Claims:We claim:
1. A system (100) for managing operation of a clutch unit (C) in a vehicle, said system (100) comprising:
an actuator (102), said actuator (102) includes a linear movable member (102L) adapted to be positioned in vicinity of a clutch pedal (P) of the vehicle, where said linear movable member (102) is adapted to restrict a movement of the clutch pedal (P) to a power take off (PTO) drive cut off position during movement of the clutch pedal (P).

2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said linear movable member (102L) of said actuator (102) is adapted to be positioned in an extended position in which said linear movable member (102L) is adapted to restrict the movement of the clutch pedal (P) to the power take off (PTO) drive cut off position thereby preventing unintentional disengagement of a PTO clutch (CP) to restrict wear and tear of components present in the PTO clutch (CP) during movement of the clutch pedal (P) for dis-engaging a main clutch (CM) while shifting gear in the vehicle;
said actuator (102) is one of an electric linear actuator, a hydraulic linear actuator and a pneumatic linear actuator;
said linear movable member (102L) of said actuator (102) is adapted to be moved from the extended position to a retracted position in which said linear movable member (102L) is adapted to allow movement of the clutch pedal (P) to the PTO drive cut off position for disengaging the PTO clutch (CP); and
said actuator (102) is mounted under a floor panel of the vehicle.

3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said actuator (102) is an electric solenoid linear actuator which includes,
a solenoid body (102B);
a solenoid coil (102C) disposed inside said solenoid body (102B); and
a spring (102S) adapted to load at least a portion of said linear movable member (102L) into said solenoid body (102B),
wherein
said linear movable member (102L) is moved from the extended position to the retracted position on energization of said solenoid coil (102C);
said spring (102S) is adapted to move said linear movable member (102L) from the retracted position to the extended position on de-energization of said solenoid coil (102C); and
said linear movable member (102L) is a plunger.

4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein said system (100) includes a switch (104) in communication with said actuator (102),
wherein
said switch (104) is connected to a PTO lever (PL) of the vehicle; and
said switch (104) is adapted to one of switch on or switch off electric current supply to said solenoid coil (102C) thereby moving said linear movable member (102) to one of the retracted position or the extended position respectively when said switch (104) is switched between one of ON condition or OFF condition in response to movement of the PTO lever (PL) between one of an engaged position or a neutral position respectively.

5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein said system (100) includes,
a controller unit in communication with said actuator (102); and
a sensor adapted to be connected to a PTO lever (PL), where said sensor is adapted to send input signal to said controller unit on movement of the PTO lever (PL) to one of an engaged position or a neutral position,
wherein
said linear movable member (102L) of said actuator (102) is adapted to be moved to one of the retracted position or the extended position based on instructions sent from said controller unit to said actuator (102) in accordance to at least one input signal sent from said sensor to said controller unit on movement of the PTO lever (PL) to the engaged position or the neutral position respectively.

6. A method (20) for managing operation of a clutch unit (C) in a vehicle, said method (20) comprising:
operating an actuator (102) by one of a switch (104) and a controller unit;
positioning a linear movable member (102L) of the actuator (102) in an extended position in vicinity of a clutch pedal (P) of the vehicle in response to operating the actuator (102) by one of the switch (104) and the controller unit; and
restricting, by the linear movable member (102L) of the actuator (104) in the extended position, a movement of the clutch pedal (P) to a power take off (PTO) drive cut off position during movement of the clutch pedal (P) for dis-engaging a main clutch (CM) while shifting gear in the vehicle.

7. The method (200) as claimed in claim 6, wherein said method (20) includes,
moving the linear movable member (102L) of the actuator (102) from the extended position to a retracted position for allowing movement of the clutch pedal (P) to the PTO drive cut off position for disengaging the PTO clutch (CP) on operating the actuator (102) by one of the switch (104) and the controller unit, wherein
operating the actuator (102) by the switch (104) for positioning the linear movable member (102L) of the actuator (102) in the extended position includes, switching off, by one of the switch (104) and the controller unit, electric current supply to the actuator (102) by maintaining the switch (104) in OFF condition when the PTO lever (PL) is in a neutral position;
operating the actuator (102) by the switch (104) for moving the linear movable member (102L) of the actuator (102) from the extended position to the retracted position includes switching on, by one of the switch (104) and the controller unit, electric current supply to the actuator (102) by moving the switch from OFF condition to ON condition in response to movement of the PTO lever (PL) from the neutral position to the engaged position;
operating the actuator (102) by the controller unit for positioning the linear movable member (102L) of the actuator (102) in the extended position includes, sending by a sensor, input signal to the controller unit when the PTO lever (PL) is maintained in the neutral position, and switching off, by the controller unit, electric current supply to the actuator (102) in accordance to the input signal from the sensor;
operating the actuator (102) by the controller unit for moving the linear movable member (102L) of the actuator (102) from the extended position to the retracted position includes, sending by the sensor, another input signal to the controller unit when the PTO lever (PL) is moved from the neutral position to the engaged position, and switching on, by the controller unit, electric current supply to the actuator (102) in accordance to the another input signal from the sensor;
the switch (104) is connected to the PTO lever (PL); and
the sensor is connected to the PTO lever (PL).

8. A system (200) for managing operation of a clutch unit (C) in a vehicle, said system (200) comprising:
a first actuator (202), said first actuator (202) includes a movable member (202L) adapted to be coupled to a clutch actuating member, where said first actuator (206) is adapted to move said clutch actuating member in a first direction for disengaging a main clutch (CM) while shifting gear in the vehicle; and
a second actuator (204), said second actuator (204) includes a linear movable member (204L) adapted to be positioned in an extended position in vicinity of a clutch pedal (P) of the vehicle, where said linear movable member (204L) is adapted to restrict a movement of the clutch pedal (P) to a power take off (PTO) drive cut off position during movement of the clutch pedal (P) for dis-engaging the main clutch (CM) while shifting gear in the vehicle.

9. The system (200) as claimed in claim 8, wherein said system (200) includes,
a linkage (207), where one end of said linkage (207) is connected to said linear movable member (202L) of said first actuator (202) and another end of said linkage (207) is connected to said clutch actuating member,
wherein
said first actuator (202) is adapted to move the clutch actuating member in a second direction for engaging the main clutch (CM) once the gear is shifted in the vehicle, where the second direction is opposite to the first direction;
said first actuator (202) is one of a linear actuator and a rotary actuator;
said rotary actuator (202) is at least an electric motor (stepper motor or timer motor) in which the movable member (output shaft) of the electric motor is rotatably connected to the clutch actuating member;
said first linear actuator (202) is one of an electric linear actuator, a hydraulic linear actuator and a pneumatic linear actuator;
the clutch actuating member is a clutch pedal mounting shaft;
said first actuator (202) is operated by one of a first switch (208) and a controller unit for operating the main clutch (CM) while shifting gear in the vehicle, where said first switch (208) is located on a gear shift lever (GL) of the vehicle;
said controller unit operates said first actuator (202) in accordance to at least one input received from an input module;
said input module is one of a sensor and user operated switch located on the gear shift lever (GL), where the sensor is adapted to monitor and communicate a position of the gear shift lever (GL) to said controller unit;
said second actuator (204) is one of an electric linear actuator, a hydraulic linear actuator and a pneumatic linear actuator;
said second actuator (204) is operated by one of a second switch (210) and a controller unit;
said second switch (210) is connected to a PTO lever (PL) of the vehicle, where said second switch (210) is adapted to one of switch on or switch off electric current supply to said second actuator (204) thereby moving said linear movable member (204L) to one of the retracted position or the extended position respectively when said second switch (210) is switched between one of ON condition and OFF condition in response to movement of the PTO lever (PL) between one of an engaged position and a neutral position respectively;
said controller unit operates said second actuator (204) in accordance to at least one input signal received from a sensor; and
said sensor is adapted to be connected to the PTO lever (PL), where said sensor is adapted to send input signal to said controller unit on movement of the PTO lever (PL) to one of the neutral position and the engaged position.
10. A method (30) for managing operation of a clutch unit (C) in a vehicle, said method (30) comprising:
operating a first actuator (202) by one of a first switch (208) and a controller unit;
moving, by a movable member (202L) of the first actuator (202), a clutch actuating member in a first direction for disengaging a main clutch (CM) while shifting gear in the vehicle in response to operating the first actuator (202) by one of the first switch (208) and the controller unit;
moving, by the movable member (202L) of the first actuator (202), the clutch actuating member in a second direction for engaging the main clutch (CM) once the gear is shifted in the vehicle in response to operating the first actuator (202) by one of the first switch (208) and the controller unit;
operating a second actuator (204) by one of a second switch (210) and the controller unit;
positioning a linear movable member (204L) of the second actuator (204) to an extended position in vicinity of a clutch pedal (P) of the vehicle in response to operating the second actuator (204) by one of the second switch (210) and the controller unit; and
restricting, by the linear movable member (204L) of the second actuator (204) in the extended position, a movement of the clutch pedal (P) to a power take off (PTO) drive cut off position during movement of the clutch pedal (P) for dis-engaging a main clutch (CM) while shifting gear in the vehicle.

11. The method (30) as claimed in claim 10, wherein said method (30) includes,
moving the linear movable member (204L) of the second actuator (204) from the extended position to a retracted position for allowing movement of the clutch pedal (P) to the PTO drive cut off position for disengaging the PTO clutch (CP) on operating the second actuator (204) by one of the second switch (210) and the controller unit; and
connecting one end of a linkage (207) to the movable member (202L) of the first actuator (202) and connecting another end of the linkage (207) to the clutch actuating member,
wherein
operating the first actuator (202) by the first switch (208) for disengaging the main clutch (CM) while shifting gear in the vehicle, includes switching on electric current supply to the first actuator (202) on pressing the first switch (208);
operating the first actuator (202) by the first switch (208) for engaging the main clutch (CM) once gear is shifted in the vehicle includes, switching off the electric current supply to the first actuator (202) on de-pressing (disengaging) the first switch (208);
operating the first actuator (202) by the controller unit for disengaging the main clutch (CM) while shifting gear in the vehicle, includes switching on, by the controller unit, electric current supply to the first actuator (202) in response to receiving an input signal from one of the sensor and user operated switch located on the gear shift lever (GL);
operating the first actuator (202) by the controller unit for engaging the main clutch (CM) once gear is shifted in the vehicle includes, includes switching off, by the controller unit, electric current supply to the first actuator (202) in response to receiving another input signal from one of the sensor and user operated switch located on the gear shift lever (GL);
operating the second actuator (204) by the second switch (210) for positioning the linear movable member (204L) of the second actuator (204) in the extended position includes switching off, by one of the second switch (210) and the controller unit, electric current supply to the second actuator (204) by maintaining the second switch (210) in OFF condition when the PTO lever (PL) is in a neutral position;
operating the second actuator (204) by the second switch (210) for moving the linear movable member (204L) of the second actuator (102) from the extended position to the retracted position includes switching on, by one of the second switch (210) and the controller unit, electric current supply to the second actuator (204) by moving the switch from OFF condition to ON condition in response to movement of the PTO lever (PL) from the neutral position to the engaged position;
operating the second actuator (204) by the controller unit for positioning the linear movable member (204L) of the second actuator (204) in the extended position includes, sending by a sensor, input signal to the controller unit when the PTO lever (PL) is maintained in the neutral position; and switching off, by the controller unit, electric current supply to the second actuator (204) in accordance to the input signal from the sensor;
operating the second actuator (204) by the controller unit for moving the linear movable member (204L) of the second actuator (204) from the extended position to the retracted position includes, sending by the sensor, another input signal to the controller unit when the PTO lever (PL) is moved from the neutral position to the engaged position; and switching on, by the controller unit, electric current supply to the second actuator (204) in accordance to the another input signal from the sensor;
the first switch (208) is located on the gear shift lever (GL) of the vehicle;
the second switch (210) is connected to the PTO lever (PL) of the vehicle; and
the sensor is connected to the PTO lever (PL).
, Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The embodiments herein relate to a system and a method for managing operation of a clutch unit in a vehicle (agricultural vehicle or work vehicle) for restricting movement of a clutch pedal to a power take off (PTO) drive cut off position (more than 50 percent pedal travel position) to prevent unintentional disengagement of a power take off (PTO) clutch thereby reducing wear and tear of components in the PTO clutch of the vehicle during movement of the clutch pedal for disengaging a main clutch while shifting gear. Further, embodiments herein relate to a system and a method for automatically operating (engaging or disengaging) the main clutch while shifting gear in the vehicle.

BACKGROUND
[002] Generally, utility vehicles are made for doing an off-road work including agriculture, horticulture, construction, mining, industry etc., These utility vehicles are specially made for performing a particular kind of work. For example, conventional tractor is specially designed for doing agricultural work, conventional bulldozers are used for doing construction work, conventional excavators are made for used mining work and conventional forklifts are used for performing industry works. Usually, such vehicles include a main clutch and a power take off (PTO) clutch which are operated by a single clutch pedal. The main clutch is used for engaging or disengaging an engine with respect to a power transmission unit (gearbox) of the vehicle. The PTO clutch is used for engaging or disengaging the engine with respect to an implement coupled to vehicle. For shifting gears, the clutch pedal is moved to a 50 percent pedal travel position for disengaging the main clutch. Whereas the clutch pedal is moved to more than 50 percent pedal travel position for disengaging the PTO clutch. Due to frequent gear shifting requirement in accordance to the driving condition and field operation of the vehicle, the operator may frequently and unintentionally move the clutch pedal to more than 50 percent pedal travel position thereby moving the main clutch to disengaged position, and also moving the PTO clutch to disengaged position which is undesirable. This results in more wear and tear of PTO clutch pressure plate, possibility of failure (struck) of PTO clutch at some point while in operation, uneven operation in agricultural fields, low productivity, and fatigue to operator and also increases fuel consumption of the vehicle.
[003] Therefore, there exists a need for a system and a method for managing operation of a clutch unit in a vehicle, which obviates the aforementioned drawbacks. Further, there exists a need for a system and a method for automatically operating the main clutch while shifting gears in the vehicle.

OBJECTS
[004] The principal object of embodiments herein is to provide a system and a method for restricting movement of a clutch pedal to a power take off (PTO) drive cut off position (more than 50 percent pedal travel position) to prevent unintentional dis-engagement of a power take off (PTO) clutch thereby reducing wear and tear of components in the PTO clutch of the vehicle during movement of the clutch pedal for dis-engaging a main clutch while shifting gear in the vehicle.
[005] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide a system and a method for automatically operating (engaging or disengaging) the main clutch while shifting gear in the vehicle.
[006] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide the system for managing operation of clutch unit in vehicle, which reduces fatigue to operator and ensures more productivity.
[007] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide the system for managing operation of clutch unit in vehicle, which increases fuel efficiency of the vehicle.
[008] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide the system for managing operation of clutch unit in vehicle, which increases life of the clutch unit.
[009] These and other objects of embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with following description and 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
[0010] The embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, throughout which like reference letters indicate corresponding parts in various figures. The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following description with reference to the drawings, in which:
[0011] Fig. 1 depicts various positions of the clutch pedal,
[0012] Fig. 2 depicts a schematic diagram of a system for managing operation of a clutch unit in a vehicle, where a linear movable member of an actuator is moved to an extended position to restrict a movement of clutch pedal to a power take off (PTO) drive cut off position, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0013] Fig. 3 depicts a schematic diagram of the clutch operation managing system, where the linear movable member of the actuator is moved from the extended position to a retracted position to allow a movement of clutch pedal to the power take off (PTO) drive cut off position, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0014] Fig. 4 depicts a schematic diagram of a system for managing operation of a clutch unit in a vehicle, according to another embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0015] Fig. 5 depicts a flowchart indicating a method for managing operation of a clutch unit in a vehicle, according to embodiments as disclosed herein; and
[0016] Fig. 6 depicts a flowchart indicating a method for managing operation of a clutch unit in a vehicle, according to another embodiment as disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] 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.
[0018] The embodiments herein achieve a system and a method for restricting movement of a clutch pedal to a power take off (PTO) drive cut off position (more than 50 percent pedal travel position) to prevent unintentional dis-engagement of a power take off (PTO) clutch thereby reducing wear and tear of components in the PTO clutch of the vehicle during movement of the clutch pedal for dis-engaging a main clutch while shifting gear in the vehicle. Further, embodiments herein achieve a system and a method for automatically operating (engaging or disengaging) the main clutch while shifting gear in the vehicle. Referring now to the drawings Figs. 1 through 6, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown embodiments.
[0019] Fig. 2 depicts a schematic diagram of a system (100) for managing operation of a clutch unit (C) in a vehicle, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. The clutch unit (C) includes a main clutch (CM) and a power take off (PTO) clutch (CP) (as shown in fig. 2)). The main clutch (CM) is used for engaging or disengaging an engine with respect to a power transmission unit (gearbox) of the vehicle. The PTO clutch (CP) is used for engaging or disengaging the engine with respect to an implement coupled to vehicle. In an embodiment, the system (100) includes an actuator (102) for restricting the movement of a clutch pedal (P) to a power take off (PTO) drive cut off position (as shown in fig. 1). For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the system (100) is explained herein with below reference to restricting the movement of the clutch pedal (P) to the power take off (PTO) drive cut off position thereby preventing unintentional disengagement of a PTO clutch (CP) to restrict wear and tear of components present in PTO clutch (CP) during movement of the clutch pedal (P) for dis-engaging a main clutch (CM) while shifting gear in an agricultural vehicle such as but not limited to a tractor. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to use/practice the system (100) for restricting the movement of the clutch pedal (P) to the power take off (PTO) drive cut off position for preventing unintentional disengagement of the PTO clutch (CP) while shifting gear in any other off road vehicle or work vehicle or any other vehicle without otherwise deterring the intended function of the system (100) as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings.
[0020] The actuator (102) includes a linear movable member (102L). The linear movable member (102L) is adapted to be positioned in an extended position (as shown in fig. 2) in vicinity of the clutch pedal (P) in which the linear movable member (102L) is adapted to restrict the movement of the clutch pedal (P) to power take off (PTO) drive cut off position thereby preventing unintentional disengagement of the PTO clutch (CP) to restrict wear and tear of components present in PTO clutch (CP) during movement of the clutch pedal (P) for dis-engaging the main clutch (CM) while shifting gear in the vehicle. The linear movable member (102L) of the actuator (102) is adapted to be moved from the extended position to a retracted position (as shown in fig. 3) in which the linear movable member (102L) is adapted to allow movement of the clutch pedal (P) to the PTO drive cut off position for disengaging the PTO clutch (CP). In an embodiment, the actuator (102) is considered to be one of an electric linear actuator, a pneumatic linear actuator and a hydraulic linear actuator. The actuator (102) is mounted under a left hand floor panel of the vehicle.
[0021] For example, the actuator (102) is an electric solenoid linear actuator which includes a solenoid body (102B), a solenoid coil (102C), a spring (102S) and the linear movable member ((102L) (as shown in fig. 2)). The solenoid coil (102C) is disposed inside the solenoid body (102B). The spring (102S) is adapted to load at least a portion of the linear movable member (102L) into the solenoid body (102B). The linear movable member (102L) is moved from the extended position to the retracted position (as shown in fig. 3) on energization of the solenoid coil (102C). The spring (102S) is adapted to move the linear movable member (102L) from the retracted position to the extended position (as shown in fig. 3) on de-energization of the solenoid coil (102C).
[0022] In one embodiment, the actuator (102) is operated by a switch (104), where the switch (104) is in communication with the actuator (102) directly or through the controller unit. The switch (104) is connected to a PTO lever (PL) of the vehicle. The switch (104) is in OFF condition when the PTO lever (PL) is in a neutral position. The switch (104) is switched from OFF condition to ON condition when the PTO lever (PL) is moved from the neutral position to an engaged position. The switch (104) is adapted to one of switch on or switch off electric current supply to the solenoid coil (102C) directly or through the controller unit thereby moving the linear movable member (102) to one of the retracted position or the extended position respectively when the PTO lever (PL) is moved to one of the engaged position or the neutral position respectively. In another embodiment, the switch (104) will generate and send input signal to the controller unit based on the OFF condition and ON condition of the switch (104) and accordingly the controller unit operates the actuator (102).
[0023] In another embodiment, the actuator (102) is operated by a controller unit (electronic controller unit) based on input signal from a sensor. The sensor is adapted to be connected to the PTO lever (PL), where the sensor is adapted to send input signal to the controller unit based on movement of the PTO lever (PL) to the engaged position and the neutral position. The controller unit is in communication with the actuator (102). The linear movable member (102L) of the actuator (102) is adapted to be moved to one of the retracted position or the extended position based on instructions sent from the controller unit to the actuator (102) in accordance to at least one input sent from the sensor to the controller unit on movement of the PTO lever (PL) to the engaged position and the neutral position respectively.
[0024] Fig. 5 depicts a flowchart indicating a method (20) for managing operation of a clutch unit (C) in a vehicle, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the method (20) is explained herein below with reference to managing operation of the clutch unit (C) for restricting the movement of the clutch pedal (P) to the power take off (PTO) drive cut off position thereby preventing unintentional disengagement of the PTO clutch (CP) to restrict wear and tear of components present in PTO clutch (CP) during movement of the clutch pedal (P) for dis-engaging the main clutch (CM) while shifting gear in an agricultural vehicle such as but not limited to a tractor. However, it is also within the scope of this invention to practice/implement the entire steps of the method (20) in a same manner or in a different manner or with omission of at least one step to the method (20) or with any addition of at least one step to the method (20) for restricting the movement of the clutch pedal (P) to the power take off (PTO) drive cut off position for preventing unintentional disengagement of the PTO clutch (CP) while shifting gear in any other off road vehicle or work vehicle or any other vehicle or any other applications without otherwise deterring the intended function of the method (20) as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings.
[0025] At step (22), the method (20) includes operating an actuator (102) by one of a switch (104) and a controller unit.
[0026] At step 24, the method (20) includes positioning a linear movable member (102L) of the actuator (102) in an extended position in vicinity of a clutch pedal (P) of the vehicle in response to operating the actuator (102) by one of the switch (104) and the controller unit.
[0027] At step 26, the method (20) includes restricting, by the linear movable member (102L) of the actuator (104) in the extended position, a movement of the clutch pedal (P) to a power take off (PTO) drive cut off position thereby preventing unintentional disengagement of a PTO clutch (CP) during movement of the clutch pedal (P) for dis-engaging a main clutch (CM) while shifting gear in the vehicle.
[0028] At step 28, the method (20) includes moving the linear movable member (102L) of the actuator (102) from the extended position to a retracted position for allowing movement of the clutch pedal (P) to the PTO drive cut off position for disengaging the PTO clutch (CP) on operating the actuator (102) by one of the switch (104) and the controller unit.
[0029] The method step of operating the actuator (102) by the switch (104) for positioning the linear movable member (102L) of the actuator (102) to the extended position includes switching off, by one of the switch (104) and the controller unit, electric current supply to the actuator (102) by maintaining the switch (104) in OFF condition when the PTO lever (PL) is in a neutral position.
[0030] The method step of operating the actuator (102) by the switch (104) for moving the linear movable member (102L) of the actuator (102) from the extended position to the retracted position includes switching on, by one of the switch (104) and the controller unit, electric current supply to the actuator (102) by moving the switch from OFF condition to ON condition in response to movement of the PTO lever (PL) from the neutral position to the engaged position.
[0031] The method step of operating the actuator (102) by the controller unit for positioning the linear movable member (102L) of the actuator (102) to the extended position includes, sending by a sensor, input signal to the controller unit when the PTO lever (PL) is maintained in the neutral position; and switching off, by the controller unit, electric current supply to the actuator (102) in accordance to the input signal from the sensor.
[0032] The method step of operating the actuator (102) by the controller unit for moving the linear movable member (102L) of the actuator (102) from the extended position to the retracted position includes, sending by a sensor, another input signal to the controller unit when the PTO lever (PL) is moved from the neutral position to the engaged position; and switching on, by the controller unit, electric current supply to the actuator (102) in accordance to the another input signal from the sensor.
[0033] Fig. 4 depicts a schematic diagram of a system (200) for managing operation of a clutch unit (C) in a vehicle, according to another embodiment as disclosed herein. In another embodiment, the system (200) includes a first actuator (202) and a second actuator (204). For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the system (200) is explained herein with below reference to automatic engaging and disengaging the main clutch (CM) and also for preventing unintentional disengagement of a PTO clutch (CP) while shifting gear in an agricultural vehicle such as but not limited to a tractor. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to use/practice the system (100) for automatic engaging and disengaging the main clutch (CM) and also for preventing unintentional disengagement of a PTO clutch (CP) while shifting gear in any other off road vehicle or work vehicle or any other vehicle without otherwise deterring the intended function of the system (200) as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings.
[0034] The first actuator (202) includes a movable member (202L) adapted to be coupled to a clutch actuating member, where the first actuator (206) is adapted to move the clutch actuating member in a first direction for disengaging the main clutch (CM) while shifting gear in the vehicle. The first actuator (202) is adapted to move the clutch actuating member in a second direction for engaging the main clutch (CM) once the gear is shifted in the vehicle, where the second direction is opposite to the first direction.
[0035] In one embodiment, the first actuator (202) is considered to be one of an electric linear actuator, a hydraulic linear actuator and a pneumatic linear actuator. In this embodiment, the movable member (202L) of the first actuator (202) is coupled to the clutch actuating member through a linkage ((207) (as shown in fig. 4)). One end of the linkage (207) is connected to linear movable member (202L) of the first actuator (202) and another end of the linkage (207) is connected to the clutch actuating member.
[0036] In one embodiment, the first actuator (202) is considered to be a rotary actuator in which the movable member (202L) of the first actuator is coupled to the clutch actuating member in an inline manner. For example, the rotary actuator is an electric motor (stepper motor or timer motor), where an output shaft of the electric motor is rotatably coupled to the clutch actuating member of the clutch unit (C). For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the clutch actuating member is considered to be a clutch pedal mounting shaft.
[0037] In one embodiment, the first actuator (202) is operated by a first switch (208). The first switch (208) is located on a gear shift lever (GL) of the vehicle and is operated by the operator (user) by pressing the first switch (208) while shifting gear. The first switch (208) is adapted to switch on and switch off the electric current supply to the first actuator (202) for disengaging and engaging the main clutch (CM) on pressing and de-pressing of the first switch (208) respectively.
[0038] In another embodiment, the first actuator (202) is operated by a controller unit (electronic controller unit). The controller unit operates the first actuator (202) in accordance to at least one input received from an input module. The input module is one of a sensor and a user operated switch. The user operated switch is located on the gear shift lever (GL) and is operated by the operator by pressing it while shifting gear. The pressing and depressing of the user operated switch generates an input signal to the controller unit and accordingly the controller unit operates the first actuator (202) for operating (dis-engaging and engaging) the main clutch (CM) while shifting gear. The sensor is adapted to monitor and communicate a position of the gear shift lever (GL) to said controller unit and accordingly the controller unit operates the first actuator (202) for operating (dis-engaging and engaging) the main clutch (CM) while shifting gear.
[0039] The second actuator (204) includes a linear movable member (204L) adapted to be positioned in vicinity of the clutch pedal (P) of the vehicle. The linear movable member (204L) of the second actuator (204) is adapted to be positioning in an extended position in which the linear movable member (204) is adapted to restrict a movement of the clutch pedal (P) to the power take off (PTO) drive cut off position during movement of the clutch pedal (P) for dis-engaging the main clutch (CM) while shifting gear in the vehicle. The linear movable member (204L) of the second actuator (204) is adapted to be moved from the extended position to a retracted position for allowing movement of the clutch pedal (P) to power take off (PTO) drive cut off position for dis-engaging the PTO clutch (CP).
[0040] In one embodiment, the second actuator (204) is operated by a second switch (210), where the second switch (210) is in communication with the second actuator (204) directly or through the controller unit. The second switch (210) is connected to the PTO lever (PL) of the vehicle and is operated on movement of the PTO lever (PL) by the operator. The second switch (210) is in OFF condition when the PTO lever (PL) is in a neutral position. The second switch (210) is switched from OFF condition to ON condition when the PTO lever (PL) is moved from the neutral position to an engaged position. The second switch (210) is adapted to one of switch on or switch off electric current supply to the second actuator (204) directly or through the controller unit thereby moving the linear movable member (204L) to one of the retracted position or the extended position respectively when the PTO lever (PL) is moved to one of the engaged position or the neutral position respectively. In another embodiment, the second switch (210) will generate and send input signal to the controller unit based on the OFF condition and ON condition of the second switch (210) and accordingly the controller unit operates the second actuator (204).
[0041] In another embodiment, the second actuator (204) is operated by a controller unit (electronic controller unit) based on input signal from a sensor. The sensor is adapted to be connected to the PTO lever (PL), where the sensor is adapted to send input signal to the controller unit based on movement of the PTO lever (PL) to the engaged position and the neutral position. The controller unit is in communication with the second actuator (204). The linear movable member (204L) of the second actuator (204) is adapted to be moved to one of the retracted position or the extended position based on instructions sent from the controller unit to the second actuator (204) in accordance to at least one input sent from the sensor to the controller unit on movement of the PTO lever (PL) to the engaged position and the neutral position respectively.
[0042] Fig. 6 depicts a flowchart indicating a method (30) for managing operation of a clutch unit (C) in a vehicle, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the method (30) is explained herein below with reference to managing operation of the clutch unit (C) for automatic engaging and disengaging the main clutch (CM) and also for preventing unintentional disengagement of a PTO clutch (CP) while shifting gear in an agricultural vehicle such as but not limited to a tractor. However, it is also within the scope of this invention to practice/implement the entire steps of the method (30) in a same manner or in a different manner or with omission of at least one step to the method (30) or with any addition of at least one step to the method (30) for automatic engaging and disengaging the main clutch (CM) and also for preventing unintentional disengagement of a PTO clutch (CP) while shifting gear in any other off road vehicle or work vehicle or any other vehicle without otherwise deterring the intended function of the method (30) as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings.
[0043] At step (32), the method (30) includes operating a first actuator (202) by one of a first switch (208) and a controller unit.
[0044] At step (34), the method (30) includes moving, by a movable member (202L) of the first actuator (202), a clutch actuating member in a first direction for disengaging a main clutch (CM) while shifting gear in the vehicle in response to operating the first actuator (202) by one of the first switch (208) and the controller unit.
[0045] At step (35), the method (30) includes moving, by the movable member (202L) of the first actuator (202), the clutch actuating member in a second direction for engaging the main clutch (CM) once the gear is shifted in the vehicle in response to operating the first actuator (202) by one of the first switch (208) and the controller unit.
[0046] At step (36) the method (30) includes operating a second actuator (202) by one of a second switch (210) and the controller unit.
[0047] At step (38) the method (30) includes positioning a linear movable member (204L) of the second actuator (204) in an extended position in vicinity of a clutch pedal (P) of the vehicle in response to operating the second actuator (204) by one of the second switch (210) and the controller unit.
[0048] At step (40) the method (30) includes restricting, by the linear movable member (204L) of the second actuator (204) in the extended position, a movement of the clutch pedal (P) to a power take off (PTO) drive cut off position thereby preventing unintentional disengagement of a PTO clutch (CP)during movement of the clutch pedal (P) for dis-engaging the main clutch (CM) while shifting gear in the vehicle.
[0049] Further, the method (20) includes moving the linear movable member (204L) of the second actuator (204) from the extended position to a retracted position for allowing movement of the clutch pedal (P) to the PTO drive cut off position for disengaging the PTO clutch (CP) on operating the second actuator (204) by one of the second switch (210) and the controller unit.
[0050] Further, the method step of operating the first actuator (202) by the first switch (208) for disengaging the main clutch (CM) while shifting gear in the vehicle, includes switching on electric current supply to the first actuator (202) on pressing the first switch (208).
[0051] Further, the method step of operating the first actuator (202) by the first switch (208) for engaging the main clutch (CM) once gear is shifted in the vehicle includes, switching off the electric current supply to the first actuator (202) on de-pressing (disengaging) the first switch (208)
[0052] Further, the method step of operating the first actuator (202) by the controller unit for disengaging the main clutch (CM) while shifting gear in the vehicle, includes switching on, by the controller unit, electric current supply to the first actuator (202) in response to receiving an input signal from one of the sensor and user operated switch located on the gear shift lever (GL).
[0053] Further, the method step of operating the first actuator (202) by the controller unit for engaging the main clutch (CM) once gear is shifted in the vehicle includes, includes switching off, by the controller unit, electric current supply to the first actuator (202) in response to receiving another input signal from one of the sensor and user operated switch located on the gear shift lever (GL).
[0054] Furthermore, the method step of operating the second actuator (204) by the second switch (210) for positioning the linear movable member (204L) of the second actuator (204) to the extended position includes switching off, by one of the second switch (210) and the controller unit, electric current supply to the second actuator (204) by maintaining the second switch (210) in OFF condition when the PTO lever (PL) is in a neutral position.
[0055] The method step of operating the second actuator (102) by the second switch (210) for moving the linear movable member (204L) of the second actuator (102) from the extended position to the retracted position includes switching on, by one of the second switch (210) and the controller unit, electric current supply to the second actuator (204) by moving the second switch (210) from OFF condition to ON condition in response to movement of the PTO lever (PL) from the neutral position to the engaged position.
[0056] The method step of operating the second actuator (204) by the controller unit for positioning the linear movable member (204L) of the second actuator (204) to the extended position includes, sending by a sensor, input signal to the controller unit when the PTO lever (PL) is maintained in the neutral position; and switching off, by the controller unit, electric current supply to the actuator (102) in accordance to the input signal from the sensor.
[0057] The method step of operating the second actuator (204) by the controller unit for moving the linear movable member (204L) of the second actuator (204) from the extended position to the retracted position includes, sending by a sensor, another input signal to the controller unit when the PTO lever (PL) is moved from the neutral position to the engaged position; and switching on, by the controller unit, electric current supply to the second actuator (204) in accordance to the another input signal from the sensor.
[0058] The technical advantages of the system (100) for managing operation of the clutch unit (C) in the vehicle are as follows. The system automatically disengages the clutch unit while shifting gear in the vehicle. The system reduces fatigue to operator and ensures more productivity and increases fuel efficiency of the vehicle and increases life of the clutch unit.
[0059] 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 modifications within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.