Control line connector

Abstract

This utility model discloses a control cable connector, belonging to the field of bicycle technology. It includes a cable head connector block, a connecting tube, and a protective sleeve fitted onto and detachably connected to the connecting tube. The connecting tube consists of a small cone, a large cone, and an arc-shaped plate bridge with a groove bridging the small and large cones. The groove allows the cable head connector block to reciprocate linearly within the connecting tube along its axial direction. The two ends of the cable head connector block are respectively connected to the shifter cable passing through the small cone and the derailleur cable passing through the large cone. The small cone has a guide groove for abutting the cable guide tube fitted onto the shifter cable, and the large cone has a spring groove for abutting the guide spring fitted onto the derailleur cable. This connector effectively solves the problem of cumbersome and inconvenient connection between the shifter cable and the derailleur cable mounted along the bicycle frame.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of bicycle technology and provides a control line connector. Background Technology

[0002] A bicycle, also known as a pedal bike or bicycle, mainly consists of a tripod, front wheel, rear wheel, fork, handlebars, bottom bracket, pedals, chain, brakes, and derailleur. During initial assembly or subsequent modifications, bicycles involve connecting control cables for the brakes or derailleurs. The current configuration of these cables, where the cable ends at the shifter and run along the frame to the derailleur, is not always suitable for assembly or modification needs. For example, the applicant's patent application (publication number CN 215971951 U) filed on October 12, 2021, uses right-angle clips, clamps, and screws for cable management, resulting in cumbersome assembly and inconvenient operation. Therefore, it is necessary to design a control cable connector that improves the connection between the shifter cable and the derailleur cable during assembly or modification, providing greater convenience. Utility Model Content

[0003] In view of this, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a control line connector that aims to solve the problems of cumbersome connection and inconvenient operation between the pull cable at the end of the shifter and the pull cable at the end of the transmission, which are configured along the vehicle body.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution:

[0005] This utility model provides a control cable connector, including a cable puller connecting block, a connecting tube, and a protective sleeve fitted onto and detachably connected to the connecting tube. The connecting tube consists of a small cone, a large cone, and an arc-shaped plate bridge with a groove bridging the small and large cones. The groove allows the cable puller connecting block to reciprocate linearly within the connecting tube along its axial direction. The two ends of the cable puller connecting block are respectively connected to the shifter cable passing through the small cone and the derailleur cable passing through the large cone. The small cone has a guide groove for abutting the cable guide fitted onto the shifter cable, and the large cone has a spring groove for abutting the guide spring fitted onto the derailleur cable. Thus, this connector has the following advantages: First, convenience; the connector design simplifies the assembly and modification process, allowing users to easily connect or disconnect control cables, lowering the barrier to entry. Second, flexibility; the non-fixed design allows users to adjust the position and status of the connector according to specific needs, adapting to different types of bicycles. Thirdly, it enhances the riding experience by providing smooth gear shifting and braking control, allowing users to ride more freely.

[0006] Optionally, the slide groove is designed as a vertically continuous strip-shaped hole structure, making the arc-shaped bridge consist of two opposing rods. This strip-shaped hole structure provides a larger cavity, reducing wear and interference issues during the sliding of the cable head connector block in the connecting tube. This allows for smoother movement of the cable head connector block within the slide groove, improving the user's operating experience during gear shifting or braking. The simplified structural design, with its rod-shaped structure, makes the overall design more concise, facilitating production and assembly, while also reducing potential points of failure.

[0007] Optionally, the end of the large cone facing the small cone is configured as a stop end to abut the protective sleeve. This stop end effectively prevents the protective sleeve from sliding or falling off, thereby improving the safety of the connector during use.

[0008] Optionally, the protective sleeve and the stop end are connected by a plug-in joint to form a detachable connection structure. This plug-in connection structure allows the user to easily remove and replace the protective sleeve, facilitating cleaning, maintenance, or replacement in case of damage.

[0009] Optionally, the protective sleeve and the curved bridge can be connected by threads or twist to form a detachable connection structure. This multi-connection design allows the connector to adapt to various bicycle designs and user needs, enhancing its market competitiveness and enabling users to choose the most suitable connection method based on personal preference or different application scenarios.

[0010] Optionally, the cable connector block can be replaced by a double U-shaped connector block, with L-shaped slots at both ends for holding the shifter cable and derailleur cable respectively. This L-shaped slot design allows users to quickly install and remove cables, improving assembly and maintenance convenience. Furthermore, the double U-shaped connector block's structure is compatible with various types of cables, accommodating different brands and models of shifters and derailleurs.

[0011] Optionally, the connecting tube, protective sleeve, and cable connector can be made of steel or aluminum. Users can choose the appropriate material according to their riding habits and needs, thereby improving the user experience.

[0012] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: First, the control cable connector of this utility model simplifies the connection method. Through innovative connection design, it reduces the assembly steps of the connector, making the connection between the shifter end cable and the derailleur end cable more intuitive and convenient. Second, it improves operational convenience. The quick-release connection mechanism allows users to easily connect and disconnect without using tools, thereby enhancing the user experience. In summary, this connector has the advantages of simple structure, strong operability, low cost, convenient processing, and good practical effect, especially suitable for operational needs in the production, assembly, or later modification of bicycle control cables.

[0013] Other advantages, objectives, and features of this invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following examination and study, or may be learned from practice of this invention. The objectives and other advantages of this invention can be realized and obtained through the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0014] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the preferred embodiments of this utility model will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0015] Figure 1 This is an exploded perspective view of the control line connector of this utility model;

[0016] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Front view of the connector in the middle;

[0017] Figure 3 for Figure 2 AA diagram;

[0018] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A schematic diagram showing a guide spring installed in the middle;

[0019] Figure 5 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the double U-shaped connector block that replaces the pull wire connector block in the diagram;

[0020] Reference numerals: 1-Pulley cable at the shifter end; 2-Pulley cable guide tube; 3-Connecting tube; 31-Small cone head; 32-Large cone head; 33-Guide tube groove; 34-Spring groove; 35-Arc-shaped bridge; 36-Through groove; 37-Stop end; 4-Pulley cable at the gearbox end; 5-Pulley cable head connecting block; 6-Protective sleeve; 7-Guide spring; 8-Double U-shaped head connecting block; 81-L-shaped slot. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The present invention will be further described below with reference to specific embodiments. The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only, representing schematic diagrams rather than actual physical objects, and should not be construed as limiting the scope of this patent. To better illustrate the embodiments of the present invention, some components in the drawings may be omitted, enlarged, or reduced, and do not represent the actual dimensions of the product. It is understandable to those skilled in the art that some well-known structures and their descriptions may be omitted in the drawings.

[0022] like Figure 1-4As shown, this embodiment mentions a control line connector, including a pull-out connector block 5, a connecting tube 3, and a protective sleeve 6 fitted onto and detachably connected to the connecting tube 3. The connecting tube 3 is composed of a small cone 31, a large cone 32, and an arc-shaped plate bridge 35 bridging the small cone 31 and the large cone 32 and having a sliding groove 36. The sliding groove 36 allows the pull-out connector block 5 to reciprocate linearly within the connecting tube and along the axial direction of the connecting tube, facilitating shift control of the gearbox (not shown) by the shifter (not shown). The specific structure of the pull-out connector block 5 adopts the same structure as the previous patent CN215971951U, possessing reliable connection performance, which will not be discussed here. As described in detail, the two ends of the connector are used to connect the shifter cable 1, which passes through the small cone 31, and the gearshift cable 4, which passes through the large cone 32, respectively. The small cone 31 has a guide groove 33 for abutting the cable guide 2 fitted on the shifter cable 1, and the large cone 32 has a spring groove 34 for abutting the guide spring 7 fitted on the gearshift cable 4, ensuring connection stability. The protective sleeve 6 is used to protect the connecting tube 3 and the cable head connecting block 5, ensuring their safety and durability during use. The arc-shaped structure of the outer wall of the arc-shaped plate bridge 35 can also be adapted and fitted to the inner wall of the protective sleeve 6, so as to facilitate the fitting of the protective sleeve 6 and ensure a stable and reliable connection. The control line connector mentioned in this embodiment, with its innovative design and structure, solves the cumbersome and inconvenient problems of existing connection methods and improves the overall user experience. This connector is not only suitable for the connection between the gearshift and the shifter, but can also be extended to the application of the brake control line, showing its wide applicability and practical value.

[0023] Specifically, when this connector is used to connect the gearbox and shifter control lines, the large conical spring groove of the connecting tube abuts against the guide spring of the gearbox cable, while the small conical guide groove abuts against the pull cable guide of the shifter cable. The gearbox cable and shifter cable are then connected and fixed by a pull cable head connecting block that slides inside the connecting tube, thus connecting and tightening the control lines between the gearbox and shifter. This connector can also adopt a non-fixed connection structure, meaning that the connecting tube does not need to be fixed to the frame, increasing flexibility. After the connecting tube and pull cable head connecting block are protected by a protective sleeve, the pull cable head connecting block reciprocates linearly in the axial space of the sliding groove inside the connecting tube when the shifter is turned, thus completing the shifter's shift control of the gearbox and making the shifting process smooth, improving the user experience. Similarly, for the brake control cable, the large and small cones at both ends of the connector tube can abut against the guide tube outside the brake control cable, thereby tightening the brake control cable to complete the assembly or modification of the brake control cable.

[0024] In another embodiment, the groove 36 is configured as a through-hole structure, which allows the cable head connector 5 to achieve greater freedom and flexibility within the connecting tube, facilitating the clamping connection of the cable head connector 5 to the pull cable 1 at the shifter end and the pull cable 4 at the gearshift end. At the same time, due to the structural change of the groove 36, the arc-shaped bridge 35 can be redesigned as two opposing rod-shaped structures, thereby achieving weight reduction while ensuring connection strength.

[0025] In this embodiment, the large conical head 32 has a stop end 37 at the end facing the small conical head 31 to stop the protective sleeve 6, ensuring that the protective sleeve will not accidentally fall off during use and providing better stability. The protective sleeve 6 and the stop end 37 form a detachable connection structure by plugging in, allowing users to quickly disassemble or replace the protective sleeve without tools, improving ease of use. Of course, in different examples, the protective sleeve 6 and the arc-shaped bridge 35 form a detachable connection structure by threads or screws. This design provides multiple connection methods, allowing users to choose the most suitable connection method according to their actual needs, enhancing the flexibility of the connector.

[0026] For example Figure 5 As shown, in another embodiment, the cable connector 5 is replaced by a double U-shaped connector 8, and both ends of the double U-shaped connector 8 are provided with L-shaped slots 81 for holding the shifter cable 1 and the derailleur cable 4 respectively. This design is simple in structure and easy to operate, effectively enhancing the stability and firmness of the connection. The design of each L-shaped slot 81 can effectively fix the cable, ensuring that the cable will not come loose during operation, providing better connection performance. At the same time, it simplifies installation; the open design of the L-shaped slots makes it easier for users to insert and fix the cable during installation, reducing the complexity of assembly.

[0027] In this embodiment, the connecting tube 3, protective sleeve 6, and cable connector 5 are made of steel or aluminum. Steel components have high strength and excellent toughness, capable of withstanding significant tensile and impact forces, ensuring the stability and safety of the connector during use. They also have good wear resistance, making them suitable for high-frequency use environments, reducing wear and extending service life. Furthermore, they are adaptable to various climatic conditions, resisting moisture and corrosion. Aluminum components, on the other hand, are lightweight. Aluminum's low density significantly reduces the overall weight of the connector, improving the bicycle's overall performance, especially in competitive and long-distance riding. They also have good corrosion resistance; an oxide film easily forms on the aluminum surface, enhancing its corrosion resistance, making it suitable for use in variable weather conditions. Additionally, aluminum is easy to process, allowing for complex shape designs to meet different structural requirements. Thus, users can choose between steel or aluminum to achieve the optimal balance between strength and weight, depending on their specific needs.

[0028] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solution of this utility model and are not intended to limit it. Although this utility model has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can be made to the technical solution of this utility model without departing from the spirit and scope of this technical solution, and all such modifications or substitutions should be covered within the scope of the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. A control line connector, comprising a pull-out connector block (5), characterized in that, It also includes a connecting tube (3) and a protective sleeve (6) fitted onto and detachably connected to the connecting tube (3). The connecting tube (3) is composed of a small cone (31), a large cone (32) and an arc-shaped plate bridge (35) bridging the small cone and the large cone and having a groove (36). The groove (36) is used for the cable head connecting block (5) to reciprocate linearly within the connecting tube and along the axial direction of the connecting tube. The two ends of the cable head connecting block (5) are used to connect the shifter end cable (1) passing through the small cone (31) and the gearbox end cable (4) of the large cone (32) respectively. The small cone (31) is provided with a guide groove (33) for abutting the cable guide (2) fitted onto the shifter end cable (1). The large cone (32) is provided with a spring groove (34) for abutting the guide spring (7) fitted onto the gearbox end cable (4).

2. The control line connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The groove (36) is configured as a strip-shaped hole structure that runs vertically through the top and bottom, so that the arc-shaped plate bridge (35) is formed as two opposing rods.

3. The control line connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The large cone (32) is configured at one end facing the small cone (31) as a stop end (37) for abutting the protective sleeve (6).

4. The control line connector according to claim 3, characterized in that, The protective sleeve (6) and the stop end (37) are connected by insertion to form a detachable connection structure.

5. The control line connector according to claim 3, characterized in that, The protective sleeve (6) and the arc-shaped bridge (35) are connected by threads or screws to form a detachable connection structure.

6. The control line connector according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The cable head connector (5) is replaced by a double U-shaped connector (8), and both ends of the double U-shaped connector (8) are provided with L-shaped slots (81) for holding the pull cable (1) at the shifter end and the pull cable (4) at the gearbox end, respectively.

7. The control line connector according to claim 6, characterized in that, The connecting pipe (3), protective sleeve (6), and pull wire head connecting block (5) are made of steel or aluminum.

Images