WO2018154428A1

WO2018154428A1 - Foot operated synchronized braking system

Info

Publication number: WO2018154428A1
Application number: PCT/IB2018/051018
Authority: WO
Inventors: Shanmugam MOHAN; Rengarajan Babu
Original assignee: Tvs Motor Company Limited
Priority date: 2017-02-23
Filing date: 2018-02-20
Publication date: 2018-08-30
Also published as: BR112019017623A2; PE20191255A1; BR112019017623B1; CN110520350B; IN201741006510A; CN110520350A

Abstract

The present subject matter provides a foot-operated synchronized braking system (200). A foot-operated brake lever (205) capable of synchronously transmitting brake actuating forces to both the rear wheel brake (135) and the front wheel brake (130). The foot-operated brake lever (205) is movably pivoted to a moving-pivot member (210) about a first pivot axis (F-FD). The brake lever (205) operatively connected to a first actuating member (215) for actuating any one brake of the brakes (130, 135). The moving-pivot member (210) operatively connected to a second actuating member (220) capable of actuating any other of the brakes (130, 135). The second actuating member (220) is actuated by pivotal reaction of the foot-operated brake lever (205) that is pivoted to the moving-pivot member (210). The present subject matter provides a compact foot-operated braking system that offers improved brake feel and improved stopping-distance of the vehicle (100).

Description

FOOT-OPERATED 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. Moreover, three-wheelers like trikes are also gaining popularity and tend to offer riding posture similar to the conventional two-wheelers. Due to consistent advancement in technology, two-wheeled vehicles, such as bicycles, motorcycles, scooters and lightweight 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] In accordance with the same 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.

[0004] 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, disc brakes have, or a combination of both have come to use. Also, in some applications disc brake is installed on both front and rear wheels. However, such a determination of whether to use two disc brakes or one is primarily based on the capacity of the vehicle and the maximum load capable of being carried by the vehicle. Generally, irrespective of the type of brake used, the brake can be actuated mechanically or hydraulically or by a combination of both. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

[0006] Fig. 1 illustrates a right side view of an exemplary a two-wheeled vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0007] Fig. 2 (a) illustrates a right side view of the synchronized braking system, in accordance with the embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0008] Fig. 2 (b) illustrates a perspective view of the synchronised braking system, in accordance with an embodiment as depicted in Fig 2 (a).

[0009] Fig. 2 (c) illustrates an exploded view of the synchronised braking system, in accordance with another embodiment as depicted in Fig. 2 (a).

[00010] Fig. 2 (d) illustrates another exploded view of the synchronized braking system with selected parts, in accordance with an embodiment as depicted in Fig. 2 (c).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[00011] Conventionally, two-wheeled or three-wheeled 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 hinge pin, and a pair of brake shoes. 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 brake shoes for applying friction to each wheel of the two-wheeled vehicle, as and when required. 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, a brake rod, or a hose. In such a case, one end may be secured to the brake assembly, and the other end may be secured to the brake lever. Consequently, actuation of the brake lever may result in actuation of the brake assembly and subsequently, the brake may be applied.

[00012] Generally, the front wheel and the rear wheel are provided with separate braking systems. During operation of the brakes, usually, 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, less weight on the front wheel and weight transfer towards the front wheel cause the front wheel to brake abruptly, 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.

[00013] 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 braking force transmitting member, for example a rear wheel brake actuating member. Accordingly, upon actuation of the single braking force transmitting member, such a braking system may allow application 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 a single braking force transmitting member, for example, the rear wheel brake actuating member. 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 saddle type vehicles with such braking systems, a front wheel brake lever may also be provided to independently operate the front wheel brake.

[00014] Conventional two-wheeler or 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 wheel brake lever mounted on a handle of the two-wheeled vehicle for actuation, whereas the rear wheel brakes can be foot-operated by a rear wheel brake pedal provided near a foot-rest of the rider.

[00015] Generally, the rear brake lever acts as a combined brake force transmitting member. Upon actuation of the combined braking force transmitting member, the braking force is distributed to the front wheel brake and the rear wheel brake. Conventional combined braking systems employ a large number of components and linkages to connect the combined brake lever to both the rear wheel brake assembly and the front wheel brake assembly. For example, prior art braking systems that involves simultaneous operation of front wheel brake and rear wheel brake includes an additional lever, which are often referred to as an equalizer, balancing element, or pulley and like, used to connect the combined braking force transmitting member to the brake actuating members like brake cables or brake rods,. Presence of such additional levers reduces the effective braking force. Especially, foot-operated braking systems involving longer brake actuating members are further subjected to transmission loss.

[00016] Consequently, weight of such braking systems may be substantially high. As the large number of components used are made of rigid material like metal to with stand the braking forces.

[00017] Such large number of components is heavy and requires lot of space. In addition, in a motorcycle type vehicle, the vehicle has a naked appearance, exposing the braking system to atmosphere. Presence of large number of components that are subject to movement may result in rusting, failure, or damage of components. Moreover, some systems are provided with additional casing for enclosing the braking system. Further, such heavy and complex braking systems with the large number of components may requires additional cost and greater maintenance, and skilled labor. Such a situation may add to the maintenance cost of the vehicle.

[00018] Also, the foot-operated braking system lacks space on the vehicle for accommodating such a bulky arrangement as the power unit, exhaust pipe, and main stand surrounding the foot pedal. Also, the braking system is close to the ground and is exposed to dirt, dust, and water affecting the life of the system. Accordingly, the conventional braking systems may suffer from lack of overall braking effectiveness, increased weight, and high costs.

[00019] Moreover, brake feel and safety are two important aspects and achieving both at the same time is a challenge. In conventional braking systems there is comprise on one of the two. However, for improved riding, both brake feel and safety are desired by user.

[00020] Thus, there is a need for a braking system that is simple, having less weight, reliable, and cost effective.

[00021] Hence, the present subject matter provides a synchronized braking system (SBS) to overcome the above stated and other problems of the conventional braking systems known in the prior art. For example, the synchronized braking system of the present subject matter provides a front wheel brake capable of applying braking forces to at least one of the front wheels of a two-or three-wheeled vehicle, and a rear wheel brake capable of applying braking forces to at least one of the rear wheels of the two or three-wheeled vehicle.

[00022] It is an aspect of the present subject matter that the synchronized braking system includes foot-operated brake lever movably pivoted to a moving- pivot member. The terms movably pivoted implies that the foot-operated brake lever is pivotable about a pivot point and is also movable as the pivot point is a floating type pivot.

[00023] It is another aspect that the foot-operated brake lever is pivotable about a first pivot support, and the foot-operated brake lever pivots upon application of force by user. The brake lever includes an input arm and an output arm, wherein the input arm and the output arm are provided at a first distance therebetween and at a first angle therebetween and form the first pivot support to provide pivot reaction force.

[00024] It is an aspect that a first brake actuation member is connected to the output arm of the foot-operated brake lever and the first brake actuation member is capable of actuating any one brake of a front wheel brake and a rear wheel brake.

[00025] It is yet another aspect that the actuation of foot-operated brake lever directly actuates the first actuating member and in addition the force offered by the first actuating member creates a pivot reaction force at the first pivot support. It is an advantage that the first actuating member is directly actuated through the output arms thereby providing improved brake feel.

[00026] It is yet another aspect that the pivot reaction force acts on the moving- pivot member that supports the foot-operated brake lever thereby creating movement of moving-pivot member, which includes the first pivot support.

[00027] It is yet another additional aspect that the synchronized braking system includes a guiding member that provides a pre- determined degree of freedom of movement for the moving-pivot member.

[00028] In one implementation, the guiding member is in line with a second pivot axis, wherein the first pivot support having a first pivot axis is away from the second pivot axis. Also, the moving-pivot member is provided with a boss member to mount said moving-pivot member to the second pivot support, wherein the moving-pivot member is fixedly pivoted to the frame through the second pivot support, which is about a fixed pivot axis. [00029] In the aforementioned implementation, the moving-pivot member moves about a predefined degree of freedom of movement, which is angular movement about the second pivot support/ second pivot axis.

[00030] In another implementation, the foot-operated brake lever is mounted to a moving-pivot member, wherein the moving-pivot member is operatively connected to the second actuating member itself. In this particular embodiment, the guiding member is adapted to provide a translational motion of the moving- pivot member about the guiding member. In this embodiment, the guiding member is a tubular member affixed to the frame and the tubular member is preferably having a non-circular cross-section to provide one degree of freedom of movement, which is translational.

[00031] It is an aspect of the present subject matter that, in one implementation, the first pivot support and the second pivot support are provided on a base portion of the moving-pivot member, wherein the first pivot support and the second pivot support are disposed parallel to each other and extending outward in a vehicle lateral direction.

[00032] It is another aspect that connecting portions of the first pivot support and the second pivot support are provided on a base portion, which is substantially disposed in a vertical plane.

[00033] It is an additional aspect that the first pivot support and the second pivot support are coplanar in a vertical plane.

[00034] It is yet another additional aspect that the second actuating member is preloaded with a restoring member to balance the effect of weight of the foot- operated brake lever acting downward due to gravity, whereby the foot-operated brake lever is retained in a desired portion during non-operation condition of the foot-operated brake lever. In one embodiment, the restoring member is a spring.

[00035] It is advantage that the present subject provides an improved brake feel as the first actuating member is directly actuated through the foot-operated brake lever and the second actuating member is actuated through the pivot reaction of the foot-operated brake lever. Thus, the present subject matter provides improved brake feel and safety.

[00036] It is an additional advantage that the present subject matter provides a simple synchronized braking system that is compact and having less weight, whereby the synchronized braking system is accommodated in compact vehicles like two or three wheeled vehicles.

[00037] It is yet another advantage that the synchronized braking system requires minimum components thereby requiring minimum space. [00038] It yet another additional advantage that the synchronized braking systems requires minimum components, which is cost effective, and requires nominal skill for maintenance.

[00039] In one embodiment, the synchronized braking system is disposed upward and rearward to a foot support structure of the vehicle.

[00040] It is an aspect of the present subject matter that the synchronous braking system enables actuation of at least two brakes installed on different wheels by the operation of a single control, which is the foot-operated brake lever.

[00041] In one implementation, the synchronized braking system is operated by the method of pivot a foot-operated brake lever movably actuated about a first pivot support of a moving-pivot member. The foot-operated brake lever capable of synchronously transmitting brake actuating forces to both said real wheel brake and said front wheel brake during application thereof. Actuating any one brake of a front wheel brake and a rear wheel brake of the vehicle directly through an output arm of the foot-operated brake lever. Pivoting the moving-pivot member about a second pivot support acting as a fixed pivot provided on a rigid member like frame member. Actuating any other brake of the front wheel brake and the rear wheel brake by pivotal reaction of the foot-operated brake lever pivoted to the moving-pivot member.

[00042] These and other advantages of the present subject matter would be described in greater detail in conjunction with the figures in the following description.

[00043] Fig. 1 depicts a right side view of an exemplary vehicle 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The vehicle 100 includes a frame member 105 supporting a front wheel 110 and a rear wheel 115. The front wheel 105 and the rear wheel 115 are rotatably supported by front suspension system 120 and the rear suspension system 125, respectively. 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 130 and the rear wheel 115 is provided with a rear wheel brake 135. In the present embodiment, the front wheel brake 130 is a disc brake. However, the front wheel brake 130 can be a drum brake or the disc brake, which are actuated using either hydraulic actuation, mechanical actuation, or a combination of hydraulic and mechanical actuation.

[00044] In the present embodiment, a power unit 140 is mounted to a front portion of the frame member 105 and is disposed substantially below a fuel tank 145 and rearward of the front wheel 110. The power unit 140 is coupled to a transmission system (not shown) for transferring power to the rear wheel 115. Further, a carburetor or a fuel injection system or the like (not shown) supplies air-fuel mixture to the power unit 140 including an internal combustion engine. Further, the front wheel 110 is pivotally supported by the frame member 105 and a handle bar assembly 150 is functionally connected to the front wheel 110 for maneuvering the vehicle 100. The handle bar assembly 150 supports an instrument cluster, vehicle controls including throttle, clutch, or electrical switches. Further, the handle bar assembly 150 supports at least one brake lever 150L. The vehicle 100 includes another lever that is foot-operated brake lever 205 disposed adjacent to a rider foot support structure 185.

[00045] Further, a seat assembly 155 is mounted to the frame member 105 and disposed rearward of the fuel tank 145. The rider can operate the vehicle 100 in a seated position on the seat assembly 155. Moreover, the vehicle 100 includes a pair of rider foot support structure 185 disposed on either sides of the vehicle 100 for the user to rest feet. The foot support structure 185 extends in a lateral direction RH-LH of the vehicle 100 and is secured to the frame member 105 of the vehicle 100.

[00046] Further, the vehicle 100 includes a front fender 160 covering at least a portion of the front wheel 110 and a rear fender 165 covering at least a portion of the rear wheel 115. Also, the vehicle 100 is provided with plurality of panels 170A, 170B mounted to the frame member 105 and covering the frame member 105 and/or parts of the vehicle 100. Also, the vehicle 100 is employed with plurality of mechanical, electronic, and electromechanical system including an anti-lock braking system, a vehicle safety system, or an electronic control system. The vehicle 100 is also employed with a synchronized braking system 200. [00047] Fig. 2 (a) illustrates a right side view of the synchronised braking system 200 employed on a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The synchronized braking system 200, which is a foot- operated synchronized braking system, includes the front wheel brake 130 capable of applying braking forces to the front wheel 110 of the vehicle 100. In one embodiment, the front wheel brake 130 is a drum brake assembly actuated by a mechanical actuating member including a brake cable or a brake rod, or a hydraulic actuating member including a brake hose. In another embodiment, the front wheel brake 130 can be a disc brake actuated through either mechanical or hydraulic actuating member.

[00048] Similarly, the rear wheel brake 135 is capable of applying braking forces to the rear wheel 115 of the vehicle 100. In one embodiment, the front wheel brake 135 is a drum brake assembly actuated by a mechanical actuating member including a brake cable or a brake rod, or a hydraulic actuating member including a brake hose. In another embodiment, the rear wheel brake 135 can be a disc brake actuated through either mechanical or hydraulic actuating member.

[00049] The foot-operated brake lever 205 is capable of synchronously transmitting brake-actuating forces to the front wheel brake 130 and the rear wheel brake 135. The foot-operated brake lever is pivoted to a moving-pivot member 210. In the present embodiment, the moving-pivot member 210 includes a first pivot support FP about which the foot-operated brake lever 205 is pivotally mounted and the foot-operated brake lever 205 is pivotable about a first pivot axis F-FD that coincides with an axis of the first pivot support FP. The foot-operated brake lever 205 is operatively connected to a first actuating member 215 capable of actuating any one brake of the front wheel brake 130 and the rear wheel brake 135. In the present implementation, the first actuating member 215 is a rear brake rod 215 having one end operatively connected to an output arm 205O of the foot- operated brake lever 205 and other end is connected to the rear wheel brake 135.

[00050] In a preferred embodiment, the foot-operated brake lever 205 includes an input arm 2051 and the output arm 205O. The input arm 2051 includes a pedal foot-peg 205F, through which user actuates the foot-operated brake lever 205, disposed at front end. In the present implementation, the input arm 2051 and the output arm 205O are disposed at an angle with respect to each other to provide a pivot reaction at the first pivot support FP. This enables exertion of force on the moving-pivot member 210. In the present embodiment, the front wheel brake 130 is operatively connected to the moving-pivot member 210, wherein the front wheel brake 130 is actuated through the movement of the moving-pivot member 210 due to actuation of the foot-operated brake lever 205, due to the pivot reaction at the first pivot support FP thereof.

[00051] Fig. 2 (b) depicts a rear perspective view of the synchronized braking system 200 employed on a vehicle, in accordance with the embodiment as depicted in Fig. 2 (a). In the present implementation, the first pivot support FP is a pin or a cylindrical member provided on the moving-pivot member 210 that pivotally supports that the foot-operated brake lever 205. The first pivot support FP is a movable pivot member due to the pivot reaction force acting at the first pivot support FP. In the present implementation, the moving-pivot member 210, supporting the foot-operated brake lever 205, is fixedly pivoted to the frame member 105 through a second pivot support SP. The second pivot support SP acts as a guiding member. The moving-pivot member 210 is mounted to a pivot bracket 105B of the frame member 105, wherein the pivot bracket 105B is secured to a main tube (not shown) of the frame member 105 extending rearwardly downward from the head tube 105 A and surrounding at least a circumference of the power unit 140.

[00052] The actuation of the foot-operated brake lever 205 creates a pivot reaction force at the first pivot support FP. The first pivot support FP being affixed to the moving-pivot member 210 exerts force on the moving-pivot member 210. Further, the moving-pivot member 210 being fixedly pivoted to the second pivot support SP, the pivot reaction force acting on the moving-pivot member 210 enables movement of the moving-pivot member 210. Furthermore, the moving-pivot member 210 rotates angularly about the second pivot axis S-SD at a pre-determined degree of freedom of movement provided thereof. Specifically, the pivot reaction force, in the present implementation, enables angular rotation of the moving-pivot member 210 in a clockwise direction. In another similar implementation, the moving-pivot member 210 rotates in an anti- clock wise direction depending on input and output positions of the pivot reaction force. Furthermore, the second actuating member 220 pivotally connected to the moving-pivot member 210 actuates the front wheel brake 130 due to the rotation of the moving-pivot member 210. In one embodiment, the second actuating member 220 is pulled for actuating the front wheel brake 130.

[00053] In one another embodiment, the second actuating member 220 is a brake cable extending upward from the moving-pivot member 210 and forward towards a head tube 105A. In another implementation, the second actuating member 220 extends forward and inclinedly upward towards a head tube 105 A of the frame member 105.

[00054] Fig. 2 (c) depicts an exploded view of the synchronized braking system 200, in accordance with the embodiment depicted in Fig. 2 (a). The pivot bracket 105B of frame member 105 is provided with the second pivot support SP. The second pivot support SP is affixed to the frame member 105, wherein the guide member 105BA extends outward in a lateral direction RH-LH of the vehicle 100. The second pivot support SP has a fixed pivot axis and the second pivot support SP pivotally supports the moving-pivot member 210, wherein the moving-pivot member 210 is pivotable about second pivot axis S-SD of the second pivot support SP. The moving-pivot member 210 includes the first pivot support FP, wherein the first pivot support FP pivotally supports the foot-operated brake lever 205, and the first pivot support FP is a moving pivot axis.

[00055] In the present implementation, the synchronized braking system (SBS) 200 is disposed upward and behind the rider foot support structure 185. Therefore, the SBS 200 disposed substantially upward from the ground and away from dirt, dust, and water. The input arm 2051 of the foot-operated brake lever 205 extends downward and ahead of the rider foot support structure 185 from the first pivot support FP. The output arm 205O extends upward from the first pivot support FP. The first actuating member 215, which is the brake rod, is pivoted to the output arm 205O.

[00056] In the present embodiment, the second actuating member 220 includes an outer cable/sheath 220O and an inner cable 2201. The outer cable 220O, having two ends, is affixed to the frame member 105 through one end. The inner cable 2201 having one end connected to the moving-pivot member 210 and the other end is operatively connected to the front wheel brake 130. Further, in a preferred embodiment, the second actuating member 220 includes a restoring member (not shown) having at least a preload balancing weight of the foot-operated brake lever 205. The restoring member can be a return spring. This enables in retaining the foot-operated brake lever 205 at pre-determined position, when in a non-engaging condition.

[00057] Fig. 2 (d) depicts an exploded view of selective parts of the foot- operated synchronized braking system 200, in accordance with the embodiment of Fig. 2 (c). The first pivot axis F-FDP, and the second pivot axis S-SD are disposed parallel to each other. The second actuating member 220 is connected to the moving-pivot member 210 at a pivot output 210O. The first pivot support FP provides the input force to the moving-pivot member 210 to provide a pulling output at the pivot output 210O. The second actuating member 220 connected to the moving-pivot member 210 is actuated due to the pivot reaction force acting thereon whereby the inner cable 2201 is pulled for actuating a front wheel brake 130.

[00058] The moving-pivot member 210 in the present embodiment includes a guiding member. In the present embodiment, the second pivot support SP acts a guiding member. The moving-pivot member 210 includes a boss member 210C provided for fixedly pivoting the moving-pivot member 210 to the second pivot support SP. In the present embodiment, the second pivot support SP is mounted to the pivot bracket 105B of the frame member 105 of the vehicle 100.

[00059] The moving-pivot member 210 includes output 210O connected to the second actuating member 220 through the inner cable 2201 connected thereof and the outer cable 220O is fixedly secured to the frame member 105, wherein the inner cable 2201 is movable about the outer cable 220O.

[00060] The moving-pivot member 210 is provided with the first pivot support FP and the boss member 2 IOC are provided on a base portion 210B. The second pivot axis S-SD coincides with the axis of the boss member of 2 IOC. The first pivot axis of the first pivot support FP and the second pivot axis of the second pivot support SP are substantially parallel to each other. The first pivot support FP and the second pivot support SP extend outward in a lateral RH-LH direction of the vehicle 100.

[00061] Further, a stopper restricts the pivotal motion of the foot-operated brake lever 205 beyond a certain degree of movement. In the present implementation, the boss member 210C acts as the stopper. The stopper 210C disposed on at least one of the moving-pivot member 210 or on the frame member 105 restricts the motion of the foot-operated brake lever in a non-actuating condition of said foot- operated brake lever 205 beyond a certain degree of movement.

[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 foot-operated synchronized braking system (200) for a vehicle (100), the foot-operated synchronized braking system (200) comprising:

a front wheel brake (130) capable of applying braking forces to one or more front wheel(s) (110) of the two- wheeled vehicle (100);

a rear wheel brake (135) capable of applying braking forces to one or more rear wheel(s) (115) of the vehicle (100);

an independent brake lever (150L) mounted to a handlebar (150) of said vehicle (100), said independent brake lever (105A) coupled to any one of said front wheel brake (130) and said rear wheel brake (135); and

a foot-operated brake lever (205) capable of synchronously transmitting brake actuating forces to both said rear wheel brake (135) and said front wheel brake (130), said foot-operated brake lever (205) is movably pivoted to a moving- pivot member (210) about a first pivot axis (F-FD) and operatively connected to a first actuating member (215) capable of actuating any one brake of said front wheel brake (130) and said rear wheel brake (135), and said moving-pivot member (210) operatively connected to a second actuating member (220) capable of actuating any other brake of said front wheel brake (130) and said rear wheel brake (135), additionally said second actuating member (220) is actuated by pivotal reaction of said foot-operated brake lever (205) pivoted to said moving- pivot member (210).

2. The foot-operated synchronized braking system (200) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said foot-operated brake lever (205) includes an output arm (205O) coupled to said first actuating member (215) for actuating said any one brake of said front wheel brake (130) and said rear wheel brake (135) directly through said output arm (205 O).

3. The foot-operated synchronized braking system (200) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said moving-pivot member (210) includes a first pivot support (FP) capable of pivotally supporting said foot-operated brake lever (205) and said moving-pivot member (210) is pivoted to a second pivot support (SP).

4. The foot-operated synchronized braking system (200) as claimed in claim

4, wherein said second pivot support (SP) is a fixed pivot secured to a rigid member of the vehicle (100), and said first pivot support (FP) is a dynamic pivot point movable within a pre-determined angle with respect to the said second pivot support (SP).

5. The foot-operated synchronized braking system (200) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said second actuating member (220) connected to said moving-pivot member (210) includes a return spring having at least a preload balancing weight of said foot-operated brake lever (205).

6. The foot-operated synchronized braking system (200) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said moving-pivot member (210) is fixedly pivoted to a frame member (105) of the vehicle (100) at a second pivot axis (S-SD) away from said first pivot axis (F-FD).

7. The foot-operated synchronized braking system (200) as claimed in claim 1 or 6, wherein said first pivot axis (F-FD), and said second pivot axis (S-SD) are disposed parallel to each other.

8. The foot-operated synchronized braking system (100) as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein said output arm (205O) of said foot-operated brake lever (205) abuts a stopper (2 IOC) in a non-actuating condition of said foot-operated brake lever (108), and said stopper (210C) dispsoed on at least one of said floating pivot member (210) or on a frame member (105) of said vehicle (100).

9. The foot-operated synchronized braking system (200) as claimed in claim 3, wherein said first pivot support (FP) and said second pivot support (SP) substantially parallelly disposed are extend in a lateral direction (RH-LH) of said vehicle (100).

10. A method of operating a foot-operated synchronized braking system (200), said method comprising the steps of:

pivoting a foot-operated brake lever (205) movably about a first pivot support (FP) of a moving-pivot member (210), said foot-operated brake lever (205) capable of synchronously transmitting brake actuating forces to both said real wheel brake (135) and said front wheel brake (130); actuating any one brake of a front wheel brake (130) and a rear wheel brake (135) of said vehicle directly through said foot-operated brake lever (205); pivoting said moving-pivot member (210) about a second pivot support (SP) acting as a fixed pivot; and

actuating any other brake of said front wheel brake (130) and said rear wheel brake (135) by pivotal reaction of said foot-operated brake lever (205) pivoted to said moving-pivot member (210).