Farm implement steering system with independent suspension

摘要

A towable farm implement includes a plurality of wheel assemblies coupled to a frame by a plurality of suspension systems. Each suspension system includes an upper support structure and a lower support structure. Each of the upper and lower support structures have a first end configured to be pivotably coupled to the frame about a first pivot axis parallel to a longitudinal axis of the frame, and a second end pivotably coupled to a portion of the wheel assembly about a second pivot axis parallel to the first pivot axis. Each suspension system further includes a damping device having a first end configured to be pivotably coupled to the frame, and a second end pivotably coupled to the wheel assembly. The damping device is configured to move the wheel assembly generally vertically while maintaining the longitudinal position and, optionally, a steering angle of the wheel.

主权项

1. A towable farm implement comprising:
a frame having a longitudinal axis extending from a back end of said frame to a front end of said frame, said frame further having right and left sides; at least two wheel assemblies coupled to said right side of said frame and at least two wheel assemblies coupled to said left side of said frame, each of said wheel assemblies including an upper portion, a lower portion, and a wheel; an independent suspension system at each wheel assembly, each independent suspension system including an upper support structure, a lower support structure and a damping device configured to move an associated wheel assembly generally vertically; each upper support structure having a first end pivotably coupled to the frame about a first upper pivot axis parallel to said longitudinal axis of said frame, and a second end pivotably coupled to said upper portion of said wheel assembly about a second upper pivot axis parallel to said first upper pivot axis; each lower support structure having a first end pivotably coupled to the frame about a first lower pivot axis parallel to said longitudinal axis of said frame, and a second end pivotably coupled to said lower portion of said wheel assembly about a second lower pivot axis parallel to said first lower pivot axis; and each damping device having a first end pivotably coupled to said frame, and a second end pivotably coupled to said wheel assembly, wherein each said damping device is angled from vertical such that each said damping device and each said lower support structure form a steering opening; at least one rocker shaft on each side of said frame configured to translate turning motion of a wheel to at least one other wheel on the same side of said frame, wherein a portion of each at least one rocker shaft is positioned in one of said steering openings on its respective side of said frame; wherein each of said independent suspension systems is configured to move a wheel assembly in a generally vertical direction.