FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See section 10 and rule 13)
1. Title of the Invention
BRAKE-BY-WIRE TYPE BRAKING SYSTEM FOR MOTORCYCLES
2. Applicant(s)
Name Nationality Address
BREMBO S.P.A. Italian Via Brembo, 25 24035 Curno,
Bergamo, Italy
3. Preamble to the description
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed
2
DESCRIPTION
FIELD OF APPLICATION
[0001] The present invention relates to a brake-by-wire (BBW) type braking system,
particularly for motorcycles.
PRIOR ART5
[0002] In motorcycles, there are brake-by-wire type braking systems wherein the user
may manually operate two separate manual controls, typically a lever on the
handlebars, and a pedal, in order to send a request for a braking action to a special
control unit.
[0003] This request for a braking action is switched to actuate one or more electric10
motors that act on the friction elements (typically pads, but may also be shoes) of the
braking devices with which the motorcycle is equipped. In this way, under normal
operating conditions, the user does not directly command the actuation of the braking
devices but sends a braking request that is fulfilled by said electric motors, by means
of a control unit.15
[0004] In the event of a malfunction, the system must be able to allow a hydraulic
back-up so as to ensure that the user may at least partially brake the motorcycle by
direct action on the manually actuated devices.
[0005] The solutions of the motorcycles of the prior art do not allow for hydraulic
back-up from both controls (lever and brake pedal) in case of failure of the E/E20
system (ECU, actuators, sensors, etc.) or in case of no power supply (disconnected
battery) combined with the need to have a partially fluid-free actuation of the braking
system (at least one DRY caliper or axle). Finally, the need is felt to provide braking
systems compatible with electric vehicles (blending with regenerative braking,
residual torque reduction).25
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The need is therefore felt in the art to provide a braking system which allows
the technical drawbacks mentioned with reference to the prior art to be resolved.
[0007] This need is satisfied by a braking system according to claim 1.
[0008] In particular, this need is satisfied by a braking system for a motorcycle30
comprising:
[0009] - at least one first braking device operatively connectable to a first wheel of
3
the motorcycle, and equipped with a first hydraulic supply circuit,
[0010] - a first electric actuator having first electrical or electro-mechanical motor
means operatively connected to a first electrically or electro-mechanically actuated
piston fluidically connected to said first hydraulic supply circuit,
[0011] - at least one first interface port operatively connected to a first hydraulic5
device equipped with a first manually actuated piston,
[0012] - wherein the first manually actuated piston is subdivided into a first direct
piston, directly connected to the first manually actuated device, and a first indirect
piston, in series with the first direct piston, connected thereto by the interposition of a
first return spring,10
[0013] - the first indirect piston being in hydraulic connection with said first
hydraulic supply circuit through a first by-pass duct, and arranged in series, upstream,
with the first electrically or electro-mechanically actuated piston,
[0014] - wherein the braking system comprises a hydraulic fluid reservoir fluidically
connected to the first hydraulic device by a connecting duct upstream from the first15
indirect piston and a connecting duct downstream from the first indirect piston,
[0015] - wherein the braking system is provided with a processing and control unit,
operatively connected to said first electric actuator, programmed so that:
[0016] - in standard operation, upon actuation of the first interface port, it translates
the first electrically or electro-mechanically actuated piston so as to occlude the first20
by-pass duct, fluidically disconnects the first manually actuated piston from the first
hydraulic supply circuit, and simultaneously actuates the at least one first braking
device.
[0017] According to a possible embodiment, at least one of said upstream connection
duct and downstream connection duct is provided with at least one device having at25
least one operating condition, such as an open position, which allows fluid to pass
through the corresponding connection duct, and one operating condition, such as a
closed position, which prevents fluid from passing through the corresponding
connection duct, and in which in said standard operation, the devices, such as the
selector valves, are switched so that the indirect piston may not move even following30
manual actuation and remains in an end stop position, while the first electrically or
electro-mechanically actuated piston is translated to simultaneously actuate the at
4
least one first braking device.
[0018] According to a possible embodiment, the at least one device provides for two
operating conditions in which fluid is prevented or allowed to pass through the
corresponding upstream connection duct in order to isolate the contribution of the
first return spring during operation in hydraulic back-up mode.5
[0019] According to a possible embodiment, the processing and control unit is
programmed so that in back-up mode, it retracts or allows the retraction of the first
electrically or electro-mechanically actuated piston so as not to occlude the first by-
pass duct and to allow direct actuation of the first braking device by the first
manually actuated piston when the first interface port is actuated.10
[0020] According to a possible embodiment, the processing and control unit is
programmed so that, in said back-up operation, it switches the devices, such as the
selector valves, so that the first indirect piston may move according to manual
actuation.
[0021] According to a possible embodiment, the first hydraulic supply circuit is15
fluidically connected to a pair of first braking devices that may be connected to the
same first wheel.
[0022] According to a possible embodiment, the first hydraulic supply circuit is
fluidically connected to a pair of first braking devices that may be connected to said
first wheel and a second wheel, respectively, arranged on different axles of the20
motorcycle.
[0023] According to a possible embodiment, the braking system comprises at least
one second manually actuated device, separated from the first manually actuated
device, and operatively connected to a second hydraulic device equipped with a
second manually actuated piston,25
[0024] - wherein the second manually actuated piston is hydraulically connected with
said first indirect piston through a second by-pass duct, and is arranged in series,
upstream, with the first indirect piston, which is in turn fluidically connected to the
first hydraulic supply circuit through which it actuates the first braking device and/or
a second braking device.30
[0025] According to a possible embodiment, the second manually actuated piston is
in turn subdivided into a second direct piston, directly connected to the second
5
manually actuated device, and a second indirect piston, in series with the second
direct piston and connected thereto by the interposition of a second return spring.
[0026] According to a possible embodiment, the second indirect piston is in
hydraulic connection with the first indirect piston through the second by-pass duct,
and is arranged in series, upstream, therewith.5
[0027] According to a possible embodiment, the first braking device is operatively
connectable to said first wheel of a first single axle of the motorcycle, and a second
braking device is operatively connectable to a second wheel of a second axle of the
motorcycle.
[0028] According to a possible embodiment, said first hydraulic device and said10
second hydraulic device are encompassed in the same pump body.
[0029] According to a possible embodiment, the system comprises:
[0030] - at least a second braking device operatively connected to a second wheel of
the motorcycle, and equipped with a second hydraulic supply circuit, fluidically
separated from the first hydraulic supply circuit,15
[0031] - a second electric actuator having second electric motor means operatively
connected to a second electrically or electro-mechanically actuated piston, fluidically
connected to said second supply circuit,
[0032] - at least a second manually actuated device operatively connected to a second
hydraulic device equipped with a second manually actuated piston,20
[0033] - wherein the second manually actuated piston is in hydraulic connection with
said second supply circuit through a second by-pass duct, and is arranged in series,
upstream, with the second electrically or electro-mechanically actuated piston,
[0034] - wherein the processing and control unit, is operatively connected to the
second interface port and said second electric actuator, programmed so that:25
[0035] - in standard operation, when the second interface port is operated, it
translates the second electrically or electro-mechanically actuated piston so as to
occlude the second by-pass duct, fluidically disconnects the second manually
actuated piston from the second supply circuit, and actuates the second braking
device.30
[0036] According to a possible embodiment, at least one of said upstream connection
duct and downstream connection duct is provided with a device having at least one
6
operating condition, such as an open position, which allows fluid to pass through the
corresponding connection duct, and an operating condition, such as a closed position,
which prevents fluid from passing through the corresponding connection duct, and
wherein in said standard operation, the devices, such as the selector valves, are
switched so that the second indirect piston may not move even following manual5
actuation, while the second electrically or electro-mechanically actuated piston is
translated to simultaneously actuate the at least one second braking device.
[0037] According to a possible embodiment, said processing and control unit is
programmed so that in back-up operation, it retracts or allows the retraction of the
second electrically or electro-mechanically actuated piston so as not to occlude the10
second by-pass duct and allow direct actuation of the second braking device by the
second manually actuated piston.
[0038] According to a possible embodiment, the processing and control unit is
programmed so that, in back-up operation, it switches devices, such as selector
valves, so that the second indirect piston may move according to the manual15
actuation.
[0039] According to a possible embodiment, said first and second braking devices
are arranged on different axles of the associated motorcycle.
[0040] According to a possible embodiment, said first hydraulic device and said
second hydraulic device are encompassed in the same pump body.20
[0041] According to a possible embodiment, said braking devices comprise disc
brakes and/or drum brakes.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0042] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become more
apparent from the following description of preferred and non-limiting embodiments25
thereof, in which:
[0043] Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of a braking system according to a first
embodiment of the present invention, in standard operating condition;
[0044] Fig. 2a,2b,2c represent schematic views of a braking system according to a
second embodiment of the present invention, in standard operating condition, in the30
shutdown condition of the BBW system, and in failure or back-up condition,
respectively;
7
[0045] Fig. 3 shows a schematic view of a braking system according to a third
embodiment of the present invention, in standard operating condition.
[0046] The elements or parts of elements common to the embodiments described
hereinafter will be indicated with the same reference numerals.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION5
[0047] With reference to the aforesaid figures, reference numeral 4 globally denotes
a braking system for a vehicle, in particular, for a motorcycle 8.
[0048] The braking system 4 for a motorcycle 8 comprises at least a first braking
device 12 operatively connectable to a first wheel 16 of the motorcycle 8, and
equipped with a first hydraulic supply circuit 20. The braking system 4 further10
comprises a first electric actuator 24 having first electrical or electro-mechanical
motor means operatively connected to a first electrically or electro-mechanically
actuated piston 28, fluidically connected to said first hydraulic supply circuit 20.
[0049] The connection between the electrical or electro-mechanical motor means and
the first electrically or electro-mechanically actuated piston 28 may be direct, or15
intermediate mechanical connections may be provided, such as gears, gearboxes,
linkages, and the like.
[0050] The electrically or electro-mechanically actuated first piston 28 is inserted
into the first hydraulic supply circuit 20 so as to be able to pressurize, if translated,
the fluid contained in said first hydraulic supply circuit and actuate the corresponding20
first braking device 12.
[0051] The braking system 4 comprises at least a first interface or input port 32
operatively connected to a first hydraulic device 36 equipped with a first manually
actuated piston 40. Usually, the first interface port 32 is operatively connected to a
lever device, usually on the handlebars of the motorcycle 8, or a foot pedal, usually25
near the foot pegs of the motorcycle 8.
[0052] The first manually actuated piston 40 is in hydraulic connection with the first
hydraulic supply circuit 20 through a first by-pass duct 44 and is arranged in series,
upstream, with the first electrically or electro-mechanically actuated piston 28.
[0053] The first manually actuated piston 40 is in turn subdivided into a first direct30
piston 41, directly connected to the first interface port 32, and a first indirect piston
42, in series with the first direct piston 41 and connected thereto by the interposition
8
of a first return spring 43. A first hydraulic chamber 45 is interposed between the first
direct piston 41 and the first indirect piston 42. In said configuration, the first indirect
piston 42, if it is free to move, pressurizes the fluid in the first hydraulic supply
circuit 20, in a hydraulic back-up condition.
[0054] The first hydraulic device 36 is also equipped with a first retainer 48 that5
forms a limit stop of the first indirect piston 42 as it approaches the first direct piston
41.
[0055] The braking system 4 comprises a hydraulic fluid reservoir 52 fluidically
connected to the first hydraulic chamber 45 interposed between the direct piston 41
and the indirect piston 42 by an upstream connecting duct 56 from the first indirect10
piston 42 and a downstream connecting duct 60 of the first indirect piston 42. In
addition, the hydraulic fluid reservoir 52 is fluidically connected directly to the first
by-pass duct 44 by a connecting or supply duct 94.
[0056] Preferably, the first retainer 48 is placed so as to prevent the first indirect
piston 42 from occluding the upstream connection duct 56.15
[0057] Preferably, each of said upstream connection duct 56 and downstream
connection duct 60 is provided with at least one device 86,64, respectively, capable
of preventing the advancement of the indirect piston 42 in one of its operating
conditions; in particular, the at least one device 86,64 provides for at least one
operating condition, such as an open position, that allows fluid to pass through the20
corresponding connection duct 56,60 and one operating condition, such as a closed
position, that prevents fluid from passing through the corresponding connection duct
56,60.
[0058] Preferably, the at least one device 64 provides for at least one operating
condition that prevents fluid from passing through the corresponding downstream25
connection duct 60, thereby preventing the advancement of the first indirect piston
42, and one operating condition that allows fluid to pass through the downstream
connection duct 60.
[0059] Preferably, the at least one device 86,64 may provide two operating
conditions wherein fluid is either prevented or allowed to pass through the30
corresponding upstream connection duct 56, in order to isolate the contribution of the
return spring 43 during operation in hydraulic back-up mode.
9
[0060] Preferably said at least one device 86,64 is a selector valve. According to one
embodiment, said at least one selector valve 86,64 is thus switched to allow
switching between the standard operating mode and the hydraulic back-up mode.
[0061] Preferably, said at least one selector valve 86,64 is operatively connected to a
processing and control unit 68 better described below.5
[0062] According to one possible embodiment, the at least one selector valve 86,64
also comprises a partially open position wherein it functions as a one-way valve that
allows fluid to flow only in one direction, specifically from the hydraulic fluid
reservoir 52 through the ducts 60 and 56 to the pistons 41 and 42.
[0063] Advantageously, the system is provided with a processing and control unit 68,10
operatively connected to a first interface port 32 and to said first electric actuator 24.
[0064] Said processing and control unit 68 is programmed so that in standard
operation, upon actuation of the first interface port 32, it translates the first
electrically or electro-mechanically actuated piston 28 so as to occlude the first by-
pass duct 44, fluidically disconnect the first manually actuated piston 40 from the15
first hydraulic supply circuit 20, and simultaneously actuate the at least one first
braking device 12.
[0065] Due to the fact that the first by-pass duct 44 is occluded, the user is unable to
directly modulate the actuation of the first braking device 12, which is instead
actuated by the first electrically or electro-mechanically actuated piston 28.20
[0066] Preferably, in said standard operation, said at least one selector valve 86,64 is
switched so that the indirect piston 42 may not move even following manual
actuation and remains in the end position defined by the first retainer 48, while the
first electrically or electro-mechanically actuated piston 28 is translated to actuate the
at least one first braking device 12 simultaneously.25
[0067] Further, according to one possible embodiment, the processing and control
unit 68 is programmed so that in back-up operation, it retracts or allows the retraction
of the first electrically or electro-mechanically actuated piston 28 so as not to occlude
the first by-pass duct 44 and allow the direct actuation of the first braking device 12
by the first manually actuated piston 40 when the first interface port 32 is actuated.30
[0068] Preferably, the processing and control unit 68 is programmed so that, in back-
up operation, it allows the switching of at least one selector valve 86,64 so that the
10
first indirect piston 42 may move according to manual actuation.
[0069] Preferably, said at least one selector valve 86,64 switches to the back-up
operating condition through an elastic element.
[0070] In other words, in the electrical fault or back-up condition, the user directly
actuates the first braking device 12 through the first interface port 32, ensuring that5
the motorcycle 8 may always be braked or stopped.
[0071] The first hydraulic supply circuit 20 may be fluidically connected to a pair of
first braking devices 12’,12’’, which may be connected to the same first wheel 16.
[0072] It is also possible to provide for the first supply circuit 20 to be fluidically
connected to a pair of braking devices 12’,12’’, connectable to said first wheel 1610
and a second wheel 76, respectively, arranged on different axles of the motorcycle 8.
[0073] According to a further embodiment of the present invention (Fig. 2a-2c) the
braking system 4 comprises at least one second input port 92, separate from the first
input port 32, and operatively connected to a second hydraulic device 96 equipped
with a second manually actuated piston 100.15
[0074] The second manually actuated piston 100 is hydraulically connected to said
first indirect piston 42 (which in turn is connected to the first manually actuated
piston 41) through a second by-pass duct 104, and is arranged in series, upstream,
with the first indirect piston 42. The first indirect piston 42 is in turn fluidically
connected with the first hydraulic supply circuit 20 through which it actuates the first20
braking device 12 and/or the second braking device 72.
[0075] Preferably, said first and second hydraulic devices 36,96 are incorporated into
the same hydraulic device.
[0076] According to a possible embodiment, the first braking device 12 is
operatively connected to said first wheel 16 of a first single axle of the motorcycle 8,25
and a second braking device 72 is operatively connected to a second wheel 76 of a
second axle of the motorcycle 8.
[0077] The second indirect piston 102 is in hydraulic connection with the first
indirect piston 42 through the second by-pass duct 104, and is arranged in series,
upstream, therewith.30
[0078] According to one possible embodiment, the second manually actuated piston
100 is in turn subdivided into a second direct piston 101, directly connected to the
11
second manually actuated device 92, and a second indirect piston 102, in series with
the second direct piston 101 and connected thereto by the interposition of a second
return spring 103. In such a configuration, the second indirect piston 102 pressurizes
the fluid in the second by-pass port 104. A second hydraulic chamber 105 is
interposed between the second direct piston 101 and the second indirect piston 102.5
[0079] The second hydraulic device 96 is also equipped with a second retainer 108
that forms a limit stop of the second indirect piston 102 as it approaches the second
direct piston 101.
[0080] The braking system 4 comprises, as seen, a hydraulic fluid reservoir 52
fluidically connected to the second hydraulic device 96 by an upstream duct 5610
connected to the second indirect piston 102 and a downstream duct 60 connected to
the second indirect piston 102.
[0081] Preferably, the second retainer 108 is placed so as to prevent the second
indirect piston 102 from occluding the upstream connection duct 56.
[0082] Preferably, each of said upstream connection duct 56 and downstream15
connection duct 60 is equipped with at least one selector valve 86,64 having at least
one operating condition, such as an open position, that allows fluid to pass through
the corresponding connection duct 56,60, and one operating condition, such as a
closed position, that prevents fluid from passing through the corresponding
connection duct 56,60. Said selector valves 64 are operatively connected to the20
processing and control unit 68.
[0083] According to a possible embodiment, the at least one selector valve 86,64
also comprises a partially open position wherein it functions as a one-way valve that
allows fluid to flow only in one direction, specifically from the hydraulic fluid
reservoir 52 to the second hydraulic device 96.25
[0084] According to a further embodiment of the present invention (Fig. 3), the
braking system 4 for a motorcycle 8 comprises at least one second braking device 72
operatively connected to a second wheel 76 of the motorcycle 8, and provided with a
second hydraulic supply circuit 80 fluidically separated from the first hydraulic
supply circuit 20.30
[0085] The braking system 4 comprises a second electric actuator 84 having second
electric motor means operatively connected to a second electrically or electro-
12
mechanically actuated piston 88 fluidically connected to said second supply circuit
80 and at least a second manually actuated device 92 operatively connected to a
second hydraulic device 96 equipped with a second manually actuated piston 100.
[0086] The second manually actuated piston 100 is in hydraulic connection with said
second supply circuit 80 by a second by-pass duct 104, and is arranged in series,5
upstream, with the second electrically or electro-mechanically actuated piston 88.
[0087] The processing and control unit 68 is operatively connected to the second
interface port 92 and to said second electric actuator 84 and is programmed so that, in
standard operation, when the second interface port 92 is actuated, it translates the
second electrically or electro-mechanically actuated piston 88 so as to occlude the10
second by-pass duct 104, fluidically disconnect the second manually actuated piston
100 from the second supply circuit 80, and actuate the second braking device 72.
[0088] Due to the fact that the second by-pass duct 104 is occluded, the user is
unable to directly modulate the actuation of the second braking device 72 which is
instead actuated by the second electrically or electro-mechanically actuated piston 88.15
[0089] Preferably, in said standard operation, the at least one selector valve 86,64 is
switched so that the second indirect piston 102 may not move even as a result of the
manual actuation and remains in the end position defined by the second retainer 108,
while the second electrically or electro-mechanically actuated piston 88 is translated
to actuate simultaneously the at least one second braking device 72.20
[0090] Said processing and control unit 68 is programmed so that in back-up
operation, it retracts or allows the retraction of the position of the second electrically
or electro-mechanically actuated piston 88 so as not to occlude the second by-pass
duct 104 and to allow direct actuation of the second braking device 72 by the second
manually actuated piston 100.25
[0091] Preferably, the processing and control unit 68 is programmed so that, in back-
up operation, it allows the switching of at least one selector valve 86,64 so that the
second indirect piston 102 may move according to the manual actuation.
[0092] Preferably, said first and second braking devices 12,72 are arranged on
different axles of the associated motorcycle.30
[0093] Preferably, said first and second hydraulic devices 36,96 are encompassed in
the same pump body.
13
[0094] Preferably, said braking devices 12,72 comprise disc brakes and/or drum
brakes.
[0095] The first manually actuated piston 40 is in hydraulic connection with the first
hydraulic supply circuit 20 through the first by-pass duct 44, and is arranged in series,
upstream, with the first electrically or electro-mechanically actuated piston 28.5
[0096] According to one possible embodiment, the first manually actuated piston is
in turn subdivided into a first direct piston 41, directly connected to the first interface
port 32, and a first indirect piston 42, in series with the first direct piston 41 and
connected thereto by the interposition of a first return spring 43. In this configuration,
the first indirect piston 42 pressurizes the fluid in the first hydraulic supply circuit 20.10
[0097] The first hydraulic device 36 is also equipped with a first retainer 48 that
forms a limit stop of the first indirect piston 42 as it approaches the first direct piston
41.
[0098] The braking system 4 comprises a hydraulic fluid reservoir 52 fluidically
connected to the first hydraulic device 36 by an upstream duct 56 connected to the15
first indirect piston 42 and a downstream duct 60 connected to the first indirect
piston 42. More specifically, the hydraulic fluid reservoir 52 is fluidically connected
to the hydraulic chamber 45 interposed between the first direct piston 41 and the first
indirect piston 42.
[0099] Further, the hydraulic fluid reservoir 52 is fluidically connected directly to the20
second by-pass duct 104 via a connection or supply duct 194. Preferably, the first
retainer 48 is placed so as to prevent the first indirect piston 42 from occluding the
upstream connection duct 56.
[00100] Preferably, at least one of said upstream connection duct 56 and
downstream connection duct 60 is equipped with at least one device, such as a25
selector valve 64,86 capable of preventing the advancement of the first indirect
piston 42 in one of its operating conditions, having at least one operating condition,
such as an open position, that allows fluid to pass through the corresponding
connection duct 56,60 and one operating condition, such as a closed position, that
prevents fluid from passing through the corresponding connection duct 56,60.30
[00101] For example, the at least one device 64 provides for at least one
operating condition that prevents fluid from passing through the corresponding
14
downstream connection duct 60, thereby preventing the advancement of the first
indirect piston 42 and one operating condition that allows fluid to pass through the
downstream connection piston 60.
[00102] Preferably, the at least one device 86,64 may provide two operating
conditions under which the fluid is either prevented or allowed to pass through the5
corresponding upstream connection duct 56 in order to isolate the contribution of the
return spring 43 during operation in hydraulic back-up mode.
[00103] Said at least one selector valve 64,86 is operatively connected to a
processing and control unit 68 better described below.
[00104] According to a possible embodiment, the at least one selector valve10
86,64 also comprises a partially open position wherein it functions as a one-way
valve that allows fluid flow only in one direction, specifically from the hydraulic
fluid reservoir 52 to the first hydraulic device 36.
[00105] According to an embodiment, the second manually actuated piston
100 is in turn subdivided into a second direct piston 101, directly connected to the15
second manual actuating device 92, and a second indirect piston 102, in series with
the second direct piston 101 and connected thereto by the interposition of a second
return spring 103. In this configuration, the second indirect piston 102 pressurizes the
fluid in the second hydraulic supply circuit 80.
[00106] The second hydraulic device 96 is also equipped with a second20
retainer 108 that forms a limit stop of the second indirect piston 102 as it approaches
the second direct piston 101.
[00107] As may be appreciated from that which is described, the present
invention overcomes the drawbacks of the prior art.
[00108] Specifically, the braking system of the present invention allows the25
hydraulic back-up to be operated from both the controls (lever and brake pedal) in
case of failure of the E/E system (ECU, actuators, sensors, etc.) or in case of power
failure (disconnected battery) in combination with an actuation of the partially fluid-
free braking system (at least one DRY caliper).
[00109] Finally, the present invention enables the provision of braking systems30
compatible with electric vehicles (blending with regenerative braking, residual torque
reduction).
15
[00110] A person skilled in the art, for the purpose of satisfying contingent and
specific needs, may make numerous modifications and variations to the braking
systems and motorcycles described above, all of which are, however, contained in the
present invention as mechanical and/or functional equivalents.
[00111] The scope of protection of the invention is defined by the following5
claims.
16
WE CLAIM:
1. A braking system (4) for a motorcycle (8) comprising:
- at least a first braking device (12) operatively connected to a first wheel (16) of the
motorcycle (8), and provided with a first hydraulic supply circuit (20),
- a first electric actuator (24) having first motor means, electrically or electro-5
mechanically actuated and operatively connected to a first electrically or electro-
mechanically actuated piston (28) fluidically connected to said first hydraulic supply
circuit (20),
- at least one first interface or input port (32) operatively connected to a first
hydraulic device (36) provided with a first manually operated piston (40),10
- wherein the first manually operated piston (40) is subdivided into a first direct
piston (41), directly connected to the first interface port (32), and a first indirect
piston (42), in series with the first direct piston (41), connected to it by the
interposition of a first return spring (43),
- the first indirect piston (42) being hydraulically connected to said first hydraulic15
supply circuit (20) through a first by-pass duct (44), and arranged in series, upstream,
with the first electrically or electro-mechanically actuated piston (28),
- wherein the braking system (4) comprises a hydraulic fluid reservoir (52) fluidically
connected to the first hydraulic device (36) by a connection duct (56) upstream of the
first indirect piston (42) and a connection duct (60) downstream of the first indirect20
piston (42),
- wherein the braking system (8) is provided with a processing and control unit (68),
operatively connected to said first electric actuator (24), programmed so that:
- in standard operation, upon actuation of the first interface port (32), the first
electrically or electro-mechanically operated piston (28) translates so as to occlude25
the first by-pass duct (44), fluidically disconnect the first manually operated piston
(40) from the first hydraulic supply circuit (20), and simultaneously operate the at
least one first braking device (12).
2. The braking system (4) for a motorcycle (8) according to claim 1, wherein at least
one of said upstream connection duct (56) and downstream connection duct (60) is30
provided with at least one device (64,84) having at least one operating condition,
which allows fluid to pass through the corresponding connection duct (56,60), and an
17
operating condition, such as a closed position, which prevents the passage of fluid
through the corresponding connection duct (56,60), and wherein in said standard
operation, said device (64,84) is switched so that the indirect piston (42) cannot
move even following manual actuation and remains in an end stop position, while the
first electrically or electro-mechanically actuated piston (28) is translated to5
simultaneously actuate the at least one first braking device (12).
3. The braking system (4) for a motorcycle (8) according to claim 2, wherein the at
least one device (86,64) provides for two operating conditions in which the passage
of fluid through the corresponding upstream connection duct (56) is prevented or
allowed, in order to isolate the contribution of the first return spring (43) during10
operation in hydraulic back-up mode.
4. The braking system (4) for a motorcycle (8) according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein
the processing and control unit (68) is programmed so that in back-up mode, it
retracts or allows the retraction of the first electrically or electro-mechanically
actuated piston (28) so as not to occlude the first by-pass duct (44) and to allow15
direct actuation of the first braking device (12) by the first manually actuated piston
(40), when the first interface port (32) is actuated.
5. The braking system (4) for a motorcycle (8) according to claim 4 in combination
with claim 2, wherein the processing and control unit (68) is programmed such that,
in said back-up mode, it switches the at least one device (64,84) so that the first20
indirect piston (42) may move according to the manual actuation.
6. The braking system (4) for a motorcycle (8) according to any one of the claims
from 1 to 5, wherein the first hydraulic supply circuit (20) is fluidically connected to
a pair of first braking devices (12',12'') connectable to the same first wheel (16).
7. The braking system (4) for a motorcycle (8) according to any one of the claims25
from 1 to 5, wherein the first hydraulic supply circuit (20) is fluidically connected to
a pair of first braking devices (12',12'') connectable to said first wheel (16) and a
second wheel (76) respectively, arranged on different axles of the motorcycle (8).
8. The braking system (4) for a motorcycle (8) according to any one of the claims
from 1 to 5, wherein the braking system (4) comprises at least a second manually30
operated device (92), separate from the first interface port (32), and operatively
connected to a second hydraulic device (96) provided with a second manually
18
operated piston (100),
- wherein the second manually operated piston is hydraulically connected to said first
indirect piston (42) through a second by-pass duct (104), and is arranged in series,
upstream, with the first indirect piston (42) which is in turn fluidically connected to
the first hydraulic supply circuit (20) through which it operates the first braking5
device (12) and/or a second braking device (72).
9. The braking system (4) for a motorcycle (8) according to claim 8, wherein the
second manually operated piston (100) is in turn subdivided into a second direct
piston (101), directly connected to the second manual operating device (92), and a
second indirect piston (102), in series with the second direct piston (101) and10
connected therewith by the interposition of a second return spring (103).
10. The braking system (4) for a motorcycle (8) according to claim 9, wherein the
second indirect piston (102) is in hydraulic connection with the first indirect piston
(42) via the second by-pass duct (104), and is arranged in series, upstream, therewith.
11. The braking system (4) for a motorcycle (8) according to claim 8, 9 or 10,15
wherein the first braking device (12) is operatively connectable to said first wheel
(16) of a first single axle of the motorcycle (8) and a second braking device (72) is
operatively connectable to a second wheel (76) of a second axle of the motorcycle
(8).
12. The braking system (4) for a motorcycle (8) according to any of the claims from 820
to 11, wherein said first and second hydraulic devices (36, 96) are encompassed in
the same pump body.
13. The braking system (4) for a motorcycle (8) according to any of the claims from 1
to 5, wherein the system comprises:
- at least a second braking device (72) operatively connected to a second wheel (76)25
of the motorcycle (8), and provided with a second hydraulic supply circuit (80),
fluidically separate from the first hydraulic supply circuit (20),
- a second electric actuator (84) having second electric motor means operatively
connected to a second electrically or electro-mechanically actuated piston (88)
fluidically connected to said second supply circuit (80),30
- at least one second manually actuated device (92) operatively connected to a second
hydraulic device (96) provided with a second manually actuated piston (100),
19
- wherein the second manually actuated piston (100) is hydraulically connected to
said second supply circuit (80) via a second by-pass duct (104), and is arranged in
series, upstream, with the second electrically or electro-mechanically actuated piston
(88),
- wherein the processing and control unit (68), is operatively connected to the second5
interface port (92) and to said second electric actuator (84), programmed so that:
- in standard operation, upon actuation of the second interface port (92), the second
electrically or electro-mechanically actuated piston (88) translates so as to occlude
the second by-pass duct (104), fluidically disconnect the second manually actuated
piston (100) from the second supply circuit (80), and actuate the second braking10
device (72).
14. The braking system (4) for a motorcycle (8) according to claim 13, wherein at
least one of said upstream connection duct (56) and downstream connection duct (60)
is provided with a device (64,84) having at least one operating condition, which
allows fluid to pass through the corresponding connection duct (56,60), and an15
operating condition, such as a closed position, which prevents the passage of fluid
through the corresponding connection duct (56,60), and wherein in said standard
operation, said at least one device (64,84) is switched so that the second indirect
piston (102) may not move even following manual actuation, while the second
electrically or electro-mechanically actuated piston (88) is moved to simultaneously20
actuate the at least one second braking device (72).
15. The braking system (4) for a motorcycle (8) according to claim 13 or 14, wherein
said processing and control unit is programmed so that in back-up mode, it retracts or
allows the retraction of the second electrically or electro-mechanically actuated
piston (88) so as not to occlude the second by-pass duct (104) and to allow direct25
actuation of the second braking device (72) by the second manually actuated piston
(100).
16. The braking system (4) for a motorcycle (8) according to claim 15 in combination
with claim 14, wherein the processing and control unit (68) is programmed such that,
in back-up mode, it switches the at least one device (64,84) so that the second30
indirect piston (102) may move in accordance with the manual actuation.
17. The braking system (4) for a motorcycle (8) according to claim 13, 14, 15 or 16,
20
wherein said first and second braking devices are placed on different axles of the
associable motorcycle.
18. The braking system (4) for a motorcycle (8) according to any of the claims from
13 to 17, wherein said first and second hydraulic devices are encompassed in the
same pump body.5
19. The braking system (4) for a motorcycle (8) according to any of the claims from 1
to 18, wherein said braking devices comprise disc brakes and/or drum brakes.
20. A motorcycle (8) comprising a braking system (4) according to any of the claims
from 1 to 19.