Hydraulic single-finger double-acting shift operator

Abstract

A hydraulic single-finger bidirectional shift operator (1) for a handlebar, comprising: a housing (2) with a first and a second cylinder chamber (3, 4); - a first and a second piston (31, 41) with a first and a second piston rod (32, 42) arranged in the first and the second cylinder chamber (3, 4); - a first and a second lever (39, 49) arranged to push the first and the second piston rod (32, 42) and the corresponding piston (31, 41) independently longitudinally inside the first and the second cylinder chamber (3, 4), wherein the first and the second lever (39, 49) are connected to the housing (2) in a first and a second pivot point (38, 48), respectively.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a two-way hydraulic shifter, wherein upshifting and downshifting are configured to be operated by the same finger. The shifter is typically mounted on the handlebars of a vehicle, which includes a complementary shift actuator connected to the vehicle's gear system, such as in pedal-driven vehicles, motorized vehicles, or combinations thereof (e.g., bicycles with an integrated electric motor). Furthermore, the shifter can also be used in other vehicles with handlebars and two or more wheels, such as vehicles transporting bicycles or all-terrain vehicles (ATVs). Background Technology

[0002] Bidirectional shifting units with reciprocating torsional actuators are known. They have an inlet spool for collecting the cable, an actuator with a corresponding spool, and a dual-cable delivery system, wherein the inner cable extends from the actuator to the actuator and then returns to the actuator. As the cable is pulled from the actuator and collected onto the actuator spool, it is released from the actuator and collected onto the actuator spool. The shift torque can be adjusted during shifting. However, dual-cable systems are heavy, difficult to adjust and operate, require high maintenance, and are bulky.

[0003] WO2017149396A2 discloses a pair of separate shift actuators, presented in the form of separate control cylinders for a two-way hydraulic shift actuator, with the shift actuators mounted on the left and right handlebars respectively. Each control cylinder defines a chamber filled with working fluid. A piston or plunger is slidably mounted in each cylinder, sealingly engaging the inner wall of the chamber, such that the volume of each chamber is variable by the sliding of the associated plunger.

[0004] WO2017149396A2 also discloses a shift actuator that can be used with this shift operator.

[0005] However, the above solutions are not always easy to operate. In many cases, a one-handed hydraulic shifter with improved ergonomics is desired to allow for rapid upshifting and downshifting, preferably using only the thumb.

[0006] Furthermore, in order to improve shift response under different operating conditions, active bidirectional operation is desired, rather than unidirectional operation with spring return. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The present invention is a hydraulic single-finger bidirectional shifter for handlebars, which allows the connected hydraulic shift actuator to be operated actively by only one finger in both directions.

[0008] Compared to existing technologies, improved ergonomics of the shifter can enhance rider performance and reduce fatigue under certain conditions.

[0009] In fact, the disclosed geometry allows riders to upshift and downshift by pushing in the direction of the regular thumb movement.

[0010] Despite its improved functionality, the shifter remains compact and easy to manufacture. For most vehicles, it integrates well with other components such as the brake lever and allows for easy routing of hydraulic hoses. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1 An embodiment of a hydraulic single-finger shifter (1) is shown. The housing (2) of the shifter is here fixed to the right side of the handlebars of a vehicle (such as a bicycle) by a bracket (50). A first hydraulic hose and a second hydraulic hose (61, 62) interconnect the shifter (1) with a two-way shift actuator.

[0012] Figure 2 Show Figure 1 The housing (2) of the shifter in the middle, which has no internal or external parts, is mainly seen from the first ends (3a, 3b) of the first and second cylinder chambers (3, 4).

[0013] Figure 3a Showing with Figure 1 The same implementation is seen mainly from the first end (3a, 4a), wherein the first and second push pads (39a, 49a) are partially hidden behind the housing (2).

[0014] Figure 3b Details of the fluid chamber (5) are shown.

[0015] Figure 4 Showing with Figure 1 The same implementation method is used, wherein the housing has been hidden for illustrative purposes.

[0016] Figure 5 Showing the exploded diagram with Figure 4 The same implementation method. In addition, the housing (2) and the bracket (50) are shown.

[0017] Figure 6 and Figure 7 Show Figure 1 Two different sections of the implementation method. Detailed Implementation

[0018] In the following description, various examples and embodiments of the invention are set forth in order to provide those skilled in the art with a more thorough understanding of the invention. The specific details described in the context of the various embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings are not intended to be construed as limiting.

[0019] The embodiments described below are numbered. Furthermore, dependent embodiments defined relative to the numbered embodiments are described. Unless otherwise stated, any embodiment that can be combined with one or more numbered embodiments can also be directly combined with any dependent embodiment of the mentioned numbered embodiments.

[0020] In a first embodiment, the present invention is a hydraulic single-finger bidirectional shifter (1) for a handlebar, comprising a housing (2) including first and second cylinder chambers (3, 4).

[0021] The housing (2) further includes: first and second pistons (31, 41), the first and second pistons (31, 41) having first and second piston rods (32, 42) arranged in the first and second cylinder chambers (3, 4), wherein the first and second piston rods (32, 42) extend through first ends (3a, 4a) of the first and second cylinder chambers respectively; and first and second rods (39, 49), the first and second rods (39, 49) being arranged to independently longitudinally push the first and second piston rods (32, 42) and the corresponding pistons (31, 41) within the first and second cylinder chambers (3, 4).

[0022] The first and second rods (39, 49) are connected to the housing (2) at the first and second pivot points (38, 48), respectively.

[0023] like Figure 3a As can be seen, the longitudinal direction and radial center of the first and second cylinders (3, 4) define the second plane (P2).

[0024] In the first dependent embodiment, the first and second rods (39, 49) are bent around the housing (2).

[0025] In a second embodiment that can be combined with the first embodiment, the first and second rods (39, 49) include corresponding first and second push pads (39a, 49a) and first and second push ends (39b, 49b), wherein the push ends (39b, 49b) are configured to push the first and second piston rods (32, 42) into the first and second cylinder chambers (3, 4) when pressure is applied to the first and second push pads (39a, 49a) respectively, wherein pivot points (38, 48) are respectively arranged between the first and second push pads (39a, 49a) and the first and second push ends (39b, 49b).

[0026] In a third embodiment that can be combined with the first or second embodiment, the first and second links (39, 49) are configured to pivot about the first and second pivot axes (A3, A4) at the first and second pivot points (38, 48).

[0027] In the first subordinate embodiment, the first and second pivot axes (A3, A4) are arranged to be perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first and second cylinder chambers (3, 4), respectively.

[0028] In a second dependent embodiment that can be combined with the first dependent embodiment, the first and second pivot axes (A3, A4) are arranged in a common first plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first and second cylinder chambers (3, 4).

[0029] In a third dependent embodiment that can be combined with the second dependent embodiment, the first and second pivot axes (A3, A4) are arranged in parallel and do not coincide in the first plane.

[0030] In this embodiment, the distance between the first and second pivot axes (A3, A4) in the first plane can be a minimum of 2 mm.

[0031] The first plane (P1) can be considered as being composed of Figure 3a The plane defined by the x and y coordinates in the figure, wherein the z direction is inward in the longitudinal direction of the first and second cylinder chambers (3, 4).

[0032] In a fourth dependent embodiment, which can be combined with any of the embodiments in the first to third dependent embodiments, the first and second pivot axes (A3, A4) intersect the second plane (P2) at different points.

[0033] The first and second pivot axes (A3, A4) may intersect the second plane (P2) at an angle (α) between 5 degrees and 50 degrees, or more optionally between 22 degrees and 32 degrees.

[0034] In a fourth embodiment that can be combined with any of the above embodiments, the hydraulic single-finger shifter includes a fluid chamber (5) arranged opposite to the first and second cylinder chambers (3, 4) and the first and second levers (39, 49), wherein the fluid chamber (5) is configured to support fluid to both the first and second cylinders (3, 4).

[0035] In the first dependent embodiment, the housing (2) includes a vent passage (6) that extends through the wall of the fluid chamber (5) in the direction of the first end (3a, 4a) of the first and second cylinder chambers (3, 4), wherein the vent passage (6) includes a vent valve (6a).

[0036] In a second dependent embodiment that can be combined with the first dependent embodiment, the inner end of the venting channel (6) is in fluid communication with the lower part of the fluid chamber (5), wherein the lower part of the fluid chamber (5) is the portion of the fluid chamber (5) closest to the second plane (P2).

[0037] In a third dependent embodiment that can be combined with the first or second dependent embodiment, the venting channel (6) is equidistant from the first and second cylinder chambers (3, 4).

[0038] In a fourth dependent embodiment, which can be combined with any of the dependent embodiments described above, the fluid chamber has a cover (5a).

[0039] In a fifth dependent embodiment that can be combined with any of the above dependent embodiments, the wall thickness between the vent passage and the first and second cylinder chambers (3, 4) is within + / -30% of the width of the wall thickness between the first and second cylinder chambers (3, 4).

[0040] In a fifth embodiment that can be combined with any of the above embodiments, the housing (2) includes first and second fluid outlets (37, 47) in the second ends (3b, 4b) of the first and second cylinder chambers (3, 4), which are respectively opposite to the first ends (3a, 4a).

[0041] In the first dependent embodiment, the housing (2) includes first and second outlet channels (36, 46) extending from the first and second fluid outlets (37, 47) in the direction of the first end (3a, 4a), wherein the distance from their respective cylinder chambers (3, 4) and the second plane (P2) increases.

[0042] In a second dependent embodiment that can be combined with the first dependent embodiment described above, the first and second outlet channels (36, 46) are arranged opposite to the second plane (P2) relative to the fluid chamber (5).

[0043] In a third dependent embodiment that can be combined with the first or second dependent embodiments described above, each of the first and second outlet channels (36, 46) terminates in an internal thread configured for attaching a plurality of hydraulic fittings to the ends of the hydraulic pipe opposite to the first and second fluid outlets (37, 47).

[0044] In a fourth dependent embodiment, which can be combined with any of the dependent embodiments described above, a first outlet passage (36) is arranged between the second cylinder chamber (4) and the second rod (49). As can be seen from the figures, the first outlet passage (36) passes through the second cylinder chamber (4) and the second rod (49).

[0045] In a fifth dependent embodiment, which can be combined with any of the dependent embodiments described above, the first and second outlet channels (36, 46) are straight.

[0046] As from Figure 6 and Figure 7As can be seen, the latter allows for easy processing of the exit channels (36, 46) because they can be achieved through a single hole.

[0047] In a sixth embodiment, which can be combined with any of the above embodiments, the hydraulic single-finger shifter includes first and second elastic elements (34, 44) configured to push first and second pistons (31, 41) toward a first end (3a, 4a), respectively.

[0048] The elastic element can be, for example... Figure 4 and Figure 5 The helical spring shown.

[0049] In the first dependent embodiment, the hydraulic single-finger shifting operation includes first and second seals (33, 43), which are respectively fixed to sealing grooves in the first and second pistons (31, 41).

[0050] The first and second seals can be, for example, lip seals or U-cup seals.

[0051] In the second dependent embodiment, the first and second pistons (31, 41) have tapered cross sections in the direction opposite to the corresponding piston rods (32, 42).

[0052] The tapered portion can be shaped into a cone or a truncated cone.

[0053] The tapered ends of the first and second pistons (31, 41) can be configured to restrict the displacement of the first and second pistons (31, 41) in the respective first and second cylinders (3, 4).

[0054] In a seventh embodiment that can be combined with any of the above embodiments, the first and second piston rods (32, 42) are configured to pivot relative to the first and second pistons (31, 41) and the first and second rods (39, 49) respectively during the longitudinal movement of the first and second pistons (31, 41) in the first and second cylinder chambers (3, 4).

[0055] In the first dependent embodiment, the two ends of the first and second piston rods (32, 42) are round, and the corresponding interface ends of the first and second pistons (31, 41) and the first and second rods (39, 49) are cup-shaped.

[0056] The cups of the first and second rods (39, 49) can face the first ends (3a, 4a) of the first and second cylinder chambers (3, 4).

[0057] In the eighth embodiment, which can be combined with any of the above embodiments, the second cylinder chamber (4) is longer than the first cylinder chamber (3). This allows for a longer stroke of the second piston (41) and allows for more fluid displacement than in the first cylinder chamber (3). Therefore, the longer cylinder chamber allows for multiple shifts, provided it is supported by the interface shift actuator.

[0058] In the first subordinate embodiment, the first lever (39) and the first cylinder chamber (3) can be used to shift to a higher gear, and the second lever (49) and the second cylinder chamber (4) can be used to shift to a lower gear. In a single movement of the second lever (49), multiple lower gears can be shifted sequentially because downshifting requires less force than upshifting.

[0059] In a second dependent embodiment that can be combined with the first dependent embodiment described above, the second member (49) is longer than the first member (39).

[0060] In a ninth embodiment, which can be combined with any of the above embodiments, the hydraulic single-finger shifting operation (1) includes a fastening element (29) configured to fasten to a bracket (50) fixed to the handlebars, wherein the fastening element protrudes from the housing (2) on the same side of the second plane (P2) as the fluid chamber (5).

[0061] In the first dependent embodiment, the fastening element (29) is arranged opposite to the first end (3a, 4a) relative to the fluid chamber (5).

[0062] In a second dependent embodiment that can be combined with the first dependent embodiment described above, the fastening element (29) is an integrated part of the housing (2).

[0063] In a fourth dependent embodiment that can be combined with any of the above dependent embodiments, the bracket (50) is a brake handle bracket fixed to the handlebars.

[0064] In a fifth dependent embodiment, which can be combined with any of the dependent embodiments described above, the fastening element (29) includes at least two holes for flexibly placing the shifter (1) relative to the bracket.

[0065] In a sixth dependent embodiment that can be combined with any of the dependent embodiments described above, the fastening element (29) includes first and second non-parallel surfaces (29a, 29b), wherein the second surface is configured to be connected in two dimensions relative to the bracket (50) and lock the shift operator (1).

[0066] In the third dimension, the shift operator (1) can be locked to the bracket (50) by using fastening devices (such as screws) to secure the bracket (50) to the first surface, for example... Figure 1 As shown.

[0067] By moving the shifter along the handlebars and / or rotating or tilting the shifter relative to the handlebars, this gives the rider the freedom to adjust the shifter individually.

[0068] The disclosed geometry allows the operating direction of the first and second pads (39a, 49a) to follow the natural direction of the thumb.

[0069] The right-hand shifter is shown in the accompanying drawings. However, the shifter can also be left-handed and arranged for attachment to the left end of the handlebars. In this case, the entire shifter can be mirrored.

[0070] The specific embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings will be explained below.

[0071] Figure 1 An embodiment of a hydraulic single-finger two-way shifter (1) is shown. The shifter housing (2) is here fixed to the right side of the handlebars of a vehicle (such as a bicycle) via a bracket (50). First and second hydraulic hoses (61, 62) interconnect the shifter (1) with the two-way shift actuator. Pushing on the first push pad (39a) of the first lever (39) results in an increase in pressure in the first hydraulic hose (61), and pushing on the second push pad (49a) of the second lever (49) results in an increase in pressure in the second hydraulic hose (61). Both the first and second push pads can be easily operated with the right thumb.

[0072] Figure 2 Show Figure 1 The housing (2) of the shifter operator, which has no internal or external parts, is seen primarily from the first ends (3a, 3b) of the first and second cylinder chambers (3, 4), into which the piston can enter. A vent passage (6) and first and second outlet passages (36, 46) with internal threads for interconnection with hydraulic hose fittings are also seen in the figure.

[0073] Figure 3a Showing with Figure 1 The same implementation is seen primarily from the first end (3a, 4a), where the first and second push pads (39a, 49a) are partially concealed behind the housing (2). The second plane (P2), defined by the longitudinal direction and radial center of the first and second cylinders (3, 4), is shown perpendicular to this figure. Furthermore, it can be seen that the first and second rods pivot about the first and second parallel pivot axes (A3, A4). In this figure, the axes do not coincide, but rather enter the second plane (P2) at two different positions with the same angle of incidence (α) relative to it.

[0074] Figure 3bDetails of fluid chamber 5 are shown. A venting channel (6) extends through the wall of fluid chamber (5). It can also be seen that there are fluid passages from the bottom plate of fluid chamber (5) to each of the first and second cylinder chambers (3, 4) to allow continuous fluid supply to both chambers.

[0075] Figure 4 Showing with Figure 1 In the same embodiment, the housing is concealed for illustrative purposes. The first and second axes (A3, A4) are stationary relative to the housing, and when the first or second push pad (39a, 49a) is pushed inward in the illustration, the corresponding first or second rod (39, 49) will pivot about the corresponding first or second pivot axis (A3, A4), which are collinear in the current figure. Furthermore, the cup at the second end of the first or second rod (39, 49) will push the corresponding first or second piston rod (32, 42) in a direction toward the corresponding first or second push pad (39a, 49a). This is also the direction of entry into the corresponding first or second cylinder chamber, which is part of the concealed housing. The first or second piston rod (32, 42) pushes the corresponding first or second piston (31, 41). This will generate fluid pressure in the corresponding first or second cylinder chamber, which will be transmitted via the corresponding first or second outlet passage (36, 46) to the corresponding first or second hydraulic hose (61, 62) and the shift actuator.

[0076] Figure 5 Showing the exploded diagram with Figure 4 The same implementation method. In addition, the housing (2) and the bracket (50) are shown.

[0077] When the rider releases pressure on the corresponding first or second push pad (39a, 49a), the first and second coil springs (34, 44) will cause the corresponding piston and rod to return to their initial positions. In this case, the initial positions can be adjusted by optional locating screws in the first and second rods (39, 49), wherein... Figure 5 The threaded holes in the first and second rods (39, 49) used for the positioning screw can be seen. Then, the end of the positioning screw is pressed against the housing 2.

[0078] As can be seen, the ends of both the first and second piston rods (32, 42) are spherical. The spherical ends engage with the cup-shaped shape at the corresponding ends of the first and second rods and in the first and second pistons (31, 41).

[0079] This configuration allows for easy assembly of the shift lever. The process begins by inserting the coil spring into the cylinder chamber, followed by the piston and piston rod, and then the lever is mounted to the housing at pivot points (38, 48) using first and second pins (38a, 48a). Mounting the lever secures all the aforementioned components inside the cylinder chamber.

[0080] Figure 6 and Figure 7 Show Figure 1 Two different sections of the implementation method.

[0081] Figure 6 A cross-sectional view is shown through the middle of the first cylinder chamber (3) and the middle of the first outlet passage (36), showing how fluid in the first cylinder chamber (3) is pushed into the first outlet passage (36) when the first push pad (39a) is pushed inward and the first rod (39) pivots about the first axis (A3). Then, the first rod (39) pushes the first piston rod (32) and the first piston (31) into the first cylinder chamber (3).

[0082] Figure 7 A cross-sectional view is shown through the middle of the second cylinder chamber (4) and the middle of the second outlet passage (46), illustrating how fluid in the second cylinder chamber (4) is pushed into the second outlet passage (46) when the first push pad (49a) is pushed inward and the first rod (49) pivots about the second axis (A4). Then, the second rod (49) pushes the second piston rod (42) and the second piston (41) into the second cylinder chamber (4).

[0083] from Figure 6 and Figure 7 As can be seen, the first outlet channel (36) is arranged between the second cylinder chamber (46) and the second rod (49), while the first and second cylinder chambers (3, 4) are arranged between the fluid chamber (5) and the first and second outlet channels (36, 46).

[0084] By operating any push pad, hydraulic fluid from the first or second cylinder chamber (3, 4) is pushed into the corresponding first or second hydraulic hose (61, 62), and further into the hydraulic shift actuator. Because upshifting and downshifting apply hydraulic pressure, the hydraulic single-finger shifter (1) is a two-way actuator. This ensures safe upshifting and downshifting.

[0085] In exemplary embodiments, various features and details are shown in combination. The fact that several features are described relative to a particular instance should not be construed as implying that those features must be included together in all embodiments of the invention. Rather, features described with reference to different embodiments should not be construed as mutually exclusive. As will be readily understood by those skilled in the art, the inventors have contemplated embodiments that combine any subset of the features described herein and are not explicitly interdependent, and these embodiments are part of the intended disclosure. However, an explicit description of all such embodiments would not contribute to understanding the principles of the invention, and therefore some feature arrangements have been omitted for simplicity or brevity.

Claims

1. Hydraulic single-finger bidirectional shift operator (1) for a handlebar, comprising: - a housing (2) comprising a first and a second cylinder chamber (3, 4), - a first and a second piston (31, 41) having a corresponding first and a corresponding second piston rod (32, 42) arranged in the first and the second cylinder chamber (3, 4), respectively, wherein the first and the second piston rod (32, 42) extend through a first end (3a, 4a) of the first and second cylinder chamber, respectively, - a first and a second lever (39, 49) arranged to be independently pushed in the same direction by a thumb of a rider in order to independently push the first and the second piston rod (32, 42) and the corresponding first and second piston (31, 41) inside the first and the second cylinder chamber (3, 4) longitudinally in order to upshift and downshift, respectively, wherein the first and the second lever (39, 49) are connected to the housing (2) in a first and a second pivot point (38, 48), respectively, wherein the first and the second lever (39, 49) comprise a corresponding first and a second push pad (39a, 49a) and a corresponding first and a second push end (39b, 49b), wherein the first and the second push end (39b, 49b) are configured to push the first and the second piston rod (32, 42) into the first and the second cylinder chamber (3, 4) when a selective pressure is applied by the thumb of the rider to the first and the second push pad (39a, 49a), respectively, wherein the first and the second pivot point (38, 48) are arranged between the first and the second push pad (39a, 49a) and the first and the second push end (39b, 49b), respectively.

2. The shift operator (1) according to claim 1, wherein The first and the second lever (39, 49) are configured to pivot in the first and the second pivot point (38, 48) around a first and a second pivot axis (A3, A4), wherein the first and the second pivot axis (A3, A4) are arranged perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the first and the second cylinder chamber (3, 4), respectively.

3. The shift operator according to claim 2, wherein, The first and the second pivot axis (A3, A4) are arranged in a common first plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first and the second cylinder chamber (3, 4).

4. The shift operator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising a fluid chamber (5) arranged opposite the first and second rod members (39, 49) with respect to the first and second cylinder chambers (3, 4), wherein, The fluid chamber (5) is configured to support fluid to both the first and the second cylinder chamber (3, 4).

5. The shift operator according to claim 4, wherein, The housing (2) comprises a bleed passage (6) extending through a wall of the fluid chamber (5) in the direction of the first ends (3a, 4a) of the first and second cylinder chambers (3, 4), wherein the bleed passage (6) comprises a bleed valve (6a).

6. The shift operator according to claim 5, wherein, The wall thickness between the bleed passage and the first and second cylinder chambers (3, 4) is within + / - 30% of the width of the wall thickness between the first and second cylinder chambers (3, 4), respectively.

7. The shift operator of claim 1, wherein, The housing (2) comprises first and second fluid outlets (37, 47) in second ends (3b, 4b) of the first and second cylinder chambers (3, 4), respectively, opposite the first ends (3a, 4a).

8. The shift operator according to claim 7, wherein, The housing (2) comprises first and second outlet passages (36, 46) extending from the first and second fluid outlets (37, 47), respectively, in the direction of the first ends (3a, 4a), wherein the distance to their respective cylinder chamber (3, 4) and a second plane (P2) defined by the longitudinal direction of the first and second cylinder chambers (3, 4) and the radial center increases, respectively.

9. The shift operator according to claim 8, wherein, The first outlet passage (36) is arranged between the second cylinder chamber (4) and the second rod member (49).

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