Recognised as one of the world’s major agricultural exhibitions, SIMA serves as a platform for the introduction of many advanced technology innovations.
The T7000 Auto Command tractor of New Holland Agriculture, equipped with the SKF electronic parking brake, was launched recently at SIMA 2009. The system, adopted by New Holland, is a hybrid solution based on a mechanical emergency brake and an SKF smart electro-mechanical patented actuator acting on the transmission parking brake.
Designed to ensure reliability for the operators and assist the driver in various driving conditions, the electronic brake is more than just a parking system. Smart functions, eg, the Automatic Apply, which operates when the key is off and the driver leaves his seat, the Hill Holder and the Drive Away, combine to relieve the driver of having to pull a force of 40 kg to apply a manual brake, delivering more comfort particularly on uneven ground.
The brake is easy to assemble on an OEM machine production line and designers are given complete freedom for easy installation of the system in any position on the vehicle. “SKF added value offers are the smart functions, typical of the most advanced mechatronic systems,” says Gianluca Oberto, Drive-By-Wire business unit manager, SKF Industrie SpA. “For vehicles that are working tools, like the New Holland tractor, these functions have a direct impact on productivity and operating costs.”
The design of the SKF electronic parking brake is in line with the Swedish group’s long-established tradition of caring for the environment and delivers environmental benefits through reduced energy consumption. This mechatronic solution guarantees a minimum distance between brake discs, which avoids friction losses and early brake wearing resulting in power recovery and reduced fuel consumption.
Developed at SKF Italy, the brake went into production in September 2008 and features a geared motor contained in a sealed housing with an integrated electronic control unit. The electro-mechanical actuator stretches and releases the bowden cable connected to the braking system which is controlled by the electronic unit.
SKF has, since the 1970s played a pioneering role in mechatronics and delivered its first Fly-by-Wire systems for throttle control to Airbus in the 1980s. More recently, the company embarked on a number of important projects in the automotive sector, including the Drive-by-Wire Filo and Novanta concept cars.
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