Wheel components

Abstract

The present invention relates to a wheel assembly (101) comprising a brake assembly (103). The brake assembly (102) comprises a brake actuation member (106) for enabling the brake assembly (102) to operate. In addition, the brake assembly (102) comprises an adjacent member (107), which is functionally connected to the actuation member (106) via an elastic member (110). The adjacent member (106) is configured to have a boss (107B). The boss (107B) is configured to have one or more extensions (107E) protruding in a transverse direction (C-C') of the wheel assembly (101), so that it is suitable for docking with a narrow slot (301S) provided in a swing arm (301, 401A). This limits the rotational movement of the adjacent member (106), which further improves the durability of the brake cable (109).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present subject matter relates to a wheel assembly, and more particularly, to a wheel assembly for a motor vehicle. Background Art

[0002] Typically, for a vehicle, performance criteria range widely, including quantitative characteristics such as top speed, acceleration, gradeability, etc. But there are several other aspects related to vehicle performance, including refinement, drivability, or driving pleasure, some of which are inherently contradictory, such as power and mileage. Therefore, it is always a challenge for design engineers to make appropriate trade-offs between several performance characteristics. Typically, power from a prime mover is controlled by a transmission assembly and drive lines to deliver traction to one or more drive wheels. And all of these components, collectively referred to as powertrain components, are controlled by the user. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0003] The detailed description will be explained with reference to the embodiments of the wheel assembly in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to refer to similar features and components.

[0004] Figure 1 A right side view and a partially enlarged left side view of a wheel assembly (101) with a brake assembly (102) installed according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter are shown.

[0005] Figure 2a A perspective view of a brake assembly (102) according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter is shown, with several parts omitted from the figure.

[0006] Figure 2b A perspective view of an abutment member (107) according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter is shown.

[0007] Figure 3a A side view of a wheel assembly (101) functionally connected to a swing arm (301) is shown according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0008] Figure 3b A side cross-sectional view of a wheel assembly (101) functionally connected to a swing arm (301) transverse to the AA axis is shown according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0009] Figure 4 A partial side view of a wheel assembly (101) functionally connected to a swing arm (401A) according to an alternative embodiment is shown in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] Various features and embodiments of the subject matter will be discerned from the further description thereof set forth below. According to an embodiment, the wheel assembly described herein is an inverted cam lever configured. It is contemplated that the concept of the present invention can be applied to multi-wheeled vehicles. Detailed descriptions of the construction of parts other than the subject matter that constitute an essential part are omitted where appropriate.

[0011] Regarding the powertrain assembly, the two main components are the prime mover and the transmission assembly. The prime mover plays a dominant role in the overall performance of the vehicle and is essential. The prime mover converts available energy (either electrical or chemical) into mechanical energy, which is usually converted on a rotating output shaft.

[0012] Typically, the prime mover is functionally connected to the rear wheels of the vehicle, such as through a sprocket and chain drive, which provides forward motion to the vehicle. In addition, the tension of the transmission device such as a belt or a drive chain is a very essential parameter that determines the performance of the prime mover. However, during operation, the drive chain is worn due to the relative movement of the various components in the drive chain. These wear and elongation factors cause the drive chain to elongate, which eventually leads to the failure of the drive chain. The wear of the drive chain also depends on the load acting on the drive chain and the surrounding parts of the running drive chain. If the drive chain becomes longer, only a few chain links will be subjected to excessive stress to drive the sprocket teeth (or driven by the sprocket teeth), and the remaining chain links will be slightly spaced between adjacent teeth. The elongated drive chain will slide on the sprocket, and this sliding will cause friction and impact wear on the sprocket, thereby also damaging the sprocket. For the driver and passenger, because riding a motor vehicle is not very smooth, the drive chain sliding will cause some discomfort, which directly affects the riding pleasure. In addition, as the elongation worsens, the drive chain slides worsen, the damage to the sprocket increases, and the durability and drive chain become unusable.

[0013] Typically, the slack caused by the extended drive chain is adjusted by displacing the drive wheel assembly from its original position. This adjustment is usually done during regular maintenance of the vehicle by adjusting the drive wheel assembly configured with the brake assembly.

[0014] Typically, the brake assembly includes a brake plate connected to the drive wheel assembly such that the brake plate is concentric with the wheel axle. The brake plate is configured with an actuating member that is operably connected to the handle via a brake cable. The brake cable includes an outer sleeve and an inner wire such that the outer sleeve abuts an abutment assembly and the inner wire is connected to the actuating member. The abutment assembly is connected to the brake plate. By connecting the brake plate and the abutment assembly to the swing arm, the orientation of the brake plate and the abutment assembly is controlled by a torque link.

[0015] However, the adjustment of the drive wheel assembly can have an adverse effect on the wheel brakes connected to the hand brake system. The adverse effect is due to the misorientation of the adjacent assembly when adjusting the transmission device (such as a chain). The misorientation of the adjacent assembly causes the brake cable of the drive wheel brake to deflect. The deflection of the brake cable causes the loss of the braking force transmitted from the hand brake system to the wheel brake. In addition, due to the wear between the brake cable and the adjacent assembly, undesirable clearances are also introduced in the brake cable and the adjacent assembly. In the hand brake system, it is important that the brake cable extending from the hand brake system to the wheel brake is neither too loose nor too tight. If the brake cable is too loose, even if the position of the hand brake lever indicates that the brake is fully engaged, the wheel brake will not apply enough force or the target force. On the contrary, if the brake cable is too tight, then even if the position of the hand brake lever indicates that the brake is fully closed, the brake will work to slow down the vehicle, both of which are undesirable. This problem becomes more critical when the user carries an extra load on the vehicle going downhill or uphill. In this case, the driver needs to continuously hold the brake operating device, such as the hand brake lever, to continuously apply braking force to the wheel.

[0016] Another difficulty with known brake arrangements is that high loads on the wheels that exceed engineering design intent can undesirably reduce ground clearance. Ground clearance is the distance between any part of the vehicle (except those designed to contact the ground, such as tires, etc.) and the surface on which the vehicle is traveling. Typically, vehicle suspension systems are usually designed to maintain sufficient optimal ground clearance to avoid obstacles expected in the vehicle's path, including (for example) avoiding scrapes when crossing speed bumps. However, if the surface on which the vehicle is traveling, carrying an additional load exceeding the specified limit, has speed bumps, slopes or other obstacles, it may not be possible to maintain the ground clearance typically at the brake assembly mounted with the wheel. Compounding this problem is that many villages or rural areas can only be reached by very rough roads. Unfortunately, when contact occurs, it is observed that parts such as actuator rods mounted on the brake plates of the vehicle's brake assembly are often damaged due to contact.

[0017] Therefore, there is a need for an improved brake system solution that overcomes all of the above problems and other problems of the known art. Due to the above problems of improper brake assembly adjustment and poor ground clearance, a primary object is to address the above disadvantages by providing a wheel assembly configured with an effective and compact brake assembly having improved ground clearance while overcoming the adverse effects of chain elongation.

[0018] Additionally, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved wheel assembly which substantially reduces the time required to maintain a wheel assembly configured with a brake assembly and which greatly reduces the likelihood of a mechanic sustaining serious injury when removing the brake assembly from the axle of the wheel assembly.

[0019] Another object of the present invention is to improve the reliability of the wheel assembly by reducing the number of parts.

[0020] Another object of the present invention is to improve the durability of the brake cable.

[0021] Therefore, according to the present subject matter for achieving the above-mentioned objects, the first feature of the present invention is a wheel assembly, wherein the wheel assembly includes: a wheel having an axle, the axle being coupled to a swing arm; a brake assembly attached to a portion of the wheel, the brake assembly including a brake actuation member for enabling the brake assembly to operate. The brake actuation member is connected to a brake plate via one or more mechanical connections. In addition, an abutment member is operably connected to the actuation member via a resilient member.

[0022] In addition to the first feature, a second feature of the present invention is the wheel assembly, wherein the mechanical connector includes a brake cable, wherein the brake cable includes an inner wire and an outer sleeve, the outer sleeve of the brake cable is adjacent to one or more of the abutment members, and the inner wire is connected to one or more of the brake actuation members.

[0023] In addition to the first feature, a third feature of the present invention is the wheel assembly, wherein the brake actuating member is rotatably mounted on the brake plate so that it rotates in a predetermined direction upon actuation of one or more brake levers.

[0024] In addition to the first feature, a fourth feature of the present invention is the wheel assembly, wherein the abutment member is fixedly mounted on the axle and coupled to a brake cable to guide the brake cable and limit undesired deflection of the brake cable.

[0025] In addition to the first feature, a fifth feature of the present invention is the wheel assembly, wherein the abutment member is configured to have a first end and a second end, wherein the first end includes a boss protruding from an outer surface of the abutment member, the boss having an opening adapted to receive the wheel axle.

[0026] In addition to the first and fifth features, a sixth feature of the present invention is the wheel assembly, wherein the boss is configured to have an extension portion protruding in a lateral direction of the wheel assembly, so that the boss is suitable for docking with a narrow groove provided in the swing arm.

[0027] In addition to the first and fifth features, a seventh feature of the present invention is the wheel assembly, wherein the second end includes an opening configured to abut an outer sleeve of a brake cable.

[0028] In addition to the first feature, an eighth feature of the present invention is the wheel assembly, wherein after brakes are applied, the elastic member retracts to bring the actuating member back to an original position by discharging energy stored in the elastic member.

[0029] In addition to the first feature, a ninth feature of the present invention is the wheel assembly, wherein the elastic member is wrapped around the inner wire of the brake cable so that a front portion of the elastic member terminates against the adjacent member and a rear portion of the elastic member terminates against the actuating member.

[0030] In addition to the first feature, a tenth feature of the present invention is the wheel assembly, wherein the brake plate is connected to the swing arm through a mechanical linkage.

[0031] In addition to the first feature, the eleventh feature of the present invention is the wheel assembly, wherein the swing arm includes a slot suitable for receiving an attachment device to flexibly connect to the brake plate so as to adjust the brake plate by changing the position of the attachment device. The present subject matter is further described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the description and the accompanying drawings only illustrate the principles of the present subject matter. Although not explicitly described or shown herein, various arrangements covering the principles of the present subject matter can be designed. In addition, all statements describing the principles, aspects and examples of the present subject matter and their specific examples herein are intended to cover their equivalents.

[0032] The foregoing disclosure is not intended to limit the disclosure to the precise form disclosed or to the specific field of use. Therefore, in the light of the present disclosure, various alternative embodiments and / or modifications to the present disclosure are possible, whether explicitly described or implied herein. Having thus described the embodiments of the present disclosure, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure is limited only by the claims.

[0033] In the above description, the present disclosure has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments. However, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, the various embodiments disclosed herein may be modified or implemented in other ways in various other ways. Therefore, the description should be considered illustrative and is for the purpose of teaching those skilled in the art to make and use the various embodiments of the present disclosure. It should be understood that the disclosed forms shown and described herein should be considered as representative embodiments. Equivalent elements, materials, processes or steps may replace the elements, materials, processes or steps representatively shown and described herein. In addition, some features of the present disclosure may be used independently of the use of other features, all of which are obvious to those skilled in the art who benefit from the description of the present disclosure. Expressions such as "including", "comprising", "combining", "consisting of", "having", "being / being" etc. used to describe and claim the present disclosure are intended to be interpreted in a non-exclusive manner, i.e., allowing items, parts or elements not explicitly described to also exist. References to the singular should also be understood to be related to the plural.

[0034] In addition, various embodiments disclosed herein should be considered as illustrative and explanatory, and should never be interpreted as limiting the present disclosure. All connection references (such as attachment, fixing, connection, connection, etc.) are only used to help readers understand the present disclosure, and will not produce restrictions, especially about the position, orientation or use of the system and / or method disclosed herein. Therefore, if any connection reference, the connection reference should be interpreted broadly. In addition, this connection reference does not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected to each other.

[0035] In addition, all numerical terms, such as but not limited to "first", "second", "third", "primary", "secondary", "primary" or any other general and / or numerical terms, shall also be used merely as identifiers to help the reader understand the various elements, embodiments, variations and / or modifications of the present disclosure, and shall not create any limitations, especially regarding the order or preference of any element, embodiment, variation and / or modification relative to or over another element, embodiment, variation and / or modification.

[0036] It should also be understood that one or more of the elements depicted in the drawings may also be implemented in a more separate or integrated manner, or even removed or rendered inoperable in some cases, which is useful depending on the specific application. In addition, unless otherwise specifically stated, any significant gaps in the drawings / figures should be considered only as exemplary and not restrictive.

[0037] refer to Figure 1, which shows a right side view and a partially enlarged left side view of a wheel assembly (101) equipped with a brake assembly (102) according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. The wheel assembly (101) includes a wheel (104) having an axle (105) and a brake assembly (102). The brake assembly (102) is substantially covered by a covering member (108) to prevent dust and water from entering. The brake assembly (102) includes a brake plate (103), a brake actuation member (106) and an adjacent member (107). The brake actuation member (106) is actuated by a brake lever (not shown) via a mechanical connector. The adjacent member (107) is functionally connected to the actuation member (106) via an elastic member (110). The mechanical connector includes a brake cable (109). The brake cable (109) comprises an inner wire (109A), while the outer sleeve (109B) of the cable (109) abuts against an abutment member (107), and the inner wire (109A) is connected to the brake actuation member (106). The brake actuation member (106) is rotatably mounted on the brake plate (103) so that it rotates in a predetermined direction when a brake lever (not shown) mounted to a handlebar (not shown) is actuated. In addition, the abutment member (107) is mounted on the axle (105) to limit any undesired deflection of the brake cable (109) and guide the brake cable (109) in a desired orientation during operation. The resilient member (110) is encapsulated around the inner wire (109A) of the brake cable (109) so that the front portion (110F) of the resilient member (110) terminates against the abutment member (107) and the rear portion (110R) of the resilient member (110) terminates against the actuation member (107). The resilient member (110) comprises a spring. The resilient member (110) is configured to be compressed between the abutment member (107) and the brake actuation member (106) when a brake lever (not shown) is actuated. However, after the brake lever (not shown) is released, the resilient member (110) applies a predetermined force that enables the brake actuation member (106) to move to its original position. In other words, after the brake lever (not shown) is released, the elastic member (110) retracts and, after the brake lever (not shown) is released, the brake actuating member (106) is brought back to the original or unactuated position by releasing the torsional energy stored in the elastic member (110).

[0038] refer to Figure 2a , which shows a perspective view of a brake assembly (102) with several parts omitted from the view, and Figure 2b A perspective view of an abutment member (107) according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter is shown. For the sake of brevity, the following will be discussed together. Figure 2a and Figure 2b. The brake actuation member (106) is rotatably attached to the brake plate (103) and is operably connected to the cam (201) using an attachment device (202). Based on the actuation force, the brake actuation member (106) rotates in a predetermined direction. According to one embodiment, during brake actuation, the brake actuation member (106) rotates in a clockwise direction when viewed from a side view along the axis of the shaft. In addition, the adjacent member (107) is configured to have a first end (107F) and a second end (107S). The first end (107F) includes a boss (107B) protruding from an outer surface (107O). The boss (107B) having an opening (107BO) is suitable for receiving the wheel axle 105 (such as Figure 1 The boss (107B) is configured to have an extension (107E) protruding in the lateral direction (C-C') of the wheel assembly (102). The second end (107S) includes an opening (107SO) configured to abut against a brake cable (109) (as shown in FIG. Figure 1 The outer sleeve (109B) (as shown) Figure 1 shown).

[0039] refer to Figure 3a and Figure 3b , Figure 3a shows a side view of a wheel assembly (101) functionally connected to a swing arm (301) according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter, and Figure 3b A side cross-sectional view of a wheel assembly (101) functionally connected to a swing arm (301) transverse to axis AA is shown. For the sake of brevity, Figure 3a and Figure 3b The brake plate (103) is connected to the swing arm (301) via a mechanical linkage (302) using an attachment means (303) also known as a torque link. In addition, an extension (107E) protruding from a boss (107B) of the adjacent member (107) engages with a slot (301S) in the swing arm (301). This ensures anti-rotation of the adjacent member (107) and avoids deflection of the brake cable (109) (e.g. Figure 1 shown).

[0040] refer to Figure 4, which shows a partial side view of a wheel assembly (101) functionally connected to a swing arm (401A) according to an alternative embodiment, the swing arm (401A) including a slot (401AA) adapted to receive the attachment device (402) to connect with the brake plate (103). The slot (401AA) in the swing arm (401A) facilitates the brake assembly (102) to move forward and backward with the wheel assembly (101). Because the brake assembly (102) is mounted on the wheel assembly (101). Therefore, when adjusting a transmission device such as a chain, the wheel assembly (101) is displaced by moving backward or forward with the brake assembly (102). The slot (401AA) facilitates this adjustment operation. According to an embodiment, the slot (401AA) is configured to have a predetermined shape in the swing arm (401A), which allows the brake assembly (102) to move with the wheel assembly (101).

[0041] According to the above-mentioned architecture, the main effect of the present invention is that the extended portion of the adjacent member docks in the swing arm and limits the rotational movement of the adjacent member. This eliminates the deflection of the brake cable during adjustment and operation. In addition, the boss portion on the adjacent member maintains a predetermined gap between the brake assembly and the swing arm, which eliminates the need for a separation part such as a spacer. This reduces the number of parts and reduces the manufacturing cost of the wheel assembly. In addition, the fixed position of the adjacent member improves the durability of the brake cable, in particular by eliminating the gap generated in the brake cable due to the adjustment of the drive wheel assembly. The free gap in the conventional wheel assembly due to the misorientation of the adjacent assembly is eliminated, and the free gap causes the deflection of the brake cable that actuates the wheel brake. Because according to the present invention, when the drive wheel assembly is fixed to the swing arm, the orientation of the adjacent member does not change when the drive wheel assembly is adjusted.

[0042] According to the above architecture, the main effect of the present invention is that the brake actuating member is mounted in an optimal position and arranged in an upward orientation away from the ground so that during brake actuation, the brake actuating member moves in a clockwise direction, which improves ground clearance during brake actuation.

[0043] Based on the above architecture, according to an alternative embodiment, the main effect of the present invention is that the brake assembly is directly connected to the swing arm without the use of a torque link. This reduces the weight and cost of the wheel assembly.

[0044] According to the above described architecture, according to the alternative embodiment, the main effect of the present invention is that the slot in the swing arm provides the user with the flexibility of adjustment without the need for specialized tools. In addition, the brake assembly reduces the time required to maintain the wheel assembly configured with the brake assembly because the user can easily access the attachment device, which greatly reduces the possibility of serious injury to the mechanic when removing the brake assembly from the axle of the wheel assembly.

[0045] While the invention has been shown and described with reference to the foregoing preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes in form, connection and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A wheel assembly (101) for a vehicle, the wheel assembly (101) comprising: a wheel (104), the wheel (104) having an axle (105), The wheel axle (105) is coupled to a swing arm (301, 401A, 401B) of the vehicle; a brake assembly (102) attached to a portion of the wheel (104), The brake assembly (102) comprises a brake plate (103); a brake actuation member (106) configured to enable operation of the brake assembly (102), The brake actuation member (106) is connected to the brake plate (103) by one or more mechanical connections, the one or more mechanical connections including a brake cable (109); and an abutment member (107) operatively connected to the brake actuation member (106) via a resilient member (110), the abutment member (107) being configured to guide the brake cable (109); The abutment member (107) is fixedly mounted on the wheel axle (105) via a boss (107B), and the boss (107B) includes an extension portion (107E) for abutting against a portion of the swing arm (301, 401A, 401B).

2. A wheel assembly (101) for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the one or more mechanical connections include the brake cable (109), wherein the brake cable (109) includes an inner wire (109A) and an outer sleeve (109B), the outer sleeve (109B) of the brake cable (109) abuts the abutment member (107), and the inner wire (109A) is connected to the brake actuation member (106).

3. The wheel assembly (101) for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the brake actuating member (106) is rotatably mounted on the brake plate (103) so that the brake actuating member (106) rotates in a predetermined direction when one or more brake levers are actuated.

4. A wheel assembly (101) for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the adjacent member (107) is configured to have a first end (107F) and a second end (107S), wherein the first end (107F) includes the boss (107B) protruding from the outer surface (107O) of the adjacent member (107), and the boss (107B) has an opening (107BO) suitable for receiving the wheel axle (105).

5. The wheel assembly (101) for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the extension portion (107E) protrudes in a transverse direction (C-C') of the wheel assembly (101) so that the boss (107B) is suitable for docking with a narrow slot (301S) provided in the swing arm (301, 401A, 401B).

6. The wheel assembly (101) for a vehicle according to claim 4, wherein the second end (107S) comprises an opening (107SO) configured to abut an outer sleeve (109B) of a brake cable (109).

7. The wheel assembly (101) for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein after the brake is applied, the elastic member (110) retracts and brings the brake actuating member (106) back to an original position or an unactuated position by releasing energy stored in the elastic member (110).

8. A wheel assembly (101) for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the elastic member (110) is wrapped around an inner wire (109A) of a brake cable (109) so that a front portion (110F) of the elastic member (110) terminates against the adjacent member (107) and a rear portion (110R) of the elastic member (110) terminates against the brake actuation member (106).

9. The wheel assembly (101) for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the brake plate (103) is connected to the swing arm (301) through a mechanical linkage (302).

10. The wheel assembly (101) for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the swing arm (401A) includes a narrow slot (401AA), and the narrow slot (401AA) is suitable for receiving an attachment device (402) to be flexibly connected to the brake plate (103) so as to adjust the brake plate (103) by changing the position of the attachment device (402).

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