DESC:[0019] 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.
[0020] The embodiments herein achieve a brake control mechanism for a vehicle, which restricts actuation of hand brake lever when brake pedal is not engaged. Further, embodiments herein achieve a method for actuating a hand brake lever in a vehicle. Referring now to the drawings and more particularly to FIGS. 1 through 11, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown embodiments.
[0021] FIG. 1 depicts a side view of a brake control mechanism 100 for a vehicle, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the brake control mechanism 100 (as shown in fig. 1, fig. 2, fig. 3, fig. 4 and fig. 5) includes a brake lever 102 (as shown in fig. 1 and fig. 2), a cable 104 (as shown in fig. 1 and fig. 2), a first locking mechanism F (as shown in fig. 1, fig. 4 and fig. 5), a second locking mechanism S (as shown in fig. 1, fig. 4 and fig. 5), a ratchet mounting bracket 110 (as shown in fig. 1, fig. 3 and fig. 8), a linkage element 112 (as shown in fig. 1), a first mounting bracket 114 (as shown in fig. 2 and fig. 9), a second mounting bracket 116 (as shown in fig. 2 and fig. 9), a first locking pin 118 (as shown in fig. 3), a second locking pin 120 (as shown in fig. 3), a return spring 122 (as shown in fig. 3), a plurality of washers (not shown), a plurality of locking elements (not shown), a brake pedal assembly B (as shown in fig. 1 and fig. 2) and may include other standard components as present in standard hand brake mechanism.
[0022] The brake lever 102 is a hand operated brake lever 102 (hereinafter hand brake lever 102). The hand brake lever 102 is operated by a driver driving the vehicle to provide braking force to the vehicle when the vehicle is stationery or during parking of the vehicle or during emergency purpose, and the like. The hand brake lever 102 is connected to a ratchet 106 (as shown in fig. 6) of the first locking mechanism F through the cable 104 and the linkage element 112. The hand brake lever 102 is supported by the second mounting bracket 116.
[0023] The cable 104 is used for connecting the hand brake lever 102 and the ratchet 106. The cable 104 includes a first end 104a (as shown in fig. 1 and fig. 2) and a second end 104b (as shown in fig. 1, fig. 2 and fig. 3). The first end 104a of the cable 104 is connected to the hand brake lever 102. The second end 104b of the cable 104 is connected to the ratchet 106 through the linkage element 112.
[0024] FIG. 6 depicts a side view of a ratchet 106 of the brake control mechanism 100, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. The first locking mechanism F is disposed externally to the brake pedal assembly B. In an embodiment, the first locking mechanism F includes a ratchet 106. The ratchet 106 is pivotably connected to the ratchet mounting bracket 110. In an embodiment, the ratchet 106 includes a portion 106a, at least one first locking element 106b, a spring opening 106c, a first locking pin opening 106d and a second pin opening 106e. In an embodiment, the portion 106a of the ratchet 106 is adapted to engage a second locking element 108c (as shown in fig. 4 and fig. 5) of a stopper 108 (as shown in fig. 4 and fig. 5) of the second locking mechanism S on engagement of the hand brake lever 102 thereby restricting a movement of a brake pedal P (as shown in fig. 1) of the brake pedal assembly B, where the brake pedal P is in a dis-engaged position. In an embodiment, the first locking element 106b of the ratchet 106 is adapted to engage the second locking element 108c of the stopper 108 of the second locking mechanism S on engagement of the hand brake lever 102 thereby enabling the hand brake lever 102 to apply braking force to the vehicle through the brake pedal P, where the brake lever 102 is engaged after engagement of the brake pedal P. In an embodiment, the first locking element 106b of the ratchet 106 is at least a tooth. In another embodiment, the first locking element 106b of the ratchet 106 is at least a pin. It is also within the scope of the invention to provide the ratchet 106 with any other type of locking element corresponding to the second locking element 108c of the stopper 108. The spring opening 106c of the ratchet 106 is adapted to receive one end of the return spring 122. The first locking pin opening 106d of the ratchet 106 is adapted to receive the first locking pin 118 therein to connect the ratchet 106 to the ratchet mounting bracket 110 and to facilitate pivotal movement of the ratchet 106. The first locking pin opening 106d can be provided to a protrusion (not shown) that extends from the ratchet 106. The second locking pin opening 106e of the ratchet 106 is adapted to receive the second locking pin 120 therein to connect the linkage element 112 to the ratchet 106 thereby connecting the second end 104b of the cable 104 to the ratchet 106.
[0025] FIG. 7 depicts a perspective view of a stopper 108 of the brake control mechanism 100, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. The second locking mechanism S is adapted to be provided on the brake pedal assembly B. In an embodiment, the second locking mechanism S includes a stopper 108. In an embodiment, the stopper 108 includes a base 108a and a portion 108b. The base 108a of the stopper 108 is connected to the brake pedal P at a predefined angle by welding. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to connect the base 108a of the stopper 108 to the brake pedal P by riveting, fastening or by any other means without otherwise deterring the intended function of the stopper 108 as can be deduced from the description. The portion 108b is extending from the base 108a of the stopper 108 substantially transverse to a longitudinal plane of the base 108a. In an embodiment, the portion 108b of the stopper 108 defines at least one second locking element 108c. The second locking element 108c of the portion 108b of the stopper 108 is adapted to engage corresponding first locking element 106b of the ratchet 106 thereby actuating the hand brake lever 102 on engagement of hand brake lever 102 after engagement of the brake pedal P. The second locking element 108c of the portion 108b of the stopper 108 is adapted to engage the portion 106a of the ratchet 106 to restrict the movement of the brake pedal P thereby restricting the actuation of the hand brake lever 102 on engagement of the hand brake lever 102, where the brake pedal P is in a dis-engaged position. In an embodiment, the second locking element 108c of the portion 108b of the stopper 108 is at least a wedge. In another embodiment, the second locking element 108c of the portion 108b of the stopper 108 is at least a cavity. It is also within the scope of the invention to provide the stopper 108 with any other type of locking element corresponding to the first locking element 106b of the ratchet 106.
[0026] FIG. 8 depicts a perspective view of a ratchet mounting bracket 110 of the brake control mechanism 100, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. The ratchet mounting bracket 110 is adapted to mount the ratchet 106. In an embodiment, the ratchet mounting bracket 110 includes a first portion 110a, a second portion 110b and a third portion 110c. The first portion 110a of the ratchet mounting bracket 110 includes a plurality of openings 110d and a first locking pin opening (not shown). The plurality of openings 110d of the first portion 110a of the ratchet mounting bracket 110 is adapted to receive fasteners therein to secure the ratchet mounting bracket 110 to a speed housing (not shown) of the vehicle. The first locking pin opening (not shown) of the first portion 110a of the ratchet mounting bracket 110 is adapted to receive the first locking pin 118 therein to mount the ratchet 106. The second portion 110b of the ratchet mounting bracket 110 is used for supporting the return spring 122. The second portion 110b is extending from the first portion 110a of the ratchet mounting bracket 110 substantially transverse to a longitudinal plane of the first portion 110a. The second portion 110b of the ratchet mounting bracket 110 includes an opening 110e adapted to receive corresponding end of the return spring 122. The third portion 110c of the ratchet mounting bracket 110 is used for guiding the cable 104. The third portion 110c of the ratchet mounting bracket 110 includes an opening 110f adapted to receive corresponding portion of the cable 104.
[0027] The linkage element 112 is used for connecting the cable 104 to the ratchet 106 thereby connecting the hand brake lever 102 to the ratchet 106. The linkage element 112 turns the ratchet 106 on engagement of the hand brake lever 102. The linkage element 112 includes a ratchet receiving portion (not shown), at least one second locking pin opening (not shown) and a cable opening (not shown). The ratchet receiving portion (not shown) of the linkage element 112 is used to receive the ratchet 106 therein to facilitate assembly of the ratchet 106 to the linkage element 112. The ratchet receiving portion (not shown) of the linkage element 112 is an opening. The second locking pin opening (not shown) of the linkage element 112 is adapted to receive the second locking pin 120 therein to connect the ratchet 106 to the linkage element 112. The cable opening (not shown) of the linkage element 112 is used to receive the second end 104b of the cable 104 therein the connect the cable 104 to the linkage element 112.
[0028] FIG. 9 depicts a perspective view of a first mounting bracket 114 of the brake control mechanism 100, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. The first mounting bracket 114 is used for mounting the second mounting bracket 116. The first mounting bracket 114 is mounted to a fender (not shown) of the vehicle. The first mounting bracket 114 includes a first portion 114a and a second portion 114b extending from the first portion 114a substantially transverse to the first portion 114a of the first mounting bracket 114. The first portion 114a of the first mounting bracket 114 includes a plurality of openings 114c and a cable receiving portion 114d. The plurality of openings 114c of the first portion 114a of the first mounting bracket 114 is used to receive fasteners therein to secure the second mounting bracket 116 to the first mounting bracket 114. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to connect the second mounting bracket 116 to the first mounting bracket 114 by riveting, welding or by any other means without otherwise deterring the intended function of the first mounting bracket 114 and the second mounting bracket 116 as can be deduced from the description. The cable receiving portion 114d of the first portion 114a of the first mounting bracket 114 is used to receive corresponding portion of the cable 104 therein to guide/support the cable 104. The cable receiving portion 114d of the first portion 114a of the first mounting bracket 114 is an opening. The second portion 114b of the first mounting bracket 114 includes a plurality of openings 114e adapted to receive fasteners therein to secure the first mounting bracket 114 to the fender (not shown) of the vehicle. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to connect the first mounting bracket 114 to the fender (not shown) by riveting, welding or by any other means without otherwise deterring the intended function of the first mounting bracket 114 as can be deduced from the description. The first mounting bracket 114 is a L-shaped bracket. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to provide other type of mounting bracket irrespective of shape and size without otherwise deterring the intended function of the first mounting bracket 114 as can be deduced from the description.
[0029] FIG. 10 depicts a perspective view of a second mounting bracket 116 of the brake control mechanism 100, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. The second mounting bracket 116 is used for guiding or supporting the hand brake lever 102. The second mounting bracket 116 includes a hand brake lever receiving portion 116a and a plurality of openings 116b. The hand brake lever receiving portion 116a of the second mounting bracket 116 is used for receiving the hand brake lever 102 therein to facilitate guiding or support for the hand brake lever 102. The brake lever receiving portion 116a of the second mounting bracket 116 is an opening. The plurality of openings 116b of the second mounting bracket 116 is used to receive fasteners therein to secure the second mounting bracket to the first mounting bracket 114.
[0030] The first locking pin 118 is used to mount the ratchet 106 to the ratchet mounting bracket 110 therein to facilitate pivotal movement of the ratchet 106 with respect to the ratchet mounting bracket 110. The first locking pin 118 is received by the first locking pin opening (not shown) of the first portion 110a of the ratchet mounting bracket 110 therethrough and thereafter received by the first locking pin opening 106d of the ratchet 106 therein to facilitate mounting of the ratchet 106 to the ratchet mounting bracket 110. The first locking pin 118 receives corresponding washer (not shown). The first locking pin 118 includes an opening (not shown) adapted to receive corresponding locking element (not shown) therein to secure the corresponding washer (not shown) and the ratchet 106 to the ratchet mounting bracket 110 and also facilitates pivotal movement of the ratchet 106 with respect to the ratchet mounting bracket 110.
[0031] The second locking pin 120 is used to connect the linkage element 112 to the ratchet 106. The second locking pin 120 is received by the second locking pin opening (not shown) of the linkage element 112 therethrough and thereafter received by the second locking pin opening 106e of the ratchet 106 therein to facilitate assembly of linkage element 112 to the ratchet 106. The second locking pin 120 receives corresponding washer (not shown). The second locking pin 120 includes an opening (not shown) adapted to receive corresponding locking element (not shown) therein to secure the corresponding washer and the linkage element 112 to the ratchet 106.
[0032] The return spring 122 is used to move the ratchet 106 to its initial position on dis-engagement of the first locking element 106b of the ratchet 106 from the second locking element 108c of the portion 108b of the stopper 108. One end of the return spring 122 is connected to the second portion 110b of the ratchet mounting bracket 110 through the opening 110e. The other end of the return spring 122 is connected to the ratchet 106 through the spring opening 106c.
[0033] The brake pedal assembly B includes a brake pedal P and may include other standard components as present in standard brake pedal assembly. The brake pedal P is a foot operated brake pedal P. In order to actuate the hand brake lever 102, the brake pedal P should be operated (pushed) by the operator driving the vehicle.
[0034] FIG. 11 depicts a flowchart showing the steps of a method 200 for actuating a hand brake lever 102 in a vehicle, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the method 200 for actuating the hand brake lever 102 is as follows, the method 200 comprising, providing a first locking mechanism F comprising a ratchet 106, the ratchet 106 having a portion 106a and at least one first locking element 106b (step 202); providing a second locking mechanism S comprising a stopper 108, the stopper 108 having a base 108a adapted to be connected to a brake pedal P of the vehicle and a portion 108b extending from the base 108a substantially transverse to a longitudinal plane of the base 108a, the portion 108b defining at least one second locking element 108c corresponding to the first locking element 106b of the ratchet 106 (step 204); and engaging the brake lever 102 after the engagement of the brake pedal P to facilitate engaging of first locking element 106b of the ratchet 106 with the second locking element 108c of the portion 108b of the stopper 108 thereby enabling the brake lever 102 to apply braking force to the vehicle through the brake pedal P (step 206). The method 200 further comprising, engaging the brake pedal P to dis-engage the first locking element 106b of the ratchet 106 from the second locking element 108c of the portion 108b of the stopper 108 thereby releasing the braking force applied to the vehicle (step 208). The method 200 further comprising, engaging the portion 106a of the ratchet 106 with the second locking element 108c of the portion 108b of the stopper 108 on engagement of the brake lever 102 thereby restricting a movement of the brake pedal P, where the brake pedal P is in a dis-engaged position (step 210).
[0035] The working of the brake control mechanism 100 in conjunction with the method 200 for actuating the hand brake lever 102 in the vehicle is as follows. When the operator/driver requires hand brake lever 102 to be actuated during standstill condition of the vehicle or when the operator requires the actuation of the hand brake lever 102 to provide braking force to the vehicle, the operator engages (push) the brake pedal P and thereafter engages (pulls) the hand brake lever 102 to pull the cable 104. Pulling the cable 104 causes the linkage element 112 to turn the ratchet 106 in anticlockwise direction thereby enabling the first locking element 106b of the ratchet 106 to engage the second locking element 108c of the portion 108b of the stopper 108 to provide braking force to the vehicle. Further, the operator engages the brake pedal P to dis-engage the first locking element 106b of the ratchet 106 from the second locking element 108c of the portion 108b of the stopper 108 thereby releasing the braking force applied to the vehicle. Furthermore, when the vehicle is in motion and the hand brake lever 102 is engaged due to manual error, the portion 106a of the ratchet 106 engages the second locking element 108c of the portion 108b of the stopper 108 to restrict a movement of the brake pedal P thereby restricting the actuation of the hand brake lever 102. Therefore, an effective brake control mechanism 100 is provided for a vehicle.
[0036] 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 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.

,CLAIMS:A brake control mechanism 100 for a vehicle, said brake control mechanism 100 comprising:
a first locking mechanism F; and
a second locking mechanism S; said second locking mechanism S adapted to be provided on a brake pedal assembly B,
wherein
said first locking mechanism F is disposed externally to the brake pedal assembly B;
said first locking mechanism F and said second locking mechanism S are configured to engage each other on engagement of a brake lever 102 of the vehicle thereby restricting a movement of a brake pedal P of the brake pedal assembly B, where the brake pedal P is in a dis-engaged position; and
said first locking mechanism F and said second locking mechanism S are configured to engage each other on engagement of the brake lever 102 thereby enabling the brake lever 102 to apply braking force to the vehicle through the brake pedal P, where the brake lever 102 is engaged after the engagement of the brake pedal P.
2. The brake control mechanism 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first locking mechanism F comprises a ratchet 106, said ratchet 106 having a portion 106a and at least one first locking element 106b.
3. The brake control mechanism 100 as claimed in claim 2, wherein said second locking mechanism S comprises a stopper 108, said stopper 108 having a base 108a adapted to be connected to the brake pedal P and a portion 108b extending from the base 108a substantially transverse to a longitudinal plane of the base 108a, the portion 108b defining at least one second locking element 108c corresponding to the first locking element 106b of said ratchet 106.
4. The brake control mechanism 100 as claimed in claim 3, wherein the portion 106a of said ratchet 106 is adapted to engage the second locking element 108c of the portion 108b of said stopper 108 on engagement of the brake lever L thereby restricting a movement of the brake pedal P, where the brake pedal P is in a dis-engaged position.
5. The brake control mechanism 100 as claimed in claim 4, wherein the first locking element 106b of said ratchet 106 is adapted to engage the second locking element 108c of the portion 108b of said stopper 108 on engagement of the brake lever 102 thereby enabling the brake lever 102 to apply braking force to the vehicle through the brake pedal P, where the brake lever 102 is engaged after engagement of the brake pedal P.
6. A brake control mechanism 100 for a vehicle, said brake control mechanism 100 comprising:
a first locking mechanism F comprising a ratchet 106, said ratchet 106 having a portion 106a and at least one first locking element 106b; and
a second locking mechanism S comprising a stopper 108, said stopper 108 having a base 108a adapted to be connected to a brake pedal P of the vehicle and a portion 108b extending from the base 108a substantially transverse to a longitudinal plane of the base 108a, the portion 108b defining at least one second locking element 108c corresponding to the first locking element 106b of said ratchet 106,
wherein
the portion 106a of said ratchet 106 is adapted to engage the second locking element 108c of the portion 108b of said stopper 108 on engagement of a brake lever 102 of the vehicle thereby restricting a movement of the brake pedal P, where the brake pedal P is in a dis-engaged position; and
the first locking element 106b of said ratchet 106 is adapted to engage the second locking element 108c of the portion 108b of said stopper 108 on engagement of the brake lever 102 thereby enabling the brake lever 102 to apply braking force to the vehicle through the brake pedal P, where the brake lever 102 is engaged after engagement of the brake pedal P.
7. The brake control mechanism 100 as claimed in claim 6, wherein the first locking element 106b and the second locking element 108c is at least a tooth and at least a wedge respectively.
8. The brake control mechanism 100 as claimed in claim 7, wherein the first locking element 106b and the second locking element 108c is at least a pin and at least a cavity respectively.
9. The brake control mechanism 100 as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a ratchet mounting bracket 110 adapted to mount said ratchet 106.
10. The brake control mechanism 100 as claimed in claim 9, wherein said ratchet 106 is adapted to be pivotably connected to the ratchet mounting bracket 110.
11. The brake control mechanism 100 as claimed in claim 6, wherein the vehicle is at least a tractor.
12. The brake control mechanism 100 as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a return spring 122 adapted to move said ratchet 106 to its initial position on dis-engagement of first locking element 106b of said ratchet 106 from the second locking element 108c of the portion 108b of said stopper 108.
13. A method 200 of actuating a hand brake lever 102 in a vehicle, said method 200 comprising:
providing a first locking mechanism F comprising a ratchet 106, said ratchet 106 having a portion 106a and at least one first locking element 106b;
providing a second locking mechanism S comprising a stopper 108, said stopper 108 having a base 108a adapted to be connected to a brake pedal P of the vehicle and a portion 108b extending from the base 108a substantially transverse to a longitudinal plane of the base 108a, the portion 108b defining at least one second locking element 108c corresponding to the first locking element 106b of said ratchet 106; and
engaging the brake lever 102 after the engagement of the brake pedal P to facilitate engaging of first locking element 106b of said ratchet 106 with the second locking element 108c of the portion 108b of said stopper 108 thereby enabling the brake lever 102 to apply braking force to the vehicle through the brake pedal P.
14. The method 200 as claimed in claim 13, further comprising engaging the portion 106a of said ratchet 106 with the second locking element 108c of the portion 108b of said stopper 108 on engagement of the brake lever 102 thereby restricting a movement of the brake pedal P, where the brake pedal P is in a dis-engaged position.
15. The method 200 as claimed in claim 13, further comprising engaging the brake pedal P to dis-engage the first locking element 106b of said ratchet 106 from the second locking element 108c of the portion 108b of said stopper 108 thereby releasing the braking force applied to the vehicle.

Dated this 27th October 2016 Signature:
Somashekar Ramakrishna