DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The embodiments herein relate to an auxiliary position control mechanism for controlling the position (raising and lowering) of a hitch (three-point linkage) during attaching (hitching) of an implement to the hitch from a rear-end of a vehicle.

BACKGROUND
[002] Generally, agricultural vehicles such as tractors and other similar vehicles comprises a position control lever which is used controlling the position (raising and lowering) of an implement (agricultural implement/ earth working machines) through a three-point hitch (three-point linkage) of the vehicle. The three-point hitch is used for attaching implements or auxiliary devices such as rotavator, ploughs, mowing deck, etc. to the vehicle for field operations. The position control lever is positioned to the right side of an operator driving the vehicle. Attaching the implement to the three-point hitch from the rear side of the vehicle is very difficult for the operator as since the process of attaching the implement to the three-point hitch requires two persons, one person being the operator operates the position control lever and another person attaches the implement to the three-point hitch at the same time. The operator and another person need to communicate properly to attach the implement to the three-point hitch. The process of attaching the implement to the three-point hitch is tedious due to miss communication between operator and another person which in turn causes fatigue to the operator and the person. Sometimes there is delay in attaching the implement to the three-point hitch due to unavailability of the extra manpower which in turn affects the productivity.
[003] Therefore, there exists a need for an auxiliary position control mechanism (external position control lever mechanism) for controlling the position (raising and lowering) of a hitch (three-point hitch/ three-point linkage) during attaching (hitching) of an implement (agricultural implement or earth working machines) to the hitch from a rear-end of the vehicle. Further, there exists a need for an auxiliary position control mechanism (external position control lever mechanism) for a hitch of a vehicle, which obviates the aforementioned drawbacks.

OBJECTS

[004] The principal object of an embodiment of this invention is to provide an auxiliary position control mechanism (also called as external position control lever mechanism) for controlling the position (raising and lowering) of a hitch (three-point hitch/ three-point linkage) during attaching (hitching/ coupling) of an implement (agriculture implement or earth working machines) to the hitch from a rear-end of a vehicle.
[005] Another object of an embodiment of this invention is to provide an auxiliary position control mechanism for a hitch (implement hitch/ three-point hitch) in a vehicle, which comprises an adjustable auxiliary position control lever assembly having adjustable (variable) length.
[006] Yet, another object of an embodiment of this invention is to provide an auxiliary position control mechanism for an implement hitch in a vehicle, which reduces the fatigue level of the operator and improves productivity in agricultural fields by reducing hitching and de-hitching time.
[007] A further object of an embodiment of this invention is to provide an auxiliary position control mechanism for a hitch of a vehicle, which enables the operator to operate an auxiliary position control lever from a rear-end of the vehicle to control the position (raising and lowering) of the hitch (three-point hitch/ three-point linkage) for attaching (coupling) an implement (agricultural implement/ earth working machines) to the hitch thereby eliminating the need of extra manpower (person) during attaching of the implement to the hitch.
[008] These and other objects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the 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 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
[009] The embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, throughout which like reference letters indicate corresponding parts in the various figures. The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following description with reference to the drawings, in which:
[0010] Fig. 1 depicts a perspective view of an auxiliary position control mechanism (external position control lever mechanism) for controlling the position of a hitch (three-point hitch/ three-point linkage) in a vehicle, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0011] Fig. 2 depicts another perspective view of the auxiliary position control mechanism, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0012] Fig. 3 depicts a side view of the auxiliary position control mechanism, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0013] Fig. 4 depicts a perspective view of a portion of the auxiliary position control mechanism, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0014] Fig. 5 depicts a perspective view of another portion of the auxiliary position control mechanism, where an auxiliary position control lever assembly is in an initial position (original position/ non-extended position), according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein; and
[0015] Fig. 6 depicts a perspective view of another portion of the auxiliary position control mechanism, where an auxiliary position control lever assembly is in an extended position, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] 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 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 examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
[0017] The embodiments herein achieve an auxiliary position control mechanism (external position control lever mechanism) for controlling the position (raising and lowering) of a hitch (three-point hitch/ three-point linkage) during attaching (hitching and de-hitching) an implement (agricultural implement or earth working machines) to the hitch from a rear-end of the vehicle. Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to Figs. 1 through 6, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown embodiments.
[0018] Fig. 1 depicts a perspective view of an auxiliary position control mechanism 100 (external position control lever mechanism) for controlling the position (raising and lowering) of a hitch (three-point hitch/ three-point linkage) in a vehicle, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the vehicle (not shown) comprises an electro-hydraulic position and draft control system 10, an auxiliary position control mechanism 100, a hitch (not shown, also called as three-point hitch/ three-point linkage), a plurality of vehicular structures (considered to be fender F, only one of which is shown in fig. 5 and fig. 6) and may include other standard components/ mechanisms as present in a standard vehicle. The electro-hydraulic position and draft control system 10 comprises a main position control lever 10P, a main draft control lever 10D, a quadrant plate 10Q, an intermediate shaft 10IS, a position control lever linkage 10PL, a draft control lever linkage 10DL, a main position control shaft 10PS, a main draft control shaft 10DS, a hitch actuator (hydraulic cylinder), a controller unit (electronic control unit), a position control sensor (not shown), a draft control sensor (not shown), a hitch control valve (not shown) and may include other standard components/mechanism as present in a standard electro-hydraulic position and draft control system. In an embodiment, the auxiliary position control mechanism 100 (also called as external position control lever mechanism 100) comprises an auxiliary position control lever assembly 102 (also called as external position control lever assembly 102), a first pivotable member 104 (also called as auxiliary position control lever pivotable member), a mounting member 106, a bush 107 (pivotable bush 107, as shown in fig. 4), at least one linkage 108 (also called as auxiliary position control linkage), a second pivotable member 110 (main position control lever pivotable member) and a locking assembly 112. For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the auxiliary position control mechanism 100 (external position control lever mechanism 100) is explained herein below with reference to be provided in the electro-hydraulic position and draft control system 10 for controlling the position (raising and lowering) of the hitch (three-point hitch/ three-point linkage) during attaching (hitching) of the implement (agricultural implement/ earth working machine) to the hitch from the rear-end of an agricultural vehicle such as tractor and the like. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to implement/practice the auxiliary position control mechanism 100 in a mechanical position control system (mechanical position and draft control system), an electro-mechanical position and draft control system, an electro-pneumatic position and draft control system or any other type of implement control system, for controlling the position (raising and lowering) of the hitch (three-point hitch/ three-point linkage) during attaching (hitching) of the implement (agricultural implement/ earth working machine) to the hitch from the rear-end of an off-road vehicle and/or any other type of vehicle without otherwise deterring the intended function of the auxiliary position control mechanism 100 (external position control lever mechanism) as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings.
[0019] The auxiliary position control lever assembly 102 (external position control lever assembly 102) is pivotably connected to the vehicular structure F (where the vehicular structure F is considered to be right side fender F of the vehicle, as shown in fig. 5 and fig. 6) through the first pivotable member 104 about an auxiliary position control lever pivot axis Ax (as shown in fig. 1 and fig. 2). In one embodiment, the auxiliary position control lever assembly 102 is an adjustable auxiliary position control lever assembly 102 which comprises an auxiliary position control lever 102L (external position control lever 102), a lever support member 102S, a first locking element 102B and a second locking element 102N. The auxiliary position control lever 102L of the auxiliary position control lever assembly 102 is used for controlling the position (raising and lowering) of the hitch during attaching of the implement to the hitch by the operator from the rear-end of the vehicle. The auxiliary position control lever 102L is a tubular auxiliary position control lever 102L. The auxiliary position control lever 102L is movably supported in the lever support member 102S of the auxiliary position control lever assembly 102. The lever support member 102S of the auxiliary position control lever assembly 102 is used for supporting the auxiliary position control lever 102L of the auxiliary position control lever assembly 102. The lever support member 102S of the auxiliary position control lever assembly 102 includes a first portion 102Sf (as shown in fig. 4) and a second portion 102Ss (as shown in fig. 4). The first portion 102Sf of the lever support member 102S is connected to an arm 104a of the first pivotable member 104 thereby connecting the auxiliary position control lever assembly 102 to the first pivotable member 104. The second portion 102Ss of the lever support member 102S is transversely extending from the first portion 102Sf is a rearward direction. The second portion 102Ss of the lever support member 102S is used for movably supporting the auxiliary position control lever 102L. The second portion 102Ss of the lever support member 102S defines an elongated slot 102Si (as shown in fig. 4) adapted to lockably engage the threaded portion of the bolt of the first locking element 102B. The first locking element 102B (locking bolt handle) is movable between at least one of an unlocked position in which the first locking element 102B is not engaged (no contact) with the lever support member 102S thereby unlocking the first locking element 102B and the auxiliary position control lever 102L with the lever support member 102S of the auxiliary position control lever assembly 102 to move (slide) the auxiliary position control lever 102L to at least one of a plurality of positions thereby adjusting the position (length) of the auxiliary position control lever assembly 102, and a locked position in which the first locking element 102B is lockably engaged with the lever support member 102S thereby locking the first locking element 102B and the auxiliary position control lever 102L to the lever support member 102S of the auxiliary position control lever assembly 102 so as to lock (maintain) the position of the auxiliary position control lever assembly 102 at the adjusted position (adjusted length). The first locking element 102B is movably (adjustably) connected to the second locking element 102N. The first locking element 102B is a locking bolt handle 102B (also called as locking bolt knob, as shown in fig. 1 to fig. 4). The second locking element 102N is connected to the auxiliary position control lever 102L at a predetermined position. The second locking element 102N is a threaded locking nut (as shown in fig. 1 to fig. 4).
[0020] In another embodiment, the auxiliary position control lever assembly (102) could comprise an auxiliary position control lever (102L) which is directly and pivotably connected to the vehicular structure F through the first pivotable member 104 about the auxiliary position control lever pivot axis Ax, wherein the length of the auxiliary position control lever (102L) is not adjustable. In another embodiment, the auxiliary position control lever assembly (102) could be a telescopic auxiliary position control lever assembly. In another embodiment, the auxiliary position control lever assembly (102) could comprise a rotatable member, a first adjustable member and a second adjustable member. In another embodiment, the auxiliary position control lever assembly (102) could comprise a rotatable and adjustable member, and a threaded member.
[0021] The first pivotable member 104 is an auxiliary position control lever pivotable member 104. In an embodiment, the first pivotable member 104 is pivotably connected (pivotably mounted) to the vehicular structure F (right side fender F) through the mounting member 106. The first pivotable member 104 having a first portion 104p (as shown in fig. 4), a second portion 104m (transverse portion 104m, as shown in fig. 4) and at least one arm 104a (as shown in fig. 4). The portion 104p of the first pivotable element 104 defines an arcuate slot 104s (arcuate opening, as shown in fig. 3 and fig. 4) adapted to facilitate movable engagement of corresponding portion 108f of the linkage 108 to the first pivotable element 104 on angular movement of the auxiliary position control lever assembly 102 in at least one of the first predefined direction (clockwise direction) and the second predefined direction (anti-clockwise direction) about the auxiliary position control lever pivot axis Ax. The second portion 104m (transverse portion 104m) of the first pivotable member 104 is transversely extending on both sides of the first portion 104p of the first pivotable member 104 in an outward direction. The second portion 104m of the first pivotable member 104 is used to pivotably mount the first pivotable member 104 onto the mounting member 106 thereby pivotably connecting the auxiliary position control lever assembly 102 to the vehicular structure F about the auxiliary position control lever pivot axis Ax. The second portion 104m (transverse portion 104m) of the first pivotable member 104 defines a pivotable bush receiving portion (not shown, considered to be through opening or hole) adapted to receive the pivotable bush 107 therein to pivotably connect (pivotably mount) the first pivotable member 104 and auxiliary position control lever assembly 102 onto the mounting member 106 which is connected to the vehicular structure F. The arm 104a of the first pivotable member 104 is outwardly extending from the first portion 104f of the first pivotable member 104 adjacent to corresponding portion 102Sf of the lever support member 102S of the auxiliary position control lever assembly 102. The arm 104a of the first pivotable member 104 is connected to the first portion 102Sf of the lever support member 102S of the auxiliary position control lever assembly 102 thereby pivotably connecting the auxiliary position control lever assembly 102 to the vehicular structure F about the auxiliary position control lever pivot axis Ax.
[0022] In another embodiment, the first pivotable member (104) could define a body (not shown), a first arm (not shown) and a second arm (not shown). The body of the first pivotable member (104) could be pivotably connected (pivotably mounted) to the mounting member (106) through the pivotable bush 107 thereby pivotably connecting the auxiliary position control lever assembly 102 to the vehicular structure F about the auxiliary position control lever pivot axis Ax. The first arm (not shown) of the first pivotable member (104) is used for connecting the auxiliary position control lever assembly 102 to the first pivotable member (104). The second arm (not shown) of the first pivotable member (104) is used for connecting the first pivotable member (104) to the linkage (108) thereby connecting the auxiliary position control lever assembly 102 to the second pivotable member 110.
[0023] The mounting member 106 is mounted (fixedly or removably connected) to the vehicular structure F at a predetermined position. The mounting member 106 is used for pivotably mounting (pivotably connecting) the first pivotable member 104 to the vehicular structure F about the auxiliary position control lever pivot axis Ax thereby pivotably connecting the auxiliary position control lever assembly 102 to the vehicular structure F about the about the auxiliary position control lever pivot axis Ax. The pivotable bush 107 is used for pivotably mounting the first pivotable member 104 to the mounting member 106 thereby pivotably mounting the first pivotable member 104 and the auxiliary position control lever assembly 102 to the vehicular structure F about the auxiliary position control lever pivot axis Ax.
[0024] The linkage 108 is used for connecting the first pivotable member 104 and the auxiliary position control lever assembly 102 to the main position control shaft 10PS (as shown in fig. 2) through the second pivotable member 110. The linkage 108 having a first portion 108f, a second portion 108s and an intermediate portion 108i. The first portion 108f of the linkage 108 is movably connected to the arcuate slot 104s of the first portion 104f of the first pivotable member 104 to facilitate movable engagement of first portion 108f of the linkage 108 to the first pivotable element 104 on angular movement of the auxiliary position control lever assembly 102 in at least one of the first predefined direction (clockwise direction) and the second predefined direction (anti-clockwise direction) about the auxiliary position control lever pivot axis Ax. The intermediate portion 108i of the linkage 108 is between the first portion 108f and the second portion 108s. The second portion 108s of the linkage 108 is opposite to the first portion 108f of the linkage 108. The second portion 108s of the linkage 108 is connected to the corresponding arm 110s (second arm 110s) of the second pivotable member 110 (main position control lever pivotable member 110, as shown in fig. 3) to connect the first pivotable member 104 (auxiliary position control lever pivotable member 104) and the auxiliary position control lever assembly 102 to the main position control shaft 10PS (as shown in fig. 2) thereby pivotably connecting the auxiliary position control lever assembly 102 to the main position control shaft 10PS about the main position control pivot axis Px (as shown in fig. 1 and fig. 2).
[0025] The second pivotable member 110 is a main position control lever pivotable member 110. The second pivotable member 110 is pivotably connected to the main position control shaft 10PS about the main position control pivot axis Px. The second pivotable member 110 (main position control lever pivotable member 110) is used for connecting the first pivotable member 104 and the auxiliary position control lever assembly 102 to the main position control shaft 10PS through the linkage 108 (auxiliary position control linkage). The second pivotable member 110 is used for connecting the main position control lever 10P to the main position control pivot shaft 10PS through the intermediate shaft 10IS and the position control lever linkage 10PL (as shown in fig2). The second pivotable member 110 having a body (not shown), a first arm 110f and a second arm 110s. The body of the second pivotable member 110 is connected to the main position control shaft 10PS. The first arm 110f of the second pivotable member 110 is connected to corresponding portion of the position control lever linkage 10PL thereby connecting the main position control lever 10P to the main position control shaft 10PS. The second arm 110s of the second pivotable member 110 is used for connecting the auxiliary position control lever assembly 102 to the main position control shaft 10PS through the first pivotable member 104 and the linkage 108.
[0026] The locking assembly 112 is used for restricting/locking the movement of the auxiliary position control mechanism 100 when the main position control lever 10P of the electro-hydraulic position and draft control system 10 is being operated by the operator (person driving the vehicle) from the seat of the vehicle. The locking assembly 112 comprises a first locking element 112B (considered to be locking bolt handle, as shown in fig. 1, fig. 2), a second locking element 112N (threaded locking nut 112N, as shown in fig. 1) and a washer 112W. The first locking element 112B is at least a locking bolt handle 112B. The first locking element 112B is movably connected (adjustably connected) to the second locking element 112N. The first locking element 112B of the locking assembly 112 is movable between at least one of an unlocked position in which the first locking element 112B of the locking assembly 112 is unlocked with the first pivotable member 104 to enable the operation of the auxiliary position control mechanism 100 during attaching of the implement to the hitch by the operator from the rear-end of the vehicle, and a locked position in which the first locking element 112B of the locking assembly 112 is locked to the first pivotable member 104 to restrict (lock) the movement of the auxiliary position control lever assembly 102 of the auxiliary position control mechanism 100 when the main position control lever 10P of the electro-hydraulic position and draft control system 10 is being operated by the operator (person driving the vehicle) from the seat of the vehicle. The second locking element 112N of the locking assembly 112 is at least a threaded locking nut 112N.
[0027] The main position control lever 10P of the electro-hydraulic position and draft control system 10 is pivotably connected to the intermediate shaft 10IS (as shown in fig. 2) about the intermediate shaft pivot axis Ix to pivotably connect the main position control lever 10P to the main position control shaft 10PS through the position control lever linkage 10PL and the second pivotable member 110 (main position control lever pivotable member 110) about the main position control lever pivot axis Px. The main position control lever 10P is engaged by the operator from the seating position to control the position of the hitch thereby controlling the position of the implement. The main draft control lever 10D of the electro-hydraulic position and draft control system 10 is pivotably connected to the intermediate shaft 10IS (as shown in fig. 2) about the intermediate shaft pivot axis Ix to pivotably connect the main draft control lever 10D to the main draft control shaft 10DS through the draft control lever linkage 10DL and the draft control lever pivotable member 10DP about the main draft control lever pivot axis. The main draft control lever 10D is engaged by the operator from the seating position to control the draft of the hitch thereby controlling the draft of the implement.
[0028] The position control lever is rotatably and operably connected to the main position control shaft 10PS. The position control sensor is used to detect (sense) the position (angular movement) of the main position control lever 10P of the electro-hydraulic position and draft control system 10 on angular movement of the main position control lever 10P, and also detects the position (angular movement) of the auxiliary position control lever assembly 102 of the auxiliary position control mechanism 100 on angular movement of the auxiliary position control lever assembly 102. The position control sensor is provided in communication with the controller unit to provide the information about at least one of the position of the auxiliary position control lever assembly 102 of the auxiliary position control mechanism 100, and the position of the main position control lever 10P of the electro-hydraulic position and draft control system 10. The controller unit actuates the hitch actuator (hydraulic actuator) on receiving signal from the position control sensor to control regulate the flow of fluid to/from the hitch actuator (hydraulic actuator) to lift and lower the hitch to control the position the hitch and the implement connected to the hitch accordingly.
[0029] The working of the auxiliary position control mechanism 100 (external position control lever mechanism 100) for controlling the position (raising and lowering) of the hitch (three-point hitch/ three-point linkage) during attaching of the implement to the hitch from the rear-end of the vehicle is as follows. When, there is a requirement to attach (couple) the implement to the hitch, the operator engages a range lever to shift the range lever to a neutral range position and maintains the engine of the vehicle in an idling condition. Thereafter, the operator (person driving the vehicle) moves from the seat of the vehicle to the rear-end of the vehicle. Now, the operator engages the auxiliary position control lever 102L of the auxiliary position control lever assembly 102 to angularly move the auxiliary position control lever assembly 102 in at least one of the first predefined direction (clockwise direction) and the second predefined direction (anticlockwise direction) about the auxiliary position control lever pivot axis Ax to enable the angular movement of the first pivotable member 104 in at least one the first predefined direction and the second predefined direction about the auxiliary position control lever pivot axis Ax to at least one of push and pull said linkage 108 to angulary move the second pivotable member 110 in at least one of a first predefined direction and a second predefined direction about the main position control pivot axis Px thereby enabling rotational movement of the main position control shaft 10PS in at least one of the first predefined direction and a second predefined direction about the main position control pivot axis Px respectively, and the main position control shaft 10PS rotates (turns) to actuate (operate) the position control sensor (not shown) which detects the position of the auxiliary position control lever assembly 102 and accordingly the position control lever provides an output signal (information) to the controller unit (not shown) to actuate (activate or control) the hitch control valve (not shown) which regulates (controls) the flow of fluid (hydraulic oil) to/from the hitch actuator (hydraulic cylinder, not shown) which controls the position (raising and lowering) of the hitch (three-point hitch/ three point linkage) during attaching (hitching) of the implement to the hitch by the operator from the rear-end of the vehicle.
[0030] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such 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 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 modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein. ,CLAIMS:STATEMENT OF CLAIMS
We claim,
1. An auxiliary position control mechanism 100 for controlling the position of a hitch in a vehicle, said mechanism 100 comprising:
an auxiliary position control lever assembly 102 adapted to be pivotably connected to a vehicular structure F through a first pivotable member 104 about an auxiliary position control lever pivot axis Ax;
at least one linkage 108 having a first portion 108f adapted to be movably connected to said first pivotable member 104 and a second portion 108s adapted to be connected to a second pivotable member 110 adapted to be pivotably connected to a main position control shaft 10PS about a main position control pivot axis Px,
wherein
the angular movement of said auxiliary position control lever assembly 102 in at least one of a first predefined direction and a second predefined direction about the auxiliary position control lever pivot axis Ax enables the angular movement of said first pivotable member 104 in at least one the first predefined direction and the second predefined direction about the auxiliary position control lever pivot axis Ax to at least one of push and pull said linkage 108 to angulary move said second pivotable member 110 in at least one of a first predefined direction and a second predefined direction about the main position control pivot axis Px thereby enabling rotational movement of the main position control shaft 10PS in at least one of the first predefined direction and a second predefined direction about the main position control pivot axis Px respectively to actuate a position control sensor, and said position control sensor detects the position of said auxiliary position control lever assembly 102 on rotational movement of the main position control shaft 10PS and accordingly said position control sensor provides an output signal to a controller unit which actuates a hitch control valve to control a hitch actuator which controls the position of the hitch on engagement of said auxiliary position control lever assembly 102.
2. The mechanism 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein said auxiliary position control lever assembly 102 is an adjustable auxiliary position control lever assembly comprising,
a lever support member 102S adapted to be pivotably connected to said first pivotable member 104 which is pivotably connected to the vehicular structure F (fender) through a mounting member 108 about the auxiliary position control lever pivot axis Ax; and
an auxiliary position control lever 102L adapted to be adjustably connected to said lever support member 102S thereby pivotably connecting said auxiliary position control lever 102L to the vehicular structure F through said first pivotable member 104 about the auxiliary position control lever pivot axis Ax,
wherein
said auxiliary position control lever assembly 102 could be configured to be adjustable to an extended position; and
said auxiliary position control lever 102L is engaged by the operator from a rear-end of the vehicle to move said auxiliary position control lever 102L in at least one of the first predefined direction and the second predefined direction about the auxiliary position control lever pivot axis Ax to control the position (raising and lowering) of the hitch during attaching of the implement to the hitch from the rear-end of the vehicle.
3. The mechanism 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein said auxiliary position control lever assembly 102 further comprising,
a first locking element 102B; and
a second locking element 102N adapted to be connected to said auxiliary position control lever 102L at a predetermined position,
wherein
said first locking element 102B is connected to second locking element 102N and movable between at least one of an unlocked position in which the first locking element 102B is not engaged (no contact) with the lever support member 102S thereby unlocking the first locking element 102B and the auxiliary position control lever 102L with the lever support member 102S of the auxiliary position control lever assembly 102 to move (slide) the auxiliary position control lever 102L to at least one of a plurality of positions thereby adjusting the position (length) of the auxiliary position control lever assembly 102, and a locked position in which the first locking element 102B is lockably engaged with the lever support member 102S thereby locking the first locking element 102B and the auxiliary position control lever 102L to the lever support member 102S of the auxiliary position control lever assembly 102 so as to lock (maintain) the position of the auxiliary position control lever assembly 102 at the adjusted position (adjusted length),
wherein said first locking element 102B is at least a locking bolt handle,
wherein said second locking element 102N is a threaded locking nut.
4. The mechanism 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein said auxiliary position control lever assembly (102) could comprise,
an auxiliary position control lever (102L) adapted to be directly connected to said first pivotable member 104 thereby pivotably connecting said auxiliary position control lever (102L) of said auxiliary position control lever assembly (102) to the vehicular structure F about the auxiliary position control lever pivot axis Ax.
5. The mechanism 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the position control sensor detects the position (angular movement) of the auxiliary position control lever 102L on rotatable engagement of the main position control shaft 10PS with the position control sensor and accordingly provides an output signal to the controller unit, and the controller unit actuates the hitch actuator (hydraulic cylinder) on receiving signal from the position control sensor to regulate the flow of fluid to/from the hitch actuator (hydraulic cylinder) to lift and lower the hitch to control the position (raising and lowering) of the hitch accordingly.
6. The mechanism 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first pivotable member 104 having a first portion 104p, a second portion 104m and at least one arm 104a,
wherein
the portion 104p of the first pivotable element 104 defines an arcuate slot 104s adapted to facilitate movable engagement of corresponding portion 108f of the linkage 108 to the first pivotable element 104 on angular movement of the auxiliary position control lever assembly 102 in at least one of the first predefined direction (clockwise direction) and the second predefined direction (anti-clockwise direction) about the auxiliary position control lever pivot axis Ax,
wherein the arm 104a of the first pivotable member 104 is outwardly extending from the first portion 104f of the first pivotable member 104 adjacent to corresponding portion 102Sf of the lever support member 102S of the auxiliary position control lever assembly 102, wherein The arm 104a of the first pivotable member 104 is connected to the first portion 102Sf of the lever support member 102S of the auxiliary position control lever assembly 102 thereby pivotably connecting the auxiliary position control lever assembly 102 to the vehicular structure F about the auxiliary position control lever pivot axis Ax,
wherein
said second pivotable member 110 is a main position control lever pivotable member 110, wherein said second pivotable member 110 is pivotably connected to the main position control shaft 10PS about the main position control pivot axis Px, where the second pivotable member 110 (main position control lever pivotable member 110) is used for connecting the first pivotable member 104 and the auxiliary position control lever assembly 102 to the main position control shaft 10PS through the linkage 108 (auxiliary position control linkage).
7. The mechanism 100 as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a locking assembly 112 adapted for restricting/locking the movement of the auxiliary position control mechanism 100 when the main position control lever 10P of the electro-hydraulic position and draft control system 10 is being operated by the operator (person driving the vehicle) from the seat of the vehicle,
wherein
said locking assembly 112 comprises a first locking element 112B (considered to be locking bolt handle); a second locking element 112N (threaded locking nut 112N) and a washer 112W,
wherein said
first locking element 112B is movably connected (adjustably connected) to the second locking element 112N, where said first locking element 112B of said locking assembly 112 is movable between at least one of an unlocked position in which the first locking element 112B of the locking assembly 112 is unlocked with the first pivotable member 104 to enable the operation of the auxiliary position control mechanism 100 during attaching of the implement to the hitch by the operator from the rear-end of the vehicle, and a locked position in which the first locking element 112B of the locking assembly 112 is locked to the first pivotable member 104 to restrict (lock) the movement of the auxiliary position control lever assembly 102 of the auxiliary position control mechanism 100 when the main position control lever 10P of the electro-hydraulic position and draft control system 10 is being operated by the operator (person driving the vehicle) from the seat of the vehicle.