DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter, in general, relates to a braking system, and, in particular relates, to a synchronized braking system of a two-wheeled vehicle.
BACKGROUND
[0002] In the last few decades, two-wheeler automobile industry has shown a remarkable growth and development, in terms of technology as well as sales. Due to consistent advancement in technology, two-wheeled vehicles, such as bicycles, motorcycles, scooters and light-weight scooters, have succeeded in maintaining their popularity among different sections of society. Different sections of society, based on their requirement, utilize the two-wheeled vehicles for various purposes, such as a recreational activity, a means of transportation, and for sports activities. As a result, it becomes pertinent for the two-wheeler automobile industry to constantly develop and modify the components of the two-wheeled vehicles to suit requirements of different riders.
[0003] Generally, two-wheeled vehicles are provided with a pair of mechanically operated drum brakes. However, with the advent of braking technology, hydraulically operated drum brakes and disc brakes have come to use. Also, in some applications disc brake is installed on both front and rear wheels. Typically, two-wheeled vehicles with disc brakes installed only on to front wheels are most commonly used. However, such a determination of whether to use two disc brakes or one is primarily based on the capacity of the vehicle and the maximum load capable of being carried by the vehicle. Generally, for lesser capacity vehicles that are not expected to reach very high speed levels are provided with a single disc brake, preferably, on to the front wheel of the vehicle.
[0004] In accordance with the same ideology, various types of braking systems have been developed for facilitating braking functionalities in the two-wheeled vehicles. Conventionally, braking systems that allow simultaneous actuation of a front brake and a rear brake upon application of a single brake lever have gained widespread popularity across the globe.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components.
[0006] Fig. 1 (a) depicts an exemplary two-wheeled vehicle 100 with selective parts, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0007] Fig. 1 (b) illustrates a schematic layout of the braking system of the two-wheeled vehicle 100, in accordance with the embodiment as depicted in Fig. 1 (a).
[0008] Fig. 1 (c) illustrates an enlarged view of the synchronized braking system mounted to handle bar H, in accordance with the embodiment as depicted in Fig. 1 (a).
[0009] Fig. 2 (a) illustrates an isometric view of the synchronized braking system 300, in accordance with the embodiment of Fig. 1 (b).
[00010] Fig. 2 (b) depicts an isometric view of the front brake lever 205, in accordance with the embodiment of Fig. 2 (a).
[00011] Fig. 2 (c) depicts a secondary lever 210 of the Synchronized braking system 300, in accordance with the embodiment of Fig. 2 (a).
[00012] Fig. 2 (d) depicts an exploded view of the master cylinder assembly, in accordance with the embodiment of Fig. 2 (a).
[00013] Fig. 3 (a) depicts an enlarged side view of the Synchronized braking system, in accordance with the embodiment of Fig. 2 (a).
[00014] Fig. 3 (b) depicts a top view of the Synchronized braking system 300, in accordance with the embodiment as depicted in Fig. 3 (a).
[00015] Fig. 3 (c) depicts an isometric view of the holder member 220, in accordance with the embodiment of Fig. 3 (a).
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00016] Conventionally, two-wheeled vehicles are provided with a braking system for slowing or stopping the vehicle. The braking system, usually, includes at least one brake assembly, such as a front wheel brake assembly and a rear wheel brake assembly for a front wheel and a rear wheel, respectively. Such brake assemblies may include, but are not limited to a cam lever, a cam pin, and a pair of friction liners/brake shoes. Further, each of the front wheel brake assembly and the rear wheel brake assembly is connected to a brake lever for actuation. For example, the brake lever may be coupled to a pair of friction liners/brake shoes for applying friction to each wheel of the two-wheeled vehicle, as and when the brake lever is actuated. The brake lever can be connected to the brake assembly in a variety of ways. For example, the brake lever can be connected to the brake assembly by means of a cable. In such a case, one end of the cable may be secured to the brake assembly, and the other end of the cable may be secured to the brake lever. In another case, the brake lever can be connected to the brake assembly through a hydraulic means. This is generally applicable for disc brakes. Consequently, actuation of the brake lever may result in actuation of the brake assembly and subsequently, the brake may be applied.
[00017] Generally, the front wheel and the rear wheel are provided with separate braking systems. Conventional two-wheeler and three wheeler braking systems usually include either hand-operated brakes for both the wheels or include a combination of hand-operated and foot-operated brakes. In the latter case, generally, the front wheel brakes are hand-operated, and include a front brake lever mounted on a handle of the two-wheeled vehicle for actuation, whereas the rear wheel brakes can be foot-operated by a rear brake lever provided near a foot-rest of the rider.
[00018] Usually, during operation of the brakes, riders apply the rear wheel brake alone. Such a practice stems from the fact that actuating both the brake levers at the same time may be inconvenient for the rider. In addition, when the front wheel brake is applied, with the initial less load on the front wheel and sudden weight transfer towards the front wheel cause the front wheel to stop rapidly, and may result in a sudden jerk to the vehicle. The sudden jerk may affect the ride quality and may disturb the balance and stability of the vehicle leading to an accident. However, on the other hand, the braking force applied for braking the rear wheel may have to be limited, to prevent skidding of the vehicle. As a result, the deceleration experienced by the vehicle may also be limited and subsequently, the stopping distance of the vehicle may be significantly large.
[00019] Conventionally, in order to address the above-mentioned concerns, braking systems that allow simultaneous actuation of a front brake and a rear brake by application of a single brake lever have been developed. Such braking system is capable of uniting the braking operation of both the front wheel brake and the rear wheel brake with the help of a single brake lever, for example the rear brake lever. Accordingly, upon actuation of the single brake lever, such a braking system may allow distribution of braking force to the front wheel as well as the rear wheel of the vehicle. Therefore, the front wheel brake and the rear wheel brake can be simultaneously applied by actuating one brake lever, for example, the rear brake lever. In addition to being convenient for the rider, such braking systems may ensure that the deceleration of the vehicle can be increased and subsequently, the stopping distance may be reduced. Further, as would be understood, in two-wheeled vehicles with such braking systems, a front brake lever may also be provided to independently operate the front wheel brake.
[00020] Further, in such braking systems, a cable from each of the front brake lever and the rear brake lever may be connected to the front wheel brake assembly as the front wheel brake assembly is operated by application of either of the brake levers.
[00021] Furthermore, in vehicles with front wheel brake assembly being a disc brake type, a hydraulic fluid dispensing member is mounted in the vicinity of the front brake lever for actuating a hydraulically operated disc brake. This enables the front brake lever to actuate the hydraulic fluid dispensing member for dispensing requisite amount of hydraulic fluid whenever front wheel brake is applied. Also, while actuating the front wheel brake by means of the rear brake lever, in such braking systems, it is essential to actuate the hydraulic fluid dispensing member. Hence, in order to actuate the hydraulic fluid dispensing member when the rear brake lever is applied, a cable from the rear brake lever is connected to the hydraulic fluid dispensing member. The fluid dispensing member is also heavy component that includes a reservoir that stores brake fluid. Therefore, the fluid dispensing member is prone to change in orientation about the handle bar due to its own weight especially with time as some clearances maybe formed and a change in orientation of the master cylinder may affect the function of ancillary components reducing the effectiveness of the system.
[00022] However, such conventional braking systems that allows simultaneous actuation of a front brake and a rear brake by application of a single brake lever having a front disc brake known in the prior art has several limitations. The conventional braking systems that allow simultaneous actuation of a front brake and a rear brake by application of a single brake lever includes plurality of components. Especially, various moving and sliding components are provided which are subjected to wear and tear as brakes are frequently used, especially during traffic conditions. For example, use of slider pins for actuation of the piston of the fluid dispensing member results in wear of the slider pin due to repeated sliding movement. Also, presence of various intermediate components in the braking system affects the actuation of the independent brake lever. Also, multiple structures are provided to mount and support the aforementioned components like mounting brackets to mount the levers.
[00023] Further, the cable that is connecting the synchronous brake lever to the fluid dispensing member is subject to expansion due to its own weight as the cables are made of metal and also due to repeated use. This results in expansion and sagging of the cables. Such sagging would change the orientation of the cable affecting the operation of the lever to which the cable is connected. This affects the operation of the system and also may change direction of force acting on the lever due to the sagging thereby resulting in unbalanced force on the lever. Therefore, with time the cable may fail especially at the joints as the sagging of the cable creates strain at the joints/ends resulting in breakage of cable. Any such extension or breakage of brake system parts are safety critical and can lead to accidents. Thus, the cable connecting the synchronous brake lever to the fluid dispending member is to be optimally guided to reduce failure and damage.
[00024] Moreover, presence of multiple components in the synchronized braking system requires mounting of multiple components that requires more assembly time. Also, presence of multiple components increases the cost of the system as the individual parts are to be manufactured requiring individual tools. Moreover, in vehicles with the synchronous or similar braking system employed on the handle bar, it is cumbersome during assembly or during maintenance of the braking system as the handle bar assembly is very packed space that includes various vehicle control switches, a display unit, and a head lamp assembly. Importantly, in a scooter type vehicle the handle bar assembly include a cowling that encloses the head lamp and other components making space even more compact.
[00025] Thus, there is a need for providing a synchronized braking system that is reliable and at the same time cost effective. Also, the various components of the braking system are to be optimally mounted and routed at the handle portion. This should enable ease of assembly and also should provide ease of access for servicing. Therefore, the present subject matter is aimed at addressing the aforementioned and other problems in the prior art.
[00026] Hence, the present subject matter provides a master cylinder assembly for a synchronized braking system. The master cylinder assembly includes a holder member that is capable securely mounting the fluid dispensing member to the vehicle.
[00027] Further, it is a feature of the present subject matter that the holder member includes at least one support portion. In a preferred implementation, a first support portion is provided forming a mounting portion to optimally support a secondary lever. The first support portion functionally supports the secondary lever to enable pivotal movement of the secondary lever. Therefore, the master cylinder assembly supports the secondary lever that works in conjunction with the fluid dispensing member. It is an advantage that the secondary lever mounted to the master cylinder assembly enables the secondary lever to be in proximity of the fluid dispensing member eliminating longer secondary lever.
[00028] It is an aspect of the present subject matter that the holder member includes at least one support portion for functionally supporting one or more secondary brake component(s). It is another feature that the holder member includes a second support portion forming a guide portion to guide a secondary cable towards the secondary lever so as to improve functioning and life of the secondary cable. The second support portion functionally supports the secondary cable to guide the cable towards the secondary lever at a determined orientation to reduce failure due to sagging and misalignment of the secondary cable. The secondary lever and the secondary cable act as secondary brake components to functionally connect and enable actuation of the fluid dispensing member upon actuation of the synchronous brake lever to enable actuation of the front wheel brake. It is an advantage that the secondary cable is guided towards the secondary lever thereby any sagging of the secondary cable does not strain the secondary cable at the joints. Also, the guide portion supports the weight of the secondary cable to certain extent thereby in effect reducing sagging of the cable. The first support portion and the second support portion are integrally formed with the holder member.
[00029] It is an additional feature the master cylinder assembly supports an independent brake lever. The fluid dispensing member supports the independent lever that works in conjunction with the piston of the fluid dispensing member.
[00030] It is aspect that the master cylinder assembly supports the independent brake lever and the secondary lever of the synchronized braking system. The master cylinder assembly in an assembled condition retains the orientation of the independent brake lever mounted to the fluid dispensing member and the orientation of the secondary lever irrespective of the orientation of the entire assembly on the handle bar.
[00031] It is a feature of the present subject matter, that the synchronized braking system enables actuation of at least two brakes installed on different wheels by the operation of a single control, which is the synchronous brake lever. Moreover, the front brake lever is capable of independently actuating only the front wheel brake.
[00032] It is an aspect of the present subject matter that the master cylinder assembly acts as an optimum mounting structure to support plurality of components of the synchronized braking system eliminating the need for multiple independent mountings. It is an advantage that the number of components is reduced thereby making the system cost effective. Further advantage being, the assembly is compact due to the master assembly supporting the essential elements of the braking system and is therefore mountable to a handle bar of a scooter type vehicle with the head lamp assembly and display unit enclosed by the head cowling.
[00033] It is yet another advantage that the assembly and maintenance of the system is improved as the synchronized braking system is compactly packaged through the master cylinder assembly.
[00034] It is a feature of the present subject matter, that the holder member of the master cylinder assembly is capable of rotatably supporting the secondary lever. In a preferred embodiment, the holder member is provided with a mounting portion disposed in proximity to the fluid dispending member. It is an advantage that the holder member provides optimum distance between an actuation member of the fuel dispensing member and the mounting portion. Therefore, it is an advantage that the transfer of force or the brake feel to the actuation member is optimally provided.
[00035] In one implementation, the secondary lever enables actuating of a fuel dispensing member. In another implementation, the secondary lever can be a user operated lever or an intermediate actuation member. In another embodiment, the secondary lever can be used to actuate or control damping performance characteristics of the suspension system of the two or three wheeled vehicle.
[00036] Thus, the holder member enables supporting of a lever and guides a cable connecting the lever, wherein the lever can be adapted to work in conjunction with synchronized braking system and is not limited to synchronized braking system as it is adaptable to other similar functional systems of the vehicle.
[00037] It is yet another feature that the holder member is provided with the mounting portion disposed on side and the guide portion disposed on another side of the holder member, and away from mounting portion providing sufficient length for the cable.
[00038] It is an aspect that the guide portion abuts against an outer sheathed cover of the secondary cable and an inner metallic cable is connected to the secondary lever. It is a further advantage that the life of cable is improved due to optimum orientation. Further, the functioning of the system is also improved.
[00039] In an implementation, the mounting portion of the holder member disposed on one lateral side and the guide portion is disposed on other lateral side away from the mounting portion.
[00040] It is an aspect of the present subject matter that the holder member includes an inner peripheral profile matching an outer peripheral profile of the handle bar. Further, the holder member of the master cylinder assembly is provided with an anti-rotation member to restrict the rotation of the master cylinder assembly. Thus, it is an advantage that the orientation of the master cylinder assembly on the handle bar is unchanged thereby retaining a desired orientation of the assembly by the user.
[00041] Moreover, the current subject matter is applicable to a two-wheeled or three-wheeled vehicle with the synchronized braking system or any other braking system including a dynamic braking system. For example, the vehicles include and are not limited to a motorcycle type vehicle, a scooter type vehicle with a step-through space, a mutt-wheeled vehicle with at least one wheel in the front and two or more wheels in the rear, or with at least one wheel in the rear and two or more wheels in the front.
[00042] The master cylinder assembly is compact and enables to be disposed towards one lateral end portion of the handle bar near to the handle grip where the user holds the handle bar. This provides the advantage of not requiring any additional connectors or eliminates the need for disposing the master cylinder assembly away from the handle bar that would require extra connecting cables and occupies space on the vehicle.
[00043] These and other advantages of the present subject matter would be described in greater detail in conjunction with the figures in the following description.
[00044] Arrows provided in the top right corner of each figure depicts direction with respect to the vehicle, wherein an arrow F denotes front direction, an arrow R indicated rear direction, an arrow UP denotes upward direction, an arrow DW denoted downward direction, an arrow RH denotes right side, and an arrow LH denoted left side, as and where applicable.
[00045] Fig. 1 (a) depicts an exemplary two-wheeled vehicle 100 with selective parts, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The vehicle includes a frame assembly 105 supporting a front wheel 110 and a rear wheel 115. The front wheel 105 and the rear wheel 115 are rotatably supported by front suspension system (not shown) and the rear suspension system (not shown). In one embodiment, the rear wheel 115 is additionally supported by a swingarm (not shown). The front wheel 110 is provided with a front wheel brake 120 and the rear wheel 115 is provided with a rear wheel brake 125 (shown in Fig. 1 (b)). In the present embodiment, the front wheel brake 120 is a hydraulically operated disc brake 120. In the following description, the terms ‘front wheel brake’ are interchangeably used with ‘disc brake’ 120. Further, a front brake lever 205 of a synchronized system 300 is actuated to apply the disc brake 120. The synchronized braking system 300 along with other braking system is collectively referred to as a braking system. Similarly, a rider actuates a rear brake lever 230 of a rear wheel brake assembly 140 for applying the rear wheel brake 125 as well as the disc brake 120. The front brake lever 205 acts an independent brake lever 205 and the terms are interchangeably used. Thus, the rear brake lever 230 functions as a synchronous brake lever 230 and the terms are interchangeably used herein. In one implementation, the independent brake lever 205 and the synchronous brake lever 230 may be disposed on a right-hand side and a left-hand side of a handle bar H of the vehicle, respectively. The handle bar H is functionally connected to the front wheel 110 through the front suspensions 145. In another implementation, instead of providing the synchronous brake lever 125 on the handle bar H, a foot pedal (not shown) serves as a synchronous brake lever to jointly apply braking forces on the front wheel brake 120 and the rear wheel brake 125. In a further implementation (not shown), the independent brake lever 205 may be used as the synchronous brake lever for applying the front wheel brake 120 together with the rear wheel brake 125, while the rear brake lever 230 to independently apply the rear wheel brake 125. The vehicle 100 may include one front wheel 120 and one or more rear wheel(s). The term rear wheel brake 125 is not limiting to a single brake; similarly, for front wheel brake 120.
[00046] Fig. 1 (b) illustrates a schematic layout of the braking system 300 of the two-wheeled vehicle 100, in accordance with the embodiment as depicted in Fig. 1 (a). The front wheel brake 120 is a hydraulically operated disc brake 120. The disc brake 120 includes a brake disc that is fixedly mounted to the wheel 110. A caliper assembly is functionally coupled to the bake disc to apply frictional force upon actuation of the brake. A front brake cable 150 connects the master cylinder assembly 200 to the disc brake 120. The front brake cable 150 is a hose that is capable carrying brake fluid. A secondary cable 225, which is another secondary brake component, functionally connects the synchronous brake lever 230 to the secondary lever 210 (shown in Fig. 2 (a)). The secondary cable 225 can be a mechanical cable with a metallic cable slidably inside sheathed cover or a hose capable of carrying brake fluid. The rear brake cable 155 is also selectively provided to be a mechanical cable or a hose depending on the type of rear wheel brake 125. The hose can be a flexible type made of elastic polymer, a rigid type made of any known metal or a combination thereof.
[00047] Further, in the present embodiment, the rear brake assembly 140 includes a distributor (not shown) coupled with the synchronous brake lever 230. The distributor is connected to a secondary cable 225, which is functionally connecting the synchronous brake lever 230 of the synchronized braking system 300. Therefore, the synchronized braking system 300 actuates the front wheel brake 120 and the rear wheel brake 125 through the independent brake lever 205. The independent brake lever 205 is connected to the front brake 120 through a front brake cable 150 to independently actuate the front wheel brake 120. The term brake cable includes a brake hose cable capable of transferring hydraulic force as and where applicable.
[00048] Further, the secondary cable 225 of the synchronized braking system 300 is provided in such a manner so as to actuate the actuation member 215A of the hydraulic fluid dispensing member 215, for example, the hydraulic fluid dispensing member 215 is a master cylinder 215 (shown in Fig. 2 (a)) that includes a hydraulic braking fluid for actuation of the disc brake 120 and the actuation member 215A is a piston. The master cylinder 215 is a part of the master cylinder assembly 200. In an embodiment, the actuation of the independent brake lever 205 and/or the secondary cable 225 causes a corresponding actuation of the master cylinder that transmits braking forces to the disc brake 120 through the independent front brake cable 150 that is connected to the front wheel brake 120. The secondary cable 225 and the secondary lever 210 enable actuation of the front wheel brake 120 upon actuation of the synchronous brake lever 230 and the secondary cable 225 and the secondary lever 210 are collectively referred to as secondary brake component(s) for brevity.
[00049] Fig. 1 (c) illustrates an enlarged view of the synchronized braking system mounted to handle bar H, in accordance with the embodiment as depicted in Fig. 1 (a). Fig. 2 (a) illustrates an isometric view of master cylinder assembly of the synchronized braking system 300, in accordance with the embodiment of Fig. 1 (b). In the present implementation, the master cylinder assembly 200 is mounted to the handle bar H that is functionally connected to the front wheel 110. In one implementation, the master cylinder assembly 200 is mounted on a column handle bar (not shown) by means of one or more handle bar mountings. The master cylinder assembly 200 includes a fluid dispensing member 215, for example, a master cylinder 215. Hereinafter, the terms fluid dispensing member and master cylinder are interchangeably used. The master cylinder 215 includes a reservoir 215R and the reservoir 215R includes an actuation member 215A. The independent brake lever 205 is hinged to the master cylinder 215 and the independent brake lever 205 is capable of actuating the actuation member 215A during application of independent brake lever 205. Further, the synchronized braking system (SBS) 300 includes one or more secondary brake components. The master cylinder assembly 200 includes a holder member 220 that comprises at least one support portion for functionally supporting one or more secondary brake component(s) that enable actuation of the front wheel brake 120 through a synchronous brake lever 230. A secondary lever 210, which is one of the secondary brake components, is supported by a holder member 220 of the master cylinder assembly 200. The holder member 220 is secured to the master cylinder 215 so as to secure the master cylinder assembly 200 to the handle bar H. In other words, the holder member 220 and the master cylinder 215 form the master cylinder assembly 200 that is secured to the handle bar H by fasteners or the like.
[00050] The holder member 220 of the master cylinder assembly 200 is a rigid structure and the holder member 220 hingedly supports the secondary lever 210. The secondary lever 210 operated as an intermediate lever of the braking system that is functionally connected to the synchronous brake lever 230. In one implementation, the secondary lever 210 can be an actuating lever operated by the user. In the present embodiment, the secondary lever 210 is functionally connected to the secondary cable 225, wherein actuation of the synchronous brake lever 230 in turn enables hinged motion of the secondary lever 210 thereby resulting in actuation of the master cylinder 215 through the actuation member 215A. As the master cylinder 215 is connected to the front wheel brake 120 through the front brake cable 150.
[00051] The following figures, Fig. 2 (b), Fig. 2 (c) depicts the constructional features of the independent brake lever 205, the secondary lever 210 that enable appreciation of functioning of the master cylinder assembly 200 of the synchronized braking system 300.
[00052] Fig. 2 (b) depicts an isometric view of the independent brake lever 205, in accordance with the embodiment of Fig. 2 (a). The independent brake lever 205 includes a mounting portion 205M through which the independent brake lever 205 is hinged to the master cylinder 215 (as depicted in Fig. 2 (a)). The independent brake lever 205 includes an extended portion for actuation of the independent brake lever 205 and the user performs movement of the independent brake lever 205 about the mounting portion 205M. In an embodiment, the mounting portion 205M is the hinge axis of the independent brake lever 205.
[00053] Additionally, the independent brake lever 205 includes one or more lever arm(s) 205. In the present embodiment, the lever arm 205A includes a first lever arm 205AA and a second lever arm 205AB, which are vertically spaced apart. A slit portion SP is defined between the lever arms 205AA, 205AB to enables movement of a portion of the secondary lever 210 thereat. In normal condition, which is during a non-actuation state of the independent brake lever 205, the lever arm 205A is abutting against the actuation member 215A of the master cylinder 215. Further, the independent brake lever 205 is provided with a mounting point 205S, wherein one end of an elastic member S2 is connected so as to retract the independent brake lever 205 to a normal condition after release of the independent brake lever 205. In one implementation, the elastic member S2 is a spring.
[00054] Fig. 2 (c) depicts a secondary lever 210 of the synchronized braking system 300, in accordance with the embodiment of Fig. 2 (a). The secondary lever 210 includes a mounting portion 210M through which the secondary arm 210 is pivotally mounted to the holder member 220 (as depicted in Fig. 2 (a)). The secondary lever 210 includes a cable mounting portion 210C. One end of the secondary cable 225 (as shown in Fig. 1 (b)) is connected to the secondary lever 210 at the cable mounting portion 210C. In the present implementation, the secondary cable 225 is a mechanical cable with a cylindrical member that is hingedly abutted at the cable mounting portion 210C. Further, the secondary lever 210 includes a secondary arm 210A that extends towards an actuation member 215A of the master cylinder 215. In normal condition, the secondary arm 210A abuts the actuation member 215A of the master cylinder 215. During actuation of the synchronous brake lever 230, the secondary cable 225 is pulled whereby the secondary lever 210 is rotated to a certain angle about the mounting portion 210M. The secondary arm 210A of the secondary lever 210 is movable at the slit portion SP of the independent brake lever 205 with interfering thereof.
[00055] Fig. 2 (d) depicts the holder member 220 and the fluid dispensing member of the master cylinder assembly 200 in an exploded view, in accordance with the embodiment of Fig. 2 (a). In the present embodiment, the holder member 220, depicted in side view, is capable of rotatably supporting the secondary lever 210 (shown in Fig. 2 (a)). The holder member 220 is disposed on one lateral side of the holder member 220. The holder member 220 includes at least one support portion. In the present implementation, a first support portion 220M forms a mounting portion 220M. Therefore, the terms first support portion 220M and the mounting portion 220M are interchangeably used. In a preferred embodiment, the mounting portion 220M with an aperture provided to fasten the secondary lever 210. In an embodiment, a nut and bolt is used to fasten the secondary lever 210. The secondary lever 210 is capable of rotating about a second hinge axis Y-Y’, which is about the axis of the fastener. Further, an elastic member S1 (shown in Fig. 3 (a)) is provided that is connected to the secondary lever 210 and the holder member 220 to bring the secondary lever 210 to an initial position or condition post release of brake lever 230. The secondary lever 210 is connected to the secondary cable 225 and during application of the synchronous brake lever 230, the secondary cable 225 pulls the secondary lever 210 resulting in rotation of the secondary lever 210 thereby actuation the front wheel brake 120. When the synchronous brake lever 230 is released, the elastic member S1 enables the secondary lever 210 to retract to initial condition, which is the condition prior to application of synchronous brake lever 230. The holder member 220 supports the secondary cable 225 in proximity to the actuation member 215A of the fluid dispensing member thereby enabling direct abutment of the secondary lever 210 eliminating any additional/intermediate members.
[00056] Fig. 3 (a) depicts an enlarged side view of the synchronized braking system 300, in accordance with the embodiment of Fig. 2 (a). The Synchronized braking system 300 includes a master cylinder assembly 200 including the master cylinder 215 that is mounted to the handle bar H (as shown in Fig. 1 (a)) through the holder member 220. The reservoir 215R that stores the actuation/brake fluid induces the front wheel brake 120 upon actuation of the actuation member 215A that is provided on one lateral side of the reservoir. Also, the master cylinder 215 includes a body portion 215B that is capable of supporting the independent brake lever 205 at a mounting portion 215BM. The mounting portion 215BM is integrally formed with the master cylinder 215. The independent brake lever is hinged to the body portion 215B of the master cylinder 215 and the independent brake lever 205 is hingedly movable about a first hinge axis X-X’. The lever arm 215A of the independent brake lever 215 abuts the actuation member 215A of the master cylinder 215. The master cylinder assembly 200 not only supports the secondary lever 210 but also supports the independent brake lever 205 that are working in conjunction with the fluid dispensing member 215.
[00057] Furthermore, the holder member 220, the fluid dispensing member 215, the secondary lever 210, and the independent brake lever 205 acts as a single unit/assembly in assembled condition. Therefore, any functional discrepancy due to change in orientation of the component(s) is eliminated and it acts as a single unit that is mounted to the handle bar H.
[00058] Further, the first hinge axis X-X’ is retained at a pre-determined orientation with respect to the second hinge axis Y-Y’ irrespective of mounting orientation of the master cylinder assembly 200 on the handle bar H thereby making the function of the synchronized braking system 200 independent of orientation of the master cylinder assembly 200 on the handle bar H. In a preferred embodiment, the first hinge axis X-X’ and the second hinge axis Y-Y’ are disposed in an orientation that is substantially parallel to each other as the parallel mounting enables interference free movement between the levers 205, 210 as they are very closely disposed.
[00059] Further, the master cylinder assembly 200 includes the holder member 220 that is connected to the master cylinder 215 through one or more fasteners F1, F2. The holder member 220 assembled with the fluid dispensing member 215 defines a mounting aperture AM through which the master cylinder assembly 200 is secured to the handle bar H. The holder member 220 includes a curved profile matching outer profile of the handle bar H and similarly the master cylinder 215 includes conforming curved profile matching outer profile of the handle bar H thereby forming the mounting aperture AM.
[00060] The lever arm 205A of the independent brake lever 205 abuts the actuation member 215A of the master cylinder 215. Similarly, the secondary arm 210A of the secondary lever 210 abuts the actuation member of the master cylinder 215 (seen in Fig. 3 (a)). However, the lever arm 205A and the secondary arm 210A are capable of actuating the actuation member 215A of the master cylinder 215 independent of each other. Moreover, the hinge axis X-X’ of the independent brake lever 205 is away from the hinge axis Y-Y’ of the secondary lever 210. In the present implementation, the first lever arm 205AA and the second lever arm 205AB are disposed with vertical spacing. The secondary arm 210A of the secondary lever extends towards the actuation member 215A and is disposed at the gap provided due to the vertical spacing of the first lever arm 205AA and the second lever arm 205AB, therebetween.
[00061] Considering Fig. 3 (b) in conjunction with Fig. 3 (a), the functioning of the synchronized braking system 300 is explained. Fig. 3 (b) depicts a top view of the synchronized braking system 300, in accordance with the embodiment as depicted in Fig. 3 (a). The actuation of the independent brake lever 205 rotates the independent brake lever 205 in a clock-wise direction about the hinge axis X-X’ thereby enabling the lever arm 205A to push the actuation member 215A, which is similar to a piston, of the master cylinder 215 of the master cylinder assembly 200. In an embodiment, the lever arm 205A is affixed to the independent brake lever 205. In another embodiment, the lever arm 205A is integrated with the independent brake lever 205. The actuation of the actuation member 215A transfers pressure from the master cylinder 215 to the front wheel brake 120 whereby the front wheel brake 120 is independently actuated.
[00062] During actuation of the synchronous brake lever 230, which is the synchronous brake lever 230, the synchronous brake lever 230 rotates in an anti-clockwise direction when viewed from top of the vehicle. The secondary cable 225 connected to the synchronous brake lever 230 is pulled away from the synchronized braking system 300. This pulling of the secondary cable 225 further pulls the secondary lever 210 rotating the secondary lever about the hinge axis Y-Y’, in the anti-clockwise direction whereby the secondary arm 210A of the secondary lever 210 pushes the piston 215A of the master cylinder 215, wherein the secondary arm 210A moves independent of the lever arm 205A. In the present implementation, the secondary arm 210A moves at the gap portion provided between the first lever arm 205AA and the second lever arm 205AB. In another implementation, a single lever arm may be provided and the lever arm moves in a plane away from another plane along which the secondary arm moves. Therefore, the actuation of the synchronous brake lever 230 actuates the rear wheel brake 125 and at the same time actuating the front wheel brake 120. Moreover, the secondary lever 210 moves independent of any other parts of the synchronized braking system 300. Also, the hinge axis X-X’ of the brake lever is away from the hinge axis Y-Y’ of the secondary lever to improve the brake force transfer.
[00063] Also, the cable mounting portion 210C is provided on the secondary lever to provide a pre-determined force distribution ratio to be less than or equivalent to 1. In the present implementation, the cable mounting portion 210C is optimally provided on the secondary lever 210 to provide reduced brake force. This improves the ridabilty. Thus, the secondary lever 210 transfers the braking forces from the synchronous brake lever 230 so as to avoid any sudden braking of the front wheel brake 120.
[00064] Fig. 3 (c) depicts a perspective view of the holder member 220 of the master cylinder assembly 200, in accordance with the embodiment of Fig. 3 (a). The holder member 220 includes a mounting portion 220M that is capable of rotatably supporting the secondary lever 210. Further, the holder member 220 is provided with a curved profile C, which is a cylindrical concave C profile on the inner surface that enables mounting of the holder member to the tubular handle bar H. However, in another embodiment, the profile is provided so as to match the profile of the handle bar H. Further, the holder member 220 is secured to the handlebar H by fastening the holder member 220 to the master cylinder 215.
[00065] The holder member 220 is provided with one or more apertures 220AA, 220AB thereby securing the master cylinder 300 to the handle bar H. Also, the holder member 220 is provided with a protrusion 220P that enables in restricting or angularly securing the rotation of the master cylinder assembly about the handle bar H. The protrusion 220P provides exerts force at a particular point on the handle bar H to retain the assembly at a desired orientation. Alternatively, the protrusion 220P can have a conforming-hole portion on the handle bar to perform the retaining function. Also, the holder member 220 includes a guide portion 220G that guides the secondary cable 225 and eliminates any bending of the secondary cable 225, especially in case of mechanical cable. The guide portion 220G is a second support portion 220G integrally formed with the holder member 220. Therefore, the terms second support portion 220G and the guide portion 220G are interchangeably used.
[00066] In an embodiment, the guide portion 220G is disposed away from the mounting portion 220M and the guide portion 220G is supported by a stem 220S that extends towards the direction of the routing of the secondary cable 225. The guide portion 220G includes an aperture for routing an inner metallic cable of the secondary cable 225 therethrough. An outer sheathed cover of the secondary cable 225 abuts against a solid portion of the guide portion 220G and is secured thereat whereby the inner metallic cable is slidable therein.
[00067] In the present implementation, the mounting portion 220M is disposed towards one lateral side of the holder member 220 to provide optimum distance between the master cylinder 215 and the mounting portion 220M whereby optimum length of the secondary lever 210 is achieved. Further, the guide portion 220G is disposed on other lateral side of the holder member 220, which is towards the synchronous brake lever 230. The guide portion 220G is at a substantial distance from the mounting portion 220M of the secondary lever 210. This enables in retaining the secondary cable 225 in a specific orientation as the guide portion 220G along with the stem 220S acts as a support for the secondary cable 225 from sagging.
[00068] In the present implementation, the mounting portion 220M includes a hinge axis Y-Y’ that is substantially parallel to another hinge axis X-X’ of the independent brake lever 205. In another implementation, the hinge axis Y-Y’ is at angle with the axis X-X’.
[00069] The master cylinder assembly 200 described can be adapted to a vehicle with a pedal operated brake lever, wherein the essence of the present subject matter is adaptable to the synchronized braking system employed at the pedal operated brake lever portion.
[00070] It is to be understood that the aspects of the embodiments are not necessarily limited to the features described herein. Many modifications and variations of the present subject matter are possible in the light of above disclosure. Therefore, within the scope of claims of the present subject matter, the present disclosure may be practiced other than as specifically described.
,CLAIMS:We claim:
1. A braking system (300) comprising:
a front wheel brake (120) capable of applying braking forces to at least one front wheel (110) of the motor vehicle (100);
a rear wheel brake (125) capable of applying braking forces to at least one rear wheel (115) of the motor vehicle (100);
a synchronous brake lever (230) adapted to synchronously actuate the rear wheel brake (120) through a rear brake cable (155) and the front wheel brake (120) through a secondary cable (225); and
an independent brake lever (205) capable of independently actuating said front wheel brake (120),
wherein
a master cylinder assembly (200) comprising a holder member (220) and a fluid dispensing member (215), said holder member (220) securing said fluid dispensing member (215) to said handle bar (H), and said holder member (220) includes at least one support portion (220M, 220G) for functionally supporting one or more secondary brake component(s) (210, 225).
2. The braking system (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said support portion (220M, 220G) includes at least one of a guide portion (220G) and a mounting portion (220M), said mounting portion (220M) capable of supporting a secondary lever (210) working in conjunction with said fluid dispensing member (215), said guide portion (220G) capable of guiding said secondary cable (225) towards said secondary lever (210), and said secondary lever (210) and said secondary cable (225) forming said one or more secondary brake component(s) (210, 225).
3. The braking system (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said master cylinder assembly (200) supports said independent brake lever (205) and supports said secondary lever (210), and wherein said fluid dispensing member (215) includes a mounting portion (215BM) that enables rotatably supporting of the independent brake lever (205) and the holder member (220) includes a mounting portion (220M) that enables rotatably supporting of the secondary lever (220).
4. The braking system (300) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said mounting portion (220M) is disposed towards one later side of the holder member (220) whereby the mounting portion (220M) enables the secondary lever (210) to be in proximity to an actuation member (215A) of the fluid dispensing member (215).
5. The braking system (300) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said guide portion (220G) is disposed towards another lateral side away from the mounting portion (220M), wherein the guide portion (220G) is disposed at a substantial distance from the mounting portion (220M) and the guide portion (220G) is supported by a stem (220S) acting as an arm of the holder member (220), and wherein the guide portion (220G) is at least disposed at an lateral most end portion of the fluid dispensing member (215) and the secondary cable (225) includes a sheathed cover of the secondary cable (225) is secured to the guide portion (220G) and inner metallic cable slidable within the sheathed cover is secured to the secondary lever (210) pivotally mounted to said mounting portion (220M) or includes a hose cable capable of carrying brake fluid therein.
6. The braking system (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said holder member (220) includes an inner peripheral surface with a profile (C) capable of abutting with at least an outer peripheral surface of said handle bar (H) and said inner peripheral surface includes at least one pip (220P) facing said handle bar (H) for arresting rotation of said master cylinder assembly (200), and said master cylinder assembly (200) is disposed towards one lateral end portion (RH, LH) of the handle bar (H).
7. The braking system (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said holder member (220) includes one or more aperture portions(s) (220AA, 220AB) for securing said holder member (220) to said fluid dispensing member (215) about said handle bar (H), and said holder member (220) and said fluid dispensing member (215) define a mounting aperture (AM) for securing to the handle bar (H) thereat.
8. The braking system (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein master cylinder assembly (200) enables pivotal movement of the independent brake lever (205) about a first hinge axis (X-X’) and enables pivotal movement of the secondary lever (210) about a second hinge axis (Y-Y’), and the first hinge axis (X-X’) is retained at a pre-determined orientation with respect to the second hinge axis (Y-Y’) irrespective of mounting orientation of the master cylinder assembly (200).
9. The braking system (300) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the mounting portion (215BM) for rotatably supporting the independent brake lever (205) is integrally formed and the mounting portion (215BM) extends outward from a body portion (215B) of the fluid dispending member (215) that includes the reservoir (215R) to enable a lever arm (205A) of the independent brake lever (205) to be directly abutting with an actuation member (215A) of the fluid dispensing member (215).
10. A holder member (220) of a master cylinder assembly (200) for a braking system (300) for a motor vehicle (100), said holder member (220) capable of supporting a fluid dispensing member (215) about a handle bar (H), said holder member comprising:
a first support portion (220M) capable of pivotally supporting a secondary lever (210); and
a second support portion (220G) capable of guiding a secondary cable (225) functionally connected to said secondary lever (210),
wherein said first support portion (220M) is disposed on one lateral side and said second support portion (220G) is disposed on other lateral side in an assembled condition of said holder member (220) to a handle bar (H) of said motor vehicle (100).