Description:ELECTRIC PARKING BRAKE ACTUATOR FOR DRUM BRAKE AND A
METHOD THEREOF
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an actuator for drum brake. More particularly, the
5 present invention relates to an electric parking brake actuator for a drum brake of a
vehicle. To carry out a parking brake function electromechanically, a central
electromechanical parking brake actuator is provided in addition to conventional
hydraulic brake actuating elements of a service brake, which has an electric motor
and a reduction gear as well as a threaded nut-spindle arrangement which, via a
10 comparatively long actuating cable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Braking system is a crucial component of any vehicle, providing the necessary
means to slow down or stop a moving vehicle. Among the various braking systems,
drum brakes are widely used due to their effectiveness and cost-efficiency. The
15 actuator in a drum brake assembly plays a pivotal role in converting driver input
into the mechanical force required to engage the parking brake. This essay delves
into the functionality, types, and significance of actuators in drum brake assembly.
Electric parking brake is suitable for small and light vehicles as well as for heavy
vehicles.
20 The primary function of an actuator in a drum brake system is to convert electric
energy into mechanical force. This force pushes the brake shoes against the inner
surface of the brake drum, creating friction that slows down the wheel's rotation.
The actuator ensures that the brake shoes apply uniform load, enhancing the
effectiveness of the parking brake system. As automotive technology evolves,
25 improvements in actuator design and materials continue to enhance the reliability
and efficiency of drum brake systems.
3
Some of the prior arts are:
WO2019133600A1 discloses an electric actuator assembly for drum brake
assembly which comprises an electric motor with an output shaft, a gear reduction
system driven by the output shaft, a linear translation assembly, and a connection
5 portion of the linear translation assembly. The connection portion is configured to
selectively actuate and release a brake lining of the drum brake assembly. The linear
translation assembly has a gear nut driven by the gear reduction and a rotationally
fixed spindle. The linear translation assembly linearly translates when the gear nut
is driven. A spring member is between the gear nut and the spindle. An electrical
10 sensor measures an electrical current drawn by the electric motor. The electric
motor is turned off as a function of the electrical current.
US4353438A discloses an actuator assembly for a drum brake having an extendible
assembly comprises a wheel cylinder (36) and extendible assembly (60) disposed
between adjoining ends of a pair of brake shoes. The wheel cylinder includes a pair
15 of pistons (40,42) which are in abutting relation with each other and with the
extendible assembly to substantially define a non-braking position for the pair of
brake shoes. The extendible assembly is operable to move the pair of pistons within
the wheel cylinder in response to an excessive clearance between the pair of brake
shoes and a rotating drum.
20 However, the conventional mechanical parking brakes as discussed in the prior art
have slower response times, thus affecting the braking performance, requires more
driver effort and space constraints, consumes more energy, which can reduce the
vehicle's overall efficiency, and does not provide the level of precision and control
needed for modern braking systems.
25 Accordingly, there is a need for an improved electric parking brake actuator for a
drum brake of a vehicle which provides consistent and reliable braking
performance, even in extreme weather conditions and ensures that the brake shoes
are properly seated and released, resulting in better braking efficiency.
4
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
The principal object of the present invention is to provide an electric parking brake
actuator for a drum brake of a vehicle.
Another object of the invention is to provide an electric parking brake actuator for
5 a drum brake which reduces the effort required from the driver to stop or slow down.
Another object of this invention is to provide an electric parking brake actuator for
a drum brake which prevents excessive wear on brake components and reduces the
risk of brake failure.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
10 It is a primary aspect of the present invention to provide an electric parking brake
actuator (100) for a drum brake of a vehicle, comprising: a motor (1); a radial clip
(2) configured to secure the motor (1); a two stage gear reduction system with at
least four gears comprising a first gear (3) coupled with the motor (1) along X1
axis, a second gear (4) engaged with the first gear (3), a third gear (5) coupled with
15 the second gear (4) along X2 axis, and a fourth gear (6) engaged with the third gear
(5); a gear nut (7); at least a pair of sealed ball bearings (8); a bearing holder (9); a
screw (10); a lead screw (11); a bellow (12); a circlip bellow (13); a mechanical
stopper (15) provided on the gear nut (7); a wire-clip/clip-on (16); a bowden cable
(14) having a top end configured to crimp with the lead screw (11) and a bottom
20 end configured to crimp with the end stop connected to the parking brake lever, and
at least two housing comprising a bottom housing (17) configured to house the
motor (1), and a top housing (18) welded to the bottom cover (17) configured to
provide a connector for power supply to the motor (1) through its terminal,
The electric brake actuator (100) works on following conditions:
25 (i) during brake apply condition, the motor (1) is configured to rotate the first gear
(3) along X1 axis when the power is supplied to the motor (1), which generates
torque and transmits it to the second gear (4) along X2 axis, the third gear (5) and
the fourth gear (6) configured to rotate along with the second gear (4), which
5
causing the lead screw (11) to rotate and move up along X3 axis within the top and
bottom housings (18, 17), thereby pulls the bowden cable (14), and the bowden
cable (14) configured to pull when the lead screw (11) moves, thereby applying
tension to the parking brake lever, and engaging the brake mechanism, and
5 (ii) during brake release condition, the motor (1) is configured to rotate the first gear
(3) in opposite direction along X1 axis when the power is supplied to the motor (1),
which generates torque to rotate the second gear (4) along X2 axis and causes the
third gear (5) and the fourth gear (6) to rotate along with it, which causing the lead
screw (11) to rotate and move down along X3 axis within the top and bottom
10 housings (18, 17), thereby releasing the tension on the parking brake lever,
disengaging the brake mechanism, and allowing the vehicle to move freely.
Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a method of working of an
electric parking brake actuator (100) for a drum bake of a vehicle as claimed in
claim 1, said method comprises steps of:
15 (i) during brake apply condition, rotating the first gear (3) along X1 axis by the
motor (1) when the power is supplied to the motor (1), which generates the torque
and transmits it to the second gear (4) along X2 axis, causing the third gear (5) and
the fourth gear (6) to rotate along with the second gear (4) to cause the lead screw
(11) to rotate and move up along X3 axis within the top and bottom housings (18,
20 17), thereby pulls the bowden cable (14), and the bowden cable (14) configured to
pull when the lead screw (11) moves, thus applying tension to the parking brake
lever, and engaging the brake mechanism, and
(ii) during brake release condition, rotating the first gear (3) in opposite direction
along X1 axis by the motor (1) when the power is supplied to the motor (1), which
25 generates torque to rotate the second gear (4) along X2 axis and causes the third
gear (5) and the fourth gear (6) to rotate along with it, and causing the lead screw
(11) to rotate and move down along X3 axis within the top and bottom housings
(18, 17), thereby releasing the tension on the parking brake lever, disengaging the
brake mechanism, and allowing the vehicle to move freely.
6
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 shows a view of electric parking brake actuator (100) for a drum brake of
a vehicle according to the present invention.
5 Figure 2 shows an internal view of an electric parking brake actuator (100) for a
drum brake of a vehicle according to the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention as embodied by a “an electric parking brake actuator for a
drum brake of a vehicle and a method thereof” succinctly fulfils the above10 mentioned need[s] in the art. The present invention has objective[s] arising because
of the above-mentioned need[s], said objective[s] having been enumerated herein
above.
The following description is directed to an electric parking brake actuator for a
drum brake and a method thereof as much as the objective(s) of the present
15 invention are enumerated, it will be obvious to a person skilled in the art that, the
enumerated objective(s) are not exhaustive of the present invention in its entirety
and are enclosed solely for the purpose of illustration. Further, the present invention
encloses within its scope and purview, any structural alternative(s) and/or any
functional equivalent(s) even though, such structural alternative(s) and/or any
20 functional equivalent(s) are not mentioned explicitly herein or elsewhere, in the
present disclosure. The present invention therefore encompasses also, any
improvisation[s]/modification[s] applied to the structural alternative[s]/functional
alternative[s] within its scope and purview. The present invention may be embodied
in other specific form[s] without departing from the essential attributes thereof.
25 Furthermore, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting, but
rather are to provide an understandable description. Throughout this specification,
the use of the word "comprise" and variations such as "comprises" and
7
"comprising" may imply the inclusion of an element or elements not specifically
recited.
The conventional mechanical parking brakes have slower response times, thus
affecting the braking performance, requires more driver effort and space
5 constraints, consumes more energy, which can reduce the vehicle's overall
efficiency, and does not provide the level of precision and control needed for
modern braking systems.
But in the case of the present invention, the electric parking brake actuator for a
drum brake provides consistent and reliable braking performance, even in extreme
10 weather conditions and ensures that the brake shoes are properly seated and
released, resulting in better braking efficiency.
Referring to Figure 1, in an embodiment of the present invention, provides an
electric parking brake actuator (100) for a drum brake of a vehicle, comprising: a
motor (1); a radial clip (2) configured to secure the motor (1); a two stage gear
15 reduction system with at least four gears comprising a first gear (3) coupled with
the motor (1) along X1 axis, a second gear (4) engaged with the first gear (3), a
third gear (5) coupled with the second gear (4) along X2 axis, and a fourth gear (6)
engaged with the third gear (5); a gear nut (7); at least a pair of sealed ball bearings
(8); a bearing holder (9); a screw (10); a lead screw (11); a bellow (12); a circlip
20 bellow (13); a mechanical stopper (15) provided on the gear nut (7); a wireclip/clip-on (16); a bowden cable (14) having a top end configured to crimp with
the lead screw (11) and a bottom end configured to crimp with the end stop
connected to the parking brake lever, and at least two housing comprising a bottom
housing (17) configured to house the motor (1), and a top housing (18) welded to
25 the bottom cover (17) configured to provide a connector for power supply to the
motor (1) through its terminal,
The electric brake actuator (100) works on following conditions:
i. during brake apply condition, the motor (1) is configured to rotate the first
gear (3) along X1 axis when the power is supplied to the motor (1), which
8
generates torque and transmits it to the second gear (4) along X2 axis, the
third gear (5) and the fourth gear (6) configured to rotate along with the
second gear (4), which causing the lead screw (11) to rotate and move up
along X3 axis within the top and bottom housings (18, 17), thereby pulls the
5 bowden cable (14), and the bowden cable (14) configured to pull when the
lead screw (11) moves, thereby applying tension to the parking brake lever,
and engaging the brake mechanism, and
ii. during brake release condition, the motor (1) is configured to rotate the first
gear (3) in opposite direction along X1 axis when the power is supplied to
10 the motor (1), which generates torque to rotate the second gear (4) along X2
axis and causes the third gear (5) and the fourth gear (6) to rotate along with
it, which causing the lead screw (11) to rotate and move down along X3 axis
within the top and bottom housings (18, 17), thereby releasing the tension
on the parking brake lever, disengaging the brake mechanism, and allowing
15 the vehicle to move freely.
In preferred embodiment of the present invention, the motor (1) is a Direct Current
(DC) motor connected to the external terminal through wire for power supply.
In preferred embodiment of the present invention, the terminals of the motor (1)
and terminals at the top housing (18) connected with the wire-clips/ clip-ons (16),
20 that commonizes the connectors and allows to place the connector on the top
housing (18).
In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the motor (1) operated from
the range of 6000 rpm to 9200 rpm.
In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the balanced armature of the
25 motor (1) configured to provide noise reduction and smoother operation.
In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the radial clip (2) configured
to assembled on the bottom housing (17) for clamping motor (1), thus preventing
the motor (1) from rotational movement while generating torque.
9
In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, two stage gear reduction
system configured to provide a cumulative gear reduction of 12.33 :1 to meet
required torque within a quick response time.
In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the bellow (12) made from
5 rubber configured to protect water, dust, and other foreign particles from entering
the actuator by clamping to the bottom housing (17) and the lead screw (11).
In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the circlip Bellow (13)
configured to secure or clamp the bellow (12) to the bottom housing (17).
In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the gear nut (7) configured to
10 mould onto the fourth gear (6) to aid in its function and provide structure.
In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the fourth gear (6) and the
gear nut (7) configured to assemble inside the pair of sealed ball bearings (8) for
withstanding sufficient axial and radial load during actuator (100) operation.
In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the bearing holder (8)
15 configured to secure the fourth gear (6), the gear nut (7) and the sealed ball bearings
(8) on the bottom housing (17), thus ensuring stable operation.
In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the screw (10) configured to
fasten the bearing holder (9) and other components, thus providing structural
integrity.
20 In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the lead screw (11) selected
from the diameter of 6 mm to 8 mm, thus provides linear movement of bowden
cable (14).
In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the limits of linear movement
of lead screw (11) defined by the mechanical stopper (15) to hold the lead screw
25 (11) in the home position, that provides an additional advantage for response time.
10
In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the bottom housing (17) and
the top housing (18) are made up of plastic for weight reduction and joined by laser/
ultrasonic welding.
Another embodiment of the present invention is to provide a method of working
5 actuator (100) for a drum brake assembly of a vehicle, said method comprises steps
of:
i. during brake apply condition, rotating the first gear (3) along X1 axis by the
motor (1) when the power is supplied to the motor (1), which generates the
torque and transmits it to the second gear (4) along X2 axis, causing the
10 third gear (5) and the fourth gear (6) to rotate along with the second gear (4)
to cause the lead screw (11) to rotate and move up along X3 axis within the
top and bottom housings (18, 17), thereby pulls the bowden cable (14), and
the bowden cable (14) configured to pull when the lead screw (11) moves,
thus applying tension to the parking brake lever, and engaging the brake
15 mechanism, and
ii. during brake release condition, rotating the first gear (3) in opposite
direction along X1 axis by the motor (1) when the power is supplied to the
motor (1), which generates torque to rotate the second gear (4) along X2
axis and causes the third gear (5) and the fourth gear (6) to rotate along with
20 it, and causing the lead screw (11) to rotate and move down along X3 axis
within the top and bottom housings (18, 17), thereby releasing the tension
on the parking brake lever, disengaging the brake mechanism, and allowing
the vehicle to move freely
WORKING EXAMPLE
25 An exemplary embodiment discloses an electric parking brake actuator for a drum
brake (100) for a drum bake assembly of a vehicle comprising: a motor (1); a radial
clip (2) configured to secure the motor (1); a two stage gear reduction system with
at least four gears comprising a first gear (3) coupled with the motor (1) along X1
axis, a second gear (4) engaged with the first gear (3), a third gear (5) coupled with
11
the second gear (4) along X2 axis, and a fourth gear (6) engaged with the third gear
(5); a gear nut (7); at least a pair of sealed ball bearings (8); a bearing holder (9); a
screw (10); a lead screw (11); a bellow (12); a circlip bellow (13); a mechanical
stopper (15) provided on the gear nut (7); a wire-clip/clip-on (16); a bowden cable
5 (14) having a top end configured to crimp with the lead screw (11) and a bottom
end configured to crimp with the end stop connected to the parking brake lever, and
at least two housing comprising a bottom housing (17) configured to house the
motor (1), and a top housing (18) welded to the bottom cover (17) configured to
provide a connector for power supply to the motor (1) through its terminal.
10 Working of the present of invention:
The electric brake actuator (100) works on following conditions:
(i) during brake apply condition, the motor (1) is configured to rotate the
first gear (3) along X1 axis when the power is supplied to the motor (1),
which generates torque and transmits it to the second gear (4) along X2
15 axis, the third gear (5) and the fourth gear (6) configured to rotate along
with the second gear (4), which causing the lead screw (11) to rotate and
move up along X3 axis within the top and bottom housings (18, 17),
thereby pulls the bowden cable (14), and the bowden cable (14)
configured to pull when the lead screw (11) moves, thereby applying
20 tension to the parking brake lever, and engaging the brake mechanism,
and
(ii) during brake release condition, the motor (1) is configured to rotate
the first gear (3) in opposite direction along X1 axis when the power is
supplied to the motor (1), which generates torque to rotate the second
25 gear (4) along X2 axis and causes the third gear (5) and the fourth gear
(6) to rotate along with it, which causing the lead screw (11) to rotate
and move down along X3 axis within the top and bottom housings (18,
17), thereby releasing the tension on the parking brake lever,
disengaging the brake mechanism, and allowing the vehicle to move
30 freely.
12
ADVANTAGE OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
The present invention relates to an electric parking brake actuator for a drum brake
for a drum brake assembly which creates a compact and efficient system and allows
for easier installation in limited spaces, which is crucial in vehicle applications.
5 The present invention relates to an electric parking brake actuator for a drum brake
which allows precise control and ensures accurate application and release of the
parking brake, improving safety and performance.
The present invention relates to an electric parking brake actuator for a drum brake
which allow to undergo mass production, whereby vehicles with conventional
10 manual brake actuators can also be equipped with electrically controlled cable pull
systems with actuation levers which in turn increases efficiency by avoiding
unnecessary friction.
The present invention relates to an electric parking brake actuator for a drum brake
which ensures smooth and gradual brake engagement and release, thus reduces the
15 risk of sudden stops or releases, enhancing passenger comfort and vehicle control.
It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the above description is for
illustrative purposes only and should not be considered as limiting. Various
modifications, additions, alterations, and improvements without deviating from the
spirit and the scope of the invention may be made by a person skilled in the art.
20
13
LIST OF NUMERALS:
(1). Motor
(2). Radial clip
(3). First Gear
5 (4). Second Gear
(5). Third Gear
(6). Fourth Gear
(7). Gear nut
(8). Sealed ball bearing
10 (9). Bearing holder
(10). Screw
(11). Lead screw
(12). Bellow
(13). Circlip bellow
15 (14). Bowden cable
(15). Mechanical stopper
(16). Wire-clip / Clip-on
(17). Bottom housing
(18). Top housing
20 (100). Electric parking brake actuator
, Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. An electric parking brake actuator (100) for a drum brake of a vehicle,
comprising:
a. a motor (1);
5 b. a radial clip (2) configured to secure the motor (1);
c. a two-stage gear reduction system with at least four gears
comprising a first gear (3) coupled with the motor (1) along X1 axis,
a second gear (4) engaged with the first gear (3), a third gear (5)
coupled with the second gear (4) along X2 axis, and a fourth gear
10 (6) engaged with the third gear (5);
d. a gear nut (7);
e. at least a pair of sealed ball bearings (8);
f. a bearing holder (9);
g. a screw (10);
15 h. a lead screw (11);
i. a bellow (12);
j. a circlip bellow (13);
k. a mechanical stopper (15) provided on the gear nut (7);
l. a wire-clip/clip-on (16);
20 m. a bowden cable (14) having a top end configured to crimp with the
lead screw (11) and a bottom end configured to crimp with the end
stop connected to the parking brake lever, and
n. at least two housing comprising a bottom housing (17) configured to
house the motor (1), and a top housing (18) welded to the bottom
25 cover (17) configured to provide a connector for power supply to the
motor (1) through its terminal,
wherein the electric brake actuator (100) works on following
conditions:
i. during brake apply condition, the motor (1) is configured to
30 rotate the first gear (3) along X1 axis when the power is
supplied to the motor (1), which generates torque and
15
transmits it to the second gear (4) along X2 axis, the third
gear (5) and the fourth gear (6) configured to rotate along
with the second gear (4), which causing the lead screw (11)
to rotate and move up along X3 axis within the top and
5 bottom housings (18, 17), thereby pulls the bowden cable
(14), and the bowden cable (14) configured to pull when the
lead screw (11) moves, thereby applying tension to the
parking brake lever, and engaging the brake mechanism, and
ii. during brake release condition, the motor (1) is configured to
10 rotate the first gear (3) in opposite direction along X1 axis
when the power is supplied to the motor (1), which generates
torque to rotate the second gear (4) along X2 axis and causes
the third gear (5) and the fourth gear (6) to rotate along with
it, which causing the lead screw (11) to rotate and move
15 down along X3 axis within the top and bottom housings (18,
17), thereby releasing the tension on the parking brake lever,
disengaging the brake mechanism, and allowing the vehicle
to move freely.
20 2. The electric parking brake actuator (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
motor (1) is a Direct Current (DC) motor connected to the external terminal
through wire for power supply.
3. The electric parking brake actuator (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
25 terminals of the motor (1) and terminals at the top housing (18) connected
with the wire-clips/ clip-ons (16), that commonizes the connectors and
allows to place the connector on the top housing (18).
4. The electric parking brake actuator (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
30 motor (1) operated from the range of 6000 rpm to 9200 rpm.
16
5. The electric parking brake actuator (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
balanced armature of the motor (1) configured to provide noise reduction
and smoother operation.
5 6. The electric parking brake actuator (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
radial clip (2) configured to assembled on the bottom housing (17) for
clamping motor (1), thus preventing the motor (1) from rotational
movement while generating torque.
10 7. The electric parking brake actuator (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein two
stage gear reduction system configured to provide a cumulative gear
reduction of 12.33 :1 to meet required torque within a quick response time.
8. The electric parking brake actuator (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
15 bellow (12) configured to protect water, dust, and other foreign particles
from entering the actuator by clamping to the bottom housing (17) and the
lead screw (11).
9. The electric parking brake actuator (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
20 circlip bellow (13) configured to secure the bellow (12) to the bottom
housing (17), ensuring it stays in place.
10. The electric parking brake actuator (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
gear nut (7) configured to mold onto the fourth gear (6) to aid in its function
25 and provide structure.
11. The electric parking brake actuator (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
fourth gear (6) and the gear nut (7) configured to assemble inside the pair of
sealed ball bearings (8) for withstanding sufficient axial and radial load
30 during actuator (100) operation.
17
12. The electric parking brake actuator (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
bearing holder (8) configured to secure the fourth gear (6), the gear nut (7)
and the sealed ball bearings (8) on the bottom housing (17), thus ensuring
stable operation.
5
13. The electric parking brake actuator (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
screw (10) configured to fasten the bearing holder (9) and other
components, thus providing structural integrity.
10 14. The electric parking brake actuator (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
lead screw (11) selected from the diameter of 6 mm to 8 mm, thus provides
linear movement of bowden cable (14).
15. The electric parking brake actuator (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
15 limits of linear movement of lead screw (11) defined by the mechanical
stopper (15) to hold the lead screw (11) in the home position, that provides
additional advantage for response time.
16. The electric parking brake actuator (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
20 bottom housing (17) and the top housing (18) are made up of plastic for
weight reduction and joined by laser/ ultrasonic welding.
17. A method of working of an electric parking brake actuator (100) for a drum
bake of a vehicle as claimed in claim 1, said method comprises steps of:
25 i. during brake apply condition, rotating the first gear (3) along
X1 axis by the motor (1) when the power is supplied to the
motor (1), which generates the torque and transmits it to the
second gear (4) along X2 axis, causing the third gear (5) and
the fourth gear (6) to rotate along with the second gear (4) to
30 cause the lead screw (11) to rotate and move up along X3 axis
within the top and bottom housings (18, 17), thereby pulls the
18
bowden cable (14), and the bowden cable (14) configured to
pull when the lead screw (11) moves, thus applying tension to
the parking brake lever, and engaging the brake mechanism,
and
5 ii. during brake release condition, rotating the first gear (3) in
opposite direction along X1 axis by the motor (1) when the
power is supplied to the motor (1), which generates torque to
rotate the second gear (4) along X2 axis and causes the third
gear (5) and fourth gear (6) to rotate along with it, and causing
10 the lead screw (11) to rotate and move down along X3 axis
within the top and bottom housings (18, 17), thereby releasing
the tension on the parking brake lever, disengaging the brake
mechanism, and allowing the vehicle to move freely.
15
Dated this 09th day of January 2025 Kalyanchand Jhabakh (IN/PA-830)
Agent for applicant.
20
25