DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter relates to an automotive industry, more particularly relates to a brake assembly for a vehicle.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Generally, two major types of brake systems are used on vehicles, viz. the disc brake system and the drum brake system. The drum brake systems have been used for a long time because of their reliability and their cost-effectiveness. However, there is shift from drum brake systems to disc brake system as the engine capacity and vehicle speeds are increasing, there is a need for effective braking.
[0003] Still, the drum brake systems are used in vehicles with low-speed applications. For example, drum brake system is used in two-wheeled and three wheeled vehicles, which run at low speeds. The drum brake system comprises a brake drum and at least one brake shoe provided with frictional liner that engages with an inner surface of the brake drum. Either mechanical or hydraulic mechanism is used for actuating the brake for making the liner of the brake shoe come in contact with the brake drum. Upon actuation, the liners of the brake shoe come in contact with the drum and the frictional contact between the brake shoe and the inner wall of brake drum reduces the rotational speed of the wheel.
[0004] More specifically, when the brake pedal is pressed, at least one of brake shoes engage with brake linings pressed against the inner circumference of the drum to exert a braking effect upon the wheel to slow or stop the vehicle. Typically, brake shoes are arc-shaped pieces activated by a cam on a camshaft. The brake shoes are forced apart and bring the brake lining of the brake shoes into contact with the brake drum. Importantly, the brake lining is typically a heat-resistant friction material attached to the brake shoe that grabs the interior of the brake drum to slow or stop the vehicle. The rotating cam member forces the brake shoes radially outward, which then moves the brake shoes into contact with the brake. Therefore, brake cam member plays a vital role. Typically, the brake cam member is rotated by the lever member which is connected through a Slack adjuster. In a conventional brake assembly, a brake cam member requires frequent lubrication to retain the braking efficiency. However, it is observed that lubrication of brake cam member requires dismantling of the lever member, a brake panel and other associated components which increases the service time.
[0005] Further, assembling and disassembling of various components requires special skills. More specifically, problems like vibration can come due to loosely fitted brake cam member which can lead to increased wear of the components. Second, the unwanted vibration can also emit unpleasant noise during vehicle brake operation. Third, vibration of the brake cam member increases due to uneven contact with the brake shoes or other metallic components and surfaces within the brake assembly which can further reduce the braking efficiency like increasing stopping distance, brake feel etc. Furthermore, as users tend to do service at home, therefore it is difficult to do service operation of lubricating the brake assembly as it requires special tools and skill.
[0006] Therefore, there is a need for an improved brake assembly which addresses all the abovementioned problems.
[0007] The above information disclosed in this background section is only for enhancement of understanding of the background of the disclosure and therefore it may contain information that does not form the prior art that is already known in this country to a person of ordinary skill in the art.
SUMMARY
[0008] The following summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description
[0009] Aspects of the present invention pertains to a rotatable member may include one or more portions. At least one of the one or more portions may be adapted to have a plurality of passages. In an aspect, the plurality of passages may be configured to circulate a fluid in a brake assembly.
[00010] Another embodiment of the present invention pertains to the plurality of passages may include one or more axial passages and one or more radial passages.
[00011] Another embodiment of the present invention pertains to the one or more axial passage that may be connected to the one or more radial passage.
[00012] Another embodiment of the present invention pertains to the one or more portions that may include a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion.
[00013] Another embodiment of the present invention pertains to the first portion may be configured to have a first profile, the second portion may be configured to have a second profile, and the third portion may be configured to have a third profile.
[00014] Another embodiment of the present invention pertains to a brake assembly which may include at least one plate member, a plurality of shoe members may be connected to the at least one plate member, at least one rotatable member may be rotatably supported by the at least one plate member, a lever member may be connected to the at least one rotatable member to operate the at least one rotatable member.
[00015] Another embodiment of the present invention pertains to the at least one rotatable member, which may include one or more portions. At least one of the one or more portions may be adapted to have a plurality of passages. In an aspect, the plurality of passages may be configured to circulate a fluid in a brake assembly.
[00016] Another embodiment of the present invention pertains to at least one portion of the at least one rotatable member may be sandwiched between the plurality of shoe member.
[00017] Another embodiment of the present invention pertains to the plurality of passages may include one or more axial passages and one or more radial passages.
[00018] Another embodiment of the present invention pertains to the one or more axial passage may be connected to the one or more radial passage.
[00019] Further, it is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[00020] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate exemplary embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the disclosed principles. The detailed description of the present subject matter is described with reference to the accompanying figures. Same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference features and components.
[00021] Fig. 1 illustrates a left side view of an exemplary two-wheeled motor vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00022] Fig. 2 depicts a localized enlarged view of a rotatable member and side perspective views of the brake assembly, in accordance with the embodiment depicted in Fig. 1.
[00023] Fig. 3 (a) depicts a top view of the rotatable member, in accordance with the embodiment depicted in Fig. 2.
[00024] Fig. 3 (b) depicts a side view, and a side cut section view of the rotatable member, in accordance with the embodiment depicted in Fig. 2.
[00025] Fig. 4 depicts a side view, and a side cut section views of the brake panel, in accordance with the alternate embodiment depicted in Fig. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00026] Exemplary embodiments are described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Wherever convenient, the same reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. While examples and features of disclosed principles are described herein, modifications, adaptations, and other implementations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosed embodiments. It is intended that the following detailed description be considered as exemplary only, with the true scope and spirit is indicated by the following claims.
[00027] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to a rotatable member for a brake assembly of a vehicle along with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the present embodiments. The present subject matter is further described with reference to accompanying figures. It should be noted that the description and figures merely illustrate principles of the present subject matter. Various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, encompass the principles of the present subject matter. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and examples of the present subject matter, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
[00028] The present invention pertains to a rotatable member. The rotatable member include one or more portions. Further, at least one of the one or more portions is adapted to have a plurality of passages. Furthermore, the plurality of passages is configured to circulate a fluid in a brake assembly.
[00029] The objective of the present invention is to provide lubrication of the brake assembly without dismantling any component considering minimal modification in the existing brake assembly.
[00030] Another object of the present invention is to reduce the overall weight and cost of the brake assembly.
[00031] In yet another object of the present invention is to enable a user to do lubrication of the brake assembly without using special tool or skills.
[00032] Referring to Fig. 1 illustrates a left side view of a saddle type vehicle 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. In an embodiment, the saddle type vehicle 100 can be a two wheeled saddle type vehicle, a three wheeled saddle type vehicle or a multi-wheeled saddle type vehicle. The vehicle 100 include a frame assembly 105 extending from a front portion towards a rear portion of the vehicle 100. A power unit 110 is mounted on frame assembly 105 of the vehicle 100. The power unit 110 includes at least one of an internal combustion engine or a traction motor. In an embodiment, the power unit 110 is a four-stroke single cylinder type. The power unit 110 includes a starter system (not shown). Particularly, the starter system includes an electric start system or a mechanical kick-start system or both that are employed with power unit 110 provided with the IC engine. Through a transmission system 115, a rear wheel 120 is functionally coupled to the power unit 110. The transmission system 115 may include a fixed gear chain drive or continuously variable transmission (CVT) or automatic manual transmission (AMT) or a multi-speed manual control gearbox system. A rear fender 125 covers at least a portion of the rear wheel 120. Further, one or more rear suspension spring and damper system(s) 130 functionally connect the rear wheel 120 to the frame assembly 105.
[00033] As disclosed, a head tube (not shown) of frame assembly 105 is rotatably supported by a steering shaft (not shown). A handlebar assembly 135 is connected to the steering shaft. One or more front suspension spring and damper system(s) 140 rotatably support a front wheel 145 and connect the front wheel 145 to the steering shaft. A front fender 150 covers at least a portion of the front wheel 145. A seat assembly 155 is supported by a portion of the frame assembly 105. The fuel tank 160 is disposed in anterior portion of the seat assembly 155 and upwardly of the power unit 110.
[00034] As illustrated, the vehicle 100 comprises a front brake assembly 200 disposed at the front wheel 145 and an actuating lever 170 is provided on the handlebar assembly 135. The rear wheel 120 is provided with another brake assembly (not shown) that is actuated by a hand-operated lever or a leg operated lever. Further, the vehicle 100 includes a transmission cover 165 covering at least a portion of the transmission 115. The plurality of panels 175A and 175B are disposed longitudinally and downwardly from seat assembly 155. The internal combustion engine of the power unit 110 will be supplied with air fuel mixture supplied by a fuel tank (not shown) and an air induction system (not shown) that are coupled through a carburettor or a fuel injection system (not shown). The vehicle 100 comprises an auxiliary power source (not shown) that includes a battery or a hydrogen cell or a fuel cell or the like. Further, the traction motor of the power unit 110 is powered by the auxiliary power source mounted on the vehicle 100. In an embodiment, the vehicle 100 includes various electronic, electrical, and mechanical systems such as a vehicle control unit, an anti-lock braking system, or a synchronous braking system. Also, an electrical starter system, a headlamp 180, and a tail lamp 185 are provided on said vehicle.
[00035] Referring to Fig. 2 depicts a localized enlarged view of a rotatable member and side perspective views of the brake assembly, in accordance with the embodiment depicted in Fig. 1.
[00036] The brake assembly 200 comprises of plate member 205 that supports plurality of shoe members 210A, 210B. The shoe members 210A, 210B are arc shaped and each of said shoes 210A, 210B are provided with a frictional liner 210AA, 210BA. One end of the shoe member 210 are mounted on a pin 215 that is rigidly connected to the plate member 205. On the other end, a rotatable member 220 is rotatably supported by the plate member 205 and rigidly connected to a lever member 225 to secure angular movement therebetween. Further, a brake drum is en-casted or affixed to a hub portion (not shown) of the wheel to secure angular movement between them. Therefore, the plate member 205 is a stationary part, while the brake drum rotates along with the wheel. Furthermore, the brake assembly 200 comprises a circumferential wall (not shown) that is capable of enclosing the plurality shoes 210A, 210B in circumferential direction.
[00037] As illustrated, the brake shoes 210A, 210B are connected to each other through plurality of springs 226 that enable restoration to normal state. In the normal state of the shoe members 210A, 210B, free ends of the arc shaped shoes 210 are in contact with a first portion 220F of the rotatable member 220. The springs 226 hold the shoe member 210A, 210B in the normal state.
[00038] In an aspect, the brake assembly 200 include the at least one plate member 205. In an embodiment, the plate member 205 can be an anchor plate for the brake assembly 200. Further, the brake assembly 200 include the plurality of shoe members 210A, 210B. The shoe members 210A, 210B include a first shoe member 210A and a second shoe member 210B. In an aspect, the first shoe member 210A and the second shoe member 210B are connected to the plate member 205 via one or more fasteners. Furthermore, the brake assembly 200 include the at least one rotatable member 220. In an embodiment, the rotatable member 220 is adapted to rotate around a normal axis of rotation of the front wheel 145.
[00039] Additionally, the rotatable member 220 is rotatably supported by the plate member 205. In an embodiment, the plate member 205 allows the free movement of the rotatable member 220, moreover the plate member 205 is a static member. Further, the brake assembly 200 include the lever member 225. The lever member 225 is connected to the rotatable member 220 to operate the rotatable member 220. In an embodiment, the rotation of the rotatable member 220 is dependent on the movement of the lever member 225. In an embodiment, when a user of the vehicle 100 applies brake to stop it will enable rotation of the lever member 225 that will rotate the rotatable member 220, which will push the shoe members 210A, 210B apart from each other thereby moving the shoe members 20 210A, 210B towards the inner circumferential surface of the brake drum. Further, the frictional liners 210AA, 210BA provided on the shoe members 210A, 210B come in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the brake drum. This creates friction between the frictional liners 210AA, 210BA and brake drum, resulting in reducing the speed of the rotation of the wheel. When the brake actuation lever is released, springs 226 will retract the shoe members 210A, 210B to the normal condition. In an aspect, at least one portion 220F, 220S, 220T of the at least one rotatable member 220 is sandwiched between the plurality of shoe member 220.
[00040] Referring to Fig. 3 (a) in conjunction with Fig. 3 (b) depicts a top view of the rotatable member, in accordance with the embodiment depicted in Fig. 2.
[00041] As illustrated, the rotatable member 220 include plurality of portions 220F, 220S, 220T. The plurality of portions 220F, 220S, 220T is adapted to have a plurality of passages 220AP, 220RP. In an embodiment, the plurality of portions 220F, 220S, 220T include a first portion 220F, a second portion 220S, and a third portion 220T. In another embodiment, the first portion 220F and the second portion 220S can be combined and formed a single portion. Further, the rotatable member 220 include the plurality of passages 220AP, 220RP is configured to circulate a fluid in the brake assembly 200. In an aspect, the fluid can be lubricating oil, grease etc.
[00042] As shown, the rotatable member 220 include the plurality of passages 220AP, 220RP. In an embodiment, the plurality of passages 220AP, 220RP include one or more axial passages 220AP and one or more radial passages 220RP. In an aspect, the one or more axial passages 220AP include a first axial passage 220AP and the one or more radial passages 220RP include a second radial passage 220RP. Further, the one or more radial passages 220RP is connected to the one or more axial passages 220AP.
[00043] In a non-limiting example, the one or more axial passages 220AP is connected perpendicular to the one or more radial passages 220RP.
[00044] In another non-limiting example, the one or more axial passages 220AP is connected perpendicularly offset to the one or more radial passages 220RP.
[00045] As disclosed, the one or more axial passage 220AP has a first cross-section profile and the one or more radial passage 220RP has a second cross-section profile. In an embodiment, the first cross-section profile can be a circular cross-section profile (from a front view of the rotatable member 220) and the second cross-section profile can be a circular cross-section profile (from a top view of the rotatable member 220). In another embodiment, the first cross-section profile can be a rectangular profile (from a side view of the rotatable member 220) and the second cross-section profile can be a rectangular profile (from a side view of the rotatable member 220). Further, the one or more radial passage 220RP has a first geometric characteristics and the one or more axial passage 220AP has a second geometric characteristics. In an embodiment, the first geometric characteristics include a length (L1) and the second geometric characteristics include a length (L2).
[00046] In a non-limiting example, the length L1 can be in range of 2mm to 10mm and the length L2 can be in range of 1mm to 3mm. In an embodiment, the length L1 is 4mm and the length L2 is 1mm.
[00047] in a working example, the fluid is passed though one or more axial passage 220AP and then the fluid moves to the one or more radial passage 220RP.
[00048] As shown, in fig. 3a the first portion 220F is configured to have a first profile, the second potion 220S is configured to have a second profile, and the third potion 220T is configured to have a third profile. As per an embodiment, the first portion 220F is a flat portion like a cam. The first portion 220F is engaged with the shoe members 210A, 210B. Further, the second portion 220S is a collar member. The third portion 220T is configured to have cylindrical cross section. The third portion 220T is configured to have serrations. The serration is configured to connect the lever member 225 to the rotatable member 220. As per one embodiment, the outer circumferential surface of the third portion 220T is configured to have spiral shaped contours. As per an embodiment, the oil or lubricant is fed from one end of the axial passage 220AP which is then transferred to the radial passage 220 RP, thereafter, the oil from the radial passage 220RP transferred to the outer circumferential surface of the third portion 220T of the rotating member 220, wherein the spiral contours tend to lubricate the axial bore provided in the brake panel.
[00049] Referring to Fig. 4 depicts a side view, and a side cut section views of the brake panel, in accordance with the alternate embodiment depicted in Fig. 1.
[00050] The brake panel 401 of the brake assembly 200 being configured to have an axial bore 402. The axial bore is configured to receive the rotatable member 220. The brake panel 401 is configured to have a passage to lubricate the rotatable member 220. The passage 403 is radially extending such that one end is visible to the user and another end is exposed to the axial bore 402 provided in the brake panel 401.
[00051] The present 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. In the present invention, the lever of the brake assembly is oriented in such a way that at least the index finger of the user of the vehicle should easily access a first arm to start actuating parking brake lever. The present invention also aims to easily actuate primary member with less effort to lock the parking brake lever for parking the vehicle.
[00052] In the present invention, efficiency of the parking brake is improved as lever is mounted on the secondary member. More specially, the primary member, the secondary member and the brake lever is configured to have at least one common mounting point. Further, the spacer (the first member) or additional sleeve or hollow cylindrical member over the cylindrical portion (can be detachable as a lever pin or integral portion) of the brake lever takes up the tension acting on the primary and secondary member common mounting point and makes the lever free to rotate, so that it can perform its function.
[00053] In the present invention, the construction of the lever is simple, reliable and durable. Moreover, said parking brake lever is easy to manufacture as well as assemble.
[00054] embodiment”, “embodiment”, “embodiments”, “the embodiment”, “the embodiments”, “one or more embodiments”, “some embodiments”, and “one embodiment” mean “one or more (but not all) embodiments of the invention(s)” unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “including”, “comprising”, “having” and variations thereof mean “including but not limited to”, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “a”, “an” and “the” mean “one or more”, unless expressly specified otherwise.
[00055] Finally, the language used in the specification has been principally selected for readability and instructional purposes, and it may not have been selected to delineate or circumscribe the inventive subject matter and is therefore intended that the scope of the invention be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by any claims that issue on an application based here on. Accordingly, the embodiments of the present invention are intended to be illustrative, but not limiting, of the scope of the invention, which is set forth in the following claims.
[00056] While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope as indicated by the following claims.
[00057] A person with ordinary skills in the art will appreciate that the system and method have been illustrated and explained to serve as examples and should not be considered limiting in any manner. It will be further appreciated that the variants of the above disclosed system elements, modules, and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be combined to create other different systems or applications.

REFERENCE NUMERIALS
100-saddle type vehicle 220-rotarable member
105-frame assembly 225-lever member
110-power unit 220T-first portion
115-trasmission system 226-spring
120-rear wheel 220f-first portion
125-rear fender 220s-second portion
130-damper system 403-passage
135-handlebar assembly 200rp-radial passage
140- damper system 220AP-axial passage
145- front wheel 401-brake panel
150- front fender 402-axial bore
155- seat assembly 215-pin
160- fuel tank
165- transmission cover
170- actuating lever
175A- plurality of panels
175B- plurality of panels
180- headlamp
185- tail lamp
200- brake assembly
205- anchor plate member
210B- brake shoes
210BA-FRictional liner
210AA-frictional liner ,CLAIMS:WE CLAIM:
1. A rotatable member (220), comprising:
a plurality of portions (220F, 220S, 220T), at least one of the plurality of portions (220F, 220S, 220T) being adapted to have a plurality of passages (220AP, 220RP),
wherein the plurality of passages (220AP, 220RP) being configured to circulate a fluid in a brake assembly (200).

2. The rotatable member (220) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of passages (220AP, 220RP) comprising: one or more axial passages (220AP) and one or more radial passages (220RP).

3. The rotatable member (220) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the one or more axial passage (220AP) being connected to the one or more radial passage (220RP).

4. The rotatable member (220) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of portions (220F, 220S, 220T) comprises a first portion (220F), a second portion (220S), and a third portion (220T).

5. The rotatable member (220) as claimed in claim 3 , wherein the first portion (220F) being configured to have a first profile, the second portion (220S) being configured to have a second profile, and the third portion (220T) being configured to have a third profile.

6. A brake assembly (200), comprising:
at least one plate member (205);
a plurality of shoe members (210A, 210B) being connected to the at least one plate member (205);
at least one rotatable member (220) being rotatably supported by the at least one plate member (205);
a lever member (225) being connected to the at least one rotatable member (220) to operate the at least one rotatable member (220).

7. The brake assembly (200) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the at least one rotatable member (220) comprising:
a plurality of portions (220F, 220S, 220T), at least one of the plurality of portions (220F, 220S, 220T) being adapted to have a plurality of passages (220AP, 220RP),
wherein the plurality of passages (220AP, 220RP) being configured to circulate a fluid in the brake assembly (200).

8. The brake assembly (200) as claimed in claim 5, wherein at least one portion (220F, 220S, 220T) of the at least one rotatable member (220) being sandwiched between the plurality of shoe member (220).

9. The brake assembly (200) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the plurality of passages (220AP, 220RP) comprising: one or more axial passages (220AP) and one or more radial passages (220RP).

10. The brake assembly (200) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the one or more axial passage (220AP) being connected to the one or more radial passage (220RP).