating head using a four-bar linkage and permitting the floating head to accommodate variations in ground surface elevation in a lateral or transverse direction. By permitting the floating head to float, a more consistent cutting height is realized when ground surface elevation varies in a transverse direction. A main frame is provided to which the ground engaging wheels are attached. A sub-frame is connected to the main frame via the four-bar linkage. The sub-frame is pivotally attached to the arms of the four-bar linkage by spherical bearings.
Claims12
A method of suspending a header from a towed implement to permit the header to float, the towed implement comprising a main frame, a sub-frame, and a four-bar linkage system comprising an upper link and a lower link, the method comprising:
- (a) operatively, pivotally attaching a first end of the lower link to the main frame of the towed implement using a first spherical bearing;
- (b) operatively, pivotally attaching a second end of the lower link to the sub-frame using a second spherical bearing;
- (c) operatively, pivotally attaching a first end of the upper link to the main frame using a first cylindrical bearing;
- (d) operatively, pivotally attaching a second end of the upper link to the sub-frame using a third spherical bearing;
- and
- (e) operatively attaching the header of the towed implement to the sub-frame;
- (f) operatively, pivotally affixing an actuator to the sub-frame above the upper link;
- (g) applying a force to the sub frame with the actuator in a direction toward the main frame;
- (h) placing the lower link in tension due to the force;
- (i) raising the sub-frame due to the force;
- and
- (j) permitting the sub-frame to self-level due to the tension in the lower link.
A method of suspending a header from a towed implement to permit the header to float, the towed implement comprising a main frame, a sub-frame, and a four-bar linkage system comprising an upper link and a lower link, the method comprising:
- (a) operatively, pivotally affixing an actuator to the sub-frame of the towed implement above the upper link;
- (b) applying a force to the sub frame with the actuator in a direction toward the main frame;
- (c) placing the upper link in compression due to the force;
- (d) placing the lower link in tension due to the force;
- (e) raising the sub-frame due to the force;
- and
- (f) permitting the sub-frame to self-level due to the tension in the lower link.
A method of stabilizing a header on a towed implement, the towed implement comprising a main frame, a sub-frame, and a four-bar linkage system comprising an upper link, and a lower link, the method comprising:
- (a) operatively, pivotally affixing an actuator to the sub-frame of the towed implement above the upper link;
- (b) applying a force to the sub frame with the actuator in a direction toward the main frame;
- (c) placing the upper link in compression due to the force;
- (d) placing the lower link in tension due to the force;
- (e) raising the sub-frame due to the force;
- and
- (f) controlling a movement of the header when the header is in a raised position due to the tension of the lower link and the compression of the upper link.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.