Hydraulic control device

Abstract

Hydraulic operating device (10) comprising: a base member (20); a hydraulic cylinder (30) which is / will be provided on the base member (20) and has a bore (30a); a piston (40) which is located in the bore (30a) to move between an initial position and an actuated position; a lever (50) which is / will be pivotably coupled on the base member (20) about a lever axis (LA) for pivoting movement between a rest position and an actuated position, the lever (50) including a contact section (52);a connecting element (60) configured to connect the lever (50) to the piston (40) such that the piston (40) is pulled from the initial position to the actuated position in response to the pivoting movement of the lever (50) from the rest position to the actuated position, wherein the connecting element (60) has a first end section (60a) which is coupled to the piston (40) and a second end section (60b) which is configured to be displaceably in contact with the contact section (52) of the lever (50), wherein the connecting element (60) further includes an intermediate section (64) between the first end section (60a) and the second end section (60b), wherein the intermediate section (64) has a first part (64a) which is fixedly coupled to the piston (40) and a second part (64b), which is pivotally connected to the first part (64a).;

Description

[0001] This application claims priority over U.S. patent application no. 61 / 990,717, filed on May 9, 2014, and U.S. patent application no. 14 / 642,773, filed on March 10, 2015. The entirety of the disclosures in U.S. patent applications nos. 61 / 990,717 and 14 / 642,773 are hereby incorporated by reference. AREA OF INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to a hydraulic control device, such as a hydraulic control device for a hydraulic bicycle brake. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] In the case of a hydraulic control device for a hydraulic bicycle brake, a piston in a hydraulic cylinder is moved from an initial position to an actuated position when a control element, such as a brake lever, is pivoted. This movement of the piston releases a fluid (oil, for example) from the hydraulic cylinder to drive a piston in a brake caliper, which is connected to the hydraulic cylinder via a hydraulic hose. This generates a braking force through the brake caliper. OVERVIEW OF THE INVENTION

[0004] It is an object of the present invention to provide a hydraulic control device which has a novel structure.

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, a hydraulic control device is provided which includes a base member, a hydraulic cylinder which is provided on the base member and has a bore, a piston which is located in the bore for movement between an initial position and an actuated position, and a lever which is pivotably coupled to the base member about a lever axis for pivoting movement between a rest position and an actuated position. The lever includes a contact section. A connecting element is configured to connect the lever to the piston such that the piston is pulled from the initial position to the actuated position in response to, or as a consequence of, the pivoting movement of the lever from the rest position to the actuated position.The connecting element has a first end section which is / will be coupled to the piston, and a second end section which is designed to be movable or slidable and come into contact with the contact section of the lever.

[0006] In a specific example, the connecting element touches the contact section in such a way that the distance between the lever axis and the second end section is reduced in response to or as a consequence of the pivoting movement of the lever from the rest position to the operated position.

[0007] In one particular example, the second end section of the connecting element includes at least one roller which is designed to be rotatable with or in contact with the contact section.

[0008] In one particular example, the contact section includes at least one cam surface which is designed to come into contact with or be in contact with at least one roller.

[0009] In one particular example, the second end section includes a first roller or needle and a second roller or needle.

[0010] In a specific example, the first roller or needle and the second roller or needle are rotatably supported on opposite sides with respect to a longitudinal axis of the connecting element.

[0011] In one particular example, the connecting element further includes an intermediate section between the first end section and the second end section, wherein the intermediate section has a first part which is / will be fixedly coupled to the piston, and a second part which is / will be pivotably connected to the first part.

[0012] In one particular example, the lever further includes an operating section designed to pivot with the touch section around an adjustment axis, and an adjustment structure designed to adjust the relative position between the touch section and the operating section around the adjustment axis.

[0013] In one particular example, the adjustment axis is coaxial with the lever axis.

[0014] In one particular example, the base link is / will be attached to a steering rod which has a steering rod axis, and the bore of the hydraulic cylinder extends along a bore axis which is not parallel to the steering rod axis.

[0015] In one particular example, the bore axis is essentially perpendicular to the steering rod axis.

[0016] In one particular example, the contact section includes a cam surface located between the second end section and the piston.

[0017] Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, which, in conjunction with the attached drawings, illustrates the principles of the invention by means of examples. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The invention, together with its tasks and advantages, can best be understood with reference to the following description of the preferred embodiments presented here, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0019] The Fig. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram representing a hydraulic system according to one embodiment, which includes a hydraulic control device;

[0020] the Fig. Figure 2 is a partial cross-sectional view, which schematically illustrates the hydraulic control device from the Fig. 1 shows when a lever is in a rest position;

[0021] the Fig. Figure 3 is a partial cross-sectional view, which schematically shows the hydraulic control device from the Fig. 1 indicates when the lever is in an operated position; and

[0022] the Fig. Figure 4 is a perspective view showing a roller or needle and a cam surface. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXECUTION FORMS

[0023] A hydraulic control device 10 An embodiment of the present invention will now be described. With reference to the Fig. 1. The hydraulic control device 10 used in a hydraulic system such as a hydraulic bicycle brake system 100.

[0024] The hydraulic bicycle braking system 100 closes the hydraulic control device 10 , a hydraulic hose 110 and a brake caliper 120 one. The hydraulic control device 10 It is / will be attached to the handlebar HB, which is / will be fixed to a bicycle stem, for example. The hydraulic hose 110 (hydraulic line) connects the hydraulic control device 10 and the brake calipers 120 in a manner that enables fluid communication. The hydraulic control device 10 It includes a piston (main piston), which will be described below. The brake caliper 120 closes piston 120a (Auxiliary piston) which the brake pads 120b press. The pistons 120a move according to the operation of the hydraulic control device 10 and press the brake pads 120bagainst a rotor 140 This generates a braking force via the brake calipers. 120 . Known components are used in the case of the hydraulic hose. 110 , the brake caliper 120 , the HB steering rod and the rotor 140 These components will therefore not be described in detail below.

[0025] The hydraulic control device 10 will now be referred to as Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 will be described. The hydraulic operating device 10 includes a basic member 20 , a hydraulic cylinder 30 , a piston 40 , a lever 50 and a connecting link 60 one. The hydraulic cylinder 30 , which is attached to the base member 20 is / will be provided, closes a borehole 30a one. The piston 40 (the main piston) is / will be in the bore 30a of the hydraulic cylinder30 arranged to move between an initial position and an actuated position. The lever 50 is / will be attached to the base member 20 coupled to be pivotable around a lever axis LA between a rest position and an operated position. The lever 50 closes a contact section 52 one. The connecting link 60 is / will be designed to leverage 50 and the piston 40 to connect in such a way that the piston 40 starting from the initial position towards the actuated position, when the lever is pulled / is pulled 50 Starting from the rest position, it is / is pivoted towards the operated position. This means that the hydraulic control device... 10 It is designed as a device of a pull type, which generates a hydraulic force by pulling the piston. 40 The connecting link 60 concludes a first end section60a , which is connected to the piston 40 is / will be coupled, and a second end section 60b , which is designed to be movable or relocatable with the contact section 52 of the lever 50 to come into contact with each other or to stand in contact with each other.

[0026] The base member 20 a pipe clamp or rod clamp 22 include the one that is / will be attached to the HB steering rod. If the base link 20 The hydraulic cylinder extends to the steering rod HB, which has a steering rod axle HBA. 30 along the bore axis BA, which is not parallel to the steering rod axis HBA. In this embodiment, the bore axis BA is essentially perpendicular to the steering rod axis HBA.

[0027] The hydraulic cylinder 30 is / will be via a discharge port 30b with the hydraulic hose 110connected. The hydraulic cylinder 30 can a fluid reservoir 32 include. If the lever 50 is in the rest position, and the piston 40 The fluid reservoir is located at the initial position. 32 , as in the Fig. 2 is shown, in communication with the borehole 30a via a reservoir connection 32a .

[0028] If the lever 50 is / is moved towards the operated position and the piston 40 As the piston moves towards the actuated position, it covers or closes it. 40 , as in the Fig. As shown in section 3, first the reservoir connection 32a and subsequently blocks communication from the fluid reservoir. 32 and the borehole 30a In this embodiment, the reservoir connection 32a from the initial position of the piston 40separated or spaced apart by a predetermined distance. If necessary, a variety of sealing elements, such as O-rings (not shown), can be attached to the piston's circumferential surface. 40 be / will be arranged.

[0029] A piston return spring 34 pushes the piston 40 back to the initial position. The piston return spring 34 It could be, for example, a compression spring which is located in the bore. 30a is arranged / will be arranged and with the piston 40 and the hydraulic cylinder 30 is involved in an intervention, is involved in an intervention, or is connected / becomes connected.

[0030] The hydraulic cylinder 30 can a guide sleeve 36 include which is the connecting link 60 absorbs in such a way that the connecting link 60 It is movable in the axial direction. If necessary, the guide sleeve or guide cuff can be 36Include a sealing element, such as an O-ring, to prevent fluid loss due to leakage from the hydraulic cylinder. 30 to reduce.

[0031] The connecting link 60 functions as a pulling element, which creates a tension between the piston 40 and the contact section 52 of the lever 50 transmits. When the lever 50 Starting from the rest position, the connecting link is pivoted / swivels towards the operated position. 60 e.g. the piston 40 starting from the initial position and moving to the actuated position. When the lever 50 Once released, the connecting link is pulled. 60 the lever 50 starting from the operated position towards the rest position by means of the pushing force or preload force of the piston return spring 34 .

[0032] If the lever 50When the second end section is in its resting position, it stands or reaches its destination. 60b of the connecting link 60 , as in the Fig. 2 is shown, with the touch section 52 of the lever at position P1 in contact. When the lever 50 Once the second end section is located at one of the operated positions, it is either standing or has reached its destination. 60b of the connecting link 60 , as in the Fig. 3 is shown, with the touch section 52 at position P2 in contact. The second end section 60b moves or slides or is displaced between position P1 and position P2 during contact with the contact section. 52 , when the lever 50 pivots. A first distance D1 between the lever axis LA and position P1 differs from a second distance D2 between the lever axis LA and position P2. This allows the hydraulic control device to 10a type of train includes a variety of lever ratios or a lever ratio which is / is changed when the lever 50 pivots. In the present embodiment, the lever ratio is defined as the lever travel (PS) in relation to the pivot angle (Θ) of the lever. 50 (PS / Θ).

[0033] Preferably, the connecting link is located or reaches 60 and the contact section 52 in such a way that the distance between the second end section 60b of the connecting link 60 and the lever axis LA decreases when the lever 50 Starting from the rest position, the lever is pivoted towards the operated position. In this embodiment, a distance D3 is fixed between the lever axis LA and the lever end, and position P2 is closer to the lever axis LA than position P1. Correspondingly, the first distance ratio D3 / D1 is... 50is in the rest position, smaller than the second distance ratio D3 / D2, when the lever 50 is located at the operated position.

[0034] The second final section 60b of the connecting link 60 is not particularly restricted in its shape, as long as the second end section 60b sliding along the contact section 52 is. With reference to the Fig. 4 In this embodiment, the second end section closes 4. 60b at least one roller or needle 62 one which is designed to rotate with the contact section 52 to come into contact with each other. The second final section 60b of the connecting link 60 closes first and second rollers or needles 62 one. The first and second rollers or needles 62 are / will be rotatable on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis of the connecting member 60supported. Needles or pins stand or jump in opposite directions starting from the second end section. 60b to reveal the two rollers or needles 62 to support.

[0035] The connecting link 60 can include an intermediate section 64 include between the first end section 60a and the second final section 60b The intermediate section 64 can be a first part 64a , which is fixed to the piston 40 is / will be coupled and a second part 64b include which swivels with the first part 64a is / will be connected. With reference to the Fig. 4 is / will be the second part 64 in a slot 52b of the contact section 52 recorded. The intermediate section 64 It enables the connecting link 60 bends and increases flexibility in the design of the piston. 40and the contact section 52 The second part 64b can start with the first part 64a be / will be connected by means of, for example, a ball joint or a needle or roller.

[0036] The contact section 52 of the lever 50 closes a cam surface 52a , which are between the second end section 60b and the piston 40 is located. The contact section 52 can at least one cam surface 52a include which is designed to be used with a roller or needle 62 of the connecting link 60 to come into contact with each other. As in the Fig. As shown in 4, in this embodiment the contact section is closed. 52 two cam surfaces 52a one, which each corresponds to the first and second rollers or needles. 62 correspond. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the cam surfaces 52aEssentially flat surfaces. However, the cam surfaces can 52a be / be set to have any desired shape (curvature).

[0037] The lever 50 closes another operating section 54 , such as a hand lever arm. The lever 50 can be a one-piece component which forms the contact section 52 and the operating section 54 encloses in one piece. Alternatively, the contact section can be 52 and the operating section 54 They should be discrete or separate components. As in the Fig. As shown in 2, in this embodiment the operating section is / will be 54 with the contact section 52 Swiveling about an adjustment axis AA coupled. Preferably the lever closes. 50 further a settings structure 55 one which is designed to determine the relative positions of the contact section 52and the control section 54 to adjust around the AA adjustment axis. As in the Fig. As shown in Figure 2, in this embodiment the adjusting axis AA is coaxial with the lever axis LA. The hydraulic operating device can be designed such that two different needles or pins each have the adjusting axis and the lever axis.

[0038] The settings structure 55 This can represent the so-called height adjustment mechanism or reach adjustment mechanism, which is well known in the field of hydraulic bicycle brakes. The adjustment structure 55 closes a bolt 56 and a pressing link 58 one. The bolt 56 It is located or reaches the operating section via a threaded hole or a threaded bore. 54 in intervention. The pressing link 58 closes an end which is connected to the operating section 54is / will be coupled, and another end, which is connected to the contact section 52 is / will be coupled. The pressing link 58 urges or forces the operating section 54 around the AA adjustment axis in a clockwise direction when viewed from the Fig. 2, so that the distal end of the bolt 56 with the contact section 52 comes into contact or is in contact. The pressing link 58 It could be a torsion spring that is wound or wrapped around the adjustment axis. The head of the bolt 56 is / will be rotated to show the relative positions of the contact section 52 and the control section 54 to adjust.

[0039] The settings structure 55 This is advantageous when adjusting the distance of the operating section. 54 and the handlebar HB according to the preferences or hand size of the cyclist.

[0040] If the lever50 with a lever stopper 20a is in contact or comes into contact with the basal member 20 The operating section is / will be arranged 54 an external force around the adjustment axis AA in a counterclockwise direction when viewed in the Fig. 2. In this case, the pressing link allows 58 the setting structure 55 that the operating section 54 under a yielding or in an elastic manner pivots in the direction counterclockwise from the set position, and brings the operating section 54 back to the set position.

[0041] The advantages of the hydraulic control device 10 According to the present invention, the following will now be presented. (1) The connecting link 60 is / will be designed to leverage 50 and the piston 40to connect in such a way that the piston 40 starting from the initial position towards the actuated position, when the lever is pulled / is pulled 50 starting from the rest position and moving towards the operated position. The connecting link 60 closes the first end section 60a , which is connected to the piston 40 is / will be coupled, and the second end section 60b one which is designed to be movable or relocatable with the contact section 52 of the lever 50 to come into contact with or be connected to. This structure allows a hydraulic control device to be used. 10 a train type has a variable leverage ratio. (2) The connecting link 60 stands or reaches with the contact section 52 in such a way that the distance between the second end section 60b of the connecting link 60and the lever axis LA decreases when the lever 50 starting from the rest position and moving towards the operated position. In the case of this structure, the first distance ratio D3 / D1 is, in the case that the lever 50 is in the rest position, smaller than the second distance ratio D3 / D2 in the case that the lever 50 is located in the operated position. Accordingly, the cyclist can, when the lever is pivoted, 50 Starting from the resting position and moving towards the operated position, reduce the operating force applied to the lever. 50 acts or is applied to generate a braking force.

[0042] Furthermore, the first lever ratio (PS / Θ) is comparatively large, in the case that the lever 50 is located at, near, or in the vicinity of its resting position. This allows the piston to 40moving rapidly from the initial position to a closed position, in which the piston closes the reservoir connection 32a completely covers or seals, and that the discharge of a fluid from the discharge port 30b This allows the process to begin at an earlier time. Consequently, a specific angle range for play or a specific play angle range for the lever can be ensured, and the braking response can be improved simultaneously.

[0043] Furthermore, the second leverage ratio is comparatively small in the case where the lever 50 is located at, near, or in the vicinity of the position being operated. This allows the braking force to be adjusted in a finely graduated manner. (3) The second final section 60b of the connecting link 60 closes at least one roller or needle 62one which is designed to rotate with the contact section 52 to come into contact with or be in contact with. In the case of this structure, the roller or needle can 62 friction between the connecting link 60 and the contact section 52 decrease or reduce. For example, the distance between the second end section can be reduced. 60b of the connecting link 60 and the lever axis LA is reduced in a smooth manner in case the lever 50 starting from the resting position and moving to the operated position. Furthermore, the lever can 50 be / will be returned to the resting position in a smooth manner. (4) The contact section 52 at least one cam surface is closed 52a one which is designed to be used with the roller or needle 62to come into contact or stand. This structure allows the roller to... 62 along the cam surface 52a rolls while touching the cam surface 52a The roller 62 and the cam surface 52a cooperate or work together to achieve a smooth transition between pivoting the lever 50 and the linear back-and-forth movement of the piston 40 to enable this. Furthermore, the leverage ratio can be changed continuously or steadily when the lever is pivoted. 50 . (5) The second final section 60b of the connecting link 60 closes the first and second rollers or needles. 62 one. This structure allows the second end section to 60b and the contact section 52 come into contact or contact in a stable manner. Furthermore, the second end section can 60bin a stable manner at the contact point 52 to be / become moved. (6) The first and second rollers or needles 62 are / will be rotatable on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis of the connecting member 60 supported. This structure allows the first and second rollers or needles to 62 with the contact section 52 come into contact or are positioned at symmetrical locations. Furthermore, the second end section can 60b and the contact section 52 in stable contact, and the second end section can 60b in a stable manner at the contact point 52 to be / become moved. (7) The connecting link 60 can the intermediate section 64 between the first end section 60a and the second final section 60b include. Furthermore, the intermediate section includes 64 the first part 64a, which is fixed to the piston 40 is / will be coupled, and the second part 64b one which is swivelling at the first part 64a is / will be coupled. The intermediate section 64 allows the connecting link to be bent. 60 and improves flexibility or leeway in piston design. 40 and the contact section 52 . (8) The lever 50 continues to close the operating section 54 , which is pivotable around the adjustment axis AA with the touch section 52 is / will be coupled, and the setting structure, which is designed to determine the relative position of the touch section. 52 and the control section 54 to adjust around the AA adjustment axis. This structure is advantageous when adjusting the distance of the operating section. 54 and the handlebar HB according to the preferences or hand size of the cyclist. (9) The adjusting axis AA is coaxial with the lever axis LA. In this configuration, the adjusting axis AA and the lever axis LA can be realized with or by means of a single pivoting shaft, and the hydraulic control device can be 10 It will be / be made simpler. (10) The base member 20 includes the steering rod HB, which has the steering rod axle HBA. The hydraulic cylinder 30 extends along the bore axis BA, which is not parallel to the steering rod axis HBA. The orientation of the hydraulic cylinder 30 It enables the hydraulic control device 10 Its size and dimensions along the HBA steering axis can be reduced. The compact hydraulic control device 10is advantageous for providing a mounting area on the handlebar HB for an accessory or a bicycle control device other than the hydraulic control device. 10 . (11) The bore axis BA can be substantially perpendicular to the steering rod axis HBA. This structure is advantageous for reducing the size or dimensions of the hydraulic control device. 10 along the steering rod axis HBA. (12) The contact section 52 closes the cam surface 52a one which is located between the second end section 60b and the piston 40 This structure allows the cam surface to 52a towards the front side of the actuated position in relation to the direction in which the piston 40 It moves / is arranged from its initial position to the actuated position. The location of the cam surface. 52aThis differs essentially from that of a hydraulic pressure-type operating device, which is designed to push a main piston from an initial position to an actuated position by means of a cam surface. Furthermore, the piston return spring 34 be located between the cam surface 52a and the piston 40 towards the front side of the actuated position in relation to the direction in which the piston moves 40 starting from the initial position and moving to the actuated position. Document US 2007 / 0283691 A1 describes an example of a piston and a hydraulic actuating device of a push-type. Document US 2007 / 0283691 A1 is hereby incorporated by reference.

[0044] The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above. For example, the embodiment can be modified as described below.

[0045] The base member 20 , the hydraulic cylinder 30 , the piston 40 and the settings structure 55 They can be modified with regard to shape, size, dimensions, and structure.

[0046] The hydraulic control device 10 Can a hydraulic system be used with hydraulic components other than the brake caliper? 120 such as designing a suspension controller.

[0047] It should be clear to those skilled in the art of bicycles that the present invention can be implemented or embodied in many other specific forms and embodiments without departing from the spirit, idea, or scope of the invention. For example, some of the components can be omitted from those disclosed in the embodiments described above. The present examples and embodiments are therefore to be regarded as illustrative and non-limiting embodiments, and the invention is not intended to be limited to the details given above but may be modified within the scope and equivalence of the attached claims. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0048] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0049] US 2007 / 0283691 A1 [0043, 0043]

Claims

[1] Hydraulic control device comprising: a basic member; a hydraulic cylinder which is / will be provided at the base member and has a bore; a piston which is located in the bore in order to move between an initial position and an actuated position; a lever which is pivotably coupled to the base member around a lever axis for a pivoting movement between a rest position and an operated position, wherein the lever includes a contact section; a connecting element which is designed to connect the lever to the piston such that the piston is pulled from the initial position to the actuated position in response to the pivoting movement of the lever from the rest position to the actuated position, wherein the connecting element has a first end section which is coupled to the piston and a second end section which is designed to be displaceably in contact with the contact section of the lever. [2] Hydraulic operating device according to claim 1, wherein the connecting member is in contact with the contact section in such a way that a distance between the lever axis and the second end section is reduced in response to the pivoting movement of the lever from the rest position to the operated position. [3] Hydraulic operating device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second end section of the connecting member includes at least one roller or needle which is designed to rotatably come into contact with or remain in contact with the contact section. [4] Hydraulic operating device according to claim 3, wherein the contact section includes at least one cam surface which is designed to come into contact with or be in contact with the at least one roller or needle. [5] Hydraulic operating device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the second end section includes a first roller or needle and a second roller or needle. [6] Hydraulic operating device according to claim 5, wherein the first roller or needle and the second roller or needle are rotatably supported on opposite sides with respect to a longitudinal axis of the connecting member. [7] Hydraulic operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the connecting member further includes an intermediate section between the first end section and the second end section, wherein the intermediate section has a first part which is / will be fixedly coupled to the piston and a second part which is / will be pivotably connected to the first part. [8] Hydraulic operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the lever further includes an operating section which is configured to be pivotably coupled to the touching section about an adjustment axis, and an adjustment structure which is configured to adjust the relative position between the touching section and the operating section about the adjustment axis. [9] Hydraulic operating device according to claim 8, wherein the adjusting axis is coaxial with the lever axis. [10] Hydraulic control device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the base member is / is attached to the steering rod which has a steering rod axis, and the bore of the hydraulic cylinder extends along a bore axis which is not parallel to the steering rod axis. [11] Hydraulic operating device according to claim 10, wherein the bore axis is substantially perpendicular to the steering rod axis. [12] Hydraulic operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the contact section includes a cam surface located between the second end section and the piston.