A control device for bicycle hydraulic braking

Abstract

This invention provides a control device for hydraulic braking of a bicycle. The control device includes: a base component adapted to be attached to a handlebar, the base component including a hydraulic generating device; and a control lever component capable of operating the hydraulic generating device to generate braking. The control lever component includes an operating lever movably connected to the base component, a pushing member movably connected to the operating lever, and an adjusting member capable of adjusting the relative position between the pushing member and the operating lever. A first elastic member is disposed between the operating lever and the base component, and a second elastic member is disposed between the pushing member and the operating lever. While maintaining a constant elastic force provided by the first elastic member, the adjusting member overcomes the elastic force of the second elastic member to adjust the relative position between the pushing member and the operating lever. The control device for hydraulic braking of a bicycle provided by this invention can adjust the braking effect of the operating lever without changing the elastic restoring force on the operating lever, to adapt to the needs of different riders.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of bicycles, in particular to a control device for hydraulic braking of a bicycle. BACKGROUND

[0002] The control device for hydraulic braking of a bicycle is used to control a hydraulic braking device to achieve braking of a bicycle. The control device for hydraulic braking of a bicycle generally comprises a control lever component, a hydraulic cylinder, and a piston movably installed in the hydraulic cylinder, and when in use, the control lever component is pinched to push the piston to move in the hydraulic cylinder to push the liquid in the hydraulic cylinder to flow to the braking device to achieve braking. For example, the Chinese patent with the publication number CN103847923B discloses such a control device.

[0003] In the prior art, the relative initial position between the control lever component and the hydraulic generating device is determined, and in the case of achieving the same braking effect, the movement stroke of the rider pressing the control lever component is also fixed. However, in reality, different riders have different usage habits for the size of the pressing stroke, and some riders want to achieve a larger braking effect when the control lever component moves a smaller stroke, and some riders want the control lever component to be pressed to a certain stroke to generate a braking effect. The above prior art cannot meet such different usage needs. Therefore, in the prior art, the initial position of the entire control lever component is adjusted to change the pressing stroke. However, the change of the position of the entire control lever component causes the change of the size of the elastic force provided by the elastic return of the control lever component, which causes the change of the pressing force when the control lever component is pressed, affects the consistency of the pressing feeling of the user when braking, and affects the use experience.

[0004] In view of this, it is necessary to propose a new technical scheme to overcome the above-mentioned shortcomings. SUMMARY

[0005] The present application provides a control device for hydraulic braking of a bicycle, which can adjust the braking effect of the operating lever without changing the elastic return force on the operating lever to adapt to the needs of different riders.

[0006] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the present application adopts the following technical scheme: a control device for hydraulic braking of a bicycle, which can be installed on a handlebar of a bicycle to control the braking of the bicycle, the control device comprising:

[0007] a base component adapted to be attached to the handlebar, the base component comprising a hydraulic generating device; and

[0008] A lever component capable of operating the hydraulic pressure generating device to generate a braking effect, the lever component comprising an operating lever movably connected to the base component, a pusher movably connected to the operating lever, and an adjusting member capable of adjusting the relative position between the pusher and the operating lever;

[0009] The first elastic member is arranged between the operating lever and the base component, and the second elastic member is arranged between the pusher and the operating lever.

[0010] The adjusting member adjusts the relative position between the pusher and the operating lever against the elastic force of the second elastic member while keeping the elastic force provided by the first elastic member unchanged.

[0011] Preferably, the second elastic member is configured to generate an elastic force that makes the pusher abut against the operating lever.

[0012] Preferably, the pusher is pivotally connected to the operating lever via a pivot shaft, and the adjusting member is arranged at an end of the pusher away from the pivot shaft.

[0013] Preferably, the operating lever is configured to be able to swing around a set axis, wherein the set axis is different from the central axis of the pivot shaft.

[0014] Preferably, the second elastic member is a torsion spring sleeved on the pivot shaft, one end of the torsion spring abutting against the operating lever and the other end abutting against the pusher.

[0015] Preferably, the hydraulic pressure generating device comprises a hydraulic cylinder and a piston movably arranged in the hydraulic cylinder, and the operating lever is pivotally connected to the hydraulic cylinder around a set axis.

[0016] Preferably, the first elastic member is a torsion spring, one end of the torsion spring abutting against the hydraulic cylinder and the other end abutting against the operating lever.

[0017] Preferably, the pusher comprises a roller, which is configured to be in rolling contact with the piston during the process that the pusher pushes the piston.

[0018] Preferably, the pusher comprises a bent connecting rod, the connecting rod comprising two segments separated by the position of the roller, the two segments being arranged at an angle, and the angle is configured such that the position of the roller protrudes towards the piston.

[0019] Preferably, the base component comprises a housing having a receiving cavity, and the hydraulic pressure generating device is arranged in the receiving cavity.

[0020] Preferably, the control lever component further includes a gear shift lever for controlling the bicycle's gear shifting, wherein the operating direction of the gear shift lever when controlling gear shifting is perpendicular to the operating direction of the control lever when controlling braking.

[0021] The bicycle hydraulic braking control device provided in this application includes a base component and a control lever component. The control lever component includes an operating lever and a pushing member that are movably connected, as well as an adjusting member capable of adjusting the relative position between the pushing member and the operating lever. A first elastic member is disposed between the operating lever and the base component, and a second elastic member is disposed between the pushing member and the operating lever. While keeping the elastic force provided by the first elastic member constant, the adjusting member overcomes the elastic force of the second elastic member to adjust the relative position between the pushing member and the operating lever. In this way, the braking effect of the operating lever is changed by adjusting the initial position of the pushing member, while the elastic restoring force applied to the operating lever by the first elastic member is not changed, thus maintaining the consistency of the rider's braking feel. Attached Figure Description

[0022] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings of the embodiments will be briefly described below. Obviously, the drawings described below only relate to some embodiments of this application, and are not intended to limit this application.

[0023] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional assembly diagram of the control device for bicycle hydraulic braking of this application mounted on the handlebar.

[0024] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional assembly diagram of the control device for the hydraulic braking of a bicycle, as described in this application.

[0025] Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view of the control device for hydraulic braking of a bicycle, as described in this application.

[0026] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the housing component of the control device for bicycle hydraulic braking according to this application.

[0027] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the control lever component and the hydraulic generating device of the bicycle hydraulic braking control device of this application.

[0028] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the hydraulic generating device and the pushing component of the control device for bicycle hydraulic braking of this application.

[0029] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 100-Control device; 200-Handle lever; 1-Housing component; 101-Cavity; 11-Shell; 12-Fixing component; 2-Hydraulic generating device; 21-Hydraulic cylinder; 211-Pivoting part; 22-Piston; 221-Piston rod; 3-Control lever component; 31-Operating lever; 311-First pivot hole; 312-Second pivot hole; 32-Pushing component; 321-Roller; 33-Gear shift lever; 331-Gear shift lever pivot; 35-Adjusting component; 41-Pivot shaft; 42-Rotating shaft; 43-Roller shaft; 51-First elastic element; 52-Second elastic element; 61-Wireless circuit board; 62-Top shell; 63-Top cover. Detailed Implementation

[0030] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The components of the embodiments of this application described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0031] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0032] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in this patent document shall have the ordinary meaning understood by a person skilled in the art to which this application pertains. The terms "first," "second," and similar terms used in this patent specification and claims do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. Similarly, the terms "an," "a," or "the" do not indicate a quantity limitation, but rather indicate the presence of at least one. The terms "comprising" or "including" indicate that the element or object preceding "comprising" encompasses the element or object listed following "comprising" or its equivalents, and do not exclude other elements or objects. Terms such as "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer" are used only to indicate relative positional relationships. When the absolute position of the described object changes, the relative positional relationship may also change accordingly. These terms are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0033] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0034] The following detailed description of some embodiments of this application is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise specified, features in the following embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0035] Please see Figures 1 to 6 As shown, this application provides a control device 100 for a bicycle hydraulic brake, which can be installed on the handlebar 200 of a bicycle to control the bicycle's braking device and achieve braking. Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the handle 200 is a curved handle as an example. In other embodiments, the handle 200 may also be a straight handle.

[0036] Please see Figures 2 to 5 As shown, the control device 100 includes a base component and a control lever component 3. In one embodiment, the base component includes a housing component 1 and a hydraulic generating device 2. The base component is adapted to be attached to the handle lever 200; the hydraulic generating device 2 has a hydraulic cylinder 21 disposed in the housing component 1 and a piston 22 movable within the hydraulic cylinder 21; the control lever component 3 is operable to move the piston 22 within the hydraulic cylinder 21. The control lever component 3 includes an operating lever 31 and a pressing member 32 for pressing the piston 22, the pressing member 32 and the operating lever 31 being movably connected. The control lever component 3 also includes an adjusting member 35 configured to adjust the relative position between the pressing member 32 and the operating lever 31 to adjust the initial position of the pressing member 32 relative to the hydraulic cylinder 21. A first elastic element 51 is disposed between the operating lever 31 and the base component, and a second elastic element 52 is disposed between the pushing member 32 and the operating lever 31. While keeping the elastic force provided by the first elastic element 51 constant, the adjusting member 35 overcomes the elastic force of the second elastic element 52 to adjust the relative position between the pushing member 32 and the operating lever 31.

[0037] The bicycle hydraulic braking control device 100 provided in this application allows adjustment of the initial position of the pushing member 32 via the operating adjustment member 35, thereby changing the braking effect of the operating lever 31. Specifically, by operating the adjustment member 35, the operating lever 31 can produce different braking effects under the same stroke to meet the needs of different riders. Simultaneously, while maintaining the elastic force provided by the first elastic member 51, the adjustment member 35 can overcome the elastic force of the second elastic member 52 to adjust the relative position between the pushing member 32 and the operating lever 31. In this way, the braking effect of the operating lever 31 is changed by adjusting the initial position of the pushing member 32, without altering the elastic restoring force exerted on the operating lever 31 by the first elastic member 51, thus maintaining a consistent braking feel for the rider.

[0038] Please see Figures 1 to 3 As shown, one end of the housing component 1 is attached to the bicycle handlebar 200 via a fastener 12. In this embodiment, the fastener 12 is an annular retaining ring that can be fitted onto the handlebar 200 to mount the control device 100 onto the handlebar 200. The fastener 12 can also be other components such as connecting bolts. A housing sleeve 11 is also fitted onto the housing component 1. The housing sleeve 11 has anti-slip textures to prevent the user from slipping when gripping, thus enhancing the reliability of operation. In this embodiment, the housing component 1 is an injection-molded part, and the housing sleeve 11 is a rubber sleeve.

[0039] Please see Figure 4 As shown, the housing component 1 is shaped like a handle for easy gripping, and has a chamber 101 inside, into which the hydraulic generating device 2 can be installed. The other end of the housing component 1 opposite the fixing member 12 has an opening communicating with the chamber 101, allowing the hydraulic generating device 2 to be installed into the chamber 101 of the housing component 1 through this opening. Please refer to the following: Figure 3 As shown, the piston 22 of the hydraulic generating device 2 is located on the opening side of the chamber 101, and the control lever component 3 is also located on the opening side of the chamber 101, so that the control lever component 3 can push the piston 22.

[0040] Please see Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, the control lever component 3 includes an operating lever 31, a pressing member 32, and an adjusting member 35. The pressing member 32 is pivotally connected to the operating lever 31 via a second pivot hole 312 through a rotating shaft 42. A second elastic member 52 is provided between the pressing member 32 and the operating lever 31. The second elastic member 52 is configured to generate an elastic force that causes the pressing member 32 to abut against the operating lever 31. This allows the operating lever 31 and the pressing member 32 to move synchronously when the piston rod 221 is pressed by the pressing member 32 driven by the operating lever 31, and avoids abnormal noise caused by the shaking of the pressing member 32 during riding. In this embodiment, the second elastic member 52 is a torsion spring sleeved on the rotating shaft 42, with one end of the torsion spring abutting against the operating lever 31 and the other end abutting against the pressing member 32.

[0041] Furthermore, the pressing member 32 includes a roller 321. The roller 321 is configured to roll into contact with the piston 22 during the pressing process of the pressing member 32 pressing the piston 22. Since the operating lever 31 of the control lever component 3 is squeezed during braking, causing the operating lever 31 to oscillate about an axis, while the piston 22 moves in the hydraulic cylinder 21 in a translational sliding motion, the contact point between the control lever component 3 and the piston 22 moves along the translational sliding direction of the piston 22 while also experiencing relative sliding on the piston rod 221. Using the rolling motion of the roller 321 instead of sliding reduces wear and increases service life. In this embodiment, the roller 321 can be, for example, a rolling bearing. The roller 321 is rotatably connected to the pressing member 32 of the control lever component 3 via a roller shaft 43. In this embodiment, the pushing member 32 is a bent connecting rod, comprising two segments divided by the location of the roller 321. The two segments are set at an included angle, which is configured such that the location of the roller 321 protrudes towards the piston 22, facilitating contact with the piston rod 221 of the piston 22. In this embodiment, the included angle is an obtuse angle, making the location of the roller 321 protrude towards the piston rod 221, facilitating contact and force application, and forming a force-saving lever mechanism.

[0042] Please see Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, the adjusting member 35 is positioned at the end of the pushing member 32 away from the rotating shaft 42, with the rotating shaft 42 and the adjusting member 35 located on opposite sides of the roller 321. This arrangement keeps the adjusting member 35 away from the rotating shaft 42 and the second elastic member 52 sleeved on the rotating shaft 42, providing convenient operating space for adjustment and reducing resistance during adjustment. In this embodiment, the adjusting member 35 is an adjusting screw. Rotating it forward or backward changes the length of the adjusting screw between the pushing member 32 and the operating lever 31. Therefore, with the position of the operating lever 31 fixed, the distance between the pushing member 32 and the hydraulic cylinder 21 changes with the adjustment of the adjusting screw.

[0043] Please continue reading. Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the hydraulic generating device 2 includes a hydraulic cylinder 21 and a piston 22 movably mounted in the hydraulic cylinder 21. The piston 22 includes a piston rod 221 and a piston head connected to the piston rod 221. The piston head includes a rubber component and is sealed to the inner surface of the cylinder chamber of the hydraulic cylinder 21 to push hydraulic oil or other fluids to flow towards the braking device to generate hydraulic power for braking. One end of the piston rod 221 protrudes from the hydraulic cylinder 21 for external force to push. The hydraulic cylinder 21 has a pivot portion 211 extending from the end of the exposed piston rod 221 to form a pivoting part 211 for pivotal connection of the control lever component 3. In this embodiment, the pivot portion 211 is a connecting lug that protrudes outward and upward from the end of the hydraulic cylinder 21 with the exposed piston rod 221. The upward protrusion of the pivot portion 211 allows it to move away from the piston rod 221, thereby increasing the distance between the pivot portion 211 and the piston rod 221. This ensures that when the control lever component 3 is pivotally connected to the pivot portion 211, there is a suitable distance between the roller 321 and the pivot position of the control lever component 3 to meet the stroke requirements during pushing. In this embodiment, the pivot portion 211 extends obliquely upward from one end of the hydraulic cylinder 21. A pivot shaft 41 is connected to the pivot portion 211, passing through a first pivot hole 311 on the operating lever 31 and connecting to the pivot portion 211. The pivot shaft 41 defines a set axis for the swing of the control lever component 3. This set axis is perpendicular to the central axis of the piston rod 221, ensuring that pressure can be applied along the central axis of the piston rod 221 when the control lever component 3 rotates around the set axis. Please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 5As shown, a first elastic element 51 is provided at the pivoting part 211. One end of the first elastic element 51 abuts against the hydraulic cylinder 21, and the other end abuts against the control lever component 3. The first elastic element 51 is used to return the control lever component 3 to its initial position after the squeezing pressure applied by the user to the control lever component 3 is released. In this embodiment, the first elastic element 51 is a torsion spring sleeved on the pivot shaft 41. In this embodiment, since the control lever component 3 and the piston 22 are separate structures, the reset of the control lever component 3 does not drive the reset of the piston 22. Therefore, the hydraulic cylinder 21 is also provided with a spring for pushing the piston 22 to its initial position after the pressure applied by the control lever component 3 to the piston 22 is released. In this embodiment, the control lever component 3 is pivotally connected to the hydraulic cylinder 21 via the operating lever 31; in other embodiments, the control lever component 3 can also be pivotally connected to the housing component 1 via the operating lever 31.

[0044] Please see Figure 6 As shown, when viewed along the central axis of the piston 22, the central axis of the rotating shaft 42 is located below the central axis of the pivot shaft 41 (i.e., the setting axis), and the central axis of the roller 321 is located below the central axis of the rotating shaft 42. In one embodiment, the setting axis, the central axis of the rotating shaft 42, and the central axis of the roller 321 are parallel to each other. When viewed along the setting axis, in the free state, the line connecting the setting axis, the central axis of the rotating shaft 42, and the central axis of the roller 321 forms an obtuse triangle, which has better stroke and force distribution.

[0045] Please refer to it again. Figure 5 As shown, the control lever component 3 also includes a gearshift lever 33 for controlling the bicycle's gear changes, and the gearshift lever 33 is pivotally connected to the operating lever 31. The operating direction of the gearshift lever 33 when controlling gear changes is perpendicular to the operating direction of the control lever component 3 when controlling braking. The gearshift lever 33 is pivotally connected to the operating lever 31 via a gearshift lever pivot 331, the central axis of which is perpendicular to the set axis. The perpendicular operating directions of the operating lever 31 and the gearshift lever 33 prevent unwanted movements from occurring when either is operated, thus avoiding accidental gear changes or braking and ensuring driving safety.

[0046] Please refer to this document as well. Figure 3As shown, in this embodiment, the control device 100 is also a gear shifting device, especially a wireless gear shifting device. The housing component 1 is further provided with a wireless circuit board 61, a top shell 62, and a top cover 63. The top shell 62 and top cover 63 are used to fix the wireless circuit board 61 to the housing component 1. The wireless circuit board 61 can respond to the gear shifting operation of the gear lever 33 by sending a wireless gear shifting signal to the gearbox, thereby realizing gear shifting.

[0047] As described above in the specific embodiments, the bicycle hydraulic braking control device 100 provided in this application includes a control lever component 3 comprising an operating lever 31 and a pushing member 32 movably connected, and an adjusting member 35 capable of adjusting the relative position between the pushing member 32 and the operating lever 31. By operating the adjusting member 35, the initial position of the pushing member 32 can be adjusted, thereby changing the braking effect of the operating lever 31. That is, by operating the adjusting member 35, the operating lever 31 can produce different braking effects under the same stroke to meet the needs of different riders. At the same time, while keeping the elastic force provided by the first elastic member 51 constant, the adjusting member 35 can overcome the elastic force of the second elastic member 52 to adjust the relative position between the pushing member 32 and the operating lever 31. In this way, the braking effect of the operating lever 31 is changed by adjusting the initial position of the pushing member 32, while not changing the elastic restoring force applied to the operating lever 31 by the first elastic member 51, thus maintaining the consistency of the rider's braking feel.

[0048] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A control device for hydraulic brake of a bicycle, which is capable of being installed on a handlebar of a bicycle to control braking of the bicycle, characterized in that, The control device comprises: a base component adapted to be attached to the handlebar, the base component comprising a hydraulic pressure generating device; and a control lever component capable of operating the hydraulic pressure generating device, the control lever component comprising an operating lever pivotally connected to the base component, a pusher pivotally connected to the operating lever, and an adjusting member capable of adjusting the relative position between the pusher and the operating lever; wherein a first elastic member is arranged between the operating lever and the base component, and a second elastic member is arranged between the pusher and the operating lever, the second elastic member being configured to generate an elastic force to make the pusher abut against the operating lever; wherein the adjusting member adjusts the relative position between the pusher and the operating lever by overcoming the elastic force of the second elastic member while keeping the elastic force provided by the first elastic member unchanged; wherein the pusher is pivotally connected to the operating lever through a pivot shaft, the adjusting member is arranged at an end of the pusher away from the pivot shaft, and the operating lever is configured to be able to swing around a set axis, wherein the set axis is different from the central axis of the pivot shaft.

2. The control device for hydraulic brake of a bicycle according to claim 1, wherein The second elastic member is a torsion spring sleeved on the pivot shaft, one end of the torsion spring abutting against the operating lever and the other end abutting against the pusher.

3. The control device for hydraulic brake of a bicycle according to claim 1, wherein The hydraulic pressure generating device comprises a hydraulic cylinder and a piston movably arranged in the hydraulic cylinder, and the operating lever is pivotally connected to the hydraulic cylinder around a set axis.

4. The control device for hydraulic brake of a bicycle according to claim 3, wherein The first elastic member is a torsion spring, one end of the torsion spring abutting against the hydraulic cylinder and the other end abutting against the operating lever.

5. The control device for hydraulic brake of a bicycle according to claim 3, wherein The pusher comprises a roller, the roller being configured to be in rolling contact with the piston during the process that the pusher pushes the piston.

6. The control device for hydraulic brake of a bicycle according to claim 5, wherein The pusher comprises a bent connecting rod, the connecting rod comprising two segments separated by the position of the roller, the two segments being arranged at an angle, and the angle being configured to make the position of the roller protrude towards the piston.

7. The control device for hydraulic brake of a bicycle according to claim 1, wherein The base component comprises a housing having a receiving chamber, and the hydraulic pressure generating device is arranged in the receiving chamber.

8. The control device for hydraulic brake of a bicycle according to claim 1, wherein The control lever component further comprises a gear shift lever for controlling the gear shifting of the bicycle, wherein the operating direction of the gear shift lever during gear shifting is perpendicular to the operating direction of the operating lever during braking.

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