Modulated FWD clutch for tractor braking
US5551526A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 23, 1994 |
| Grant date | Sep 3, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 23, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60K23/08
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A 4-wheel tractor having brakes on the rear wheels only and an FWD clutch for selectively drivingly coupling the front wheels to the rear wheels, is provided with a control circuit, operative during rear wheel braking, for controlling the clutch so that the front wheels are intermittently coupled to and uncoupled from the rear wheels. Brake pedals which individually control the rear wheel brakes, and a hand brake all control switches connected to a controller. An FWD switch is also connected to the controller. A ground speed sensor applies to the controller a signal representing the speed of the tractor. If the tractor speed is above 15 mph at the time both brake pedals are depressed, the controller selectively controls a solenoid so that the clutch is selectively engaged and disengaged in a first sequence if the FWD switch is ON but selectively controls the solenoid so that the clutch is selectively engaged and disengaged in a second sequence if the FWD switch is in an OFF or an AUTO position. Operation of the clutch effects intermittent front wheel braking as the rear wheels are braked so that front wheel skidding is reduced during hard braking.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.