DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The embodiments herein generally relate to a rear axle assembly of an automobile, and more particularly to a height adjustable rear axle assembly for a tractor.
BACKGROUND
[002] Generally, agricultural tractors are used to push agricultural machinery or trailers that plow or harrow fields. Agricultural implements are usually towed behind or mounted on the tractor and the tractor is also used as a source of power if the implement is mechanized. While the tractors are effectively used to plow fields, other usages for crop care such as de-weeding, spraying and the like may not be availed at least because of the crop height, uneven terrain and the lower ground clearance of the tractor.
[003] Increasing the ground clearance of a tractor is usually done in order to use the tractor for crop care activities. However, such increase in the ground clearance involves permanent changes to the axles and certain other transmission and non-transmission components of the tractors. At a later stage, if the user wishes to obtain original ground clearance for the tractor, then the process becomes tedious, time consuming and a costly affair.
[004] With the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need for height adjustable rear axle assembly.
OBJECT
[005] The principal object of the embodiments of this invention is to provide a height adjustable rear axle assembly.
[006] These and other aspects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[007] The embodiments of this invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, through out which like reference letters indicate corresponding parts in the various figures. The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following description with reference to the drawings, in which:
[008] FIG. 1a is a perspective view of the rear axle assembly at a first height, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;
[009] FIG. 1b is another perspective view of the rear axle assembly at a second height, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0010] FIG. 2 shows a rear axle carrier and slider assembly of the rear axle assembly, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0011] FIG. 3a shows a quadrant of the rear axle assembly, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein; and
[0012] FIG. 3b locking position of the quadrant of the rear axle assembly, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0013] 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 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.
[0014] The embodiments herein achieve a height adjustable rear axle assembly for a tractor. Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 1a through 3b, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown embodiments.
[0015] FIG. 1a is a perspective view of the rear axle assembly at a first height, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the rear axle assembly 100 includes a first guide 102a, a second guide 102b, a rear axle carrier and slider assembly 150, a first quadrant 104a, a second quadrant 104b, a cross connecting member 106, a first top bracket 108a, a second top bracket 108b, at least two lifting members 110, and a locking mechanism.
[0016] In an embodiment, the first guide 102a and the second guide 102b extend away from the wheels W1 and W2 in an upward direction, respectively. In an embodiment, the first guide 102a and the second guide 102b are parallel to each other. In an embodiment, the cross connecting member 106 is configured to connect the first guide 102a and the second guide 102b at the upper side 101a. In an embodiment, the cross connecting member 106 is connected to the first guide 102a and the second guide 102b via the corresponding brackets 108a and 108b. In an embodiment, the connecting member 106 is mounted to the first guide 102a and the second guide 102b using a plurality of bolts. In an embodiment, interconnecting the first guide 102a and the second guide 102b through the cross connecting member 106 facilitates in uniform lifting of the rear axle assembly 100. In an embodiment, the cross connecting member 106 is a hollow circular tube. It is also within the scope of this invention to provide any type and cross-section of cross connecting member 106 without otherwise deterring the intended function of connecting as can be deduced from this description.
[0017] FIG. 1b is another perspective view of the rear axle assembly at a second height, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the rear axle assembly 100 includes the at least two lifting members 110. In an embodiment, the at least two lifting members 110 include a first telescopic cylinder provided beside the first guide 102a and a second telescopic cylinder provided beside the second guide 102b. It is also within the scope of this invention to provide any other lifting member such as electric motor and so on without otherwise deterring the intended function of the lifting as can be deduced from this description.
[0018] In an embodiment, the first guide 102a and the second guide 102b acts as guide for a slider 152 to slide up and down through telescopic cylinder movement and also acts as rigid chassis frame when the tractor is locked on the provided positions of the first guide 102a and the second guide 102b. In an embodiment, the first guide 102a and the second guide 102b includes a welded bottom bracket (not shown) and a bolted top bracket (not shown). The bottom bracket (not shown) connects to the rear axle carrier and slider assembly 150 and the top bracket (not shown) holds one end of the cylinder. In an embodiment, the first guide 102a and the second guide 102b is a hollow square tube is of standard size as per IS 4923. It is also within the scope of this invention to provide any type and cross-section of the first guide 102a and the second guide 102b without otherwise deterring the intended function of guiding as can be deduced from this description. In an embodiment, five holes are drilled in the hollow square tube at different heights for adjustable ground clearance of the tractor.
[0019] FIG. 2 shows a rear axle carrier and slider assembly of the rear axle assembly, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the rear axle assembly 100 includes the rear axle carrier and slider assembly 150. In an embodiment, the rear axle carrier and slider assembly 150 is provided in the vicinity of both the wheels W1 and W2. For the purpose of this description, the features of one rear axle carrier and slider assembly 150 are explained. In an embodiment, the rear axle carrier and slider assembly 150 includes a slider 152, a rear axle carrier 154, a support bracket 156, a connector bracket 158. In an embodiment, the support bracket 156 connects the rear axle carrier 154 and the connector bracket 158. The connector bracket 158 inter connects the support bracket 158 along with the rear axle carrier 154 and the slider 152. In an embodiment, the rear axle carrier and slider assembly 150 could be of any shape and structure. In an embodiment, the slider 152 could be made of any sliding wear material. In an embodiment, the slider 152 could be attached by at least one of weld, bolt, and rivet. In an alternate embodiment, a roller bearing (not shown) mounted on slider bracket 156 could be used for sliding.
[0020] In an embodiment, the slider 152 is mounted onto the first guide 102a in a moveable manner. In an embodiment, a rear axle lock L is provided below each of the slider 152. In an embodiment, the slider 152 is connected to the at least two lifting members 110.
[0021] In an embodiment, the rear axle assembly 100 includes the locking mechanism. In an embodiment, the first guide 102a and the second guide 102b define a plurality of locking elements 112. In an embodiment, the plurality of locking elements is holes defined at predetermined locations of the first guide 102a and the second guide 102b. In an embodiment, the locking mechanism further includes the rear axle lock L is provided below the slider 152. In an embodiment, locking could be of mechanical locking and automatic locking. The mechanical locking includes pin type, cam type, ratchet type lock with spring and linkage connected to a control lever. The automatic locking includes hydraulic actuators with limit switches hydraulically or electro-hydraulically operated with control levers. Automatic with pneumatic actuators can also be used.
[0022] FIG. 3a shows the quadrant of the rear axle assembly, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the rear axle assembly includes the first quadrant 104a, and the second quadrant 104b. For the purpose of this description, the features of one quadrant are explained. In an embodiment, the quadrant 104b defines two sides substantially transverse to each other. In an embodiment, the quadrant 104b is configured to moveably receive an intermediate sprocket 114I (as shown in FIG. 1b). In an embodiment, a slot S is defined in the quadrant 104b. In an embodiment, the slot S is defined at an outer portion thereof and a bore B at an inner portion where the sides of the quadrant intersect. In an embodiment, the slot S of the quadrant 104b is configured to guide a movement of the intermediate sprocket 114I (as shown in FIG. 1b).
[0023] In an embodiment, the bore B of the quadrant 104b is adapted to receive a wheel hub (not shown) on a second side (not shown) of the quadrant 104b and on a first side (not shown), opposite to the second side of the quadrant 104b, an output sprocket 114O (as shown in FIG. 1b) is provided. In an embodiment, the wheel hub and the quadrant 104b form the rigid structure between the wheel W2 and the second guide 102b. In an embodiment, the wheel hub (not shown) consists of two bearing (not shown) and a seal (not shown), an output shaft (not shown) and a sprocket (not shown). The sprocket is keyed to one end of the output shaft and wheels get mounted on another end of the shaft. This complete assembly gets mounted on the quadrant to form rigid support frame.
[0024] FIG. 3b locking position of the quadrant of the rear axle assembly, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the rear axle assembly 100 includes the intermediate sprocket 114I. In an embodiment, a position of the intermediate sprocket 114I can be indexed at five different locations. It is also within the scope of this invention to provide different indexing locations depending on the desired operational height of the rear axle assembly 100. The intermediate sprocket 114I transmits the motion from the input sprocket 115 (as shown in FIG. 1b) to the output sprocket 114O. The intermediate sprocket 114I, the output sprocket 114O and the input sprocket 115 are connected via a plurality of chains C. In an embodiment, the intermediate sprocket indexing at five different locations could be made automatic. In an embodiment, the quadrant 104b could be of any shape and structure.
[0025] In an embodiment, the intermediate sprocket 114I, the output sprocket 114O and the input sprocket 115 are connected via a plurality of chains C. In an embodiment, two chains are provided for one side of the tractor i.e. for each wheel two chains are connected. One chain connects between the input sprocket 115 and the intermediate sprocket 114I and the other chain connects the output sprocket 114O and the intermediate sprocket 114I. In an embodiment, a center distance between input sprocket 115 and the intermediate sprocket 114I, and the output sprocket 114O and the intermediate sprocket 114I is same at any defined ground clearance of the tractor. In an alternate embodiment, single chain with provision of tensioner and moving an idler with actuators accordingly at different ground clearance of the tractor can be used.
[0026] In an embodiment, the quadrant 104b facilitates to maintain constant center distance between input sprocket 115 and the intermediate sprocket 114I, and also between the intermediate sprocket 114I and output sprocket 114O.
[0027] In an embodiment, the rear axle assembly 100 includes a first tube-quadrant connector (not shown) and a second tube-quadrant connector (not shown). In an embodiment, the quadrant 104b and the corresponding second guide 102b, are connected to each other by the second tube-quadrant connector (not shown). Similarly, the quadrant 104a and the corresponding first guide 102a, are connected to each other by the first tube-quadrant connector (not shown).
[0028] In an alternate embodiment, the rear axle assembly 100 is provided with plurality of stabilizers (not shown) at predetermined locations.
[0029] In an embodiment, a height adjustment operation of the rear axle assembly 100 is disclosed. In an embodiment, when a height of the rear axle of the tractor is to be increased, the at least two lifting members 110 are actuated. The at least two lifting members 110 pulls the slider 152 in an upward direction along the guide 102a and 102b thereby pulling the rear axle carrier 154 and the rear axle (not shown). The intermediate sprocket 114I is moved inside the slot S to a predefined location based on the height at which the rear axle is locked on the guides 102a and 102b.
[0030] 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.

Referral numerals:
Rear Axle assembly 100
Upper side 101a
Lower side 101b
First guide 102a
Second guide 102b
First quadrant 104a
Second quadrant 104b
Cross connecting member 106
First top bracket 108a
Second top bracket 108b
Lifting members 110
Plurality of holes 112
Intermediate sprocket 114I
Output sprocket 114O
Input sprocket 115
Rear axle carrier and slider assembly 150
slider 152
Rear axle carrier 154
Support bracket 156
Connector bracket 158
slot S
bore B

,CLAIMS:STATEMENT OF CLAIMS
We claim,

1. A height adjustable rear axle assembly 100 for an automobile, the automobile having at least two wheels W1 and W2 at rear end, the assembly 100 comprises:
at least one rear axle carrier and slider assembly 150 connected at each of the at least two wheels W1 and W2;
a first guide 102a and a second guide 102b connected to the at least one rear axle carrier and slider assembly 150 connected at each of the at least two wheels W1 and W2;
at least one cross connecting member 106 configured to connect the first guide 102a with the second guide 102b at an upper side 101a;
at least two lifting members 110 to pull the at least one rear axle carrier and slider assembly 150 connected at each of the at least two wheels W1 and W2 in an upward direction along the first guide 102a and the second guide 102b;
a locking mechanism to secure the at least one rear axle carrier and slider assembly 150 connected at each of the at least two wheels W1 and W2 at a predetermined height;
wherein the at least one rear axle carrier and slider assembly 150 connected at each of the at least two wheels W1 and W2 is configured to slide between the upper side 101a and a lower side 101b of the rear end of the automobile.

2. The height adjustable rear axle assembly 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cross connecting member 106 is connected to the first guide 102a and the second guide 102b via a first top bracket 108a, and a second top bracket 108b respectively.
3. The height adjustable rear axle assembly 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rear axle carrier and slider assembly 150 includes a slider 152, a rear axle carrier 154, a support bracket 156, and a connector bracket 158,
Wherein the support bracket 156 connects the rear axle carrier 154 and the connector bracket 158;
the connector bracket 158 inter connects the support bracket 158 along with the rear axle carrier 154 and the slider 152.

4. The height adjustable rear axle assembly 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism includes:
a plurality of holes 112 defined in the first guide 102a and the second guide 102b;
a rear axle lock L provided below each of the slider 152 connected to the first guide 102a and the second guide 102b.

5. The height adjustable rear axle assembly 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least two lifting members 110 include a first telescopic cylinder provided beside the first guide 102a and a second telescopic cylinder provided beside the second guide 102b.

6. The height adjustable rear axle assembly 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein rear axle assembly further includes:
a first quadrant 104a and a second quadrant 104b connected to the first guide 102a and the second guide 102b through a first tube-quadrant connector and a second tube-quadrant connector respectively,
wherein the first quadrant 104a and the second quadrant 104b is configured to moveably receive an intermediate sprocket 114I at each of the first quadrant 104a and the second quadrant 104b.

7. The height adjustable rear axle assembly 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the first quadrant 104a and the second quadrant 104b defines a slot S and a bore B,
wherein the slot S is defined at an outer portion and a bore B at an inner portion thereof;
the slot S of each of the first quadrant 104a and the second quadrant 104b is configured to guide a movement of the intermediate sprocket 114I;
the bore B of each of the first quadrant 104a and the second quadrant 104b is adapted to receive a wheel hub on one side and an output sprocket 114O on other side.
8. The height adjustable rear axle assembly 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the intermediate sprocket 114I is used for locating a position in each of the first quadrant 104a and the second quadrant 104b to obtain desired height of the rear axle assembly 100.

9. The height adjustable rear axle assembly 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the intermediate sprocket 114I, the output sprocket 114O and the input sprocket 115 are connected via a plurality of chains C.

10. A method for adjusting height of a rear axle assembly, the method comprising steps of:
actuating at least two lifting members to pulls a slider 152 in an upward direction along a first guide 102a and a second guide 102b,
wherein the at least two lifting members to pulls a rear axle carrier and slider assembly 150 connected to each of at least two wheels W1 and W2, to a predetermined location based on a height at which the rear axle assembly 100 is to be locked on the first guide 102a and the second guide 102b.

Dated: 31st August 2017 Signature:
Somashekar Ramakrishna