Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] Present invention relates to a vehicle. More specifically, Embodiments of the present invention relates to brake pedal assembly for a vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] It is a known fact that, safety and security norms are imposed in vehicles by regulatory authorities for minimising accidents or injury to public. One such safety and security norms include installing reflectors or lighting system in vehicle, so that other vehicle moving along can comprehend or understand the position of the vehicle.
[003] Typically, in vehicles, three types of light or reflector mechanisms are provided namely a taillight provided at a rear end of the vehicle, a headlight provided at a front end of the vehicle and turn signal lamps provided on both the front and rear ends of the vehicles. The taillight provides indication to the other vehicles that are behind the vehicle, the headlight provides indication to the other vehicles that are infront of the vehicle, and the turn signal lamps provide indication to other vehicles that are at front and rear of the vehicle.
[004] In vehicle, the brake lamp or brake light in the taillight is typically actuated through a braking system, wherein actuation of the braking system for applying brakes switches ON the brake lamp or light in the taillight. The braking system can be operated through a brake pedal or a hand brake lever provided in the vehicle.
[005] Typically, the brake pedal is manufactured by a forging process. As such, a single piece of brake pedal is manufactured. At a rear or at a middle part of the brake pedal, a hole is provided for routing a wire. The hole is provided using time consuming and complex manufacturing process like punching, plasma cutting etc. These kind of process increases overall cost of the brake pedal. Further punching includes removal of material from the pre machined brake pedal and the removed material can only be recycled at an extra cost including handling and logistic costs.
[006] With reference to Figure 1A (prior art) which depicts a conventional brake pedal assembly 100’, the wire connects with a spring (referenced as 104’), which in-turn connects with a switch through the wire. The switch is connected to a battery module of the vehicle and the taillight. At this juncture, when the brake pedal (referenced as 102’ in Figure 1A) is actuated by a user for braking the vehicle, the wire generates tension resulting in elongation of the spring 104’. Consequently, the switch is activated for turning ON the taillight.
[007] Further, it is observed in the conventional brake assembly 100’ that the spring of predetermined stiffness, strength and resilience property being required and prolonged use of such spring 104’ during the braking operation requires frequent replacement of the spring 104’. This can lead to customer dissatisfaction as users need to visit the service centre very frequently.
[008] Further, this phenomenon can lead to free play in the brake pedal 102’ or spongy feel which can further result in a reduced input force from the rider of the vehicle for switching ON the brake lamp in the taillight. Such a situation arises, since the only link between the brake pedal 102’ and the switch 104’ of the taillight is the wire, and the wire is typically fragile. Moreover, the tension between the brake pedal 102’ and the wire is maintained by the spring 104’, which being a mechanical member loses its stiffness due to wear and tear over time. Additionally, the conventional brake pedal assembly comprises of larger number of intricate parts, making the assembly complex in construction and maintenance. Also, the larger number of parts occupy a larger space in the vehicle, leading to space constraints in the vehicle, which is undesirable.
[009] In view of the above, there is a need for a brake pedal assembly for a vehicle, that addresses at least some of the limitations mentioned above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[010] In one aspect, a brake pedal assembly for a vehicle is provided. The brake pedal assembly comprises a brake pedal pivotally mounted onto the vehicle and being coupled to a first actuator. The brake pedal is operable between a first position and a second position. A coupling member is connected to the brake pedal. The coupling member is adapted to selectively engage and disengage from a second actuator corresponding to position of the brake pedal.
[011] In an embodiment, the brake pedal comprises a cutout provided on a top surface, wherein the cutout is adapted to receive the coupling member.
[012] In an embodiment, the coupling member is attached onto the top surface of the brake pedal.
[013] In an embodiment, the second actuator comprises a switching unit coupled to each of the at least one light source. The switching unit is adapted to illuminate the at least one the light source when the coupling member disengages from the second actuator.
[014] In an embodiment, the second actuator is positioned adjacently and above the brake pedal.
[015] In an embodiment, the coupling member is made of a pre-defined material.
[016] In an embodiment, the coupling member is adapted to engage with a locking member. The locking member is adapted to adjust position of the brake pedal for operation between the first position and the second position.
[017] In an embodiment, the locking member is placed adjacent to the second actuator in a side view of the vehicle.
[018] In an embodiment, the connecting member is operably connected to the second actuator and the locking member when operating in first position.
[019] In an embodiment, the coupling member is adapted to disengage from the second actuator when the brake pedal is in the engaged position.
[020] In an embodiment, the at least one light source is a tail lamp source.
[021] In an embodiment, the second actuator is configured to illuminate at least one light source of the vehicle, when the coupling member is disengaged from the second actuator.

BREIF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMAPNYING DRAWINGS
[022] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.
Figure 1A is a right side view of a conventional brake pedal assembly for a vehicle.
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a brake pedal assembly for the vehicle, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a right side view of the brake pedal assembly, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 is schematic view of the brake pedal assembly mounted adjacently to a footrest of the vehicle, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 is an enlarged view of portion ‘A’ of Figure 3, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 is a lateral sectional view of the brake pedal assembly, when a brake pedal is in a first position and depicting engagement of the switching unit with the coupling member, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 is a longitudinal sectional view of the brake pedal assembly, when the brake pedal is in the first position, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 7 is a longitudinal sectional view of the brake pedal assembly, when the brake pedal is in a second position, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 8 is a lateral sectional view of the brake pedal assembly, when the brake pedal is in the second position and depicting disengagement of the switching unit with the coupling member, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[023] The present invention relates to a brake pedal assembly for a vehicle. The brake pedal assembly, upon actuation, is adapted to illuminate at least one light source in the vehicle, and the brake padel assembly also provided with resting mechanism for the brake padel. In an embodiment, the brake pedal assembly is capable of being installed within one of a two-wheeled vehicle, a three-wheeled vehicle or any multi-wheeled vehicle.
[024] In the present disclosure, arrow indications provided in Figures pertain to directional indications of the brake pedal assembly. As such, the terms “top side”, “bottom side”, “left side” and “right side” respectively correspond to top, bottom, left and right sides of the brake pedal assembly and its associated components, until and unless specified otherwise.
[025] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a brake pedal assembly 100 for a vehicle, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The brake pedal assembly 100, upon actuation is adapted to illuminate at least one light source (not shown) in the vehicle (not shown), while reducing number of parts in the vehicle. Consequently, costs involved for manufacturing and maintenance of the brake pedal assembly is reduced. In an embodiment, the vehicle is a two-wheeled vehicle, a three-wheeled vehicle or any multi-wheeled vehicle as per requirement.
[026] Referring to Figure 2 in conjunction with Figure 1, the brake pedal assembly 100 comprises a brake pedal 102 pivotally mounted onto the vehicle. As such, the brake pedal 102 is pivotally operable between a first position FP (as shown in Figure 6) and a second position SP (as shown in Figure 7). In an embodiment, the first position FP is a rest position of the brake pedal 102, while the second position SP is an engaged position of the bracket pedal 102. The brake pedal 102 is pivotally mounted onto a frame member (not shown) of the vehicle through conventional mounting techniques known in the art such as a fastening technique, a snap-fitting technique, a clamping technique and the like. In the present embodiment, the brake pedal 102 is mounted adjacently to a footrest 106 of the vehicle of the two-wheeled vehicle type, so that a rider can operate the brake pedal 102 to the second position SP for braking through his/her foot. In an embodiment, the brake pedal 102 is mounted adjacently to the footrest 106 that is provided on a right side (not shown) of the two-wheeled vehicle when viewed from a front – rear direction of the vehicle (not shown).
[027] In the present embodiment, the brake pedal 102 is a foot-operated pedal member. The brake pedal 102 is an elongated member. The brake pedal 102 being configured to have a slot 120 or an opening. The slot 120 or opening is configured to receive a portion of the open-ended cylindrical member 122 to mount on the frame member of the vehicle (not shown). Importantly, the brake pedal 102 is pivotally mounted onto the vehicle. The brake pedal 102 being pivotable about an axis, wherein said axis being parallel to the vehicle lateral direction. A pedal portion 118 extends laterally (about a left-right direction of the brake pedal 102) from a first end 102b. The pedal portion 118 is adapted to engage with the foot of the rider for operation, wherein the rider exerts force on the pedal portion 118 for operating the brake pedal 102 to the second position SP from the first position FP for braking the vehicle.
[028] In an embodiment, the brake pedal 102 is adapted to engage with a first actuator 108 (as shown in Figure 3) through a second end 102c. As such, actuation of the brake pedal 102 to the second position SP actuates the first actuator 108. In an embodiment, the first actuator 108 is a brake actuator coupled to a braking assembly (not shown) of the vehicle. As such, actuation of the brake pedal 102 correspondingly actuates the brake actuator, thereby operating the braking assembly for braking the vehicle. In an embodiment, the second end 102c engages with the first actuator 108 through conventional means known in the art such as the fastening technique and the like. Upon releasing the force on the brake pedal 102, the first actuator 108 is adapted to revert the brake pedal 102 from the second position SP to the first position FP.
[029] Further, the brake pedal assembly 100 comprises a coupling member 104 connected to or mounted on the brake pedal 102. In an embodiment, the coupling member 104 is made of a predefined material such as a metallic material, a non-metallic material or a composite material as per design feasibility and requirement. In the present embodiment, the coupling member 104 is made of a steel material. The brake pedal 102 comprises a cutout 110 (shown in Figure 1) for receiving and supporting the coupling member 104. In an embodiment, the cutout 110 is provided on a top surface 102a of the brake pedal 102. The coupling member 104 is attached onto the top surface 102a of the brake pedal 102 through the cutout 110. In an embodiment, the coupling member 104 is welded within the cutout 110 provided on the brake pedal 102.
[030] Referring to Figures 3 and 4 in conjunction with Figures 1 and 2, the coupling member 104 is adapted to selectively engage and disengage from a second actuator 114 (as shown in Figures 5 and 8) based on position of the brake pedal 102. The coupling member 104 is adapted to engage with the second actuator 114 when the brake pedal 102 is in the first position FP, and the coupling member 104 is adapted to disengage with the second actuator 114 when the brake pedal 102 is in the second position SP. In an embodiment, the second actuator 114 is configured to actuate at least one light source of the lighting system of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the second actuator 114 is adapted to illuminate the at least one light source, when the coupling member 104 is disengaged from the second actuator 114.
[031] In an embodiment, the second actuator 114 is positioned adjacently to the footrest 106 and above the brake pedal 102. As such, the coupling member 104 being mounted on the top surface 102a of the brake pedal 102 facilitates selective engagement and disengagement with the second actuator 114 based on position of the brake pedal 102.
[032] Further, the second actuator 114 comprises a switching unit 116 coupled to each of the at least one light source. The switching unit 116 is adapted to illuminate the at least one the light source when the coupling member 104 disengages from the second actuator 114. The switching unit 116 is electrically coupled to a battery module (not shown) of the vehicle and to each of the at least one light source. As such, when the coupling member 116 is engaged to the second actuator 114 during the first position FP of the brake pedal 102, the switching unit 116 is in a switch OFF condition. When the coupling member 116 is disengaged from the second actuator 114 during the second position SP of the brake pedal 102, the switching unit 116 is in a switch ON condition, thereby routing power supply from the battery module to each of the at least one light source for illumination. In the present embodiment, the at least one light source is a tail lamp source.
[033] In an embodiment, the at least one light source can be a head lamp source, a turn signal lamp or any other light source in the vehicle as per requirement. As such, disengagement of the coupling member 104 with the switching unit 116 upon operation of the brake pedal 102 to the second position SP.
[034] Referring to Figure 5 in conjunction with Figures 1-4, the coupling member 104 is also adapted to engage with a locking member 112. As such, the coupling member 104 is connected to the second actuator 114 as well as the locking member 112. In an embodiment, the coupling member 104 is connected to the second actuator 114 and the locking member 112, when the brake pedal 102 is in the first position FP. The locking member 112 is also positioned adjacently to the second actuator 114 (in a side view of the vehicle). In an embodiment, the locking member 112 is an elongated member movably mounted adjacently to the second actuator 114.
[035] In an embodiment, the locking member 112 is fixedly attached to the frame member (not shown). More specifically, the locking member 112 is provided to rest the brake pedal 102 at the first position FP. In an embodiment, the locking member 112 is mounted adjacently to the second actuator 114 by fastening technique.
[036] In an operational embodiment, referring to Figures 6-8, when the rider of the vehicle presses brake pedal 102 from the first position FP (as shown in Figure 6) to the second position SP (as shown in Figure 7) for braking the vehicle, the coupling member 104 disengages from the switching unit 116 (as shown in Figure 8). Due to the disengagement between the switching unit 116 and the coupling member 104, the power supply is routed from the battery module to the at least one light source. Accordingly, the at least one light source is illuminated when the brake pedal 102 is in the second position SP. In other words, the at least one light source is illuminated when the rider applies brakes in the vehicle.
[037] The claimed invention as disclosed above is not routine, conventional, or well understood in the art, as the claimed aspects enable the following solutions to the existing problems in conventional technologies. Specifically, the claimed aspect of providing the coupling member onto the brake pedal such that, the coupling member is capable of being engaged and disengaged from the second actuator corresponding to position of the brake pedal reduces part count for such a construction in the vehicle. Consequently, reducing the costs involved in manufacturing and maintenance of the brake pedal assembly. Additionally, the coupling member is adapted to disengage from the switching unit of the second actuator, to illuminate at least one light source in the vehicle. Moreover, reduced number of parts of the brake pedal assembly improves packaging or space utilization in the vehicle.
[038] Additionally, the brake padel assembly will also be ensuring reduced number of parts in the vehicle. Consequently, the cost involved for manufacturing and maintenance of the brake pedal assembly is reduced. Moreover, reduced number of parts of the brake pedal assembly improves packaging or space utilization in the vehicle.
[039] Additionally, as the brake pedal assembly 100 mitigates the need for a spring for actuating the second actuator and machining processes required for engagement with the second actuator. As such, the cost of the brake pedal assembly is reduced to about 30% as compared to conventional brake pedal assemblies which requires the spring and additional machining processes for engagement with the second actuator.
[040] While the present invention has been described with respect to certain embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modification may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

Reference Numerals and Characters
100’ – Conventional brake pedal assembly
102’ – Brake pedal in conventional brake pedal assembly
104’ – Spring in conventional brake pedal assembly
100 – Brake pedal assembly
102 – Brake pedal
102a – Top surface of the brake pedal
102b – First end of brake pedal
102c – Second end of brake pedal
104 – Coupling member
106 – Footrest
108 – First actuator
110 – Cutout
112 – Locking member
114 – Second actuator
116 – Switching unit
118 – Pedal portion
120 – Slot in the brake pedal
FP – First position
SP – Second position
, Claims:1. A brake pedal assembly (100) for a vehicle, the brake pedal assembly (100) comprising:
a brake pedal (102) pivotally mounted onto the vehicle and being coupled to a first actuator (108), wherein the brake pedal (102) is operable between a first position and a second position; and
a coupling member (104) being connected to the brake pedal (102), the coupling member (104) being adapted to selectively engage and disengage from a second actuator (114) corresponding to position of the brake pedal (102).

2. The brake pedal assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the brake pedal (102) comprises a cutout (110) being provided on a top surface (102a), the cutout (110) being adapted to receive the coupling member (104).

3. The brake pedal assembly (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the coupling member (104) is attached onto the top surface (102a) of the brake pedal (102).

4. The brake pedal assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second actuator (114) comprises a switching unit (116) coupled to each of the at least one light source, the switching unit (116) being adapted to illuminate the at least one the light source when the coupling member (104) disengages from the second actuator (114).

5. The brake pedal assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second actuator (114) is positioned adjacently and above the brake pedal (102).

6. The brake pedal assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the coupling member (104) is made of a pre-defined material.

7. The brake pedal assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the coupling member (104) is adapted to engage with a locking member (112), the locking member (112) being adapted to adjust position of the brake pedal (102) for operation between the first position (FP) and the second position (SP).

8. The brake pedal assembly (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the locking member (112) being placed adjacent to the second actuator (114) in a side view of the vehicle.

9. The brake pedal assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the coupling member (104) being operably connected to the second actuator (114) and the locking member (112) when operating in first position (FP).

10. The brake pedal assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the coupling member (104) being adapted to disengage from the second actuator (114) when the brake pedal (102) is in the engaged position.

11. The brake pedal assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one light source is a tail lamp source.

12. The brake pedal assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second actuator (114) being configured to illuminate at least one light source of the vehicle when the coupling member (104) is disengaged from the second actuator (114).