Patent Publication Number: US-2022227450-A1

Title: Actuator device for a hydraulic brake/clutch actuation system of a motorcycle

Description:
FIELD OF INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to the field of hydraulic brake/clutch actuation systems of motorcycles. 
     The present invention relates, in particular, to an actuator device for the hydraulic brake/clutch actuation system of a motorcycle, operating an electric push-button panel. 
     BACKGROUND ART 
     Hydraulic brake or clutch actuation systems are increasingly used in motorcycles. These hydraulic systems are equipped with an actuator device which, on command of the user, activates the brake or clutch respectively. The actuation is, therefore, of the hydraulic type and involves the use of a piston which, influenced by the aforementioned user command, moves the fluid inside a closed hydraulic circuit to impart a pressure such as to activate the aforementioned brake or the aforementioned clutch. 
     Following the hydraulic actuation, it is also possible to provide a consequent electric actuation to define an electric signal or the activation of an electric command. When the brake is activated, for example, it is necessary to make a signal that guarantees the following vehicle to adjust the speed accordingly, signaling that is carried out by turning on the stop light. 
     Some motorcycles have a suitable button panel arranged in correspondence with the actuator device and operated by it for electrical signaling or the activation of an electrical control. In particular, Harley-Davidson® motorcycles have, at least in some models, a push-button panel arranged on the handlebar in correspondence with the front brake actuator device and operated by the same lever adapted to operate the piston of the actuator device. 
     The replacement of actuator devices for the hydraulic brake/clutch actuation system of first equipment with customized actuator devices must therefore take into account the presence of the push-button panel and its activation. 
     Some solutions of the known type therefore provide for the modification of the push-button panel at the same time as the modification of the actuator device occurs, in such a way as to adapt the new positioning or the new conformation to the technical needs of electric actuation. However, these solutions have the need to operate on the electrical system of the motorcycle, for example on the CANBUS system, with the consequent complexity and increase in cost, both in the realization of the actuator device and in the relative installation on the motorcycle. Furthermore, modifications to the motorcycle&#39;s electrical system can cause problems that could compromise its safety. 
     An alternative solution of the known type is described in the Italian Patent Application No. IT 102017000001855 and consists of a brake or clutch pump comprising a lever operatively connected to the body of the brake pump and to the operating lever and provided with a lever for the actuation of the push button panel. This solution, while being cheaper and less invasive than the above described known solution, by allowing to keep the original motorcycle push-button panel, has the disadvantage of requiring a linkage to be specifically made according to the size of the lever and the position of the brake pump. Furthermore, the presence of the linkage determines an increase in the number of components that make up the actuator device, with a consequent increase in cost and risk of malfunctions and high maintenance. 
     Further alternative solutions of the known type are described respectively in the Japanese Patent No. JP S5835229A and in the Great Britain Patent No. GB 2432199A, which have a high level of complexity. 
     It would therefore be desirable to have an actuator device for the hydraulic brake/clutch actuation system of a motorcycle capable of minimizing the above described drawbacks. In particular, it would be desirable to have an actuator device for the hydraulic brake/clutch actuation system of a motorcycle capable of operating the electric push-button panel of a motorcycle, while preserving the reliability characteristics of the actuator device itself. Furthermore, it would be desirable to have an actuator device for the hydraulic brake/clutch actuation system of a motorcycle capable of guaranteeing the aforementioned characteristics while having a reduced size and cost. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The object of the present invention is to provide an actuator device for the hydraulic brake/clutch actuation system of a motorcycle capable of minimizing the aforementioned problems. 
     In particular, the object of the present invention is to provide an actuator device for the hydraulic system for actuating the brake/clutch of a motorcycle which guarantees both the simple activation of the electric push-button panel of a motorcycle without any intervention on the electrical system itself and, at the same time, a simple installation. 
     The object of the present invention is achieved by an actuator device for the hydraulic brake/clutch actuation system of a motorcycle according to the attached claims. 
     The actuator device for a hydraulic brake/clutch actuation system of a motorcycle, comprises:
         a primary support structure able to be operatively coupled to the handlebar of the motorcycle and provided with at least a primary chamber;   a primary piston arranged within the primary support structure and able to be moved within the primary chamber between a primary resting position and a primary working position, and vice versa;   a primary actuating pin solidly coupled to the primary piston and arranged outside the primary support structure for actuating the primary piston between the primary resting position and the primary working position, wherein the free end of the primary actuating pin is arranged at the primary support structure when the primary piston is in the primary working position and is distanced from the primary support structure when the primary piston is in the primary resting position;   a primary elastic element arranged within the primary support structure and able to maintain the primary piston in the primary resting position when not actuated;   a secondary support structure provided with at least a secondary chamber;   a secondary piston arranged within the secondary support structure and able to be moved within the secondary chamber between a secondary resting position and a secondary working position, and vice versa; a secondary actuating pin solidly coupled to the secondary piston and arranged outside the secondary support structure, wherein the free end of the secondary actuating pin is distanced from the secondary support structure when the secondary piston is in the secondary working position and is arranged at the secondary support structure when the secondary piston is in the secondary resting position;   a secondary elastic element arranged within the secondary support structure and able to maintain the secondary piston in the secondary working position when not actuated;
 
wherein the primary chamber and the secondary chamber are arranged in fluid communication so that the secondary piston is arranged from the secondary working position to the secondary resting position by the movement of a hydraulic fluid when the primary piston is actuated from the primary resting position to the primary working position, and
 
wherein the secondary elastic element is arranged within the secondary chamber.
       

     In this way, when the primary piston is activated for the actuation of the brake or clutch, the secondary piston is consequently moved by the hydraulic fluid to release the button of the electric control panel and allow the stop light to be activated. 
     In a further embodiment, the secondary support structure is solidly coupled to the primary support structure. 
     Alternatively, the secondary support structure is separated from the primary support structure. 
     In this way, it is possible to realize the actuator device both by reducing the overall sizes and by positioning the components of the actuator device according to the desired layout for the motorcycle. 
     In a further embodiment, the primary chamber and the secondary chamber are arranged in fluid communication by a connection duct interposed between the primary chamber and the secondary chamber. 
     In this way, it is possible to arrange the two primary and secondary chambers in separate positions, maintaining the connection by means of the connection duct which guarantees the movement of the hydraulic fluid. 
     In a further embodiment, the connection duct has an end coupled to the primary chamber at said primary working position and the opposite end coupled to the secondary chamber at the secondary resting position. 
     This arrangement allows the secondary piston to be moved in an opposite manner and in response to the movement of the primary piston from the primary resting position to the primary working position. 
     In a further embodiment, the primary elastic element is arranged within the primary chamber. 
     In a further embodiment, the primary elastic element is arranged at the primary working position. 
     This allows the primary elastic element to arrange the primary piston normally in the primary resting position when not activated. 
     In a further embodiment, the secondary elastic element is arranged at the secondary resting position. 
     This allows the secondary elastic element is able to arrange the secondary piston normally in the secondary working position when not activated. 
     In a further embodiment, the primary elastic element and the secondary elastic element are respectively made by means of a helical spring. 
     In a further embodiment, the primary support structure comprises a hydraulic fluid container, wherein the hydraulic fluid container is in fluid communication with the primary chamber and with the secondary chamber. 
     In this way, it is possible to make both the tank portion and the pumping portion in a single body. 
     In a further embodiment, the actuation device comprises an actuation lever connected to the primary support structure so that to be rotatably about an actuation axis. 
     The lever allows the user to operate the primary piston, or the primary actuation pin, to provide for the actuation of the brake or clutch and for the simultaneous deactivation of the electric control panel. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
       These and further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the disclosure of the preferred embodiment, illustrated by way of a non-limiting example in the accompanying figures, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  shows a schematic perspective view of a known actuator device, at the electric push button panel of a motorcycle; 
         FIG. 2  shows a schematic perspective view of the actuator device according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  shows a schematic perspective view of the actuator device of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  shows a schematic perspective sectional view of the actuator device of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 5  shows a schematic perspective sectional view of the actuator device of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 6  shows a schematic perspective sectional view of a detail of the actuator device of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 7  shows a perspective view of the secondary piston; 
         FIG. 8  shows a perspective view of the actuator device of  FIG. 2 , provided with the operating lever. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       FIG. 1  illustrates an actuator device  50  of the known type, in particular of a Harley-Davidson® brand motorcycle, provided with an actuation lever  51  rotatable connected about an actuation axis. 
     Lever  51  allows the user to operate the piston (not shown) of the actuator device  50  to actuate the brake. The lever  51  is also provided with a short lever  151  integrated with the lever  51  itself and able to contact the electric push-button panel  100  when the actuator device  50  is mounted on the handlebar of the motorcycle. In particular, the short lever  151  is able to normally contact the button  101  arranged on the electric button panel  100 , while the deactivation of the electric button panel  100  is carried out by operating the lever  51  during the simultaneous movement of the short lever  151  which releases the button  101 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 2-8 , the reference number  1  indicates as a whole an actuator device for the hydraulic brake/clutch actuation system of a motorcycle according to the present invention, such as to allow the operation of the same electric push-button panel  100  without the use of elements or leverages part of the actuation lever, as instead illustrated for example in the actuator device  50  of the known type. 
     The term “primary resting position” means, in the present invention, the position in which the primary piston does not operate the hydraulic system for actuating the brake or clutch of the. 
     The term “primary working position” means, in the present invention, the position in which the primary piston activates the hydraulic system for actuating the brake or clutch of the motorcycle. 
     The term “secondary resting position” means, in the present invention, the position in which the secondary piston does not operate the electric push button panel. 
     The term “secondary working position” means, in the present invention, the position in which the secondary piston activates the electric push button panel. 
       FIGS. 2 and 3  illustrate a schematic perspective view of the actuator device  1  according to the present invention, in which the representations have been made taking into account two different angles for completeness of presentation. 
     The actuator device  1  for the hydraulic brake/clutch actuation system of a motorcycle illustrated in the aforementioned  FIGS. 2 and 3  comprises a primary support structure  11 , which in operating conditions is able to be operatively coupled to the motorcycle handlebar (not illustrated). A secondary support structure  21  is integrally coupled to the primary support structure  11 . 
     The primary support. structure  11  is defined in such a way as to provide at least one primary chamber  111  for containing the primary piston  12 , illustrated in  FIGS. 4 and 5  and described in greater detail below. The shape of the primary support structure  11  can be modified according to technical and design needs and in the embodiment herewith illustrated it has a substantially parallelepiped conformation. 
     Similarly, the secondary support structure  21  is defined in such a way as to provide at least one secondary chamber  211  for containing the secondary piston  22 , illustrated in  FIG. 6  and described in greater detail below. The shape of the secondary support structure  21  can be modified according to technical and design needs and in the embodiment herewith illustrated it has a substantially cylindrical conformation. 
     As illustrated, the primary support structure  11  and the secondary support structure  21  are made of two distinct and integrally coupled parts, but these could equally be made in a single part, for example made by molding, or by two distinct and non-integrally coupled parts, for example in which the secondary support structure is separated from the primary support structure. 
     In this way, it is possible to realize the actuator device both by reducing the overall sizes, by integrally coupling the support structures, and by positioning the components of the actuator device itself according to the desired layout for the motorcycle, by arranging spaced apart the same support structures in two different positions while in fluid communication. 
     The mutual arrangement of the primary support structure  11  and of the secondary support structure  21  is also defined, in the present embodiment, by the arrangement of the elements of the primary actuation pin  13  and of the secondary actuation pin  23  as a function of the hypothesized positioning on the motorcycle, but different positions may fall within the inventive scope of the present invention. 
       FIGS. 4 and 5  illustrate a schematic sectional perspective view of a detail of the actuator device  1  of the present invention, according to two different perspective angles. The sections allow viewing the primary piston  12  arranged within the primary support structure  11  and able to be moved within the primary chamber  111  between a primary resting position and a primary working position, and vice versa. 
     The actuation of the primary piston  12  is carried out on command of the user by means of a primary actuation pin  13 , integrally coupled to the aforementioned primary piston  12 . 
     Although not illustrated, a primary resilient element is disposed within the primary support structure  11  and is able to maintain the primary piston  12  in the primary resting position when not operated. This primary elastic element is preferably made by means of a spring of the helical type. 
     In particular, the primary elastic element is arranged in the primary chamber  111  and preferably at the primary working position, with reference to the position assumed by the relative primary piston  12 . This allows the primary elastic element to arrange the primary piston  12  normally in the primary resting position when not operated. 
     In the same way, different positions, for example outside the primary chamber  111  or at a different position with reference to the primary piston  12 , can be used. 
     The primary chamber  111 , defined by a substantially cylindrical conformation, has an upper opening from which the primary actuation pin  13  protrudes and through which it is free to slide. The latter is therefore arranged outside the primary support structure  11 , at least partially and at least in the primary rest position. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the primary actuation pin  13  is integrally coupled to the primary piston  12  for its actuation between the primary resting position and the primary working position. Taking the aforementioned positions as reference, the free end  13 ′ of the primary actuation pin  13  is approached to the primary support structure  11  when the primary piston  12  is in the primary working position and is moved away from the primary support structure  11  when the piston  12  primary is in the primary resting position. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a schematic sectional view in perspective of a detail of the actuator device  1  of the present invention. The section makes it possible to view the secondary piston  22  arranged within the secondary support structure  21  and able to be moved within the secondary chamber  211  between a secondary resting position and a secondary working position, and vice versa. 
     The actuation of the secondary piston  22  is achieved by means of the hydraulic fluid following the movement of the primary piston  12  from the primary resting position to the primary working position, as described below in greater detail. 
     A secondary actuation pin  23  is integrally coupled to the secondary piston  22  and, at the same time, a secondary elastic element  24  is able to keep the secondary piston  22  normally in the secondary working position when not actuated. 
     The secondary chamber  211 , defined by a substantially cylindrical conformation, has a lateral opening from which the secondary actuation pin  23  protrudes and through which it is free to slide. The latter is therefore arranged outside the secondary support structure  21 , at least partially and at least in the secondary working position. 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , the secondary actuation pin  23  is integrally coupled to the secondary piston  22  and is actuated by the latter between the secondary working position and the secondary resting position. Taking the aforementioned positions as reference, the free end  23 ′ of the secondary actuation pin  23  is moved away from the secondary support structure  21  when the secondary piston  22  is in the secondary working position and is approached to the secondary support structure  21  when the piston  22  is in the secondary resting position. 
     The secondary elastic element  24  is therefore arranged within the secondary support structure  21  and, in the embodiment illustrated therein, within the secondary chamber  211 . This secondary elastic element  24  is preferably made by means of a spring of the helical type. 
     In the same way, different positions, for example outside the primary chamber  111  or at a different position with reference to the primary piston  12 , can be used. 
     The secondary elastic element  24  is arranged at the secondary resting position, with reference to the position assumed. by the secondary piston  22 . This allows the secondary elastic element  24  to arrange the secondary piston  22  normally in the secondary working position when not actuated. 
     The part of the secondary piston  22 , provided with the relative secondary elastic element  24  and the secondary actuation pin  23 , is illustrated in greater detail in  FIG. 7 . 
     The primary chamber  111  and the secondary chamber  211  are arranged in fluid communication so that upon actuation of the primary piston  12  from the primary resting position to the primary working position the secondary piston  22  is arranged from the secondary working position to the secondary resting position by moving a hydraulic fluid. 
     In particular, the primary chamber  111  and the secondary chamber  211  are arranged in fluid communication by means of a connection duct  30  interposed between the primary chamber  111  and the secondary chamber  211 , as illustrated in the attached  FIGS. 4-6 . 
     In this way, it is possible to arrange the two primary  111  and secondary  211  chambers in separate positions, maintaining the connection by means of the aforementioned connection duct  30  which guarantees the movement of the hydraulic fluid. 
     In the embodiment herewith illustrated and described, the connection duct  30  has an end  31  coupled to the primary chamber  111  at the primary working position and the opposite end  32  coupled to the secondary chamber  211  at the secondary resting position. This arrangement allows the secondary piston  22  to be moved in an opposite manner and in response to the movement of the primary piston  12  from the primary resting position to the primary working position. Although not defined for the aforementioned primary  111  and secondary  211  chambers, the relative working and resting positions refer to the position respectively of the primary piston  12  and of the secondary piston  22  when in said positions. 
     Different arrangements and sizing for the components described can also be used, while falling within the inventive concept according to the present invention. 
     The main chamber  111  also has a further fluid connection with the hydraulic brake/clutch actuation system of a motorcycle (not shown). This fluid connection is achieved by means of the actuation duct  60  arranged downstream of the end  31 . coupled to the connection duct  30 . 
     According to the embodiment herewith described, the primary support structure  11  further comprises a container  15  for the hydraulic fluid, as illustrated in  FIG. 2 , although without a hermetic cover of the container  15  for the hydraulic fluid itself. An example of coverage  15 ′ can, however, be displayed in  FIG. 8 . 
     The container  15  for the hydraulic fluid results in fluid communication with the primary chamber  111  and, indirectly, with the secondary chamber  211 . In this way, it is possible to define both the tank portion and the pumping portion with a single body. 
     In particular, the container  15  for the hydraulic fluid is provided with two pouring holes  511 ,  512 , as shown in  FIG. 3 , which correspond to the same pouring holes  511 ′,  512 ′ made in the primary chamber  111 . Subsequently, the connection duct  30  ensures the communication of fluid between the primary chamber  111  and the secondary chamber  211 , or between the pouring holes  511 ,  512  of the container  15  for hydraulic fluid and the secondary chamber  211 . 
     According to different embodiments (not shown), the container for the hydraulic fluid could be separated from the primary and secondary support structure and it could result in fluid connection with the primary chamber via a further communication duct. 
     Finally,  FIG. 8  illustrates a perspective view of the actuator device  1  of  FIG. 2 , provided with the operating lever  40 . The latter is connected to the primary support structure  11  in a rotatable way around an X axis of actuation, visible in the same  FIG. 8 . 
     ln the same  FIG. 8  is also shown a device  70  for coupling to the motorcycle handlebar, capable of allowing the installation of the actuator device  1  by placing the secondary actuation pin  23  in contact with the button of the electric control panel. 
     Lever  40  allows the user to operate the primary piston  12 , or the primary actuation pin  13 , to provide for the actuation of the brake or clutch and the simultaneous deactivation of the electric push-button panel. The actuator device  1  of the present invention defines a closed hydraulic circuit in the hydraulic brake/clutch actuation system of a motorcycle. Therefore, when the lever  40  is activated, the primary piston  12  for the actuation of the brake or clutch is induced to move through the aforementioned primary actuation pin  13 , from the primary resting position to the primary working position. Consequently, the secondary piston  22  is moved by the hydraulic fluid from the secondary working position to the secondary resting position, the hydraulic fluid being forced from the end  31  of the connection duct  30 , at the primary chamber  111 , to the opposite end  32  of the same connection duct  30  for connection, at the secondary chamber  211 , to release the button of the electric push-button panel and allowing the stop light to be activated. 
     When the user releases the lever  40 , the primary piston  12  is repositioned from the primary working position to the primary resting position, by means of the thrust imparted by the primary elastic element (not shown), and consequently a repositioning of the piston  22  from the secondary resting position to the secondary working position occurs, by means of the thrust exerted by the secondary elastic element  24 . 
     The actuator device for the hydraulic brake/clutch actuation system of a motorcycle according to the present invention therefore has a simple activation of the electric button panel of a motorcycle without any intervention on the electrical system itself. 
     it is also possible to make changes and modifications to the original actuator device while maintaining, the original electric pushbutton panels and, therefore, without making any changes to the electrical system of the motorcycle. 
     This also allows to obtain at the same time an actuator device for the hydraulic brake/clutch actuation system of a motorcycle that is simple and economical to install.