Brake booster assembly

Abstract

The invention relates to a brake booster assembly. A vehicle is provided that includes a plurality of ground engaging members and a frame supported by the plurality of ground engaging members. The engine is supported by the frame, and the engine includes an engine inlet including an engine inlet inlet. The brake assembly includes a brake output member coupled to at least one of the plurality of ground engaging members, a master cylinder coupled to the brake output member, and a brake booster operably coupled to the master cylinder. Further, the brake booster includes a body defining a fresh air inlet, a conduit extending outwardly from the fresh air inlet, and an inlet opening to the conduit positioned vertically above the brake booster.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a brake booster assembly for a brake assembly. Background Art

[0002] Utility vehicles and recreational vehicles may require a brake booster assembly to increase the applied braking force. The present disclosure relates to the assembly of a brake booster assembly and the positioning of the brake booster assembly in a utility vehicle or recreational vehicle. Summary of the invention

[0003] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a vehicle is provided. The vehicle includes a plurality of ground engaging members and a frame supported by the plurality of ground engaging members. An engine is supported by the frame, and the engine includes an engine inlet, the engine inlet including an engine inlet inlet. A brake assembly includes a brake output member coupled to at least one ground engaging member of the plurality of ground engaging members, a master cylinder coupled to the brake output member, and a brake booster operably coupled to the master cylinder. In addition, the brake booster includes a body defining a fresh air inlet, a conduit extending outwardly from the fresh air inlet, and an inlet to the conduit positioned vertically above the brake booster.

[0004] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a braking system for a vehicle is provided. The braking system includes a plurality of brake output members, a brake input member, and a master cylinder, wherein the master cylinder is configured to supply hydraulic fluid to at least one of the plurality of brake output members. In addition, a brake booster can be operably coupled between the brake input member and the master cylinder. The brake booster includes a housing, a diaphragm positioned inside the housing, an input shaft operably coupled between the diaphragm and the brake input member, a protective cover surrounding at least a portion of the input shaft, and a fresh air inlet fluidly coupled to the protective cover.

[0005] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of manufacturing a brake booster is provided. The manufacturing method includes providing a housing, a cover, a diaphragm, an input rod, and a protective cover. The method also includes inserting the diaphragm into the housing, sealingly coupling the cover to the housing so that the diaphragm is sealed between the housing and the cover, and sealingly coupling the protective cover to the cover and sealing the protective cover around the input rod. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Figure 1 is a side view of a vehicle of the present disclosure;

[0007] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a brake assembly of the present disclosure;

[0008] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a brake booster assembly of the present disclosure;

[0009] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of a frame assembly of a vehicle, showing Figure 2 A part of a brake assembly;

[0010] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of a frame assembly of a vehicle, showing Figure 2 A part of a brake assembly;

[0011] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 An exploded view of the frame assembly and brake assembly;

[0012] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 a perspective view of a portion of a brake assembly;

[0013] Figure 8 yes Figure 1 A top view of a front portion of the vehicle with the hood removed;

[0014] Fig. 9 yes Figure 1 An exploded view of the front portion of the vehicle with the hood removed;

[0015] Fig.10 It is along Figure 7 a cross-sectional view of a portion of the brake assembly taken along line 10-10; and

[0016] Fig.11 yes Fig.10 A perspective cross-sectional view of a portion of a brake assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] In order to promote an understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings described below. The embodiments disclosed below are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure to the precise forms disclosed in the following detailed description. Instead, the embodiments are selected and described so that other persons skilled in the art can utilize the teachings of these embodiments. Therefore, it is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure thereby. Throughout the several views, corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts.

[0018] The terms "coupled," "coupled," "coupler," and variations thereof are intended to include both arrangements in which two or more components are in direct physical contact and arrangements in which two or more components are not in direct contact with each other (e.g., components are "coupled" via at least a third component, but still cooperate or interact with each other).

[0019] In some instances throughout this disclosure and claims, numerical terms such as first, second, third, and fourth are used to refer to various operable transmission components and other components and features. Such usage is not intended to indicate an order of components. Rather, the numerical terms are used to help the reader identify the components involved and should not be narrowly interpreted as providing a particular order of components.

[0020] like Figure 1 As shown, the vehicle 2 includes a plurality of ground engaging members, including a pair of front ground engaging members 4 and a pair of rear ground engaging members 6. A frame assembly 8 is supported by the ground engaging members 4, 6, and the frame assembly 8 supports a body assembly 10. The body assembly 10 generally includes a front portion 12, a cab portion 14, and a rear portion 16. The front portion 12 generally includes a front fascia 34 and a cover member 36. The cover member 36 is generally configured to cover one or more of powertrain components, electrical components, brake assembly components, and other components. The cab portion 14 may include a front windshield, a rear windshield, a roof, a front panel 14A, and at least one door 15 surrounding an operator area 13. In an embodiment, the operator area 13 is sealed, semi-sealed, or otherwise configured to have clean or filtered air. In an embodiment, the operator area 13 is generally an open-air environment, and may not have a windshield, may not have a door, may not have a roof, etc. In an embodiment, the operator area 13 is a positive pressure environment. In an embodiment, the operator area 13 includes an instrument panel assembly, a console assembly, one or more seats 11, a steering assembly, and other components. The rear portion 16 is generally a box assembly and may be fixed to the frame assembly 8 or otherwise tiltable relative to the frame assembly 8.

[0021] The powertrain is supported by the frame assembly 8 and generally includes a prime mover 18 supported by the frame assembly 8. The prime mover 18 is operably coupled to at least one of the ground engaging members 4, 6 and may be located behind the cab portion 14. The prime mover 18 may also be positioned generally vertically below the rear portion or box assembly 16. In an embodiment, the prime mover 18 is an internal combustion engine (e.g., a gasoline engine, a diesel engine, or other types of combustion engines). In an embodiment, the prime mover 18 is an electric powertrain including an electric motor operably coupled to at least one of the ground engaging members 4, 6 and one or more batteries operably coupled to the electric motor. The powertrain may also include an air intake assembly 20 operably coupled to the prime mover 18. The air intake assembly 20 is fluidly coupled to the prime mover 18 at an engine air intake port 22. Illustratively, the engine air intake port 22 is positioned at a first height H1 above the ground surface 38. The air intake assembly 20 also includes an air intake port 28 positioned within the front portion 12 below the hood member 36, and the air intake portion 28 is positioned at a second height H2 above the ground surface 38. The air intake assembly 20 also includes a duct 26 extending forward from the engine air intake port 22 to the air intake port 28. That is, the duct 26 extends between the engine air intake port 22 and the air intake port 28. In an embodiment, the air filter 24 is positioned along the duct 26 and can filter out particles and debris before they enter the prime mover 18.

[0022] Reference Figure 1 to Figure 2 , the vehicle 2 includes a brake assembly 40 that can be operably coupled to one or more of the ground engaging members 4, 6. The brake assembly 40 includes a brake input member 32 positioned inside the cab portion 14. The brake input member 32 can be actuated (e.g., by an operator of the vehicle 2 inside the cab portion 14). The brake assembly 40 also includes a master cylinder 42 fluidly coupled to at least one brake output member 44. In an embodiment, the vehicle 2 includes four brake output members 44, which can include one brake output member 44 associated with each of the paired ground engaging members 4, 6. In an embodiment, the brake output members 44 are brake calipers, drum brakes, or other types of brake members that can be actuated by hydraulic pressure. In an embodiment, when the master cylinder 42 is actuated, at least one of the brake output members 44 is actuated.

[0023] Reference Figure 3 , brake assembly 40( Figure 2) also includes a brake booster assembly 30, which is operably connected to the brake input member 32 ( Figure 2 ) and the master cylinder 42( Figure 2 ). The brake booster assembly 30 includes a body 46 that includes a generally concave housing 48. A cover 50 seals the housing 48, and a protective cover 52 extends outwardly opposite the housing 48. As shown, the protective cover 52 is operably coupled to the cover 50. A diaphragm 54 is positioned inside the housing 48, and the diaphragm 54 is movable relative to the cover 50 inside the housing. In an embodiment, the diaphragm 54 is a polymer material, other flexible materials, or a combination of materials (e.g., a metal material and a polymer material). In an embodiment, the body cover 50 completely seals the housing 48.

[0024] The brake booster assembly 30 includes a plurality of chambers, including a first chamber 56, a second chamber 58, and a third chamber 60. Illustratively, the first chamber 56 is defined by a volume created between the housing 48 and the diaphragm 54, and the second chamber 58 is defined by a volume created between the cover 50 and the diaphragm 54. That is, the first chamber 56 and the second chamber 58 are separated by the diaphragm 54. The third chamber 60 is generally formed by a volume inside the protective cover 52. In an embodiment, each of the first chamber 56, the second chamber 58, and the third chamber 60 is an independent chamber, but can be selectively fluidly coupled. In an embodiment, the first chamber 56 is selectively fluidly coupled to the second chamber 58, and the second chamber 58 is selectively fluidly coupled to the third chamber 60. The brake booster assembly 30 includes a valve assembly 64 positioned inside the protective cover 52. The valve assembly 64 is operable between a first position and a second position. For example, in the first position, the valve assembly 64 is operable to fluidly couple the first chamber 56 and the second chamber 58. Additionally, in the second position, the valve assembly 64 is operable to fluidly couple the second chamber 58 to the third chamber 60. The brake booster assembly 30 also includes one or more arms or extensions 65 that extend around the valve assembly 64 to provide support for the valve assembly 64.

[0025] The brake booster assembly 30 also includes an input push rod 62 and an output push rod 72. The input push rod 62 is operably coupled between the brake input member 32 and the valve assembly 64, and the output push rod 72 is operably coupled to the master cylinder 42. A biasing member 71 (e.g., a spring) is positioned between the diaphragm 54 and the output push rod 72. An input from the brake input member 32 to the input push rod 62 (e.g., an input by a vehicle operator) is configured to move the valve assembly 64 from a first position to a second position. The brake booster assembly 30 also includes a first fluid input 66 and a second fluid input 70. In an embodiment, the first fluid input 66 is a fresh air inlet and is fluidly coupled to the third chamber 60. In addition, the second fluid input 70 is a vacuum input fluidly coupled to the first chamber 56. In an embodiment, the first fluid input 66 is configured to receive fresh air at a first pressure (e.g., atmospheric pressure). In an embodiment, the second fluid input 70 is fluidly coupled to the air inlet assembly 20 of the prime mover 18. In an embodiment, the second fluid input 70 is fluidly coupled to the air inlet assembly 20 at a location between the throttle body (not shown) and the prime mover 18. That is, the brake booster assembly 30 receives gas (e.g., vacuum gas) at a second pressure lower than the first pressure, atmospheric pressure, from the powertrain assembly. Therefore, the prime mover 18 is a vacuum source for the brake booster assembly 30. In an embodiment, the vacuum source 18 may be a separate vacuum component configured to provide vacuum pressure to the brake booster assembly 30. In an embodiment, the vacuum source 18 is a mechanical vacuum pump attached to the prime mover, or an electric motor that runs a vacuum pump. In an embodiment, the powertrain may be an electric powertrain with an electric motor, and the vacuum source may be a vacuum pump. In an embodiment, the powertrain may be a diesel powertrain operably coupled to a mechanical pump configured to generate a vacuum source. Thus, it will be understood that the first chamber 56 is configured to maintain the fluid at a second pressure (e.g., a second pressure less than atmospheric pressure) and the third chamber 60 is configured to maintain the fluid at a first pressure (e.g., a first pressure greater than the second pressure, such as typically atmospheric pressure).

[0026] Still refer to Figure 3, the brake booster assembly 30 is configured to operate between a first configuration or neutral position and a second configuration or actuated position. In the neutral position, the brake input member 32 is not actuated, and the valve assembly 64 is configured to be in the first position so that the first chamber 56 is fluidly coupled to the second chamber 58. That is, in the neutral position, the brake input member 32 is not actuated, and the brake assembly 40 is not engaged with the original member of the vehicle 2. In addition, in the neutral position, each of the first chamber 56 and the second chamber 58 is fluidly coupled and each is at a first pressure (for example, each of the first chamber 56 and the second chamber 58 is at a vacuum pressure). That is, in the neutral position, the first chamber 56 and the second chamber 58 are both at a first pressure, and the third chamber 60 is at a second pressure, wherein the first pressure is less than the second pressure. Each of the first chamber 56 and the second chamber 58 is fluidly coupled to the second fluid input 70, and each contains air at a first pressure. That is, each of the first chamber 56 and the second chamber 58 is in a state of equilibrium, and the diaphragm is in a neutral diaphragm position, unaffected by the air pressure in either the first chamber 56 or the second chamber 58 .

[0027] The user can actuate the brake input member 32, which actuates the input push rod 62 and actuates the brake booster assembly 30. The input push rod 62 actuates the valve assembly 64 and fluidically decouples the first chamber 56 from the second chamber 58, while also fluidly coupling the second chamber 56 to the third chamber 60. The third chamber 60 contains air at a second pressure (e.g., the second pressure is greater than the first pressure and can be approximately atmospheric pressure), and when the second chamber 58 is fluidly coupled to the third chamber 60, the second chamber 58 and the third chamber 60 are equalized to the second pressure. That is, in the actuated position, the first chamber 56 is at the first pressure, and the second chamber 58 and the third chamber 60 are at the second pressure, and the first pressure is less than the second pressure. In the actuated position, the second chamber 58 is overpressured relative to the first chamber 56, thereby generating a force on the diaphragm 54 and pushing the diaphragm 54 further into the first chamber 56 and away from the cover 50. When the diaphragm 54 is pushed into the first chamber 56 away from the cover 50, the spring 71 is compressed and the output push rod 72 is actuated outwardly. The output push rod 72 actuates outwardly and actuates the master cylinder 42, thereby actuating the brake output member 44 via hydraulic pressure. Therefore, the brake booster assembly 30 increases the amount of force provided to the master cylinder 42 due to the actuation of the brake input member 32. The brake booster assembly 30 is a force-increasing assembly for increasing the input force of the operator to the master cylinder 42. That is, the input to the brake input member 32 provides a first force to the master cylinder 42, and the additive force generated by the pressure difference inside the housing 48 provides an additional second force to the master cylinder 42.

[0028] Now refer to Figures 4 to 7 , the frame 8 includes a first generally upright member 74 and a second generally upright member (not shown), the second generally upright member being laterally spaced apart from the first generally upright member. The first generally upright member and the second generally upright member generally support at least a portion of the body assembly 10, including the cab portion 14. A plurality of frame members extend between the first generally upright frame member and the second generally upright frame member. The plurality of frame members include a first laterally extending frame member 75, a second laterally extending frame member 78, and a third laterally extending frame member 80. A frame member or plate 82 is coupled to at least one of the frame members 76, 78, 80. In an embodiment, the frame member 82 is coupled to the frame member 80. In an embodiment, the frame member 82 is coupled to the frame member 78 and the frame member 80. In addition, the frame member 82 has a front face 81 that defines a hole 83 ( Figure 6 ) and hole 88. In an embodiment, the front face 81 is generally aligned with or defines a portion of the body assembly 10. That is, the front face 81 can define a portion of the cab portion 14, such as the front panel 14A, or otherwise abut a portion of the cab portion 14. In an embodiment, the frame member 82 and the front face 81 can support a portion of the cab portion 14. The plate 82 also defines a plurality of holes 90 vertically positioned above the hole 83 and a plurality of holes 92 vertically positioned below the hole 83.

[0029] The frame member 84 is operably coupled to the face 81 of the frame member 82, and the brake input member 32 is rotatably coupled to the frame member 84 about the rotation member 86. Additionally, the brake input member 32 is operably coupled to the frame member 82. Furthermore, the frame member 84 defines a first hole 85 and a pair of second holes 87. The fastener 94 extends through the hole 85 and the hole 88 to couple the frame member 84 to the frame member 82.

[0030] The brake booster assembly 30 is operably coupled to the frame assembly 8. In an embodiment, the boot 52 of the brake booster assembly 30 includes a flange portion 53, and the flange portion 53 defines a plurality of holes 55. In addition, a first pair of studs 100 extend outwardly from the cover 50 at a position vertically above the boot 52, and a second pair of studs 102 extend outwardly from the cover 50 at a position vertically below the boot 52. In an embodiment, each of the studs 100, 102 is positioned radially outwardly from the boot 52 and circumferentially spaced around the boot 52. In addition, each of the studs 100, 102 extends through the hole 55. In addition, the stud 100 extends through the hole 90 of the plate 82 and the hole 87 of the frame member 84. A pair of nuts 96 or couplers are coupled to the studs 100 and secure the frame member 84, the plate 82, and the brake booster assembly 30 together. In addition, the stud 102 extends through the hole 92 of the plate 82. A pair of nuts 98 or couplers are coupled to studs 102 and secure plate 82 and brake booster assembly 30 together. That is, a portion of the studs on brake booster 30 (e.g., studs 102) are coupled to plate 82, and a portion of the studs on brake booster 30 (e.g., studs 100) are coupled to each of frame members 82 and 84.

[0031] Reference Figure 7 , the brake booster assembly 30 includes an inlet conduit 104 that is coupled to the boot 52 at the first fluid input 66. Figure 1 As shown, the protective cover 52 and the inlet conduit 104 are positioned within the operator area 13. Referring again to Figure 3 , the protective cover 52 includes a first portion 67 and a second portion 68. Illustratively, the first portion 67 extends outwardly from the flange portion 53, and the second portion 68 extends outwardly from the first portion 67. In an embodiment, the first portion 67 is generally cylindrical with a generally smooth, continuous surface, and the second portion 68 is generally cylindrical with a plurality of folds 69 (e.g., similar to an accordion). Illustratively, the inlet duct 104 extends outwardly from a side portion of the protective cover 52, from the first portion 67. The duct 104 extends generally upward, and a U-shaped portion 110 is positioned at the upward extension of the duct 104, and the duct 104 includes an inlet 106 that is generally directed downward. Referring again to Figure 1 The upward extension or U-shaped portion 110 is positioned at a third height H3 above the ground surface 38. A plurality of couplers 108 are coupled between the conduit 104 and the frame assembly 8 to couple the conduit 104 to the frame assembly 8.

[0032] Reference Figure 1, U-shaped portion 110 is positioned vertically higher than each of air inlet port 28 and engine air inlet port 22. That is, height H3 is greater than each of height H1 and height H2. Brake booster assembly 30 is sealed, and the only fluid input to brake booster assembly 30 is inlet 106. That is, if vehicle 2 experiences partial immersion inside a fluid (e.g., water), the fluid will enter air inlet 28 of prime mover 18 before entering inlet 106 of brake booster assembly 30. Vehicle 2 may have a wading line at height H4 (e.g., a level to which vehicle 2 may be submerged), which is approximately equal to the height of seat bottom 11A. The wading line may also be approximately equal to height H1, or approximately equal to height H2. That is, height H3 of U-shaped portion 110 is higher than the wading line, and body 46 may be submerged and fluid may not enter because body 46 is sealed, which helps keep the interior of body 46 dry.

[0033] Still refer to Figures 4 to 7 , the brake assembly 40 includes a reservoir 114 with a removable cover 116. The reservoir 114 is fluidly coupled to the master cylinder 42, and a fluid (e.g., brake fluid) is configured to fill each of the reservoir 114 and the master cylinder 42. Illustratively, the bracket 112 is configured to support and protect the reservoir 114. Referring to Figure 1 , the brake booster assembly 30 is generally angled relative to the ground surface 38. That is, the axis 39 generally extends along the input push rod 62 and the output push rod 72, and the axis 39 is angled relative to the ground surface 38. In addition, the front end (e.g., the end adjacent to the output push rod 72) is positioned vertically higher than the rear end (e.g., the end adjacent to the input push rod 62). In an embodiment, the front end (e.g., the end adjacent to the output push rod 72) is positioned vertically lower than the rear end (e.g., the end adjacent to the input push rod 62). In an embodiment, the brake booster assembly is generally horizontal to the ground (e.g., the input push rod 62 is nominally parallel to the ground surface 38).

[0034] Now refer to Figures 8 to 9, the front portion 12 includes a plate member 120 or a hood liner 120, which is vertically positioned below the hood member 36. Illustratively, the air inlet port 28 extends upward through the plate member 120 and is positioned below the hood member 36. In addition, a removable cover 116 extends upward through the plate member 120 and is positioned below the hood member 36. A bracket 118 is coupled to the plate member 120, and the removable cover 116 extends through the plate member 120 and the bracket 118. In an embodiment, the bracket 118 is a gasket made of rubber or other polymers and is configured to provide additional sealing between the plate member 120 and the reservoir 114. In an embodiment, the plate member 120 or the hood liner 120 is removable to allow access to the brake booster assembly 30. That is, the brake booster assembly 30 can be removable without removing the outer body panel (e.g., the body 10). In an embodiment, the hood member 36 is removable to expose each of the removable cover 116 and the air inlet port 28. The removable cover 116 allows access to the reservoir 114 from a location below the hood member 36, which may be cleaner and more accessible than other areas on the vehicle 2 (e.g., areas inside the wheel well where debris, fluids, dirt, etc. may be present). In an embodiment, the hood member 36 is removable to expose a portion of the powertrain (e.g., the air inlet port 28) and a portion of the brake assembly (e.g., the removable cover 116 of the brake assembly 40). In an embodiment, the plate member 120 is configured to support a portion of the electrical assembly (e.g., the antenna 122). That is, the hood member 36 may be removable to expose a portion of the electrical assembly (e.g., the antenna 122).

[0035] Still refer to Figure 1 , the brake booster assembly 30 is configured to be supported by the frame 8 and extend through the boundary defined by the operator area 13. In an embodiment, the protective cover 52 and the duct 104 are positioned inside the operator area 13. That is, the inlet 106 of the inlet duct 104 is positioned inside the operator area 13 to receive clean air from the operator area 13. The housing 48 of the brake booster 30 is vertically positioned above the ground engaging member 4 and may be subject to debris, mud, or water stirred up by the ground engaging member 4. The housing 48 and the cover 50 are completely sealed, and debris, mud, or water may not enter the brake booster 30 through the housing 48 or the cover 50.

[0036] In an embodiment, the body 46 of the brake booster assembly 30 is manufactured by sealingly coupling the cover 50 to the housing 48. In addition, the studs 100, 102 are configured to extend through the flange portion 53 of the boot 52 to sealingly couple the boot 52 to the cover 50. In this configuration, the interior of the body 46 can be accessed only through the first fluid input 66 and the second fluid input 70.

[0037] Now refer to Fig.10 , the folds 69 on the second portion 68 of the boot 52 include a top 124 and a base 126. In an embodiment, each base 126 of the folds 69 includes at least one ball, or node 128, or bulbous area 128, which includes a thickness greater than the thickness of other portions of the folds 69. When the second portion 68 of the boot 52 is compressed and expanded during actuation of the input push rod 62, the folds 69 can fold over each other. In an embodiment, the balls 128 are configured to prevent the folds 69 from sticking together, or otherwise prevent a vacuum area from being created inside the folds 69 and self-sealing. That is, the balls 128 are configured to ensure separation between the folds 69. In an embodiment, the balls 128 are spaced relative to the extension 65 and help promote separation between the boot 52 and the extension 65 so that air can travel through the boot 52 around the extension 65. That is, the ball 128 helps ensure that the boot 52 does not seal against the extension 65 to allow air to flow around the extension 65 .

[0038] Reference Fig.11 , the boot 52 includes an end cap 130 surrounding the input push rod 62. In an embodiment, the end cap 130 of the boot 52 is sealingly coupled around the input push rod 62. The end cap 130 includes at least one ridge 132 extending outwardly from the end cap 130 on the interior of the boot 52. The ridge 132 is configured to contact the extension 65 so that air or fluid can turn around at the ridge 132 and travel on the extension 65. Illustratively, referring to Figure 3 Air is configured to enter the protective cover 52 at the first fluid input portion 66 and travel around the extension portion 65 along a path defined by arrow 73 .

[0039] The example subject matter described herein is illustrated by the following clauses.

[0040] Clause 1. A vehicle comprising: a plurality of ground engaging members; a frame supported by the plurality of ground engaging members; an engine supported by the frame, the engine comprising an engine inlet, the engine inlet comprising an engine inlet entrance; and a brake assembly comprising: a brake output member coupled to at least one of the plurality of ground engaging members; a master cylinder coupled to the brake output member; and a brake booster operably coupled to the master cylinder, the brake booster comprising a body defining a fresh air inlet, a conduit extending outwardly from the fresh air inlet, and an inlet to the conduit positioned vertically above the brake booster.

[0041] Clause 2. The vehicle of clause 1 further comprising a vehicle body supported by the frame, the vehicle body comprising a hood, and wherein the engine inlet inlet is positioned below the hood.

[0042] Clause 3. The vehicle of clause 1, further comprising an operator area supported by the frame, the operator area defined in part by a front panel, and wherein a portion of the brake booster extends through the front panel.

[0043] Clause 4. The vehicle of clause 1, wherein the brake booster further comprises a housing and a diaphragm located within the housing, a cover coupled to the housing, a boot coupled to the housing, and the fresh air inlet is fluidly coupled to the boot.

[0044] Clause 5. The vehicle of clause 4, wherein the protective cover has a first portion including a plurality of folds, and at least one of the plurality of folds includes a node configured to separate the at least one fold from the plurality of folds.

[0045] Clause 6. The vehicle of clause 5, wherein the protective cover includes a second portion offset from the first portion, and the fresh air inlet is coupled to the second portion.

[0046] Item 7. A braking system for a vehicle, the braking system comprising: a plurality of brake output members; a brake input member; a master cylinder, the master cylinder being configured to supply hydraulic fluid to at least one of the plurality of brake output members; and a brake booster, the brake booster being operably connected between the brake input member and the master cylinder, the brake booster comprising: a housing; a diaphragm, the diaphragm being positioned inside the housing; an input shaft, the input shaft being operably connected between the diaphragm and the brake input member; a protective cover, the protective cover surrounding at least a portion of the input shaft; and a fresh air inlet, the fresh air inlet fluid being connected to the protective cover.

[0047] Clause 8. The brake system of clause 7, wherein the housing is fluidly coupled to an engine inlet.

[0048] Clause 9. The brake system of clause 8, wherein the engine inlet includes an inlet port, and a portion of the fresh air inlet is positioned vertically above the inlet port.

[0049] Clause 10. The brake system of clause 8, wherein the protective cover includes a first portion and a second portion, and the first portion includes a plurality of folds, and the fresh air inlet is fluidly coupled to the second portion.

[0050] Clause 11. The brake system of Clause 10, further comprising a node positioned on at least one fold of the plurality of folds, and the node is configured to separate the at least one fold from the plurality of folds.

[0051] Clause 12. The brake system of clause 8, wherein the protective cover is sealingly coupled to the housing.

[0052] Clause 13. The brake system of clause 8, wherein the protective cover is sealingly coupled about the input shaft.

[0053] Item 14. A method of manufacturing a brake booster, the method comprising: providing a housing, a cover, a diaphragm, an input rod, and a protective cover; inserting the diaphragm into the housing; sealingly connecting the cover to the housing so that the diaphragm is sealed between the housing and the cover; and sealingly connecting the protective cover to the cover so that the protective cover is sealed around the input rod.

[0054] Clause 15. The manufacturing method of Clause 14, further comprising: providing a fluid conduit; and fluidly coupling the fluid conduit to the protective cover.

[0055] Clause 16. The manufacturing method of clause 15, further comprising: providing an inlet to the fluid conduit; and positioning the inlet at a location above the brake booster.

[0056] Clause 17. A manufacturing method according to Clause 14, wherein the protective cover comprises a first portion and a second portion, the method comprising: providing a bulbous area on the first portion of the protective cover; providing an air inlet on the second portion of the protective cover; providing a fluid conduit; and connecting the fluid conduit to the air inlet.

[0057] Clause 18. The manufacturing method of clause 14, further comprising: providing a vehicle frame member; and coupling the brake booster to the vehicle frame member by coupling at least one stud to the vehicle frame member.

[0058] Clause 19. The manufacturing method according to Clause 14, further comprising: providing at least one stud coupled to the cover, the at least one stud extending through a portion of the protective cover.

[0059] Clause 20. The manufacturing method of Clause 19, further comprising: providing a pedal member; coupling the pedal member to the at least one stud.

[0060] Although the present invention has been described as having an exemplary design, the present invention may be further modified within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present application is intended to cover any variation, use, or modification of the present invention using its general principles. In addition, the present application is intended to cover such content that deviates from the present disclosure as falling within the known or customary practice in the field to which the present invention belongs.

Claims

1. A vehicle, comprising: a plurality of ground engaging members; a frame supported by the plurality of ground engaging members; an engine, the engine being supported by the frame, the engine comprising an engine inlet, the engine inlet comprising an engine inlet inlet; as well as A brake assembly, the brake assembly comprising: a brake output member coupled to at least one ground engaging member of the plurality of ground engaging members; a master cylinder coupled to the brake output member; and A brake booster is operably coupled to the master cylinder, the brake booster including a body defining a fresh air inlet, a conduit extending outwardly from the fresh air inlet, and an inlet to the conduit positioned vertically above the brake booster.

2. The vehicle of claim 1 further comprising a vehicle body supported by the frame, the vehicle body comprising a hood, and wherein The engine inlet port is positioned below the shroud.

3. The vehicle of claim 1 further comprising an operator area supported by the frame, the operator area being defined in part by a front panel, and wherein: A portion of the brake booster extends through the front panel.

4. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: The brake booster also includes a housing and a diaphragm located inside the housing, a cover coupled to the housing, a boot coupled to the housing, and the fresh air inlet is fluidly coupled to the boot.

5. The vehicle according to claim 4, wherein: The protective cover has a first portion including a plurality of folds, and at least one of the plurality of folds includes a node configured to separate the at least one fold from the plurality of folds.

6. The vehicle according to claim 5, wherein: The protective cover includes a second portion offset from the first portion, and the fresh air inlet is coupled to the second portion.

7. A braking system for a vehicle, the braking system comprising: a plurality of brake output members; a brake input member; a master cylinder configured to supply hydraulic fluid to at least one brake output member of the plurality of brake output members; as well as a brake booster operatively coupled between the brake input member and the master cylinder, the brake booster comprising: shell; a diaphragm positioned within the housing; an input shaft operatively coupled between the diaphragm and the brake input member; a protective cover surrounding at least a portion of the input shaft; and A fresh air inlet is fluidly coupled to the protective cover.

8. The braking system according to claim 7, wherein: The housing is fluidly coupled to an engine inlet.

9. The braking system according to claim 8, wherein: The engine intake includes an intake inlet, and a portion of the fresh air intake is positioned vertically above the intake inlet.

10. The brake system according to claim 8, wherein: The protective cover includes a first portion and a second portion, and the first portion includes a plurality of folds, and the fresh air inlet is fluidly coupled to the second portion.

11. The brake system of claim 10, further comprising a node positioned on at least one of the plurality of folds, and the node is configured to separate the at least one fold from the plurality of folds.

12. The brake system according to claim 8, wherein: The protective cover is sealingly coupled to the housing.

13. The braking system according to claim 8, wherein: The boot is sealingly coupled about the input shaft.

14. A method of manufacturing a brake booster, the method comprising: Providing a housing, a cover, a diaphragm, an input rod, and a protective cover; inserting the diaphragm into the housing; sealingly coupling the cover to the housing so as to seal the diaphragm between the housing and the cover; as well as The boot is sealingly coupled to the cover such that the boot seals around the input rod.

15. The manufacturing method according to claim 14, further comprising: providing a fluid conduit; as well as The fluid conduit is fluidly coupled to the protective cover.

16. The manufacturing method according to claim 15, further comprising: providing an inlet to the fluid conduit; as well as The inlet is positioned at a location above the brake booster.

17. The manufacturing method according to claim 14, wherein the protective cover comprises a first portion and a second portion, and the method comprises: providing a bulbous region on the first portion of the protective cover; providing an air inlet on the second portion of the protective cover; providing a fluid conduit; as well as The fluid conduit is coupled to the air inlet.

18. The manufacturing method according to claim 14, further comprising: Setting vehicle frame members; as well as The brake booster is coupled to the vehicle frame member by coupling at least one stud to the vehicle frame member.

19. The manufacturing method according to claim 14, further comprising: At least one stud coupled to the cover is provided, the at least one stud extending through a portion of the protective cover.

20. The manufacturing method according to claim 19, further comprising: Setting a pedal component; The pedal member is coupled to the at least one stud.

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