BRAKE ACTUATOR
FIELD OF THE TECHNOLOGY
[0001] The present invention relates to brake actuator, more particularly, to brake
actuator for integrated braking system.
BACKGROUND
[0002] In two wheeled vehicles braking operation of fiont wheel is generally
actuated by application of force on a front brake lever provided on a handle bar
and the braking operation of rear wheel is actuated by the application of force on
a rear brake lever. Rear brake lever is generally provided on the handle bar or as a
leg pedal of the vehicle. The operation of the front and rear wheel braking is
normally controlled, by the operator, independently and sometimes
simultaneously.
[0003] US Patent No. 4267746 describes a single hand operated brake actuator
for effecting the braking of front and rear wheel. The hand operated brake
actuator includes a base adapted to be secured to the handle bar and has two cable
linkages interconnected to a hand operated lever. The actuation of the fiont and
rear wheel brakes is effected by a hand operated brake actuator via the linkages.
The operation of the hand operated actuator is aided by a mechanical power.
[0004] The above stated prior art recognizes the actuation of both front and rear
wheel brakes through a single hand actuated brake lever, however, there is no
balance as to when and how the force between the front wheel brake device and
rear wheel brake device to be distributed. This may cause concerns regarding the
safety of the operator.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a
simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This
summary is not intended to identifjr key or essential .features of the claimed
subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of
the claimed subject matter.
[0006] Briefly in accordance with aspects of the present technique, a brake
actuator for a vehicle is provided. The brake actuator is operatively connected to a
first braking device through a first brake cable having a first brake cable head, and
a second braking device through a second brake cable having a second brake
cable head. The brake actuator includes a first engaging provision adapted to
engage the first brake cable head, and a second engaging provision adapted to
engage the second brake cable head, wherein at least one of the first engaging
provision or the second engaging provision is adapted to provide a relative
movement to the first brake cable or the second brake cable therein, to
preferentially actuate one of the first braking device and the second braking
device of the vehicle.
[0007] According to an embodiment, the first engaging provision is adapted to
provide a relative movement to the first brake cable therein
[0008] According to another embodiment, the second engaging provision is
adapted to provide a relative movement to the second brake cable therein.
[0009] According to an embodiment, the first engaging provision is adapted to
slidably engage the first brake cable head or the second engaging provision is
adapted to slidably engage the second brake cable head.
[0010] According to another embodiment, the first brake cable head is adapted to
rotatably engage in the first engaging provision or the second brake cable head is
adapted to rotatably engage in the second engaging provision.
[OO 1 11 According to an embodiment, the first engaging provision and the second
engaging provision are structurally similar or structurally dissimilar.
[0012] According to an embodiment, the brake actuator further includes a
fastening member adapted for attaching the brake actuator to the vehicle.
[0013] According to an embodiment, the first engaging provision is at a first
radial distance from the fastening member and the second engaging provision is at
a second radial distance from the fastening member.
[0014] According to an embodiment, one of the first engaging provision or the
second engaging provision is an elongated hole.
[0015] According to an embodiment, the elongated hole is a straight hole or
curved hole.
[0016] According to an embodiment, at least one of the first engaging provision
or the second engaging provision is a circular opening.
[0017] According to an embodiment, the first engaging provision and the second
engaging provision are arranged together to form a single opening.
[0018] According to an embodiment, the first brake cable is a front brake cable or
a rear brake cable, and wherein the second brake cable is the front brake cable or
the rear brake cable.
[0019] According to another embodiment, the first braking device is one of a
front braking device for a front wheel of the vehicle or a rear braking device for a
rear wheel of the vehicle.
[0020] According to another embodiment, the second braking device is one of a
front braking device for a front wheel of the vehicle or a rear braking device for a
rear wheel of the vehicle.
[0021] According to an embodiment, the first engaging provision and the second
engaging provision comprise an independent gallery or a common gallery for
enabling engagement of the first brake cable head to the first engaging provision
and enabling engagement of the second brake cable head to the second engaging
provision.
[0022] According to an embodiment, the brake actuator is adapted to be mounted
on a handle bar of the vehicle.
[0023] According to another embodiment, the brake actuator is mounted on the
handle bar of the vehicle through an actuator holder.
[0024] According to an embodiment, the first engaging provision and the second
engaging provision are provided with protruding sockets for supporting the first
brake cable head and the second brake cable head.
[0025] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a vehicle is
provided. The vehicle includes a brake actuator operatively connected to a first
braking device through a first brake cable having a first brake cable head, and a
second braking device through a second brake cable having a second brake cable
head, the brake actuator comprising a first engaging provision adapted to engage
the first brake cable head, and a second engaging provision adapted to engage the
second brake cable head, wherein at least one of the first engaging provision or
5
the second engaging provision is adapted to provide a relative movement to the
first brake cable or the second brake cable therein, to preferentially actuate one of
the first braking device and the second braking device of the vehicle.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] The invention itself, together with fkther 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, with reference to a two
wheeled vehicle by way of example only wherein like reference numerals
represent like elements and in which:
[0027] Figure 01 illustrates a block diagram of a braking system according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0028] Figure 02 illustrates a brake actuator assembly mounted on left side of
handlebar according to an embodiment of the present invention;
100291 Figure 03 illustrates a brake actuator and a brake actuator assembly in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0030] Figure 03A illustrates a brake actuator in accordance with an embodiment
of the present invention;
[0031] Figure 03B illustrates a brake actuator in accordance with another
embodiment of the present invention;
[0032] Figure 03C illustrates a brake actuator in accordance with another
embodiment of the present invention;
[0033] Figure 03D illustrates a brake actuator in accordance with ailother
embodiment of the present invention;
COO341 Figure 03E illustrates another view of a brake actuator of Figure 03D;
[0035] Figure 03F illustrates a brake actuator in accordance with another
embodiment of the present invention;
[0036] Figure 04A illustrates a brake actuator in a position where force is not
applied on the brake actuator in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0037] Figure 04B illustrates a brake actuator in a position where force is applied
on the brake actuator and brake actuator is exerting braking force on the rear
wheel brake cable in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0038] Figure 04C illustrates a brake actuator in a position where force is applied
on the brake actuator and the brake actuator is exerting force on both the rear and
front wheel brake cable in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0039] 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 OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS AND
THE PREFFERED EMBODIMENT
[0040] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative
forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of examples in the
drawings and will be described in details below. It should be understood, however
7
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.
[0041] The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are
intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a setup, device, system 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 device 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.
[0042] It is to be noted that terms such as "two wheeled vehicle" and "vehicle"
are interchangeably used throughout the description. The term "two wheeled
vehicle" includes vehicles such as motorcycles, scooters, bicycles, mopeds, all
terrain vehicles (ATV) and the like.
[0043] For the better understanding of this invention, reference would now be
made to the embodiments illustrated in greater depth 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.
[0044] The terms "front 1 forward", "rear 1 back 1 rearward 1 backward", "up /
upper / top", "down I lower I lowerward", "left 1 leftward", "right I rightward"
used therein represents the directions as seen from a vehicle driver sitting astride
and these directions are referred by arrows Fr, Rr, U, Lr, L, R in the figures
whichever and wherever possible..
[0045] Referring to Figure 01, a braking system for a vehicle such as two 1 three
wheeled vehicle is illustrated. The braking system depicting a first brake actuator
8
assembly mounted on the left side of a handlebar (Ol), second brake actuator
assembly mounted on the right side of the handlebar (01) of the vehicle, a first
brake cable, a second brake cable , an independent first brake cable , first wheel
braking device and a second wheel braking device .
[0046] In the presently contemplated configuration as depicted in Figure 01, the
first brake actuator assembly is a rear brake actuator assembly (02) and the second
brake actuator assembly is a fiont brake actuator assembly (03). Furthermore, as
depicted in Figure 01, the first brake cable is a front brake cable (lo), the second
brake cable is a rear brake cable (09) and the independent first brake cable is an
independent front brake cable (21). Additionally, the first wheel braking device is
a front wheel braking device (22) and the second wheel braking device is a rear
wheel braking device (23).
[0047] However, it may be noted that the present invention is also intended to
cover embodiments wherein the first brake actuator assembly may be a front
brake actuator assembly and the second brake actuator assembly may be a rear
brake actuator assembly. Similarly, the first brake cable may be a rear brake cable
and the second brake cable may be a front brake cable. Additionally, the first
wheel braking device may be a rear wheel braking device and the second wheel
braking device may be a fiont wheel braking device.
[0048] As depicted in Figure 01, the front brake actuator (04) of the front brake
actuator assembly (03) is intended to control braking of front wheel braking
device (22) of the front wheel (24) of the vehicle. A rear brake actuator (05) of the
rear brake actuator assembly (02) is intended to control the braking of both the
rear wheel braking device (23) of the rear wheel (25) and front wheel braking
device (22) of the front wheel (24). The independent front brake cable (21) at one
end is connected to the front brake actuator (04) of the front brake actuator
assembly (03) and at other end is connected to the front wheel braking device (22)
of the front wheel (24). The fiont brake cable (10) at one end is connected to the
9
rear brake actuator (05) of the rear brake actuator assembly (02) and at other end
is connected to the front wheel braking device (22) of the front wheel (24). The
rear brake cable (09) at one end is connected to the rear brake actuator (05) of the
rear brake actuator assembly (02) and at other end is connected to the rear wheel
braking device (23) of the rear wheel (25).
[0049] In an embodiment, the actuation of the fiont wheel braking device (22)
upon pressing of the rear brake actuator (05), by the operator, depends upon the
degree of rotation of the rear brake actuator (05) towards the grip (13), that is to
say, the front wheel braking device (22) gets actuated only after the rear brake
actuator (05) is pressed beyond a particular range towards the grip (13). Thus, the
actuation of one of the front wheel braking device (22) and the rear wheel braking
device (23) can be delayed upon actuation of the brake actuator, in other words, it
can preferentially actuate one of the first braking device or the second braking
device of the vehicle as per requirement. Upon actuation of the rear brake actuator
(05), either the rear brake cable (09) exerts braking force on the rear wheel
braking device (23) or both the front brake cable (10) and rear brake cable (09)
exert braking force on the respective fiont wheel braking device (22) and rear
wheel braking device (23). In an embodiment, the front brake cable (10) and rear
brake cable (09) are designed to be of the same diameter. Alternatively, the fiont
brake cable (10) and rear brake cable (09) may be designed to be of different
diameter.
[0050] Referring now to Figure 02 and Figure 03 an exemplary rear brake
actuator assembly (02) mounted on the left side of the handlebar (01) in
accordance with an embodiment of the invention is illustrated. The brake actuator
assembly (02) comprises of, inter-alia, a rear brake actuator (05) and a brake
actuator holder (14). The rear brake actuator (05) defines a pull lever portion (15)
at a distal end thereof and an actuator mounting portion (16) at a proximal end
thereof with respect to the brake actuator holder (14). The pull lever portion (15)
of the brake actuator (05) is an elongated portion primarily used by the operator to
10
apply force to actuate the rear wheel braking device (23) alone or both the rear
wheel braking device (23) and the front wheel braking device (22) of the vehicle.
In an embodiment, the elongated pull lever portion (15) ends with a head portion
(1 7) at a distal end thereof. The brake actuator mounting portion (1 6) is adapted to
be pivotally hinged to the base (28) of the brake actuator holder (14) by using
fastening member such as a hinge pin (06) for pivotal movement of the brake
actuator (05) with respect to brake actuator holder (14) about the hinge pin (06) as
an axis of rotation. In an embodiment, the brake actuator mounting portion (16)
has a provision (29) (shown in Figure 03A) for pivotally mounting the brake
actuator (05) to the brake actuator holder (14).
[0051] In an alternate embodiment, the rear brake actuator (05) may be directly
mounted on the handlebar (01) of the vehicle without the brake actuator holder
(14). The rear brake actuator (05) which includes the brake actuator mounting
portion (16) may include a provision for mounting the rear brake actuator (05) to
the handlebar (01) of the vehicle.
[0052] With continuing reference to Figure 02 and Figure 03, the brake actuator
holder (14) is adapted to be securely fixed to the left side of a handlebar (01) of
the vehicle. The brake actuator holder (14) is provided with two holes as a rear
brake cable hole (18) and a fiont brake cable hole (19) therethrough in the
direction substantially along the length of pull lever portion (15) of the brake
actuator (05) when the brake actuator (05) is in its normal position (i.e. unactuated
position). The rear brake cable (09), the fiont brake cable (10) and the
independent fiont brake cable (21) are made up of inner cable constituted of a
wire or a like and an outer sheath covering the inner cable. The inner cable is
movable within the outer sheath. The rear brake cable hole (18) and the fiont
brake cable hole (19) are of such diameter that do not allow outer sheath of the
rear brake cable (09) and fiont brake cable (10) to pass therethrough and allows
inner wires of the rear brake cable (09) and fiont brake cable (10) to pass
therethrough freely, in the respective rear brake cable hole (18) and a front brake
cable hole (19).
[0053] In accordance with aspects of the present technique, the front brake cable
(10) includes a front brake cable head at one end thereof. Similarly, the rear brake
cable (09) includes a rear brake cable head at one end thereof. The brake actuator
includes a first engaging provision adapted to engage the front brake cable head
and a second engaging provision adapted to engage the rear brake cable head
wherein at least one of the first engaging provision or the second engaging
provision is adapted to provide a relative movement to the front brake cable (10)
or the rear brake cable (09) therein.
[0054] In the exemplary embodiment, the brake actuator mounting portion (16) is
adapted to engage at least front brake cable head (12) and rear brake cable head
(1 1). In an embodiment, as illustrated in Figure 03C, the brake actuator mounting
portion (16) is provided with at least one brake cable head engaging provision
(30) comprising of the first engaging provision (39) adapted to engage the front
brake cable head (12) and the second engaging provision (38) adapted to engage
the rear brake cable head (1 1). Alternately, the first engaging provision (39) may
be adapted to engage the rear brake cable head (11) and the second engaging
provision (38) may be adapted to engage the front brake cable head (12). In an
embodiment, as illustrated in Figure 03, the brake actuator mounting portion (16)
is provided with at least the first engaging provision (08) adapted to engage the
fiont brake cable head (12) and the second engaging provision (07) adapted to
engage rear brake cable head (1 1).
[0055] As illustrated in the Figure 03C, the brake actuator mounting portion (16)
has a single engaging provision (30). In this contemplated configuration, the first
engaging provision and the second engaging provision are arranged together to
form a single opening as the single engaging provision (30). The engaging
provision (30) is shaped such that the front brake cable head and the rear brake
12
cable head are adapted to be engaged into the single engaging provision (30).
More particularly, the single engaging provision (30) in the form of single
opening is shaped such that both the rear brake cable head and the front brake
cable head may be inserted therein and engaged at respective portions within the
single opening. The single engaging provision (30) has a profile which is adapted
to engage both the front brake cable head and the rear brake cable head. It may be
noted that at least one from among the rear brake cable head (1 1) and the front
brake cable head (12) can have a relative movement within the engaging
provision (30) upon actuation of the brake actuator (05). Phenomenon of relative
motion of the at least one from among rear brake cable head (1 1) and front brake
cable head (12) within the engaging provision (30) provides delay of actuation of
corresponding front wheel braking device (22) and 1 or rear wheel braking device
(23).
[0056] In the presently contemplated configuration, one from among the rear
brake cable head (1 1) and the fiont brake cable head (12) is adapted to slide
within the single engaging provision (30) upon actuation of the brake actuator
(05).
[0057] As depicted in Figure 03, the brake actuator mounting portion (16) is
provided with two brake cable head engaging provisions as the first engaging
provision (07) and the second engaging provision (08). The first engaging
provision (08) adapted to engage the front brake cable head (12) and the second
engaging provision (07) adapted to engage rear brake cable head (1 1). The second
engaging provision (07) is realised in the form of approximately same size or
constitution as that of the rear brake cable head (1 1) so that the second engaging
provision (07) does not allow rear brake cable head (1 1) any relative movement
therewithin. In an embodiment, the second engaging provision (07) is realised in
the form of a circular opening. The first engaging provision (08) is realised in the
form of an elongated hole such that the first engaging provision allows fiont brake
cable head (12) to slide therewithin.
13
[0058] In an embodiment, preferably, ends of the first engaging provision (08)
which is in the form of the elongated hole have a complimentary profile as that of
front brake cable head (12). The front brake cable head (12) can slide within the
first engaging provision (08) upon actuation of the rear brake actuator (05).
Phenomenon of sliding of the front brake cable head (12) within the first engaging
provision (08) provides/causes delay of actuation of front wheel braking device
(22). The elongated hole may be a curved hole in one embodiment and a straight
hole in another embodiment.
[0059] It will be appreciated that such an arrangement may also be implemented
to cause delay in the actuation of the rear wheel braking device (23), wherein the
second engaging provision (07) is in the shape of the elongated hole adapted to
slidably engage the rear brake cable head there within.
[0060] In an embodiment as illustrated in Figure 03F, the first engaging provision
(08) and the second engaging provision (07) for engaging the front brake cable
head (12) and the rear brake cable head (1 1) respectively may be structurally
similar. As an example, the first engaging provision (08) and the second engaging
provision (07) are in a form of circular opening, as depicted in Figure 03F. In an
embodiment, one of the fiont brake cable (1 0) or the rear brake cable (09) may be
adapted to rotate within the first engaging provision or the second engaging
provision. Such a configuration may be achieved by having the inner cable of the
front brake cable or the rear brake cable to be wound around the respective brake
cable head. In the exemplary configuration, the actuation of the brake actuator
causes the brake cable head with the wound portion of the brake cable to rotate
within the first engaging provision (08) or the second engaging provision (07)
causing delay in the actuation of the front wheel braking device (22) or the rear
wheel braking device (23). In the presently contemplated configuration, the fiont
brake cable 10 is wound around the brake cable head (12) thereby causing delay
in actuation of the fiont wheel braking device (22).
14
[0061] In an embodiment, as illustrated in Figure 03A, the second engaging
provision (07) and the first engaging provision (08) are provided with appropriate
galleries (26,27) to enable the easy disposition / assembly / engagement of the
front brake cable head (12) and rear brake cable head (1 1) in the respective first
engaging provision (08) and second engaging provision (07).
[0062] In an embodiment, as illustrated in Figure 03A, the rear brake actuator
(05) is provided with two brake cable head engaging provisions as second
engaging provision (07) and the first engaging provision (08) wherein the
respective head engaging provisions (07, 08) can be defined in a through manner
on the brake actuator mount portion (16) so that it can be seen from both sides. In
an embodiment, as illustrated in Figure 03A , the second engaging provision (07)
and the first engaging provision (08) are defined in a partial manner so that can be
seen fiom only one side of an brake actuator (05). More particularly, the first
engaging provision (08) and the second engaging provision (07) may be
implemented in a form of a blind hole thereby having a slot for engaging the fiont
brake cable head (12) and the rear brake cable head (1 1) respectively.
[0063] The second engaging provision (07) and the first engaging provision (08)
have structural and operational differences as illustrated in Figure 03. In an
embodiment, the first engaging provision (08) being an elongated hole, can be
provided with a curved or straight profile. The width of the first engaging
provision (08) is maintained such that the front brake cable head (12) can be
easily accommodated and slid along the length (straight or curved) of the first
engaging provision (08).
[0064] In accordance with aspects of the present technique, the first engaging
provision (08) is at a first radial distance from the fastening member, such as the
hinge pin (06), and the second engaging provision (07) is at a second radial
distance fiom the fastening member. It may be noted that in one embodiment, the
15
first radial distance is greater than the second radial distance. Alternately, the first
radial distance may be smaller than the second radial distance. In another
embodiment, the first radial distance is equal to the second radial distance. Such
arrangements depend on the placement of the first engaging provision (08) and
the second engaging provision (07) in the brake actuator (05) with respect to the
fastening member.
[0065] Referring now to an embodiment, as illustrated in Figure 03, the first
engaging provision (08) is provided nearer to the hinge pin (06) compared to the
second engaging provision (07) so that radial distance (B) between the second
engaging provision (07) and hinge pin (06) is greater than the radial distance (A)
between the first engaging provision (08) and hinge pin (06). In an embodiment,
as illustrated in Figure 03B, the second engaging provision (07) is provided nearer
to the hinge pin (06) compared to the first engaging provision (08) so that radial
distance between the first engaging provision (08) and hinge pin (06) is greater
than the radial distance between the second engaging provision (07) and hinge pin
(06).
[0066] It is to be noted that when the rear brake actuator (05) is actuated by the
operator, the force being exerted on the rear brake cable (09) and the fiont brake
cable (10) is proportional to the radial distances of the fiont brake cable head (1 1)
and rear brake cable head (12) fiom the hinge pin (06).
[0067] In an embodiment, as illustrated in Figure 03D and Figure 03E, the brake
actuator mount portion (16) has one brake cable head engaging provision (3 1) for
engaging the rear brake cable head (1 1) and front brake cable head (12). The
brake cable head engaging provision (3 1) is provided with protruding sockets (32,
33). The protruding sockets (32, 33) are provided integrally on the brake mount
portion (16) of the brake cable head engaging provision (31). The protruding
socket (32) supports the rear brake cable head (12) and the protruding socket (33)
supports the fiont brake cable head member (11) along their length. The
16
protruding socket (33) as compared to protruding socket (32) is an elongated
socket with its side walls (34, 35) provided distantly as compared to the side walls
of the protruding socket (32).
[0068] The brake actuator (05) is pivotally mounted to the base of the brake
actuator holder (14) by using a hinge pin (06), thus it can be swung, upon
application of force by the operator, fiom its rest position as illustrated in Figure
04A to the pressed position as illustrated in Figure 04B and Figure 04C. The
brake actuator (05) moves back to its rest position under the biasing force of the
spring member [known in the art and not shown] once the force on the brake
actuator (05) is released by the operator.
[0069] As illustrated in the Figure 04A, the brake actuator (05) is in the rest
position when no force is applied by the operator on the brake actuator (05) as a
result the rear brake cable (09) and fiont brake cable (10) do not exert any force to
the respective rear wheel braking device (23) and fiont wheel braking device (22)
and hence the rear wheel braking device (23) and the front wheel braking device
(22) are not actuated.
[0070] As illustrated in Figure 04B, when the operator applies force on the pull
lever portion (15) to pull it towards the grip (1 3), the rear brake actuator (05) gets
pressed and swung in the direction depicted by an arcuate arrow Al. In this
situation as the rear brake cable head (11) is engaged in the second engaging
provision (07) without allowing any relative movement to the rear brake cable
(09), the rear brake actuator (05) pulls the rear brake cable (09) towards left as
shown in Figure 04B thereby the rear brake cable (09) exerting force on the rear
wheel braking device (23) to actuate it. Here, the fiont brake cable head member
(12) moves within the length of the first engaging provision (08) and does not
exert any force on the fiont brake cable (10) and thereby no force is exerted on the
fiont wheel braking device (22). This situation exists till the fiont brake cable
head (12) touches the right boundary (83) of the first engaging provision (08) as a
limiting situation.
[0071] As illustrated in Figure 04C, when operator keeps on pulling the pull lever
portion (15) towards the grip (13) beyond the limiting situation as what has been
illustrated in Figure 04B, the brake actuator (05) gets further swung and pressed
in the direction depicted by an arcuate arrow Al. The rear brake cable head (1 1)
pulls the rear brake cable (09) further towards left direction, also as now the fiont
brake cable head (12) has touched the right boundary (83) of the first engaging
provision (08) it pulls the front brake cable (10) towards left as shown in Figure
04C thereby actuating the front wheel braking device (22) also. Thus, when
operator applies force on the brake actuator (05) to swing it to any position
beyond the limiting situation it actuates the fiont wheel braking device (22) and
rear wheel braking device (23) proportional to the radial distances of the fiont
brake cable head (12) and rear brake cable head (1 1) from the hinge pin (06).
[0072] In an embodiment, the brake actuator assembly (02) can be mounted either
on the left or right or both the left and the right sides of the handlebar (01). When
the brake actuator assembly (02) is mounted on the right side of the handle bar
(Ol), it would cause the actuation of front wheel braking device (22) before the
rear wheel braking device (23). And when the brake actuator (02) is mounted on
both the sides of handle bar (Ol), preference of actuation of braking device would
depend upon the requirement of the braking system of vehicle. In an embodiment,
the brake actuator assembly (02) can be mounted on the right side of the
handlebar (01) and a pedal lever is provided for actuating the rear wheel braking
device or the fiont wheel braking device. A clutch lever is provided on the left
side of the handlebar (0 1) in such a configuration.
LO0731 In an embodiment, the front brake cable (10) is provided with an resilient
member such as a spring (not shown) of a particular resilience such that when the
brake actuator (05) is pressed by the operator beyond the limiting position, only a
18
limited amount of force is exerted on the front wheel braking device (22). More
particularly, beyond a certain amount of swing of the brake actuator (05) the
resilient member starts elongating thereby preventing additional force to be
transmitted to the fiont wheel braking device (22), thus ensuring that only a
certain maximum force is transmitted to the fiont wheel braking device (22).
[0074] 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.

BRAKE ACTUATOR
FIELD OF THE TECHNOLOGY
[0001] The present invention relates to brake actuator, more particularly, to brake
actuator for integrated braking system.
BACKGROUND
[0002] In two wheeled vehicles braking operation of fiont wheel is generally
actuated by application of force on a front brake lever provided on a handle bar
and the braking operation of rear wheel is actuated by the application of force on
a rear brake lever. Rear brake lever is generally provided on the handle bar or as a
leg pedal of the vehicle. The operation of the front and rear wheel braking is
normally controlled, by the operator, independently and sometimes
simultaneously.
[0003] US Patent No. 4267746 describes a single hand operated brake actuator
for effecting the braking of front and rear wheel. The hand operated brake
actuator includes a base adapted to be secured to the handle bar and has two cable
linkages interconnected to a hand operated lever. The actuation of the fiont and
rear wheel brakes is effected by a hand operated brake actuator via the linkages.
The operation of the hand operated actuator is aided by a mechanical power.
[0004] The above stated prior art recognizes the actuation of both front and rear
wheel brakes through a single hand actuated brake lever, however, there is no
balance as to when and how the force between the front wheel brake device and
rear wheel brake device to be distributed. This may cause concerns regarding the
safety of the operator.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a
simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This
summary is not intended to identifjr key or essential .features of the claimed
subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of
the claimed subject matter.
[0006] Briefly in accordance with aspects of the present technique, a brake
actuator for a vehicle is provided. The brake actuator is operatively connected to a
first braking device through a first brake cable having a first brake cable head, and
a second braking device through a second brake cable having a second brake
cable head. The brake actuator includes a first engaging provision adapted to
engage the first brake cable head, and a second engaging provision adapted to
engage the second brake cable head, wherein at least one of the first engaging
provision or the second engaging provision is adapted to provide a relative
movement to the first brake cable or the second brake cable therein, to
preferentially actuate one of the first braking device and the second braking
device of the vehicle.
[0007] According to an embodiment, the first engaging provision is adapted to
provide a relative movement to the first brake cable therein
[0008] According to another embodiment, the second engaging provision is
adapted to provide a relative movement to the second brake cable therein.
[0009] According to an embodiment, the first engaging provision is adapted to
slidably engage the first brake cable head or the second engaging provision is
adapted to slidably engage the second brake cable head.
[0010] According to another embodiment, the first brake cable head is adapted to
rotatably engage in the first engaging provision or the second brake cable head is
adapted to rotatably engage in the second engaging provision.
[OO 1 11 According to an embodiment, the first engaging provision and the second
engaging provision are structurally similar or structurally dissimilar.
[0012] According to an embodiment, the brake actuator further includes a
fastening member adapted for attaching the brake actuator to the vehicle.
[0013] According to an embodiment, the first engaging provision is at a first
radial distance from the fastening member and the second engaging provision is at
a second radial distance from the fastening member.
[0014] According to an embodiment, one of the first engaging provision or the
second engaging provision is an elongated hole.
[0015] According to an embodiment, the elongated hole is a straight hole or
curved hole.
[0016] According to an embodiment, at least one of the first engaging provision
or the second engaging provision is a circular opening.
[0017] According to an embodiment, the first engaging provision and the second
engaging provision are arranged together to form a single opening.
[0018] According to an embodiment, the first brake cable is a front brake cable or
a rear brake cable, and wherein the second brake cable is the front brake cable or
the rear brake cable.
[0019] According to another embodiment, the first braking device is one of a
front braking device for a front wheel of the vehicle or a rear braking device for a
rear wheel of the vehicle.
[0020] According to another embodiment, the second braking device is one of a
front braking device for a front wheel of the vehicle or a rear braking device for a
rear wheel of the vehicle.
[0021] According to an embodiment, the first engaging provision and the second
engaging provision comprise an independent gallery or a common gallery for
enabling engagement of the first brake cable head to the first engaging provision
and enabling engagement of the second brake cable head to the second engaging
provision.
[0022] According to an embodiment, the brake actuator is adapted to be mounted
on a handle bar of the vehicle.
[0023] According to another embodiment, the brake actuator is mounted on the
handle bar of the vehicle through an actuator holder.
[0024] According to an embodiment, the first engaging provision and the second
engaging provision are provided with protruding sockets for supporting the first
brake cable head and the second brake cable head.
[0025] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a vehicle is
provided. The vehicle includes a brake actuator operatively connected to a first
braking device through a first brake cable having a first brake cable head, and a
second braking device through a second brake cable having a second brake cable
head, the brake actuator comprising a first engaging provision adapted to engage
the first brake cable head, and a second engaging provision adapted to engage the
second brake cable head, wherein at least one of the first engaging provision or
5
the second engaging provision is adapted to provide a relative movement to the
first brake cable or the second brake cable therein, to preferentially actuate one of
the first braking device and the second braking device of the vehicle.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] The invention itself, together with fkther 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, with reference to a two
wheeled vehicle by way of example only wherein like reference numerals
represent like elements and in which:
[0027] Figure 01 illustrates a block diagram of a braking system according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0028] Figure 02 illustrates a brake actuator assembly mounted on left side of
handlebar according to an embodiment of the present invention;
100291 Figure 03 illustrates a brake actuator and a brake actuator assembly in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0030] Figure 03A illustrates a brake actuator in accordance with an embodiment
of the present invention;
[0031] Figure 03B illustrates a brake actuator in accordance with another
embodiment of the present invention;
[0032] Figure 03C illustrates a brake actuator in accordance with another
embodiment of the present invention;
[0033] Figure 03D illustrates a brake actuator in accordance with ailother
embodiment of the present invention;
COO341 Figure 03E illustrates another view of a brake actuator of Figure 03D;
[0035] Figure 03F illustrates a brake actuator in accordance with another
embodiment of the present invention;
[0036] Figure 04A illustrates a brake actuator in a position where force is not
applied on the brake actuator in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0037] Figure 04B illustrates a brake actuator in a position where force is applied
on the brake actuator and brake actuator is exerting braking force on the rear
wheel brake cable in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0038] Figure 04C illustrates a brake actuator in a position where force is applied
on the brake actuator and the brake actuator is exerting force on both the rear and
front wheel brake cable in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0039] 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 OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS AND
THE PREFFERED EMBODIMENT
[0040] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative
forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of examples in the
drawings and will be described in details below. It should be understood, however
7
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.
[0041] The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are
intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a setup, device, system 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 device 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.
[0042] It is to be noted that terms such as "two wheeled vehicle" and "vehicle"
are interchangeably used throughout the description. The term "two wheeled
vehicle" includes vehicles such as motorcycles, scooters, bicycles, mopeds, all
terrain vehicles (ATV) and the like.
[0043] For the better understanding of this invention, reference would now be
made to the embodiments illustrated in greater depth 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.
[0044] The terms "front 1 forward", "rear 1 back 1 rearward 1 backward", "up /
upper / top", "down I lower I lowerward", "left 1 leftward", "right I rightward"
used therein represents the directions as seen from a vehicle driver sitting astride
and these directions are referred by arrows Fr, Rr, U, Lr, L, R in the figures
whichever and wherever possible..
[0045] Referring to Figure 01, a braking system for a vehicle such as two 1 three
wheeled vehicle is illustrated. The braking system depicting a first brake actuator
8
assembly mounted on the left side of a handlebar (Ol), second brake actuator
assembly mounted on the right side of the handlebar (01) of the vehicle, a first
brake cable, a second brake cable , an independent first brake cable , first wheel
braking device and a second wheel braking device .
[0046] In the presently contemplated configuration as depicted in Figure 01, the
first brake actuator assembly is a rear brake actuator assembly (02) and the second
brake actuator assembly is a fiont brake actuator assembly (03). Furthermore, as
depicted in Figure 01, the first brake cable is a front brake cable (lo), the second
brake cable is a rear brake cable (09) and the independent first brake cable is an
independent front brake cable (21). Additionally, the first wheel braking device is
a front wheel braking device (22) and the second wheel braking device is a rear
wheel braking device (23).
[0047] However, it may be noted that the present invention is also intended to
cover embodiments wherein the first brake actuator assembly may be a front
brake actuator assembly and the second brake actuator assembly may be a rear
brake actuator assembly. Similarly, the first brake cable may be a rear brake cable
and the second brake cable may be a front brake cable. Additionally, the first
wheel braking device may be a rear wheel braking device and the second wheel
braking device may be a fiont wheel braking device.
[0048] As depicted in Figure 01, the front brake actuator (04) of the front brake
actuator assembly (03) is intended to control braking of front wheel braking
device (22) of the front wheel (24) of the vehicle. A rear brake actuator (05) of the
rear brake actuator assembly (02) is intended to control the braking of both the
rear wheel braking device (23) of the rear wheel (25) and front wheel braking
device (22) of the front wheel (24). The independent front brake cable (21) at one
end is connected to the front brake actuator (04) of the front brake actuator
assembly (03) and at other end is connected to the front wheel braking device (22)
of the front wheel (24). The fiont brake cable (10) at one end is connected to the
9
rear brake actuator (05) of the rear brake actuator assembly (02) and at other end
is connected to the front wheel braking device (22) of the front wheel (24). The
rear brake cable (09) at one end is connected to the rear brake actuator (05) of the
rear brake actuator assembly (02) and at other end is connected to the rear wheel
braking device (23) of the rear wheel (25).
[0049] In an embodiment, the actuation of the fiont wheel braking device (22)
upon pressing of the rear brake actuator (05), by the operator, depends upon the
degree of rotation of the rear brake actuator (05) towards the grip (13), that is to
say, the front wheel braking device (22) gets actuated only after the rear brake
actuator (05) is pressed beyond a particular range towards the grip (13). Thus, the
actuation of one of the front wheel braking device (22) and the rear wheel braking
device (23) can be delayed upon actuation of the brake actuator, in other words, it
can preferentially actuate one of the first braking device or the second braking
device of the vehicle as per requirement. Upon actuation of the rear brake actuator
(05), either the rear brake cable (09) exerts braking force on the rear wheel
braking device (23) or both the front brake cable (10) and rear brake cable (09)
exert braking force on the respective fiont wheel braking device (22) and rear
wheel braking device (23). In an embodiment, the front brake cable (10) and rear
brake cable (09) are designed to be of the same diameter. Alternatively, the fiont
brake cable (10) and rear brake cable (09) may be designed to be of different
diameter.
[0050] Referring now to Figure 02 and Figure 03 an exemplary rear brake
actuator assembly (02) mounted on the left side of the handlebar (01) in
accordance with an embodiment of the invention is illustrated. The brake actuator
assembly (02) comprises of, inter-alia, a rear brake actuator (05) and a brake
actuator holder (14). The rear brake actuator (05) defines a pull lever portion (15)
at a distal end thereof and an actuator mounting portion (16) at a proximal end
thereof with respect to the brake actuator holder (14). The pull lever portion (15)
of the brake actuator (05) is an elongated portion primarily used by the operator to
10
apply force to actuate the rear wheel braking device (23) alone or both the rear
wheel braking device (23) and the front wheel braking device (22) of the vehicle.
In an embodiment, the elongated pull lever portion (15) ends with a head portion
(1 7) at a distal end thereof. The brake actuator mounting portion (1 6) is adapted to
be pivotally hinged to the base (28) of the brake actuator holder (14) by using
fastening member such as a hinge pin (06) for pivotal movement of the brake
actuator (05) with respect to brake actuator holder (14) about the hinge pin (06) as
an axis of rotation. In an embodiment, the brake actuator mounting portion (16)
has a provision (29) (shown in Figure 03A) for pivotally mounting the brake
actuator (05) to the brake actuator holder (14).
[0051] In an alternate embodiment, the rear brake actuator (05) may be directly
mounted on the handlebar (01) of the vehicle without the brake actuator holder
(14). The rear brake actuator (05) which includes the brake actuator mounting
portion (16) may include a provision for mounting the rear brake actuator (05) to
the handlebar (01) of the vehicle.
[0052] With continuing reference to Figure 02 and Figure 03, the brake actuator
holder (14) is adapted to be securely fixed to the left side of a handlebar (01) of
the vehicle. The brake actuator holder (14) is provided with two holes as a rear
brake cable hole (18) and a fiont brake cable hole (19) therethrough in the
direction substantially along the length of pull lever portion (15) of the brake
actuator (05) when the brake actuator (05) is in its normal position (i.e. unactuated
position). The rear brake cable (09), the fiont brake cable (10) and the
independent fiont brake cable (21) are made up of inner cable constituted of a
wire or a like and an outer sheath covering the inner cable. The inner cable is
movable within the outer sheath. The rear brake cable hole (18) and the fiont
brake cable hole (19) are of such diameter that do not allow outer sheath of the
rear brake cable (09) and fiont brake cable (10) to pass therethrough and allows
inner wires of the rear brake cable (09) and fiont brake cable (10) to pass
therethrough freely, in the respective rear brake cable hole (18) and a front brake
cable hole (19).
[0053] In accordance with aspects of the present technique, the front brake cable
(10) includes a front brake cable head at one end thereof. Similarly, the rear brake
cable (09) includes a rear brake cable head at one end thereof. The brake actuator
includes a first engaging provision adapted to engage the front brake cable head
and a second engaging provision adapted to engage the rear brake cable head
wherein at least one of the first engaging provision or the second engaging
provision is adapted to provide a relative movement to the front brake cable (10)
or the rear brake cable (09) therein.
[0054] In the exemplary embodiment, the brake actuator mounting portion (16) is
adapted to engage at least front brake cable head (12) and rear brake cable head
(1 1). In an embodiment, as illustrated in Figure 03C, the brake actuator mounting
portion (16) is provided with at least one brake cable head engaging provision
(30) comprising of the first engaging provision (39) adapted to engage the front
brake cable head (12) and the second engaging provision (38) adapted to engage
the rear brake cable head (1 1). Alternately, the first engaging provision (39) may
be adapted to engage the rear brake cable head (11) and the second engaging
provision (38) may be adapted to engage the front brake cable head (12). In an
embodiment, as illustrated in Figure 03, the brake actuator mounting portion (16)
is provided with at least the first engaging provision (08) adapted to engage the
fiont brake cable head (12) and the second engaging provision (07) adapted to
engage rear brake cable head (1 1).
[0055] As illustrated in the Figure 03C, the brake actuator mounting portion (16)
has a single engaging provision (30). In this contemplated configuration, the first
engaging provision and the second engaging provision are arranged together to
form a single opening as the single engaging provision (30). The engaging
provision (30) is shaped such that the front brake cable head and the rear brake
12
cable head are adapted to be engaged into the single engaging provision (30).
More particularly, the single engaging provision (30) in the form of single
opening is shaped such that both the rear brake cable head and the front brake
cable head may be inserted therein and engaged at respective portions within the
single opening. The single engaging provision (30) has a profile which is adapted
to engage both the front brake cable head and the rear brake cable head. It may be
noted that at least one from among the rear brake cable head (1 1) and the front
brake cable head (12) can have a relative movement within the engaging
provision (30) upon actuation of the brake actuator (05). Phenomenon of relative
motion of the at least one from among rear brake cable head (1 1) and front brake
cable head (12) within the engaging provision (30) provides delay of actuation of
corresponding front wheel braking device (22) and 1 or rear wheel braking device
(23).
[0056] In the presently contemplated configuration, one from among the rear
brake cable head (1 1) and the fiont brake cable head (12) is adapted to slide
within the single engaging provision (30) upon actuation of the brake actuator
(05).
[0057] As depicted in Figure 03, the brake actuator mounting portion (16) is
provided with two brake cable head engaging provisions as the first engaging
provision (07) and the second engaging provision (08). The first engaging
provision (08) adapted to engage the front brake cable head (12) and the second
engaging provision (07) adapted to engage rear brake cable head (1 1). The second
engaging provision (07) is realised in the form of approximately same size or
constitution as that of the rear brake cable head (1 1) so that the second engaging
provision (07) does not allow rear brake cable head (1 1) any relative movement
therewithin. In an embodiment, the second engaging provision (07) is realised in
the form of a circular opening. The first engaging provision (08) is realised in the
form of an elongated hole such that the first engaging provision allows fiont brake
cable head (12) to slide therewithin.
13
[0058] In an embodiment, preferably, ends of the first engaging provision (08)
which is in the form of the elongated hole have a complimentary profile as that of
front brake cable head (12). The front brake cable head (12) can slide within the
first engaging provision (08) upon actuation of the rear brake actuator (05).
Phenomenon of sliding of the front brake cable head (12) within the first engaging
provision (08) provides/causes delay of actuation of front wheel braking device
(22). The elongated hole may be a curved hole in one embodiment and a straight
hole in another embodiment.
[0059] It will be appreciated that such an arrangement may also be implemented
to cause delay in the actuation of the rear wheel braking device (23), wherein the
second engaging provision (07) is in the shape of the elongated hole adapted to
slidably engage the rear brake cable head there within.
[0060] In an embodiment as illustrated in Figure 03F, the first engaging provision
(08) and the second engaging provision (07) for engaging the front brake cable
head (12) and the rear brake cable head (1 1) respectively may be structurally
similar. As an example, the first engaging provision (08) and the second engaging
provision (07) are in a form of circular opening, as depicted in Figure 03F. In an
embodiment, one of the fiont brake cable (1 0) or the rear brake cable (09) may be
adapted to rotate within the first engaging provision or the second engaging
provision. Such a configuration may be achieved by having the inner cable of the
front brake cable or the rear brake cable to be wound around the respective brake
cable head. In the exemplary configuration, the actuation of the brake actuator
causes the brake cable head with the wound portion of the brake cable to rotate
within the first engaging provision (08) or the second engaging provision (07)
causing delay in the actuation of the front wheel braking device (22) or the rear
wheel braking device (23). In the presently contemplated configuration, the fiont
brake cable 10 is wound around the brake cable head (12) thereby causing delay
in actuation of the fiont wheel braking device (22).
14
[0061] In an embodiment, as illustrated in Figure 03A, the second engaging
provision (07) and the first engaging provision (08) are provided with appropriate
galleries (26,27) to enable the easy disposition / assembly / engagement of the
front brake cable head (12) and rear brake cable head (1 1) in the respective first
engaging provision (08) and second engaging provision (07).
[0062] In an embodiment, as illustrated in Figure 03A, the rear brake actuator
(05) is provided with two brake cable head engaging provisions as second
engaging provision (07) and the first engaging provision (08) wherein the
respective head engaging provisions (07, 08) can be defined in a through manner
on the brake actuator mount portion (16) so that it can be seen from both sides. In
an embodiment, as illustrated in Figure 03A , the second engaging provision (07)
and the first engaging provision (08) are defined in a partial manner so that can be
seen fiom only one side of an brake actuator (05). More particularly, the first
engaging provision (08) and the second engaging provision (07) may be
implemented in a form of a blind hole thereby having a slot for engaging the fiont
brake cable head (12) and the rear brake cable head (1 1) respectively.
[0063] The second engaging provision (07) and the first engaging provision (08)
have structural and operational differences as illustrated in Figure 03. In an
embodiment, the first engaging provision (08) being an elongated hole, can be
provided with a curved or straight profile. The width of the first engaging
provision (08) is maintained such that the front brake cable head (12) can be
easily accommodated and slid along the length (straight or curved) of the first
engaging provision (08).
[0064] In accordance with aspects of the present technique, the first engaging
provision (08) is at a first radial distance from the fastening member, such as the
hinge pin (06), and the second engaging provision (07) is at a second radial
distance fiom the fastening member. It may be noted that in one embodiment, the
15
first radial distance is greater than the second radial distance. Alternately, the first
radial distance may be smaller than the second radial distance. In another
embodiment, the first radial distance is equal to the second radial distance. Such
arrangements depend on the placement of the first engaging provision (08) and
the second engaging provision (07) in the brake actuator (05) with respect to the
fastening member.
[0065] Referring now to an embodiment, as illustrated in Figure 03, the first
engaging provision (08) is provided nearer to the hinge pin (06) compared to the
second engaging provision (07) so that radial distance (B) between the second
engaging provision (07) and hinge pin (06) is greater than the radial distance (A)
between the first engaging provision (08) and hinge pin (06). In an embodiment,
as illustrated in Figure 03B, the second engaging provision (07) is provided nearer
to the hinge pin (06) compared to the first engaging provision (08) so that radial
distance between the first engaging provision (08) and hinge pin (06) is greater
than the radial distance between the second engaging provision (07) and hinge pin
(06).
[0066] It is to be noted that when the rear brake actuator (05) is actuated by the
operator, the force being exerted on the rear brake cable (09) and the fiont brake
cable (10) is proportional to the radial distances of the fiont brake cable head (1 1)
and rear brake cable head (12) fiom the hinge pin (06).
[0067] In an embodiment, as illustrated in Figure 03D and Figure 03E, the brake
actuator mount portion (16) has one brake cable head engaging provision (3 1) for
engaging the rear brake cable head (1 1) and front brake cable head (12). The
brake cable head engaging provision (3 1) is provided with protruding sockets (32,
33). The protruding sockets (32, 33) are provided integrally on the brake mount
portion (16) of the brake cable head engaging provision (31). The protruding
socket (32) supports the rear brake cable head (12) and the protruding socket (33)
supports the fiont brake cable head member (11) along their length. The
16
protruding socket (33) as compared to protruding socket (32) is an elongated
socket with its side walls (34, 35) provided distantly as compared to the side walls
of the protruding socket (32).
[0068] The brake actuator (05) is pivotally mounted to the base of the brake
actuator holder (14) by using a hinge pin (06), thus it can be swung, upon
application of force by the operator, fiom its rest position as illustrated in Figure
04A to the pressed position as illustrated in Figure 04B and Figure 04C. The
brake actuator (05) moves back to its rest position under the biasing force of the
spring member [known in the art and not shown] once the force on the brake
actuator (05) is released by the operator.
[0069] As illustrated in the Figure 04A, the brake actuator (05) is in the rest
position when no force is applied by the operator on the brake actuator (05) as a
result the rear brake cable (09) and fiont brake cable (10) do not exert any force to
the respective rear wheel braking device (23) and fiont wheel braking device (22)
and hence the rear wheel braking device (23) and the front wheel braking device
(22) are not actuated.
[0070] As illustrated in Figure 04B, when the operator applies force on the pull
lever portion (15) to pull it towards the grip (1 3), the rear brake actuator (05) gets
pressed and swung in the direction depicted by an arcuate arrow Al. In this
situation as the rear brake cable head (11) is engaged in the second engaging
provision (07) without allowing any relative movement to the rear brake cable
(09), the rear brake actuator (05) pulls the rear brake cable (09) towards left as
shown in Figure 04B thereby the rear brake cable (09) exerting force on the rear
wheel braking device (23) to actuate it. Here, the fiont brake cable head member
(12) moves within the length of the first engaging provision (08) and does not
exert any force on the fiont brake cable (10) and thereby no force is exerted on the
fiont wheel braking device (22). This situation exists till the fiont brake cable
head (12) touches the right boundary (83) of the first engaging provision (08) as a
limiting situation.
[0071] As illustrated in Figure 04C, when operator keeps on pulling the pull lever
portion (15) towards the grip (13) beyond the limiting situation as what has been
illustrated in Figure 04B, the brake actuator (05) gets further swung and pressed
in the direction depicted by an arcuate arrow Al. The rear brake cable head (1 1)
pulls the rear brake cable (09) further towards left direction, also as now the fiont
brake cable head (12) has touched the right boundary (83) of the first engaging
provision (08) it pulls the front brake cable (10) towards left as shown in Figure
04C thereby actuating the front wheel braking device (22) also. Thus, when
operator applies force on the brake actuator (05) to swing it to any position
beyond the limiting situation it actuates the fiont wheel braking device (22) and
rear wheel braking device (23) proportional to the radial distances of the fiont
brake cable head (12) and rear brake cable head (1 1) from the hinge pin (06).
[0072] In an embodiment, the brake actuator assembly (02) can be mounted either
on the left or right or both the left and the right sides of the handlebar (01). When
the brake actuator assembly (02) is mounted on the right side of the handle bar
(Ol), it would cause the actuation of front wheel braking device (22) before the
rear wheel braking device (23). And when the brake actuator (02) is mounted on
both the sides of handle bar (Ol), preference of actuation of braking device would
depend upon the requirement of the braking system of vehicle. In an embodiment,
the brake actuator assembly (02) can be mounted on the right side of the
handlebar (01) and a pedal lever is provided for actuating the rear wheel braking
device or the fiont wheel braking device. A clutch lever is provided on the left
side of the handlebar (0 1) in such a configuration.
LO0731 In an embodiment, the front brake cable (10) is provided with an resilient
member such as a spring (not shown) of a particular resilience such that when the
brake actuator (05) is pressed by the operator beyond the limiting position, only a
18
limited amount of force is exerted on the front wheel braking device (22). More
particularly, beyond a certain amount of swing of the brake actuator (05) the
resilient member starts elongating thereby preventing additional force to be
transmitted to the fiont wheel braking device (22), thus ensuring that only a
certain maximum force is transmitted to the fiont wheel braking device (22).
[0074] 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. A brake actuator for a vehicle operatively connected to a first braking device
through a first brake cable having a first brake cable head, and a second braking
device through a second brake cable having a second brake cable head, the brake
actuator comprising:
- a first engaging provision adapted to engage the first brake cable head, and a
second engaging provision adapted to engage the second brake cable head,
e.
wherein at least one of the first engaging provision or the second engaging
provision is adapted to provide a relative movement to the first brake cable or the
second brake cable therein, to preferentially actuate one of the first braking device
and the second braking device of the vehicle.
2. The brake actuator according to claim 1, wherein the first engaging provision is
adapted to provide a relative movement to the first brake cable therein.
3. The brake actuator according to claim 1, wherein the second engaging
provision is adapted to provide a relative movement to the second brake cable
therein.
4. The brake actuator according to claim 1, wherein the first engaging provision is
adapted to slidably engage the first brake cable head or the second engaging
provision is adapted to slidably engage the second brake cable head.
5. The brake actuator according to claim 1, wherein the first brake cable head is
adapted to rotatably engage in the first engaging provision or the second brake
cable head is adapted to rotatably engage in the second engaging provision.
6. The brake actuator according to claim 1, wherein the first engaging provision
and the second engaging provision are structurally similar or structurally
dissimilar.
7. The brake actuator according to claim 1, further comprising a fastening
member adapted for attaching the brake actuator to the vehicle.
20
8. The brake actuator according to claim 7, wherein the first engaging provision is
at a first radial distance from the fastening member and the second engaging
provision is at a second radial distance from the fastening member.
9. The brake actuator according to claim 1, wherein one of the first engaging
provision or the second engaging provision is an elongated hole.
10. The brake actuator according to claim 9, wherein the elongated hole is a
straight hole or a curved hole.
11. The brake actuator according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first
engaging provision or the second engaging provision is a circular opening.
12. The brake actuator according to claim 1, wherein the first engaging provision
and the second engaging provision are arranged together to form a single opening
13. The brake actuator according to claim 1, wherein the first brake cable is a
front brake cable or a rear brake cable, and wherein the second brake cable is the
front brake cable or the rear brake cable.
14. The brake actuator according to claim 1, wherein the first braking device is
one of a front braking device for a front wheel of the vehicle or a rear braking
device for a rear wheel of the vehicle.
15. The brake actuator according to claim 1, wherein the second braking device is
one of a fiont braking device for a front wheel of the vehicle or a rear braking
device for a rear wheel of the vehicle.
16. The brake actuator according to claim 1, wherein the first engaging provision
and the second engaging provision comprise an independent gallery or a common
gallery for enabling engagement of the first brake cable head to the first engaging
provision and enabling engagement of the second brake cable head to the second
engaging provision.
17. The brake actuator according to claim 1, wherein the brake actuator is adapted
to be mounted on a handle bar of the vehicle.
21
18. The brake actuator according to claim 17, wherein the brake actuator is
mounted on the handle bar of the vehicle through an actuator holder.
19. The brake actuator according to claim 1, wherein the first engaging provision
and the second engaging provision are provided with protruding sockets for
supporting the first brake cable head and the second brake cable head.
20. A vehicle comprising:
- a brake actuator operatively connected to a first braking device through a first
brake cable having a first brake cable head, and a second braking device through a
second brake cable having a second brake cable head, the brake actuator
comprising a first engaging provision adapted to engage the first brake cable
head, and a second engaging provision adapted to engage the second brake cable
head, wherein at least one of the first engaging provision or the second engaging
provision is adapted to provide a relative movement to the first brake cable or the
second brake cable therein, to preferentially actuate one of the first braking device
and the second braking device of the vehicle.
21. A brake actuator as described herein with reference to the accompanying
drawings.
22. A vehicle as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.