Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention generally relates to a tilt-stopper assembly. More particularly, the present invention relates to a tilt-stopper assembly for locking the tilt in a device to which the tilt-stopper assembly is adapted.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Conventionally, all two-wheelers have issues relating to self-stability, especially at lower speeds and standing positions. Thus, there has been a shift from two-wheelers to three-wheelers with two front wheels and one rear wheel, which provides better stability at low speeds and standing positions. In these three-wheelers, either tilting or non-tilting configuration is provided, wherein in tilting configuration, flexible connections are provided for allowing of tilting during cornering, and in non-tilting, all connections are rigid, thus not providing for any tilt. Since tilting configurations provide for higher stability during cornering and at high speeds, users tend to prefer tilting configurations.
[003] However, in these tilting configurations, there are certain riding conditions such as parking and at low speeds, where this tilting needs to be stopped. Accordingly, generally a tilt stopping mechanism is required for preventing tilt at low speeds or when the vehicle is in a standing position. Existing tilt stopping mechanisms are complex and require a large number of hardware and structural changes to the vehicle.
[004] One such complex tilt stopping mechanism uses a curved tube which is placed ahead of the steering tube. A braking member is provided which is having a brake calliper which can receive the tilt limiter member. An actuator is also provided which will associate with braking member, the actuator is also placed ahead of handlebar. Also, an inclination sensor is provided to sense an inclination of the vehicle with respect to the vertical at least when the vehicle is at rest, and a tilt adjusting mechanism operatively associated with the inclination sensor and tilt-mechanism to automatically reposition the tilt-mechanism to adjust the inclination of the vehicle body to a predetermined inclination based on the sensed inclination when the tilt-limiter is engaged to restrict the tilting of the vehicle body.
[005] In another such complex configuration, tilt is locked using the hydraulic suspensions which are disposed in front of the steering assembly. The suspensions are electronically connected to the controller. The lock state detection mechanism is provided which includes a pressure sensitive sensor or a touch switch, which is disposed at the communication passage. Therefore, the control mechanism may determine whether to lock the suspension according to the communication state of the communication passage fed back by the locked state detection mechanism. Further, these complex configurations only provide for tilt stopping when the vehicle is in a standing condition, and do not provide for tilt stopping when the vehicle is running at low speeds.
[006] Further, especially in road conditions which are poor, especially for three-wheeled vehicles, provision of a single suspension for the pair of front wheels causes a large amount of stress on the single suspension which may cause breakage of the single suspension. Accordingly, the tilt stopper mechanism needs to be provided to allow usage of two suspensions, each for one front wheel. In this setup, both tilting lock and suspension lock is provided because of which at various operating conditions, a high stress area is created where the forks/suspensions are joined to the shafts. Further, conventional configurations are bulky and complex, which not only adds to the weight of the vehicle and associated costs, but also increases the difficulty in assembly and servicing.
[007] Thus, there is a need in the art for a tilt-stopper assembly which addresses at least the aforementioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[008] In one aspect, the present invention is directed towards a tilt stopper assembly. The tilt stopper assembly has a first linkage member and a second linkage member. A mounting plate is disposed between the first linkage member and the second linkage member. One or more actuators are supported on the mounting plate. One or more engaging members are supported on the mounting plate and are configured to be driven by the one or more actuators. Herein, operation of the one or more actuators causes the one or more engaging members to engage with slots provided on the first linkage member and slots provided in the second linkage member.
[009] In an embodiment of the invention, the first linkage member is provided forwardly of a central member and the second linkage member is provided rearwardly of the central member. The first linkage member and the second linkage member extend parallelly to each other for connecting a left support mechanism and a right support mechanism. The mounting plate is supported on the central member.
[010] In a further embodiment of the invention, the one or more actuators include rotatable members provided thereon.
[011] In a further embodiment of the invention, each engaging member is configured to be meshed with the rotatable members for moving the engaging member on operation of the one or more actuators.
[012] In a further embodiment of the invention, the one or more actuators have a first actuator having a first rotatable member, and a second actuator having a second rotatable member. Herein the first actuator is provided on a left side of the central member and the second actuator is provided on a right side of the central member.
[013] In a further embodiment of the invention, the one or more engaging members include a first engaging member, a second engaging member, a third engaging member and a fourth engaging member. The first engaging member and the second engaging member engage with the first rotatable member on the first actuator and are configured to move in opposite directions. The third engaging member and the fourth engaging member engage with the second rotatable member on the second actuator and are configured to move in opposite directions.
[014] In a further embodiment of the invention, the first engaging member and the third engaging member are configured to move forward from the mounting plate to engage with the slots provided on the first linkage member.
[015] In a further embodiment of the invention, the second engaging member and the fourth engaging member are configured to move rearward from the mounting plate to engage with the slots provided on the second linkage member.
[016] In a further embodiment of the invention, the one or more actuators are configured to detachably connect with the mounting plate.
[017] In a further embodiment of the invention, the tilt-stopper assembly has one or more locking plates provided on the mounting plate. The one or more locking plates are configured to restrict movement of the one or more engaging members.
[018] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a vehicle having a handlebar assembly and the handlebar assembly is configured to have the tilt stopper assembly as explained hereinbefore.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[019] 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 1 illustrates a top perspective view of a tilt-stopper assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 illustrates an exploded view of the tilt-stopper assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3A-3D illustrate various views of the tilt-stopper assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 illustrates another exploded view of the tilt-stopper assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5A-5C illustrate an exploded, perspective and top view of the tilt-stopper assembly respectively, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6A-6B illustrate top views of the tilt-stopper assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[020] The present invention relates to a tilt-stopper assembly. More particularly, the present invention relates to a tilt-stopper assembly for a vehicle. The tilt-stopper assembly of the present invention is typically used in a vehicle such as a three wheeled vehicle with two front wheels and one rear wheel. However, it should be understood that the tilt- stopper assembly as illustrated may find its application in other three wheeled vehicles such as a trike, or a four wheeled vehicle, or other multi-wheeled vehicles, or any non-automotive application using a tilt-stopper assembly as required.
[021] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a tilt-stopper assembly 100 and Figure 2 illustrates an exploded view of the tilt-stopper assembly 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. As illustrated in Figure 1 and Figure 2, the tilt-stopper assembly 100 comprises a first linkage member 110 and a second linkage member 120. In an embodiment, the first linkage member 110 and the second linkage member 120 extend parallelly to each other and form a parallelogram linkage, in another embodiment, the first linkage member 110 and the second linkage member 120 may be positioned in such a way that they are not directly aligned with each other, forming an angle not equal to 180 degrees. The tilt-stopper assembly 100 further comprises a mounting plate 130. The mounting plate 130 is disposed between the first linkage member 110 and the second linkage member 120. In an embodiment, the mounting plate 130 can be of a rectangular, a square or any quadrilateral shape cross-section.
[022] The tilt-stopper assembly 100 further comprises one or more actuators 140. Herein, the one or more actuators 140 are supported on the mounting plate 130. Further, the tilt-stopper assembly 100 has one or more engaging members 150. As illustrated, the one or more engaging members 150 are supported on the mounting plate 130. The one or more engaging members 150 are configured to be driven by the one or more actuators 140. Herein, operation of the one or more actuators 140 causes the one or more engaging members 150 to engage with slots 112 provided on the first linkage member 110 and slots 122 provided in the second linkage member 120. The engaging of the one or more engaging members 150 with the slots 112 on the first linkage member 110 and the slots 122 on the second linkage member 120 prevents pivotal movement of the first linkage member 110 and the second linkage member 120, thereby preventing tilt.
[023] Accordingly, under conditions when tilt is not required to be stopped, the one or more engaging members 150 remain distant and disengaged from the slots 112 on the first linkage member 110 and the slots 122 on the second linkage member 120, thereby allowing pivotal movement of the first linkage member 110 and the second linkage member 120, thereby allowing tilt as per requirement. Conversely, when tilt is to be stopped, the one or more actuators 140 operate the one or more engaging members 150 to engage with the slots 112 on the first linkage member 110 and the slots 122 on the second linkage member 120, which stops tilt as explained hereinbefore.
[024] In an embodiment, as illustrated in Figure 2, the first linkage member 110 is provided forwardly of a central member 22. In an embodiment, the first linkage member 110 is pivotally mounted to the central member 22 and provided forwardly of the central member 22. Further, the second linkage member 120 is provided rearwardly of the central member 22. In an embodiment, the second linkage member 120 is pivotally mounted to the central member 22 and provided rearwardly of the central member 22. Herein, while the first linkage member 110 and the second linkage member 120 extend transversely from the central member 22. For example, the central member 22 extends in an up-down direction while the first linkage member 110 and the second linkage member 120 extend in a width direction. Accordingly, the first linkage member 110 and the second linkage member 120 extend parallelly to each other for connecting a left support mechanism 36 and a right support mechanism 38, and the tilt-stopper assembly 100 prevents tilting of the left support mechanism 36 and right support mechanism 38 with respect to each other.
[025] In an embodiment, the first linkage member 110 has a central mounting part 110A and the second linkage member 120 has a central mounting part 120A. The first linkage member 110 is attached to the central member 22 at the central mounting part 110A, and the second linkage member 120 is attached to the central member 22 at the central mounting part 120A. The first linkage member 110 and the second linkage member 120 each comprises left and right mounting parts by which the first linkage member 110 and the second linkage member 120 are attached to the left support mechanism 36 and right support mechanism 38 respectively. Further, the mounting plate 130 is also supported on the central member 22.
[026] In an embodiment, wherein the tilt-stopper assembly 100 is adapted to a vehicle and a handlebar assembly of the vehicle, the central member 22 corresponds to a head tube of the vehicle. Further, the right support mechanism 38 corresponds to a right fork mechanism having a pair of right forks 38A, 38B (shown in Figure 2) that supports a right front wheel of the vehicle, and the left support mechanism 36 corresponds to a left fork mechanism having a pair of left forks 36A, 36B (shown in Figure 2) that supports a left front wheel of the vehicle. Herein, the first linkage member 110 is provided forwardly of the head tube, and the second linkage member 120 is provided rearwardly of the head tube. The first linkage member 110 and the second linkage member 120 extend in a vehicle width direction for connecting the left fork mechanism to the right fork mechanism. The first linkage member 110 and the second linkage member 120 form a parallelogram link for steering of the vehicle which allows for the right wheel and the left wheel to operate independently. In other embodiments, the first linkage member 110 and the second linkage member 120 form a rectangular link or a square link as per configuration.
[027] Further, the mounting plate 130 is also fixedly supported on the central member 22. Herein, operation of the one or more actuators 140 causes the one or more engaging members 150 to engage with slots 112 provided on the first linkage member 110 and slots 122 provided in the second linkage member 120. The engaging of the one or more engaging members 150 with the slots 112 on the first linkage member 110 and the slots 122 on the second linkage member 120 prevents pivotal movement of the first linkage member 110 and the second linkage member 120 due to the mounting plate 130 being fixed, thereby preventing tilt of the right fork mechanism and the left fork mechanism, thereby preventing tilting of the vehicle.
[028] In an embodiment, as illustrated in Figure 3, for driving the one or more engaging members 150, the one or more actuators 140 comprise rotatable members 142, 144 provided thereon. Further, each engaging member 150 is configured to be meshed with the rotatable member 142, 144 for moving the engaging member 150 on operation of the one or more actuators 140. Accordingly, each engaging member 150 is meshed with one of the rotatable members 142, 144. In an embodiment, the one or more actuators 140 comprise a servo motor and the rotatable members 142, 144 are pinions that are configured to mesh with gear rack provided on each engaging member 150, Thereby, rotation of the rotatable members 142, 144 causes translational movement of the one or more engaging members 150.
[029] In an embodiment, the tilt-stopper assembly 100 has one or more locking plates 160. The one or more locking plates 160 are provided on the mounting plate 130. The one or more locking plates 160 configured to restrict movement of the one or more engaging members 150 in an up-down direction. The provision of the locking plates 160 ensures that the one or more engaging members 150 are only allowed to move in response to the one or more actuators 140, and any movement caused in the one or more engaging members 150 due to the force of the first linkage member 110 and the second linkage member 120 is resisted and restricted by the mounting plate 130 as well as the locking plates 160.
[030] In the embodiment depicted in Figure 4, the one or more actuators 140 comprise a first actuator 140A having a first rotatable member 142, and a second actuator 140B having a second rotatable member 144. As illustrated, the first actuator 140A is provided on a left side of the central member 22 and the second actuator 140B is provided on a right side of the central member 22. Further, one or more engaging members 150 comprise a first engaging member 150A, a second engaging member 150B, a third engaging member 150C and a fourth engaging member 150D. Herein the first engaging member 150A and the second engaging member 150B engage with the first rotatable member 142 on the first actuator 140A and are configured to move in opposite directions. To facilitate this, the first engaging member 150A and the second engaging member 150B are disposed on diametrically opposite sides of the first rotatable member 142.
[031] Similarly, the third engaging member 150C and the fourth engaging member 150D engage with the second rotatable member 144 on the second actuator 140B and are configured to move in opposite directions. To facilitate this, the third engaging member 150C and the second engaging member 150D are disposed on diametrically opposite sides of the second rotatable member 144.
[032] In an embodiment, each engaging member 150 is configured to have a first portion 152 and a second portion 154. The first portion 152 extends longitudinally, and the second portion 154 extends from the first portion 152 so as to form a substantially L-shape. Further the second portion 154 is configured to engage with the slots 112 on the first linkage member 110 and the slots 122 on the second linkage member 120. In an embodiment, the shape of the second portion 154 is one or more of a predefined shape including but not limited to a pentagon shape, a conical shape, or a rectangular shape.
[033] In this embodiment, when the tilt-stopper assembly 100 is utilised, due to the operation of the first actuator 140A and the second actuator 140B, the first engaging member 150A and the third engaging member 150C are configured to move forward from the mounting plate 130 to engage with the slots 112 provided on the first linkage member 110 (as shown in Figure 6B). Similarly, due to the operation of the first actuator 140A and the second actuator 140B, the second engaging member 150B and the fourth engaging member 150D are configured to move rearward from the mounting plate 130 to engage with the slots 122 provided on the second linkage member 120 (as shown in Figure 6B). Specifically, the first engaging member 150A and the third engaging member 150C in combination with the mounting plate 130 restrict the pivotal movement of the first linkage member 110, and the second engaging member 150B and the fourth engaging member 150D in combination with the mounting plate 130 restrict the pivotal movement of the second linkage member 120.
[034] Conversely, when the tilt-stopper assembly 100 is required to be disengaged, the first actuator 140A and the second actuator 140B operate in a reverse direction. Due to the reverse operation of the first actuator 140A and the second actuator 140B, the first engaging member 150A and the third engaging member 150C are configured to move rearward to the mounting plate 130 to disengage with the slots 112 provided on the first linkage member 110 (as shown in Figure 6A). Similarly, due to the reverse operation of the first actuator 140A and the second actuator 140B, the second engaging member 150B and the fourth engaging member 150D are configured to move forward to the mounting plate 130 to disengage with the slots 122 provided on the second linkage member 120 (as shown in Figure 6A). In such a condition, the first linkage member 110 and the second linkage member 120 are free to move pivotally to achieve tilt as per requirement.
[035] In an embodiment, the one or more actuators 140 are configured to detachably connect with the mounting plate 130, which allows for different dispositions of the first actuator 140A and the second actuator 140B. In the embodiment depicted in Figure 4, the first actuator 140A and the second actuator 140B are vertically mounted to the mounting plate 130, and accordingly in another embodiment, the first rotatable member 142 and the second rotatable member 144 are disposed horizontally. The first engaging member 150A and the second engaging member 150B are disposed diametrically opposite to each other at the first rotatable member 142 as explained hereinbefore, and the third engaging member 150C and the fourth engaging member 150D are disposed diametrically opposite to each other at the second rotatable member 144 as explained hereinbefore.
[036] In an alternative embodiment, as illustrated in Figures 5A-5C, the one or more actuators 140 are horizontally disposed on the mounting plate 130. In this embodiment, the first actuator 140A is a bidirectional actuator with shafts extending from opposite ends of the first actuator 140A which are configured to rotate in opposite direction. A pair of first rotatable members 142 are provided, with one first rotatable member 142 on each such shaft, and first engaging member 150A and the second engaging member 150B are provided to engage with the opposing first rotatable members 142. Similarly, the second actuator 140B is a bidirectional actuator with shafts extending from opposite ends of the second actuator 140B which are configured to rotate in opposite direction. A pair of second rotatable members 144 are provided, with one second rotatable member 144 on each such shaft, and third engaging member 150C and the fourth engaging member 150D are provided to engage with the opposing second rotatable members 144.

[037] Advantageously, the present invention provides a tilt stopper assembly that can engaged or disengaged as per requirement, and thus allows for stopping of tilt in a variety of operating conditions. The tilt-stopper assembly of the present invention provides a simple, non-complex construction which can prevent tilt as per requirement, thus improving performance of the tilt-stopper assembly. The simple construction of the tilt-stopper assembly of the present invention allows for reduction in costs, and easier assembly and servicing.
[038] The tilt-stopper assembly of the present invention also prevents large amounts of stress on any linkage component, thereby preventing breakage of components.
[039] When the tilt-stopper assembly of the present invention is adapted to a vehicle, specifically a three-wheeled vehicle with two front wheels, the tilt-stopper assembly provides for stopping of tilt at desired operating conditions, such as lower speeds, parking, standing etc. Further, the tilt-stopper assembly of the present invention can be adapted to a vehicle without requiring major modifications either to the vehicle or the tilt-stopper assembly, which not only provides ease of manufacturing, but also provides ease of assembly.
[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.
List of Reference Numerals
22: Central member
36: Left Support Mechanism
38: Right Support Mechanism
100: Tilt-Stopper Assembly
110: First Linkage Member
110A: Central Mounting Part of the First Linkage Member
112: Slots on the First Linkage Member
120: Second Linkage Member
120AL Central Mounting Part of the Second Linkage Member
122: Slots on the Second Linkage Member
130: Mounting Plate
140: One or more actuators
140A: First Actuator
140B: Second Actuator
142: First Rotatable Member
144: Second Rotatable Member
150: One or more engaging members
150A: First Engaging Member
150B: Second Engaging Member
150C: Third Engaging Member
150D: Fourth Engaging Member
160: One or more Locking Plates
, Claims:1. A tilt-stopper assembly (100),the tilt-stopper assembly (100) comprising:
a first linkage member (110) and a second linkage member (120);)
a mounting plate (130) disposed between the first linkage member (110) and the second linkage member (120);
one or more actuators (140), the one or more actuators (140) being supported on the mounting plate (130); and
one or more engaging members (150), the one or more engaging members (150) being supported on the mounting plate (130), and being configured to be driven by the one or more actuators (140), wherein operation of the one or more actuators (140) causes the one or more engaging members (150) to engage with slots (112) provided on the first linkage member (110) and slots (122) provided in the second linkage member (120).

2. The tilt-stopper assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein:
the first linkage member (110) being provided forwardly of a central member (22);
the second linkage member (120) being provided rearwardly of the central member (22), wherein the first linkage member (110) and the second linkage member (120) extend parallelly to each other for connecting a left support mechanism (36) and a right support mechanism (38); and
the mounting plate (130) being supported on the central member (22).

3. The tilt-stopper assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more actuators (140) comprises rotatable members (142, 144) provided thereon.

4. The tilt-stopper assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each engaging member (150) is configured to be meshed with the rotatable members (142, 144) for moving the engaging member (150) on operation of the one or more actuators (140).

5. The tilt-stopper assembly (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the one or more actuators (140) comprise a first actuator (140A) having a first rotatable member (142), and a second actuator (140B) having a second rotatable member (144), wherein the first actuator (140A) is provided on a left side of the central member (22) and the second actuator (140B) is provided on a right side of the central member (22).

6. The tilt-stopper assembly (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the one or more engaging members (150) comprise a first engaging member (150A), a second engaging member (150B), a third engaging member (150C) and a fourth engaging member (150D), wherein the first engaging member (150A) and the second engaging member (150B) engage with the first rotatable member (142) on the first actuator (140A) and are configured to move in opposite directions, and the third engaging member (150C) and the fourth engaging member (150D) engage with the second rotatable member (144) on the second actuator (140B) and are configured to move in opposite directions.

7. The tilt-stopper assembly (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the first engaging member (150A) and the third engaging member (150C) are configured to move forward from the mounting plate (130) to engage with the slots (112) provided on the first linkage member (110).

8. The tilt-stopper assembly (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the second engaging member (150B) and the fourth engaging member (150D) are configured to move rearward from the mounting plate (130) to engage with the slots (122) provided on the second linkage member (120).

9. The tilt-stopper assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more actuators (140) are configured to detachably connect with the mounting plate (130).

10. The tilt-stopper assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising one or more locking plates (160), the one or more locking plates (160) being provided on the mounting plate (130), the one or more locking plates (160) configured to restrict movement of the one or more engaging members (150).

11. A vehicle (10), the vehicle (10) comprising:
a handlebar assembly, wherein the handle bar assembly being configured to have a tilt stopper assembly (100) as claimed in above preceding claims.