FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention relates to a braking system and, more particularly relates to, an antilock braking system of a two-wheeled vehicle.
BACKGROUND
[002] Nowadays, an Antilock braking system (ABS) system is getting popular for a two-wheeled vehicle. The ABS system incorporates an ABS module. One such vehicle with the ABS module is disclosed in Japanese patent JP 2010 – 13067, in which a two-wheeled vehicle is a large displacement two-wheeled vehicle and the ABS modulator is stored in a storage box of the two-wheeled vehicle.
[003] However, the ever increasing demand for compact two-wheeled vehicles is posing a challenge to the designers to provide the ABS module which is properly protected and can be serviced easily.
SUMMARY
[004] In an embodiment, an antilock braking system (ABS) of a two-wheeled vehicle disclosed. The antilock braking system (ABS) of the two-wheeled vehicle includes a bracket, an ABS module and a shroud. The bracket is mounted to a substantially upper portion of a down frame member of the two-wheeled vehicle. The ABS module is mounted to the bracket. The ABS module is connected to at least one brake unit and a brake lever of the two-wheeled vehicle. The shrouds are mounted to a body frame of the two-wheeled vehicle for at least covering the ABS module.
[005] In an embodiment, the bracket includes a first leg portion, a middle base portion and a second leg portion. The middle base portion is fixed to the substantially upper portion of the down frame member. The first leg portion and the second leg portion extend substantially perpendicular from ends of the base portion respectively. In an embodiment, the first leg portion and the second leg portion include at least two holes. The first leg portion and the second leg portion of the bracket are bolted respectively to a top surface and a lower surface of the ABS module through the holes of the bracket by using one or more fastening members.
[006] In an embodiment, the shrouds are mounted to a fuel tank of the two-wheeled vehicle. In an embodiment, the ABS further includes a front input line and a front output line. The front input line connects the brake lever to the ABS module and the front output line connects the ABS module to the front brake unit. In an embodiment, the ABS module includes a first opening, a second opening, a front input connector and a front output connector. The front input connector is used to connect the front input line to the opening of the ABS module and the front output connector is used to connect the front output line to the opening of the ABS module.
[007] In an embodiment, a two-wheeled vehicle is disclosed. The two-wheeled vehicle includes a body frame, a down frame member and an antilock braking system (ABS). The antilock braking system (ABS) of the two-wheeled vehicle includes a bracket, an ABS module and a shroud. The bracket is mounted to a substantially upper portion of the down frame member of the two-wheeled vehicle. The ABS module is mounted to the bracket. The ABS module is connected to at least one brake unit and a brake lever of the two-wheeled vehicle. The shrouds are mounted to the body frame of the two-wheeled vehicle for at least covering the ABS module.
[008] In an embodiment, the bracket includes a first leg portion, a middle base portion and a second leg portion. The middle base portion is fixed to the substantially upper portion of the down frame member. The first leg portion and the second leg portion extend substantially perpendicular from ends of the base portion respectively. In an embodiment, the first leg portion and the second leg portion includes at least two holes. The first leg portion and the second leg portion of the bracket are bolted respectively to a top surface and a lower surface of the ABS module through the holes of the bracket by using one or more fastening members.
[009] In an embodiment, the shrouds are mounted to a fuel tank of the two-wheeled vehicle. In an embodiment, the ABS module is mounted in a space between a gusset and the shroud.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The invention itself, together with further features and attended advantages, will become apparent from consideration of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. One or more embodiments of the present invention are now described, by way of example only wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:
[0011] Figure 1 illustrates a view of a two-wheeled vehicle with an ABS module, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0012] Figure 2 illustrates a schematic representation of a body frame of the two-wheeled vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0013] Figure 3 illustrates a schematic view of a portion of the two-wheeled vehicle fitted with the ABS module, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0014] Figure 4 illustrates an enlarged view of a circled portion ‘A’ of the Figure 1, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0015] Figure 5 illustrates an exploded view depicting the ABS module, the body frame and a bracket, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0016] The drawings referred to in this description are not to be understood as being drawn to scale except if specifically noted, and such drawings are only exemplary in nature.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, an embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described here below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the spirit and the scope of the invention.
[0018] The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a setup, structure or method that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or structure or method. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or apparatus.
[0019] For the better understanding of this invention, reference would now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the accompanying figures and description here below, further, in the following figures, the same reference numerals are used to identify the same components in various views.
[0020] While the present invention is illustrated in the context of a saddle riding type vehicle, however, braking system and aspects and features thereof can be used with other type of vehicles as well. The terms “vehicle”, “two wheeled vehicle” and “motorcycle” have been interchangeably used throughout the description. The term “two wheeled vehicle” includes vehicles such as motorcycles, scooters, bicycles, mopeds, scooter type vehicle, all-terrain vehicles (ATV) and the like. The terms “ABS” and “antilock braking system” have been interchangeably used throughout the description.
[0021] The terms “front / forward”, “rear / rearward / back / backward”, “up / upper / upward”, “down / downward / lower / lowerward” that may be used therein represent the directions as seen from a vehicle driver sitting astride and these directions are referred by arrows Fr, Rr, U, Lr in the drawing. Further, “left / leftward”, “right / rightward” that may be used herein represent the directions as seen from a vehicle driver sitting astride.
[0022] Figure 1 illustrates a side view of a two-wheeled vehicle (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) comprising, inter-alia, a front fork (121), a head pipe (122), a front fender (133), a front wheel (123), a headlight (132), a steering handle bar (124), a fuel tank (125) an engine unit (126), a swing arm (128), a rear wheel (127), a rear fender (116), a tail light (117), a seat (130), a left shroud (140), a right shroud (141) and an ABS module (169). A left seat rail member (103) and a right seat rail member (104) (not visible in Figure as being on the other side of the vehicle (100) overlapping with left seat rail member (103)) are primarily intended to support the seat (130) (rider and / or pillion) disposed above the rear wheel (127). The rear wheel (127) is covered from above by the rear fender (116) which is mounted to the rear end portion of the left seat rail member (103) and the right seat rail member (104). The tail light (117) is mounted on the rear fender (116). It may be noted that the vehicle (100) is shown to have include above stated parts, however, those skilled in the art would appreciate that the vehicle includes other parts which may not be relevant for explaining the present invention and hence are not shown and described.
[0023] With reference to Figure 1, the engine unit (126) is provided with a crankcase that houses a crankshaft, a cylinder body and a cylinder head provided to the cylinder body and the engine unit is located under a main frame (102). The engine unit (126) is placed below the main frame (102). The exhaust pipe extends from the engine unit (126), a muffler is connected to the rear end of the exhaust pipe. Air to the engine unit is supplied by an air cleaner assembly. The air cleaner assembly is arranged in a space surrounded by the left seat rail member (103), the right seat rail member (104) a rear portion (108) of the main frame (102); a left sub frame member (109) and a right sub frame member (110).
[0024] Figure 2 illustrate side view of a body frame (101) of the two-wheeled vehicle (100), according to an embodiment of the invention. The body frame (101) of the two-wheeled vehicle (100) includes the main frame (102), the head pipe (122), the left seat rail member (103) and the right seat rail member (104), the left sub frame member (109) and the right sub frame member (110), a down frame member (105) and one or more bracket (115). The main frame (102) having a front portion (107). The front portion (107) extends obliquely in the rearward and downward direction from the head pipe (122) to the rear portion (108) changing the direction and thereafter extending further downward. The pair of seat rails i.e. the left seat rail member (103) and the right seat rail member (104) extends from rear end of the front portion (107) of the main frame (102). The down frame member (105) obliquely extends in the downward direction from the lower portion of the head pipe (122). The left sub frame (109) and right sub frame (110) connect the rear portion (108) of the main frame (102) and the respective left seat rail member (103) and right seat rail member (104) through a bracket (114). A centre frame member (106) is connected between the front portion (107) of the main frame (102) and the down frame member (105). In the left side of the two-wheeled vehicle (100), a left gusset (111) is fixed to the main frame (102) and down frame member (105). Similarly in the right side of the two-wheeled vehicle (100), a right gusset (112) is fixed to the main frame (102) and down frame member (105).
[0025] With reference to Figure 1, a front brake unit (165) is mounted to the front wheel (123), a rear brake unit (166) is mounted to the rear wheel (127). The front brake unit (165) applies a braking force to the front wheel (123) and the rear brake unit (166) applies a braking force to the rear wheel (127). A brake lever (168) (mounted on a right end portion of the steering handle bar (124) and not visible) is primarily intended to actuate the front brake unit (165), and a brake pedal (167) (not visible as being placed on other side of vehicle (100)) is primarily intended to actuate the rear brake unit (166).
[0026] In an embodiment, the brake lever (168) and the brake pedal (167) are arranged on opposite sides of the vehicle (100). In an embodiment, the front brake unit (165) is a drum brake. In an embodiment, the front brake unit (165) is a hydraulic brake. In an embodiment the rear brake unit (166) is a hydraulic brake. In an embodiment the rear brake unit (166) is a drum brake.
[0027] As shown in the Figure 3, the front fork (121) extends in a downward direction from the head pipe (122), and is steerably supported by the head pipe (122) enabling free steering. Lower end of the front fork (121) is supporting the front wheel (123) and the steering handle bar (124) is attached to an upper end of the front fork (121). The antilock braking system module or ABS module (169) is attached to the body frame (101). The ABS module (169) is arranged in a space enclosed between the left gusset (111) and the left side shroud (140) shown in Figure 1. In an embodiment, the ABS module (169) is covered between the right gusset (112) and the right shroud (141). In an embodiment, the ABS module (169) is disposed on one side of the down frame member (105). In another embodiment, the ABS module (169) is disposed above the engine unit (126). In another embodiment, the ABS module (169) is disposed frontwards of the engine unit (126). In another embodiment, the ABS module (169) is disposed behind the head pipe (122).
[0028] The purpose of the left shroud (140) or the right shroud (141) is to cover the ABS module (169) and provide safety. In an embodiment, the left shroud (140) and the right shroud (141) can be mounted on either the fuel tank (125) and/or the main frame (102) of the two-wheeled vehicle (100).
[0029] As shown in the enlarged view in the Figure 4, a bracket (201) such as U-shaped bracket (hereinafter referred to as a U-shaped bracket (201)) is fixed on substantially upper portion of the down frame member (105) near to the head pipe (122) and the left gusset (111). In an embodiment, the U-shaped bracket (201) is having a first leg portion (204), a middle base portion (206) and a second leg portion (205). The first leg portion (204) extends substantially perpendicular from the base portion (206), and the second leg portion (205) extends substantially perpendicular from the opposite end of the base portion (206). Each of the first leg portion (204) and the second leg portion (205) are provided with at least one hole (203). The purpose of the holes (203) is to accommodate a fastening member (202) to mount the ABS module (169) in the U-shaped bracket (201). In the referred Figure 4, the first leg portion (204) is shown to have two holes (203), and the second leg portion (205) is also shown to have two holes (203).
[0030] Figure 5 illustrates exploded view showing the ABS module (169), the U-shaped bracket (201) and the body frame (101) of the vehicle (100). A front brake line is connected between the brake lever (168) and the front brake unit (165), as shown in Figure 3. The front brake line is further divided in two parts, as a front input line (173) and a front output line (174). The front input line (173) coming from the brake lever (168) is connected to an opening (179) of the ABS module (169). The front output line (174) is connected to an opening (180) of the ABS module (169) and to the front brake unit (165).
[0031] In an embodiment, as illustrated by the Figure 3, the vehicle (100) comprises the ABS module (169) between the master cylinder of the brake lever (168) and the front brake unit (165). In an embodiment, a first end of the front input line (173) is connected to the brake lever (168) and the other end is joined to a front input connector (193). The purpose of the front input connector (193) is to connect the front input line (173) to the opening (179) of the ABS module (169). Similarly, one end of the front output line (174) is connected to the front brake unit (165) and the other end is joined to a front output connector (195). The purpose of the front output connector (195) is to connect the front output line (174) to the opening (180) of the ABS module (169). In an embodiment, the front input connector (193) is connected with the help of at least one washer (194). In an embodiment, the front output connector (195) is connected with the help of at least one washer (196). As shown in Figure 5, there are two washers such as the washers (194) and washers (196). In an embodiment, the vehicle (100) which is having hydraulically operated front brake unit (165) and the rear brake unit (166), such vehicle comprises the ABS module (169) between the master cylinder of the brake lever (168) and the front brake unit (165) and between the master cylinder of the brake pedal (167) (not visible) and the rear brake unit (166).
[0032] The mounting scheme of the ABS module (169) is illustrated in the Figure 5 by depicting the exploded view, the ABS module (169) is mounted on the down frame member (105) below the fuel tank (125) and is covered by left shroud (140) (not Visible in Figure 5). The mounting of the ABS module (169) is done using the U-shaped bracket (201). Enlarged view depicts the ABS module (169), the U-shaped bracket (201) being fixed on the body frame (101). As explained in description of Figure 4, the middle base portion (206) of the U-shaped bracket (201) is extended outwardly and is fixed to substantially upper portion of the down frame member (105). The first leg portion (204) and the second leg portion (205) of the U-shaped bracket (201) are bolted respectively to a top surface and a lower surface of the ABS module (169) through the holes (203) of the U-shaped bracket (201) by using the one or more fastening members (202).
[0033] The present invention provides an ABS module placed below the main frame, on the substantially upper portion of the down frame member, so it can be conveniently accessed during service or repair. In case of any damage or repair, ABS module can be separated from the vehicle and required procedure can be done.
[0034] The present invention describes the use of shroud to protect the ABS module. The shroud which is mounted to the fuel tank and / or frame body will enclose the ABS module and enhance the safety in case of any accident or vehicle topples. For example, the shroud will first come into contact with the road surface and hence will get affected or damaged. In this way, the ABS module remains protected.
[0035] The present invention provides a vehicle braking system without compromising the aesthetics of two wheeled vehicle. The ABS is covered between shrouds and is neither visible nor exposed to outside, results in maintaining outside looks of vehicle.
[0036] Though the present invention is described with reference to the single channel ABS module, however without deviating from the spirit of the invention, the same will be applicable to the double, triple channel ABS module.
[0037] While few embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the above embodiments and modifications may be appropriately made thereto within the spirit and scope of the invention.
[0038] Various embodiments of the present invention advantageously provide a vehicle braking system without compromising the aesthetics of two wheeled vehicle. The ABS is covered between shrouds and is neither visible nor exposed to outside, results in maintaining outside looks of vehicle. The shroud which is mounted to the fuel tank and / or frame body will enclose the ABS module and enhance the safety. As in case of any accident or vehicle topples, first the shroud will come in contact with the road surface and hence will get affected or damaged. In this way the ABS module remains protected.
[0039] While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the particular features of this invention, it will be appreciated that various modifications can be made, and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the invention. These and other modifications in the nature of the invention or the preferred embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the invention and not as a limitation.

We claim:
1. An antilock braking system (ABS) of a two-wheeled vehicle (100), comprising:
a bracket (201) mounted to a substantially upper portion of a down frame member (105) of the two-wheeled vehicle (100);
an ABS module (169) mounted to the bracket (201), the ABS module (169) connected to at least one brake unit (165; 166) and a brake lever (168) of the two-wheeled vehicle (100); and
a shroud (140;141) mounted to a body frame (101) of the two-wheeled vehicle (100) for at least covering the ABS module (169).
2. The ABS as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bracket (201) comprises a first leg portion (204), a middle base portion (206) and a second leg portion (205), the middle base portion (206) fixed to the substantially upper portion of the down frame member (105), the first leg portion (204) and the second leg portion (205) extending substantially perpendicular from ends of the base portion (206), respectively.
3. The ABS as claimed in claim 2, wherein each of the first leg portion (204) and the second leg portion (205) comprises at least two holes (203), wherein the first leg portion (204) and the second leg portion (205) of the bracket (201) are bolted respectively to a top surface and a lower surface of the ABS module (169) through the holes (203) of the bracket (201) by using one or more fastening members (202).
4. The ABS as claimed in claim 1, wherein the shroud (140; 141) is mounted to a fuel tank (125) of the two-wheeled vehicle (100).
5. The ABS as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a front input line (173) and a front output line (174), the front input line (173) connects the brake lever (168) to the ABS module (169) and the front output line (174) connects the ABS module (169) to the front brake unit (165).

6. The ABS as claimed in claim 5, wherein the ABS module (169) comprises a first opening (179), a second opening (180), a front input connector (193) and a front output connector (195), wherein the front input connector (193) is used to connect the front input line (173) to the opening (179) of the ABS module (179), and wherein the front output connector (195) is used to connect the front output line (174) to the opening (180) of the ABS module (179).
7. A two-wheeled vehicle (100), comprising:
a body frame (101);
a down frame member (105); and
an antilock braking system (ABS) comprising:
a bracket (201) mounted to a substantially upper portion of the down frame member (105) of the two-wheeled vehicle (100);
an ABS module (169) mounted to the bracket (201), the ABS module (169) connected to at least one brake unit (165; 166) and a brake lever (168) of the two-wheeled vehicle (100); and
a shroud (140;141) mounted to the body frame (101) of the two-wheeled vehicle (100) for at least covering the ABS module (169).
8. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the bracket (201) comprises a first leg portion (204), a middle base portion (206) and a second leg portion (205), the middle base portion (206) fixed to the substantially upper portion of the down frame member (105), the first leg portion (204) and the second leg portion (205) extending substantially perpendicular from ends of the base portion (206), respectively.
9. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein each of the first leg portion (204) and the second leg portion (205) comprises at least two holes (203), wherein the first leg portion (204) and the second leg portion (205) of the bracket (201) are bolted respectively to a top surface and a lower surface of the ABS module (169) through the holes (203) of the bracket (201) by using one or more fastening members (202).
10. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the shroud (140; 141) is mounted to a fuel tank (125) of the two-wheeled vehicle (100).
11. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the ABS module (169) is mounted in a space between a gusset (111;112) and the shroud (140;141).