Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to the field of a braking assembly for a vehicle and, more particularly to a combined braking system.
BACKGROUND
[0002] A brake system for the various type of vehicle is in a constant state of technical development. This is important for continuous improvements in comfort, riding pleasure, and safety also. The rider presses a brake lever and pressure is supplied to a front or a rear brake caliper to slow down the vehicle or stop the vehicle.
[0003] Conventionally, a hydraulic braking system is used to control the speed of the vehicle. The hydraulic braking system works on the basis of Pascal’s law and by converting kinetic energy to heat energy. The pressure is developed by the actuation of a master cylinder and the same is transferred to the brake calipers.
[0004] Many brakes system uses an ABS (Anti-lock braking system). But, the performance of many ABS systems still requires further improvements. The ABS requires high installation and maintenance costs that discourage users to buy the vehicle with the ABS. Further, the ABS technology is expensive, especially for small-batch producers of vehicles, since costs for adjustment and adaptation of the single components are extremely high.
[0005] Additionally, there exists Combined braking system (CBS), wherein the application of front brake applies brake pressure to both the front wheel and the rear wheel. In CBS, for improving the braking performance, it is necessary to regulate the pressure flow and add two functions to the braking system. The first is a time-delay function and the second is a proportioning/cut-off function. In the delay function, the rear brake caliper develops the pressure first and has a delay in the pressure being developed in the front brake caliper. In the proportioning function, the pressure stops developing in the rear brake caliper after a particular cutoff pressure, while continuing the pressure being developed in the front brake caliper. Conventionally, these two functions have been achieved separately by using two separate valves. This adds extra cost and complexity in design.
[0006] In none of the conventional systems and methods, there is any specification of using the single valve for performing both of these functionalities (time delay and proportioning function). However, there is also no specification related to a pressure control valve that performs the proportioning function.
[0007] In light of the above-stated discussion, there is a need for a novel combined braking valve to improve the braking performance of a vehicle.
OBJECT OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0008] A primary objective of the present disclosure is to provide a combined braking valve for improving the braking performance of a vehicle by adding a time delay and performing a cut-off function in between the actuation of a front brake caliper and a rear brake caliper.
[0009] Another objective is to provide the combined braking valve that uses a single valve for performing both the time delay function and the cut-off function.
[0010] Another objective is to provide the combined braking valve for improving braking experience, avoiding early front wheel lock function, and also avoiding a lesser rear wheel lock at higher decelerations.
[0011] Another objective is to provide the combined braking valve that provides a seamless driving experience to the rider, thereby reducing the chances of a road accident.
[0012] Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide the combined braking valve that is easy to assemble, economical, and cost-effective.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0013] The following is a summary description of illustrative embodiments of the invention. It is provided as a preface to assist those skilled in the art to more rapidly assimilate the detailed design discussion which ensues and is not intended in any way to limit the scope of the claims which are appended hereto in order to particularly point out the invention.
[0014] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a combined braking valve. The combined braking valve includes an actuation lever, and a main valve body. The actuation lever is configured to be actuated.
[0015] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the main valve body comprises a first end, a second end, a primary plunger, a primary valve, a secondary valve, a secondary plunger, and a pressure control valve.
[0016] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the primary plunger is in contact with the first end using a first spring. Further, the primary valve is configured to control a front brake caliper. The primary valve is positioned between the first end of the main valve body and the primary plunger. Further, the secondary plunger is in contact with the second end using a second spring. Further, the secondary valve is configured to control a rear brake caliper and is positioned between the primary plunger and the secondary plunger. Further, the stiffness of the first spring is lesser than that of the second spring.
[0017] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the main valve body further includes the pressure control valve configured to cut-off increase in rear brake pressure when front brake pressure is being increased. Further, the secondary valve lies between the pressure control valve and the secondary plunger.
[0018] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the main valve body further comprises a fluid reservoir comprising a fluid. Further, the fluid reservoir is in a fluid connection with the main valve body. Further, a fluid pressure of the fluid is configured to maintain the primary plunger in a rest position. Further, the movement of the primary plunger towards the first end of the main valve body moves the fluid to the fluid reservoir.
[0019] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the combined braking valve is in a fluid communication with a master cylinder containing a brake fluid. Further, an actuation of the actuation lever initiates brake fluid flow from the master cylinder to the inside of the main valve body in between the primary plunger and the secondary plunger. Further, the brake fluid flows through the secondary valve to the rear brake caliper to initiate a rear brake pressure. Further, the rear brake caliper is in contact with a rear wheel of a saddle-type vehicle.
[0020] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the movement of the primary plunger towards the first end of the main valve body opens the primary valve. Further, the opening of the primary valve initiates the flow of the brake fluid to the front brake caliper thereby initiating a front brake pressure, wherein the front brake caliper is in contact with a front wheel of the saddle-type vehicle. Further, the pressure control valve is closed when the pressure within the main valve body crosses a predetermined pressure value. Further, the front brake pressure continues to build after the pressure control valve is closed.
[0021] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the release of the actuation lever initiates the retreat of the brake fluid from the front caliper to the main valve body and back to the master cylinder, pushes the primary plunger towards an initial position, closes the primary valve, opens the pressure control valve, pushes the secondary plunger towards the initial position, and opens the secondary valve to initiate retreat of the brake fluid from the rear caliper to the main valve body and back to the master cylinder.
[0022] These and other aspects herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawing. The foregoing objectives are attained by employing the combined braking valve for improving braking feel, avoiding early front wheel lock function, and also avoiding a lesser rear wheel lock at higher decelerations.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0023] To describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure or in the prior art more clearly, the following briefly describes the accompanying drawings required for describing the embodiments or the prior art. Apparently, the accompanying drawings in the following description merely show some embodiments of the present disclosure, and a person of ordinary skill in the art can derive other implementations from these accompanying drawings without creative efforts. All of the embodiments or the implementations shall fall within the protection scope of the present disclosure.
[0024] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a combined braking valve 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
[0025] Fig. 2 depicts a graph 200 of a pressure distribution between a front brake caliper and a rear brake caliper in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention;
[0026] Fig. 3 is a block diagram 300 of the working of a combined pressure regulating valve (CPRV) 122 in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the invention; and
[0027] Fig.4 is a flowchart 400 that illustrates the working of the combined braking valve 100, which is illustrated in fig.1 in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the invention.
[0028] It should be noted that the accompanying figure is intended to present illustrations of a few examples of the present disclosure. The figure is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. It should also be noted that the accompanying figure is not necessarily drawn to scale.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0029] Those skilled in the art will be aware that the present disclosure is subject to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. It is to be understood that the present disclosure includes all such variations and modifications. The disclosure also includes all such steps, features, compositions and compounds referred to or indicated in this specification, individually or collectively, and any and all combinations of any or more of such steps or features.
[0030] For convenience, before further description of the present disclosure, certain terms employed in the specification, and examples are collected here. These definitions should be read in the light of the remainder of the disclosure and understood as by a person of skill in the art. The terms used herein have the meanings recognized and known to those of skill in the art, however, for convenience and completeness, particular terms and their meanings are set forth below.
[0031] The articles "a", "an" and "the" are used to refer to one or to more than one (i.e., to at least one) of the grammatical object of the article.
[0032] The terms "comprise" and "comprising" are used in the inclusive, open sense, meaning that additional elements may be included. It is not intended to be construed as "consists of only". Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element or step or group of element or steps but not the exclusion of any other element or step or group of element or steps.
[0033] The term "including" is used to mean "including but not limited to". "Including" and "including but not limited to" are used interchangeably. The accompanying drawing is used to help easily understand various technical features and it should be understood that the alternatives presented herein are not limited by the accompanying drawing. As such, the present disclosure should be construed to extend to any alterations, equivalents and substitutes in addition to those which are particularly set out in the accompanying drawing. Although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are generally only used to distinguish one element from another.
[0034] Conditional language used herein, such as, among others, "can," "may," "might," "may," “e.g.,” and the like, unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain alternatives include, while other alternatives do not include, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or steps are in any way required for one or more alternatives or that one or more alternatives necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without other input or prompting, whether these features, elements and/or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular alternative. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and the like are synonymous and are used inclusively, in an open-ended fashion, and do not exclude additional elements, features, acts, operations, and so forth. Also, the term “or” is used in its inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense) so that when used, for example, to connect a list of elements, the term “or” means one, some, or all of the elements in the list.
[0035] Disjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to present that an item, term, etc., may be either X, Y, or Z, or any combination thereof (e.g., X, Y, and/or Z). Thus, such disjunctive language is not generally intended to, and should not, imply that certain alternatives require at least one of X, at least one of Y, or at least one of Z to each be present.
[0036] Terms pressure control valve and combined pressure regulating valve (CPRV) may be used interchangeably.
[0037] Term P and Q denotes the pressure throughout the specification for convenience.
[0038] Term pressure may be denoted by bar throughout the specification for convenience.
[0039] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a combined braking valve 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The combined braking valve 100 includes an actuation lever 102, and a main valve body 104. The actuation lever 102 is configured to be actuated.
[0040] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the main valve body 104 comprises a first end 106, a second end 108, a primary plunger 110, a first spring 112, a primary valve 114, a secondary plunger 116, a secondary valve 120, a second spring 118, and a pressure control valve 122.
[0041] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the primary plunger 110 is in contact with the first end 106 using the first spring 112. Further, the primary valve 114 is configured to control a front brake caliper. The primary valve 114 is positioned between the first end 106 of the main valve body 104 and the primary plunger 110. Further, the secondary plunger 116 is in contact with the second end 108 using the second spring 118. Further, the secondary valve 120 is configured to control a rear brake caliper and is positioned between the primary plunger 110 and the secondary plunger 116. Further, the stiffness of the first spring 112 is lesser than that of the second spring 118.In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the main valve body 104 further includes the pressure control valve 122 which is configured to add a cut-off function, wherein increase in brake pressure in rear brake caliper is cut-off while brake pressure in front caliper is increased.
[0042] In an embodiment, the primary plunger 110 closes the primary valve 114 and the secondary plunger 116 along with the pressure control valve 122 keeps the secondary plunger 116 open until a predetermined pressure is built in the main valve body 104, thereby allowing a brake fluid to flow only to the rear brake caliper and not the front brake caliper. This function is known as a time delay function. Further, the secondary valve 120 lies between the pressure control valve 122 and the secondary plunger 116.
[0043] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, pressure is built in the main valve body 104 due to the application of the actuation lever 102 which applies pressure to a master cylinder (not shown). The master cylinder comprises the brake fluid which is in fluid contact with the main valve body 104. The primary plunger 110 and the secondary plunger 116 move due to the pressure built by the brake fluid within the main valve body 104. Further, the first spring 112 and the second spring 118 attached to the primary plunger 110 and the secondary plunger 116 respectively provides resistance to the movement of the plungers 110, 116 so that the plunger starts to move only after a predetermined pressure applied from the brake fluid during the actuation of the actuation lever 102.
[0044] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the main valve body 104 further comprises a fluid reservoir 124 comprising a fluid. Further, the fluid reservoir 124 is in a fluid connection with the main valve body 104. Further, a fluid pressure of the fluid is configured to maintain the primary plunger 110 in a rest position. Further, the movement of the primary plunger 110 towards the first end 106 of the main valve body 104 moves the fluid to the fluid reservoir 124.
[0045] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the combined braking valve 100 is in the fluid communication with the master cylinder containing the brake fluid. Further, an actuation of the actuation lever 102 initiates brake fluid flow from the master cylinder to the inside of the main valve body 104 in between the primary plunger 110 and the secondary plunger 116. The main valve body 104 further includes an inlet valve and an outlet valve. The inlet valve is used for flowing the brake fluid from the master cylinder to the inside of the main valve body 104.
[0046] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the brake fluid further flows through the secondary valve 120 to the rear brake caliper to initiate a rear brake pressure by using the outlet valve. Further, the rear brake caliper is in contact with a rear wheel of a vehicle. In an embodiment, the vehicle is a saddle-type vehicle such as a motorcycle or a scooter. The brake fluid when filled within the main valve body 104 pushes the primary plunger 110 toward the first end 106 of the main valve body 104. Further, the main valve body 104 includes a sealing 132 that is used to keep the brake fluid within the main valve body 104. The main valve body 104 further includes a stopper 130 that restricts the movement of the primary plunger 110 and the secondary plunger 116.
[0047] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the movement of the primary plunger 110 towards the first end 106 of the main valve body 104 opens the primary valve 114. Further, the opening of the primary valve 114 initiates the flow of the brake fluid to the front brake caliper thereby initiating a front brake pressure, wherein the front brake caliper is in contact with a front wheel of the vehicle. Further, the vehicle is a saddle-type vehicle such as a two-wheeler vehicle or a three-wheeler vehicle.
[0048] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the pressure control valve 122 is closed when the pressure within the main valve body 104 crosses a predetermined pressure value. Further, the front brake pressure continues to build after the pressure control valve 122 is closed. This function is also known as the cut-off function.
[0049] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the release of the actuation lever 102 initiates the retreat of the brake fluid from the front caliper to the main valve body 104 and back to the master cylinder. Further, the release of the actuation lever 102 pushes the primary plunger 110 toward an initial position, closes the primary valve 114, opens the pressure control valve 122 by pushing the secondary plunger 116 toward the initial position. Further, the actuation lever 102 opens the secondary valve 120 to initiate the retreat of the brake fluid from the rear caliper to the main valve body 104 and back to the master cylinder.
[0050] Fig. 2 depicts a graph 200 of the pressure distribution between the front brake caliper and the rear brake caliper in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The front brake pressure is denoted on an x-axis by a numeral 204. The rear brake pressure is denoted on the y-axis by a numeral 202. Plot 206 shows an ideal distribution of the rear brake pressure 204 over the front brake pressure 202. This curve 206 is also known a non-linear hyperbolic curve. Further, when the actuation lever 102 is actuated, the brake fluids start flowing from the main cylinder to the inside of the main valve body 104 through the inlet valve. Further, the brake fluid travels to the rear brake calipers directly up to the P bar. At this point, the brake fluid is not transferred to the front brake caliper. The primary plunger 110 restricts the flow of the brake fluid to eh front caliper until the predetermined pressure is developed inside the main valve body 104. This is the delay function which is shown in the graph 200 by the numeral 208. After the P bar, the primary plunger 110 moves towards the first end 106 and the first spring 112 compresses to open the primary valve 114. At this point, both the front and the rear brake calipers get the same pressure. Once pressure starts increasing and it increases up to the P+Q bar, the secondary spring 118 compresses and closes the pressure control valve 122 thereby blocking the brake fluid flow to the rear brake caliper. At this point, the pressure is built only on the primary valve 114 and the brake fluid remains flowing to the front brake caliper. This is the cut-off function that is shown in the graph 200 by the numeral 210. After this point, the front brake pressure continuously increases, and the rear brake pressure becomes constant.
[0051] Fig.3 is a block diagram 300 of the working of a combined pressure regulating valve (CPRV) 122 in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the invention. The actuation of the actuation lever 102 initiates the brake fluid flow from the master cylinder to the inside of the main valve body 104, as shown in block 302. Further, the actuation of the actuation lever 102 develops pressure to the CPRV 122, as shown in block 304. Further, the CPRV 122 applies pressure to the rear brake caliper, and it stops applying pressure to the rear brake caliper when the pressure within the main valve body 104 crosses the predetermined pressure value, as shown in block 306. Further, the CPRV 122 applies pressure to the front brake caliper after the time delay and it keeps increasing even when the increase in pressure to the rear brake caliper is stopped, as shown in block 308.
[0052] Fig.4 is a flowchart 400 that illustrates the working of the combined braking valve 100, which is illustrated in fig.1 in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the invention. Flowchart 400 begins from step 405 in which the actuation lever 102 is actuated. Further, the brake fluid flows from the master cylinder to the inside of the main valve body 104 in between the primary plunger 110 and the secondary plunger 116, as shown in step 410. Further, the brake fluid passes through to the secondary valve 120 which is open and through to the rear brake caliper, as shown in step 415. In the next step, the pressure is initiated in the rear brake to control the rear wheel of the saddle-type vehicle, as shown in step 420. At this point, the brake fluid is not transferred to the front brake caliper (delay function). In the next step, the primary plunger 110 moves forward and the first spring 112 compresses to open the primary valve 114, as shown in 425. Further, the brake fluid starts flowing to the front brake caliper for initiating the front brake pressure to control the front wheel of the saddle type-vehicle, as shown in step 430. At this point, both the front and the rear brake calipers get the same pressure. Further, the combined braking valve verifies whether the pressure within the main valve body 104 increases up to the predetermined pressure value or not, as shown in step 435. If the event is not detected, then flowchart 400 moves to step 430. If the event is detected, then flowchart 400 moves to step 440 in which the secondary spring 118 compresses and closes the pressure control valve 122 thereby blocking the brake fluid flow to the rear brake caliper. At this point, the pressure is built only on the primary valve 114 and the brake fluid remains flowing to the front brake caliper. This is the cutoff function.
[0053] In accordance with an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the present invention improves the braking performance of the saddle-type vehicle by adding the time delay and performing the cut-off function in between the actuation of the front brake caliper and the rear brake caliper. Further, this invention uses a single valve (CPRV) 122 for performing both functions i.e. the time delay function and the cut-off function.
[0054] In accordance with another advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the present invention improves braking experience, avoids early front wheel lock function, and also avoids a lesser rear wheel lock at higher decelerations. This invention provides a seamless driving experience to the rider, thereby reducing the chances of a road accident. This invention is easy to assemble and cost-effective.
[0055] While the detailed description has shown, described, and pointed out novel features as applied to various alternatives, it can be understood that various omissions, substitutions, and changes in the form and details of the devices or algorithms illustrated can be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. As can be recognized, certain alternatives described herein can be embodied within a form that does not provide all of the features and benefits set forth herein, as some features can be used or practiced separately from others.
[0056] The disclosures and the description herein are intended to be illustrative and are not in any sense limiting the invention, defined in scope by the following claims.
 
, C , Claims:We claim:
1. A combined braking valve, comprising:
an actuation lever (102) configured to be actuated;
a main valve body (104) comprising;
a first end (106) and a second end (108);
a primary plunger (110) in contact with the first end (106) using a first spring (112);
a primary valve (114), configured to control a front brake caliper, positioned between the first end (106) of the main valve body (104) and the primary plunger (110);
a secondary plunger (116) in contact with the second end (108) using a second spring (118);
a secondary valve (120), configured to control a rear brake caliper, positioned between the primary plunger (110) and the secondary plunger (116); and
a pressure control valve (122), wherein the secondary valve (120) lies between the pressure control valve (122) and the secondary plunger (116), wherein the pressure control valve (122) is configured to cut-off increase in rear brake pressure while front brake pressure is being increased.
2. The combined braking valve (100) as claimed in claim 1, further comprises a fluid reservoir (124) comprising a fluid.

3. The combined braking valve (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the fluid reservoir (124) is in a fluid connection with the main valve body (104).

4. The combined braking valve (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein a fluid pressure of the fluid is configured to maintain the primary plunger (110) in a rest position.

5. The combined braking valve (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein movement of the primary plunger (110) towards the first end (106) of the main valve body (104) moves the fluid to the fluid reservoir (124).

6. The combined braking valve (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the combined braking valve (100) is in a fluid communication with a master cylinder containing a brake fluid.

7. The combined braking valve (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein an actuation of the actuation lever (102) initiates brake fluid flow from the master cylinder to the inside of the main valve body (104) in between the primary plunger (110) and the secondary plunger (116).

8. The combined braking valve (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the brake fluid flows through the secondary valve (120) to the rear brake caliper to initiate a rear brake pressure, wherein the rear brake caliper is in contact with a rear wheel of a vehicle.

9. The combined braking valve (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the brake fluid when filled within the main valve body (104) pushes the primary plunger (110) towards the first end (106) of the main valve body (104).

10. The combined braking valve (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein movement of the primary plunger (110) towards the first end (106) of the main valve body (104) opens the primary valve (114).

11. The combined braking valve (100) as claimed in claim 10, wherein opening of the primary valve (114) initiates flow of the brake fluid to the front brake caliper thereby initiating a front brake pressure, wherein the front brake caliper is in contact with a front wheel of the vehicle.

12. The combined braking valve (100) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the pressure control valve (122) is closed when the pressure within the main valve body (104) crosses a predetermined pressure value.

13. The combined braking valve (100) as claimed in claim 12, wherein the front brake pressure continues to build after the pressure control valve (122) is closed.

14. The combined braking valve (100) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the release of the actuation lever (102);
initiates retreat of the brake fluid from the front caliper to the main valve body (104) and back to the master cylinder;
pushes the primary plunger (110) towards initial position;
closes the primary valve (114);
opens the pressure control valve (122);
pushes the secondary plunger (116) towards the initial position; and
opens the secondary valve (120) to initiate retreat of the brake fluid from the rear caliper to the main valve body (104) and back to the master cylinder.
15. The combined braking valve (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the stiffness of the first spring (112) is lesser than that of the second spring (118).