DESC:FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to hand brake in tractors. In particular, the present invention relates to electro-mechanical hand brake fitted in tractors. More particularly, the present invention relates to electro-mechanical hand brake for tractors, which can also be actuated for locking and unlocking the brake pedals by the electro-mechanical linkages.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The tractor can be started by short circuiting in starter motor and can be moved by releasing the mechanical hand brake. It is very difficult with the presently available electric hand brake in tractor to avoid an unauthorized tractor movement (e.g. theft).

PRIOR ART

“Innovative parking brake for agricultural vehicles improves safety and cuts operating costs” offered online by SKF discusses a parking brake for agricultural vehicles, e.g. tractors. It also elaborates about an electro-mechanical parking brake for tractor to entirely eliminate the manual working of braking. It incorporates a special geared motor and actuator, contained in a sealed housing and an electronic control unit integrated into the in-cab operator controls. The parking brake is operated by an electronic signal from the cab, with the motor being used to extend or retract a conventional brake cable by driving the actuator shaft via a simple gear arrangement.

The handbrake lever and related mechanical cable connections are removed from the driver’s cabin to help reduce the noise and to increase the space available for other equipment. It also improves the brake mechanism efficiency and thus helps in reducing the wear of brakes and associated parts thereof and reduces the fuel consumption by minimizing frictional losses.

Although, the electromechanical system of the above citation is quite advanced, the working and construction thereof is different from the present invention because of the actuation being conducted electrically. However, under certain circumstances, it may be required that the tractor operator needs to manually operate the hand brake.

DISADVANTAGES WITH THE PRIOR ART

The following are the disadvantages with the manually operated tractor hand brakes discussed above:

By releasing the mechanical hand brake and short circuiting in starter motor, the tractor can be started, and it can be moved in an unauthorized manner, e.g. stolen. However, as a part of the customer requirement during field visits, the tractor should be equipped with an anti-theft lock system.

Therefore, there is an existing need for a tractor hand brake, which obviates the disadvantages associated with the purely manually operated hand brake, which can easily be tampered in the manner discussed above.

Accordingly, an electro-mechanical operation of the hand brake is quite desirable. This can be done by a hand brake, in which the actuation is done electrically but locking or unlocking of the brake pedals is done mechanically.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

Some of the objects of the present invention - satisfied by at least one embodiment of the present invention - are as follows:

An object of the present invention is to provide a safe electro-mechanical hand brake system for tractors, which prevents its unauthorized use or movement.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a tractor hand brake which can be operated both manually and electro-mechanically according to the tractor operator’s choice.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide an electro-mechanical hand brake for tractors, which can easily be retrofitted on manually operated hand brakes.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an electro-mechanical hand brake for tractors to reduce the mechanical effort by tractor operator for its operation.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description, when read with the accompanying figures of drawing, which are however not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in any way.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In order to avoid such unauthorized movement of tractors, an electro-mechanical hand brake is configured for the tractor hand brake. In which, by switching on tractor’s ignition key, the power is supplied to the ignition switch of the electro-mechanical hand brake configured in accordance with the present invention. This electro-mechanical hand brake is operated by pressing the ignition switch after switching on tractor’s ignition key. This prevents anybody from moving the tractor without using the tractor’s ignition key.

Therefore, the tractor cannot be moved in an unauthorized manner or stolen without having the tractor’s ignition key. This also facilitates the tractor operator in operating and applying the hand brake by reducing the mechanical effort for operating the tractor’s hand brake.

The electro-mechanical hand brake configured in accordance with the present invention includes the following main components:

1. 12V DC power window motor or a 12V DC motor,

2. Double Pole Double Throw (DPDT) switch connected to DC Motor via a wiring harness,
3. Rotary Lever,

4. Two limit switches (For controlling the motor rotation) electrically connected to the DC motor and rotary lever,

5. LHS and RHS brake pedals,

6. LHS and RHS brake connecting links, and

7. Brake shaft connecting the LHS and RHS brake pedals.

The procedure for locking the electro-mechanical brake configured in accordance with the present invention, includes the following steps:

? Switching on the ignition key for supplying power to the ignition switch.

? Pressing the brake pedals by foot after the ignition key is switched ON for operating the electric (DPDT) switch of the electro-mechanical brake.

? Operating the electric (DPDT) switch in the desired direction for the clock wise rotation of the motor and rotary lever connected thereto after pressing the brake pedals.

? Supplying power to the motor for starting the rotary lever to rotate in clock wise direction.

? Starting the clock wise rotation of the motor to start the rotation of the rotary lever connected to the motor, in the same direction.

? Locking the foot-pressed brake pedals simultaneously by means of the rotary lever (see Figure 3).

? Pressing the RHS limit switch at maximum locking condition by means of the rotary lever.

? Pressing the limit switch to cut-off the negative terminal of the motor to stop the motor at a specific point (LHS and RHS limit switches are provided to control the rotation of the rotary lever, e.g. by 1800 in clockwise or anti-clockwise direction).

? Activating the electro-mechanical hand brake by removing the foot from the brake pedals.

The procedure for unlocking the electro-mechanical brake configured in accordance with the present invention, includes the following steps:

? Pressing the brake pedals by foot to unlock the electro-mechanical brake.

? Operating the electric (DPDT) switch in the desired direction for anti-clockwise direction of the motor and rotary lever connected thereto after pressing the brake pedals.

? Connecting the positive terminal to the motor through electric (DPDT) switch for starting its rotation in the anti-clock wise direction after operating the electric switch towards left.

? Starting the motor is started to rotate in anti-clock wise direction to also start the motor connected rotary lever to rotate in same direction.

? Pressing the LHS limit switch for stopping the rotation of the locking lever coming out of the foot pressed brake pedals (Figure 1).

? Releasing electro-mechanical hand brake now to move the tractor.

This way, the locking and unlocking operations of the electro-mechanical hand brake is operated while the vehicle is in its stationary running condition. When ignition key is removed in the locked condition (Figure 3), the positive terminal is not connected to the operating switch, thus preventing unauthorized unlocking of the electro-mechanical hand brake without the ignition key. For unlocking the electro-mechanical hand brake (Figure 1), the electric switch of the tractor is to be turned ON and the unlocking procedure must be followed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided an electro-mechanical hand brake for tractors to prevent unauthorized movement thereof; comprising:

• LHS and RHS pedal assembly fitted on a brake shaft;

• LHS and RHS brake connecting links;

• an electrical switch assembly with an ignition key, an ignition switch, a double-pole-double-throw (DPDT) switch;

• an electrical motor with a shaft protruding therefrom and a rotary lever fitted on the shaft, and a mounting bracket for the motor thereon; and

• LHS and RHS limit switches for restricting the rotation of the rotary lever, and a wiring harness connected the limit switches;

wherein the electro-mechanical rotary lever is rotated by means of the motor in a clockwise or anti-clockwise direction about the motor shaft for respectively locking or unlocking the hand brake in a stationary position of the tractor.

Typically, the LHS and RHS pedal assembly comprises LHS and RHS brake pedals fitted adjacent each other on the brake shaft.

Typically, one end of the LHS and RHS brake connecting link is connected to the brake shaft at one of the ends thereof and the other end of the LHS and RHS brake connecting link each is connected to a respective LHS or RHS brake.

Typically, the rotary lever is rotated by 1800 in a clockwise direction by the motor shaft rotated by means of the DPDT switch for locking the hand brakes.
Typically, the rotary lever is rotated by 1800 in an anti-clockwise direction by the motor shaft rotated by means of the DPDT switch for unlocking the hand brakes.

Typically, the ignition switch is pressed only after switching on the ignition key of the tractor to prevent any unauthorized movement by a person not having the ignition key.
Typically, the DPDT switch is operated by pressing the LHS and RHS brake pedals simultaneously by foot after switching on the ignition key and the RHS limit switch is pressed in the maximum locking condition thereof by the rotary lever.

Typically, in the maximum locking condition of the pressed RHS limit switch cut-off power supply to stop the motor at a predefined point, preferably by rotating the rotary lever 1800 in a clockwise direction.

Typically, the electro-mechanical hand brake is activated on removing the feet from the brake pedals.

Typically, in the maximum locking condition of the pressed RHS limit switch cut-off power supply to stop the motor at a predefined point, preferably by rotating the rotary lever 1800 in a clockwise direction.

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a method for preventing an unauthorized movement of tractors in stationary condition thereof by means of an electro-mechanical hand brake as claimed in anyone of the preceding claims, the method comprises the steps of:

? Switching on the ignition key for supplying power to the ignition switch;

? Pressing the LHS and RHS brake pedals simultaneously by foot after switching on the ignition key for operating the DPDT switch;

? Operating the DPDT switch in a direction suitable for a clockwise rotation of the motor and rotary lever connected thereto and supplying power to the motor for rotating the rotary lever in clockwise direction;

? Locking the foot-pressed brake pedals simultaneously by means of the clockwise rotation of the rotary lever;

? Pressing the RHS limit switch at a maximum locking condition by means of the rotary lever;

? Pressing the limit switch to cut-off the negative terminal of the motor to stop the motor at a specific point, e.g. by 1800 rotation in the clockwise direction; and

? Activating the electro-mechanical hand brake by removing the foot from the LHS and RHS brake pedals.

Typically, for unlocking the electro-mechanical brake, the method comprises the steps of:

? Pressing the LHS and RHS brake pedals by foot to unlock the electro-mechanical brake;

? Operating the DPDT switch in an anti-clockwise direction of the motor and rotary lever connected thereto after pressing the brake pedals;

? Connecting the positive terminal to the motor through the DPDT switch for rotating the rotary lever in anti-clock wise direction after operating the DPDT electric switch in reversed direction;

? Pressing the LHS limit switch to stop the rotation of the rotary lever to release the foot pressed brake pedals; and

? Releasing the electro-mechanical hand brake to enable an authorized movement of the tractor.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

The present invention will be briefly described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of the tractor’s electro-mechanical hand brake configured in accordance with the present invention, in an unlocked condition thereof.

Figure 2 shows a schematic circuit diagram of the electro-mechanical hand brake in the unlocked condition thereof, depicted in Figure 1.

Figure 3 shows a schematic perspective view of the tractor’s electric hand brake configured in accordance with the present invention, in a locked condition thereof.

Figure 4 shows a schematic circuit diagram of the electro-mechanical hand brake in the locked condition thereof, depicted in Figure 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

In the following, the tractor’s electro-mechanical hand brake configured in accordance with the present invention will be described in more details with reference to the accompanying drawings without limiting the scope and ambit of the present invention in any way.

Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of the tractor’s electro-mechanical hand brake configured in accordance with the present invention, in an unlocked condition thereof. It includes a brake pedal assembly 10 comprising LHS and RHS brake pedals 12, 14; LHS and RHS brake connecting links 16, 18 connected to a brake shaft 20. It also includes an electric switch assembly 30 comprising an ignition key 32, an ignition switch 34, a double-pole, double- throw (DPDT) switch 35, a wiring harness 40 connected to LHS and RHS limit switches 42, 44, a DC motor 50, a rotary lever 52 and a motor mounting bracket 54.

Figure 2 shows a schematic circuit diagram of the electro-mechanical hand brake of Figure 1, in an unlocked condition thereof. Here also, brake pedals 12, 14 are connected to the brake shaft 20 and positive terminal 36 and negative terminal 38 of DPDT switch 35 are connected to LHS limit switch 42 and RHS limit switch 44. The limit switch 42 is also electrically connected to motor 50 via rotary lever 52 rotated in an anticlockwise direction shown, to unlock brake pedals 12, 14.
Figure 3 shows a schematic perspective view of the tractor’s electro-mechanical hand brake configured in accordance with the present invention, in a locked condition thereof. Here, the brake pedals 12, 14 are locked by rotating the rotary lever 52 in a clockwise direction shown.

Figure 4 shows a schematic circuit diagram of the electro-mechanical hand brake of Figure 3, in a locked condition thereof. Here, locking of the brake pedals 12, 14 is clearly visible by means of the rotary lever 52 by rotating it in a clock wise direction by means of the shaft of motor 50, i.e. by a 1800 rotation with respect to the position seen in Figure 2, using actuating limit switch 44. The rest of the details are same as in Figures 1-2 discussed above.

TECHNICAL ADVANTAGES AND ECONOMIC SIGNIFICANCE

The electrical hand brake configured in accordance with the present invention has the following technical and economic advantages:

• Prevents the use or movement of tractor by unauthorized hand brake operation.

• Facilitates operation of the hand brake both manually and electrically according to the tractor operator’s choice.

• Electro-mechanical hand brake can be easily retrofitted on existing purely manually operated hand brakes.

• Reduces the mechanical effort and time required by tractor operator by electro-mechanical operation thereof.

• Increases the service life of the component of the electro-mechanical hand brake.

In the previously detailed description, different features have been summarized for improving the conclusiveness of the representation in one or more examples. However, it should be understood that the above description is merely illustrative, but not limiting under any circumstances. It helps in covering all alternatives, modifications and equivalents of the different features and exemplary embodiments.

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. Many other examples are directly and immediately clear to the skilled person because of his/her professional knowledge in view of the above description.

These innumerable changes, variations, modifications, alterations may be made and/or integrations in terms of materials and method used may be devised to configure, manufacture and assemble various constituents, components, subassemblies and assemblies according to their size, shapes, orientations and interrelationships. Therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments.

The exemplary embodiments described in this specification are intended merely to provide an understanding of various manners in which this embodiment may be used and to further enable the skilled person in the relevant art to practice this invention. The description herein is purely exemplary and for illustration.

Throughout this specification the word “comprise”, or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, shall be understood to implies including a described element, integer or method step, or group of elements, integers or method steps, however, does not imply excluding any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or method steps.

In the claims and the description, the terms “containing” and “having” are used as linguistically neutral terminologies for the corresponding terms “comprising”.

The use of the expression “a”, “at least” or “at least one” shall imply using one or more elements or ingredients or quantities, as used in the embodiment of the disclosure in order to achieve one or more of the intended objects or results of the present invention. Furthermore, the use of the term “one” shall not exclude the plurality of such features and components described.

The numerical values given of various physical parameters, dimensions and quantities are only approximate values and it is envisaged that the values higher or lower than the numerical value assigned to the physical parameters, dimensions and quantities fall within the scope of the disclosure unless there is a statement in the specification to the contrary.

The various features and advantageous details are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiment/s in the above description in accordance with the present invention. The descriptions of well-known components and manufacturing and processing techniques are consciously omitted in this specification, so as not to unnecessarily obscure the specification. ,CLAIMS:We claim:

1. An electro-mechanical hand brake for tractors to prevent unauthorized movement thereof; comprising:

• LHS and RHS pedal assembly fitted on a brake shaft;

• LHS and RHS brake connecting links;

• an electrical switch assembly with an ignition key, an ignition switch, a double-pole-double-throw (DPDT) switch;

• an electrical motor with a shaft protruding therefrom and a rotary lever fitted on said shaft, and a mounting bracket for said motor thereon; and

• LHS and RHS limit switches for restricting the rotation of said rotary lever, and a wiring harness connected said limit switches;

wherein said electro-mechanical rotary lever is rotated by means of said motor in a clockwise or anti-clockwise direction about the motor shaft for respectively locking or unlocking the hand brake in a stationary position of the tractor.

2. Electro-mechanical hand brake as claimed in claim 1, wherein said LHS and RHS pedal assembly comprises LHS and RHS brake pedals fitted adjacent each other on said brake shaft.

3. Electro-mechanical hand brake as claimed in claim 1, wherein one end of said LHS and RHS brake connecting link is connected to said brake shaft at one of the ends thereof and the other end of said LHS and RHS brake connecting link each is connected to a respective LHS or RHS brake.

4. Electro-mechanical hand brake as claimed in claim 1, wherein said rotary lever is rotated by 1800 in a clockwise direction by said motor shaft rotated by means of said DPDT switch for locking said hand brakes.
5. Electro-mechanical hand brake as claimed in claim 1, wherein said rotary lever is rotated by 1800 in an anti-clockwise direction by said motor shaft rotated by means of said DPDT switch for unlocking said hand brakes.

6. Electro-mechanical hand brake as claimed in claim 1, wherein said ignition switch is pressed only after switching on said ignition key of the tractor to prevent any unauthorized movement by a person not having said ignition key.

7. Electro-mechanical hand brake as claimed in claim 6, wherein said DPDT switch is operated by pressing said LHS and RHS brake pedals simultaneously by foot after switching on said ignition key and said RHS limit switch is pressed in the maximum locking condition thereof by said rotary lever.

8. Electro-mechanical hand brake as claimed in claim 7, wherein in the maximum locking condition of said pressed RHS limit switch cut-off power supply to stop said motor at a predefined point, preferably by rotating said rotary lever 1800 in a clockwise direction.

9. Electro-mechanical hand brake as claimed in claim 8, wherein said electro-mechanical hand brake is activated on removing the feet from said brake pedals.

10. Electro-mechanical hand brake as claimed in claim 9, wherein in the maximum locking condition of said pressed RHS limit switch cut-off power supply to stop said motor at a predefined point, preferably by rotating said rotary lever 1800 in a clockwise direction.

11. A method for preventing an unauthorized movement of tractors in stationary condition thereof by means of an electro-mechanical hand brake as claimed in anyone of the preceding claims, said method comprises the steps of:

? Switching on said ignition key for supplying power to said ignition switch;

? Pressing said LHS and RHS brake pedals simultaneously by foot after switching on said ignition key for operating said DPDT switch;

? Operating said DPDT switch in a direction suitable for a clockwise rotation of said motor and rotary lever connected thereto and supplying power to said motor for rotating said rotary lever in clockwise direction;

? Locking said foot-pressed brake pedals simultaneously by means of said clockwise rotation of said rotary lever;

? Pressing said RHS limit switch at a maximum locking condition by means of said rotary lever;

? Pressing the limit switch to cut-off the negative terminal of said motor to stop said motor at a specific point, e.g. by 1800 rotation in said clockwise direction; and

? Activating said electro-mechanical hand brake by removing the foot from said LHS and RHS brake pedals.

12. Method in accordance with claim 11, wherein for unlocking said electro-mechanical brake said method comprises the steps of:

? Pressing said LHS and RHS brake pedals by foot to unlock said electro-mechanical brake;

? Operating said DPDT switch in an anti-clockwise direction of said motor and rotary lever connected thereto after pressing said brake pedals;

? Connecting the positive terminal to said motor through said DPDT switch for rotating said rotary lever in anti-clock wise direction after operating said DPDT electric switch in reversed direction;
? Pressing said LHS limit switch to stop the rotation of said rotary lever to release said foot pressed brake pedals; and

? Releasing said electro-mechanical hand brake to enable an authorized movement of the tractor.

Dated: this 30th day of June 2017. SANJAY KESHARWANI
APPLICANT’S PATENT AGENT