DESC:The following specification particularly describes and ascertains the nature of this invention and the manner in which it is to be performed:-

TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The embodiments herein generally relate to hitch control systems in vehicles and more particularly, but not exclusively to electro-hydraulic position control and draft control systems in vehicles.

BACKGROUND
[002] Generally, vehicles like tractors or other similar vehicles include a position control lever and a draft control lever for controlling the position and draft of a hitch coupled to the tractors or other similar vehicles.
[003] Conventional mechanical draft control system includes a position control (PC) lever and a draft control (DC) lever operated through mechanical linkages. Hence, there is linkage loses and play in the parts causing delay in sensing. In conventional electro-hydraulic draft control system, the position control and draft controls were operated through the rotational knob. However, the aforementioned draft control system causes discomfort to an operator and also accurate adjustment is difficult due to the provision of small knob.
[004] Therefore, there exists a need for an accurate electro-hydraulic position control and draft control systems for a vehicle. Further, there exists a need for an electro-hydraulic position and draft control system that can eliminate the aforementioned drawbacks.
OBJECTS
[005] The principal object of an embodiment of this invention is to provide an accurate electro-hydraulic position control and draft control system for a vehicle.
[006] The object 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 preferred 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
[007] This invention is 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:
[008] FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of an electro-hydraulic position and draft control system for a vehicle, according to an embodiment of an invention as disclosed herein;
[009] FIG. 2 depicts an another perspective view of the electro-hydraulic position and draft control system for a vehicle, according to an embodiment of an invention as disclosed herein;
[0010] FIG. 3 depicts an another perspective view of the electro-hydraulic position and draft control system for a vehicle, according to an embodiment of an invention as disclosed herein;
[0011] FIG. 4 depicts a cross-sectional view of the electro-hydraulic position and draft control system for the vehicle, according to an embodiment of an invention as disclosed herein; and
[0012] FIG. 5 depicts another cross-sectional view of the electro-hydraulic position and draft control system for the vehicle, according to an embodiment of an invention as disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0013] 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.
[0014] The embodiments herein achieve an accurate electro-hydraulic position control and draft control system for a vehicle. Referring now to the drawings and more particularly to FIGS. 1 through 5, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown embodiments.
[0015] FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of the electro-hydraulic position and draft control system 100 for the vehicle, according to an embodiment of an invention as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the electro-hydraulic position and draft control system 100 includes a first shaft 102 (as shown in fig. 4), a second shaft 104 (as shown in fig. 5), a position control lever 106 (as shown in fig. 2), a draft control lever 108 (as shown in fig. 2), a first sensor 110, a second sensor 112, a plurality of bushes 114 (as shown in fig. 3), a plurality of springs 116 (as shown in fig. 2), a plurality of friction washers 118 (as shown in fig. 4 and fig. 5), a plurality of flat washers 120 (as shown in fig. 4 and fig. 5), a plurality of locking elements 122 (as shown in fig. 3), a position control stopper 124 (as shown in fig. 2), a draft control slider 126 (as shown in fig. 2), a draft control stopper 128 (as shown in fig. 2, a position control knob 130 (as shown in fig. 2), a draft control knob 132 (as shown in fig. 2), a quadrant housing H (as shown in fig. 1), a guiding member G (as shown in fig. 1), a support member S (as shown in fig. 1), an angle setting member A (as shown in fig. 1), a controller unit (not shown) and at least one control valve (not shown).
[0016] The first shaft 102 is mounted to the quadrant housing H through corresponding bush 114 (as shown in fig. 4). In an embodiment, the first shaft 102 includes a first end 102f and a second end 102s (as shown in fig. 4). The first end 102f of the first shaft 102 is used for receiving the position control lever 106 (as shown in fig. 4). The second end 102s of the first shaft 102 is rotatably connected to first sensor 110 (as shown in fig. 4). In an embodiment, the first shaft 102 is configured to turn on engagement of the position control lever 106.
[0017] The second shaft 104 is mounted to the quadrant housing H through the corresponding bush 114 (as shown in fig. 5). In an embodiment, the second shaft 104 includes a first end 104f and a second end 104s (as shown in fig. 5). The first end 104f of the second shaft 104 is used for receiving the draft control lever 108 (as shown in fig. 5). The second end 104s of the second shaft 104 is rotatably connected to second sensor 112 (as shown in fig. 5). In an embodiment, the second shaft 104 is configured to turn on engagement of the draft control lever 108.
[0018] The position control lever 106 is used to control position of an implement (not shown) connected to a hitch (not shown) of the vehicle. The position control lever 106 is connected to the first end 102f of the first shaft 102. In an embodiment, the position control lever 106 includes a top end 106t and a bottom end 106b (as shown in fig. 2). The top end 106t of the position control lever 106 is used to receive the position control knob 130 (as shown in fig. 2). In an embodiment, the bottom end 106b of the position control lever 106 is pivoted to the first end 102f of the first shaft 102 (as shown in fig. 4).
[0019] The draft control lever 108 is used to control draft of the implement (not shown) connected to the hitch (not shown) of the vehicle. The draft control lever 108 is connected to the first end 104f of the second shaft 104. In an embodiment, the draft control lever 108 includes a top end 108t and a bottom end 108b (as shown in fig. 5). The top end 108t of the draft control lever 108 is used to receive the draft control knob 132 (as shown in fig. 1). In an embodiment, the bottom end 108b of the draft control lever 108 is pivoted to the first end 104f of the second shaft 104 (as shown in fig. 5).
[0020] In an embodiment, the first sensor 110 is rotatably connected to the second end 102s of the first shaft 102 (as shown in fig. 4). Further, in an embodiment, the first sensor 110 is used to detect the position or angular movement of the position control lever 106 i.e., the first sensor 110 detects the position of the position control lever 106 and accordingly provides a output signal or information to the controller unit (not shown) due to turning of the first shaft 102 on engagement of the position control lever 106. In an embodiment, the first sensor 110 can be a potentiometer. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to provide any other type of sensors or other detecting means that is used to detect the position or angular movement of the position control lever 106 without otherwise deterring the intended function of the first sensor 110 as can be deduced from the description. The first sensor 110 is connected to the quadrant housing H by using a plurality of fasteners (not shown). However, it is also within the scope of the invention to connect the first sensor110 with the quadrant housing H by riveting or any other means without otherwise deterring the intended function of the first sensor 110 as can be deduced from the description.
[0021] In an embodiment, the second sensor 112 is rotatably connected to the second end 104s of the second shaft 104 (as shown in fig. 5). The second sensor 112 is used to detect the position or angular movement of the draft control lever 108 i.e., the second sensor 112 detects the position of the draft control lever 108 and accordingly provides a output signal or information to the controller unit (not shown) due to turning of second shaft 104 on engagement of the draft control lever 108. In an embodiment, the second sensor 112 can be a potentiometer. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to provide any other type of sensors or other detecting means that is used to detect the position or angular movement of the draft control lever 108 without otherwise deterring the intended function of the second sensor 112 as can be deduced from the description. The second sensor 112 is connected to the quadrant housing H by using a plurality of fasteners (not shown). However, it is also within the scope of the invention to connect the second sensor112 with the quadrant housing H by riveting or any other means without otherwise deterring the intended function of the second sensor 112 as can be deduced from the description.
[0022] Each of the bushes 114 is used to provide bearing surface for the corresponding first shaft 102 (as shown in fig. 4) and the second shaft 104 (as shown in fig. 5). Each of the bushes 114 also supports movable motion of the corresponding first shaft 102 and the second shaft 104. In an embodiment, each of the bushes 114 is used to receive corresponding first shaft 102 and second shaft 104. The plurality of bushes 114 (as shown in fig. 3) are mounted to the quadrant housing H.
[0023] In an embodiment, each of the springs 116 is used to hold the corresponding position control lever 106 (as shown in fig. 4) and the draft control lever 108 (as shown in fig. 5) at selected angle setting that is marked in the angle setting member A (as shown in fig. 2) i.e., each of the springs 116 gives axial pressure on corresponding friction washer 118 for braking force or braking action to hold the corresponding position lever 106 and the draft control lever 108 at selected angle setting respectively that are marked in the angle setting member A. Further in an embodiment, each of the springs 116 is disposed on to the corresponding first shaft 102 (as shown in fig. 4) and the second shaft 104 (as shown in fig. 5) in compressed condition. Furthermore, in an embodiment, one of the spring 116 is located between corresponding flat washer 120 and position control lever 106 (as shown in fig. 4) and the other spring 116 is located between corresponding flat washer 120 and the draft control lever 108 (as shown in fig. 5).
[0024] In an embodiment, each of the friction washers 118 is used to support braking force or braking action of the corresponding springs 116 i.e., each of the friction washers 118 supports braking force or braking action provided by corresponding springs 116 to hold position control lever 106 and the draft control lever 108. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to provide any other type of washers or other mechanical elements that support braking force or braking action of each of the springs 116 without otherwise deterring the intended function of each of the friction washers 118 as can be deduced from the description. Each of the friction washers 118 also prevents contact metal to metal contact between corresponding bush 114 and corresponding flat washer 120. In an embodiment, each of the friction washers 118 is disposed to the corresponding bushes 114 (as shown in fig 4 and fig.5). Further, in an embodiment, each of the friction washers 118 is located or disposed between corresponding bush 114 and corresponding flat washer 120 (as shown in fig.4 and fig. 5).
[0025] In an embodiment, each of the flat washers 120 is used to apply uniform pressure to corresponding friction washer 118 (as shown in fig. 4 and fig. 5) i.e., each of the flat washers 120 is used to apply uniform pressure to corresponding friction washer 118 due to corresponding spring force generated by corresponding springs 116. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to provide any other type of washers or other mechanical elements that apply uniform pressure on corresponding friction washer 118 without otherwise deterring the intended function of each of the flat washers 120 as can be deduced from the description. In an embodiment, each of the flat washers 120 is located or disposed between corresponding friction washer 118 and corresponding spring 116 (as shown in fig. 4 and fig. 5).
[0026] In an embodiment, each of the locking elements 122 is used to lock position control lever 106 and draft control lever 108 on to the first end 102f of first shaft 102 and first end 104f of second shaft 104 respectively (as shown in fig.4 and fig. 5).
[0027] In an embodiment, the position control stopper 124 is used to select the desired position angle setting of the position control lever 106 (as shown in fig.2) i.e., the position control stopper 124 allows the movement of the position control lever 106 up to the selected angle setting that is marked on the angle setting member A. The position control stopper 124 is mounted to the angle setting member A. The position control stopper 124 has sliding contact with the angle setting member A. The position control stopper 124 can be adjusted at desired position angle setting that is marked on the angle setting member A.
[0028] In an embodiment, the draft control slider 126 is used for accurate positioning of the draft control lever 108 during operation (as shown in fig. 2) i.e., the draft control slider 126 includes an opening (not shown) for accurate movement or positioning of the draft control lever 108 during operation. The draft control slider 126 is mounted to the angle setting member A. The draft control slider 126 has sliding contact with the angle setting member A.
[0029] In an embodiment, the draft control stopper 128 is used to select desired draft angle setting of the draft control lever 108 (as shown in fig. 2) i.e., the draft control stopper 128 allows the movement of the draft control lever 108 up to the selected draft angle setting that is marked on the angle setting member A. The draft control stopper 128 is mounted to the angle setting member A. The draft control stopper 128 has sliding contact with the angle setting member A. The draft control stopper 128 can be adjusted at desired draft angle setting that is marked on the angle setting member A.
[0030] In an embodiment, the position control knob 130 is mounted to the top end 106t of the position control lever 106 (as shown in fig.4). The position control knob 130 is used to provide holding support to the operator or driver while operating the position control lever 106.
[0031] In an embodiment, the draft control knob 132 is mounted to the top end 108t of the draft control lever 108. The draft control knob 132 is used to provide holding support to the operator or driver while operating the draft control lever 108.
[0032] In an embodiment, the quadrant housing H is used for mounting the first shaft 102, the second shaft 104, the first sensor 110, the second sensor 112 and each of the bushes 114. The quadrant housing H is substantially a quadrant section of a circle in shape. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to provide a rectangular shape or any other shape or also provide any other element that is irrespective of shape and size to mount the first shaft 102, the second shaft 104, the first sensor 110, the second sensor 112 and each of the bushes 114 without otherwise deterring the intended function of the quadrant housing H as can be deduced from the description. In an embodiment, the quadrant housing H is made from sheet metal. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to provide the quadrant housing H to be made from any other material without otherwise deterring the intended function of the quadrant housing H as can be deduced from the description.
[0033] In an embodiment, the guiding member G is used for guiding the movement of the position control lever 106 and the draft control lever 108 i.e., the guiding member G includes a plurality of openings (not shown) such that each of the opening (not shown) of the guiding member G is used for effective guiding movement of corresponding position control lever 106 and draft control lever 108. In an embodiment, the guiding member G is made from sheet metal. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to provide the guiding member G to be made from any other material without otherwise deterring the intended function of the guiding member G as can be deduced from the description. In an embodiment, the guiding member G is connected to the quadrant housing H by welding. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to provide the guiding member G to be connected to the quadrant housing H by riveting, adhesive bonding or any other means without otherwise deterring the intended function of the guiding member G as can be deduced from the description.
[0034] In an embodiment, the support member S is used to support the quadrant housing H. The support member S is connected to the quadrant housing H by using a plurality of fasteners (not shown). However, it is also within the scope of the invention to provide the support member S to be connected to the quadrant housing H by welding, riveting, adhesive bonding or any other means without otherwise deterring the intended function of the support member S as can be deduced from the description. Further, in an embodiment, the support member S is made from sheet metal. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to provide the support member S to be made from any other material without otherwise deterring the intended function of the support member S as can be deduced from the description.
[0035] In an embodiment, the angle setting member A includes markings for angle setting information for the position control lever 106 and the draft control lever 108. In an embodiment, the angle setting member A is connected to the guiding member G by adhesive bonding. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to provide the angle setting member A to be connected to the guiding member G by any other means without otherwise deterring the intended function of the angle setting member A as can be deduced from the description. Further, in an embodiment, the angle setting member A is made from plastic. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to provide the angle setting member A to be made from any other material without otherwise deterring the intended function of the angle setting member A as can be deduced from the description.
[0036] In an embodiment, the controller unit (not shown) is provided in communication with the first sensor 110, the second sensor 112 and the control valve (not shown). Further, in an embodiment, the controller unit (not shown) is used to control or activate the control valve (not shown) of a hydraulic system (not shown) i.e., the controller unit (not shown) receives information or output signal from first sensor 110 and second sensor 112 on engagement of the position control lever 106 and the draft control lever 108 respectively and controls the control valve (not shown) to regulate a cylinder (not shown) to lift and lower the hitch (not shown) to control the position and draft of the implement (not shown) connected to the hitch (not shown) accordingly.
[0037] In an embodiment, the control valve (not shown) is used to control the flow of the fluid to the cylinder on activation by the controller unit (not shown). The cylinder (not shown) is used for lifting and lowering the hitch (not shown) of the vehicle to control the position and draft of the implement (not shown) connected to the hitch (not shown). In an embodiment, the cylinder (not shown) is a hydraulic cylinder. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to provide a pneumatic cylinder or any other means for lifting and lowering the hitch (not shown) without otherwise deterring the intended function of the cylinder (not shown) as can be deduced from the description.
[0038] The working of the electro-hydraulic position and draft control system 100 is as follows. As and when, the operator or driver pushes or pulls the position control lever 106, the first shaft 102 turns to operate the first sensor 110. Due to turning of the first shaft 102, first sensor 110 sends the output signal or information to the controller unit (not shown) to control or activate the control valve (not shown) to regulate or control the flow of fluid to the cylinder (not shown) to lift or lower the hitch (not shown) to control the position of the implement (not shown) connected to the hitch (not shown) of the vehicle. Now, as and when, the operator or driver pushes or pulls the draft control lever 108, the second shaft 104 turns to operate the second sensor 112. Due to turning of the second shaft 104, second sensor 112 sends the output signal or information to the controller unit (not shown) to control or activate the control valve (not shown) to regulate or control the flow of fluid to cylinder (not shown) to lift or lower the hitch (not shown) to control the draft of the implement (not shown) connected to the hitch (not shown). Therefore, an accurate electro-hydraulic position and draft control system 100 is provided for the vehicle.
[0039] 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 preferred 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:CLAIMS
We claim,
1. A system for controlling the position and draft of an implement connected to a hitch of a vehicle, said system comprising:
a first shaft having a first end and a second end;
a second shaft having a first end and a second end;
a position control lever adapted to control the position of said implement connected to said hitch of said vehicle, said position control lever connected to said first end of said first shaft;
a draft control lever adapted to control the draft of said implement connected to said hitch, said draft control lever connected to said first end of said second shaft;
a first sensor adapted to detect the position of said position control lever;
a second sensor adapted to detect the position of said draft control lever;
a control valve adapted to control the flow of a fluid to a cylinder, said cylinder adapted to lift and lower said hitch;
a controller unit adapted to control said control valve, said controller unit provided in communication with said first sensor, said second sensor and said control valve,
wherein

said second end of said first shaft is rotatably connected to said first sensor and said second end of said second shaft is rotatably connected to said second sensor; and
said controller unit receives information from said first sensor and said second sensor on engagement of said position control lever and said draft control lever respectively and controls said control valve to regulate said cylinder to lift and lower said hitch to control the position and draft of said implement connected to said hitch accordingly.
2. The system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a quadrant housing adapted to mount said first sensor, said second sensor, said first shaft, said second shaft and a plurality of bushes.
3. The system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a support member adapted to support quadrant housing.
4. The system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a guiding member having a plurality of openings adapted to facilitate guiding of said position control lever and said draft control lever.
5. The system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising an angle setting member having markings adapted to provide angle setting information for said position control lever and said draft control lever.
6. The system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a plurality of locking elements adapted to lock said position control lever and said draft control lever on to said first end of said first shaft and said second end of said second shaft respectively.
7. The system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a plurality of springs adapted to hold said position control lever and said draft control lever at selected angle setting.
8. The system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a plurality of friction washers adapted to support braking force of corresponding springs.
9. The system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a plurality of flat washers adapted to apply uniform pressure on to corresponding friction washers.
10. The system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a draft control slider adapted to accurately position said draft control lever.
11. The system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a draft control stopper adapted to select desired draft angle setting for said draft control lever.
12. The system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a position control stopper adapted to select desired position angle setting for said position control lever.

Dated this 29th of March, 2016
Signature:
Name of the Signatory: Dr. Kalyan Chakravarthy