Hydraulic connector arrangement

Abstract

Hydraulic connector arrangement (14, 14') for hydraulic connection between a hydraulic line (36), a hydraulic brake actuation device (24) and an internal fluid passage (50) of a hydraulic brake caliper arrangement (26), wherein the hydraulic connector arrangement (14, 14') comprises: a shaft element (60) designed to guide a flow of hydraulic fluid between the hydraulic brake actuation device (24) and the hydraulic brake caliper assembly (26), wherein the shaft element (60) comprises a ring support section (72), a hydraulic passage (78) extending along a central axis of the shaft element (60), and a ring fixing flange (74) coupled to the shaft element (60), wherein the hydraulic passage (78) comprises an opening (80) extending from the hydraulic passage (78) to an outer surface of the shaft element (60); and a ring fitting (62) comprising a hose connection section (92) with a central passage (98) and an annular element (90) with an annular hydraulic passage (96), wherein the annular hydraulic passage (96) is formed as a recess within a bore (94) of the annular element (90) and is adapted to enclose the shaft element (60) and is in fluidic communication with the opening (80) of the shaft element (60), with the ring fitting (62) installed on the shaft element (60), wherein the ring fixing flange (74) coupled to the shaft element (60) is designed to allow rotation of the ring fitting (62) relative to the shaft element (60), wherein the fluid pressure can be transmitted from the hydraulic line (36) through the central passage (98), the annular hydraulic passage (96), the opening (80) and the hydraulic passage (78) and finally to the inner fluid passage (50) of the hydraulic brake caliper assembly (26).

Description

[0001] This invention generally relates to a hydraulic connector assembly. More specifically, the invention relates to a hydraulic connector assembly for a hydraulic bicycle brake system.

[0002] Cycling is becoming an increasingly popular form of recreation and transportation. Furthermore, cycling has become a very popular competitive sport for both amateurs and professionals. Whether the bicycle is used for recreation, transportation, or competition, the bicycle industry is continually improving the various components of the bicycle.

[0003] Hydraulic connector arrangements are known from the translation of the European patent specification DE 603 ​​01 896 T2, from the published application of the German patent application DE 10 2005 061 903 A1, from the US patent application US 2 845 282 A and from the US patent application US 2004 / 0 212 193 A1.

[0004] It is an object to provide a hydraulic connector assembly having a hydraulic ring connection (also called a banjo connection in technical jargon) which provides a compact yet rotatable hydraulic connector assembly with improved sealability and fluid communication performance for use on a bicycle.

[0005] This object is achieved by a hydraulic connector assembly having the features of claim 1. Preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

[0006] In view of the prior art, a hydraulic connector assembly for hydraulically connecting a hydraulic line, a hydraulic brake actuator, and an internal fluid passage of a hydraulic brake caliper assembly includes a stem member and a banjo fitting. The stem member is configured to direct a flow of hydraulic fluid between the hydraulic brake actuator and the hydraulic brake caliper assembly. The stem member includes a banjo support section and a hydraulic passage extending along a central axis of the stem member. The hydraulic passage has an opening extending from the hydraulic passage to an outer surface of the stem member. The banjo fitting includes a hose connection section with a central fluid passage and an annular member with an annular hydraulic passage.The annular hydraulic passage is formed as a recess within a bore of the annular element and is adapted to surround the stem element and is installed in fluid communication with the opening of the stem element, with the annular nozzle on the stem element. Fluid pressure can be transmitted from the hydraulic line through the central passage, the annular hydraulic passage, the opening and the hydraulic passage, and finally to the internal fluid passage of the hydraulic brake caliper assembly.

[0007] In another embodiment, a hydraulic connector assembly may include a stem member, a ring, a pair of sealing members, and a ring fastener. The stem member has a hydraulic passage and an opening extending from the hydraulic passage to an outer surface of the stem member. A ring stub rotatably extends around the stem member, covering the opening. The pair of sealing members is disposed between the stem member and the ring member and on opposite sides of the opening. The ring fastener, or banjo fastener, is attached to the stem member to retain the ring stub to the stem member. The ring fastener is further configured to permit rotation of the ring relative to the stem member and the ring fastener.

[0008] In a further embodiment, the hydraulic connector assembly may have one or more of the following features: - the shaft element has a ring support section having an annular surface with a constant outer diameter; - the hydraulic passage extends along a central axis of the shaft element; - the opening extends vertically from the hydraulic passage; - the shaft member includes a bicycle brake caliper support section and a ring support section, wherein the opening is arranged on the ring support section; - the shaft member has a bicycle frame attachment section disposed adjacent to the ring support section; - the ring support section is arranged between the bicycle brake caliper support section and the bicycle frame fixing section relative to the axial direction of the shaft member; - the bicycle frame fixing section is arranged between the bicycle brake caliper support section and the ring support section relative to the axial direction of the shaft member; - the pair of sealing elements are O-rings; - the ring element has an annular hydraulic passage which surrounds the shaft element and is open or opens towards the shaft element, with the ring element installed on the shaft element; - the ring member has a hydraulic hose connection section extending in a direction perpendicular to an axial direction of the shaft member, with the ring member installed on the shaft member; - the ring fixing element has a radially extending shoulder flange arranged adjacent to the opening; - the ring fixation element is formed integrally with the shaft element as a one-piece element; - the ring is arranged adjacent to the radially extending shoulder flange or stop flange; - a fixing nut threadedly installed on the shaft element, the ring being confined between the radially extending shoulder flange of the fixing nut.

[0009] Reference is now made to the accompanying drawings which form a part of this original disclosure: Fig. 1 is a side view of a bicycle having a bicycle frame and a hydraulic braking system equipped with a hydraulic connector assembly in accordance with a first embodiment; Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the hydraulic brake system illustrating a brake actuator and a hydraulic brake caliper equipped with the hydraulic connector assembly in accordance with the first embodiment; Fig. 3 is a sectional view of a bicycle frame, a portion of the hydraulic brake caliper, and the hydraulic connector assembly showing a shaft member and a ring installed around the shaft member in accordance with the first embodiment; Fig. 4 is an exploded view of the hydraulic connector assembly shown removed from the bicycle and hydraulic brake caliper, showing the shaft member, the ring, a pair of seals, and a fastening nut in accordance with the first embodiment; Fig. 5 is a sectional view of a portion of a hydraulic brake caliper and hydraulic connector assembly showing a shaft member and a ring installed around the shaft member in accordance with a second embodiment; and Fig. 6 is an exploded view of the hydraulic connector assembly shown in Fig. 5, shown removed from the bicycle and the hydraulic brake caliper, showing the stem member, the ring (banjo), seals and a fastening nut in accordance with the first embodiment.

[0010] Selected embodiments will now be explained with reference to the drawings. One skilled in the art will appreciate from this disclosure that the following descriptions of the embodiments are for descriptive purposes only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0011] Initially referring to Fig. 1, a bicycle 10 is shown having a hydraulic brake system 12 including a hydraulic connector assembly 14 in accordance with a first embodiment. As seen in Fig. 1, the bicycle 10 also has a wheel 18 and a frame element 20.

[0012] Although only one wheel 18 (the front wheel) in Fig. 1, it should be understood from the drawings and description that the bicycle 10 also includes a rear wheel with similar braking system features, including the hydraulic connector assembly 14. Since the features of the front and rear braking systems are similar, descriptions of the rear portions of the bicycle and the rear portions of the hydraulic braking system are omitted for brevity.

[0013] As best seen in Fig. 2, the hydraulic brake system 12 has a hydraulic brake actuation device 24 and a hydraulic brake caliper arrangement 26.

[0014] The hydraulic brake actuation device 24 includes a lever 30, a hydraulic piston 32, and a housing 34. The lever 30 is pivotable about a pivot axis extending through the housing 34. The lever 30 is thus movable between a rest position (solid lines) and a brake actuation position (dashed lines). The hydraulic piston 32 and the lever 30 are coupled such that the hydraulic piston 32 moves when the lever 30 moves. The hydraulic piston 32 is partially disposed within a bore (not shown) located in the housing 34. The bore of the housing 34 is filled with hydraulic fluid in a conventional manner.

[0015] Movement of lever 30 and hydraulic piston 32 displaces hydraulic fluid within hydraulic brake actuator 24 and produces hydraulic fluid pressure. The hydraulic fluid pressure is then transmitted to hydraulic brake caliper assembly 26 via hydraulic line 36 in a conventional manner.

[0016] With reference to the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, a description will now be given of the hydraulic brake caliper assembly 26. The hydraulic brake caliper assembly 26 comprises a housing 40, a pair of brake arms 42 (only Fig. 2) and a corresponding pair of brake pads 44 (only Fig. 2). As seen in Fig. 3, the housing 40 has an internal fluid passage 50. A portion of the internal fluid passage 50 of the housing 40 has threads 54.

[0017] The internal fluid passage 50 is in fluid communication with the hydraulic connector assembly 14, as described in more detail below. The internal fluid passage 50 is also in fluid communication with a hydraulic piston assembly (not seen) that causes the brake arms 42 to move between a rest position and a brake engagement position (not seen) in a conventional manner. Specifically, the hydraulic fluid pressure of the hydraulic brake actuator 24 causes the brake arms 42 to move and bring the brake pads 44 into contact with the wheel 18.

[0018] A description will now be given of the hydraulic connector assembly 14 with reference to the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4. The hydraulic connector assembly 14 basically comprises a shaft element 60, a banjo fitting 62, sealing elements 64, and a fastening 66.

[0019] The shaft member 60 is an elongated member configured to support the hydraulic brake caliper assembly 26 to the frame member 20 of the bicycle 10. The shaft member 60 is also configured to direct the flow of hydraulic fluid between the hydraulic brake actuator 24 and the hydraulic brake caliper assembly 26, as described below.

[0020] The shaft member 60 essentially includes a bicycle brake caliper support section 70, a ring support section (banjo support section) 72, a ring fixing flange (banjo fixing flange) 74, a bicycle frame fixing section 76, and a hydraulic passage 78.

[0021] The bicycle brake caliper support section 70 has a thread that mates with the thread 54 of the internal fluid passage 50 of the housing 40. More specifically, the bicycle brake caliper support section 70 is designed to be screwed into the internal fluid passage 50 with sufficient strength to support the hydraulic brake caliper assembly 26 during braking.

[0022] The hydraulic passage 78 is centered in the bicycle brake caliper support section 70 and opens into the inner fluid passage 50. Therefore, the hydraulic fluid can pass between the inner fluid passage 50 and the hydraulic passage 78. More specifically, the hydraulic passage 78 extends along a central axis of the shaft member 60. The hydraulic passage 78 also has an opening 80 that extends from the hydraulic passage 78 to an outer surface of the shaft member 60. The hydraulic passage 78 is formed by a bore that extends completely through the shaft member 60. Furthermore, the opening 80 is located in the ring support section 72. The opening 80 also extends perpendicularly from the hydraulic passage 78.

[0023] The ring support section 72 has an annular surface with a constant outer diameter. The ring support section 72 may additionally be formed with a pair of grooves 82 designed to hold sealing elements 64. However, it should be understood from the drawings and description that the grooves 82 for holding the sealing elements 64 are optional and not essential.

[0024] The ring support section 72 is arranged between the bicycle brake caliper support section 70 and the bicycle frame attachment section 76 relative to the axial direction of the shaft member 60.

[0025] The ring retaining flange 74 (a banjo or ring retaining element) is coupled to the shaft member 60 to retain the ring stud 62 to the shaft member 60. The ring retaining flange 74 is configured or sized to allow rotation of the ring stud 62 relative to the shaft member 60. The ring retaining flange 74 is integrally formed with the shaft member 60 as a single, one-piece element. The ring retaining flange 74 is essentially a radially extending shoulder or annular disk-shaped portion disposed adjacent the ring support section 72 and the opening 80.

[0026] The bicycle frame attachment section 76 is an elongated shaft section configured to extend through a bore formed in the frame portion 20. The bicycle frame attachment section 76 has a threaded section 86 configured to mate with the internal threads of the fastener 66. In the first embodiment, the bicycle frame attachment section 76 is disposed adjacent the ring fixing flange 74 such that the ring support section 72 is on one side of the ring fixing flange 74 and the bicycle frame attachment section 76 is disposed on the other side of the ring fixing flange 74.

[0027] As seen in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, the annular connector 62 has an annular element 90 and a hose connection section 92.

[0028] The annular element 90 of the ring socket 62 has a cylindrical shape with a bore 94 extending along the central axis of the ring socket 62. An annular hydraulic passage 96 is formed on an inner surface of the bore 94. The annular hydraulic passage 96 is essentially an annular recess formed within the bore 94. The annular hydraulic passage 96 has a diameter that is larger than the diameter of the bore 94, as seen in Fig. 3. When the annular sleeve 62 is installed on the shaft member 60 and the annular support section 72, the annular hydraulic passage 96 surrounds the shaft member 60. More specifically, the annular sleeve 62 extends rotatably around the shaft member 60, covering the opening 80. Furthermore, the annular hydraulic passage 96 is in fluid communication with the opening 80 in the shaft member 60 with the annular sleeve 62 installed on the shaft member 60.

[0029] The hose connection section 92 extends radially toward the annular sleeve 62 and is formed as an integral, one-piece member with the annular sleeve 62. The hose connection section 92 extends in a direction perpendicular to an axial direction of the shaft member 60, with the annular sleeve 62 installed on the shaft member 60. The hose connection section 92 has a central passage 98. The hydraulic line 36 is attached to the hose connection section 92 in a conventional manner. Thus, the fluid pressure of the hydraulic brake actuator 24 is transmitted through the hydraulic line 36, the central passage 98, the annular hydraulic passage 96, the orifice 80, the hydraulic passage 78, and finally to the internal fluid passage 50 of the hydraulic brake caliper assembly 26.

[0030] Although not shown, the bore 94 of the annular sleeve 62 may have recesses or concave annular grooves that hold the sealing elements 64. Furthermore, the annular axial end surfaces 100 ( Fig. 4) of the ring nozzle 62 must be coated with friction-resistant material.

[0031] The sealing elements 64 are illustrated, for example, as polymeric O-rings. However, it should be understood from the drawings and the description given herein that the sealing elements 64 may have any of a variety of shapes and may be made from a variety of elastic materials. For example, when O-rings are used for the sealing elements 64, the O-rings have a circular shape when viewed in cross-sectional view in Fig. 3. The sealing elements 64 may also be provided with a rectangular, square, or elliptical shape when viewed in section.

[0032] The ring sleeve 62 is installed on the ring support section 72 of the stem member 60 with the sealing elements 64 disposed between the ring support section 72 and the surface of the bore 94 of the ring sleeve 62. The sealing elements 64 are positioned on opposite sides of the opening 80 and opposite sides of the annular hydraulic passage 96. The sealing elements 64 are also preferably made of a material that allows the ring sleeve 62 to rotate about the stem member 60.

[0033] As seen in Fig. 3, the ring sleeve 62 is disposed on the shaft member 60 adjacent to the ring locking flange 74 (a radially extending stop or shoulder flange). Furthermore, the ring sleeve 62 is confined between the housing 40 of the hydraulic brake caliper assembly 26 and the ring locking flange 74 of the shaft member 60. Since the annular axial end surfaces 100 of the ring sleeve 62 are coated with a friction-resistant material and the sealing elements 64 are flexible and elastic, the ring sleeve 62 can rotate relative to the shaft member 60. Second embodiment

[0034] Now referring to Fig. 5 and Fig.6, a hydraulic connector assembly 14' is explained in accordance with a second embodiment. Given the similarity between the first and second embodiments, the parts of the second embodiment that are identical to the parts of the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment. Furthermore, for the sake of brevity, descriptions of the parts of the second embodiment that are identical to the parts of the first embodiment are omitted.

[0035] In the second embodiment, the shaft member 60 of the first embodiment is replaced by the shaft member 60'. However, in the second embodiment, the hydraulic brake caliper assembly 26, the frame member 20, and the collar 62 are the same as in the first embodiment. Additionally, spacers 104 and 106 are used in the second embodiment to mount the hydraulic connector assembly 14' and the housing 40 of the hydraulic brake caliper assembly 26.

[0036] The shaft member 60' includes the bicycle brake caliper support section 70 of the first embodiment, a ring support section 72', a ring fixing flange 74', a bicycle frame fixing section 76', and a hydraulic passage 78'.

[0037] The ring support section 72' is essentially the same as the ring support section 72 of the first embodiment, but is located at a different location. Specifically, the ring support section 72' includes the grooves 82 for retaining the sealing elements 64 and the opening 80 located between the grooves 82. However, in the second embodiment, the ring support section 72' is disposed between the ring fixation flange 74' and a threaded axial end 86' of the shaft member 60'.

[0038] In the second embodiment, the ring fixing flange 74' is disposed between the bicycle frame mounting section 76' and the ring support section 72'. The bicycle frame mounting section 76' is located between the ring fixing flange 74' and the bicycle brake caliper support section 70.

[0039] In the second embodiment, the hydraulic passage 78' extends from the bicycle brake caliper support section 70 through the bicycle frame attachment section 76' to the ring support section 72'.

[0040] A fastener 66' replaces the fastener 66 of the first embodiment. Specifically, the fastener 66' is larger than the fastener 66 and is designed to secure the ring stud 62' to the shaft member 60'. Therefore, the fastener 66' (a locking nut) is threadably installed on the shaft member 60' with the ring stud 62 confined between the ring locking flange 74' (a radially extending shoulder flange) and the fastener 66'.

Claims

[1] Hydraulic connector assembly (14, 14') for hydraulic connection between a hydraulic line (36), a hydraulic brake actuating device (24) and an internal fluid passage (50) of a hydraulic brake caliper assembly (26), the hydraulic connector assembly (14, 14') comprising: a shaft member (60) configured to direct a flow of hydraulic fluid between the hydraulic brake actuator (24) and the hydraulic brake caliper assembly (26), the shaft member (60) including a ring support section (72), a hydraulic passage (78) extending along a central axis of the shaft member (60), and a ring fixing flange (74) coupled to the shaft member (60), the hydraulic passage (78) including an opening (80) extending from the hydraulic passage (78) to an outer surface of the shaft member (60); and a ring fitting (62) including a hose connection section (92) with a central passage (98) and an annular element (90) with an annular hydraulic passage (96), wherein the annular hydraulic passage (96) is formed as a recess within a bore (94) of the annular element (90) and is adapted to enclose the shaft element (60) and is in fluid communication with the opening (80) of the shaft element (60), with the ring fitting (62) installed on the shaft element (60), wherein the ring fixing flange (74) coupled to the shaft element (60) is designed to allow rotation of the ring fitting (62) relative to the shaft element (60), wherein the fluid pressure can be transmitted from the hydraulic line (36) through the central passage (98), the annular hydraulic passage (96), the orifice (80) and the hydraulic passage (78) and finally to the inner fluid passage (50) of the hydraulic brake caliper assembly (26). [2] The hydraulic connector assembly (14, 14') of claim 1, wherein the annular support section (72) has an annular surface with a constant outer diameter. [3] Hydraulic connector assembly (14, 14') according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the opening (80) extends perpendicularly from the hydraulic passage (78). [4] Hydraulic connector assembly (14, 14') according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the shaft member (60) has a bicycle brake caliper support section (70). [5] Hydraulic connector assembly (14, 14') according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the opening (80) is arranged on the ring support section (72). [6] Hydraulic connector assembly (14, 14') according to claims 1 to 5, wherein the shaft member (60) has a bicycle frame attachment section (76) disposed adjacent to the ring support section (72). [7] The hydraulic connector assembly (14, 14') of claim 6, wherein the ring support section (72) is disposed between the bicycle brake caliper support section (70) and the bicycle frame attachment section (76) relative to the axial direction of the shaft member (60). [8] Hydraulic connector assembly (14, 14') according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the bicycle frame attachment section (76) is arranged between the bicycle brake caliper support section (70) and the ring support section (72) relative to the axial direction of the shaft member (60). [9] Hydraulic connector assembly (14, 14') according to one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a pair of sealing elements (64) arranged between the shaft element (60) and the annular socket (62) and on opposite sides of the opening (80). [10] A hydraulic connector assembly (14, 14') according to claim 9, wherein the pair of sealing elements (64) are O-rings. [11] Hydraulic connector assembly (14, 14') according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the annular socket (62) is open or opens towards the shaft element (60), with the annular socket (62) installed on the shaft element (60). [12] Hydraulic connector assembly (14, 14') according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the hose connection section (92) extends in a direction perpendicular to an axial direction of the shaft member (60), with the ring socket (62) installed on the shaft member (60). [13] Hydraulic connector assembly (14, 14') according to one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising a ring fixing flange (74) having a radially extending shoulder flange disposed adjacent to the opening (80). [14] Hydraulic connector assembly (14, 14') according to claim 13, wherein the ring fixing flange (74) is formed integrally with the shaft member (60) as a one-piece element. [15] A hydraulic connector assembly (14, 14') according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the ring is disposed adjacent to the radially extending shoulder flange or stop flange. [16] A hydraulic connector assembly (14, 14') according to claim 13, 14 or 15, further comprising a locking nut threadedly installed on the shaft member (60), the ring being confined between the radially extending shoulder flange of the locking nut.

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