Motor vehicles and their braking systems

Abstract

The present subject matter provides a motor vehicle including one or more wheels. A wheel brake system (102) corresponding to each of the one or more wheels is provided. The wheel brake system (102) includes a cam rod (118), and one or more brake cables (112, 116) are connected to the cam rod (118). Each of the one or more protective cover members (202) is arranged on at least a portion of the corresponding elastic return member (132, 134) and covers the portion. The protective cover member (202, 204) includes a retaining portion (222, 242), and the retaining portion has an axial length greater than the maximum lateral displacement distance (Y11, Y21) of the corresponding brake cable (112, 116) relative to the cam rod (118). The protective cover member (202, 204) has a folded portion (224, 244), and the folded portion maintains a desired gap even under emergency braking conditions of any brake.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present subject matter relates generally to a braking system for a motor vehicle, and more particularly to a braking system that operates in conjunction with one or more brake cables. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, two-wheeled or three-wheeled saddle-type vehicles are provided with a braking system for slowing down and / or stopping the vehicle. The braking system generally includes a wheel brake disposed on each of the wheels. For example, a front wheel brake and a rear wheel brake are disposed for the front wheel and the rear wheel, respectively. Generally, the wheel brake can be a drum brake, which includes a cam rod for actuating a friction pad, which applies friction force on the brake drum. Drum brakes are preferred for their low cost and easy maintenance. Each of the front wheel brake and the rear wheel brake is connected to a corresponding brake rod for actuation. The brake rod can be connected to the wheel brake in a variety of ways. For example, the brake rod can be connected to the brake by means of a cable. In such a case, one end of the cable can be fixed to the wheel brake, and the other end of the cable can be fixed to the brake rod. Therefore, the actuation of the brake rod can lead to the actuation of the wheel brake, and subsequently, a braking force can be applied, causing the vehicle to slow down or stop.

[0003] Typically, the front and rear wheels are provided with separate braking systems. Conventional two- or three-wheeled vehicles include a braking system that typically includes manually operated brakes for both wheels, or a combination of manually operated brakes and foot-operated brakes. In the latter case, typically, the front wheel brakes are manually operated and include a front wheel brake lever mounted on the vehicle handle for actuation, while the rear wheel brakes are foot-operated by a rear wheel brake lever located near the rider's footrest.

[0004] Conventionally, brake systems have been developed that allow the front and rear wheel brakes to be actuated simultaneously by applying a single brake lever. Such brake systems are capable of synchronously actuating the front and rear wheel brakes with the help of a single brake lever (e.g., a rear wheel brake lever). Thus, upon actuation of a single brake lever, such brake systems may allow braking forces to be applied to both the front and rear wheels of the vehicle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] The detailed description is described with reference to the embodiments in the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like numerals are used to refer to like features and components throughout the drawings.

[0006] Figure 1 A right side view of an exemplary motor vehicle is depicted in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0007] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a front wheel according to an embodiment of the present subject matter is shown.

[0008] Figure 3 An enlarged schematic diagram of a portion of a front wheel brake is depicted in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0009] Figure 4 Another enlarged schematic view of a portion of a wheel brake according to an embodiment of the present subject matter is depicted.

[0010] Figure 5 Depicted is a first perspective view of a protective cover member according to an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0011] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a portion of a wheel brake in an actuated state of one of the brake cables is depicted according to an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0012] Figure 7 Depicted is an embodiment according to the present subject matter Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of a wheel brake is depicted in FIG.

[0013] Figure 8 Depicted is a schematic side view of a cover member according to an embodiment of the present subject matter. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] Conventionally, each brake cable from each of the front wheel brake lever and the rear wheel brake lever is connected to the front wheel brake and the rear wheel brake, respectively. An additional brake cable connects the rear wheel brake lever to the front wheel brake lever. The front wheel brake may include a cam lever with a hinge pin, each hinge pin being used to support each of the cables. Therefore, the first cable and the second cable may be coupled to the cam lever of the front wheel brake. Each brake cable is provided with a spring, which may be a compression spring, which returns the cam lever to its initial state after releasing the application of the brake lever. The spring or elastic member plays a key role in the return function of the cam lever and in providing the rider with a desired brake feel. For example, only when one of the brake cables is actuated, the other brake cable connected to the same cam lever needs to remain in its own predetermined position. This provides the user with a desired feel that will not relax when the user subsequently applies another wheel brake. The spring is provided with a dust seal to protect the spring and the internal cable from dust, dirt, moisture, water, etc. For example, the accumulation of dust or dirt between the spring rings can affect the compression of the spring and thus the function of the brake. In addition, the spring can be damaged by external particles such as stones, water, etc., which can make the brake lever too loose or too tight, or this can cause the spring to fail. Therefore, dust seals protect the spring from the above and other problems.

[0015] However, conventional dust seals used in brake systems have certain disadvantages. For a cam lever provided with two brake cables, when only one of the two brake cables is actuated, the dust seal of the other brake cable hinders the relative movement of the cam lever with respect to the other brake cable, and vice versa. The dust seal interacts with the cam lever, hindering the movement of the cam lever. This interference results in poor return capability of the cam lever, leading to safety issues and adversely affecting brake performance and feel due to the restricted movement of the cam lever.

[0016] For example, the cam bar interferes with the folded layer provided on the dust seal, especially one or more portions provided at the end of the cam bar. The movement of the cam bar is delayed or stuck by the dust seal provided on the non-actuated brake cable. In some cases, due to excessive friction between the folded layer of the dust seal and the cam bar, the dust seal can be stuck on the cam bar, thereby adversely affecting the smooth movement of the cam bar. Therefore, the cable operating efficiency of any of the brake cables is adversely affected. Conventional dust seals can also cause problems in assembling / tightening / adjusting the adjuster nut to set the correct free play / dead stroke because the dust seal can get stuck on the cam bar, thereby affecting the clearance of the hinge pin in the corresponding slot of the cam bar.

[0017] Furthermore, friction between the dust seal and the cam rod causes wear of the dust seal, which results in damage to the dust seal. Damage to the dust seal exposes the brake cable (internal cable) and spring to the atmosphere. Exposure to the atmosphere and due to the accumulation of dust, water and dirt adversely affects the function and service life of the cable and spring.

[0018] Therefore, in accordance with the present subject matter, a braking system for a motor vehicle is designed to overcome the above-mentioned and other problems with conventional braking systems known in the art.

[0019] The present subject matter provides a motor vehicle having one or more wheels and corresponding one or more wheel brake systems for the wheels.

[0020] In one embodiment, the wheel brake comprises a cam lever capable of actuating the wheel brake system upon actuation of at least one brake lever of each wheel brake of the motor vehicle.The term "brake lever" is not limiting and may include a brake pedal.

[0021] In one embodiment, one or more brake cables are connected to the cam lever for actuating the wheel brakes by at least any one of the brake cables.

[0022] In one embodiment, one or more elastic return members corresponding to one or more brake cables are provided to enable the cam lever and the corresponding brake cable to return to an initial state / position, thereby eliminating the need for any separate additional torsion springs, etc. for the cam lever. When the other brake cable is actuated, the elastic return member holds the corresponding brake cable in an intact position, thereby reducing / eliminating vibration and undesirable free play of the other brake cable or lever.

[0023] In one embodiment, one or more protective cover members are disposed on at least a portion of the corresponding elastic return member and are used to cover the portion. The protective cover member covers each of the elastic return members, thereby ensuring smooth operation of all brake cables.

[0024] A feature of the present invention is that the protective cover member includes a retaining portion having an axial length that is sufficiently large to maintain a predetermined gap between the folding portion and the cam rod even during actuation of one or more brake levers of the vehicle (even during emergency braking that requires full actuation of the brake lever or brake pedal).

[0025] In one embodiment, the protective cover member includes a retaining portion having an axial length greater than a safety distance defined between the hinge member (i.e., in a maximum slidable state in the corresponding slot) and the first end of the cam rod, wherein the first end is an end of the cam rod that is very adjacent to the folding portion.

[0026] The safety distance is also calculated as the sum of the maximum possible relative traverse distance of the corresponding brake cable around the cam rod and the length of the first end of the cam rod. In addition, the protective cover member is configured not to interfere with the cam rod.

[0027] For example, the retaining portion of the protective cover member ensures that the protective cover member has sufficient clearance between the folded portion of the protective cover member and the cam lever. Therefore, any contamination or clogging of the folded portion of the protective cover member with the cam lever is completely eliminated.

[0028] In one embodiment, the cam lever comprises one or more slots, and the corresponding one or more hinge members are arranged at the slots. Each hinge member is functionally connected to a corresponding brake cable through an adjuster nut.

[0029] In one embodiment, the axial length of the retaining portion of the protective cover member is greater than the maximum possible traversal distance of the corresponding hinge member along the corresponding slot of the cam rod.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment, the retaining portion has an axial length greater than the sum of the maximum possible traverse distance (of the hinge member in the slot) and the length of the end of the cam lever adjacent the first end of the protective cover component.

[0031] In other words, the above may be defined as that the axial length is slightly greater than the gap between the hinge member (positioned in the slot at the distal end away from the protective cover member) and the end of the cam rod.

[0032] In one embodiment, each of the one or more brake cables comprises an inner cable and an outer sheath. One end of the inner cable is connected to the corresponding hinge member, and one or more elastic return members are arranged between the hinge member and the support member or anchor part or support. The support member can be arranged on the plate member of the drum brake.

[0033] In one embodiment, the elastic return member is a compression type spring provided for each brake cable, and the protective cover member substantially covers the elastic cover member. In addition, the protective cover member has a folded portion that is compressed together with the elastic return member, wherein the protective cover member covers the elastic return member during compression without being stuck with the cam lever.

[0034] In one embodiment, the folded portion of the protective cover member includes one or more drainage holes disposed on the trough portions of the plurality of folded layers thereof.

[0035] In one embodiment, the outer diameter of the retaining portion of the protective cover member is smaller than the lateral gap between the flange members of the cam lever.

[0036] In one embodiment, the axial length is maintained so that a minimum gap between the folded portion of the protective cover member and the cam lever is maintained even if the other brake cable alone fully actuates the cam lever during any emergency braking.

[0037] The present subject matter is applicable to a brake system with a cam lever having one or more brake cables connected thereto.

[0038] The protective cover member provides functional and aesthetic improvements as the folded portion is smoothly compressed during braking without any obstruction by the cam lever.

[0039] The protective cover member can be easily assembled and maintained because it does not interfere with other components such as the cam lever.

[0040] The brake lever / brake pedal provides excellent brake feel as the free play zone can be distinguished from the brake start or braking zone and as the protective cover member does not interfere with any functional brake parts such as the cam lever or elastic return member, making it easier to actuate the brake control in any road condition.

[0041] In the following description, these and other advantages of the subject matter will be described in more detail in conjunction with an embodiment of a two-wheeled motor vehicle with accompanying drawings. The arrows in the upper right corner of the drawings indicate the direction of the vehicle. Arrow "F" indicates the forward direction, arrow "R" indicates the rearward direction, arrow "Up" indicates the upward direction, and arrow "Dw" indicates the downward direction.

[0042] Figure 1 A right side view of an exemplary motor vehicle 100 according to an embodiment of the present subject matter is depicted. The motor vehicle 100 includes a frame member 150 supporting a front wheel 103 and a rear wheel 105. The front wheel 103 and the rear wheel 105 are rotatably supported by a front suspension system 111 and a rear suspension system (not shown), respectively. In one embodiment, the rear wheel 105 may be supported by a swing arm (not shown) in addition. The front wheel 103 is provided with a front wheel brake system 102 (as shown in dotted lines), and the rear wheel 105 is provided with a rear wheel brake system 104. In the present embodiment, the front wheel brake system 102 and the rear wheel brake system 104 are drum brakes. The present invention is not limited to drum brakes, as it is applicable to motor vehicles with a drum brake and a disc brake combination. The wheel brake system may be actuated using hydraulic actuation, mechanical actuation, or a combination of hydraulic and mechanical systems.

[0043] The power unit 190 is either fixedly mounted to the frame member 150 or swingably connected to the frame member 150. The power unit 190 can be at least one of an internal combustion engine and an electric traction motor or both (a hybrid). The power unit 190 is coupled to a transmission system (not shown) for transmitting power to at least one of the rear wheel 105 and the front wheel 103. In addition, the front wheel 103 is pivotally supported by the frame member 150, and the handlebar assembly 155 is functionally connected to the front wheel 103 for steering the vehicle 100. The handlebar assembly 155 supports at least one brake lever 156 for actuating at least one front wheel brake system 102 and / or the rear wheel brake system 104. In one embodiment, the vehicle 100 has a rider foot support structure (not shown) extending on either side of the vehicle 100 for the rider to rest his / her feet.

[0044] A brake pedal is provided near the rider foot support structure of the motor vehicle 100 for foot-actuated braking. In the depicted embodiment, the vehicle 100 has a straddle portion with a power unit 190 swing-mounted behind the straddle portion and the transmission to the rear wheel 105. The motor vehicle 100 is provided with a brake system comprising a front wheel brake system 102 and a rear wheel brake system 104. In one embodiment, the brake system includes synchronized wheel brake system levers (not shown) for applying the front wheel brake system 102 and the rear wheel brake system 104.

[0045] In this embodiment, the brake lever 156 and the synchronized wheel brake system lever, which are interchangeably referred to as the "front wheel brake system lever", can be arranged on the right hand side or the left hand side of the handlebar assembly 155 of the vehicle, respectively. In another embodiment, instead of arranging the synchronized wheel brake system lever on the handlebar assembly, a foot pedal arranged near the rider's foot serves as the synchronized wheel brake system lever to apply the front wheel brake system 102 as well as the rear wheel brake system 104.

[0046] Thus, in an embodiment having a synchronized braking system, the front wheel brake system 102 receives a synchronized front brake cable 112 and an independent front brake cable 116 (eg, Figure 2 ), and the rear wheel brake 104 receives the rear brake cable 114.

[0047] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a front wheel according to an embodiment of the present subject matter is shown. The front wheel 103 includes a rim 115 that supports a tire. In the depicted embodiment, the wheel 103 is an alloy type wheel having an arm portion and a hub portion that are integral with the rim 115. In the depicted embodiment, the front wheel brake system 102 is a drum brake mounted to the hub portion of the wheel 103. Synchronous front brake cables 112 and independent front brake cables 116 can be connected to the front wheel brake system 102.

[0048] The front wheel brake 102 includes a cam rod 118, and each of the synchronized front brake cable 112 and the independent front brake cable 116 is functionally connected to the cam rod 118. The cam rod 118 is rotatably supported on a plate member 120 of the front wheel brake system 102. The plate member 120 is provided with at least one cable support 122, wherein one end of the outer sheath of the brake cables 112, 116 is supported on the cable support 122, and the inner cable of the brake cables 112, 116 can slide through the outer sheath and the cable support 122. The front brake lever 156 (such as Figure 1 ) is connected to the cam rod 118 of the front wheel brake system 102 via an independent front brake cable 116, and the synchronized brake rod is connected to the cam rod 118 of the front wheel 103 via the synchronized front brake cable 112.

[0049] Figure 3An enlarged schematic diagram of a portion of a front wheel brake system according to an embodiment of the present subject matter is depicted. The front wheel brake system 102 includes a cable support 122, wherein the outer jackets 112O, 116O of the brake cables 112, 116 abut the cable support 122. The front wheel brake system 102 includes a cam rod 118 provided with one or more slots 252, 254. In the illustrated embodiment, the cam rod 118 is provided with a first slot 252 and a second slot 254. In one embodiment, the cam rod 118 includes two flange members 118A, 118B (such as the flange members 118A, 118B) spaced apart in a lateral direction. Figure 8 The front wheel brake system 102 further includes one or more hinge members 232, 234 corresponding to the one or more slots 252, 254 for supporting each of the synchronized front brake cable 112 and the independent front brake cable 116 at the corresponding slots 252, 254, respectively.

[0050] The hinge members 232, 234 are arranged in the slots 252, 254 and can slide in the slots 252, 254. Each of the hinge members 232, 234 is provided with a hole, and the brake cables 112, 116 pass through the holes. In addition, the end portions of the brake cables 112, 116 are provided with adjuster nuts 162, 164. The adjuster nuts 162, 164 may be internally threaded to securely hold the synchronized front brake cable 112 and the independent front brake cable 116 with the corresponding hinge members 232, 234.

[0051] The first elastic return member 132 and the second elastic return member 134 are disposed between the cable support 122 and the hinge members 232, 234. The elastic return members 132, 134 are annularly disposed above the inner cables 112I, 116I of the brake cables 112, 116, wherein in one embodiment, the elastic return members 132, 134 are compression-type springs. During actuation of the brake, the brake lever 156 / brake pedal is actuated, and the inner cable 112I, 116I of any one of the brake cables 112, 116 is pulled, whereby the springs 132 / 134 are compressed. The cam lever 118 rotates around and with the cam pin 121 to apply the brake. When the brake lever 156 / brake pedal is released, the elastic return member 132 allows the cam lever 118 to return to an initial position, which is a non-actuated position of the brake due to a brake shoe return spring (not shown). The resilient return members 132, 134 also maintain the hinge members 232, 234 of the unactuated brake cables in the desired position when both brake levers are released.

[0052] The wheel brake system 102 is provided with one or more protective cover members 202, 204 corresponding to the brake cables 112, 116. The protective cover members 202, 204 (hereinafter also referred to as "cover members" for simplicity) correspond to the one or more brake cables 112, 116 and cover at least a portion of the elastic return members 132, 134. In the present embodiment, a first protective cover member 202 and a second protective cover member 204 are provided. The first protective cover member 202 includes a folded portion 224 and a retaining portion 222 (such as Figure 4 Similarly, the second protective cover member 204 includes a folding portion 244 and a retaining portion 242 ( Figure 4 The retaining portions 222, 242 are provided with a sufficiently large axial length to maintain a predetermined gap between the folded portions 224, 244 and the cam rod 118 during actuation of one or more brake rods 156, even during actuation of one or both brake rods under normal or emergency braking conditions. The construction and function of the protective cover member are explained below.

[0053] Figure 4 Another enlarged schematic diagram of a portion of a wheel brake system is depicted in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. Figure 5 A first perspective view of a protective cover member according to an embodiment of the present subject matter is depicted. The first protective cover member 202 has a folded portion 224 having a generally cylindrical profile with a plurality of folded layers. The retaining portion 222 has a generally cylindrical profile without any folded layers. In one embodiment, the retaining portion 222 may have a substantially tapered diameter to enable better retention around an elastic return member (not shown). The folded portion 224 has an overall diameter D1 (as viewed from radially opposite ends) that is greater than a diameter D2 of the retaining portion 222. When the synchronized brake lever / pedal is applied, the inner cable 1121 of the synchronized front brake cable 112 is pulled, thereby causing the cam rod 118 to rotate / pivot, resulting in actuation of the brake. The elastic return member 132 (such as Figure 3 254) is compressed, and thus the first protective cover member 202 is also compressed. The hinge member 232 disposed in the slot 252 pulls the cam lever. During actuation of the synchronized front brake cable 112, the independent front brake cable 116 remains undisturbed. When the hinge member 234 slides in the slot 254, the hinge member 234 corresponding to the independent front brake cable 116 remains undisturbed to effectively compensate for the movement of the cam lever without disturbing the original position of the hinge member 234.

[0054] The first protective cover member 202 is provided with a retaining portion 222 having an axial length L1, which is capable of maintaining a predetermined gap between the folded portions 224, 244 and the cam rod 118 during actuation of one or more brake levers 156, even during actuation of one or both brake levers under normal or emergency braking conditions. In one embodiment, the axial length L1 is greater than the maximum traversal distance Y11 of the corresponding brake cable 112 relative to the cam rod 118. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the maximum traversal distance Y11 of the brake cable 112 is equal to the stroke of the corresponding hinge member 232 in the slot 252. Similarly, the axial length L2 of the retaining portion 242 for the cover member 204 is greater than the sum of the maximum traversal distance Y21 of the corresponding brake cable 116 relative to the cam rod 118 and the length Y12 of the first end 119 of the cam rod, wherein the first end 119 is the end of the cam rod 118 adjacent to the folded portion 224. In a preferred embodiment, the axial length L1 of the retaining portion 222 is greater than the safety distance Y of the maximum traverse distance Y11 and the end length Y12 of the first end 119 of the cam rod 118. The end length Y12 is typically the same for all slots of the cam rod 118. The term "sufficiently large" corresponds to the safety distance Y defined below.

[0055] L1>=(Y11+Y12)

[0056] or

[0057] L1>=Y

[0058] The first end 119 is a portion of the cam rod 118 that is adjacent to the folded portions 224, 244 of the cover members 202, 204. Therefore, the axial length of the retaining portion 222, 242 of the cover member is specifically configured according to the maximum traversal distance and the end length of the brake cable around the corresponding slot. The term "length" is not limited to a straight line length, and it includes the actual length of a non-linear profile, such as a curved profile of a slot. In addition, the folded portion 224 has an overall diameter D1 that is smaller than the gap (such as the gap between the flange members 118A, 118B) provided between the flange members 118A, 118B. Figure 7 shown).

[0059] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a portion of a wheel brake in an actuated state of a brake cable according to an embodiment of the present subject matter is depicted. The retaining portion 222 has an axial length L1 greater than the safety distance Y (eg, Figure 5 ). The safety distance Y is the distance between the hinge member 232 in the maximum slidable state 232MA and the first end 119 of the cam rod 118. In other words, the hinge member 232 has a maximum slidable state or position, which is located at the end of the corresponding slot 252 that is farther from the initial position / rest position of the hinge member 232.

[0060] In addition, as shown in the above calculation formula, the axial length L1 is greater than the sum of the maximum lateral displacement distance Y11 of the corresponding hinge member 232 along the corresponding narrow slot 252 and the length Y12 of the first end 119 of the cam rod 118, and the first end 119 is adjacent to the folded portion 224 of the protective cover member 202, thereby maintaining a predetermined gap "C" between the folded portions 224, 244 and the cam rod 118, eliminating interference / contamination between the protective cover members 202, 204 and the cam rod 118.

[0061] In one embodiment, the vehicle 100 includes a synchronized brake system, wherein the wheel brake system 102 receives a synchronized brake cable 112 and an independent brake cable 116, wherein the maximum traverse distance Y11 / Y21 is taken from the hinge member 232 / 234, which corresponds to the slot 252 / 254 having the maximum slot length. Therefore, even in cam rods having different slot lengths, the slot having the maximum slot length is used to calculate the safety distance Y, thereby determining the axial length L1 of the retaining portion 222, 242 of the protective cover member 202, 204. The present subject matter is applicable to the brake system regardless of changes in hinge member design or diameter.

[0062] Figure 7 Depicted is an embodiment according to the present subject matter Figure 6 Furthermore, the folded portions 224, 244 have an overall diameter D1 that is smaller than the gap provided between the flange members 118A, 118B, the flange members 118a, 118b being spaced apart in the lateral direction.

[0063] Additionally, in the illustrated embodiment, the independent front brake cable 116 is actuated by applying the front brake lever 156 (eg, Figure 1254). As a result, the cam rod 118 rotates in the counterclockwise direction, whereby the hinge member 234 of the brake cable 116 pulls the cam rod. In this case, the synchronized front brake cable 112 is in an unactivated state. The hinge member 232 of the synchronized front brake cable 112 slides in the narrow groove 252. The cam rod 118 does not interfere with another cover member, thereby eliminating any interference between the corresponding cover member and the cam rod 118, and does not affect the protective function of the elastic return member even during emergency braking. In addition, the retaining portion 222 is accommodated in the gap between the flange members 118A, 118B without interfering with the cam rod 118, because the axial length L1 of the retaining portion 222 is configured not to interfere with the cam rod. Therefore, the nearest portion (or the nearest folded layer) of the folded portions 224, 244 has a predetermined gap with the cam rod 118, even when the cam rod 118 is fully actuated. The axial length L1 of the retaining portion 222 , 242 is set to be greater than the maximum traverse distance of the hinge members 232 , 234 in the slots 252 , 254 and the corresponding safety distance Y of the length of the first end 119 of the cam rod 118 .

[0064] Figure 8 A schematic side view of a cover member according to an embodiment of the present subject matter is depicted. The cover member 302 includes a folding portion 324 and a retaining portion 322. The axial length of the retaining portion 322 is greater than the maximum traversing distance of the brake cable or the corresponding hinge member relative to the cam rod to eliminate any interference between the cover member 302 and the cam rod. Braking feel and performance are improved by eliminating friction that is unnecessarily generated between the cover member and the cam rod during relative movement thereof whenever one of the rear brake controller and the front brake controller is actuated.

[0065] Since interference between the cover members 202, 204 and the cam rod is avoided, friction between the aforementioned parts is avoided. This significantly reduces the wear and tear of the cover members 202, 204, thereby improving the durability, service life and maintainability of the system and maintenance costs. In addition, due to the effective self-return of the cam rod whenever the brake is released, the overall braking performance and safety are improved. This reduces the risk of wheel locking and slipping due to potential self-return failure when the brake control is released.

[0066] The folded portion 324 includes a plurality of involutes or bellows formed by a plurality of crest portions FC1 and a plurality of trough portions FT1. The protective cover member 302 is made of an elastic material. One or more drain holes 362 are provided on the top crest portion FC1 of the folded portion 324 and at the bottom portion of the cover member 302. Therefore, any water entering the cover member 302 is effectively drained, thereby protecting the elastic return member from any damage caused by rust or corrosion due to the accumulation of water or dust.

[0067] In one embodiment, the retaining portion 322 includes a first end 323 that abuts against a corresponding hinge member, wherein the first end 323 is provided with a first profile to match and complement a second profile of the hinge member. For example, the hinge member may have a circular or oval cross-section, and the first end 323 of the cover member 302 is provided with a concave cutout having a circular or oval profile to abut against the hinge member without any gap, thereby eliminating any gap for water or dirt to enter.

[0068] The present subject matter is not limited to brake systems having cam levers actuated by two or more brake cables, as it is applicable to systems having a single brake cable actuating a cam lever and brake systems actuated by a combination of mechanical and hydraulic actuation.

[0069] It should be understood that the aspects of the embodiments are not necessarily limited to the features described herein. According to the above disclosure, many modifications and variations of the subject matter are possible. Therefore, within the scope of the claims of the subject matter, the disclosure can be practiced in a manner different from that specifically described.

[0070] List of reference numerals:

[0071] 100 Motor Vehicles

[0072] 102 Front wheel brake system

[0073] 103 Front wheel

[0074] 104 Rear brake system

[0075] 105 Rear wheel

[0076] 111 Front suspension

[0077] 112 Synchronized front brake cable

[0078] 112I Internal Cable

[0079] 112O Outer sheath

[0080] 115 Rim

[0081] 116 Independent front brake cable

[0082] 116I Internal Cable

[0083] 116O Outer sheath

[0084] 118 Cam lever

[0085] 118A / 118B Flange components

[0086] 119 First End

[0087] 120 Plate components

[0088] 121 Cam pin

[0089] 122 Cable support

[0090] 132 / 134 Elastic return member

[0091] 150 Frame members

[0092] 155 Handlebar Assembly

[0093] 156 brake lever

[0094] 162 / 164 Adjuster Nut

[0095] 190 Power Unit

[0096] 202 / 204 / 302 Cover member

[0097] 222 / 242 / 322 Keep part

[0098] 224 / 244 / 324 Collapse

[0099] 232 / 234 hinge components

[0100] 252 / 254 Slot

[0101] 323 First End

[0102] 362 Drainage Hole

[0103] L1 Axial length

[0104] Y11 / Y21 maximum traverse distance

[0105] Y Safety distance

[0106] Y12 end length

[0107] D1 / D2 diameter.

Claims

1. A motor vehicle (100), the motor vehicle (100) comprising: one or more wheels (103, 105); and A wheel brake system (102, 104) corresponding to each of the one or more wheels (103, 105), the wheel brake system (102, 104) comprising: a cam lever (118) capable of actuating the wheel brake system (102) upon actuation of one or more brake levers (156); One or more brake cables (112, 116) for actuating the wheel brake system (102), the one or more brake cables (112, 116) being connected to one or more hinge members (232, 234); and One or more protective cover members (202, 204, 302) for covering a portion of the one or more brake cables (112, 116), the one or more protective cover members (202, 204, 302) comprising: Keep part and fold part, The retaining portion has an axial length (L1) that is sufficiently large to maintain a predetermined gap between the folding portion and the cam rod (118) during actuation of the one or more brake rods (156), wherein the cam lever (118) includes one or more slots (252, 254) to accommodate the corresponding one or more hinge members (232, 234), and the one or more hinge members (232, 234) can selectively slide in the corresponding slots (252, 254), and The axial length (L1) is greater than the sum of the maximum lateral displacement distance (Y11, Y21) of the one or more hinge members (232, 234) along the corresponding one or more slots (252, 254) and the length (Y12) of the first end (119) of the cam rod (118), and the first end (119) is adjacent to the folded portion of the one or more protective cover members (202, 204, 302), thereby eliminating interference between the one or more protective cover members (202, 204, 302) and the cam rod (118).

2. The motor vehicle (100) according to claim 1, wherein One or more elastic return members (132, 134) correspond to one or more brake cables (112, 116), Each of the one or more protective cover members (202, 204, 302) is configured to cover at least a portion of the elastic return member (132, 134), and The one or more brake cables (112, 116) are connected to the corresponding one or more hinge members (232, 234), wherein The retaining portion has an axial length (L1) greater than a safety distance (Y) between the one or more hinge members (232, 234) in a maximum slidable state (232MA) and a first end (119) of the cam rod (118), the first end (119) being adjacent to the folded portion of the one or more protective cover members (202, 204, 302).

3. The motor vehicle (100) according to claim 1, wherein each of the one or more brake cables (112, 116) comprises an inner cable (112I, 116I) and an outer sheath (112O, 116O), one end of the inner cable (112I, 116I) being connected to the corresponding one or more hinge members (232, 234), and one or more elastic return members (132, 134) are arranged on the corresponding inner cable (112I, 116I) and the one or more elastic return members (132, 134) are accommodated between the one or more hinge members (232, 234) and a cable support (122) for the one or more brake cables (112, 116) of the wheel brake system (102).

4. The motor vehicle (100) according to claim 3, wherein the cable support (122) is formed on a plate member (120) of the wheel brake system (102), and the plate member (120) supports a cam pin (121), the cam rod (118) is fixedly provided with the cam pin (121), and wherein the elastic return member (132, 134) is a compression spring allowing the cam rod (118) to return to an initial state after releasing the brake.

5. The motor vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the folded portion of each of the one or more protective cover members (202, 204, 302) includes a plurality of folded layers (F1) formed by a plurality of crest portions (FC1) and a plurality of trough portions (FT1), and the one or more protective cover members (202, 204, 302) are made of an elastic material.

6. The motor vehicle according to claim 5, wherein the folded portion comprises one or more drainage holes (362), and the drainage holes (362) are arranged on the crest portion (FC1).

7. The motor vehicle (100) according to claim 2, wherein the retaining portion includes a first end (323) abutting against the corresponding one or more hinge members (232, 234), wherein the first end (323) is provided with a first contour that matches and complements a second contour of the one or more hinge members (232, 234).

8. The motor vehicle (100) of claim 1, wherein: The one or more brake cables (112, 116) include a synchronous brake cable and an independent brake cable, and the vehicle (100) includes a brake system synchronized with the wheel brake system (102) that receives the synchronous brake cable and the independent brake cable, wherein the maximum lateral displacement distance (Y11, Y21) is a lateral displacement distance of one of the one or more hinge members (232, 234), wherein one of the one or more hinge members (232, 234) corresponds to one of the slots (252, 254) having a maximum slot length.

9. The motor vehicle (100) of claim 2, wherein the retaining portion comprises one of a uniform cross-section or a tapered cross-section, and wherein the elastic return member (132, 134) comprises a compression-type spring.

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