Description:CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
This Application is a divisional Application and derives the benefit of Indian
Provisional Application 202111051622 filed on 10th November 2021, and the
corresponding Complete Application filed on 14th October 2022, the contents of
5 which are incorporated herein in its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The embodiments herein relate to an agricultural vehicle with
control modules in which respective control module(s) can be operated by the user
10 from one of a first driving position and a second driving position in the vehicle.
BACKGROUND
[002] Generally, off-road vehicles such as tractors and other similar
vehicles are primarily used in agricultural field operations. One of the most
15 common uses of tractors is to move an agricultural implement through agricultural
fields to condition the soil for cultivation. Some tractors are provided with power
take off (PTO) near a front-end of the tractor, due to which rear-end PTO tractors
remain incompatible for range of applications which can be performed with frontend attachments only. Moreover, front-end attachments add up to overall cost of
20 tractor. Usually, an operator seat is fixed at a rear-end of the vehicle and the user
operated controls such as brake pedal, clutch pedal, power take off (PTO) lever,
implement position control lever, parking brake lever, gear shift lever and range
shift lever are located in vicinity of the operator for easily operating such controls
from the standard driving position of the vehicle. However, providing brake pedal,
25 clutch pedal, PTO lever, implement position control lever, parking brake lever,
gear shift lever and range shift lever in the agricultural vehicle having multiple
driving positions is difficult and is one of the challenges posed to the original
equipment manufacturers (OEM).
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[003] Therefore, there exists a need for an agricultural vehicle with control
modules in which respective control module(s) can be operated by the operator
(user) from one of a first driving position and a second driving position in the
vehicle.
5
OBJECTS
[004] The principal object of embodiments herein is to provide an
agricultural vehicle with control modules in which respective control module(s)
can be operated by the operator (user) from one of a first driving position and a
10 second driving position in the vehicle.
[005] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide a position
control system for controlling position (lifting or lowering) of an agricultural
implement of the agricultural vehicle having the first driving position and the
second driving position.
15 [006] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide a gear shift
mechanism for the agricultural vehicle having the first driving position and the
second driving position.
[007] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide a range shift
mechanism for the agricultural vehicle having the first driving position and the
20 second driving position.
[008] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide a power take off
(PTO) lever linkage mechanism for the agricultural vehicle having the first
driving position and the second driving position.
[009] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide a parking brake
25 lever linkage mechanism for the agricultural vehicle having the first driving
position and the second driving position.
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[0010] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide a clutch pedal
linkage mechanism for the agricultural vehicle having the first driving position
and the second driving position.
[0011] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide a brake pedal
5 linkage mechanism for the agricultural vehicle having the first driving position
and the second driving position.
[0012] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide the agricultural
vehicle which eliminates the need for front-end attachments and thus reduces the
overall cost of the vehicle.
10 [0013] These and other objects of embodiments herein will be better
appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with following
description and accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that
the following descriptions, while indicating embodiments and numerous specific
details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many
15 changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments
herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein
include all such modifications.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0014] The embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings,
20 throughout which like reference letters indicate corresponding parts in various
figures. The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following
description with reference to the drawings, in which:
[0015] Fig. 1 illustrates a position control system for controlling position
of an agricultural implement in a vehicle having a first driving position and a
25 second driving position, where a first position control lever is moved for
controlling position of the agricultural implement when the vehicle is operated
from the first driving position, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
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[0016] Fig. 2 illustrates the position control system, where a second
position control lever is in a neutral position, according to embodiments as
disclosed herein;
[0017] Fig. 3 illustrates the position control system, where the second
5 position control lever is pulled by the user for lifting the agricultural implement
when the vehicle is operated from the second driving position, according to
embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0018] Fig. 4 illustrates the position control system, where the second
position control lever is pushed by the user for lowering the agricultural
10 implement when the vehicle is operated from the second driving position,
according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0019] Fig. 5 illustrates a gear shift mechanism for shifting speed gears in
the agricultural vehicle having the first driving position and the second driving
position, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
15 [0020] Fig. 6 illustrates a range shift mechanism for shifting range gears
and reverse gear in the agricultural vehicle from the first driving position,
according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0021] Fig. 7 illustrates the range shift mechanism for shifting range gears
and reverse gear in the agricultural vehicle from the second driving position,
20 according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0022] Fig. 8 illustrates linkages which connects a first range lever to a
second range lever when the vehicle is operated from the second driving position,
according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0023] Fig. 9 illustrates the range shift mechanism for shifting range gears
25 and reverse gear in the agricultural vehicle having the first driving position and
the second driving position, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
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[0024] Fig. 10 illustrates a power take off (PTO) linkage mechanism for
operating a PTO shaft in the agricultural vehicle from the first driving position,
according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0025] Fig. 11 illustrates the power take off (PTO) linkage mechanism for
5 operating the PTO shaft in the agricultural vehicle from the second driving
position, where first and second PTO levers are in a neutral position, according to
embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0026] Fig. 12 illustrates the power take off (PTO) linkage mechanism for
operating the PTO shaft in the agricultural vehicle from the second driving
10 position, where first and second PTO levers are in a PTO engaged position,
according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0027] Fig. 13 illustrates linkages which connects a first PTO lever to a
second PTO lever when the vehicle is operated from the second driving position,
according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
15 [0028] Fig. 14 illustrates a parking brake linkage mechanism for
facilitating parking brake in the agricultural vehicle from the first driving position,
according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0029] Fig. 15 illustrates the parking brake linkage mechanism for
facilitating parking brake in the agricultural vehicle from the second driving
20 position, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0030] Fig. 16 illustrates the parking brake linkage mechanism for
facilitating parking brake in the agricultural vehicle from one of the first driving
position and the second driving position, according to embodiments as disclosed
herein;
25 [0031] Fig. 17 illustrates a first parking brake lever, and a corresponding
first brake pedal in unlocked position, according to embodiments as disclosed
herein;
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[0032] Fig. 18 illustrates linkages of a second parking brake lever,
according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0033] Fig. 19 illustrates a brake pedal linkage mechanism for operating
brake units in the agricultural vehicle from the first driving position, according to
5 embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0034] Fig. 20 illustrates a brake pedal linkage mechanism for operating
brake units in the agricultural vehicle from the second driving position, according
to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0035] Fig. 21 illustrates a first left brake pedal, a first right brake pedal
10 and its linkages, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0036] Fig. 22 illustrates a second left brake pedal, a second right brake
pedal and its linkages, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0037] Fig. 23 illustrates a clutch pedal linkage mechanism for operating
clutch unit in the agricultural vehicle from the first driving position, according to
15 embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0038] Fig. 24 illustrates the clutch pedal linkage mechanism for operating
clutch unit in the agricultural vehicle from the second driving position, according
to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0039] Fig. 25 illustrates the clutch pedal linkage mechanism for operating
20 clutch unit in the agricultural vehicle from one of the first driving position and
second driving position, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0040] Fig. 26 illustrates a first clutch pedal and its linkages, according to
embodiments as disclosed herein; and
[0041] Fig. 27 illustrates a second clutch pedal and its linkages, according
25 to embodiments as disclosed herein.
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0042] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous
details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting
embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the
5 following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing
techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein.
The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of
ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable
those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the
10 examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments
herein.
[0043] The embodiments herein achieve agricultural vehicle with control
modules in which respective control module(s) can be operated by the operator
(user) from one of a first driving position and a second driving position in the
15 vehicle. Referring now to the drawings Figs. 1 through 27, where similar
reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the
figures, there are shown embodiments.
[0044] Fig. 1 illustrates a position control system (100) for controlling
position of an agricultural implement in a vehicle having a first driving position
20 and a second driving position, where a first position control lever (102) is
operated for controlling position of the agricultural implement from the first
driving position, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. Fig. 2 illustrates
the position control system (100), where a second position control lever (104) is in
a neutral position, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. In an
25 embodiment, the position control system (100) includes a first position control
lever (102), a first position control coupler (103), a second position control lever
(104), a lever mounting bracket (105), a bell crank (106), a cable support bracket
(107), a first position control linkage (108), a second position control coupler
(109), a second position control linkage (110), a position control down link (111),
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a hitch control valve (112), a hydraulic actuator (114), a ram arm (116), a
rockshaft (118) and a plurality of lift arms (120). For the purpose of this
description and ease of understanding, the position control system (100) is
explained herein with below reference to controlling position of the agricultural
5 implement attached to an agricultural vehicle having a first driving position and a
second driving position. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to
use/practice the implement position control system (100) in any other agricultural
machines or any other off-road vehicles or any other vehicles without otherwise
deterring the intended function of the implement position control system (100) as
10 can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings. The bell crank
(106), the first position control linkage (108) and the second position control
linkage (110) forms the position control linkages adapted for connecting the
second position control lever (104) with the first position control lever (102) when
the vehicle is operated from the second driving position.
15 [0045] The first driving position in the vehicle is defined as “an operator
drives and operates the vehicle from a first seating position Sf (as shown in fig. 1)
in which an operator’s seat ((S), as shown in fig. 1) is positioned near a rear end
of the vehicle”. The second driving position in the vehicle is defined as “the
operator drives and operates the vehicle from a second seating position Sr (as
20 shown in fig. 2 to fig. 4) in which the operator’s seat (S) is mounted onto a front
bumper ((B), as shown in fig. 2 to fig. 4) that is located near a front-end of the
vehicle”.
[0046] The operator’s seat (S) is configured to be provided in the vehicle
at one of the first seating position (Sf) corresponding to the first driving position,
25 and the second seating position (Sr) corresponding to the second driving position,
where the second seating position (Sr) is opposite to the first seating position (Sf).
[0047] The first position control lever (102) is adapted to be movably
coupled to a hitch control valve spool (not shown) of the hitch control valve
(112), where the hitch control valve (112) is a hydro-mechanical type hitch
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control valve. The first position control lever (102) is located at rear-end of the
vehicle. The first position control lever (102) is adapted to be moved to control
position of the agricultural implement when the vehicle is operated from the first
driving position, (as shown in fig. 1). The first position control lever (102) is
5 adapted to automatically move to a neutral position thereby retaining the
agricultural implement at the adjusted position due to self-centering action of the
hitch control valve spool on disengagement of the first position control lever
(102).
[0048] The second position control lever (104) is adapted to be movably
10 coupled to the first position control lever (102) through the position control
linkages (106, 108, 110). The second position control lever (104) is located at a
front-end of the vehicle. For example, the second position control lever (104) is
located on a front bumper (B) of the vehicle. The second position control lever
(104) is adapted to be moved thereby moving the first position control lever (102)
15 to control the position of the agricultural implement when the vehicle is operated
from the second driving position (as shown in fig. 2 to fig. 4). The second position
control lever (104) is located in an opposite direction with respect to the first
position control lever (102).
[0049] The first position control coupler (103) is adapted to connect one
20 end of the second position control linkage (110) to the bell crank (106). The lever
mounting bracket (105) is adapted to rotatably mount the second position control
lever (104) onto the front bumper (B) of the vehicle when the vehicle is operated
from the second driving position. The bell crank (106) is rotatably mounted onto a
chassis (C) of the vehicle through a pivot pin (not shown) defined on a mounting
25 bracket (not shown) that is affixed to the chassis (C).
[0050] One end of the first position control linkage (108) is coupled to the
second position control lever (104) through the position control down link ((111),
(as shown in fig. 2)) defined on a mounting sleeve ((104S), (as shown in fig. 2))
of the second position control lever (104) and another end of the first position
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control linkage (108) is connected to the bell crank (106). For the purpose of this
description and ease of understanding, the first position control linkage (108) is
considered to be a cable. The cable support bracket (107) adapted to support the
first position control linkage (108) by receiving the first position control linkage
5 (108) therethrough at one end of the cable support bracket (107).
[0051] The second position control coupler (109) is adapted to connect
another end of the second position control linkage (110) to the first position
control lever (102). One end of the second position control linkage (110) is
connected to the bell crank (106) through the first position control coupler ((103),
10 (as shown in fig. 2)) and another end of the second position control linkage (110)
is connected to the first position control lever (102) through the second position
control coupler ((109), (as shown in fig. 2)). For the purpose of this description
and ease of understanding, the second position control linkage (110) is considered
to be a tie rod. The position control down link (111) is adapted to connect the first
15 position control linkage (108) to the second position control lever (104). The
position control down link (111) is positioned below the mounting sleeve (104S)
of the second position control lever (102). In one embodiment, the position
control down link (111) is a separate part. In another embodiment, the position
control down link (111) is an integral part of the second position control lever
20 (104).
[0052] The hitch control valve (112) is in fluid communication with the
hydraulic actuator (114) and a tank (not shown). The hydraulic actuator (114)
includes a cylinder (114C), a piston (not shown) and a connecting rod ((114R), as
shown in fig. 1). One end of the ram arm (116) is connected to the connecting rod
25 (114R) of the hydraulic actuator (114) and another end of the ram arm (116) is
connected to the rockshaft (118). One end of each lift arm (120) is mounted onto
corresponding end of the rockshaft (118) and another end of each lift arm (120) is
adapted to be coupled to corresponding lower linkages (lower arms) of the hitch
(three point linkage).
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[0053] Fig. 3 illustrates the position control system (100), where the
second position control lever (104) is pulled by the user for lifting the agricultural
implement when the vehicle is operated from the second driving position,
according to embodiments as disclosed herein. The working of the position
5 control system (100) for lifting the agricultural implement when the vehicle is
operated from the second driving position is as follows. The operator (user) pulls
the second position control lever (104) which in turn pushes the first position
control linkage (108), and the first position control linkage (108) in turn rotates
the bell crank (106) in a clockwise direction. The bell crank (106) in turn pushes
10 the second position control linkage (110). The second position control linkage
(110) in turn pushes the first position control lever (102) which in turn moves the
hitch control valve spool from a neutral position to an implement lifting position
in which the hitch control valve (112) allows pressurized hydraulic oil flow
therefrom to the cylinder (114C) of the hydraulic actuator (114). The hydraulic oil
15 received inside the cylinder (114C) moves the piston (not shown) thereby moving
the connecting rod (114C) of the hydraulic actuator (114) to an extended position.
The connecting rod (114C) in turn rotates the rockshaft (118) through the ram arm
(116) in a clockwise direction. The rockshaft (118) in turn rotates the lift arms
(120) in a clockwise direction thereby lifting the agricultural implement through
20 the hitch (not shown).
[0054] Fig. 4 illustrates the position control system (100), where the
second position control lever (104) is pushed by the user for lowering the
agricultural implement when the vehicle is operated from the second driving
position, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. The working of the
25 position control system (100) for lowering the agricultural implement when the
vehicle is operated from the second driving position is as follows. The operator
(user) pushes the second position control lever (104) which in turn pulls the first
position control linkage (108), and the first position control linkage (108) in turn
rotates the bell crank (106) in a counter clockwise direction. The bell crank (106)
30 in turn pulls the second position control linkage (110). The second position
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control linkage (110) in turn pulls the first position control lever (102) which in
turn moves the hitch control valve spool from the neutral position to an implement
lowering position in which the hitch control valve (112) allows hydraulic oil flow
from cylinder (114C) of the hydraulic actuator (114) to the tank (not shown). This
5 moves the piston the connecting rod (114C) of the hydraulic actuator (114) from
the extended position to the retracted position. The connecting rod (114C) in turn
rotates the rockshaft (118) through the ram arm (116) in the counter clockwise
direction. The rockshaft (118) in turn rotates the lift arms (120) in the counter
clockwise direction thereby lowering the agricultural implement through the hitch
10 (not shown).
[0055] When the agricultural implement is lifted or lowered by pulling or
pushing the second position control lever (104) respectively, the first position
control lever (102) automatically moves to the neutral position (as shown in fig. 2)
thereby moving the second position control lever (104) to the neutral position to
15 retain the agricultural implement at the adjusted position due to self-centering
action of the hitch control valve spool when the operator disengages the second
position control lever (104).
[0056] In an alternate embodiment, either one or both the first and second
position control levers (102, 104) is replaced by switches/ knobs that are provided
20 at the rear-end and the front-end of the vehicle. The switches/ knobs actuates a
solenoid based hitch control valve (hydro-electric hitch control valve) for
controlling the position of the agricultural implement when the vehicle is operated
from one of the first driving position and the second driving position.
[0057] Fig. 5 illustrates a gear shift mechanism for shifting speed gears in
25 the agricultural vehicle having the first driving position and the second driving
position, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the
gear shift mechanism (200) includes a first gear shift lever (202), a first down link
(203), a second gear shift lever (204), a second down link (205), a rotatable gear
shift link (206), a cable support bracket (207), a first gear shift linkage (208) and a
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second gear shift linkage (210). For the purpose of this description and ease of
understanding, the gear shift mechanism (200) is explained herein with below
reference to shifting speed gears in an agricultural vehicle having a first driving
position and a second driving position. However, it is also within the scope of the
5 invention to use/practice the gear shift mechanism (200) in any other agricultural
machines or any other off-road vehicles or any other vehicles without otherwise
deterring the intended function of the gear shift mechanism (200) as can be
deduced from the description and corresponding drawings. The rotatable gear
shift link (206), the first gear shift linkage (208) and the second gear shift linkage
10 (210) forms gear shift linkages adapted for connecting the second gear shift lever
(204) with the first gear shift lever (202) when the vehicle is operated from the
second driving position. The first driving position in the vehicle is defined as “an
operator drives and operates the vehicle from a first seating position Sf (as shown
in fig. 5) in which an operator’s seat ((S), as shown in fig. 5) is positioned near a
15 rear end of the vehicle”. The second driving position in the vehicle is defined as
“the operator drives and operates the vehicle from a second seating position Sr (as
shown in fig. 5) in which the operator’s seat (S) is mounted onto a front bumper
((B), as shown in fig. 5) that is located near a front-end of the vehicle”.
[0058] The first gear shift lever (202) is located near a rear-end of the
20 vehicle and is adapted to facilitate shifting of speed gears when the vehicle is
operated from the first driving position. The first down link (203) defined on a
first mounting sleeve (202S) of the first gear shift lever (202). The first down link
(203) is adapted to connect the first gear shift linkage (208) to the first gear shift
lever (202). The first down link (203) is positioned below the first mounting
25 sleeve (202S) of the first gear shift lever (202).
[0059] The second gear shift lever (204) is coupled to the first gear shift
lever (202). The second gear shift lever (204) is located near a front-end of the
vehicle and is adapted to move the first gear shift lever (202) to facilitate shifting
of speed gears when the vehicle is operated from the second driving position. The
30 second gear shift lever (204) is rotatably mounted onto a front bumper (B) of the
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vehicle when the vehicle is operated from the second driving position. The second
gear shift lever (204) is located opposite to the first gear shift lever (202). The
gear shift levers (202, 204) are being retained at its shifted position because of
resistance offered by its shifting spring & ball (installed in shifter fork internally).
5 The upshifting pattern of the gear shift levers (202, 204) is N-1-2-3, where N is
neutral position, 1 is first gear, 2 is second gear and 3 is third gear. The upshifting
pattern of the gear shift levers (202, 204) is 3-2-1-N. The second down link (205)
is defined on a second mounting sleeve (204S) of the second gear shift lever
(204). The second down link (205) is adapted to connect the second gear shift
10 linkage (210) to the second gear shift lever (204). The second down link (205) is
positioned below the second mounting sleeve (204S) of the second gear shift lever
(204). The second gear shift lever (204) is movably coupled to the first gear shift
lever (202) through a plurality of gear shift linkages (206, 208, 210) when the
vehicle is operated from the second driving position. The rotatable gear shift link
15 (206) is adapted to be rotatably mounted onto a transmission housing (T) of the
vehicle. The rotatable gear shift link (206) defines a first arm (206F) and a second
arm (206S) spaced away from the first arm (206F).
[0060] One end of the first gear shift linkage (208) is coupled to the first
gear shift lever (202) and another end of the first gear shift linkage (208) is
20 connected to the first arm (206F) of the rotatable gear shift link (206). One end of
the second gear shift linkage (210) is coupled to the second gear shift lever (204)
and another end of the second gear shift linkage (210) is connected to the second
arm (206S) of the rotatable gear shift link (206). For the purpose of this
description and ease of understanding, the second gear shift linkage (210) is at
25 considered to be least a push pull cable. The cable support bracket (207) is
mounted onto a chassis (C) of the agricultural vehicle. The cable support bracket
(207) is adapted to support the first gear shift linkage (208). The first gear shift
linkage (208) is a rod.
[0061] Fig. 6 illustrates a range shift mechanism (300) for shifting range
30 gears in the agricultural vehicle from the first driving position, according to
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embodiments as disclosed herein. Fig. 7 illustrates the range shift mechanism
(300) for shifting range gears in the agricultural vehicle from the second driving
position, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the
range shift mechanism (300) includes a first range shift lever (302), a second
5 range shift lever (304), a first range shift link (306), a first cable support bracket
(307), a second range shift link (308), a second cable support bracket (309) and an
intermediate range shift linkage (310). For the purpose of this description and ease
of understanding, the range shift mechanism (300) is explained herein with below
reference to shifting range gears in an agricultural vehicle having a first driving
10 position and a second driving position. However, it is also within the scope of the
invention to use/practice the range shift mechanism (300) in any other agricultural
machines or any other off-road vehicles or any other vehicles without otherwise
deterring the intended function of the range shift mechanism (300) as can be
deduced from the description and corresponding drawings. The first range shift
15 link (306), the second range shift link (308) and the intermediate range shift
linkage (310) forms range shift linkages adapted for connecting the second range
shift lever (304) with the first range shift lever (302) when the vehicle is operated
from the second driving position. The first driving position in the vehicle is
defined as “an operator drives and operates the vehicle from a first seating
20 position Sf (as shown in fig. 6) in which an operator’s seat ((S), as shown in fig.
6) is positioned near a rear end of the vehicle”. The second driving position in the
vehicle is defined as “the operator drives and operates the vehicle from a second
seating position Sr (as shown in fig. 7) in which the operator’s seat (S) is mounted
onto a front bumper ((B), as shown in fig. 7) that is located near a front-end of the
25 vehicle”.
[0062] The first range shift lever (302) is located near a rear-end of the
vehicle and is adapted to facilitate shifting of range gears and reverse gear when
the vehicle is operated from the first driving position. The second range shift lever
(304) is coupled to the first range shift lever (302). The second range shift lever
30 (304) is located near a front-end of the vehicle and is adapted to move the first
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range shift lever (302) to facilitate shifting of range gears and reverse gear when
the vehicle is operated from the second driving position. The second range shift
lever (304) is movably coupled to the first range shift lever (302) through a
plurality of range shift linkages (306, 308, 310) when the vehicle is operated from
5 the second driving position. The second range shift lever (304) is rotatably
mounted onto a front bumper (B) of the vehicle when the vehicle is operated from
the second driving position. The second range shift lever (304) is located opposite
to the first range shift lever (302). The range shift levers (302, 304) are being
retained at its shifted position because of resistance offered by its shifting spring
10 & ball (installed in shifter fork internally). The upshifting shifting pattern of the
range shift lever (302, 304) is N-L-H, where N is neutral position, L is low range
position and H is high range position. The downshifting pattern of the range shift
lever (302, 304) is H-L-N. Further, the range shift lever (302, 304) moves from
neutral position to reverse gear position to facilitate shifting to reverse gear.
15 [0063] The first range shift link (306) is defined on a first mounting sleeve
(302S) of the first range shift lever (302). The first range shift link (306) is
positioned above the first mounting sleeve (302S). The second range shift link
(308) defined on a second mounting sleeve (304S) of the second range shift lever
(304). The second range shift link (308) is positioned below the second mounting
20 sleeve (304S). One end of the intermediate range shift linkage (310) is coupled to
the first range shift lever (302) through the first range shift link (306) and another
end of the intermediate range shift linkage (310) is connected to the second range
shift lever (304) through the second range shift link (308). For the purpose of this
description and ease of understanding, the intermediate range shift linkage (310)
25 is considered to be at least a cable.
[0064] The first cable support bracket (307) is adapted to support the
intermediate shift linkage (310). The first cable support bracket (307) is mounted
onto a chassis (C) of the agricultural vehicle. The second cable support bracket
(309) is mounted onto a transmission housing (T) of the vehicle. The second cable
30 support bracket (309) is adapted to support the intermediate shift linkage (310).
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[0065] Fig. 10 illustrates a power take off (PTO) linkage mechanism (400)
for operating a PTO shaft in the agricultural vehicle from the first driving
position, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the
power take off (PTO) linkage mechanism (400) includes a first PTO lever (402), a
5 PTO down link (403), a second PTO lever (404), a rotatable PTO link (406), a
first PTO linkage (408), a second PTO linkage (410), a first mounting bracket
(412), a PTO lever mounting bracket (414), a first cable support bracket (416), a
second cable support bracket (418), a first PTO coupler (420) and a second PTO
coupler (422). For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the
10 PTO linkage mechanism (400) is explained herein with below reference to
operating (actuating/ de-actuating) PTO shaft in an agricultural vehicle having a
first driving position and a second driving position. However, it is also within the
scope of the invention to use/practice the PTO linkage mechanism (400) in any
other agricultural machines or any other off-road vehicles or any other vehicles
15 without otherwise deterring the intended function of the PTO linkage mechanism
(400) as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings. The
rotatable PTO link (406), the first PTO linkage (408) and the second PTO linkage
(410) forms PTO linkages which are adapted for connecting the second PTO lever
(404) with the first PTO lever (402) when the vehicle is operated from the second
20 driving position. The first driving position in the vehicle is defined as “an operator
drives and operates the vehicle from a first seating position Sf (as shown in fig.
10) in which an operator’s seat ((S), as shown in fig. 10) is positioned near a rear
end of the vehicle”. The second driving position in the vehicle is defined as “the
operator drives and operates the vehicle from a second seating position Sr (as
25 shown in fig. 11) in which the operator’s seat (S) is mounted onto a front bumper
((B), as shown in fig. 11) that is located near a front-end of the vehicle”.
[0066] The first PTO lever (402) is located near a rear-end of the vehicle
and is adapted to operate the PTO shaft when the vehicle is operated from the first
driving position. The PTO down link (403) is defined on a mounting sleeve
30 (404S) of the second PTO lever (404). The PTO down link (403) is adapted to
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connect the second PTO linkage (410) to the second PTO lever (404). The PTO
down link (403) is positioned below the mounting sleeve (404S) of the second
PTO lever (404).
[0067] The second PTO lever (404) is coupled to the first PTO lever (402),
5 The second PTO lever (404) is located near a front-end of the vehicle and is
adapted to move the first PTO lever (402) thereby operating the PTO shaft when
the vehicle is operated from the second driving position. The second PTO lever
(404) is movably coupled to the first PTO lever (402) through a plurality of PTO
linkages (406, 408, 410) when the vehicle is operated from the second driving
10 position. The second PTO lever (404) is located opposite to the first PTO lever
(402). The PTO levers (402, 404) are being retained at its shifted position because
of resistance offered by its shifting spring & ball (installed in shifter fork
internally. The rotatable PTO link (406) is adapted to be rotatably mounted onto a
pivot pin (413) defined on the first mounting bracket (412). The rotatable PTO
15 link (406) defines a first arm (406F) and a second arm (406S) spaced away from
the first arm (406F). One end of the first PTO linkage (408) is coupled to the first
PTO lever (402) and another end of the first PTO linkage (408) is connected to
the first arm (406F) of the rotatable PTO link (406). For the purpose of this
description and ease of understanding, the first PTO linkage (408) is considered to
20 be at least a tie rod. One end of the second PTO linkage (410) is coupled to the
second PTO lever (404) and another end of the second PTO linkage (410) is
connected to the second arm (406S) of the rotatable PTO link (406). For the
purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the second PTO linkage
(410) is considered to be at least a cable.
25 [0068] The first mounting bracket (412) is adapted to rotatably mount the
rotatable PTO link (406) onto the pivot pin (413). The PTO lever mounting
bracket (414) is adapted to rotatably mount the second PTO lever (404) to a front
bumper (B) of the vehicle when the vehicle is operated from the second driving
position. The PTO lever mounting bracket (414) is adapted to support the one end
30 of the second PTO lever (404). The first cable support bracket (416) is mounted
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onto a chassis (C) of the agricultural vehicle. The first cable support bracket (416)
is adapted to support the second PTO linkage (410). The second cable support
bracket (418) is connected to first mounting bracket (412). The second cable
support bracket (418) is adapted to support another end of the second PTO linkage
5 (410). The first PTO coupler (420) adapted to connect the one end of the first PTO
linkage (408) to the first PTO lever (402). The second PTO coupler (422) adapted
to connect the another end of the first PTO linkage (408) to the first arm (406F) of
the rotatable PTO link (406).
[0069] Fig. 14 illustrates a parking brake linkage mechanism (500) for
10 facilitating parking brake in the agricultural vehicle from the first driving position,
according to embodiments as disclosed herein. Fig. 15 illustrates the parking
brake linkage mechanism (500) for facilitating parking brake in the agricultural
vehicle from the second driving position, according to embodiments as disclosed
herein. In an embodiment, the parking brake linkage mechanism (500) includes a
15 first parking brake lever (502), a second parking brake lever (504), a first parking
brake ratchet (506), a first parking brake lock member (508), a second parking
brake ratchet (510), a second parking brake lock member (512), a parking brake
down link (514), a parking brake linkage (516), a parking brake lever mounting
bracket (518), a main mounting bracket (520) and a cable support bracket (522).
20 For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the parking brake
linkage mechanism (500) is explained herein with below reference to actuating/
de-actuating parking brake in an agricultural vehicle having a first driving
position and a second driving position. However, it is also within the scope of the
invention to use/practice the parking brake linkage mechanism (500) in any other
25 agricultural machines or any other off-road vehicles or any other vehicles without
otherwise deterring the intended function of the parking brake linkage mechanism
(500) as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings. The
first driving position in the vehicle is defined as “an operator drives and operates
the vehicle from a first seating position Sf (as shown in fig. 14) in which an
30 operator’s seat ((S), as shown in fig. 14) is positioned near a rear end of the
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vehicle”. The second driving position in the vehicle is defined as “the operator
drives and operates the vehicle from a second seating position Sr (as shown in fig.
15) in which the operator’s seat (S) is mounted onto a front bumper ((B), as
shown in fig. 15) that is located near a front-end of the vehicle”.
5 [0070] The first parking brake lever (502) located near rear-end or a center
of the vehicle. The first parking brake lever (502) is rotatably mounted onto the
chassis (C) of the vehicle. The first parking brake lever (502) is adapted to be
moved to a parking brake engaged position in which aid first parking brake lock
member (508) is engaged with the first parking brake ratchet (506) while moving
10 the first brake pedal (602L) to a brake engaged position when the vehicle is
operated from the first driving position. The first parking brake lever (502) is
rotatably mounted onto the chassis (C) near the rear end or center of the vehicle
and is located on a first side of the vehicle.
[0071] The second parking brake lever (504) is located near a front-end of
15 the vehicle. The second parking brake lever (504) is adapted to be moved to a
parking brake engaged position in which the second parking brake lock member
(512) is engaged with the second parking brake ratchet (510) while moving a
corresponding second brake pedal (604R) to a brake engaged position when the
vehicle is operated from the second driving position. The second parking brake
20 lever (504) is rotatably mounted onto the front bumper (B) through parking brake
lever mounting bracket (518) at the front-end of the vehicle and is located on a
second side of the vehicle, where the second side is opposite to the first side of the
vehicle.
[0072] The first parking brake ratchet (506) is rotatably coupled to the first
25 parking brake lever (502). The first parking brake lock member (508) is defined
on a corresponding first brake pedal (602L). For the purpose of this description
and ease of understanding, the first parking brake lock member (508) is
considered to be a wedge. The second parking brake ratchet (510) rotatably
coupled to the second parking brake lever (504). The second parking brake lock
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member (512) defined on the rotatable brake linkage (616) which is freely
mounted onto a brake shaft (606). For the purpose of this description and ease of
understanding, the second parking brake lock member (512) is at least a wedge.
The rotatable brake linkage (616) is coupled to the second brake pedal (604R).
5 The parking brake down link (514) defined on a mounting sleeve (504S) of said
second parking brake lever (504). One end of the parking brake linkage (516) is
connected to the parking brake down link (514) and another end of the parking
brake linkage (516) is connected to the second parking brake ratchet (510). For
the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the parking brake
10 linkage (516) is considered to be at least a cable.
[0073] The parking brake lever mounting bracket (518) is adapted to
rotatably mount the second parking brake lever (504) onto a front bumper (B) of
the vehicle when the vehicle is operated from the second driving position. The
parking brake lever mounting bracket (518) is adapted to support the one end of
15 the parking brake linkage (516). The main mounting bracket (520) is adapted to
rotatably mount the second parking brake ratchet (510) and the second brake
pedal (604R) onto the chassis (C) of the vehicle. The cable support bracket (522)
is mounted onto the chassis (C). The cable support bracket (522) is adapted to
support the parking brake linkage (516).
20 [0074] Fig. 19 illustrates a brake pedal linkage mechanism (600) for
operating brake units in the agricultural vehicle from the first driving position,
according to embodiments as disclosed herein. Fig. 20 illustrates a brake pedal
linkage mechanism (600) for operating brake units in the agricultural vehicle from
the second driving position, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. In an
25 embodiment, the brake pedal linkage mechanism (600) includes a first left brake
pedal (602L), a first right brake pedal (602R), a first left brake pedal spring (603),
a second left brake pedal (604L), a second right brake pedal (604R), a first right
brake pedal spring (605), a brake shaft (606), a first brake linkage (608), a second
brake linkage (610), a first right brake pedal link (612), a first left brake pedal link
30 (614), a brake pedal mounting bracket (615), a rotatable brake linkage (616), a
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brake pedal mounting shaft (617), a first brake shaft link (618), a second left brake
pedal spring (619), a second brake shaft link (620), a second right brake pedal
spring (621), a second right brake pedal link (622), a first brake pedal connecting
member (624) and a second brake pedal connecting member (626). For the
5 purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the brake pedal linkage
mechanism (600) is explained herein with below reference to operating brake
units (B1, B2) in an agricultural vehicle having a first driving position and a
second driving position. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to
use/practice the brake pedal linkage mechanism (600) in any other agricultural
10 machines or any other off-road vehicles or any other vehicles without otherwise
deterring the intended function of the brake pedal linkage mechanism (600) as can
be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings. The first driving
position in the vehicle is defined as “an operator drives and operates the vehicle
from a first seating position Sf (as shown in fig. 19) in which an operator’s seat
15 ((S), as shown in fig. 19) is positioned near a rear end of the vehicle”. The second
driving position in the vehicle is defined as “the operator drives and operates the
vehicle from a second seating position Sr (as shown in fig. 20) in which the
operator’s seat (S) is mounted onto a front bumper ((B), as shown in fig. 20) that
is located near a front-end of the vehicle”.
20 [0075] The first left brake pedal (602L) and the first right brake pedal
(602R) are coupled to a first brake unit (B1) and a second brake unit (B2)
respectively. Each brake pedal (602L, 602R) operates corresponding brake unit
(B1, B2) when the vehicle is operated from the first driving position. The first left
brake pedal (602L) is mounted onto a first end (606F) of the brake shaft (606)
25 when the vehicle is operated from the first driving position. The first right brake
pedal (602R) is freely mounted onto the first end (606F) of the brake shaft (606)
when the vehicle is operated from the first driving position. The first left and right
brake pedals (602L, 604R) are located on a first side of the vehicle.
[0076] The first left brake pedal spring (603) is adapted to move the first
30 left brake pedal (602L) to its initial position on depressing the first left brake
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pedal (602L). One end of the first left brake pedal spring (603) is connected to the
first left brake pedal (602L) and another end of the first left brake pedal spring
(603) is connected to a first spring support rod which is mounted onto a chassis
(C) of the vehicle. The first right brake pedal spring (605) is adapted to move the
5 first right brake pedal (602R) to its initial position on depressing the first right
brake pedal (602R). One end of the first right brake pedal spring (605) is
connected to the first right brake pedal (602R) and another end of the first right
brake pedal spring (605) is connected to the first spring support rod.
[0077] The second left brake pedal (604L) and the second right brake
10 pedal (604R) are coupled to the first brake unit (B1) and the second brake unit
(B2) respectively. Each brake pedal (604L, 604R) operates corresponding brake
unit (B1, B2) when the vehicle is operated from the second driving position. first
left and right brake pedals (602L, 602R) are dis-assembled from the first end
(606F) of the brake shaft (606) when the brake units (B1, B2) is operated by the
15 second left and right brake pedals (604L, 604R) when the vehicle is operated from
the second driving position. The second left and right brake pedals (604L, 604R)
are located on a second side of the vehicle, where the second side is opposite to
the first side of the vehicle. A mounting plane of the second left and right brake
pedals (604L, 604R) is disposed above a mounting plane of the first left and right
20 brake pedals (602L, 602R).
[0078] The brake shaft (606) is adapted to be rotatably supported by a
chassis (C) of the vehicle. The brake shaft (606) is located at or near a center of
the chassis (C). One end of the first brake linkage (608) is connected to a first
brake lever (BX) of the first brake unit (B1) and another end of the first brake
25 linkage (608) is coupled to one of the first left brake pedal (602L) and the second
right brake pedal (604R) when the vehicle is operated from one of the first driving
position and the second driving position respectively. For the purpose of this
description and ease of understanding, the first brake linkage (608) is considered
to be at least a tie-rod. One end of the second brake linkage (610) is connected to
30 a second brake lever (BY) of the second brake unit (B2) and another end of the
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second brake linkage (610) is coupled to one of the first right brake pedal (602R)
and the second left brake pedal (604L) when the vehicle is operated from one of
the first driving position and the second driving position respectively. For the
purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the second brake linkage
5 (610) is considered to be at least a tie-rod.
[0079] The first right brake pedal link (612) is adapted to be mounted onto
the first right brake pedal (602R), wherein the first right brake pedal link (612) is
adapted to connect the first right brake pedal (602R) to another end of the second
brake linkage (610) when the vehicle is operated from the first driving position.
10 The first left brake pedal link (614) is adapted to be mounted onto a second end
(606S) of the brake shaft (606). The first left brake pedal link (614) is adapted to
connect the first left brake pedal (602L) to another end of the first brake linkage
(608) through the brake shaft (606) when the vehicle is operated from the first
driving position.
15 [0080] The brake pedal mounting bracket (615) is adapted to support the
second left brake pedal (604L) and the second right brake pedal (604R) onto the
chassis (C) of the vehicle when the vehicle is operated from the second driving
position. The brake pedal mounting shaft (617) is mounted onto the brake pedal
mounting bracket (615). The brake pedal mounting shaft (617) is adapted to
20 rotatably mount the second left brake pedal (604L) and the second right brake
pedal (604R) onto the brake pedal mounting bracket (615) when the vehicle is
operated from the second driving position. The second left brake pedal spring
(619) adapted to move the second left brake pedal (604L) to its initial position on
depressing the second left brake pedal (604L). One end of the second left brake
25 pedal spring (619) is connected to the second left brake pedal (604L) and another
end of the second left brake pedal spring (619) is connected to a second spring
support rod (623) which is mounted onto the brake pedal mounting bracket (615).
[0081] The rotatable brake linkage (616) is freely mounted near the second
end (606S) of the brake shaft (606) when the vehicle is operated from the second
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driving position. The rotatable brake linkage (616) defines a first brake lever arm
(616F) and a second brake lever arm (616S). The first brake lever arm (616F) of
the rotatable brake linkage (616) is connected to another end of the first brake
linkage (608) when the vehicle is operated from the second driving position.
5 [0082] The first brake shaft link (618) is mounted onto the second end
(606S) of the brake shaft (606) when the vehicle is operated from the second
driving position. The second brake shaft link (620) mounted near the first end
(606F) of the brake shaft (606). The second brake shaft link (620) is connected to
the another end of the second brake linkage (610) when the vehicle is operated
10 from the second driving position. The second right brake pedal spring (621) is
adapted to move the second right brake pedal (604R) to its initial position on
depressing the second right brake pedal (604R). One end of the second right brake
pedal spring (621) is connected to the second right brake pedal (604R) and
another end of the second right brake pedal spring (621) is connected to the
15 second spring support rod (623). The second right brake pedal link (622) is
defined on the second left brake pedal (604L).
[0083] One end of the first brake pedal connecting member (624) is
connected to the second right brake pedal (604R) and another end of the first
brake pedal connecting member (624) is connected to the second brake lever arm
20 (616S) of the rotatable brake linkage (616) when the vehicle is operated from the
second driving position. For the purpose of this description and ease of
understanding, the first brake pedal connecting member (624) is considered to be
at least a tie-rod.
[0084] One end of the second brake pedal connecting member (624) is
25 connected to the second left brake pedal (604L) through the second right brake
pedal link (622) and another end of the second brake pedal connecting member
(624) is connected to the second end (606S) of the brake shaft (606) through the
first brake shaft link (618) when the vehicle is operated from the second driving
27/34
position. For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the second
brake pedal connecting member (624) is considered to be at least a tie-rod.
[0085] Fig. 23 illustrates a clutch pedal linkage mechanism (700) for
operating clutch unit in the agricultural vehicle from the first driving position,
5 according to embodiments as disclosed herein. Fig. 24 illustrates the clutch pedal
linkage mechanism (700) for operating clutch unit in the agricultural vehicle from
the second driving position, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. In an
embodiment, the clutch pedal linkage mechanism (700) includes a first clutch
pedal (702), a first clutch pedal spring (703), a second clutch pedal (704), a first
10 clutch pedal link (706), a first clutch actuating shaft lever (708), a first clutch
pedal connecting member (710), a clutch pedal mounting bracket (711), a second
clutch pedal link (712), a second clutch actuating shaft lever (714), a second
clutch pedal spring (715), a clutch pedal linkage shaft (716), a first clutch pedal
rotatable link (718), a second clutch pedal rotatable link (720), a first connecting
15 member (722) and a second connecting member (724). For the purpose of this
description and ease of understanding, the clutch pedal linkage mechanism (700)
is explained herein with below reference to operating clutch unit (CL) in an
agricultural vehicle having a first driving position and a second driving position.
However, it is also within the scope of the invention to use/practice the clutch
20 pedal linkage mechanism (700) in any other agricultural machines or any other
off-road vehicles or any other vehicles without otherwise deterring the intended
function of the clutch pedal linkage mechanism (700) as can be deduced from the
description and corresponding drawings. The first driving position in the vehicle
is defined as “an operator drives and operates the vehicle from a first seating
25 position Sf (as shown in fig. 23) in which an operator’s seat ((S), as shown in fig.
23) is positioned near a rear end of the vehicle”. The second driving position in
the vehicle is defined as “the operator drives and operates the vehicle from a
second seating position Sr (as shown in fig. 24) in which the operator’s seat (S) is
mounted onto a front bumper ((B), as shown in fig. 24) that is located near a front30 end of the vehicle”.
28/34
[0086] The first clutch pedal (702) coupled to a clutch actuating member
(CB) of the clutch unit (CL) and is adapted to operate the clutch unit (CL) when
the vehicle is operated from the first driving position. The first clutch pedal (702)
is coupled to the clutch actuating member (CB) of the clutch unit (CL) through a
5 plurality of first clutch pedal linkages (706, 708, 710) when the vehicle is
operated from the first driving position. The first clutch pedal spring (703)
adapted to move the first clutch pedal (702) to its initial position on depressing the
first clutch pedal (702). One end of the first clutch pedal spring (703) is connected
to the first clutch pedal (702) and another end of the first clutch pedal spring (703)
10 is connected to a first spring support rod which is mounted onto a chassis (C) of
the vehicle. The first clutch pedal (702) is rotatably mounted at or near a center of
the chassis (C) and is located on a first side of the vehicle when the vehicle is
operated from the first driving position.
[0087] The second clutch pedal (704) coupled to the clutch actuating
15 member (CB) of the clutch unit (CL) and is adapted to operate the clutch unit
(CL) when the vehicle is operated from the second driving position. The second
clutch pedal (704) coupled to the clutch actuating member (CB) of the clutch unit
(CL) through a plurality of second clutch pedal linkages (712, 714, 716, 718, 720,
722 & 724) when the vehicle is operated from the second driving position. The
20 second clutch pedal (704) is rotatably mounted onto the clutch pedal mounting
bracket (711) and is located on a second side of the vehicle, where the second side
is opposite to the first side of the vehicle. A mounting plane of said second clutch
pedal (704) is disposed above a mounting plane of said first clutch pedal (702).
The first clutch pedal (702) is dis-assembled from first clutch actuating shaft lever
25 (708) when the clutch unit (CL) is operated by the second clutch pedal (704) when
the vehicle is operated from the second driving position.
[0088] The first clutch pedal link (706) defined on a mounting sleeve
(702S) of the first clutch pedal (702). The first clutch actuating shaft lever (708)
mounted onto a first end (CSA) of a clutch actuating shaft (CS), where the clutch
30 actuating shaft (CS) mounts the clutch actuating member (CB) thereon. For the
29/34
purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the clutch actuating
member (CB) is considered to be a clutch release bearing. One end of the first
clutch pedal connecting member (710) is connected to the first clutch pedal link
(706) and another end of the first clutch pedal connecting member (710) is
5 connected to the clutch actuating shaft lever (708). For the purpose of this
description and ease of understanding, the first clutch pedal connecting member
(710) is considered to be at least a tie-rod. The clutch pedal mounting bracket
(711) secured to the chassis (C) of the vehicle and is adapted to rotatably mount
the second clutch pedal (704) onto the chassis (C) when the vehicle is operated
10 from the second driving position.
[0089] The second clutch pedal link (712) is defined on a mounting sleeve
(704S) of the second clutch pedal (704). The shaft housing (713) is mounted on
the clutch pedal mounting bracket (711). The second clutch actuating shaft lever
(714) is mounted onto a second end (CSB) of the clutch actuating shaft (CS). The
15 second clutch pedal spring (715) adapted to move the second clutch pedal (704) to
its initial position on depressing the second clutch pedal (704). One end of the
second clutch pedal spring (715) is connected to the second clutch pedal (704) and
another end of the second clutch pedal spring (715) is connected to a second
spring support member (717) which is mounted onto the clutch pedal mounting
20 bracket (711). The clutch pedal linkage shaft (716) rotatably received inside a
shaft housing (713). The first clutch pedal rotatable link (718) is mounted onto
one end of the clutch pedal linkage shaft (716). The second clutch pedal rotatable
link (720) is mounted onto another end of the clutch pedal linkage shaft (716).
One end of the first connecting member (722) is connected to the second clutch
25 pedal link (712) and another end of the first connecting member (722) is
connected to the first clutch pedal rotatable link (718). For the purpose of this
description and ease of understanding, the first connecting member (722) is
considered to be at least a tie-rod. One end of the second connecting member
(724) is connected to the second clutch pedal rotatable link (720) and another end
30/34
of the second connecting member (724) is connected to the second clutch
actuating shaft lever (714).
[0090] The agricultural vehicle includes the operator seat (S), a plurality of
first hand operated controls (102, 202, 302, 402 and 502), a plurality of second
5 hand operated controls (104, 204, 304, 404 and 504), a plurality of first foot
operated controls (602L, 602R and 702) and a plurality of second foot operated
controls (604L, 604R and 704). The plurality of first hand operated controls (102,
202, 302, 402 and 502) are located in vicinity of the operator seat (S) when the
vehicle is operated from the first driving position. The plurality of second hand
10 operated controls (104, 204, 304, 404 and 504) are located in vicinity of the
operator seat (S) when the vehicle is operated from the second driving position.
The plurality of first foot operated controls (602L, 602R and 702) is located in
vicinity of the operator seat (S) when the vehicle is operated from the first driving
position. The plurality of second foot operated controls (604L, 604R and 704) are
15 located in vicinity of the operator seat (S) when the vehicle is operated from the
second driving position. The plurality of first hand operated controls (102, 202,
302, 402 and 502) includes the first position control lever (102), the first gear shift
lever (202), the first range shift lever (302), the first PTO lever (402) and first
parking brake lever (502). The plurality of second hand operated controls (104,
20 204, 304, 404 and 504) includes the second position control lever (104), the
second gear shift lever (204), the second range shift lever (304), the second PTO
lever (404) and a second parking brake lever (504). The plurality of first foot
operated controls (602L, 602R and 702) includes the first left brake pedal (602L),
the first right brake pedal (602R) and the first clutch pedal (702). The plurality of
25 second foot operated controls (604L, 604R and 704) includes the second left
brake pedal (604L), the second right brake pedal (604R) and the second clutch
pedal (704).
[0091] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully
reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying
30 current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such
31/34
specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore,
such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended
within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is
to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the
5 purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments
herein have been described in terms of embodiments, those skilled in the art will
recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modifications within
the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
, Claims:We claim:
1. A range shift mechanism (300) for an agricultural vehicle, said range shift
mechanism (300) comprising:
5 a first range shift lever (302) located near a rear-end of the vehicle and is
adapted to facilitate shifting of range gears when the vehicle is operated from a
first driving position; and
a second range shift lever (304) coupled to said first range shift lever
(302), wherein said second range shift lever (304) is located near a front-end of
10 the vehicle and is adapted to move said first range shift lever (302) to facilitate
shifting of range gears when the vehicle is operated from a second driving
position.
2. The range shift mechanism (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said second
range shift lever (304) is movably coupled to said first range shift lever (302)
15 through a plurality of range shift linkages (306, 308, 310) when the vehicle is
operated from the second driving position;
said first range shift lever (302) is adapted to facilitate shifting of reverse
gear when the vehicle is operated from the first driving position; and
said second range shift lever (302) is adapted to move said first range shift
20 lever (302) to facilitate shifting of reverse gear when the vehicle is operated from
the second driving position.
3. The range shift mechanism (300) as claimed in claim 2, said plurality of range
shift linkages (306, 308, 310) includes,
a first range shift link (306) defined on a first mounting sleeve (302S) of
25 said first range shift lever (302);
a second range shift link (308) defined on a second mounting sleeve
(304S) of said second range shift lever (304); and
an intermediate range shift linkage (310), wherein one end of said
intermediate range shift linkage (310) is coupled to said first range shift lever
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(302) through said first range shift link (306) and another end of said intermediate
range shift linkage (310) is connected to said second range shift lever (304)
through said second range shift link (308),
wherein
5 said intermediate range shift linkage (310) is at least a cable.
4. The range shift mechanism (300) as claimed in claim 3, wherein said range
shift mechanism (300) includes,
a first cable support bracket (307) adapted to support said intermediate
shift linkage (310), wherein said first cable support bracket (307) is mounted onto
10 a chassis (C) of the agricultural vehicle; and
a second cable support bracket (309) adapted to support said intermediate
shift linkage (310), wherein said second cable support bracket (309) is mounted
onto a transmission housing (T) of the vehicle,
wherein
15 said first range shift link (306) is positioned above the first mounting
sleeve (302S);
said second range shift lever (304) is rotatably mounted onto a front
bumper (B) of the vehicle when the vehicle is operated from the second driving
position;
20 said second range shift link (308) is positioned below the second mounting
sleeve (304S); and
said second range shift lever (304) is located opposite to said first range
shift lever (302).