A flow control valve assembly for agricultural vehicles

Abstract

The present invention discloses a flow control valve assembly (1000) designed for integration into a hydraulic system of agricultural vehicles, used in cultivation activities. The invention further relates to a cylinder (100) with an increased diameter and a unique placement of a discharge valve assembly (130) within the control valve (120), secured by a mechanical fixture (150). This configuration significantly enhances the sensing capabilities of the hydraulic system, specifically in applications such as leveling, seed-drilling, cultivating, and other equipment used for agricultural tasks.

Description

[0001] A FLOW CONTROL VALVE ASSEMBLY FOR AGRICULTURAL VEHICLES

[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 202411041834 filed on 29 May 2024, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0006] Technical field of the invention

[0007] The present invention relates generally to the field of agricultural machinery, specifically to the hydraulic systems utilized in agricultural vehicles. More particularly, the invention focuses on the utilization of a cylinder and control valve inside a flow valve assembly. Further, the invention focuses on modified dimension of the cylinder and improved mechanism of the control valve to enhance the operational efficiency and performance of agricultural vehicles.

[0008] Background of the invention

[0009] Agricultural tractors play a pivotal role in modern farming operations, facilitating various tasks such as levelling, seed drilling, cultivation, potato planter, ploughing, and other agricultural activities. Hydraulic systems like flow valve are integral components of any agricultural vehicle, providing the necessary power to execute essential functions. The efficient functioning of these hydraulic systems is crucial for optimizing agricultural vehicle performance and productivity.

[0010] Conventionally, agricultural vehicles have employed hydraulic cylinders and discharge valve assembly incorporated inside control valves to actuate various implements which together make the flow valve arrangement, such as lifting and lowering attachments, controlling hydraulic motors, and facilitating other essential functions. The size and specifications of the hydraulic components significantly impact the agricultural vehicle performance and field usability.

[0011] In conventional hydraulic systems used in agricultural vehicles, limitations have been identified regarding the cylinder diameter and the discharge valve assembly performance incorporated inside control valve. The size of the hydraulic cylinder affects the force and speed at which the agricultural implements can function. Agricultural tasks often demand increased force, necessitating the use of cylinders with larger diameters to meet the requirements of heavy-duty operations.

[0012] For example, in the prior art WO2022062277A1, discharge solenoid valve being in contact with oil filling solenoid valve can lead to slow response of lowering an implement of the agricultural vehicle, which thereby can cause some land portion being left uncultivated during turning the agricultural vehicle in field operation.

[0013] Thus, to address the existing gap in the prior arts and ensure optimal performance and productivity in a variety of field applications, the present invention discloses a flow valve arrangement with increased cylinder diameter and improved discharge valve assembly placement and configuration.

[0014] Object of the invention

[0015] The principal object of the invention is to provide an improved hydraulic integrated with increased lifting capacity and distributor.

[0016] Further objective of the invention is to provide a flow valve arrangement with superior functionalities.

[0017] One more objective of the invention is to provide a cylinder of higher diameter and a discharge valve assembly assembled with control spool with the help of screw.

[0018] Yet another objective of the invention is to provide an improved control valve to be used for superior functionalities in field application. Summary of the invention

[0019] One aspect of the present invention provides a flow control valve assembly for agricultural vehicles. The flow control valve assembly comprises a control valve, a cylinder operatively connected to the control valve, and a discharge valve assembly placed within the control valve. The discharge valve assembly is configured to be connected to the control valve with the help of a mechanical fixture.

[0020] Yet another aspect of the present invention relates to a hydraulic system for agricultural vehicles. The hydraulic system for agricultural vehicles comprises a flow control valve assembly, a hydraulic pump supplying a hydraulic fluid to the flow control valve assembly, and an actuator operatively connected to the control valve. The actuator is configured to operate a plurality of parts of agricultural vehicle based on the regulated flow of the hydraulic fluid.

[0021] 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.

[0022] Brief description of the drawings

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] Figure 1 depicts a flow control valve assembly in accordance to one or more embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 2 depicts a discharge valve assembly in accordance to one or more embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 3 depicts a cylinder in accordance to one or more embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] 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.

[0029] Detailed description of the invention

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] The term ^thread' indicates ribs to ensure tight and lock-in fit.

[0035] The term “ mechanical fixture" indicates any kind of fixtures used to hold a workpiece in place while machining it.

[0036] The term “ hitch regulation" indicated that it provides for raising and lowering of the implement relative to the ground, such that the implement may be held in a raised position during transportation, and in a lowered position to engage with and act upon the soil.

[0037] The present invention overcomes the drawbacks of the existing state of the art technologies by providing a flow control valve assembly (1000) for an agricultural vehicle. The flow control valve assembly (1000) is designed for integration into a hydraulic system of agricultural vehicles, used in cultivation activities. The invention further relates to a cylinder (100) with an increased diameter and a unique placement of a discharge valve assembly (130) within the control valve (120), secured by a mechanical fixture (150). This configuration significantly enhances the sensing capabilities of the hydraulic system, specifically in applications such as leveling, seed-drilling, cultivating, and other equipment used for agricultural tasks.

[0038] Figure 1 depicts a flow control valve assembly in accordance to one or more embodiment of the present invention. The flow control valve assembly (1000) in an agricultural vehicle comprises a control valve (120), a cylinder (100) operatively connected to the control valve (120), and a discharge valve assembly (130) placed within the control valve (120). To prevent uncultivated land disturbance during the movement of the agricultural vehicle, the discharge valve assembly (130) is configured to be connected to the control valve (120) with the help of a mechanical fixture (150). The discharge valve assembly (130) is integrally connected to the control valve (120) through a threaded engagement using the mechanical fixture (150). In the present embodiment, the mechanical fixture (150) is a screw. The flow control valve assembly (1000) equipped with the larger cylinder (100) and a distributor features a specialized flow valve arrangement (1000). This innovative design allows for improved hydraulic integration, resulting in increased lifting capacity and superior functionality during agricultural operations.

[0039] Figure 2 depicts a discharge valve assembly in accordance to one or more embodiment of the present invention. The discharge valve assembly (130), integrated into the flow valve assembly (1000) of the agricultural vehicle, functions as a critical component for efficient hydraulic control. The discharge valve assembly (130) consists of a spool (160) connected to a screw mechanism. During operation, the spool (160), strategically positioned within the discharge valve assembly (130) regulates the flow of hydraulic oil within the cylinder (100). When a quick release of oil is required, such as during turns in field operations, the screw mechanism is engaged and a spring (170) exerts force on a piston (140), pushing it against the spool (160). The screw, acting in conjunction with the spool (160), facilitates the rapid opening of the discharge valve assembly (130), enabling swift oil release from the cylinder (100) with piston (110). This mechanism allows for precise control over the hydraulic fluid, preventing uncultivated land disturbance and optimizing the agricultural vehicle’s maneuverability. In the present embodiment, the piston (110) has a diameter of 95 mm.

[0040] Top and bottom view of a cylinder (100a, 100b), as depicted in Figure 3 of the present embodiment, has a diameter ranging from a minimum of 92 mm to a maximum of 95 mm as compared to any conventional cylinder whose diameter ranges up-to a maximum of 90 mm. This increased diameter of the cylinder (100) results in higher lift capacity, hitch in turn leads to better performance in field application of the agricultural vehicle - resulting in improved fuel economy. This innovative design allows for improved hydraulic integration, resulting in increased lifting capacity and superior functionality during agricultural operations.

[0041] Further, the flow control valve assembly (1000) incorporates a built-in mechanism utilizing springs (170) and various components to enable a rapid transfer of oil within the control valve (120). This ensures quick response times and efficient hydraulic operations, contributing to enhanced field performance. The flow control valve assembly (1000) is designed to enhance hitch regulation and provide increased flow gain. This results in a quick response to the raising and lowering of the hydraulic system, improving overall efficiency and performance in agricultural applications.

[0042] The present invention further also discloses a hydraulic system for agricultural vehicles. The hydraulic system comprises a flow control valve assembly (1000) as depicted in Figure 1, a hydraulic pump supplying a hydraulic fluid to the flow control valve assembly (1000), and an actuator operatively connected to the control valve (120). The actuator is configured to operate a plurality of parts of agricultural vehicle based on the regulated flow of the hydraulic fluid. The hydraulic fluid is directed through the flow control valve assembly (1000). In the present invention, the agricultural vehicle is a tractor. In any other embodiment, the agricultural vehicle is any other multi-wheeled vehicle.

[0043] The present invention provides several advantages such as:

[0044] (i) The flow control valve with the cylinder of higher diameter and positioning of the discharge valve assembly inside control valve results in higher lift capacity with better performance in field application;

[0045] (ii) The flow control valve results in time saving - thus, less time in field application;

[0046] (iii) The flow control valve of the present invention has quick response time and superior efficiency in field application;

[0047] (iv) It also results in self-control mechanism - thus eliminating the need of any skilled labour;

[0048] (v) The flow control valve assembly further also results in superior hitch regulation and flow gain;

[0049] (vi) It is cost effective - better performance in field application results in improved fuel economy.

[0050] Industrial applicability:

[0051] The present invention finds its applicability in various segments of industry, which includes, but is not limited to:

[0052] The present flow control valve assembly can be used as a part of agricultural vehicle for superior functionalities in field applications along with a resultant fuel efficiency;

[0053] The present invention with its ability of quick release of oil from cylinder and preventing uncultivated land during turning the tractor in field operation, finds great utility in agricultural vehicle working in the field.

[0054] 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.

[0055] List of Reference Numerals:

[0056] Title: A flow control valve assembly for agricultural vehicles

[0057] 100, 100a, 100b: Cylinder

[0058] 110, 140: Piston

[0059] 120 Control Valve

[0060] 130 Discharge Valve Assembly

[0061] 150 Mechanical Fixture

[0062] 160 Spool

[0063] 170 Spring

[0064] 1000 Flow Control Valve Assembly

Claims

AMENDED CLAIMS received by the International Bureau on 28 September 2025 (28.09.2025)Claims:

1. A flow control valve assembly (1000) for agricultural vehicles, comprising: a control valve (120), a cylinder (100) operatively connected to the control valve (120) and comprising a piston (110) for implement actuation, and a discharge valve assembly (130) placed within the control valve (120), wherein the discharge valve assembly (130) is configured to be connected to the control valve (120) with the help of a mechanical fixture (150), the discharge valve assembly (130) comprising: a spool (160) positioned to regulate hydraulic oil flow within the cylinder (100); a screw mechanism operatively connected to the spool (160); and a spring (170) is configured to exert a force on a piston (140) to actuate the spool (160) during discharge events, wherein the screw mechanism in conjunction with the spool (160) is configured to facilitate rapid opening of the discharge valve assembly (130) to allow quick release of hydraulic oil from the cylinder (100) with piston (110), thereby enhancing implement control, preventing uncultivated land disturbance and optimising maneuverability of the agricultural vehicle during field operations.

2. The flow control valve assembly (1000) for agricultural vehicles as claimed in Claim 1, wherein, the diameter of the cylinder (100) ranges from a minimum of 92 mm to a maximum of 95 mm.

3. The flow control valve assembly (1000) for agricultural vehicles as claimed in Claim 1, wherein, the discharge valve assembly (130) is integrally connected to the control valve (120) through a threaded engagement using the mechanical fixture (150).

4. The flow control valve assembly (1000) for agricultural vehicles as claimed in Claim 3, wherein, the mechanical fixture (150) is a screw.

5. A hydraulic system for agricultural vehicles, comprising: a flow control valve assembly (1000) as claimed in Claim 1, a hydraulic pump supplying a hydraulic fluid to the flow control valve assembly (1000), and an actuator operatively connected to the control valve (120), wherein the actuator is configured to operate a plurality of parts of agricultural vehicle based on the regulated flow of the hydraulic fluid.The hydraulic system for agricultural vehicles as claimed in Claim 5, wherein the hydraulic fluid is directed through the flow control valve assembly (1000).

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