Vehicle suspension with clearance shifting
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- AU · AU
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- AGCO DO BRASIL SOLUCOES AGRI LTDA
- Filing Date
- 2025-10-30
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-09
Smart Images
Figure 00000002_0000 
Figure 00000024_0000 
Figure 00000025_0000
Abstract
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate generally 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. BACKGROUND
[0002] 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 has a width selected to travel between the rows, and a track width —the lateral distance between the wheels — selected to 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.
[0003] 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. 2025259895 30 Oct 2025
[0004] 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.
[0005] The above section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art. BRIEF SUMMARY
[0006] In certain embodiments of the present invention, the agricultural vehicle is generally an agricultural applicator, which is a known type of equipment or machinery used to apply agricultural inputs such as fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and sometimes seeds or water to crops or soil. The term agricultural machine can refer to sprayers, fertilizer applicators, planters and seeders, irrigation equipment, boom applicators and any other vehicle that would benefit from the advantages of the various embodiments of the support assemblies disclosed herein, such as chassis height adjustment and independent suspension.
[0007] In an aspect of the invention there is provided a support assembly for supporting a vehicle chassis on a wheel of an agricultural vehicle, the support assembly being pivotably connected to the vehicle chassis through an axle member. The support assembly comprises a first strut bar and a second strut bar slidingly coupled with the axle member. A wheel attachment and a suspension member are slidingly coupled with the support assembly through the strut bars. A pneumatic spring is operably interposed between the suspension member and the axle member. At least axle lock is moveably interposable between a position coupled to the axle member and at least one of the strut bars. At least one suspension lock is moveably interposable between a position coupled to the suspension member and at least one of the strut bars. The support assembly is configured to act as a suspension element of the vehicle through the pneumatic spring when the suspension lock is in a locked position and the axle lock is in an unlocked position and to shift the clearance of the chassis between a low clearance condition and a high clearance condition. The shifting comprises alternately 2025259895 30 Oct 2025 changing the axle lock and the suspension lock between a locked position and an unlocked position while alternately inflating and deflating the pneumatic spring.
[0008] In a further aspect of the invention, the support assembly is configured to act as a suspension element of the vehicle through the pneumatic spring when the suspension lock is in a locked position and the axle lock is in an unlocked position.
[0009] In another aspect of the invention, the support assembly is configured to shift the clearance of the chassis between a low clearance condition and a high clearance condition. The shifting comprises alternately changing the axle lock and the suspension lock between a locked position and an unlocked position while alternately inflating and deflating the pneumatic spring.
[0010] According to an aspect of the invention, the shifting of the clearance of the chassis between a low clearance condition and a high clearance condition comprises locking the suspension lock and unlocking the axle lock, inflating the pneumatic spring, locking the axle lock and unlocking the suspension lock, deflating the pneumatic spring, locking the suspension lock and unlocking the axle lock, and inflating the pneumatic spring.
[0011] A further aspect of the invention provides that the shifting of the clearance of the chassis between a low clearance condition and a high clearance condition comprises at least one intermediate clearance condition between the low clearance condition and the high clearance condition.
[0012] In another aspect of the invention, the locking and unlocking of the suspension lock and the axle lock and the inflating and deflating of the pneumatic spring are manual operations executed by an operator of the vehicle.
[0013] In yet another aspect of the invention, the locking and unlocking of the suspension lock and the axle lock are automatic operations executed by a controller of the agricultural vehicle; and the inflating and deflating of the pneumatic spring are semiautomatic or fully automatic operations commanded by the controller of the agricultural vehicle in dependency on the locked and / or unlocked conditions of the suspension lock and the axle lock.
[0014] In a further aspect of the invention, the controller of the support assembly is communicatively connected to at least one controller of the vehicle and generates at least 2025259895 30 Oct 2025 one signal for instructing a user interface of the support assembly to present information about the status of the shifting.
[0015] Another aspect of the invention includes a method for shifting the clearance of a vehicle’s chassis between a low clearance condition and a high clearance condition, the chassis comprising a support assembly for supporting the vehicle chassis on a wheel of the vehicle, the support assembly being pivotably connected to the vehicle chassis through an axle member. The support assembly comprises a first strut bar and a second strut bar slidingly coupled with the axle member. A wheel attachment and a suspension member are slidingly coupled with the support assembly through the strut bars. A pneumatic spring is operably interposed between a position coupled to the axle member and the suspension member. At least one suspension lock is moveably interposable between a position coupled to the suspension member and at least one of the strut bars. The support assembly is configured to act as a suspension element of the vehicle through the pneumatic spring when the suspension lock is in a locked position and the axle lock is in an unlocked position and to shift the clearance of the chassis between a low clearance condition and a high clearance condition. The shifting method comprises alternately changing the axle lock and the suspension lock between a locked position and an unlocked position while alternately inflating and deflating the pneumatic spring.
[0016] Within the scope of this application, it should be understood that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out herein, and individual features thereof may be taken independently or in any possible and compatible combination. Where features are described with reference to a single aspect or embodiment, it should be understood that such features are applicable to all aspects and embodiments unless otherwise stated or where such features are incompatible. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0018] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an agricultural vehicle illustrating the support assemblies for supporting the vehicle’s chassis on wheels of the vehicle; 2025259895 30 Oct 2025
[0019] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the agricultural vehicle of FIG. 1 with two of the wheels omitted to more fully illustrate support assemblies interposed between the wheels and the chassis;
[0020] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating certain features of a cabin of the agricultural vehicle of FIG. 1 including user interface elements allowing a user to control certain functions of the agricultural vehicle;
[0021] FIGS. 4a-b are block diagrams of various exemplary embodiments of a controller of the support assembly of the agricultural vehicle of FIG. 1;
[0022] FIG. 5a is a perspective view of one of the support assemblies;
[0023] FIG. 5b is a perspective view of the support assembly of FIG. 5a in a partially pivoted position;
[0024] FIG. 6a is a side view of one of the support assemblies of FIG. 5a before the shifting between a low clearance condition and a high clearance condition, where the suspension lock is locked and the axle lock is unlocked;
[0025] FIG. 6b is a side view of one of the support assemblies of FIG. 5a during the shifting between a low clearance condition and a high clearance condition, where the suspension lock is locked and the axle lock is unlocked while the pneumatic spring is inflated;
[0026] FIG. 6c is a side view of one of the support assemblies of FIG. 5a during the shifting between a low clearance condition and a high clearance condition, where the suspension lock is unlocked and the axle lock is locked while the pneumatic spring remains inflated;
[0027] FIG. 6d is a side view of one of the support assemblies of FIG. 5a during the shifting between a low clearance condition and a high clearance condition, where the suspension lock is unlocked and the axle lock is locked while the pneumatic spring is deflated;
[0028] FIG. 6e is a side view of one of the support assemblies of FIG. 5a during the shifting between a low clearance condition and a high clearance condition, where the suspension lock is locked and the axle lock is unlocked while the pneumatic spring remains deflated; and
[0029] FIG. 6f is a side view of one of the support assemblies of FIG. 5a after the shifting between a low clearance condition and a high clearance condition, where the 2025259895 30 Oct 2025 suspension lock remains locked and the axle lock remains unlocked while the pneumatic spring is inflated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0030] The following detailed description of embodiments references the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are intended to describe aspects 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.
[0031] 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.
[0032] The particular size and shape of the various components may vary substantially from one embodiment to another. 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 claims.
[0033] Turning now to the drawing figures, and initially FIGS. 1-4, an exemplary agricultural vehicle or applicator 10 is illustrated. The agricultural vehicle 10 broadly includes a chassis 12, a plurality of wheels 14 or other ground engaging elements supporting the chassis 12 above a ground surface, an application system 16, an operator cabin 18, and an engine compartment 20. A plurality of support assemblies 22 interposed between the wheels 14 and the chassis 12 support the chassis 12 on the wheels 14 and provide suspension, height adjustment and / or steering functions, as discussed in greater detail below. 2025259895 30 Oct 2025
[0034] Certain components of the agricultural vehicle 10 have been omitted from the figures for simplicity of illustration and to show certain features of the agricultural vehicle 10 that would otherwise be concealed. The engine, for example, has been omitted to illustrate components of the agricultural vehicle 10 frame, including portions of the front axle 24. Certain hydraulic lines, such as hydraulic lines running to and from the assemblies 22, are also omitted. The agricultural vehicle 10 is illustrated and discussed herein as an exemplary machine with which the support assemblies 22 may be used. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the support 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.
[0035] The agricultural vehicle 10 includes a pair of front wheels 14b, 14c and a pair of rear wheels 14a, 14d of the appropriate size and shape to allow the agricultural vehicle 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. The particular size, shape and configuration of the wheels 14 may vary substantially from one embodiment to another. In some embodiments, the vehicle may have 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.
[0036] 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 the chassis 12 to thereby propel the agricultural vehicle 10 in forward and reverse directions. In the illustrated embodiment, a separate hydraulic motor 26 is drivingly connected to each wheel 14 such that each of the wheels 14 may be driven independently to propel the agricultural vehicle 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, the front wheels 14b, 14c may always be steerable while supplemental steering provided by the rear wheels 14a, 14d may be selectively enabled and disabled. An operator may control the drive motors 26 and steering functions of the wheels 14, including enabling 2025259895 30 Oct 2025 and disabling the steering ability of certain of the wheels 14, from one or more of the user interface elements of the cabin illustrated in FIG. 3.
[0037] The agricultural vehicle 10 as shown includes mechanisms for adjusting the track width of the wheels 14 to accommodate, for example, different spacing needs for row crops. In the illustrated embodiment, the agricultural vehicle 10 includes telescoping axles with an outer axle 28 and an inner axle 30 associated with each wheel 14, wherein the inner axle 30 slidingly engages the outer axle 28 and allows the wheel 14 to shift laterally relative to the chassis 12. A hydraulic piston or similar actuator may drive the inner axle 30 inwardly and outwardly to shift the position of the wheel 14. The inner 30 and outer 28 axles form part of the chassis 12 and, in the illustrated embodiment, the outer axles 28 are rigidly connected to another portion of the chassis, such as one or more frame elements.
[0038] The application system 16 is supported on the chassis 12 and may be conventional in nature. In the illustrated embodiment, the application system 16 includes a liquid holding tank 32 and a delivery system 34 for applying a liquid from the holding tank 32 to a crop or field. The delivery system 34 includes a pair of booms 36 supporting hoses, pumps and spray nozzles or similar components for dispersing or otherwise applying the contents of the tank to a crop. Alternatively, the application 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.
[0039] The operator cabin 18 or “cab” is supported on the chassis 12 and positioned forward of the application system 16. In other embodiments, the cabin 18 may be positioned behind a part of the application system 16 (e.g., the booms 36 may be at the front of the agricultural vehicle 10). The cabin 18 presents a control environment 38 including a steering wheel 40, one or more pedals 42, a drive lever 44, one or more electronic instrument panels 46, and a control panel 48 including buttons, switches, levers, gauges and / or other user interface elements. The various components of the control environment 38 enable the operator to control the functions of the agricultural vehicle 10, including driving and operating the application system 16. The various user interface elements are positioned around and proximate a seat 50 for easy access by an operator during operation of the agricultural vehicle 10. The control environment 38 may include a touchscreen display. One or both of the 2025259895 30 Oct 2025 electronic instrument panels 46, for example, may be or include a touchscreen, or a display terminal with a touchscreen may be mounted on or near the control panel 48.
[0040] In some embodiments, the support assemblies 22 include one or more height adjustment components, such as pneumatic springs 106, for raising and lowering the chassis 12 of the agricultural vehicle 10 through a sequence of inflating and deflating the pneumatic springs 106 with alternated locking and unlocking of locking means, such as suspension locks 121 and axle locks 120, causing the shifting of the clearance of the chassis 12 between a low clearance condition and a high clearance condition and, in some embodiments, comprising at least one intermediate clearance condition between the low clearance condition and the high clearance condition. One or more of the support assemblies 22 or portions thereof may be selectively pivotable relative to the chassis 12 to thereby steer the agricultural vehicle 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.
[0041] FIGS. 4a and 4b are block diagrams of various exemplary embodiments of a controller 70 of the support assembly of the agricultural vehicle of FIG. 1.
[0042] FIG. 4a illustrates an exemplary pneumatic control system 52 for operating the pneumatic actuator sections 54 in which a centralized air pump or compressor 56, driven by an internal combustion engine 58 or other power source, communicates pressurized air to a pneumatic controller 60 that regulates fluid flow between the pump 56 and the pneumatic actuator sections 54 associated with the support assemblies 22 via a plurality of pneumatic transfer lines 62. The pneumatic controller 60 may include, for example, a pneumatic manifold or similar device.
[0043] Each of the pneumatic transfer lines 62 communicates pneumatic power between the pneumatic controller 60 and one or more pneumatic actuator sections 54 and the pneumatic springs 106 and, thus, may include one or more pneumatic pressure lines and one or more pneumatic return lines. Each of the pneumatic transfer lines may communicate pneumatic power to and from more than one pneumatic spring 106, and each of the actuator sections 54 may include a group of actuators associated with each wheel 14 and / or support assembly 22. It will be appreciated that the actuator sections 54 are exemplary in nature and that the various pneumatic actuators may not be grouped as described herein. 2025259895 30 Oct 2025
[0044] The system 52 includes a control interface 64 in communication with the pneumatic controller 60. The control interface 64 may be part of a user interface that includes one or more physical or virtual user interface elements 66, such as buttons, switches or dials, and is preferably part of the control environment 38 illustrated in FIG. 3.
[0045] 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 pneumatic actuators, it will be understood that other types of actuators may be used in place of, or in connection with, the pneumatic actuators. By way of example, electro-mechanical actuators may be used in place ofat least some of the pneumatic actuators illustrated and discussed herein.
[0046] It will also be appreciated that the locking and unlocking mechanism of the axle locks 120 and the suspension locks 121 can be a simple manually operatable mechanical device or an electromechanical device comprising a servomotor and / or a solenoid actuator and / or a pneumatic actuator or similar devices that can also be manually operated. In case the axle locks 120 and the suspension locks 121 are pneumatic locks, a similar exemplary pneumatic control system 52 would apply.
[0047] FIG. 4b illustrates another exemplary control system 68 that is identical to the system 52 but includes a computerized controller 70 with a control module 72 for controlling the pneumatic controller 60. The system 68 may also include a wireless interface element 74 in wireless communication with the controller 60 for allowing a user to remotely control the actuator sections 54. The wireless 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 the system 68. The wireless interface element 74 may be configured to communicate with the pneumatic controller 60 and / or the computerized controller 70 via short-range wireless communications, such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, or via a communications network such as a cellular network.
[0048] The controller 70 may include one or more integrated circuits programmed or configured to control the pneumatic controller 60 to actuate the pneumatic springs 106 of the support assemblies 22 as described herein. By way of example, the controller 70 may 2025259895 30 Oct 2025 include one or more general purpose microprocessors or microcontrollers, programmable logic devices, or application specific integrated circuits. The controller 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. The control module 72 may be a hardware or software module specifically dedicated to enabling the controller 70 to control the pneumatic controller 60 as described herein.
[0049] In some embodiments, the pneumatic controller 60 may comprise a levelling valve 60-1, as shown in FIG. 4b, for inflating and deflating the pneumatic spring 106. Such a valve maintains a consistent ride height of the chassis 12 of the agricultural vehicle 10 regardless of the load it carries, automatically adjusting the amount of air in the pneumatic springs 106. This adjustment ensures that the chassis 12 remains at a constant height, improving stability and handling
[0050] The levelling valve 60-1 is directly linked to the pneumatic springs 106 of the agricultural vehicle 10, and it may be possible to use one levelling valve 60-1 for all pneumatic springs 106 or even one levelling valve 60-1 for each pneumatic spring 106. In a neutral position, when the chassis 12 is at the desired clearance, the levelling valve 60-1 remains closed, maintaining the current air pressure in the pneumatic springs 106. During the shifting between a low clearance condition and a high clearance condition of the chassis 12, the levelling valve 60-1 can be triggered by the operator and / or the controller 70 to either add air by opening an air intake port of the levelling valve 60-1, allowing compressed air from the centralized air pump or compressor 56 or any similar onboard supply system to enter the pneumatic springs 106, or to release air by opening an exhaust port of the levelling valve 601, allowing excess air to escape from the pneumatic springs 106.
[0051] It will also be appreciated that the locking and unlocking mechanism of the axle locks 120 and the suspension locks 121 can be a simple manually operatable mechanical device or an electromechanical device comprising a servomotor and / or a solenoid actuator and / or a pneumatic actuator or similar devices controlled by the controller 70. In case the axle locks 120 and the suspension locks 121 are pneumatic locks, a similar exemplary pneumatic control system 68 would apply. 2025259895 30 Oct 2025
[0052] One of the support assemblies 22 is illustrated in greater detail in FIGS. 5a-5b. As mentioned above, the agricultural machine 10 includes a support assembly 22 interposed between each of the wheels 14 and the chassis 12. Each support assembly 22 connects to a hub of one of the wheels 14 or any other ground engaging element and to one of the inner axles 30 of the chassis 12 such that the wheel 14 and the support assembly 22 shift laterally as a single unit relative to the chassis 12 when the inner axle 30 is shifted relative to the outer axle 28 to adjust the applicator’s 10 track width.
[0053] The support assembly 22 is pivotably connected to the chassis 12 through the axle member 102, the axle member 102 being pivotably connected to a pivot element 96 associated with the inner axle 30 of the chassis 12.
[0054] Each of the support assemblies 22 comprises a first strut bar 86 and a second strut bar 88 slidingly coupled with the axle member 102, allowing each of the support assemblies 22 to slide vertically, up or down, as well as a wheel attachment 82 and a suspension member 103 slidingly coupled with the support assembly 22 through the strut bars 86, 88.
[0055] Each of the support assemblies 22 comprises a pneumatic spring 106 or a similar motion-regulating element operably interposed between and attached to the axle member 102 and to the suspension member 103, the pneumatic spring 106 being attached to the suspension member 103 and to the axle member 102 in opposite sides of the pneumatic spring 106. The pneumatic spring 106 uses trapped or compressed air or other fluid to regulate motion transfer between the chassis 12 and the wheel attachment 82. The pneumatic spring 106 may contain air, water, nitrogen, antifreeze or other fluid and may be single, double, or triple convolute. A pair of flexible straps 108 may be positioned on opposite sides of the pneumatic spring 106 to limit extension of the pneumatic spring 106 and a bumper may be positioned inside or outside the pneumatic spring 106 to limit the pneumatic spring’s 106 compression. It is to be noticed, that in some embodiments of the disclosure, the pneumatic spring 106 may also comprise an internal spring or other similar device to limit the pneumatic spring’s 106 compression and / or to pull the pneumatic spring 106 back into a specific position and / or vertical size. 2025259895 30 Oct 2025
[0056] Furthermore, the support assembly 22 regulates motion transfer between the wheels 14 and the chassis 12 regardless of the operating position of the assemblies 22. Thus, the support assembly 22 performs essentially the same suspension function regardless of whether the chassis 22 is in a low clearance condition (e.g., FIG. 6a), a high clearance condition (e.g., FIG. 6f), or somewhere in between.
[0057] The support assembly 22 further comprises at least one axle lock 120 moveably interposable between a position coupled to the axle member 102 and at least one of the strut bars 86, 88. The axle lock 120 is moveable between an unlocked position and a locked position. The axle lock 120 can be any mechanical or electromechanical device comprising a pin or a piston that, in a locked position, penetrates at least one hole 102-1 in the axle member 102 and at least one hole 88-1 in at least one of the strut bars 86, 88, locking the axle member 102 in relation to at least one of the strut bars 86, 88, as shown in FIGS. 5a-5b. The pin or piston of the axle lock 120 and the holes in the axle member 102 and in at least one of the strut bars 86, 88 are concentric. As already described, an axle lock 120 can be a simple manually operatable mechanical device comprising a pin and at least one locking element such as a split pin or a screw and a nut, or can be an electromechanical device comprising a servomotor and / or a solenoid actuator and / or a pneumatic actuator or similar devices controlled by the controller 70, as well as a hydraulic driven locking system comprising a hydraulic element coupled to a pin, the hydraulic element being fluidly connected to the hydraulic system of the agricultural machine 10 and controlled by the controller 70.
[0058] The support assembly 22 also comprises at least one suspension lock 121 moveably interposable between a position coupled to the suspension member 103 and at least one of the strut bars 86, 88. The suspension lock 121 is moveable between an unlocked position and a locked position. The suspension lock 121 can be any mechanical or electromechanical device comprising a pin or a piston that, in a locked position, penetrates at least one hole 103-1 in the suspension member 103 and at least one hole 88-2 in at least one of the strut bars 86, 88, locking the suspension member 103 in relation to at least one of the strut bars 86, 88, as shown in FIGS. 5a-5b. The pin or piston of the suspension lock 121 and the holes in the suspension member 103 and in at least one of the strut bars 86, 88 are concentric. A already described, a suspension lock 121 can be a simple manually operatable 2025259895 30 Oct 2025 mechanical device comprising a pin and at least one locking element such as a split pin or a screw and a nut, or an electromechanical device comprising a servomotor and / or a solenoid valve and / or a pneumatic actuator or similar devices controlled by the controller 70, as well as a hydraulic driven locking system comprising a hydraulic element coupled to a pin, the hydraulic element being fluidly connected to the hydraulic system of the agricultural machine 10 and controlled by the controller 70.
[0059] It is to be noticed that FIGS. 5a-5b show both the axle lock 120 and the suspension lock 121 in their locked positions, for illustration purposes only since the axle lock 120 and the suspension lock 121, as described herein, will be at different locking conditions, i.e., when the axle lock 120 is locked, the suspension lock 121 is unlocked and vice-versa.
[0060] When the suspension lock 121 is in its locked position, blocking the vertical movement of the suspension member 103, and the axle lock 120 is in its unlocked position, as shown in FIGS. 6a, allowing the axle member 102 to slide upwards and downwards, the support assembly 22 acts as a suspension element of the agricultural vehicle 10 through the pneumatic spring 106 independently from the pneumatic spring 106 being in an inflated or deflated state. The pneumatic spring 106, together with the associated wheel 14, supports the weight of the agricultural vehicle 10 and also absorbs the kinetic and potential energy caused by the relative movement between the chassis 12 and the ground during the normal operation or travelling of the agricultural vehicle 10. This condition of locked suspension lock 121 and unlocked axle lock 120, as shown in FIGS. 6a (normal operation condition in low clearance condition) and 6f (normal operation condition in high clearance condition), will be referred to as being the normal operation condition of the agricultural vehicle 10. In some embodiments of the disclosure, while the agricultural vehicle 10 is in a normal pneumatic operation condition, the spring 106 has the same vertical size in both low and high clearance condition.
[0061] Shifting the clearance of the chassis 12 between a low clearance condition and a high clearance condition comprises alternately changing the axle lock 120 and the suspension lock 121 between a locked position and an unlocked position while alternately inflating and deflating the pneumatic spring 106, as it will be described in more detail below. 2025259895 30 Oct 2025
[0062] When the suspension lock 121 is in its locked position and the axle lock 120 is in its unlocked position, the agricultural vehicle 10 is in its low clearance condition. Inflating the pneumatic spring 106 will cause the chassis 12 to rise, forced by the expansion of the pneumatic spring 106, as shown in FIG. 6b. The vertical stroke of the pneumatic spring 106 can be controlled by the controller 70 or the operator and, of course, the maximum vertical stroke will be limited to the size and construction of the pneumatic spring 106 as well as to the technical specifications of the agricultural vehicle 10.
[0063] After inflating the pneumatic spring 106 to an upper limit, as shown in FIG. 6c, locking the axle lock 120, unlocking the suspension lock 121 and deflating the pneumatic spring 106 will cause the suspension member 103 to rise, pulled upward by a spring or similar device and / or by the deflation of the pneumatic spring 106, as shown in FIG. 6d.
[0064] After deflating the pneumatic spring 106 as shown in FIG. 6e, locking the suspension lock 121, unlocking the axle lock 120 and inflating the pneumatic spring 106 will cause the chassis 12 to rise once again, forced by the expansion of the pneumatic spring 106, as shown in FIG. 6f. In this case, the vertical stroke of the pneumatic spring 106 can also be controlled by the controller 70 or the operator and, of course, the maximum vertical stroke will be limited to the size and construction of the pneumatic spring 106 as well as to the technical specifications of the agricultural vehicle 10. This condition of inflated pneumatic spring 106, locked suspension lock 121 and unlocked axle lock 120, as shown in FIG. 6f, will be referred to as being the high clearance condition of the agricultural vehicle 10.
[0065] As already described, one or more leveling valves 60-1 may be used to control the inflating and deflating of the pneumatic springs 106 during the shifting between a low clearance condition and a high clearance condition of the chassis 12. The use of leveling valves 60-1 is a robust and cost-effective way to automatically adjust and level the height of the pneumatic springs 106.
[0066] In some embodiments, the shifting of the clearance of the chassis 12 between a low clearance condition and a high clearance condition may comprise at least one intermediate clearance condition between the low clearance condition and the high clearance condition. 2025259895 30 Oct 2025
[0067] It is also to be understood that, in some embodiments, the locking and unlocking of the suspension lock 121 and the axle lock 120 and the inflating and deflating of the pneumatic spring 106 are manual operations executed by an operator of the vehicle. For example, the suspension lock 121 and the axle lock 120 may be physically placed or removed by the operator, and the pneumatic spring 106 can be inflated individually in a manual and decentralized manner, for example, through a simple air pump or air compressor using air valves placed on each pneumatic spring 106.
[0068] In some embodiments, the locking and unlocking of the suspension lock 121 and the axle lock 120 are automatic operations executed by a controller 70 of the agricultural vehicle 10 and the inflating and deflating of the pneumatic spring 106 are semi-automatic or fully automatic operations commanded by the controller 70 of the agricultural vehicle 10 in dependency on the locked and / or unlocked conditions of the suspension lock 121 and the axle lock 120.
[0069] A controller 70 of the agricultural machine 10 is a computer system or a processing circuit configured to control the support assembly 22, comprising a central processing unit or CPU that carries out the instructions of a computer program, processing and executing arithmetic, logical operations and data input and output, the computer program being stored in a computer-readable medium with memory for data storage, connection to one or more communication and data networks and to one or more remote databases and / or an information storage and retrieval environment, local and / or centralized and / or decentralized and / or in the cloud, and also equipped with all the usual peripherals of the state of the art, being capable of exchanging information with the electronic and physical medium, interfaces, applications, mobile equipment, other memory devices, etc.
[0070] The controller 70 comprises at least one control unit and a human-machine interface (HMI) comprising information / instruction acquisition devices and information / instruction presentation devices and other devices and / or equipment connected to the agricultural machine 10 and to the support assemblies 22 to operate together and may be, in a group or separately, interconnected by one or more communication and data networks. 2025259895 30 Oct 2025
[0071] The controller 70 of the support assembly 22 is communicatively connected to at least one controller of the agricultural vehicle 10 and generates at least one signal for instructing a user interface of the support assembly 22 to present information about the status of the shifting.
[0072] The controller 70 may be part of a computing system or be divided into one or more modules of a processing circuit. The term “module,” as used herein, refers to an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, a processor (shared, dedicated or group of processors) and a memory which executes one or more programs software or firmware. It further refers to a combinational logic circuit and / or other suitable components capable of providing the functionalities herein.
[0073] A “computer program,” as used herein, is a program executable on a processor of the controller 70.
[0074] A “processing circuit,” as used herein, may include a processor such as a central processing unit (CPU), a microcontroller, a microprocessor, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a graphics card or special hardware.
[0075] A “computer-readable memory,” as used herein, is any memory or storage device, remote or local, volatile or non-volatile, transient or non-transitory (permanent), which stores information and instructions and, in particular, a computer-readable memory which stores instructions capable of executing a method for shifting the clearance of a vehicle’s chassis 12 between a low clearance condition and a high clearance condition.
[0076] Some embodiments include a method for shifting the clearance of a vehicle’s chassis 12 between a low clearance condition and a high clearance condition. As described above, the chassis 12 comprises a support assembly 22 for supporting the vehicle chassis 12 on a wheel 14 of the vehicle 10, the support assembly 22 is pivotably connected to the vehicle chassis 12 through an axle member 102, the support assembly 22 comprises a first strut bar 86 and a second strut bar 88 slidingly coupled with the axle member 102, a wheel attachment 82 and a suspension member 103 are slidingly coupled with the support assembly through the strut bars, a pneumatic spring 106 is operably interposed between a position coupled to the axle member 102 and the suspension member 103, at least one axle lock 120 is moveably interposable between a position coupled to the axle member 102 and at least one of the strut 2025259895 30 Oct 2025 bars 86, 88, and at least one suspension lock 121 is moveably interposable between the suspension member 103 and at least one of the strut bars 86, 88. The shifting method comprises locking the suspension lock 121 and unlocking the axle lock 120, inflating the pneumatic spring 106, locking the axle lock 120 and unlocking the suspension lock 121, deflating the pneumatic spring 106, locking the suspension lock 121 and unlocking the axle lock 120, and inflating the pneumatic spring 106.
[0077] All references cited herein are incorporated herein in their entireties. If there is a conflict between definitions herein and in an incorporated reference, the definition herein shall control.
[0078] It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.
[0079] In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.
Claims
1. A support assembly for supporting a vehicle chassis on a wheel of the vehicle, the support assembly being pivotably connected to the vehicle chassis through an axle member, the support assembly comprising:a first strut bar and a second strut bar slidingly coupled with the axle member;a wheel attachment and a suspension member slidingly coupled with the support assembly through the strut bars;a pneumatic spring operably interposed between and attached to the suspension member and the axle member;at least one axle lock moveably interposable between a position coupled to the axle member and at least one of the strut bars;at least one suspension lock moveably interposable between a position coupled to the suspension member and at least one of the strut bars;wherein the support assembly is configured to:act as a suspension element of the vehicle through the pneumatic spring when the suspension lock is in a locked position and the axle lock is in an unlocked position; andshift the clearance of the chassis between a low clearance condition and a high clearance condition, the shifting comprising alternately changing the axle lock and the suspension lock between a locked position and an unlocked position while alternately inflating and deflating the pneumatic spring.
2. The support assembly of claim 1, wherein the shifting comprises:locking the suspension lock and unlocking the axle lock;inflating the pneumatic spring;locking the axle lock and unlocking the suspension lock;deflating the pneumatic spring;locking the suspension lock and unlocking the axle lock; andinflating the pneumatic spring.2025259895 30 Oct 20253. The support assembly of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the shifting of the clearance of the chassis between a low clearance condition and a high clearance condition comprises at least one intermediate clearance condition between the low clearance condition and the high clearance condition.
4. The support assembly of any one of claim 1 to 3, wherein the locking and unlocking of the suspension and the axle locks and the inflating and deflating of the pneumatic spring are manual operations executed by an operator of the vehicle.
5. The support assembly of any one of claim 1 to 3, wherein the locking and unlocking of the suspension and the axle locks are automatic operations executed by a controller of the agricultural vehicle and the inflating and deflating of the pneumatic spring are semi-automatic or fully automatic operations commanded by the controller of the agricultural vehicle in dependency on the locked and / or unlocked conditions of the suspension and the axle locks.
6. The support assembly of claim 5, wherein the controller of the support assembly is communicatively connected to at least one controller of the vehicle and generates at least one signal for instructing a user interface of the support assembly to present information about the status of the shifting.
7. A method for shifting the clearance of a vehicle’s chassis between a low clearance condition and a high clearance condition, the chassis comprising a support assembly for supporting the vehicle chassis on a wheel of the vehicle, the support assembly being pivotably connected to the vehicle chassis through an axle member, the support assembly comprising:a first strut bar and a second strut bar slidingly coupled with the axle member;a wheel attachment and a suspension member slidingly coupled with the support assembly through the strut bars;a pneumatic spring operably interposed between a position coupled to the axle member and the suspension member;2025259895 30 Oct 2025at least one chassis lock moveably interposable between a position coupled to the axle member and at least one of the strut bars;at least one suspension lock moveably interposable between the suspension member and at least one of the strut bars;wherein the shifting method comprises:locking the suspension lock and unlocking the axle lock;inflating the pneumatic spring;locking the axle lock and unlocking the suspension lock;deflating the pneumatic spring;locking the suspension lock and unlocking the axle lock; andinflating the pneumatic spring.