A top-link bracket for an agricultural vehicle

Abstract

The present invention discloses a top-link bracket (100A / 100B) for an agricultural vehicle. The top-link bracket (100A / 100B) is connected with the top link at a back side of the agricultural vehicle. The agricultural vehicle in the present invention is a tractor. The top-link bracket (100A / 100B) is such that it comprises at least four holes (10). The presence of four holes (10) improves draft force range, results in optimum lowering time, and also at the same time improve performance in field.

Description

[0001] A TOP-LINK BRACKET FOR AN AGRICULTURAL VEHICLE

[0002] Inventor:

[0003] Enrico Maria Cornia

[0004] Cross-Reference to Related Applications Section

[0005] This application claims a priority to the Indian Patent application serial number 202411033251 filed on 26 April 2024, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0006] Technical field of the invention

[0007] The present invention generally relates to a top-link bracket. Particularly, the invention relates to a top-link bracket for an agricultural vehicle. More particularly, the top link bracket of the present invention comprises of four holes.

[0008] Background of the invention

[0009] In the realm of agricultural machinery, the top link bracket serves as a pivotal component in connecting implements to agricultural vehicles, ensuring efficient operation during various farming activities. Traditional top link brackets, typically equipped with three holes, have been extensively used in agricultural vehicles for their role in adjusting the height, angle, and positioning of attached implements.

[0010] However, the limitations posed by these conventional brackets have been recognized, which include, but is not limited to: stability concerns, low draft force range, increased lowering time, limited adjustment precision - to name a few.

[0011] For example, in the prior art US 2022 / 0151131A1 the hitch assembly comprises of top link bracket with three points (or holes). The three-point top link bracket pertains to its limited adjustability and the resultant challenges in achieving precise implement positioning. As a result, the efficiency and performance of the equipment is compromised. Thus, to address the existing gap in the prior arts and ensure high range of draft force and usage with hydraulic rockshaft sensing mechanism, the present invention discloses a top-link bracket with four holes sensing mechanism.

[0012] Object of the invention

[0013] The principal object of the invention is to provide a top-link bracket with four holes sensing mechanism.

[0014] Further objective of the invention is to provide a top-link bracket which has high range of draft force.

[0015] One more objective of the invention is to provide a top-link bracket that results in improved performance in the seed drill.

[0016] Yet another objective of the invention is to provide a top-link bracket that can be used for hydraulic rockshaft sensing mechanism.

[0017] Summary of the invention

[0018] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a top-link bracket for an agricultural vehicle. The top link bracket comprises: a plurality of holes, position for at least one spring, and a connecting portion with a top link. Further, the top link bracket is such that it comprises at least four holes and is connected with the top link at a back side of the agricultural vehicle.

[0019] These together with other objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention. Brief description of the drawings

[0020] The foregoing and other features of embodiments will become more apparent from the following detailed description of embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals refer to like elements.

[0021] In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the invention. It is apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details or with an equivalent arrangement. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the embodiments of the invention.

[0022] Figure 1A depicts a front view of a top link bracket in accordance to one or more embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure IB depicts a back view of a top link bracket in accordance to one or more embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Skilled artisans appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the invention.

[0025] Detailed description of the invention

[0026] 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 / or 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.

[0027] Reference in this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. The appearance of the phrase “in an embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. Moreover, various features are described which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others. Similarly, various requirements are described which may be requirements for some embodiments but not for other embodiments.

[0028] Moreover, although the following description contains many specifics for the purposes of illustration, anyone skilled in the art will appreciate that many variations and / or alterations to said details are within the scope of the present disclosure. Similarly, although many of the features of the present disclosure are described in terms of each other, or in conjunction with each other, one skilled in the art will appreciate that many of these features can be provided independently of other features. Accordingly, this description of the present disclosure is set forth without any loss of generality to, and without imposing limitations upon the present disclosure.

[0029] In order to describe and point out the subject matter of the claimed invention, the following definitions are provided for specific terms, which are used in the following written description more clearly and concisely.

[0030] The term thread' indicates ribs to ensure tight and lock-in fit. The term “ mechanical fixlure" indicates any kind of fixtures used to hold a workpiece in place while machining it.

[0031] The term "hitch assembly' indicates an assembly comprising a mounting bracket defining a horizontal through for receiving a bar.

[0032] The present invention overcomes the drawbacks of the existing state of the art technologies by providing a top-link bracket (100A / 100B) for an agricultural vehicle. The top-link bracket (100A / 100B) is connected with the top link at a back side of the agricultural vehicle. The agricultural vehicle in the present invention is a tractor. The top-link bracket (100A / 100B) is such that it comprises four holes (10). The presence of four holes (10) improves draft force range, results in optimum lowering time, and also at the same time improve performance in field.

[0033] Figure 1A and IB depicts a front view and back view respectively of a top link bracket in accordance to one or more embodiment of the present invention. The top-link bracket (100A / 100B) of the present invention is such that it comprises a plurality of holes (10), position for at least one spring (30), and a connecting portion with top-link (not shown in the Figures). The present embodiment is such that the top-link bracket (100A / 100B) comprises of four holes (10) and is connected with the top link at a back side of the agricultural vehicle. The top-link of the present invention is a hydraulic top-link, but in some other embodiment, it can also be a manual top-link. Further, the top-link in one embodiment has adjustable length, but in some other embodiment it can have a fixed length as well. The top link is connected with the top-link bracket (100A / 100B) with a pin. The hydraulic top-link uses the hydraulic system from the agricultural vehicle and helps in easy change of angles. The top-link is disposed centrally between the top-link bracket (100A / 100B) and is connected via mechanical fixtures.

[0034] In the present invention, the agricultural vehicle is a tractor, in any other embodiment, it can be any other kind of agricultural vehicle as well. The top-link bracket (100A / 100B) is welded to or otherwise fixed to the frame element of the tractor at an elevated position on the frame element above and substantially in between the pair of fixed actuator brackets.

[0035] The top-link bracket (100A / 100B) of the present embodiment with the presence of four holes (10) results in improved performance and also improves draft force range. Due to the presence of four holes (10), and the hole position and increased spring diameter, the top link bracket (100A / 100B) transfer implement load very quickly and efficiently. The draft force attained in the present invention ranges from 180 kg to 2250 kg. Extra hole is covering more Load range as compared to existing. It comprises two springs (30) with spring covers (40) which are connected with the help of bolts (50). In any other embodiment, the springs (30) can also be connected with the help of any other mechanical fixtures. Springs are used to maintain the load coming through implement. This in turn leads to optimum lowering time and improved performance in agricultural field. The top link bracket (100A / 100B) sends signal to control valve through linkages mechanism for the sensing of hydraulic rockshaft assembly which thereafter results in working of the agricultural vehicle. The hydraulic rockshaft assembly is responsible for controlling the height and angle of the attached implement. The positioning of the top link within the top-link bracket holes (10) determines the height and angle at which the implement is set. Thereafter, incorporating sensors or position indicators within or around the top link bracket hole (10) allows for precise monitoring of the top link’s position. This sensor feedback provides critical information to the hydraulic system, enabling it to regulate the rockshaft’s position accordingly.

[0036] The tractor hitch assembly includes at least one electrically operated linear actuator capable of exerting bidirectional travel defined by extension and retraction capability along a linear track.

[0037] The present invention provides several advantages such as:

[0038] (i) The top-link bracket results in quick transfer of draft force through built-in mechanism via springs and various components; (ii) It improves draft force range, and hence in turn result in improved performance in field;

[0039] (iii) The top-link bracket results in time saving - thus, less time in field application;

[0040] (iv) It is cost effective - better performance in field application results in improved fuel economy.

[0041] Industrial applicability:

[0042] The present invention finds its applicability in various segments of industry, which includes, but is not limited to:

[0043] The present top link bracket can be used as a part of agricultural vehicle for superior functionalities in field applications.

[0044] The present invention with its ability of quick transfer of draft force through built-in mechanism via springs and various components finds great utility in agricultural equipment working in the field.

[0045] 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. List of Reference Numerals:

[0046] Title: A top-link bracket for an agricultural vehicle

[0047] 10 Holes

[0048] 15 Position for Bush 20 Flange

[0049] 30 Spring

[0050] 40 Spring Cover

[0051] 50 Screw

[0052] 100 A : Front view of Top-Link Bracket 100B Back view of Top-Link Bracket

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A top-link bracket for an agricultural vehicle, comprising: a plurality of holes, position for at least one spring, connecting portion with a top link, wherein, the top-link bracket comprises at least four holes and is connected with the top link at a back side of the agricultural vehicle.

2. The top-link bracket for an agricultural vehicle as claimed in Claim 1, wherein, the top-link bracket comprises two springs.

3. The top-link bracket for an agricultural vehicle as claimed in Claim 1, wherein, the springs are connected with bolts.

4. The top-link bracket for an agricultural vehicle as claimed in Claim 1, wherein, the springs are connected with mechanical fixtures.

5. The top-link bracket for an agricultural vehicle as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the top link is connected with the top-link bracket with a pin.

6. The top-link bracket for an agricultural vehicle as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the agricultural vehicle is a tractor.

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