Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The embodiments herein generally relate to position control systems for agricultural implements and more, particularly to an auxiliary position control system for the agricultural implement coupled to an agricultural vehicle such as tractor, which enables quicker full raising, partial raising and full lowering of the agricultural implement without changing the depth uniformity.

BACKGROUND
[002] Generally, agricultural vehicles such as tractors comprises main control levers such as a main position control lever which is used for raising and lowering of an agricultural implement through a three-point hitch of the vehicle. Further, in addition to the main position control lever, an electronic quick lift mechanism is provided in the vehicle for ease in quickly fully lifting and lowering the agricultural implements. During field operation operator sets the agricultural implement depth using main control levers. But after completing operation in one line (field), operator must turn the tractor to start the same operation in next line. For that operator must lift the agricultural implement and set back to old position. Frequent lifting and lowering using main position control levers can cause variations in the depth uniformity. To avoid frequent use of main control levers and to reduce depth variation, the electronic quick lift mechanism is used. Usually, in electronic quick lift mechanism we can set only two positions which are fully lift and fully lower position of the agricultural implement. When the operator presses the electronic quick lift switch, the agricultural implement moves to fully lift position, fully lower position and vice versa. But there are certain applications that demands partial lifting of the agricultural implement. The operator cannot use the electronic quick lift mechanism for partially lifting agricultural implement since the electronic quick lift mechanism allows full lifting of the agricultural implement. If the operator uses the electronic quick lift mechanism, then there are chances of damage to power take off (PTO) shaft due to full lifting of the agricultural implement while working with power take off (PTO) driven agricultural implements. Therefore, the operator has to operate the main position control lever to partially lift the agricultural implement. Operating the main position control lever for partially lifting the agricultural implement may in turn lead to variations in the depth uniformity.
[003] Therefore, there exists a need for an auxiliary position control system for an agricultural implement coupled to an agricultural vehicle, which obviates the aforementioned drawbacks.

OBJECTS
[004] The principal object of embodiments herein is to provide an auxiliary position control system for an agricultural implement coupled to an agricultural vehicle, which enables quicker full raising, partial raising and full lowering of the agricultural implement without changing the depth uniformity.
[005] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide the auxiliary position control system for the agricultural implement, which assists the operator in maintaining uniform depth in all agricultural operations.
[006] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide the auxiliary position control system for the agricultural implement, which reduces the fatigue level of the operator and improves productivity in agricultural fields.
[007] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide the auxiliary position control system for the agricultural implement, which assists the operator to partially raise the power take off (PTO) driven agricultural implements and lower the agricultural implement without changing the depth uniformity.
[008] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide the auxiliary position control system for the agricultural implement, which can be operated independent of the main position control system for the agricultural implement, thereby not interfering with the operation of the main position control system.
[009] 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 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
[0010] The embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, 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:
[0011] Fig. 1 depicts a perspective view of an auxiliary position control system for an agricultural implement coupled to an agricultural vehicle, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0012] Fig. 2 depicts a cross-sectional view of the auxiliary position control system, according to embodiments as disclosed herein; and
[0013] Fig. 3 illustrates a position feedback member at an implement partially raised position, according to embodiments as disclosed herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] 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.
[0015] The embodiments herein achieve an auxiliary position control system for an agricultural implement coupled to an agricultural vehicle, which enables quicker full raising, partial raising and full lowering of the agricultural implement without changing the depth uniformity. Referring now to the drawings Figs. 1 through 3, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown embodiments.
[0016] Fig. 1 depicts a perspective view of an auxiliary position control system (100) for an agricultural implement coupled to an agricultural vehicle, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the auxiliary position control system (100) includes a control switch (102), an actuator (104), an actuating linkage assembly (106), an intermediate feedback link (108), a position feedback linkage (110), a position feedback member (112), a position feedback stopper assembly (114), a spring retainer (116), a spring (118), at least one locknut (120) and a valve spool actuating shaft (122). For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the auxiliary position control system (100) is explained herein with below reference to controlling the position (full raising, partially raising and full lowering) of the agricultural vehicle in a short period of time without changing the depth uniformity. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to use/practice the auxiliary position control system (100) in any other agricultural machines or any other off-road vehicles or any other vehicles, where quicker full raising, partial raising and full lowering of the agricultural implement is required without changing the depth uniformity, without otherwise deterring the intended function of the auxiliary position control system (100) as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings.
[0017] The control switch (102) is adapted to operate the actuator (104) when the operator operates the control switch (102). In an embodiment, the control switch (102) is a spring loaded button or knob. The actuator (104) is in communication with the control switch (102). In an embodiment, the actuator (104) is a DC motor.
[0018] Fig. 2 depicts a cross-sectional view of the auxiliary position control system (100), according to embodiments as disclosed herein. The actuating linkage assembly (106) is adapted to pull or push the position feedback linkage (110) upon operating the actuator (104). The actuating linkage assembly (106) includes an actuating linkage (106R), a housing (106H), a top end cover (106Y), a bottom end cover (106Z), a spring retainer (106R) and a spring (106S). The actuating linkage (106R) is adapted to be connected to the actuator (104). One end of the actuating linkage (106R) is connected to one of a rotatable movable member or a linear movable member of the actuator (104) and another end of the actuating linkage (106R) is connected to the intermediate feedback link (108). The housing (106H) is adapted to receive a portion of the actuating linkage (106R). The top end cover (106Y) is adapted to be connected at a top end of the housing (106H). The bottom end cover (106Z) is adapted to be connected at a bottom end of the housing (106H). The spring retainer (106R) is adapted to be mounted on the actuating linkage (106R) and is positioned inside the housing (106H). One end of the spring (106S) is engaged with the top end cover (106Y) and another end of the spring (106S) is engaged with the spring retainer (106R). The spring (106S) is adapted to dampen a shock load received by the position feedback member (112) or the position feedback linkage (110). For example, the spring (106S) is adapted to dampen/absorb back load transferred by the position feedback member (112) or the position feedback linkage (110) thereby restricting back load transfer to the actuator (104).
[0019] The intermediate feedback link (108) is adapted to be mounted on one end of a valve spool actuating shaft (120). The position feedback linkage (110) is adapted to be coupled to the actuating linkage (106R) through the intermediate feedback link (108). One end of the position feedback linkage (110) is connected to the intermediate feedback link (108) and another end of the position feedback linkage (110) is adapted to mount the position feedback member (112), the spring retainer (114) and the locknut (118). The intermediate feedback link (108) is adapted to move the position feedback linkage (110), and a hitch control valve spool (not shown) through the valve spool actuating shaft (122) and linkages at the same time, upon operation of the actuator (104).
[0020] The position feedback member (112) is adapted to be adjustably mounted nearby one end of the position feedback linkage (110). The position feedback member (112) is adapted to be adjustably moved on the position feedback linkage (110) to one of an implement fully raised position and at least one implement partially raised position. The position feedback member (112) in the implement fully raised position is positioned at or nearby the spring retainer (116). The position feedback member (112) in the implement partially raised position is positioned away from the spring retainer (116).
[0021] The position feedback stopper assembly (114) includes a base member (114B), a stopper (114S) and a connecting member (114C). The base member (114B) adapted to be connected to a rock shaft ((RS), (as shown in fig. 2)). The stopper (114S) is connected to the position feedback linkage (110). The connecting member (114C) is adapted to connect the stopper (114S) with the base member (114B). The connecting member (114C) is adapted to guide the stopper (114S) on the position feedback linkage (110) while rotating upon operation of the actuator (104).
[0022] The spring retainer (116) is adapted to be mounted on the one end of the position feedback member (112) in vicinity of the position feedback member (112). The spring retainer (116) is adapted to retain the spring (118) against the position feedback member (112). The spring retainer (116) is considered to be a washer. One end of the spring (118) is engaged with the spring retainer (116) and another end of the spring (118) is engaged with the position feedback member (112). The locknut (120) is adapted to connected at the one end of the position feedback linkage (110) to secure the spring retainer (116) against the position control member (112) through the spring (118). The locknut (120) is adapted to lock lift arm (LA) maximum raised position thereby restricting movement of lift arms ((LA), as shown in fig. 2)) beyond a predefined position, where the predefined position is the implement fully raised position. The valve spool actuating shaft (122) is adapted to be connected to the intermediate feedback link (108). The valve spool actuating shaft (122) is adapted to be coupled to the hitch control valve spool (not shown) through linkages. The valve spool actuating shaft (122) is adapted to move the hitch control valve spool (not shown) to one of implement fully raised position, implement partially raised position and implement lowered position thereby one of fully lifting, partially lifting and lowering of the agricultural implement is achieved. The initial position of valve spool actuating shaft (122) is controlled by the actuator (104) and the actuating linkage assembly (106), and later the position of the valve spool actuating shaft (122) is adjusted by position feedback linkage (110).
[0023] The position feedback member (112) is adapted to engage with the stopper (114S) thereby restricting a movement of the position feedback linkage (110) beyond predefined position(s) upon operating the actuator (104) through the control switch (102), and accordingly the intermediate feedback link (108) is adapted to operate a hitch control valve spool (not shown) through the valve spool actuating shaft (122) and linkage(s) to at least one of partially raise and fully raise the agricultural implement when said position feedback member (112) is in one of the implement partially raised position and the implement fully raised position respectively.
[0024] The actuator (104) is adapted to move the position feedback linkage (110) through the actuating linkage (106R) and the intermediate feedback link (108) upon operating the actuator (104) and accordingly the intermediate feedback link (108) is adapted to operate the hitch control valve spool through valve spool actuating shaft (122) and the linkage to fully lower the agricultural implement.
[0025] In an alternate embodiment, a telescopic tube assembly can be used with locknut (120) for achieving implement fully raised position and at least one implement partially raised position.
[0026] The technical advantage of the auxiliary position control system (100) is as follows. The auxiliary position control system assists the operator to partially raise the power take off (PTO) driven agricultural implements and lower the agricultural implement without changing the depth uniformity. The auxiliary position control system can be operated independent of the main position control system for the agricultural implement, thereby not interfering with the operation of the main position control system. The auxiliary position control system assists the operator in maintaining uniform depth in all agricultural operations.
[0027] 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 modifications within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
, Claims:1. An auxiliary position control system (100) for an agricultural implement coupled to an agricultural vehicle, said system (100) comprising:
a control switch (102);
an actuator (104) in communication with said control switch (102);
an actuating linkage assembly (106), said actuating linkage assembly (106) includes an actuating linkage (106R) adapted to be connected to said actuator (104);
a position feedback linkage (110) adapted to be coupled to said actuating linkage (106R) through an intermediate feedback link (108); and
a position feedback member (112) adapted to be adjustably mounted nearby one end of said position feedback linkage (110).

2. The auxiliary position control system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said system (100) includes,
a spring retainer (116) adapted to be mounted on the one end of said position feedback member (112) in vicinity of said position feedback member (112);
a spring (118), wherein one end of said spring (118) is engaged with said spring retainer (116) and another end of said spring (118) is engaged with said position feedback member (112); and
at least one locknut (120) adapted to connected at the one end of said position feedback linkage (110) to secure said spring retainer (116) against said position control member (112) through said spring (118).

3. The auxiliary position control system (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said position feedback member (112) is adapted to be adjustably moved on said position feedback linkage (110) to one of an implement fully raised position and at least one implement partially raised position,
wherein
said position feedback member (112) in said implement fully raised position is positioned at or nearby said spring retainer (116); and
said position feedback member (112) in said implement partially raised position is positioned away from said spring retainer (116).

4. The auxiliary position control system (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein said auxiliary position control system (100) includes a position feedback stopper assembly (114), said position feedback stopper assembly (114) includes,
a base member (114B) adapted to be connected to a rock shaft (RS);
a stopper (114S) is connected to said position feedback linkage (110); and
a connecting member (114C) adapted to connect said stopper (114S) with said base member (114B).

5. The auxiliary position control system (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein one end of said actuating linkage (106R) is connected to one of a rotatable movable member or a linear movable member of said actuator (104) and another end of said actuating linkage (106R) is connected to said intermediate feedback link (108);
one end of said position feedback linkage (110) is connected to said intermediate feedback link (108) and another end of said position feedback linkage (110) is adapted to mount said position feedback member (112), said spring retainer (114) and said locknut (120), thereon; and
said intermediate feedback link (108) is adapted to be mounted on one end of a valve spool actuating shaft (122).

6. The auxiliary position control system (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein said position feedback member (112) is adapted to engage with said stopper (114S) thereby restricting a movement of said position feedback linkage (110) beyond predefined position(s) upon operating said actuator (104) through said control switch (102), and accordingly said intermediate feedback link (108) is adapted to operate a hitch control valve spool through said valve spool actuating shaft (122) and linkage(s) to at least one of partially raise and fully raise the agricultural implement when said position feedback member (112) is in one of the implement partially raised position and the implement fully raised position respectively.

7. The auxiliary position control system (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein said actuator (104) is adapted to move said position feedback linkage (110) through said actuating linkage (106R) and said intermediate feedback link (108) upon operating said actuator (104) and accordingly said intermediate feedback link (108) is adapted to operate the hitch control valve spool through the linkage to fully lower the agricultural implement.

8. The auxiliary position control system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said actuating linkage assembly (106) includes,
a housing (106H) adapted to receive a portion of said actuating linkage (106R);
a top end cover (106Y) adapted to be connected at a top end of said of said housing (106H);
a bottom end cover (106Z) adapted to be connected at a bottom end of said housing (106H);
a spring retainer (106R) adapted to be mounted on said actuating linkage (106R) and is positioned inside said housing (106H); and
a spring (106S), wherein one end of said spring (106S) is engaged with said top end cover (106Y) and another end of said spring (106S) is engaged with said spring retainer (106R),
wherein
said spring (106S) is adapted to dampen a shock load received by said position feedback member (112) or said position feedback linkage (110).