A cable-operated mechanical balance valve and a two-wheeled vehicle

Abstract

This utility model relates to a cable-operated mechanical balance valve and a two-wheeled vehicle. The cable-operated mechanical balance valve is used with a vehicle having at least two disc brake calipers. It includes a housing, a balance valve body disposed within the housing cavity, and a first cable and a second cable passing through the balance valve body. The first and second ends of the first cable are respectively connected to a first brake lever and a first disc brake caliper. The third and fourth ends of the second cable are respectively connected to a second brake lever and a second disc brake caliper. The balance valve body includes at least: a first valve core; a second valve core; and an elastic element. This utility model maintains balanced braking of the bicycle's front and rear brakes with a single cable brake lever during braking, and significantly shortens the braking distance, reducing the risk of the bicycle skidding.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of bicycle accessories technology, specifically to a cable-operated mechanical balance valve and a two-wheeled vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Most modern bicycles use independent braking systems for the front and rear wheels. During braking, achieving adequate deceleration requires the rider to distribute the force applied by both hands appropriately, ensuring the front and rear tires fully utilize the road surface's coefficient of friction. However, in actual riding, this is difficult to achieve. Because the rear wheel bears most of the bicycle's weight during normal riding or acceleration, it experiences greater friction than the front wheel. But during braking, due to inertia, the bicycle's center of gravity shifts to the front wheel. In high-speed riding requiring emergency braking, braking only the front wheel can cause instability in the bicycle's center of gravity, potentially leading to a fishtailing risk.

[0003] Currently, the market generally achieves fluid distribution during braking by adding a linked hydraulic distribution valve to the hydraulic disc brake system of a vehicle. However, this design is only suitable for hydraulic disc brake systems; there is no better design solution for the relatively inexpensive cable disc brake system. To address the braking risks of vehicles with cable disc brakes, we propose a cable mechanical balance valve and a two-wheeled vehicle. Utility Model Content

[0004] This application provides a cable-operated mechanical balance valve and a two-wheeled vehicle to at least solve the problem that in the prior art, the distribution of hydraulic fluid during braking is generally achieved by adding a linkage hydraulic distribution valve to the hydraulic disc brake system of the vehicle. However, this design is only suitable for hydraulic disc brake systems, and there is no better design solution for the relatively low-priced cable-operated disc brake system.

[0005] In a first aspect, this application provides a cable-operated mechanical balance valve for use with a vehicle having at least two disc brake calipers. The valve includes a housing, a balance valve body disposed within the housing cavity, and a first cable and a second cable passing through the balance valve body. A first end and a second end of the first cable are respectively connected to a first brake lever and a first disc brake caliper. A third end and a fourth end of the second cable are respectively connected to a second brake lever and a second disc brake caliper. The balance valve body includes at least:

[0006] The first valve core is axially movably assembled in the inner cavity of the housing, and a first wire hole and a valve core hole are opened parallel to each other in the middle of its axial direction. The first pull wire passes through the first wire hole and is fixed by at least one first set bolt.

[0007] The second valve core is axially movably assembled in the valve core hole, and a second wire hole is opened in the middle of its axial direction. The second pull wire passes through the second wire hole and is fixed by at least one second set bolt.

[0008] An elastic element is disposed within the valve core hole and abuts against the side of the second valve core near the fourth wire end.

[0009] Optionally, an outer valve sleeve is positioned and fitted on the side of the housing cavity near the third line end;

[0010] The first valve core includes an axially distributed first movable section and a boss section. The first movable section is axially inserted into the inner cavity of the outer valve sleeve, and the first set bolt is disposed on the boss section.

[0011] Optionally, axially arranged needle roller bearings are arranged on the inner wall of the outer valve sleeve.

[0012] Optionally, the housing includes: a main housing having a valve chamber extending through both ends thereon;

[0013] Two end caps are provided and are fixed to the two free ends of the valve cavity by a number of housing bolts.

[0014] An open window is provided at the position of the main housing corresponding to the first set bolt and the second set bolt.

[0015] Optionally, the second valve core has an extension on the side near the fourth line end that is positioned at one end in conjunction with the elastic element.

[0016] Optionally, the inner side of the end cap near the third line end has a positioning platform, which cooperates with a stepped portion formed in the inner cavity of the housing to position and assemble the outer valve sleeve.

[0017] Optionally, the first pull wire and the second pull wire are both covered with pull wire sheaths on the section outside the housing, and each pull wire sheath is fitted with a threading screw covering the free end of the pull wire sheath on the side corresponding to the housing, and the other end of the threading screw is threaded into the housing.

[0018] Optionally, the first brake lever component includes: a first brake lever seat;

[0019] The first handle is rotatably mounted on the first brake lever seat via a first pin, and at least one first torsion spring is sleeved on the first pin. The two ends of the first torsion spring abut against the first brake lever seat and the first handle respectively, and drive the first handle to pull towards the first line end.

[0020] Optionally, the second brake lever component includes: a second brake lever seat;

[0021] The lower part of the second handle is rotatably mounted on the second brake lever seat via a second pin, and at least one second torsion spring is sleeved on the second pin. The two ends of the second torsion spring abut against the second brake lever seat and the second handle respectively and drive the second handle to pull away from the third cable end, so as to maintain the tension of the second cable when the third cable end is slack.

[0022] Secondly, this application provides a two-wheeled vehicle that includes the cable-operated mechanical balance valve described in the first aspect above.

[0023] Compared with related technologies, the cable-operated mechanical balance valve and two-wheeled vehicle provided in this application have at least the following technical advantages:

[0024] By assembling the balance valve body on the first and second cables, the second brake lever directly brakes the front wheel, while the first brake lever directly brakes the rear wheel. Simultaneously, the combined traction movement of the first and second valve cores indirectly pulls the second disc brake caliper to brake the front wheel. This maintains balanced braking of the bicycle's front and rear brakes with a single cable brake lever, significantly shortening the braking distance and reducing the risk of the bicycle skidding. Furthermore, since the first and second cables directly control the front and rear wheel brakes respectively, independent braking can be achieved even in the event of a failure of the linkage mechanism, without affecting the overall system's safety.

[0025] Details of one or more embodiments of this application are set forth in the following drawings and description to make other features, objects and advantages of this application more readily apparent. Attached Figure Description

[0026] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of this utility model or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a draw-wire mechanical balance valve structure according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0028] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of a pull-wire mechanical balance valve according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0029] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of a wire-operated mechanical balance valve structure according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0030] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of a draw-wire mechanical balance valve according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0031] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the first brake lever 70 according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0032] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the second brake lever 80 according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0033] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 10 for the housing; 101 for the main housing; 102 for the end cap; 103 for the housing bolts; 104 for the open window; 105 for the step.

[0034] First pull wire 20; First wire end 201; Second wire end 202;

[0035] Second pull wire 30; Third wire end 301; Fourth wire end 302;

[0036] Balance valve body 40; outer valve sleeve 401; first valve core 402; first wire hole 4021; valve core hole 4022; boss portion 4023; first movable section 4024; second valve core 403; second wire hole 4031; extension section 4032; first set bolt 404; second set bolt 405; elastic element 406;

[0037] 50 threading screw; 60 cable sheath;

[0038] First brake lever assembly 70; First brake lever seat 700; First handle 701; First pin 702; First torsion spring 703;

[0039] Second brake lever assembly 80; second brake lever seat 800; second handle 801; second pin 802; second torsion spring 803. Detailed Implementation

[0040] The technical solution of this utility model will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this utility model. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0041] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this utility model and for 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. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," "third," and "fourth" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0042] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" 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 of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0043] In related technologies, the current market generally achieves fluid distribution during braking by adding a linked hydraulic distribution valve to the vehicle's hydraulic disc brake system. However, this design is only suitable for hydraulic disc brake systems; there is no better design solution for the relatively lower-priced cable disc brake system.

[0044] Based on the above, this utility model provides a cable-operated mechanical balance valve and a two-wheeled vehicle, which will be described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings.

[0045] Example 1

[0046] This utility model embodiment provides a draw-wire mechanical balance valve. Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a draw-wire mechanical balance valve structure according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of a pull-wire mechanical balance valve according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 3 This is an exploded view of a wire-operated mechanical balance valve structure according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of a draw-wire mechanical balance valve according to an exemplary embodiment. Figures 1-4As shown, this cable-operated mechanical balance valve is used in conjunction with a vehicle having at least two disc brake calipers. It is understood that the two disc brake calipers control the front and rear wheels of the vehicle respectively. The valve includes a housing 10, a balance valve body 40 disposed within the housing 10, and a first cable 20 and a second cable 30 passing through the balance valve body 40. The first cable 201 and the second cable 202 of the first cable 20 are respectively connected to a first brake lever 70 and a first disc brake caliper, wherein the first disc brake caliper is located on the rear wheel of the vehicle. The third cable 301 and the fourth cable 30 of the second cable 30 are respectively connected to a second brake lever 80 and a second disc brake caliper, wherein the second disc brake caliper is located on the front wheel of the vehicle. The balance valve body 40 includes at least:

[0047] The first valve core 402 is axially movably assembled in the inner cavity of the housing 10, and a first wire hole 4021 and a valve core hole 4022 are opened parallel to each other in the middle of its axial direction. The first pull wire 20 passes through the first wire hole 4021 and is fixed by at least one first set bolt 404.

[0048] The second valve core 403 is axially movably assembled in the valve core hole 4022, and a second wire hole 4031 is opened in the middle of its axial direction. The second pull wire 30 passes through the second wire hole 4031 and is fixed by at least one second set bolt 405.

[0049] The elastic element 406 is disposed in the valve core hole 4022 and abuts against the side of the second valve core 403 near the fourth wire end 302. In this embodiment, the elastic element 406 is a compression spring. The side of the second valve core 403 near the fourth wire end 302 has an extension section 4032 that is positioned at one end in cooperation with the compression spring. The other end of the compression spring abuts against the inner wall of the valve core hole 4022.

[0050] In this embodiment, an outer valve sleeve 401 is positioned and assembled on the side of the inner cavity of the housing 10 near the third line end 301; the first valve core 402 includes an axially distributed first movable section 4024 and a boss section 4023. The first movable section 4024 is axially movably inserted into the inner cavity of the outer valve sleeve 401, and the first set bolt 404 is disposed on the boss section 4023. Axially arranged needle roller bearings are arranged on the inner wall of the outer valve sleeve 401 to effectively reduce friction.

[0051] In the technical solutions of the above embodiments, combined with Figures 1-4 The first end 201 of the first pull cable 20 and the third end 301 of the second pull cable 30 are located on the same side, that is, the traction during braking is as follows. Figures 1-4 Upward traction;

[0052] Specifically, during braking, if the rider grips the second brake lever 80, it moves upward through the pull of the second cable 30, directly actuating the second disc brake caliper and braking the front wheel; if the rider grips the first brake lever 70, it moves upward through the pull of the first cable 20, directly actuating the first disc brake caliper and braking the rear wheel. At this time, the first valve core 402, fixed to the first cable 20 by the first set bolt 404, moves upward with the pull of the first cable 20, thereby pressing the compression spring in the valve core hole 4022, generating elastic force and pushing the second valve core 403 to move upward as well, indirectly actuating the second disc brake caliper and braking the front wheel. This achieves balanced braking of the front and rear brakes of the bicycle with a single cable brake lever, and the braking distance can be significantly shortened, reducing the risk of the bicycle skidding.

[0053] Meanwhile, since the first cable 20 and the second cable 30 are directly connected to the first disc brake caliper and the second disc brake caliper respectively, they can also achieve independent braking action under the condition of linkage failure. At this time, it is equivalent to ordinary front and rear brakes and will not affect the safety of the entire system.

[0054] Continue to refer to Figures 3-4 In this embodiment, the housing 10 includes: a main housing 101, on which a valve cavity is provided through both ends;

[0055] Two end caps 102 are provided and are fixed to the two free ends of the valve cavity by a number of housing bolts 103.

[0056] An open window 104 is provided on the main housing 101 at the position corresponding to the first set bolt 404 and the second set bolt 405.

[0057] In the above embodiment, by setting the open window 104, the first set bolt 404 and the second set bolt 405 can be adjusted conveniently with tools without disassembly, thereby fine-tuning the position of the balance valve body 40 on the first pull line 20 and the second pull line 30 to maintain a good linkage braking state.

[0058] Continue to refer to Figures 3-4 In this embodiment, the inner side of the end cap 102 near the third line end 301 has a positioning platform 1021, which cooperates with a stepped part 105 formed in the inner cavity of the housing 10 to position and assemble the outer valve sleeve 401.

[0059] Continue to refer to Figures 1-4 In this embodiment, the first pull wire 20 and the second pull wire 30 are both covered with pull wire sheaths 60 on the section outside the housing 10. The pull wire sheaths 60 are equipped with thread screws 50 covering the free end of the pull wire sheaths 60 on the side corresponding to the housing 10. The other end of the thread screws 50 is threaded to the housing 10 to fix the first pull wire 20, the second pull wire 30 and the housing 10, and maintain the overall stable installation of the valve body.

[0060] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the first brake lever 70 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of a second brake lever member 80 according to an exemplary embodiment. (Refer to...) Figures 5-6 In this embodiment, the first brake lever component 70 includes: a first brake lever seat 700, which is fixed to the vehicle handlebar; a first handle 701, the lower part of which is rotatably mounted on the first brake lever seat 700 via a first pin 702, and at least one first torsion spring 703 is sleeved on the first pin 702, and the two ends of the first torsion spring 703 respectively abut against the first brake lever seat 700 and the first handle 701 and drive the first handle 701 to pull towards the first cable end 201.

[0061] The second brake lever component 80 includes: a second brake lever seat 800, which is fixed to the vehicle handlebar; a second handlebar 801, the lower part of which is rotatably mounted on the second brake lever seat 800 via a second pin 802, and at least one second torsion spring 803 is sleeved on the second pin 802, and the two ends of the second torsion spring 803 respectively abut against the second brake lever seat 800 and the second handlebar 801 and drive the second handlebar 801 to pull away from the third cable end 301, so as to maintain the tension of the second cable 30 when the third cable end 301 is slack.

[0062] In the above embodiments, combined with Figures 1-6 The assembly status is as follows: After installation, the two ends of the first torsion spring 703 abut against the first brake lever seat 700 and the first handle 701 respectively. The clockwise tendency of the first torsion spring 703 causes the first handle 701 to be in the initial position of maximum grip torque. The preload of the lever of the second disc brake caliper pulls the second cable 30, causing the second handle 801 to rotate counterclockwise around the second pin 802, overcoming the clockwise elasticity of the second torsion spring 803 and attaching to the initial position of the second brake lever seat 800. At this time, the second torsion spring 803 tightens and generates a restoring elasticity.

[0063] When braking, if the rider grips the second brake lever 80 clockwise, the second handle 801 pulls the second cable 30, which directly pulls the second disc brake caliper to brake the front wheel.

[0064] If the rider grips the first handlebar 701 counterclockwise, the first handlebar 701 pulls the first cable 20 upward, directly actuating the first disc brake caliper and braking the rear wheel. At the same time, the first valve core 402, which is fixed to the first cable 20 by the first set bolt 404, moves upward with the pull of the first cable 20, thereby pressing the compression spring in the valve core hole 4022, generating elastic force and pushing the second valve core 403 upward, indirectly actuating the second disc brake caliper and braking the front wheel.

[0065] In this braking state, the first torsion spring 703 tightens and continuously generates a clockwise rebound force. After the first handle 701 is released, the rebound force of the first torsion spring 703 is released, and the first handle 701 rotates clockwise around the first pin 702, returning to the initial state. The movement of the second valve core 403 also drives the second cable 30 to move upward as a whole, which is fed back to the second brake lever 80. This causes the section of the second cable 30 from the second valve core 403 to the second brake lever 80 to loosen. The second torsion spring 803 releases its rebound force, driving the second handle 801 to rotate clockwise around the second pin 802 and press down, preventing the cable tube from detaching from the second handle 801 due to the loosening of the second cable 30, and effectively eliminating the brake free travel of the second handle 801.

[0066] In summary, the cable-operated mechanical balance valve provided in this embodiment of the invention, through the assembly of the balance valve body 40 on the first cable 20 and the second cable 30, enables the second brake lever 80 to directly brake the front wheel, and the first brake lever 70 to directly brake the rear wheel. Simultaneously, through the combined traction movement of the first valve core 402 and the second valve core 403, the second disc brake caliper is indirectly pulled to brake the front wheel, maintaining the coordinated and balanced braking of the bicycle's front and rear brakes by a single cable brake lever. Furthermore, the braking distance is significantly shortened, reducing the risk of bicycle skidding. At the same time, since the first cable 20 and the second cable 30 are directly connected to the first and second disc brake calipers respectively, independent braking can be achieved even under conditions of linkage failure. In this case, it is equivalent to ordinary front and rear brakes and will not affect the safety of the entire system.

[0067] Example 2

[0068] Embodiment 2 of this application provides a two-wheeled vehicle, including the cable mechanical balance valve of Embodiment 1 above.

[0069] The two-wheeled vehicle in this embodiment is not limited to bicycles or electric bicycles, but can also be extended to vehicles with two-wheel cable braking systems, such as motorcycles.

[0070] Other undescribed structures are described in Example 1.

[0071] In summary, the cable-operated mechanical balance valve and two-wheeled vehicle provided by this utility model embodiment, through the assembly of the balance valve body 40 on the first cable 20 and the second cable 30, enable the second brake lever 80 to directly brake the front wheel, and the first brake lever 70 to directly brake the rear wheel. Simultaneously, through the combined traction movement of the first valve core 402 and the second valve core 403, the second disc brake caliper is indirectly pulled to brake the front wheel, maintaining the coordinated and balanced braking of the bicycle's front and rear brakes by a single cable brake lever. Furthermore, the braking distance is significantly shortened, reducing the risk of the bicycle skidding. At the same time, since the first cable 20 and the second cable 30 directly control the front and rear wheel braking respectively, independent braking actions can be achieved even under conditions of linkage failure, without affecting the safety of the entire system.

[0072] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0073] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the utility model patent. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this patent application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A cable-operated mechanical balance valve, used in conjunction with a vehicle having at least two disc brake calipers, characterized in that, The system includes a housing, a balance valve body disposed within the housing cavity, and a first pull cable and a second pull cable passing through the balance valve body. The first and second ends of the first pull cable are respectively connected to a first brake lever and a first disc brake caliper. The third and fourth ends of the second pull cable are respectively connected to a second brake lever and a second disc brake caliper. The balance valve body includes at least: The first valve core is axially movably assembled in the inner cavity of the housing, and a first wire hole and a valve core hole are opened parallel to each other in the middle of its axial direction. The first pull wire passes through the first wire hole and is fixed by at least one first set bolt. The second valve core is axially movably assembled in the valve core hole, and a second wire hole is opened in the middle of its axial direction. The second pull wire passes through the second wire hole and is fixed by at least one second set bolt. An elastic element is disposed within the valve core hole and abuts against the side of the second valve core near the fourth wire end.

2. The pull wire mechanical balancing valve of claim 1, wherein, An outer valve sleeve is positioned and fitted on the side of the inner cavity of the housing near the third line end; The first valve core includes an axially distributed first movable section and a boss section. The first movable section is axially inserted into the inner cavity of the outer valve sleeve, and the first set bolt is disposed on the boss section.

3. The pull wire mechanical balance valve of claim 2, wherein, The inner wall of the outer valve sleeve is provided with axially arranged needle roller bearings.

4. The pull wire mechanically balanced valve of claim 2, wherein, The housing includes: The main housing has valve chambers that extend through both ends. Two end caps are provided and are fixed to the two free ends of the valve cavity by a number of housing bolts. An open window is provided at the position of the main housing corresponding to the first set bolt and the second set bolt.

5. The pull wire mechanical balance valve of claim 1, wherein, The second valve core has an extension on the side near the fourth line end that is positioned at one end in conjunction with the elastic element.

6. The draw-wire mechanical balance valve as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The end cap has a positioning platform on the inner side near the third line end, and the positioning platform cooperates with a step formed in the inner cavity of the housing to position and assemble the outer valve sleeve.

7. The pull wire mechanical balance valve of claim 1, wherein, Both the first pull wire and the second pull wire have a pull wire sheath covering their respective sections outside the housing. Each pull wire sheath is fitted with a threading screw covering the free end of the pull wire sheath on the side corresponding to the housing, and the other end of the threading screw is threaded into the housing.

8. The pull wire mechanical balance valve of claim 1, wherein, The first brake lever component includes: First stop, grip the seat; The first handle is rotatably mounted on the first brake lever seat via a first pin, and at least one first torsion spring is sleeved on the first pin. The two ends of the first torsion spring abut against the first brake lever seat and the first handle respectively, and drive the first handle to pull towards the first line end.

9. The pull wire mechanically balanced valve of claim 1, wherein, The second brake lever includes: Second brake lever seat; The lower part of the second handle is rotatably mounted on the second brake lever seat via a second pin, and at least one second torsion spring is sleeved on the second pin. The two ends of the second torsion spring abut against the second brake lever seat and the second handle respectively and drive the second handle to pull away from the third cable end, so as to maintain the tension of the second cable when the third cable end is slack.

10. A two-wheeled vehicle characterized by It includes the wire-operated mechanical balance valve as described in any one of claims 1-7.

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