Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter relates to a vehicle. More particularly, the present subject matter relates to a saddle type vehicle.

BACKGROUND
[0002] Typically, for a vehicle, there are wide range of performance criteria which includes quantitative features like top speed, acceleration, gradeability etc. But there are several other aspects related to vehicle performance which includes refinement, drivability, braking performance or driving pleasure some of which are contradictory in nature e.g., power and mileage. Therefore, it is always a challenge for design engineers to have a right trade-off between several performance features.
[0003] Typically, a saddle type vehicle includes a suspension assembly and a brake system. The suspension assembly includes a front fork assembly. The front fork assembly is employed in a vehicle to act as a shock absorbing means or suspension means, and to facilitate effective braking and handling of the vehicle. The front fork assembly includes two parallel placed fork tubes, each of which has an identical construction. The front fork assembly includes a pair of telescopic struts. Each of the struts of a pair of strut includes an outer tube having a first end and a second end. Further, an inner tube is slidably and operably disposed within the outer tube. The inner tube also includes a first end and a second end.
[0004] Further, the wheel of the vehicle includes a wheel hub assembly. Typically, the drum brake assembly is connected to the wheel hub assembly. The drum brake assembly includes a drum brake and a brake panel. Importantly, a wheel hub of the wheel is provided with the brake drum. The brake panel is configured to hold a pair of brake shoes. The brake drum is having inner wall that surrounds the brake shoes. The inner wall is the inner circumferential wall of the brake drum. The brake shoes are 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 to 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. Further, the brake panel is secured to a fixed, non-rotatable portion of the vehicle, such as the vehicle suspension assembly. More specifically, to front fork assembly of the vehicle to restrict the rotation of the brake panel. Importantly, it is observed that the designers tend to provide a dedicated bulge portion on the major plane surface of the brake panel. The dedicated bulge portion having a groove being configured to receive a dedicated tab or protrusion formed on the outer circumferential surface of any one of outer tube of the front fork assembly to provide anti-rotation feature. However, the formation of dedicated bulge portions with groove on the brake panel and tab on the front fork leads to increased unsprung mass of the vehicle. The increased upsrung mass affects the ride handling characteristics of the vehicle. Furthermore, the presence of tab or protrusion where smooth surface is required affects the aesthetic appeal of the vehicle. Further, the use of different designs for LH and RH side front forks can lead to mis-assembly while manufacturing the vehicles.
[0005] 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 OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The present invention relates to a vehicle comprising one or more wheel assembly, a brake assembly, and a suspension assembly. The wheel assembly includes a wheel and a wheel axle. The brake assembly includes a brake panel and said suspension assembly being connected to said wheel axle. The said wheel assembly includes a wheel hub assembly. The brake panel being connected to said wheel hub assembly. The brake assembly and said suspension assembly being connected through a connecting member to arrest the rotation of said brake panel.
[0007] As per above aspect of the claimed invention, the connecting member reduces the overall weight of the brake panel and the pair of front forks as the bulge portion and tabs being eliminated. The connecting member being configured to reduce the unsprung mass of the vehicle without composing the brake performance.
[0008] As per an embodiment, said wheel hub assembly includes a wheel hub. The wheel hub having a cylindrical cross section such that at least one lateral side portion of said wheel hub being covered by said brake panel. The connecting member ensures minimum modification in the existing parts as the no new change is required in the existing wheel hub.
[0009] As per an embodiment, said wheel hub being configured to receive said wheel axle. The said wheel axle being installed on a pair of bearings. This reduces the frictional losses while vehicle operating condition. The pair of bearings being enclosed by a second inner circumferential surface of said wheel hub.
[00010] As per an embodiment, said brake assembly includes a pair of brake shoes and a bush member. The said bush member being configured to have a first slot. The first slot being configured to receive a first portion of said connecting member.
[00011] As per an embodiment, said suspension assembly includes a pair of LH and RH front forks, said pair of LH and RH front forks having a lower end portion. The lower end portion being configured to have an opening. The opening being configured to have a second slot. The said second slot being configured to receive a second portion of said connecting member.
[00012] As per an embodiment, said wheel axle being configured to have a groove. The said groove being configured to receive a lower half portion of said connecting member.
[00013] As per an embodiment, said bush member being configured to have a collar.
[00014] As per an embodiment, said wheel hub having a first inner circumferential surface provided with a friction lining material, said first inner circumferential surface being configured to receive a pair of brake shoes.
[00015] As per an embodiment, said brake assembly being connect to cables through a brake cam lever assembly. The said brake cam lever assembly being connected to said brake panel.
[00016] As per another embodiment, said connecting member being configured to have a polygon shaped cross section and said first slot and said second slot being configured to have corresponding cross section to receive a portion of said connecting member.
[00017] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detail description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[00018] The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components.
[00019] Figure 1(a) exemplarily illustrates a partial perspective view of the vehicle as per claimed embodiment of the current invention.
[00020] Figure 1(b) exemplarily illustrates a front view of the vehicle as per claimed embodiment of the current invention.
[00021] Figure 2 illustrates a cut section view of the front portion of the vehicle and localized views of the parts of the braking assembly, the suspension assembly, and the wheel assembly as per an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[00022] Various features and embodiments of the present invention here will be discernible from the following further description thereof, set out hereunder. According to an embodiment, a frame assembly for a vehicle. As per an embodiment, such suspension assembly and brake assembly are implemented in any motor vehicle.. The detailed explanation of the constitution of parts other than the present invention which constitutes an essential part has been omitted at suitable place. Further "front" and "rear", and "left" and "right" referred to in the ensuing description of the illustrated embodiment refer to front and rear and left and right directions as seen from a rear portion of the assembly and looking forward. Furthermore, a longitudinal axis (L-L’) unless otherwise mentioned, refers to a front to rear axis relative to the assembly, while a lateral axis (C-C’) unless otherwise mentioned, refers generally to a side to side, or left to right axis relative to the vehicle.
[00023] The present invention is seeking to overcome existing difficulties in the use of drum brakes and suspension assemblies in the vehicle by providing an improved assembly eliminating the bulge portion in the brake assemblies and the tab in the suspension assembly without compromising on overall vehicle performance.
[00024] The object of the present invention is providing a vehicle with a lightweight front fork assembly and brake assembly without compromising the vehicle performance or safety characteristics.
[00025] It is another object of the present invention is to do minimal modifications in the existing layout of the vehicle.
[00026] It is yet another object of the present invention to reduce the overall cost and improve the aesthetic appeal of the vehicle.
[00027] The aforesaid and other advantages of the present subject matter would be described in greater detail in conjunction with the figures & embodiment in the following description.
[00028] Figure 1(a) exemplarily illustrates a partial perspective view of the vehicle (A) as per claimed embodiment of the current invention. Figure 1(b) exemplarily illustrates a front view of the vehicle as per claimed embodiment of the current invention. For sake of brevity, Figure 1(a) and Figure 1(b) will be discussed together. The vehicle (A) includes a wheel assembly (102), a brake assembly (103), and a suspension assembly (101). The wheel assembly (102) includes a wheel (100), and a wheel hub assembly (106). The wheel hub assembly (106) having a wheel hub (108). The wheel hub (108) is having a substantially cylindrical cross section. A first inner circumferential surface (101F) (as shown in the figure 2) of the wheel hub (108) being configured to have a friction lining material. A brake panel (105) is attached to one of the lateral ends of the wheel hub (108). The brake panel (105) being configured to hold a pair of brake shoes (110) (as shown in the figure 2). The pair of brake shoes (110) (as shown in the figure 2) are connected a pair of cables (112) through a brake cam lever assembly (113). The brake cam lever assembly (113) includes a brake cam (not shown) and a brake cam lever (114). The brake cam lever (114) is pivotally fixed over the brake panel (105), which secured over the wheel hub (108). Importantly, the wheel hub assembly (108) being provided in the centre of the wheel (100). A wheel axle (104) is passing axially through the wheel hub (108) to connect with the pair of front forks (101L, 101R) at the lateral ends of the vehicle (A). The lower one end portions (101LL, 101RL) of pair of front forks (101L, 101R) being configured to support the wheel (100) and another end (not shown) is connect to the frame assembly (not shown) of the vehicle (A). A portion of the wheel (100) is covered by the front fender (115).
[00029] Figure 2 illustrates a cut section view of the front portion of the vehicle (A) and localized views of the parts of the braking assembly (103), the suspension assembly (101) and the wheel assembly (102) as per an embodiment of the present invention. The first inner circumferential surface (101F) of the wheel hub (108) being configured to have a friction lining material. The second inner circumferential surface (101S) of the wheel hub (108) being configured to have to accommodate a pair of bearings (109). The pair of bearings (109) being configured to receive the wheel axle (104). The left and right end portions of the wheel axle (104) is connected to a left and right front fork members (101L, 101R) respectively through attachment means (116). The pair of brake shoes (110) are mounted on the brake panel (105). The wheel axle (104), the left side front fork (101L) and the brake panel (105) is connected to each other through a connecting member (107). The connecting member (107) is having a first portion (107A), and a second portion (107B). The wheel axle (104) being configured to have a groove (104A) to receive a lower half portion of the connecting member (107). As per an embodiment, the connecting member (107) rests on the wheel axle (104). Further, brake panel (105) includes a bush member (111). The bush member (111) being configured to have a first slot (111A). The first slot (111A) being configured to receive the first portion (107A) of the connecting member (107). As per an embodiment, an opening (O) in the lower end portion (101LL, 101RL) of at least one of said the left side front fork (101L) and right-side front fork (101R) provided configured to have a second slot (101LLO). The second slot (101LLO) being configured to receive the second portion (107B) of the connecting member (107). As per an embodiment, in the assembled condition, the lower half of the first portion (107A) and second portion (107B) of the connecting member (107) rests in the groove (104A) provided in the wheel axle (104) while the first portion (107A) is enclosed by the brake panel (105) and the second portion (107B) is surrounded by at least one of said the LH front fork member (101L) and RH front fork member (101R).
[00030] The present invention provides the connecting member to reduce the overall weight of the brake panel and the pair of front forks as the bulge portion and tabs being eliminated. Further, the connecting member being configured to reduce the unsprung mass of the vehicle without composing the brake performance. This improves the safety characteristics of the vehicle.
[00031] The present invention uses conventional manufacturing process and requires minimal modification in the existing layout of the suspension assembly and the brake assembly.
[00032] Further, the present invention is applicable in the multi-wheeled vehicles like two, three, or four wheeled vehicles as it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes in form, connection, and detail may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention.

List of reference numeral
A Vehicle
101S Second inner circumferential surface
101F First inner circumferential surface
O Opening
100 Wheel
101 Suspension assembly
101L LH Front fork
101R RH Front fork
101LL Lower end portion of LH Front fork
101RL Lower end portion of RH Front fork
101LLO Second slot
102 Wheel assembly
103 Brake assembly
104 Wheel axle
104A Groove
105 Brake panel
106 Wheel hub assembly
107 Connecting member
107A First portion of connecting member
107B Second portion of connecting member
108 Wheel hub
109 Pair of bearings
110 Pair of brake shoes
111 Bush member
111A First slot in the Bush member
111B Collar in the bush member
112 Cables
113 Brake cam lever assembly
114 Brake cam lever
115 Fender
116 Attachment means

, Claims:We Claim:
1. A vehicle (A) comprising:
one or more wheel assembly (102), said wheel assembly (102) includes a wheel (100) and a wheel axle (104),
a brake assembly (103), said brake assembly (103) includes a brake panel (105), and
a suspension assembly (101), said suspension assembly (101) being connected to said wheel axle (104),
wherein said wheel assembly (102) includes a wheel hub assembly (106),
wherein said brake panel (105) being connected to said wheel hub assembly (106), and
wherein said brake assembly (103) and said suspension assembly (101) being connected through a connecting member (107) to arrest the rotation of said brake panel (105).
2. The vehicle (A) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said wheel hub assembly (106) includes a wheel hub (108), said wheel hub (108) having a cylindrical cross section such that at least one lateral side portion (B) of said wheel hub (108) being covered by said brake panel (105).
3. The vehicle (A) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said wheel hub (108) being configured to receive said wheel axle (104), said wheel axle (104) being installed on a pair of bearings (109), said pair of bearings (109) being enclosed by a second inner circumferential surface (101S) of said wheel hub (108).
4. The vehicle (A) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said brake assembly (103) includes a pair of brake shoes (110), and a bush member (111), said bush member (111) being configured to have a first slot (111A), said first slot (111A) being configured to receive a first portion (107A) of said connecting member (107).
5. The vehicle (A) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said suspension assembly (101) includes a pair of LH and RH front forks (101L, 101R), said pair of LH and RH front forks (101L, 101R) having a lower end portion (101LL, 101RL), said lower end portion (101LL, 101RL) being configured to have an opening (O), said opening (O) being configured to have a second slot (101LLO), said second slot (101LLO) being configured to receive a second portion (107B) of said connecting member (107).
6. The vehicle (A) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said wheel axle (104) being configured to have a groove (104A), said groove (104A) being configured to receive a lower half portion of said connecting member (107).
7. The vehicle (A) as claimed in claim 4, wherein said bush member (111) being configured to have a collar (111B).
8. The vehicle (A) as claimed in claim 1, said wheel hub (108) having a first inner circumferential surface (101F) provided with a friction lining material, said first inner circumferential surface (101F) being configured to receive a pair of brake shoes (110).
9. The vehicle (A) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said brake assembly (103) being connect to cables (112) through a brake cam lever assembly (113), said brake cam lever assembly (113) being connected to said brake panel (105).
10. The vehicle (A) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said connecting member (107) being configured to have a polygon shaped cross section and said first slot (111A) and said second slot (101LLO) being configured to have corresponding cross section to receive a portion of said connecting member (107).