Hitch assembly control system

摘要

A hitch assembly control system including an actuator which positions the hitch assembly in response to control signals provided to an electrically driven actuator. The control system further includes an electronic controller operated under the influence of a program for deriving the control signals for the actuator from a series of inputs which monitor and measure various performance criteria. The program functions to operate the hitch assembly in a plurality of different operating states. In a DRAFT state, the hitch assembly position is controlled under the influence of at least four independently set variables. The control system of the present invention is capable of calibrating the hitch assembly configuration as well, as the limits of hitch assembly operation. Moreover, the control system of the present invention is capable of detecting, categorizing and recording failures which occur in the various states of hitch assembly operation. The control system of the present invention furthermore is capable of maintaining a substantially constant rate of elevational movement of the hitch assembly regardless of the weight of the ground engaging assembly attached to the hitch assembly.