Description:FORM 2
The Patent Act 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
The Patent Rules, 2005

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See Section 10 and Rule 13)

TITLE OF THE INVENTION
“Electrically Actuating Parking Brake for Light Commercial Vehicle”

VE Commercial Vehicle Ltd.
of VE Commercial Vehicles Ltd, 102, Industrial Area
No. 1 Pithampur-454775, Dist. Dhar, Madhya Pradesh, India

The following specification particularly describes and ascertains the nature of this invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.
Field of Invention
[001] The invention relates to braking system provided in commercial vehicles. It more particularly relates to electrically actuated mechanical braking system that do not require a parking brake lever to provide the required tensioning force in the parking brake cable of the light commercial vehicle to apply the parking brake.
Background of the Invention
[002] The conventional parking brake mechanism provided in light commercial vehicles of Indian market use parking brake levers to allow the drivers to provide the required actuation force for applying and holding the light commercial vehicle in a parked condition regardless of the gradient at which the light commercial vehicle has been parked. The action of applying the parking brake by pulling the lever is typically accompanied by putting the vehicle in the appropriate gear so that, if the parking brake lever’s application is not sufficient because of insufficient actuation force being supplied by the parking brake lever, the vehicle still remains still because it is extremely hard to initiate rotations in the IC engine.
[003] Ordinarily this sequence of actions predictably keeps the vehicle safe and therefore existing inefficiencies in the parking brake system of light commercial vehicles have not been upgraded to better but costlier electrical parking brake systems. The existing advanced electric parking brake systems utilise a complicated gear mechanism to multiply torque form an electric motor to create a rather bulky system that not only is hard to adapt for use in commercial vehicles but is also hard to manufacture and service considering the complexity of its construction and working. The insufficient availability of skilled workforce means that even the most simple electrical parking brake mechanisms already in existence can’t just be provided in the commercial vehicles as they would increase the cost of the vehicle, and its maintenance and hence price sensitive population of our country may not accept it when cheaper, simpler, lighter and predictably effective alternatives are already in existence to perform the required function. The parking brake levers also occupy space in the driver’s cabin that prevents the seats from being used for sleeping, thereby necessitating provision of separate seats for the same. This increases the need for space in the cabin which in turn reduces the space available for transporting goods. Given there are multiple competing requirements that can better utilise this space, provision of parking brake lever just because it is cost effective is not just a problem from the perspective of driver comfort, but also a critical design consideration affecting the vehicle’s overall transportation capacity.
[004] This problem becomes even more critical as we realise that switch-over to electric mode of propulsion is already underway and that IC engines and their transmissions might eventually end up getting removed from most of the vehicles. The cost of electric vehicles already being high, the battery space requirements being significant in itself, the need for cheap, easy to manufacture and maintain, and yet effective electric parking brake mechanisms is likely to be become stronger in the time to come. Therefore, it is an objective of the present invention to provide an electrically actuating parking brake a that is predictably extremely effective.
[005] It is another objective of the present invention to provide an electrically actuating parking brake that has a simple construction and therefore is easy to manufacture, and provide in a light commercial vehicle.
[006] It is still another objective of the present invention to provide an electrically actuating parking brake that by virtue of its simple construction is easy to maintain during the vehicle’s operational life.
[007] It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide an electrically actuating parking brake that allows the seats to be used as sleeping spaces thereby allowing utilisation of space saved for provision of more important features in the light commercial vehicle.
Summary of the Invention
[008] An embodiment of the invention achieving the stated objectives, that is the electrically actuating parking brake for light commercial vehicle, comprises of.
an on/off switch, an ECU (Electronic Control Unit), a battery, an EPB mechanism, a pulling mechanism, and rear parking brakes LH and RH. In the electrically actuating parking brake for light commercial vehicle, the on/off switch is electrically connected with the ECU through electrical linkage provided for the same. The ECU is electrically connected with the EPB mechanism and the battery through an electrical linkage provided for the same. The battery is also electrically connected with the EPB mechanism through an electrical linkage provided for the same. The EPB mechanism is mechanically linked with the pulling mechanism through a cable provided for the same; and the pulling mechanism is mechanically linked to the rear parkin brakes LH and RH by cables provided for the same.
Brief Description of Drawings
[009] The present invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings that contain references numerals for indicating its various parts. The description of the present invention would therefore be better understood with reference to accompanying diagrams, wherein
[0010] Figure 1 discloses the system block diagram of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0011] Figure 2 discloses an assembly view of the actuation system as provided in the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0012] Figure 3 discloses the exploded view of the actuation system as provided in the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0013] Figure 4 discloses the front view of the actuation system as provided in the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0014] Figure 5 discloses the top view of the actuation system as provided in the preferred embodiments of the present invention.
[0015] Figure 6 discloses the isometric view of the actuation system as provided in the preferred embodiments of the present invention.
Detailed Description of the Invention
[0016] Referring to the set of figures 1, the electrically actuating parking brake for light commercial vehicle (100), comprises of, an on/off switch (30), an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) (35), a battery (40), an EPB mechanism (50), a pulling mechanism (55), and rear parking brakes LH and RH (60).
[0017] In the electrically actuating parking brake for light commercial vehicle (100) (refer to Fig. 1), the on/off switch (30) is electrically connected with the ECU (35) through electrical linkage provided for the same. The ECU (35) is electrically connected with the EPB mechanism (50) and the battery (40) through an electrical linkage provided for the same. The battery (40) is also electrically connected with the EPB mechanism (50) through an electrical linkage provided for the same. The EPB mechanism (50) is mechanically linked with the pulling mechanism (55) through a cable provided for the same. The pulling mechanism (55) is mechanically linked to the rear parkin brakes LH and RH (60) by cables provided for the same.
[0018] The EPB mechanism (50) (refer to Figs. 1, 2 and 3) includes a motor (1), a motor mounting bracket (2), a torque multiplier mounting bracket (3), a torque multiplier bracket (4) and multiple conventional fastening means (5, 6, 7 and 8). The pulling mechanism (55) (refer to Fig. 1 and 2) includes a U-shaped linking means (10), a cable (10C) connecting the U-shaped linking means with a L-shaped holder (11) for a pulley (12), cables with sheaths (14 and 15) received on the pulled (12) and secured by their sheaths on a sidewall reinforced L-shaped chassis mounted bracket (13).
[0019] The motor (1) is orthogonally received (motor output shaft is perpendicular the output shaft (1MT) of the lower body) in a lower body (1LB) (refer to Figs 3, 4 and 5). The lower body (1LB) receiving the motor (1) output shaft output and changing its direction though a gearing mechanism included within itself. The motor (1) being secured on a front portion of the lower body (1LB) by conventional fastening means, the motor (1) being linked with the ECU (35) and the battery (40) through wire harness (1WC). The lower body (1LBP) having three receiving cylindrical portions on its outer wall aligned with the three hollow projections (2SH) provided on the motor mounting bracket (2) and the openings provided on torque multiplier mounting bracket (3) to allow said components to be fastened with each other using conventional fastening means (6). The toque multiplier bracket (4) being received on the torque multiplier mounting bracket (3) through a pin (7). The torque multiplier mounting bracket (3) being configured to have a central opening to allow the output gear (1MT) of the lower body (1LB) to be received within it. The toque multiplier bracket (4) being configured to have gear teeth (4T) on its arc shaped front portion to allow it to mesh with the output gear (1MT) of the lower body (1LB).
[0020] The U-shaped linking means (10) of the pulling mechanism (55) is configured to be received within an opening (4H) provided in a lower portion of the torque multiplier bracket (4) on the arc shaped portion of said torque multiplier bracket (4) provided with the teeth (4T). The U-shaped linking means (10) of the pulling mechanism (55) additionally receiving one end of a pulling cable (10C) though its base, the other end of the pulling cable (10C) being configured to be received on the lower arm of the L-shaped holder (11).
[0021] The pulley (12) held on a pin provided on the longer arm of the L-shaped holder (11), with the pulley (12) being free to rotate on the pin provided on the L-shaped holder (11). The ends of the cables with sheath (14 and 15) are linked and accommodated on the pulley (12) to allow said L-shaped holder (11) to cause them to be pulley when an input is received from the torque multiplier bracket (4). The sheath of the cables (14 and 15) being configured to be held on mounting points provided on the longer lower surface of the sidewall reinforced L-shaped chassis mounting bracket (13). The cables (14 and 15) are configured to be linked with the rear parking brakes LH and RH (60).
[0022] The electrically actuating parking brake for light commercial vehicle (100) utilises thin light weight yet strong heat treated parts to reduce its overall weight. The sturdy construction resulting from the strategically positioned fastening means and pins allows its components to perform its function without experiencing excessive stress and strain. The overall mechanism so disclosed is capable of lasting the entire service life of the vehicle and is also easy to manufacture and maintain given the low number of parts and simplicity of construction of the entire electrically actuated parking brake system. Given the provision of torque multiplier bracket (4) and the gear (1MT) on the output shaft of the lower body (1LB) have an observable very high gear ratio, the torque multiplication received is comparable to any other mechanism available in the market but is definitely more economical than any comparable system utilisable in light commercial vehicles.
[0023] When the driver or the vehicle operator wishes to operate the electrically actuating parking brake for light commercial vehicle (100), the on/off switch (30) needs to be pressed to instruct the ECU (35) to cause the operation of the motor (1) of the EPB mechanism (50). The operation of the motor (1) causes the output gear (1MT) of the lower body (1LB) to rotate and cause the meshing teeth (4T) of the torque multiplier bracket (4) to either cause clockwise or anticlockwise rotation depending upon the input received from the ECU (35). When the torque multiplier bracket (4) moves anticlockwise along its axis formed by the pin (7), the U-shaped linking means (10) applies a pulling force on the cable (10C). This pulling force is transferred to the pulley (12) via the L-shaped holder (11). The pulley (12) being free to rotate allows the received cables (14 and 15) to be pulley in a balanced manner thereby proportionately distributing the braking force to the rear parking brakes LH and RH (60). The sidewall reinforced L-shaped chassis mounting bracket (13) supporting the cables (14 and 15) experiences very limited stresses when the cables (14 and 15) are being pulled as it is only receiving, holding and supporting the ends of the sheaths of the cables (14 and 15).
[0024] During deactivation when the on/off switch (30) is switched ‘off’, the process of actuation is reversed as the torque multiplier bracket (4) rotates in the clockwise direction on the axis formed by the pin (7), thereby releasing the strain in the cable (10C). This, given the disclosed construction of the invention, causes the rear parking brakes LH and RH (60) to be released.
[0025] Technical advantages offered by the invention i.e., the electrically actuating parking brake for light commercial vehicle (100) are-
- It is predictably extremely effective.
- It is easy to manufacture and provide in a light commercial vehicle.
- It is by virtue of its simple construction is easy to maintain during the vehicle’s operational life.
- It enables the seats to be used as sleeping spaces thereby allowing utilisation of space saved for provision of more important features in the light commercial vehicle.
[0026] The disclosed invention i.e. the electrically actuating parking brake for light commercial vehicle (100) achieves all the set-out objectives.
[0027] 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 present invention has been herein described in terms of its preferred embodiment, those skilled in the art will recognize that the preferred embodiment herein disclosed, can be practiced with modifications within the scope of the invention herein described.
, Claims:We Claim,
1. An electrically actuating parking brake for light commercial vehicle (100) comprising,
• an on/off switch (30),
• an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) (35),
• a battery (40),
• an EPB mechanism (50),
• a pulling mechanism (55),
• rear parking brakes LH and RH (60),
wherein,
- the on/off switch (30) is electrically connected with the ECU (Electronic Control Unit) (35) through electrical linkage provided for the same;
- the ECU (35) is electrically connected with the EPB mechanism (50) and the battery (40) through an electrical linkage provided for the same;
- the battery (40) is also electrically connected with the EPB mechanism (50) through an electrical linkage provided for the same;
- the EPB mechanism (50) is mechanically linked with the pulling mechanism (55) through a cable provided for the same; and
- the pulling mechanism (55) is mechanically linked to the rear parkin brakes LH and RH (60) by cables provided for the same.
2. The electrically actuating parking brake for light commercial vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein,
- the EPB mechanism (50) includes a motor (1), a motor mounting bracket (2), a torque multiplier mounting bracket (3), a torque multiplier bracket (4) and multiple conventional fastening means (5, 6, 7 and 8); and
- the pulling mechanism (55) includes a U-shaped linking means (10), a cable (10C) connecting the U-shaped linking means with a L-shaped holder (11) for a pulley (12), cables with sheaths (14 and 15) received on the pulled (12) and secured by their sheaths on a sidewall reinforced L-shaped chassis mounted bracket (13).
3. The electrically actuating parking brake for light commercial vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein
- the motor (1) is orthogonally received in a lower body (1LB), the lower body (1LB) receiving the motor (1) output shaft output and changing its direction though a gearing mechanism included within itself;
- the motor (1) being secured on a front portion of the lower body (1LB) by conventional fastening means, the motor (1) being linked with the ECU (35) and the battery (40) through wire harness (1WC);
- the lower body (1LBP) having three receiving cylindrical portions on its outer wall aligned with the three hollow projections (2SH) provided on the motor mounting bracket (2) and the openings provided on torque multiplier mounting bracket (3) to allow said components to be fastened with each other using conventional fastening means (6);
- the toque multiplier bracket (4) being received on the torque multiplier mounting bracket (3) through a pin (7); and
- the torque multiplier mounting bracket (3) being configured to have a central opening to allow the output gear (1MT) of the lower body (1LB) to be received within it, the toque multiplier bracket (4) being configured to have gear teeth (4T) on its arc shaped front portion to allow it to mesh with the output gear (1MT) of the lower body (1LB).
4. The electrically actuating parking brake for light commercial vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein,
- the U-shaped linking means (10) of the pulling mechanism (55) is configured to be received within an opening (4H) provided in a lower portion of the torque multiplier bracket (4) on the arc shaped portion of said torque multiplier bracket (4) provided with the teeth (4T);
- the U-shaped linking means (10) of the pulling mechanism (55) additionally receiving one end of a pulling cable (10C) though its base, the other end of the pulling cable (10C) being configured to be received on the lower arm of the L-shaped holder (11);
- the pulley (12) held on a pin provided on the longer arm of the L-shaped holder (11), with the pulley (12) being free to rotate on the pin provided on the L-shaped holder (11);
- the ends of the cables with sheath (14 and 15) are linked and accommodated on the pulley (12) to allow said L-shaped holder (11) to cause them to be pulley when an input is received from the torque multiplier bracket (4);
- the sheath of the cables (14 and 15) being configured to be held on mounting points provided on the longer lower surface of the sidewall reinforced L-shaped chassis mounting bracket (13).
5. The electrically actuating parking brake for light commercial vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein, the cables (14 and 15) are configured to be linked with the rear parking brakes LH and RH (60).
Dated 10th day of January 2025

VIDIT CHOUBEY
(IN P/A 5566)
AGENT FOR THE APPLICANT(S)

To,
The Controller of Patents,
The Patent Office, at Mumbai