WO2018104833A1

WO2018104833A1 - Synchronized braking system

Info

Publication number: WO2018104833A1
Application number: PCT/IB2017/057571
Authority: WO
Inventors: Arumugam AGATHIYAN; Balaguru Sridhar; Shanmugam MOHAN; Rengarajan Babu
Original assignee: Tvs Motor Company Limited
Priority date: 2016-12-05
Filing date: 2017-12-01
Publication date: 2018-06-14
Also published as: CN110023184B; CN206938984U; BR112019011441A2; CN110023184A

Abstract

The present subject matter provides a braking system (200). An independent brake lever (205) is pivoted about a first hinge axis (X-X0). The independent brake lever (205) is capable of abutting an actuation member (215A) and is capable of actuating the front wheel brake (120). A secondary lever (210) pivoted about a second hinge axis (Y-Y0) is functionally connected to the synchronous brake lever (230) through a secondary cable (225). The secondary lever (210) is capable of abutting said actuation member (215A) for actuating the front wheel brake (120). The secondary lever (210) and the independent brake lever (205) are capable of moving independent of each other for actuating the front wheel brake (120) through the actuation member (215A).

Description

SYNCHRONIZED BRAKING SYSTEM

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present subject matter, in general, relates to a braking system, and, in particular relates, to a synchronized braking system of a two- wheeled vehicle.

BACKGROUND

[0002] In the last few decades, two-wheeler automobile industry has shown a remarkable growth and development, in terms of technology as well as sales. Due to consistent advancement in technology, two-wheeled vehicles, such as bicycles, motorcycles, scooters and light-weight scooters, have succeeded in maintaining their popularity among different sections of society. Different sections of society, based on their requirement, utilize the two-wheeled vehicles for various purposes, such as a recreational activity, a means of transportation, and for sports activities. As a result, it becomes pertinent for the two-wheeler automobile industry to constantly develop and modify the components of the two-wheeled vehicles to suit requirements of different riders.

[0003] Generally, two-wheeled vehicles are provided with a pair of mechanically operated drum brakes. However, with the advent of braking technology, hydraulically operated drum brakes and disc brakes have come to use. Also, in some applications disc brake is installed on both front and rear wheels. Typically, two-wheeled vehicles with disc brakes installed only on to front wheels are most commonly used. However, such a determination of whether to use two disc brakes or one disc brake is primarily based on the capacity of the vehicle and the maximum load capable of being carried by the vehicle. Generally, for lesser capacity vehicles that are not expected to reach very high speed levels, a single disc brake is provided, preferably, on to the front wheel of the vehicle.

[0004] In accordance with the aforementioned ideology, various types of braking systems have been developed for facilitating braking functionalities in the two-wheeled vehicles. Conventionally, braking systems that allow simultaneous actuation of a front brake and a rear brake upon application of a single brake lever have gained widespread popularity across the globe. Such, simultaneous actuation of the front wheel brake and the rear wheel brake is performed by a braking system. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components.

[0006] Fig. 1 (a) depicts an exemplary two-wheeled vehicle 100 with selective parts, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0007] Fig. 1 (b) illustrates a schematic layout of the braking system of the two- wheeled vehicle 100, in accordance with the embodiment as depicted in Fig. 1 (a).

[0008] Fig. 2 (a) illustrates an isometric view of the synchronized braking system 200, in accordance with the embodiment of Fig. 1 (b).

[0009] Fig. 2 (b) depicts an isometric view of the front brake lever 205, in accordance with the embodiment of Fig. 2 (a).

[00010] Fig. 2 (c) depicts a secondary lever 210 of the synchronized braking system 200, in accordance with the embodiment of Fig. 2 (a).

[00011] Fig. 2 (d) depicts the holder member 220 of the synchronized braking system 200, in accordance with the embodiment of Fig. 2 (a).

[00012] Fig. 3 (a) depicts an enlarged side view of the synchronized braking system, in accordance with the embodiment of Fig. 2 (a).

[00013] Fig. 3 (b) depicts a top view of the synchronized braking system 200, in accordance with the embodiment as depicted in Fig. 3 (a).

[00014] Fig. 3 (c) depicts a bottom view of the synchronized braking system 200, in accordance with the embodiment as depicted in Fig. 3 (b).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[00015] Conventionally, two-wheeled vehicles, similar to any motor vehicles, are provided with a braking system for slowing or stopping the vehicle. The braking system, usually, includes at least one brake assembly, such as a front wheel brake assembly and a rear wheel brake assembly for a front wheel and a rear wheel, respectively. Such brake assemblies may include, but are not limited to a cam lever, a cam pin, and a pair of friction liners/brake shoes or a brake caliper with frictional pads, and a brake disc. Further, each of the front wheel brake assembly and the rear wheel brake assembly is connected to a brake lever for actuation. For example, the brake lever may be coupled to a pair of friction liners/brake shoes for applying friction to each wheel of the two-wheeled vehicle, as and when the brake lever is actuated. The brake lever can be connected to the brake assembly in a variety of ways. For example, the brake lever can be connected to the brake assembly by means of a cable. In such a case, one end of the cable may be secured to the brake assembly, and the other end of the cable may be secured to the brake lever. In another case, the brake lever can be connected to the brake assembly through a hydraulic means. This is generally applicable for disc brakes. Consequently, actuation of the brake lever may result in actuation of the brake assembly and subsequently, the brake may be applied.

[00016] Generally, the front wheel and the rear wheel are provided with separate braking systems. Conventional two-wheeler and three wheeler braking systems usually include either hand-operated brakes for both the wheels or include a combination of hand-operated and foot-operated brakes. In the latter case, generally, the front wheel brakes are hand-operated, and include a front brake lever mounted on a handle of the two-wheeled vehicle for actuation, whereas the rear wheel brakes can be foot-operated by a synchronous brake lever provided near a foot-rest of the rider.

[00017] Usually, during operation of the brakes, riders apply the rear wheel brake alone. Such a practice stems from the fact that actuating both the brake levers at the same time may be inconvenient for the rider. In addition, when the front wheel brake is applied, with less load on the front wheel prior to braking and sudden weight transfer towards the front wheel causes the front wheel to brake rapidly, and may result in a sudden jerk to the vehicle. The sudden jerk may affect the ride quality and may disturb the balance and stability of the vehicle leading to an accident. However, on the other hand, the braking force applied for braking the rear wheel may have to be limited, to prevent skidding of the vehicle. As a result, the deceleration experienced by the vehicle may also be limited and subsequently, the stopping distance of the vehicle may be significantly large.

[00018] Conventionally, in order to address the above-mentioned concerns, braking systems that allow simultaneous actuation of a front brake and a rear brake by application of a single brake lever have been developed. Such braking system is capable of uniting the braking operation of both the front wheel brake and the rear wheel brake with the help of a single brake lever, for example the synchronous brake lever. Accordingly, upon actuation of the single brake lever, such a braking system may allow distribution of braking force to the front wheel as well as the rear wheel of the vehicle. Therefore, the front wheel brake and the rear wheel brake can be simultaneously applied by actuating one brake lever, for example, the synchronous brake lever. In addition to being convenient for the rider, such braking systems may ensure that the deceleration of the vehicle can be increased and subsequently, the stopping distance may be reduced. Further, as would be understood, in two-wheeled vehicles with such braking systems, a front brake lever may also be provided to independently operate the front wheel brake.

[00019] Further, in such braking systems, each cable from each of the front brake lever and the synchronous brake lever may be connected to the front wheel brake assembly as the front wheel brake assembly is operated by application of either of the brake levers.

[00020] Furthermore, in vehicles with front wheel brake assembly being a disc brake type, a hydraulic fluid dispensing member is mounted in the vicinity of the front brake lever for actuating a hydraulically operated disc brake. This enables the front brake lever to actuate the hydraulic fluid dispensing member for dispensing requisite amount of hydraulic fluid whenever front wheel brake is applied. Also, while actuating the front wheel brake by means of the synchronous brake lever in such braking systems, it is essential to actuate the hydraulic fluid dispensing member. Hence, in order to actuate the hydraulic fluid dispensing member when the synchronous brake lever is applied, a cable from the synchronous brake lever is connected to the hydraulic fluid dispensing member.

[00021] However, such conventional braking systems that allows simultaneous actuation of a front brake and a rear brake by application of a single brake lever having a front disc brake known in the prior art has several limitations. The conventional braking systems that allow simultaneous actuation of a front brake and a rear brake by application of a single brake lever includes plurality of components. Especially, various moving and sliding components are provided which are subject to wear and tear as brakes are frequently used, especially during traffic conditions. For example, in some applications a sliding pin is used, which is an intermediate component, that is sliding during operation of brake. Such sliding pin and other components that are subjected to wear and tear of the components of the braking system reduce the effectiveness of braking with time. This affects the ridabilty of the vehicle, as brakes are one of the important safety features of the vehicle. Also, presence of various intermediate components in the braking system affects the actuation of the independent brake lever. Moreover, presence of multiple components increases the cost of the system.

[00022] Moreover, in vehicles with the braking system employed on the handle bar, it is cumbersome and difficult during assembly or during maintenance of the braking system. Moreover, presence of multiple components that are subjected to wear and tear further complicates the adjustment process.

[00023] Thus, there is a need for providing a braking system that is reliable and at the same time cost effective. Therefore, the present subject matter is aimed at addressing the aforementioned and other problems in the prior art.

[00024] Hence, the present subject matter provides a synchronized braking system. The synchronized braking system includes a front brake lever hinged/pivoted at a first hinge portion about a first hinge axis and the front brake lever includes a lever arm directly abutting an actuation member of the front wheel brake. A secondary lever is hinged at a second hinge portion about a second hinge axis away from said first hinge axis and the secondary lever is functionally connected to synchronous brake lever. The secondary lever includes a secondary arm directly abutting the actuation member of the front wheel brake. The secondary lever and the front brake lever are capable of moving independent of each other for actuating the actuation member of the front wheel brake.

[00025] It is a feature of the present subject matter, that the synchronized braking system enables actuation of at least two brakes installed on different wheels by the operation of a single control, which is the synchronous brake lever. Moreover, the front lever is capable of independently actuating only the front brake lever.

[00026] It is another feature that the present subject matter uses a single fluid dispensing member with a single actuation member, which is a piston. Therefore, the synchronized braking system is compact because of use of fluid dispending member and is also cost effective. Further feature being, a single front brake hose/cable is used. Therefore, actuation of the synchronous brake lever or the independent brake lever, the braking forces are transmitted to the front wheel brake through the single front brake hose. Thus, the system is costs effective as it requires a single front brake hose and is also compact.

[00027] It is an aspect of the present subject matter that, the secondary lever is movable independent of the independent brake lever, which is independent brake lever, thereby reducing interdependency of the braking system. As the front brake lever and the secondary lever can directly actuate the actuation member without the need for intermediate members or one lever acting on another. It is an advantage that intermediate sliding and moving components are reduced.

[00028] It is another advantage of the present subject matter that the cost of system is reduced as the number of parts is reduced.

[00029] It is yet another advantage that the assembly and maintenance of the system is easy as the front brake lever is operated independent of the remaining synchronized braking system.

[00030] It is a feature of the present subject matter, that the second hinge portion is disposed away from the first hinge portion to improve the brake force transfer. It is one aspect that the secondary lever is connected to the secondary cable that is hinged at the second hinge portion to transfer optimum brake force by maintaining the lever ratio as desired. It is an advantage of the present subject matter that a pre-determined brake force is transferred to the actuation member of the front wheel brake thereby eliminating any sudden braking or locking of the front wheel.

[00031] In another implementation, the second hinge portion is provided on an additional arm of the fluid dispensing member, which is referred to as a holder member. Therefore, the first hinge portion and the second hinge portion are effectively provided on the fluid dispensing member assembly. However, the first hinge portion is disposed away from the second hinge portion thereby keeping the synchronized braking system compact as the single hinge point may produce unbalanced force couple. In a preferred implementation, the hinge portion(s) coincides with portion the hinge axes, whereby the hinge portion is analogous to hinge axis in terms of location.

[00032] It is yet another feature that the front brake lever and the secondary lever are directly abutting the actuation member of a master cylinder thereby eliminating any loss of braking forces. Also, the number of components is kept minimal to reduce wear out of number of components.

[00033] The lever arm of the independent brake lever and the secondary arm of the secondary lever are provided parallel to each other at the actuation member whereby any of the arms can move independent of each other.

[00034] In an implementation, the lever arm that abuts the actuation member is provided with a slit portion and the secondary arm of the secondary lever is movable thereat.

[00035] In one implementation, the lever arm is disposed at an offset to center of the independent brake lever and the secondary is also disposed at offset at the gap formed by the lever arm. This enables independent movement of each arm.

[00036] The present subject matter is not limited to two-wheeled vehicle. As the present subject matter in essence is applicable to a motor vehicle with one or more front wheels and a rear wheel, or a motor vehicle with a front wheel and one or more rear wheels. Therefore, the motor vehicles include a scooter type vehicle, a motorcycle type vehicle, a trike, or an auto-rickshaw. Moreover, the current subject matter is applicable to a three wheeled vehicle provided with the disc brake on the front wheel and the drum brake on the pair of rear wheels, which is referred to as auto-rickshaw.

[00037] These and other advantages of the present subject matter would be described in greater detail in conjunction with the figures in the following description.

[00038] Fig. 1 (a) depicts an exemplary two-wheeled vehicle 100 with selective parts, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The vehicle 100 includes a frame assembly 105 supporting a front wheel 110 and a rear wheel 115. The front wheel 110 and the rear wheel 115 are rotatably supported by front suspension system 145 and the rear suspension system (not shown). In one embodiment, the rear wheel 115 is additionally supported by a swingarm (not shown). The front wheel 110 is provided with a front wheel brake 120 and the rear wheel 115 is provided with a rear wheel brake 125 (shown in Fig. 1 (b)). The terms front wheel 110 and the front wheel brake 120 are not limiting and includes more than one front wheel or more than one front wheel brake as and where applicable. Similarly, the terms rear wheel 115 and the rear wheel brake 125 are not limiting and includes more than one rear wheel or more than one rear wheel brake as and where applicable. In the present embodiment, the front wheel brake 120 is a hydraulically operated disc brake 120. In the following description, the front wheel brake 120 is interchangeably referred to as disc brake 120. The synchronized braking system 200 includes a synchronous brake lever 230 of a rear brake assembly 140 for actuating both the front wheel brake 120 and the rear wheel brake 125. A front brake lever 205 of the synchronized braking system 200 is capable of actuating only the front wheel brake 120. Therefore, the front bake lever 205 is interchangeably referred to as an independent brake lever 205. In one implementation, the front brake lever 205 and the synchronous brake lever 230 may be disposed on one end and other end of a handle bar H of the vehicle 100. In a preferred implementation, the front brake lever 205 and the synchronous brake lever 230 are disposed on right-hand side and a left-hand side of the handle bar H, respectively. The handle bar H is functionally connected to the front wheel 110 through the front suspensions 145 and is rotatably about the frame assembly 105 for steering the vehicle 100. In another implementation (not shown), the front brake lever 205 may be used as the synchronous brake lever for applying the front wheel brake 120 jointly with the rear wheel brake 125, while other brake lever is used to independently apply the rear wheel brake 125.

[00039] The vehicle 100 includes a power unit (not shown) that is either an internal combustion engine, traction motor or both that is functionally connected to at least one wheel of the vehicle 100.

[00040] Fig. 1 (b) illustrates a schematic layout of the braking system of the two- wheeled vehicle 100, in accordance with the embodiment as depicted in Fig. 1 (a). The front wheel brake 120 is a hydraulically operated front wheel brake 120. Further, the front brake lever 205 may be actuated to apply the front wheel brake 120. Rider may actuate the synchronous brake lever 230 for applying the rear wheel brake 125 as well as the front wheel brake 120. In the present implementation, the synchronous brake lever 230 is a hand operated lever mounted to the handle bar H. In another implementation, instead of providing the synchronous brake lever 230 on the handle bar H, a foot pedal (not shown) can serve as the brake lever to jointly apply braking forces on the front wheel brake 120 and the rear wheel brake 125.

[00041] Further, in the present embodiment, the rear brake assembly 140 includes a distributor (not shown) coupled with the rear brake lever 230. The distributor is connected to a secondary cable 225, which is functionally connecting the rear brake lever 230 to a hydraulic fluid dispensing member 215 (shown in Fig. 2 (a)) of the synchronized braking system 200. Hereinafter, the secondary cable 225 is interchangeably referred to as synchronized brake cable 225. The front brake lever 205 is functionally connected to the front brake 120 through a front brake cable 150 to independently actuate the front wheel brake 120. The term Dbrake cableD used herein includes a brake hose capable of transferring hydraulic force, or a metal cable movable within a sheathed cover for transferring mechanical force, as and where applicable.

[00042] Further, the secondary cable 225 is connected to the synchronized braking system 200 in such a manner so as to actuate the actuation member of the hydraulic fluid dispensing member, for example, a hydraulic fluid dispensing member 215 (shown in Fig. 2 (a)) that includes a hydraulic braking fluid for actuation of one or more caliper(s) of the front wheel brake 120. In an embodiment, the actuation of the front brake lever 205 and/or the secondary cable 225 causes a corresponding actuation of the hydraulic fluid dispensing member 215 that transmits braking forces to the front wheel brake 120 through the independent front brake cable 150 that is connected to the front wheel brake 120. In the depicted implementation, the front brake cable 150 is a hydraulic cable/hose, and the secondary cable 225 and the rear brake cable 155 are mechanical cables.

[00043] Fig. 2 (a) illustrates an isometric view of the synchronized braking system 200, in accordance with the embodiment of Fig. 1 (b). In the present implementation, the synchronized braking system (synchronized braking system) assembly 200 is mounted to the handle bar H that is connected to the front wheel 110. In one implementation, the synchronized braking system 200 is mounted on a column handle bar (not shown) by means of one or more handle bar mountings. The synchronized braking system 200 includes a hydraulic fluid dispensing member 215, for example, a master cylinder 215. Hereinafter, the terms fluid dispensing member 215 and master cylinder 215 are interchangeably used. The master cylinder 215 includes a reservoir 215R and an actuation member 215A. The front brake lever 205 is hinged/ pivoted to the master cylinder 215 and the front brake lever 205 is capable of actuating the actuation member 215 A during application of front brake lever 205. Further, the synchronized braking system 200 includes a secondary lever 210, which interchangeably referred to as a synchronized braking lever 210, which is supported by a holder member 220. The holder member 220 is fastened to the master cylinder 215 so as to secure the synchronized braking system 200 to the handle bar H. In other words, the holder member 220 and the master cylinder 215 are secured together to the handle bar H by fastening.

[00044] The holder member 220 is a rigid structure and hingedly supports the secondary lever 210. The secondary lever 210 is functionally connected to the secondary cable 225, wherein actuation of the synchronous brake lever 230 in turn creates pulling of the secondary cable 225 causing hinged motion of the secondary lever 210 thereby resulting in actuation of the master cylinder 215 through the actuation member 215A. As the master cylinder 215 is connected to the front wheel brake 120 through the front brake cable 150.

[00045] The following figures, Fig. 2 (b), Fig. 2 (c), and Fig. 2 (d) depicts the constructional features of the front brake lever 205, the secondary lever 210, and holder member 200 that enable appreciation of functioning of the synchronized braking system.

[00046] Fig. 2 (b) depicts an isometric view of the independent brake lever 205, in accordance with the embodiment of Fig. 2 (a). The independent brake lever 205 includes a hinge portion 205M through which the independent brake lever 205 is hinged to the master cylinder 215 (as depicted in Fig. 2 (a)). The independent brake lever 205 includes an extended portion, wherein during the actuation of the independent brake lever 205, user performs movement of the independent brake lever 205 about the hinge portion 205M. In an embodiment, the hinge portion 205M coincides with a first hinge axis X-XD of the independent brake lever 205, wherein the first hinge axis X-XD is the axis of rotation of the independent brake lever 205. In the present implementation, the independent brake lever 205 is rotated in a clock-direction, which is referred to as a first direction, for actuation of the front wheel brake 120.

[00047] Additionally, the independent brake lever 205 includes one or more lever arm(s) 205AA, 205AB (collectively referred to as 205A). In the present embodiment, the lever arm 205A includes a first lever arm 205 AA and a second lever arm 205 AB, which are spaced apart in a vertical direction. In normal condition, which is during a non-actuation state of the independent brake lever 205, the lever arm 205 A are either abutting or a clearance is provided with the actuation member 215A of the master cylinder 215. Further, the independent brake lever 205 is provided with an elastic member-mounting point 205 S, wherein one end of an elastic member S2 (shown in Fig. 3 (b)) is connected to the elastic member- mounting point 205S and the other end of the elastic member S2 is connected to master cylinder 215 to retract the independent brake lever 205 to a normal condition after release of the independent brake lever 205. In an embodiment, the elastic member S2 is a S2 spring. Also, the independent brake lever 205 is provided with a brake lamp actuating portion so that the actuation of the independent brake lever 205 triggers the brake lamp switch (not shown) that may be disposed adjacent to the independent brake lever 205.

[00048] In an embodiment, the lever arm 205A that abuts the actuation member 215A is provided with a slit portion SP and a secondary arm 210A of a secondary lever 210 is movable thereat without interfering with a lever arm 205 A of the independent brake lever 205. In a preferred implementation, the lever arm 205 A is integrally formed with the independent brake lever 205. The actuation member 210A is piston that is capable of displacing brake fluid for application of the brake. The actuation member 21 OA is retractable upon absence of external force and is movable about an axis P-PD . [00049] The present implementation provides an advantage that the lever arm(s) 205 AA, 205 AB are disposed symmetrically with respect to a vertical center of the independent brake lever 205 thereby providing uniform distribution of mass around the first hinge axis, which is the axis of rotation.

[00050] Fig. 2 (c) depicts a secondary lever 210 of the synchronized braking system 200, in accordance with the embodiment of Fig. 2 (a). The secondary lever 210 includes a hinge portion 210M through which the secondary lever 210 is mounted to the holder member 220 (as depicted in Fig. 2 (a)), wherein the secondary lever 210 is hingedly connected. The secondary lever 210 is hinged about a second hinge axis Y-YD . The second hinge axis Y-YD is about the hinge portion 210M. Further, the secondary lever 210 includes a cable mounting portion 2 IOC for connecting the secondary cable 225. One end of the secondary cable 225 (as shown in Fig. 1 (b)) is connected to the secondary lever 210 at the cable mounting portion 2 IOC and other end of the secondary cable 225 is functionally connected to the rear brake assembly 140. In the present implementation, the secondary cable 225 is a mechanical cable with a cylindrical member at the one end portion that is hingedly connected to the cable mounting portion 2 IOC. Further, the secondary lever 210 includes a secondary arm 21 OA that extends towards an actuating member 215A of the master cylinder 215. In normal condition, the secondary arm 21 OA abuts or maintains some clearance with the actuating member 215A of the master cylinder 215. During actuation of the synchronous brake lever 230, the secondary cable 225 is pulled whereby the secondary lever 210 is rotated to a certain angle about the second hinge axis Y-Y- YD (hinge portion 210M). The direction of rotation of the secondary lever 210 is in a second direction, which is anti-clock wise direction, during actuation of the secondary lever 210. Furthermore, in the assembled condition, the secondary arm 210A of the secondary lever 210 is accommodated at the slit portion SP of the independent brake lever 205. Therefore, there is no interference between the independent brake lever 205 and the secondary lever 210 during operation.

[00051] Fig. 2 (d) depicts the holder member 220 of the synchronized braking system 200, in accordance with the embodiment of Fig. 2 (a). The holder member 220 includes a mounting portion 220M that is capable of rotatably supporting the secondary lever 210. Further, the holder member 220 that is provided with a cylindrical concave profile C on the inner surface that enables mounting of the holder member 220 to the tubular handle bar H. However, in another embodiment, the profile is provided so as to match the profile of the handle bar H. Further, the holder member 220 is secured to the handlebar H by fastening the holder member 220 to the master cylinder 215. The holder member 220 is provided with one or more apertures 220AA, 220AB for mounting the synchronized braking system 200 to the handle bar H through the master cylinder 215. Also, the holder member 220 is provided with a protrusion 220P that restricts angular rotation of the master cylinder 215 securing the synchronized braking system 200 about the handle bar H. Also, the holder member 220 includes a guide portion 220G that guides the secondary cable 225 and eliminates any bending of the secondary cable 225, especially in case of mechanical cable.

[00052] Fig. 3 (a) depicts an enlarged side view of the synchronized braking system, in accordance with the embodiment of Fig. 2 (a). The synchronized braking system 200 includes the master cylinder 215 that is mounted to the handle bar H (as shown in Fig. 1 (a)). The master cylinder 215 includes the reservoir 215R that stores additional amount of actuation fluid and the actuation member 215A is disposed on one face of the master cylinder 215. Specifically, in the present implementation, the actuation member 215 A is provided on one lateral face/side AF of the reservoir 215R, which is facing laterally outward in an assembled condition thereof. Also, the master cylinder 215 includes a body portion 215B. The body portion 215B includes a mounting portion 215BM that rotatably supports the independent brake lever 205. The independent brake lever 205 is hinged to the body portion 215B of the master cylinder 215 and the independent brake lever 205 is hingedly movable about the first hinge axis X-XD . The first hinge axis X-XD coincides with the mounting portion 215BM. The lever arm 205 A of the independent brake lever 205 abuts the actuation member 215 A of the master cylinder 215.

[00053] Further, the synchronized braking system 200 is provided with the holder member 220 that is connected to the master cylinder 215 through one or more fasteners Fl , F2. The holder member 220 rotatably supports the secondary lever 210 that is connected to the secondary cable 225. The secondary lever 210 is rotatable about axis Y-YD . The secondary lever 210 is provided with a spring SI that enables in retracting the secondary lever 210 to an initial position, which is the position of the secondary lever before actuation of the synchronous brake lever 230.

[00054] The lever arm 205A of the independent brake lever 205 abuts the actuation member 215A of the master cylinder 215. Similarly, the secondary arm 210A of the secondary lever 210 abuts the actuation member of the master cylinder 215. However, the lever arm 205A and the secondary arm 210A are capable of actuating the actuating member 215A of the master cylinder 215 independent of each other. Moreover, the hinge axis X-XD of the independent brake lever 205 is away from the hinge axis Y-YD of the secondary lever 210. In the present implementation, the first lever arm 205 AA and the second lever arm 205 AB are disposed with vertical spacing. The secondary arm 21 OA of the secondary lever 210 extends towards the actuation member 215A and is disposed at the gap/ slit portion SP provided due to the vertical spacing of the first lever arm 205 AA and the second lever arm 205 AB, therebetween.

[00055] Further, the first hinge axis X-XD is disposed substantially parallel to the second hinge axis Y-YD in the synchronized braking system 200. This enables the braking system 200 to be compact as the hinge axes X-XD and Y-YD are disposed parallel to each other, the lever arm 205 A and the secondary arm 210A are substantially parallel to each other whereby the clearance between them can be kept optimum. Furthermore, the system 200 is compactly disposed as the said first hinge axis X-XD is disposed one side with respect to an imaginary plane passing through the piston axis P-PD (as shown in Fig. 2 (a)) and the second hinge axis Y- YD is disposed on other side of the imaginary plane. Therefore, the system 200 is compact and at the same time optimally disposed to provided interference free operation between the components and also to enable ease of assembly and maintenance.

[00056] Considering Fig. 3 (b) and Fig. 3 (c) in conjunction with Fig. 3 (a), the functioning of the synchronized braking system 200 is explained. Fig. 3 (b) depicts a top view of the synchronized braking system 200 and Fig. 3 (c) depicts a bottom view of the synchronized braking system 200, in accordance with the embodiment as depicted in Fig. 3 (a). The actuation of the independent brake lever 205 rotates the independent brake lever 205 in a clock-wise direction when viewed from the top of the vehicle about the hinge axis X-XD thereby enabling the lever arm 205 A to push the actuation member 215 A, which is similar to a piston, of the master cylinder 215. In an embodiment, the lever arm 205 A is affixed to the independent brake lever 205. In another embodiment, the lever arm 205 A is integrated with the independent brake lever 205. The actuation of the actuation member 215 A transfers hydraulic pressure from the master cylinder 215 to the front wheel brake 120 whereby the front wheel brake 120 is independently actuated.

[00057] During actuation of the synchronous brake lever 230, which is the rear brake lever 230, it rotates in an anti-clockwise direction, when viewed from top. The secondary cable 225 connected to the synchronous brake lever 230 is pulled away from the synchronized braking system 200. This pulling of the secondary cable 225 further pulls the secondary lever 210 rotating the secondary lever about the hinge axis Y-YD , in the anti-clockwise direction whereby the secondary arm 210A of the secondary lever 210 pushes the actuation member/ piston 215A of the master cylinder 215, wherein the secondary arm 21 OA moves independent of the lever arm 205A. In one embodiment, the secondary cable 225 is mechanical type that includes an inner metallic cable 2251 and outer sheath covering 225S. The inner metallic cable 2251 is slidable about the sheath covering 225S. End(s) of the sheath covering 225S are abutting the guide member 220G (shown in Fig. 2 (d)) and the inner metallic cable 2251 is sliding actuating the secondary lever 210. The In the present implementation, the secondary arm 21 OA moves in the gap provided between the first lever arm 205 AA and the second lever arm 205 AB. In another implementation, a single lever arm may be provided and the lever arm moves in a first plane parallel to another plane along which the secondary arm moves. Therefore, the actuation of the synchronous brake lever 230 actuates the rear wheel brake 125 and at the same time actuating the front wheel brake 120. Moreover, the secondary lever 210 moves independent of any other parts of the synchronized braking system 200. Also, the first hinge axis X-XD of the independent brake lever 205 is away from the second hinge axis Y-YD of the secondary lever 210 so as to improve the brake force transfer.

[00058] The master cylinder 215 includes an output port 216 to which the front brake cable/hose 150 is connected. Brake fluid from the master cylinder 215 is sent to caliper(s) of the disc brake 120 through the front brake hose 150 whereby the calipers apply friction on a brake disc mounted to the front wheel 110.

[00059] Also, the cable mounting portion 2 IOC is provided on the secondary lever 210 so as to maintain the lever ratio value less than equal to one. In the present implementation, the cable mounting portion 2 IOC is optimally provided on the secondary lever 210 to provide reduced lever ratio. This improves the ridabilty. Thus, the secondary lever 210 transfers the braking forces from the synchronous brake lever 230 so as to avoid any sudden braking of the front wheel brake 120.

[00060] Thus, the method of operation of a synchronized braking system 200 includes actuating the actuating member 215A of the master cylinder 215, functionally connected to the front wheel brake 120, through the independent brake lever 205 hinged about the first hinge axis X-XD upon application of the independent brake lever 205. Actuating of the actuating member 215A of the master cylinder 215 through the secondary lever 210 hinged about the second hinge axis Y-YD upon actuation of the synchronous brake lever 230. Enabling independent actuation of said actuation member 215 A by said independent brake lever 205 and said secondary lever 210. Thus, the front wheel brake 120 is actuated upon actuation of any of the brake levers

[00061] The synchronized braking system 200 described can be adapted to a vehicle with a pedal operated brake lever, wherein the essence of the present subject matter is adaptable to the braking system mounted at the pedal operated brake lever portion.

[00062] It is to be understood that the aspects of the embodiments are not necessarily limited to the features described herein. Many modifications and variations of the present subject matter are possible in the light of above disclosure. Therefore, within the scope of claims of the present subject matter, the present disclosure may be practiced other than as specifically described.

Claims

We claim:

1. A braking system (200) for a motor vehicle (100), the braking system (200) comprising:

a front wheel brake (120) capable of applying braking forces to at least one front wheel (110) of the motor vehicle (100);

at least one rear wheel brake (125) capable of applying braking forces to at least one rear wheel (115) of the motor vehicle (100); and a synchronous brake lever (230) adapted to synchronously actuate the rear wheel brake (120) through a rear brake cable (155) and the front wheel brake (120) through a secondary cable (225),

wherein

a fluid dispensing member (215) includes an actuation member (215 A) for actuating the front wheel brake (120), and said actuation member (215 A) is capable being actuated by an independent brake lever (205) and by a secondary lever (210), connected to said secondary cable

(225), independent of each other for actuating said front wheel brake (120).

2. The braking system (200) for the motor vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said independent brake lever (205) pivoted about a first hinge axis (X- XD) is capable of directly abutting said actuation member (215A), and a secondary lever (210) pivoted about a second hinge axis (Y-YD ) is capable of directly abutting said actuation member (215A), and said secondary lever (210) and said independent brake lever (205) are capable of moving independent of each other for actuating said actuation member (215A).

3. The braking system (200) for the motor vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said independent brake lever (205) includes a lever arm (205 A) abutting said actuation member (215A) of a fluid dispensing member (215), and said secondary lever (210) includes a secondary arm (210A) abutting said actuation member (215A), wherein said secondary arm (21 OA) and said lever arm (205 A) are capable of moving independent of each other for actuating said front wheel brake (120) through said actuation member (215A).

4. The braking system (200) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said synchronous brake lever (230) is disposed at end of a handle bar (H) rotatably supported by a frame assembly (105) of the motor vehicle (100) and said independent brake lever (205) is disposed at other end of the handle bar (H), said fluid dispensing member (215) is securely mounted to said handle bar (H) and is disposed in proximity to said independent brake lever (205), said lever arm (205A) of said independent brake lever (205) is extending towards said actuation member (215A) of said fluid dispensing member (215).

5. The braking system (200) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said secondary lever (210) is supported by said handle bar (H) and said second hinge axis (Y-YD) of said secondary lever (210) is disposed away from said first hinge axis (X-XD ), and wherein said actuation member (215 A) is disposed on one face (AF) of said fluid dispensing member (215) and is having a piston axis (P-PD) extending along direction of motion of said actuation member (215A), and said first hinge axis (X- XD) is disposed one side with respect to an imaginary plane passing through said piston axis (P-PD ) and said second hinge axis (Y-YD) is disposed on other side of said imaginary plane.

6. The braking system (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said independent brake lever (205) is mounted to a mounting portion (215BM) of the fluid dispensing member (215) and said first hinge axis (X-XD) is formed at said mounting portion (215BM), and wherein said first hinge axis (X-XD) is substantially parallel to said second hinge axis (Y-YD ), and wherein said secondary lever (210) is pivotally supported by a holder member (220) at a mounting portion (220M) thereof, said second hinge axis (Y-YD ) is at said mounting portion (220M), and said holder member (220) enables mounting of said fluid dispensing member (215) to said handle bar (H).

7. The braking system (200) as claimed in claim 1 or 6, wherein said holder member (220) includes a guide portion (220G) disposed away from said mounting portion (220M) and towards said synchronous brake lever (230), for supporting said secondary cable (225) whereby said secondary cable (225) is aligned with a cable mounting portion (2 IOC) of the secondary lever (210), and said cable mounting portion (210C) is disposed on said secondary lever (210) to provide a lever ratio less than or equal to one.

8. The braking system (200) as claimed in claim 3, wherein said lever arm (205A) is integrally formed with said independent brake lever (205), and said lever arm (205 A) includes a slit portion (SP) capable of accommodating at least a portion of said secondary arm (21 OA).

9. The braking system (200) as claimed in claim 1 or 8, wherein said secondary arm (21 OA) of the secondary lever (210) is capable of actuating said actuation member (215 A) moving independent of said lever arm (205 A) through said slit portion (SP) thereat, and wherein a direction of rotation of said secondary lever (210) during actuation of said actuation member (215 A) is either in same direction or in opposite direction to a direction of rotation of said independent brake lever (205).

10. A method of operation of a braking system (200) for a vehicle (100), said method comprising the steps of:

actuating an actuation member (215 A) of a fluid dispensing member (215), functionally connected to a front wheel brake (120), through an independent brake lever (205) pivoted about a first hinge axis (X-XD) upon application of said independent brake lever (205);

actuating said actuation member (215 A) of said fluid dispensing member (215) through a secondary lever (210) pivoted about a second hinge axis (220M) upon actuation of a synchronous brake lever (230); and enabling independent actuation of said actuation member (215 A) by said independent brake lever (205) and said secondary lever (210).