Hydraulic quick release device for bicycles and bicycle frames

DE102015010190B4Active Publication Date: 2025-07-10SHIMANO INC
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Patent Information

Application Number
DE102015010190
Authority / Receiving Office
DE · DE
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2014-11-28
Filing Date
2015-08-06
Publication Date
2025-07-10
Estimated Expiration
2035-08-06

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Abstract

A hydraulic quick release device for bicycles comprises a main body and a hydraulic chamber. The main body includes a first hole and a second hole. The hydraulic chamber has a variable volume and is provided between the first hole and the second hole. The hydraulic chamber is configured to be in a first chamber state in which a volume of the hydraulic chamber is a first volume. The hydraulic chamber is configured to be in a second chamber state in which the volume of the hydraulic chamber is a second volume different from the first volume. The hydraulic chamber is decoupled from the first hole in the second chamber state.
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Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to US patent application Ser. No. 14 / 453,584, filed on August 6, 2014, and US patent application Ser. No. 14 / 555,704 (US 9 457 868 B2) BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to a hydraulic quick release device for bicycles and a bicycle frame. DESCRIPTION OF THE BACKGROUND

[0003] Cycling is becoming increasingly popular as a recreational activity and a means of transportation. Furthermore, cycling has become a very popular competitive sport for both amateurs and professionals. Regardless of whether the bicycle is used for recreation, transportation, or competition, the bicycle industry is constantly improving the various components of the bicycle. One bicycle component that has undergone a significant redesign is the bicycle braking system.

[0004] From the German patent application DE 10 2011 078 153 A1, for example, a hydraulic converter for a hydraulic braking system or clutch system, in particular of a handlebar-controlled vehicle, in particular a bicycle, with at least one hydraulic master device and a mechanical slave device for actuating the hydraulic master device is known, wherein the hydraulic master device has a cylinder with a pressure chamber, wherein a piston is arranged in the cylinder so as to be displaceable along the axis of the cylinder, wherein the hydraulic converter has an adjusting device for adjusting the volume of the pressure chamber of the cylinder.

[0005] Furthermore, the German utility model DE 20 2005 020 175 U1 discloses an actuating mechanism for a vehicle brake or clutch, a handlebar or a foot pedal, comprising in a housing a piston which can be displaced in a cylinder region and which is moved by an actuating unit to displace a fluid.

[0006] From European document EP 1 437 235 A2 a front wheel hub is known which is arranged to suppress the deformation of a disc rotor even when the disc rotor is made thinner and lighter, and to suppress the wobble of a braking surface.

[0007] Bicycle brake systems include a pair of friction members for applying a braking force to a rotatable body, such as a wheel or a brake disc rotor secured to a wheel. The friction members are positioned adjacent to the rotatable body for quick response.

[0008] To mount and dismount a wheel, for example, for maintenance purposes, it is necessary to move the tire between the calipers of the rim brake. Since the calipers are relatively close to the rim during application, the object of the present invention is to be able to easily move the calipers away from each other to create sufficient space for mounting and dismounting the wheel, allowing the wheel to be mounted and dismounted quickly and easily. OVERVIEW OF THE INVENTION

[0009] This task is solved by a hydraulic quick release device according to the following aspects.

[0010] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a hydraulic quick release device for a bicycle comprises a main body and a hydraulic chamber. The main body includes a first hole and a second hole. The hydraulic chamber has a variable volume and is provided between the first hole and the second hole. The hydraulic chamber is configured to be in a first state in which a volume of the hydraulic chamber is a first volume. The hydraulic chamber is configured to be in a second chamber state in which the volume of the hydraulic chamber is a second volume different from the first volume. The hydraulic chamber is decoupled from the first hole in the second chamber state.

[0011] Preferably, the hydraulic quick release device for bicycles is configured such that the second volume is larger than the first volume. Preferably, the hydraulic quick release device for bicycles is configured such that the main body includes a housing and a piston. The housing may include a cylinder bore. The piston may be movably provided in the cylinder bore. The hydraulic chamber may be defined by the housing and the piston.

[0012] Preferably, the hydraulic quick release device for bicycle is configured such that the first hole and the second hole are provided on the housing.

[0013] Preferably, the bicycle hydraulic quick release device is configured such that the main body is configured to switch the hydraulic chamber between the first chamber state and the second chamber state according to a relative position between the housing and the piston. Preferably, the bicycle hydraulic quick release device is configured such that the piston is disposed at a first position with respect to the housing in the first chamber state of the hydraulic chamber. The piston may be disposed at a second position with respect to the housing in the second chamber state of the hydraulic chamber. The piston may include a fluid passage. The fluid passage may be connected to the first hole in a state in which the piston is disposed at the first position.The fluid passage may be decoupled from the first hole in a state in which the piston is disposed at the second position.

[0014] Preferably, the hydraulic quick release device for bicycle further comprises a positioning structure configured to adjustably position the piston with respect to the housing.

[0015] Preferably, the hydraulic quick release device for bicycles is configured such that the positioning structure is configured to position the piston at the first position such that the hydraulic chamber is in the first chamber state. The positioning structure may be configured to position the piston at the second position such that the hydraulic chamber is in the second chamber state.

[0016] Preferably, the hydraulic quick release apparatus for bicycle is configured such that the positioning structure includes a coupling member configured to couple the piston to the housing such that the piston is positioned at at least one of the first position and the second position.

[0017] Preferably, the hydraulic quick release device for bicycle is configured such that the positioning structure includes a biasing member configured to bias the piston toward the second position.

[0018] Preferably, the hydraulic quick release device for bicycle is configured such that the biasing member is provided in the hydraulic chamber.

[0019] Preferably, the hydraulic quick release apparatus for bicycle is configured such that the positioning structure includes a coupling member configured to couple the piston to the housing such that the piston is positioned at at least one of the first position and the second position against a biasing force from the biasing member.

[0020] Preferably, the hydraulic quick release device for bicycles is configured such that the positioning structure includes an actuator and a tapping mechanism. The actuator may be movable relative to the housing in an axial direction in which the piston may be movable relative to the housing. The tapping mechanism may be configured to switch a position of the piston between the first position and the second position in response to axial movement of the actuator.

[0021] Preferably, the hydraulic quick release device for bicycle is configured such that the hydraulic chamber is connected to the first hole and the second hole in the first chamber state.

[0022] Preferably, the hydraulic quick release device for bicycles is configured such that the main body includes a flexible conduit. The flexible conduit may include a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The first hole may be provided at the first end of the flexible hose. The second hole may be provided at the second end of the flexible hose. The hydraulic chamber may be provided in the flexible hose.

[0023] Preferably, the hydraulic quick release apparatus for bicycle is configured such that the main body includes a first holding member and a second holding member. The second holding member may be configured to hold the flexible hose together with the first holding member to inhibit expansion of the flexible hose in a radial direction of the flexible hose in response to hydraulic pressure in the hydraulic chamber. Preferably, the hydraulic quick release apparatus for bicycle is configured such that the second holding member is movable with respect to the first holding member between a first position and a second position to continuously inhibit expansion of the flexible hose in the radial direction. Preferably, the hydraulic quick release apparatus for bicycle is configured such that the second holding member is a pressing member.Includes a pressurizing member configured to pressurize the flexible hose in response to movement of the second holding member from the first position to the second position, thereby changing the volume of the hydraulic chamber from the first volume to the second volume.

[0024] Preferably, the hydraulic quick release device for bicycle further comprises a positioning structure configured to position the second holding member at the second position.

[0025] Preferably, the hydraulic quick release device for bicycle is configured such that the positioning structure includes a biasing member configured to bias the second retaining member toward the first position.

[0026] Preferably, the hydraulic quick release apparatus for bicycle is configured such that the hydraulic chamber is configured to be in the second chamber state when a bicycle component is released from a bicycle frame.

[0027] Preferably, the hydraulic quick release apparatus for bicycle is configured such that the main body is configured to be provided in the bicycle frame.

[0028] Preferably, the quick release device for bicycle is configured such that the hydraulic chamber is configured to be in the first chamber state when the bicycle component is attached to the bicycle frame.

[0029] Preferably, the hydraulic quick release apparatus for a bicycle is configured such that the hydraulic chamber is configured to be in the second chamber state when a wheel is detached from the bicycle frame. The hydraulic chamber may be configured to be in the first chamber state when the wheel is attached to the bicycle frame. Preferably, the hydraulic quick release apparatus for a bicycle is configured such that the hydraulic chamber is configured to be in the second chamber state when the bicycle component is detached from a front fork of the bicycle frame. The hydraulic chamber may be configured to be in the first chamber state when the bicycle component is attached to the front fork of the bicycle frame.The main body may be configured to be at least partially disposed within an internal cavity provided within the front fork.

[0030] Preferably, the hydraulic quick release device for bicycles is configured such that the hydraulic chamber is configured to be in the second chamber state when the bicycle component is detached from a rear part of the bicycle frame. The hydraulic chamber may be configured to be in the first chamber state when the bicycle component is attached to the rear part of the bicycle frame. The main body may be configured to be at least partially disposed in an internal cavity provided inside the rear part.

[0031] According to another aspect of the present invention, a hydraulic quick release device for bicycles comprises a main body and a hydraulic chamber. The main body includes a first hole, a second hole, a housing, and a piston. The housing includes a cylinder bore. The piston is movably provided in the cylinder bore. The hydraulic chamber has a variable volume and is provided between the first hole and the second hole. The hydraulic chamber is configured to be in a first chamber state in which a volume of the hydraulic chamber is a first volume. The hydraulic chamber is configured to be in a second chamber state in which the volume of the hydraulic chamber is a second volume different from the first volume. The hydraulic chamber is decoupled from the first hole in the second chamber state.The hydraulic chamber is defined by the housing and the piston. The main body is configured to switch the hydraulic chamber between the first chamber state and the second chamber state according to a relative position between the housing and the piston. The hydraulic chamber is configured to be in the second chamber state when a bicycle component is detached from a bicycle frame. One of the housing and the piston is configured to contact the bicycle component to change the relative position between the housing and the piston.

[0032] Preferably, according to another aspect, the hydraulic quick release device for bicycles is configured such that the housing is configured to be secured to the bicycle frame. The piston can be configured to contact the bicycle component or to change the relative position between the housing and the piston. According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a bicycle frame comprises a frame body to which a bicycle hub assembly of a wheel is to be attached. The frame body includes an internal cavity, a slot, and an opening. A hub shaft of the bicycle hub assembly is configured to extend through the slot. The opening connects the slot to the internal cavity. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] A more complete appreciation of the invention and many of its anticipated advantages will be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: The Fig. 1 is a schematic view of a bicycle brake system including a hydraulic quick release apparatus for bicycle according to a first embodiment (first position); The Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle brake system including the hydraulic quick release device for bicycle used in the Fig. 1 is shown (first position); The Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle brake system including the hydraulic quick release device for bicycle used in the Fig. 1 is shown (second position); The Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the hydraulic quick release device for bicycle taken along a line IV-IV of the Fig. 2; The Fig. 5 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the hydraulic quick release device for bicycle used in the Fig. 2 is shown; The Fig. 6 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the hydraulic quick release device for bicycle used in the Fig. 3 is shown; The Fig. 7 is a schematic view of the bicycle brake system including the hydraulic quick release apparatus for bicycle according to the first embodiment (second position); The Fig. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a coupling member and a flange of the hydraulic quick release device for bicycle used in the Fig. 8 is shown; The Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle brake system including a hydraulic quick release apparatus for bicycle according to a second embodiment (first position); The Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle brake system including the hydraulic quick release apparatus for bicycles used in the Fig. 9 (second position); The Fig. Fig. 11 is a rear view of a rotatable member provided in the hydraulic quick release device for bicycle shown in Fig. 9; The Fig. 12 is a side elevational view of the rotatable member shown in the Fig. 11; The Fig. 13 is a development view of the rotatable member used in the Fig. 11 is shown when viewed from a radially outer side of the rotatable member; The Fig. 14 is a side elevational view of a cam member provided in the hydraulic quick release apparatus for bicycles shown in Fig. 9; The Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the cam member taken along a line XV-XV in the Fig. 14; The Fig. 16 is a development view of the cam member used in the Fig. 14, as viewed from a radially outer side of the cam member, with a housing omitted; The Fig. 17 is a side elevational view of an actuator provided in the hydraulic quick release apparatus for bicycles shown in Fig. 9; The Fig. Figure 18 is a front view of the actuator shown in the Fig. 17; The Fig. 19 is a development view of the actuator used in the Fig. 17, when viewed from a radially outer side of the actuator; The Fig. 20 is a development view of a positioning structure used in the hydraulic quick release device for bicycle disclosed in Fig. 9 is provided for describing an actuation of the positioning structure; The Fig. Fig. 21 is a development view of the positioning structure used in the hydraulic quick release device for bicycle used in Fig. 9 is provided for describing an actuation of the positioning structure; The Fig. Fig. 22 is a development view of a positioning structure used in the hydraulic quick release device for bicycle disclosed in Fig. 9 is provided for describing an actuation of the positioning structure; The Fig. Fig. 23 is a development view of a positioning structure used in the hydraulic quick release device for bicycle disclosed in Fig. 9 is provided for describing an actuation of the positioning structure; The Fig. 24 is a cross-sectional view of a bicycle brake system including a hydraulic quick release apparatus for bicycle according to a third embodiment (initial position); The Fig. 25 is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle brake system including the hydraulic quick release apparatus for bicycle used in the Fig. 24 is shown (first position); The Fig. 26 is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle brake system including the hydraulic quick release apparatus for bicycles used in the Fig. 24 is shown (second position); The Fig. 27 is a cross-sectional view of the hydraulic quick release device for bicycle taken along a line XXVII-XXVII of the Fig. 24; The Fig. 28 is a cross-sectional view of the hydraulic quick release device for bicycle taken along a line XXVIII-XXVIII of the Fig. 25; The Fig. 29 is a side elevational view of the hydraulic quick release device for bicycles used in the Fig. 24 is shown; The Fig. 30 is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle brake system including a hydraulic quick release apparatus for bicycle according to a fourth embodiment (first position); The Fig. 31 is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle brake system using the hydraulic quick release device for bicycle used in the Fig. 30 (second position); The Fig. 32 is a cross-sectional view of the hydraulic quick release device for bicycle used in the Fig. 30 is shown (first position); The Fig. 33 is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle brake system including a hydraulic quick release apparatus for bicycle according to a fifth embodiment (first position); and The Fig. 34 is a schematic view of a bicycle brake system according to a fifth embodiment, including a modification of a brake caliper. DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0034] The embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding or identical elements throughout the several drawings. First embodiment

[0035] With initial reference to the Fig. 1, a bicycle brake system 10 includes a brake actuator B1, a brake caliper B2, a disc brake rotor B3, and a hydraulic quick-release device for bicycles 12 according to a first embodiment. While in the case of the illustrated embodiment, the bicycle brake system 10 is a disc brake system, possible examples of the bicycle brake system 10 may include the disc brake system or a rim brake system. The hydraulic quick-release device for bicycles 12 may be applied to other hydraulic systems, such as suspension systems and a height-adjustable seatpost.

[0036] As in the Fig. 1, the brake operating device B1 is configured to be operated by a user to supply hydraulic fluid to the brake caliper B2. The brake operating device B1 includes a brake lever B11, a master cylinder B12, a master piston B13, a hydraulic reservoir B14, and a return spring B15. The master piston B13 is movably provided in the master cylinder B12. The master cylinder B13 is movable with respect to the master cylinder B12 following or in response to an operation of the brake lever B11. The master cylinder B12 and the master piston B13 define a main chamber B16. The return spring B15 is disposed in the main chamber B16. The hydraulic reservoir B14 is in fluid communication with the main chamber B16.

[0037] The brake caliper B2 is configured to apply braking force to the disc brake rotor B3 in response to an operation of the brake operating device B1. The brake caliper B2 includes a pair of slave cylinders B21, a pair of slave pistons B22, a pair of friction members or brake blocks B23, and a spring B24. The slave pistons B22 are each movably provided in the slave cylinders B21. The disc brake rotor B3 is rotatably provided in a slot B25 of the brake caliper B2 and is provided between the brake pads B23.

[0038] As in the Fig. 1, the slave cylinder B21 and the slave piston B22 define a slave chamber B26. The slave chambers B26 are configured to be in fluid communication with the main chamber B16 of the brake operating device B1 by way of the bicycle hydraulic quick release apparatus 12. Hydraulic fluid is supplied from the main chamber B16 to the slave chamber B26 in response to the operation of the brake lever B11. This moves the slave pistons B22 to urge the brake pads B23 toward the disc brake rotor B3, causing the brake pads B23 to clamp the disc brake rotor B3 such that the braking force is applied to the disc brake rotor B3 secured to a wheel (not shown).

[0039] The hydraulic bicycle quick release apparatus 12 is configured to switch the brake caliper B2 between a use state and a maintenance state. The hydraulic bicycle quick release apparatus 12 is configured to be in fluid communication with the brake actuator B1 and the brake caliper B2. In particular, the brake actuator B1 is configured to be connected to the hydraulic bicycle quick release apparatus 12 via a first hydraulic hose H1. The hydraulic bicycle quick release apparatus 12 is configured to be connected to the brake caliper B2 via a second hydraulic hose H2.

[0040] The arrangement of the bicycle hydraulic quick release device 12 is not limited to the illustrated embodiment. One of the first hydraulic hose H1 and the second hydraulic hose H2 may be omitted from the bicycle brake system 10 if needed and / or desired. For example, the bicycle hydraulic quick release device 12 may be directly connected to one of the brake actuator B1 and the brake caliper B2. The bicycle hydraulic quick release device 12 may be integrated or integral with one of the brake actuator B1 and the brake caliper B2 if needed and / or desired.

[0041] As in the Fig. As can be seen in Figure 2, the bicycle hydraulic quick release apparatus 12 includes a main body 14 and a hydraulic chamber 16. The main body 14 includes a first hole 18 and a second hole 20. The hydraulic chamber 16 is provided between the first hole 18 and the second hole 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the first hole 18 is configured to be connected to the main chamber B16 of the brake operating device B1 via the first hydraulic hose H1. The second hole is configured to be connected to the sub-chambers B26 of the brake caliper B2 via the second hydraulic hose H2.

[0042] As in the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, the hydraulic chamber 16 has a variable volume. As shown in the Fig. 2, the hydraulic chamber 16 is configured to be in a first chamber state in which a volume of the hydraulic chamber is a first volume. In the illustrated embodiment, the hydraulic chamber 16 is connected to the first hole 18 and the second hole 20 in the first chamber state. As shown in Fig. 3, the hydraulic chamber 16 is configured to be in a second chamber state in which the volume of the hydraulic chamber 16 is a second volume that is different from the first volume. In the illustrated embodiment, the hydraulic chamber 16 is decoupled from the first hole 18 in the second chamber state. As shown in the Fig. 2 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 3, the second volume is larger than the first volume.

[0043] As in the Fig. As can be seen in Figure 2, in the first chamber state of the hydraulic chamber 16, when the brake lever B11 is in a rest position, each of the brake pads B23 is positioned at an initial position P11 with respect to the slave cylinders B21. In this use state of the brake caliper B2, the brake pads B23 are spaced apart from each other by a distance L1. As shown in the Fig. 3, in the second chamber state of the hydraulic chamber 16, the brake pads B23 are positioned at released positions P12, respectively, with respect to the slave cylinders B21 regardless of the operation of the brake lever B11. In this maintenance state of the brake caliper B2, the brake pads B23 are spaced apart from each other by a distance L2, which is longer than the distance L1. Switching the brake caliper B2 from the use state to the maintenance state increases a distance between the brake pads B23, allowing a user to easily detach the wheel with the disc brake rotor B3 from a bicycle frame and attach it to a bicycle frame (not shown).

[0044] As in the Fig. As can be seen in Figure 2, the main body 14 includes a housing 22 and a piston 24. The hydraulic chamber 16 is defined by the housing 22 and the piston 24. The first hole 18 and the second hole 20 are provided on the housing 22. The housing 22 includes a cylinder bore 26. The piston is movably provided in the cylinder bore 26.

[0045] The housing 22 includes a first portion 22a and a second portion 22b. The first portion 22a has a substantially cylindrical shape and at least partially defines the first hole 18. The second portion 22b has a substantially cylindrical shape and at least partially defines the cylinder bore 26 and the second hole 20. The first portion 22a has a first central axis A1. The second portion 22b has a second central axis A2 extending in an axial direction D1 of the second portion. The first central axis A1 of the first portion 22a is parallel to a radial direction D2 of the second portion 22b. The first portion 22a extends from the second portion 22b in the radial direction D2, which is perpendicular to the axial direction D1 and the second central axis A2.

[0046] The cylinder bore 26 extends in the radial direction D1. The piston 24 is movable relative to the housing 22 between a first position P1 and a second position P2 in the axial direction D1. The hydraulic chamber 16 is provided between the piston 24 and the second hole 20 in the axial direction D1. In the illustrated embodiment, the first position P1 and the second position P2 are defined based on an end surface of the piston 24.

[0047] As in the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, the main body 14 is configured to switch the hydraulic chamber 16 between the first chamber state and the second chamber state according to a relative position between the housing 22 and the piston 24. As shown in the Fig. 2, the piston 24 is arranged at the first position P1 with respect to the housing 22 in the first chamber state of the hydraulic chamber 16. As shown in the Fig. 3, the piston 24 is / will be arranged at the second position P2 with respect to the housing 22 in the second chamber state of the hydraulic chamber 16.

[0048] As in the Fig. 2, the piston 24 includes a fluid passage 28. The fluid passage 28 is connected to the first hole 18 in a state in which the piston 24 is located at the first position P1. As shown in the Fig. 3, the fluid passage 28 is / will be decoupled from the first hole 18 in a state in which the piston 24 is / will be arranged at the second position. As shown in the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, the fluid passage 28 is connected to the hydraulic chamber 16 and the second hole 20 in a state in which the piston 24 is located at each of the first position P1 and the second position P2.

[0049] As in the Fig. 2, the fluid passage 28 includes a first passage 29, a second passage 30 and a third passage 32. As shown in the Fig. 4, the first passage 29 has an annular shape and extends in a circumferential direction D3 of the piston 24. The first passage 29 is provided on an outer surface 24c of the piston 24. The second passage 30 extends in the radial direction D2. Both ends of the second passage 30 are connected to the first passage 29. As shown in the Fig. 2, the first passage 29 is connected to the first hole 18 in the state in which the piston 24 is arranged at the first position P1. As shown in the Fig. 3, the first passage 29 is / will be decoupled from the first hole 18 in the state in which the piston 24 is / will be arranged at the second position P2.

[0050] The third passage 32 extends in the axial direction D1 from the second passage 30 toward the hydraulic chamber 16. The third passage 32 is / will be connected to each of the second passage 30 and the hydraulic chamber 16.

[0051] As in the Fig. As can be seen in Figure 2, the piston 24 includes a first groove 24d, a second groove 24e, and a third groove 24f. The first groove 24d has an annular shape and is provided on the outer circumferential surface 24c of the piston 24. The second groove 24e has an annular shape and is provided on the outer circumferential surface 24c of the piston. The third groove 24f has an annular shape and is provided on the outer circumferential surface 24c of the piston 24.

[0052] As in the Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the bicycle hydraulic quick release apparatus 12 further includes a first sealing member 34, a second sealing member 36, and a third sealing member 38. The first sealing member 34 has an annular shape and is provided in the first groove 24d. The second sealing member 36 has an annular shape and is provided in the second groove 24e. The third sealing member 38 has an annular shape and is provided in the third groove 24f. Each of the first sealing member 34, the second sealing member 36, and the third sealing member 38 slidably contacts an inner circumferential surface of the second portion 22b of the housing 22.

[0053] As in the Fig. As can be seen in Figure 2, the second sealing member 36 is provided between the first sealing member 34 and the third sealing member 38 in the axial direction D1. The second passage 30 is provided between the first sealing member 34 and the second sealing member 36 in the axial direction D1. The third sealing member 38 is located closer to the hydraulic chamber 16 than the first sealing member 34 and the second sealing member 36.

[0054] As in the Fig. 4 and Fig. 5, the first hole 18 includes a stepped hole 18a and connecting holes 18b. The connecting holes 18b are configured to connect the stepped hole 18a with the cylinder bore 26 of the second section 22b. As shown in the Fig. 5, the connecting holes 18b are arranged between the first sealing member 34 and the second sealing member 36 in the axial direction D1 in the state in which the piston 24 is arranged at the first position P1 (see the Fig. 2). The connecting holes 18b are arranged radially outwardly from the first passage 29 in the state in which the piston 24 is arranged at the first position P1 (see the Fig. 2).

[0055] As in the Fig. 5, a first space S1 is defined by the first sealing member 34, the second sealing member 36, the piston 24, and the inner circumferential surface of the housing 22 (the second portion 22b). The connecting holes 18b of the first hole 18 are connected to the fluid passage 28 by means of the first space S1 in the state in which the piston 24 is at the first position (see the Fig. 2) is / will be arranged.

[0056] As in the Fig. 6, the connecting holes 18b are arranged between the second sealing member 36 and the third sealing member 38 in the axial direction D1 in the state in which the piston 24 is at the second position P2 (see the Fig. 3). The connecting holes 18b are arranged to face the outer peripheral surface 24c of the piston 24 in the state in which the piston 24 is at the second position P2 (see the Fig. 3) is / will be arranged.

[0057] A second space S2 is defined by the second sealing member 36, the third sealing member 38, the piston 24, and the inner circumferential surface of the housing 22 (the second portion 22b). The second space S2 is decoupled from the fluid passage 28 in the state in which the piston 24 is at the second position P2 (see the Fig. 3). In fact, the connecting holes 18b of the first hole 18 are decoupled from the fluid passage 28 in the state in which the piston 24 is at the second position P2 (see the Fig. 3) is / will be arranged.

[0058] As in the Fig. 1, the hydraulic quick release device for bicycle 12 further includes a positioning structure 40 configured to adjustably position the piston 24 with respect to the housing 22. As shown in Fig. 2, the positioning structure 40 is configured to position the piston 24 at the first position P1 such that the hydraulic chamber 16 is in the first chamber state. As shown in the Fig. 3, the positioning structure 40 is configured to position the piston 24 at the second position P2 such that the hydraulic chamber 16 is in the second chamber state.

[0059] As in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 7, the positioning structure 40 includes a coupling member 42 configured to couple the piston 24 to the housing 22 such that the piston 24 is positioned at at least one of the first position P1 and the second position P2. In the illustrated embodiment, the coupling member 42 is configured to couple the piston 24 to the housing 22 such that the piston 24 is positioned at the first position P1. However, the coupling member 42 may be configured to couple the housing 24 to the housing 22 such that the piston 24 is positioned at either of the first position P1 and the second position P2, if needed and / or desired.

[0060] As in the Fig. 1 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 7, the positioning structure 40 includes a cap 43, a connecting rod 44, and a flange 46. The cap 43 is secured to the housing 22 of the main body 14. The flange 46 is secured to the connecting rod 44 and is disposed outside the housing 22.

[0061] As in the Fig. 2, the connecting rod 44 is secured to the piston 24. The connecting rod 44 includes a first end portion 44a and a second end portion 44b opposite the first end portion 44a in the axial direction D1. In the illustrated embodiment, the first end portion 44a is secured to the piston 24. The flange 46 is secured to the second end portion 44b. The cap 43 includes a first through-hole 43a extending in the axial direction D1. The connecting rod 44 extends through the through-hole 43a to be movable with respect to the cap 43 and the housing 22.

[0062] As in the Fig. As can be seen in Figure 8, the coupling member 42 is a bent wire and is pivotally attached to the flange 46. The coupling member 42 includes an engaging part 42a, a first extending part 42b, a second extending part 42c, a first pivoting part 42d, and a second pivoting part 42e. The engaging part 42a has a curved shape. The first extending part 42b extends from one end of the engaging part 42a. The second engaging part 42c extends from the other end of the engaging part 42a. The first pivoting part 42d is disposed at one end of the first extending part 42b and extends from the extending part 42b toward the second pivoting part 42e. The second pivot part 42e is / will be arranged at one end of the second extending part 42c and extends from the second extending part 42c to the first pivot part 42d.

[0063] The flange 46 includes a first pivot hole 46a and a second pivot hole 46b. The first pivot part 42d is pivotably provided in the first pivot hole 46a. The second pivot part 42e is pivotably provided in the second pivot hole 46b. In the illustrated embodiment, the first pivot hole 46a is offset from the second pivot hole 46b. The first pivot part 42d is offset from the second pivot part 42e.

[0064] As in the Fig. 7, the positioning structure 40 includes a stopper 48 which is configured to engage the engaging part 42a of the coupling member 42. In the illustrated embodiment, the stopper 48 is configured to engage the coupling member 42 (the engaging part 42a) to position the piston 24 at the first position P1 (see the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2). The stopper 48 is provided on the housing 22 of the main body 14. While the stopper 48 is provided integrally with the housing 22 as a single unitary member in the illustrated embodiment, the stopper 48 may be a separate member from the housing 22 if needed and / or desired.

[0065] As in the Fig. 7, the stopper 48 includes an engagement groove 48a having a curved shape corresponding to the engaging part 42a of the coupling member 42. The engaging part 42a is adapted to the engagement groove 48a for positioning the piston 24 at the first position P1 (see the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2).

[0066] As in the Fig. 2, the piston 24 is positioned at the first position P1 in a state in which the engaging part 42a of the coupling member 42 engages with the engaging groove 48a of the stopper 48. The piston 24 is spaced from the cap 43 when the piston 24 is positioned at the first position P1 by the positioning structure 40.

[0067] As in the Fig. 3, the piston 24 is positioned at the second position P2 in a state where the engaging part 42a of the coupling member 42 is disengaged from the engaging groove 48a of the stopper 48. The piston 24 is capable of contact with the cap 43. The piston 24 contacts the cap 43 when the piston 24 is positioned at the second position P2 by the positioning structure 40. In other words, the cap 43 is configured to position the piston 24 at the second position P2.

[0068] As in the Fig. 2, the positioning structure 40 includes a biasing member 50 configured to bias the piston 24 toward the second position P2. While the biasing member 50 is provided within the hydraulic chamber 16 in the illustrated embodiment, the biasing member 50 may be provided at positions other than within the hydraulic chamber 16 if needed and / or desired.

[0069] For example, the biasing member 50 is a spring. The biasing member 50 is compressed between the piston 24 and an inner end surface 22d of the housing 22 (the second portion 22b). The biasing member 50 biases the piston 24 forward toward the second position P2. The biasing member 50 is not limited to the spring.

[0070] As in the Fig. 2, the coupling member 42 is configured to couple the piston 24 to the housing 22 such that the piston 24 is positioned at at least one of the first position P1 and the second position P2 against a biasing force from the biasing member 50. In the illustrated embodiment, the coupling member 42 is configured to couple the piston 24 to the housing 22 such that the piston 24 is positioned at the first position P1 against the biasing force from the biasing member 50. As shown in the Fig. 3, the cap 43 is configured to position the piston 24 at the second position P2 against the biasing force from the biasing member 50. While the positioning structure 40 includes the biasing member 50 in the illustrated embodiment, the biasing member 50 may be omitted from the bicycle hydraulic quick release apparatus 12 if needed and / or desired. In such an embodiment, the flange 46 is pulled by a user to move the piston toward the second position P2.

[0071] The operation of the hydraulic quick release device for bicycle 12 is described in detail below with reference to the Fig. 1 to 3 and 7. When the coupling member 42 is disengaged from the stopper 48 by a user in the first state of the hydraulic chamber 16, the biasing force of the biasing member 50 moves the piston 24 from the first position P1 to the second position P2, as shown in the Fig. 1 to 3. This increases the volume of the hydraulic chamber 16 starting from the first volume (see the Fig. 2) towards the second volume (see the Fig. 3). The brake caliper B2 therefore changes depending on the state of use (see the Fig. 2) to the maintenance status (see the Fig. 3) which allows the user to replace the wheel with a new wheel (not shown).

[0072] After the wheel has been replaced with a new one in the maintenance state of the brake caliper B2, the flange 46 is pressed against the biasing force of the biasing member 50 by the user in such a way that the piston 24 is moved from the second position P2 to the first position P1. This reduces the volume of the hydraulic chamber 16 from the second volume (see the Fig. 3) towards the first volume (see the Fig. 2). The coupling member 42 is engaged with the stopper 48 by the user in the state in which the piston 24 is held around the first position P1 by means of the flange 46 and the connecting rod 44, which causes the piston 24 to be positioned at the first position P1. The brake caliper B2 therefore changes from the maintenance state (see the Fig. 3) to the state of use (see the Fig. 2).

[0073] In the case of the hydraulic quick release device for bicycle 12, the hydraulic chamber 16 is designed to be in the first chamber state (see the Fig. 2) in which the volume of the hydraulic chamber 16 is the first volume. The hydraulic chamber 16 is / will be designed to be in the second chamber state (see the Fig. 3) in which the volume of the hydraulic chamber 16 is the second volume which is different from the first volume.

[0074] For example, in a case where the hydraulic chamber 16 is / becomes connected to the brake caliper B2, switching the hydraulic chamber 16 between the first chamber state and the second chamber state switches the brake caliper B2 between the use state (see the Fig. 2) and the maintenance status (see the Fig. 3). Similarly, it is possible to quickly switch the brake caliper B2 between the use state and the maintenance state.

[0075] Since the hydraulic chamber 16 is decoupled from the first hole 18 in the second chamber state, the bicycle hydraulic quick release device 12 can further prevent incorrect operation from being transmitted from the brake operating device B1 to the brake caliper B2 in the maintenance state. Additionally, the decoupling between the hydraulic chamber 16 and the first hole 18 allows the brake caliper B2 to be switched between the use state and the maintenance state even in the case of an open-type hydraulic system in which the brake operating device B1 encloses the hydraulic reservoir B14. Second embodiment

[0076] With reference to the Fig. 9 and Fig. 10, a bicycle brake system 10a includes a hydraulic quick release device for bicycles 212 according to a second embodiment. The hydraulic quick release device for bicycles 212 will be described below with reference to Fig. 9 to 23. The hydraulic bicycle quick release device 212 has the same configuration as the hydraulic bicycle quick release device 12 except for the positioning structure. Therefore, those elements that have substantially the same function as those in the first embodiment will be numbered and / or labeled in the same manner herein and will not be described and / or illustrated in further detail below for the sake of brevity.

[0077] As in the Fig. As can be seen in Figure 9, the hydraulic quick release apparatus for bicycles 212 further includes a positioning structure 240 instead of the positioning structure 40 according to the first embodiment. The positioning structure 240 is configured to adjustably position the piston 24 with respect to the housing 22. Unlike the positioning structure 40, the positioning structure 240 includes an actuator 252 and a tapping mechanism 254.

[0078] As in the Fig. 9 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 10, the actuating member 252 is movable relative to the housing 22 in the axial direction D1 in which the piston 24 is movable relative to the housing 22. The tapping mechanism 254 is configured to switch a position of the piston 24 between the first position P1 and the second position P2 in response to axial movement of the actuating member 252.

[0079] As in the Fig. As can be seen in Figure 9, the knocking mechanism 254 includes a rotatable member 256 and a cam member 258. The rotatable member 256 is provided between the piston 24 and the actuating member 252 in the axial direction D1. The rotatable member 256 is provided in the cylinder bore 26 and is rotatable with respect to the piston 24, the housing 22, and the actuating member 252. The piston 24 includes a supporting surface 224a and a supporting rod 224b projecting from the supporting surface 224a. The rotatable member 256 is slidable with respect to the supporting surface 224a.

[0080] As in the Fig. 9 and Fig. 10, the cam member 258 is configured to position the piston 24 by means of the rotatable member 256 at each of the first position P1 and the second position P2. The cam member 258 is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the housing 22 (the second portion 22b). In the illustrated embodiment, the cam member 258 is provided in an integral manner with the housing 22 as a single unitary member.

[0081] As in the Fig. 11 to 13, the rotatable member 256 includes a tubular part 260 and cam followers 262. The supporting rod 224b of the piston 24 is / will be housed in the tubular part 260 (see the Fig. 9 and Fig. 10). The cam followers 262 are provided on an outer circumferential surface of the tubular part 260 and project radially outward from the tubular part 260. In the illustrated embodiment, the cam followers 262 are provided integrally with the tubular part 260 as a single unitary member. The cam followers 262 have the same shape with respect to one another and are arranged circumferentially.

[0082] As in the Fig. 11 to 13, each of the cam followers 262 has a sliding surface 262a. As shown in the Fig. 13, the sliding surface 262a is inclined with respect to the axial direction D1 at an inclination angle AG1 and is substantially parallel to a radial direction of the rotatable member 256 (a direction perpendicular to the plane of the Fig. 13).

[0083] As in the Fig. 14 to 16, the cam member 258 includes cam portions 264 and an annular end portion 265. The cam portions 264 are disposed on the inner circumferential surface of the housing 22 (the second portion 22b). As shown in Fig. 15, the cam portions 264 are arranged circumferentially and are spaced apart from each other to define slots SL1 therebetween. The cam portions 264 project radially inwardly from the inner circumferential surface of the housing 22 (the second portion 22b). As shown in FIGS. Fig. 14 and Fig. 16, the cam portions 264 extend in the axial direction D1 from the annular end portion 265.

[0084] As in the Fig. 16, each of the cam portions 264 includes a first cam surface 264a and a second cam surface 264b. The first cam surface 264a is inclined with respect to the axial direction D1 and is substantially parallel to a radial direction of the rotatable member 256 (a direction perpendicular to the plane of the Fig. 16). The second cam surface 264b is inclined with respect to the axial direction D1 and is substantially parallel to the radial direction of the rotatable member 256 (the direction perpendicular to the plane of the paper from the Fig. 16). In the illustrated embodiment, each of the first cam surface 264a and the second cam surface 264b is inclined with respect to the axial direction D1 at an angle substantially equal to the inclination angle AG1 of the sliding surface 262a (see the Fig. 13). Each of the first cam surface 264a and the second cam surface 264b is configured to circumferentially guide the cam followers 262 (see the Fig. 11 to 13).

[0085] As in the Fig. 16, each of the cam portions 264 includes a stopper surface 264c provided between the first cam surface 264a and the second cam surface 264b. The stopper surface 264c is substantially parallel to the axial direction D1 and the radial direction of the rotatable member 256 (the direction perpendicular to the plane of the Fig. 16). The first cam surface 264a and the stopper surface 264c are configured to position the cam followers 262 in the axial direction D1 and the circumferential direction D3 of the piston 24, so that the piston 24 is at the first position P1 (see the Fig. 9) is / will be positioned.

[0086] As in the Fig. 9 and Fig. 10, the actuating member 252 is provided radially inwardly from the cam member 258 and is movable relative to the cam member 258 in the axial direction D1. As shown in the Fig. 17 to 19, the actuating member 252 includes an actuating body 252a, an end wall 252b, and projections 252c. The actuating body 252a has a tubular shape. The end wall 252b is provided at one end of the actuating body 252a. The projections 252c project radially outward from the actuating body 252a. As shown in FIGS. Fig. 9 and Fig. 10, the tubular part 260 of the rotatable member 256 is partially provided in the actuating body 252a.

[0087] As in the Fig. 17 to 19, the actuating member 252 includes a guide part 266 configured to guide the rotatable member 256 in the axial direction D1 and the circumferential direction D3. The guide part 266 includes first guide surfaces 266a and second guide surfaces 266b. The first guide surfaces 266a and the second guide surfaces 266b are arranged alternately in the circumferential direction D3. As shown in Fig. 19, each of the first guide surfaces 266a is inclined with respect to the axial direction D1 and is substantially parallel to the radial direction of the actuating member 252 (a direction perpendicular to the plane of the Fig. 19). Each of the second guide surfaces 266b is inclined with respect to the axial direction D1 and is substantially parallel to the radial direction of the actuating member 252. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the first guide surfaces 266a is inclined with respect to the axial direction D1 at an angle substantially equal to the inclination angle AG1 of the sliding surface 262a (see the Fig. 13).

[0088] The operation of the positioning structure 240 will be described in detail below with reference to the Fig. 20 to 23. In Fig. 20, the positioning structure 240 positions the piston 24 at the first position, as shown in the Fig. 9 is shown. In Fig. 22, the positioning structure 240 positions the piston 24 at the second position P2, as shown in the Fig. 10 is shown.

[0089] As in the Fig. 20, the cam portions 264 are configured to position the rotatable member 256 in the axial direction D1 and the circumferential direction D3 such that the piston 24 is at the first position P1 (see the Fig. 9). In particular, the first guide surface 264a and the stopper surface 264c of the cam portion 264 are configured to position the cam followers 262 in the axial direction D1 and the circumferential direction D3. The sliding surface 262a of the cam followers 262 is slidable with respect to the first guide surface 264a of the cam portion 264. The actuating member 252 is disposed adjacent to the rotatable member 256. In this state, the actuating member 252 is movable with respect to the rotatable member 256 and the cam member 258.

[0090] As in the Fig. As can be seen in Fig. 21, the actuating member 252 is pushed by a user against the biasing force of the biasing member 50 toward the rotatable member 256. This moves the rotatable member 256 with respect to the cam member 258 in the axial direction D1. At this time, the sliding surface 262a of the cam follower 262 slides with respect to the first guide surface 266a of the actuating member 252, so that the cam follower 262 is guided in the circumferential direction D3. The second guide surface 266b of the actuating member 252 contacts the cam follower 262 to hold the cam follower 262 together with the first guide surface 266a in the axial direction D1 and the circumferential direction D3.

[0091] As in the Fig. As can be seen in Fig. 22, releasing the pushing force from the user causes the actuating member 252 to be moved relative to the cam member 258 in the axial direction D1 by the biasing force of the biasing member 50. At this time, the sliding surface 262a of the cam follower 262 slides relative to the second cam surface 264b, causing the cam follower 262 to be inserted into the slot SL1.

[0092] The first guide surface 266a of the actuating member 252 contacts or comes into contact with the sliding surface 262a of the cam follower 262 to position the cam follower 262 with respect to the cam member 258 in the axial direction D1. Two adjacent ones of the cam portions 264 position the cam follower 262 in the circumferential direction D3. The projections 252c contact or come into contact with the annular end portion 265 of the cam member 258 such that the actuating member 252 and the rotatable member 256 are positioned with respect to the cam member 258 in the axial direction D1.

[0093] In this state, as in the Fig. 10, the piston 24 is positioned at the second position P2 by the positioning structure 240.

[0094] As in the Fig. 23, the actuating member 252 is again pushed by the user against the biasing force of the biasing member 50 toward the rotatable member 256 to be moved relative to the cam member 258. This moves the rotatable member 256 relative to the cam member 258 in the axial direction D1. At this time, the sliding surface 262a of the cam follower 262 slides relative to the first guide surface 266a, so that the cam follower 262 is guided in the circumferential direction D3. The second guide surface 266b contacts the cam follower 262 to position the cam follower 262 together with the first guide surface 266a in the axial direction D1 and the circumferential direction D3. As shown in the Fig. 20, releasing the pushing force from the user causes the actuating member 252 to be moved relative to the cam member 258 in the axial direction D1 by the biasing force of the biasing member 50. At this time, the sliding surface 262a of the cam follower 262 slides relative to the first cam surface 264a until the cam follower 262 comes into contact with the stopper surface 264c. In this state, in which the cam follower 262 is pressed against the cam portions 264 by the biasing force of the biasing member 50, as shown in FIG. Fig. 9, the piston 24 is positioned at the first position P1 by the positioning structure 240.

[0095] In the case of the hydraulic quick release apparatus for bicycle 212, it is possible to obtain the same advantageous effects as those of the hydraulic quick release apparatus for bicycle 12 according to the first embodiment. Third embodiment

[0096] With reference to the Fig. 24 to 26, a bicycle brake system 10b includes a hydraulic quick release device for bicycles 312 according to a third embodiment. The hydraulic quick release device for bicycles 312 will be described below with reference to Fig. 24 to 29. Those elements which have substantially the same function as those in the above-described embodiments will be numbered or designated in the same manner at this point, and will not be described and / or illustrated in further detail here for the sake of brevity. As in the Fig. 24, the hydraulic quick release device for bicycle 312 includes a main body 314 and a hydraulic chamber 316. The main body 314 includes a first hole 318 and a second hole 320.

[0097] As in the Fig. As can be seen in Figures 24 to 26, the hydraulic chamber 316 has a variable volume, as does the hydraulic chamber 16 according to the first embodiment. The hydraulic chamber 316 is provided between the first hole 318 and the second hole 320.

[0098] As in the Fig. As can be seen in Figure 24, the hydraulic chamber 316 is configured to be in an initial chamber state in which a volume of the hydraulic chamber 316 is an initial volume. The hydraulic chamber 316 is connected to the first hole 318 and the second hole 320 in the initial chamber state.

[0099] As in the Fig. As can be seen in Figure 25, the hydraulic chamber 316 is configured to be in a first chamber state in which a volume of the hydraulic chamber 316 is a first volume. The hydraulic chamber 316 is decoupled from the first hole 316 and is connected to the second hole 320 in the first chamber state.

[0100] As in the Fig. 26, the hydraulic chamber 316 is configured to be in a second chamber state in which the volume of the hydraulic chamber is a second volume different from the first volume. The hydraulic chamber 316 is decoupled from the first hole 318 and is connected to the second hole 320 in the second chamber state. As shown in the Fig. As can be seen in Figure 24, the main body 314 includes a flexible conduit 370. The flexible conduit 370 includes a first end 370a and a second end 370b opposite the first end 370a. The first hole 318 is provided at the first end 370a of the flexible conduit 370. The second hole 320 is provided at the second end 370b of the flexible conduit 370. The hydraulic chamber 316 is provided in the flexible conduit 370.

[0101] As in the Fig. 24 and Fig. 27, the main body 314 includes a first retaining member 372 and a second retaining member 374. The second retaining member 374 is configured to retain the flexible conduit 370 together with the first retaining member 372 to inhibit expansion of the flexible conduit 370 in a radial direction of the flexible conduit 370 in response to a hydraulic pressure in the hydraulic chamber 316. In the illustrated embodiment, as shown in Fig. 27, the first holding member 372 includes a first holding groove 372a. The second holding member 374 includes a second holding groove 374a, which is provided to face the first holding groove 372a. The flexible conduit 370 is provided in the first holding groove 372a and the second holding groove 374a. As shown in FIGS. Fig. As can be seen in Figures 24 to 26, the second retaining member 374 is movable relative to the first retaining member 372 between a first position P31 and a second position P32, thereby inhibiting expansion of the flexible conduit 370 in the radial direction. In the illustrated embodiment, the second retaining member 374 is movable relative to the first retaining member 372 between an initial position P30 and a second position P32 to continuously inhibit expansion of the flexible conduit 370 in the radial direction. The first position P31 is located between the initial position P30 and the second position P32.

[0102] As in the Fig. 24 to 26, the second holding member 374 is rotatable with respect to the first holding member 372 about a rotation axis A31 between the initial position P30 and the second position P32 to continuously inhibit expansion of the flexible conduit 370 in the radial direction of the flexible conduit 370. The second holding member 374 has a columnar shape and is provided rotatable with respect to the first holding member 372 about the rotation axis A31. In particular, as shown in Fig. 27, the second holding member 374 is rotatably supported by a shaft 375 which is secured to the first holding member 372.

[0103] As in the Fig. 24, the initial position P30 corresponds to the initial chamber state of the hydraulic chamber 316. As shown in the Fig. 25, the first position P31 corresponds to the first chamber state of the hydraulic chamber 316. As shown in the Fig. 26, the second position P32 corresponds to the second chamber state of the hydraulic chamber 316.

[0104] As in the Fig. As can be seen in Figures 24 to 26, the second support member 374 includes a pushing member 376 configured to push the flexible conduit 370 in response to movement of the second support member 374 from the first position P31 to the second position P32, thereby changing the volume of the hydraulic chamber 316 from the first volume to the second volume. The pushing member 376 is integrally movable with the second support member 374 with respect to the first support member 372. In the illustrated embodiment, the pushing member 376 is integrally rotatable with the second support member 374 with respect to the first support member 372 about the rotation axis A31. Each of the initial position P30, the first position P31, and the second position P32 is defined based on the rotation axis A31 and the pressing member 376.

[0105] As in the Fig. As can be seen in Fig. 24, the first holding groove 372a includes a recess 372b. The recess 372b is located at a position corresponding to the initial position P30. The pressing member 376 is provided between the recess 372b and the rotation axis A31 in the state in which the second holding member 374 is positioned at the initial position P30. In this state, the hydraulic chamber 316 is connected to the first hole 318 and the second hole 320, and is defined in the flexible conduit 370 between the first hole 318 and the second hole 320. The first hole 318 is in fluid communication with the second hole 320 via the flexible conduit 370.

[0106] As in the Fig. 25 and Fig. As shown in Fig. 28, in a state where the second holding member 374 is positioned at the first position P31, the pressing member 376 presses the flexible tube 370 against the first holding member 372 so that the first hole 318 is decoupled from the second hole 320. Specifically, the pressing member 376 protrudes from the second holding groove 374a of the second holding member 374 toward the first holding groove 374a of the first holding member 372. The flexible tube 370 is partially sandwiched between the pressing member 376 and the first holding member 372. An internal space of the flexible tube 370 is partitioned by the pressing member 376 and the first holding member 372. In this state, the hydraulic chamber 316 is defined in the flexible conduit 370 between the pressing member 376 and the second hole 320.

[0107] As in the Fig. As can be seen in Figure 26, in a state in which the second holding member 374 is positioned at the second position P32, the pressing member 376 presses the flexible conduit 370 against the first holding member 372 so that the first hole 318 is decoupled from the second hole 320. In this second chamber state, the hydraulic chamber 316 is defined in the flexible conduit 370 between the pressing member 376 and the second hole 320. The second volume of the hydraulic chamber 316 in the second chamber state is larger than the first volume of the hydraulic chamber 316 in the first chamber state.

[0108] As in the Fig. 26, the hydraulic quick release device for bicycle 312 further comprises a positioning structure 340 configured to position the second holding member 374 at the second position P32 with respect to the first holding member 372. In the illustrated embodiment, the positioning structure includes a coupling member 342 configured to couple the second holding member 374 to the first holding member 372 such that the second holding member 374 is positioned at the second position P32. In the illustrated embodiment, as shown in Fig. 29, the coupling member 342 is a bent wire and is pivotally attached to the first support member 372.

[0109] As in the Fig. 24, the positioning structure 340 is further configured to position the second holding member 374 at the initial position P30 with respect to the first holding member 372. In the illustrated embodiment, the positioning structure 340 includes a first stopper 378 and a second stopper 380. The first stopper 378 is provided on the first holding member 372. The second stopper 380 is provided on the second holding member 374 and is capable of contact with the first stopper 378. The second stopper 380 contacts the first stopper 378 in a state in which the second holding member 374 is positioned at the initial position P30. The second stopper 380 is spaced apart from the first stopper 378 in a state in which the second holding member 374 is positioned at each of the first position P31 and the second position P32. As shown in the Fig. As can be seen in Figure 26, the coupling member 342 is configured to engage the second stopper 380 such that the second holding member 374 is positioned at the second position P32. The coupling member 342 is actuated by a user.

[0110] As in the Fig. As can be seen in Figure 29, the positioning structure 340 includes a biasing member 350 configured to bias the second support member 374 toward the first position P31. In the illustrated embodiment, the biasing member 350 is configured to bias the second support member 374 to rotate the second support member 374 relative to the first support member 372 in a first rotational direction D34. For example, the biasing member 350 is a torsion spring. The second stopper 380 is pressed against the first stopper 378 by the biasing force of the biasing member 350 in the initial chamber state.

[0111] As in the Fig. As seen in Figures 27 to 29, the bicycle hydraulic quick release apparatus 312 further includes an actuating member 382. The actuating member 382 is integrally rotatable with the second support member 374 between the initial position P30 and the second position P32. The actuating member 382 is secured to the second support member 374. The actuating member 382 is configured to be actuated by the user to rotate the second support member 374 with respect to the first support member 372. The actuating member 382 may be provided integrally with the second support member 374.

[0112] The operation of the hydraulic quick release device for bicycle 312 will be described in detail below with reference to the Fig. 24 to 29. As in the Fig. 24 and Fig. 29, the actuating member 382 is rotated by the user such that the second holding member 374 is rotated with respect to the first holding member 372 toward the first position P31 against the biasing force of the biasing member 350. As shown in the Fig. 25, the pushing member 376 begins to slide with the flexible line 370 to push the flexible line 370 against the first holding member 372 around the first position P31.

[0113] As in the Fig. 25, Fig. 26 and Fig. As can be seen in Fig. 28, the pressing member 376 slides with the flexible conduit 370 to press the flexible conduit 370 against the first holding member 372 while rotating with respect to the first holding member 372 together with the second holding member 374 from the first position P31 to the second position P32. This increases the volume of the hydraulic chamber 316 from the first volume to the second volume. The second holding member 374 is coupled to the first holding member 372 by means of the coupling member 342 to position the second holding member 374 at the second position P32. The brake caliper B2 therefore changes from the use state to the maintenance state, allowing a user, for example, to replace a wheel with a new wheel (not shown).

[0114] In the case of the hydraulic quick release device for bicycle 312, the hydraulic chamber 316 is configured to be in the first chamber state (see the Fig. 25) in which the volume of the hydraulic chamber 316 is the first volume. The hydraulic chamber 316 is / will be designed to be in the second chamber state (see the Fig. 26) in which the volume of the hydraulic chamber 316 is the second volume, which is different from the first volume.

[0115] For example, in a case where the hydraulic chamber 316 is / becomes connected to the brake caliper B2, switching the hydraulic chamber 316 between the first chamber state and the second chamber state switches the brake caliper B2 between the use state (see the Fig. 25) and the maintenance status (see the Fig. 26). Similarly, it is possible to quickly switch from the use mode to the maintenance mode, in which a wheel can be easily removed and attached.

[0116] Since the hydraulic chamber 316 is / becomes decoupled from the first hole 318 in the second chamber state, the bicycle hydraulic quick release apparatus 312 can further prevent an incorrect operation from the brake operating device B1 from being transmitted to the brake caliper B2 in the maintenance state. Fourth embodiment

[0117] With reference to the Fig. 30 to 32, a bicycle brake system 10c includes a hydraulic quick release device for bicycle 412 according to a fourth embodiment. The hydraulic quick release device for bicycle 412 will be described below with reference to Fig. 30 to 32. Those elements which have substantially the same function as those in the embodiments described above will be numbered or designated in the same manner here and will not be described and / or illustrated again in detail here for the sake of brevity.

[0118] As in the Fig. 30 and Fig. 31, the hydraulic quick release device for bicycle 412 includes a main body 414 and a hydraulic chamber 416. The main body 414 has substantially the same construction as the main body 14 according to the first embodiment. The hydraulic chamber 416 has substantially the same construction as the hydraulic chamber 16 according to the first embodiment. However, in the illustrated embodiment, the hydraulic chamber 416 is configured to be in the first chamber state (see the Fig. 30) when a bicycle component 401 is / will be attached to a bicycle frame 402. The hydraulic chamber 416 is / will be configured to be in the second chamber state (see the Fig. 31) when the bicycle component 401 is / becomes detached from the bicycle frame 402. While the bicycle component 401 is a wheel in the illustrated embodiment, the bicycle component 401 may be any type of component. In the illustrated embodiment, the bicycle component 401 may also be referred to as a wheel 401.

[0119] As in the Fig. 32, the wheel 401 includes a bicycle hub assembly 403 and a wheel-locking assembly 404. The wheel 401 may further include spokes (not shown), a rim (not shown), and a tire (not shown) in addition to the bicycle hub assembly 403 and the wheel-locking assembly 404. The bicycle hub assembly 403 includes a hub shaft 403a and a hub shell 403b. The hub shaft 403a is configured to rotatably support the hub shell 403b about a rotation axis A41. The wheel-locking assembly 404 includes a rod 404a and a locking member 404b. The rod 404a extends through a hub through-hole 405c of the hub shaft 403a. The locking member 404b is secured to one end of the rod 404a.The wheel locking assembly 404 may further include a cam lever (not shown) and another locking member (not shown) in addition to the rod 404a and the locking member 404b, if needed and / or desired.

[0120] In the illustrated embodiment, as shown in the Fig. 30 and Fig. 31, the hydraulic chamber 416 is designed to be in the first chamber state (see the Fig. 30) when the wheel 401 is / will be attached to the bicycle frame 402. The hydraulic chamber 416 is / will be designed to be in the second chamber state (see the Fig. 31) when the wheel 401 is / will be detached from the bicycle frame 402. In particular, the hydraulic chamber 416 is / will be configured to be in the first chamber state (see the Fig. 30) when the bicycle component 401 is / will be attached to a front fork 405 of the bicycle frame 402. The hydraulic chamber 416 is / will be configured to be in the second chamber state (see the Fig. 31) when the bicycle component 401 is / is detached from the front fork 405 of the bicycle frame 402. In the illustrated embodiment, the front fork 405 may also be referred to as a frame body 405.

[0121] The bicycle frame 402 includes the frame body 405, to which the bicycle hub assembly 403 of the wheel 401 is to be attached. The frame body 405 includes an internal cavity 405a, a slot 405b, and an opening 405c. In particular, the front fork 405 includes the internal cavity 405a, the slot 405b, and the opening 405c. The hub shaft 403a of the bicycle hub assembly 403 is configured to extend through the slot 405b. The opening 405c connects the slot 405b to the internal cavity 405a. The hub shaft 403a and the rod 404a extend through the slot 405b in a fastening state in which the wheel 401 is / is fastened to the bicycle frame 402 (e.g., the front fork 405) by means of the wheel-locking assembly 404. As shown in the Fig. 30 and Fig. 31, the main body 414 is configured to be provided in the bicycle frame 402. In particular, the hydraulic chamber 416 is configured to be provided in the bicycle frame 402. The main body 414 is configured to be at least partially disposed in the inner cavity 405a provided inside the front fork 405. In the illustrated embodiment, the main body 414 and the hydraulic chamber 416 are disposed in their entirety in the inner cavity 405a provided inside the front fork 405.

[0122] The main body 414 includes the housing 22 and a piston 424. The piston 424 includes a piston body 425 and a piston rod 444. The piston body 425 has the same structure as that of the piston 24 according to the first embodiment. The piston rod 444 is coupled to the piston body 425. The piston rod 444 extends from the piston body 425 through the cap 43 to a periphery of the housing 22. The piston rod 444 extends through the opening 405c of the front fork 405 toward the slot 405b. The piston rod 444 is configured to contact the wheel 401. While the piston rod 444 is a separate member from the piston body 425 in the illustrated embodiment, the piston rod 444 may be provided with the piston body 425 in an integral manner if needed and / or desired.

[0123] As in the Fig. 30 and Fig. 31, the main body 414 is / will be configured to switch the hydraulic chamber 416 between the first chamber state (see the Fig. 30) and the second chamber state (see the Fig. 31) to switch according to a relative position between the housing 22 and the piston 424. One of the housing 22 and the piston 424 is / will be configured to contact the bicycle component 401 or to change the relative position between the housing 22 and the piston 424. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 22 is / will be configured to be secured to the bicycle frame 402. The piston 424 is / will be configured to contact the bicycle component 401 or to change the relative position between the housing 22 and the piston 424. In particular, the housing 22 is / will be secured to the front fork 405 of the bicycle frame 402. The piston 424 is / will be configured to be in contact with the wheel 401 or to change the relative position between the housing 22 and the piston 424. However, the piston 424 may be / will be secured to the bicycle frame 402.The housing 22 may be configured to contact the bicycle component 401 or to change the relative position between the housing 22 and the piston 424.

[0124] As in the Fig. 30 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 32, the piston rod 444 contacts the hub shaft 403a of the bicycle hub assembly 403 in the attached state. In this state, the piston 424 is located at the first position P1, and the hydraulic chamber 416 is in the first chamber state. The piston rod 444 includes an end portion 444a capable of contacting the hub shaft 403a of the bicycle hub assembly 403. The end portion 444a of the piston rod 444 is provided in the opening 405c when the hydraulic chamber 416 is in the first chamber state.

[0125] As in the Fig. As shown in Fig. 31, the piston rod 444 does not contact the hub shaft 403a of the bicycle hub assembly 403 in a released state in which the wheel 401 is detached from the bicycle frame 402. In this state, the piston 424 is located at the second position P2, and the hydraulic chamber 416 is in the second chamber state. The end portion 444a of the piston rod 444 is provided in the slot 405b when the hydraulic chamber 416 is in the second chamber state.

[0126] As in the Fig. 30 and Fig. 31, the piston rod 444 is pushed by the biasing member 50 toward the second position P2. The piston rod 444 therefore moves from the first position P1 toward the second position P2 when the hub shaft 403a of the bicycle hub assembly 403 is removed from the slot 405b of the front fork 405. The piston 424 reaches the second position P2 when the end portion 444a of the piston rod 444 is not in contact with the hub shaft 403a. This causes the state of the hydraulic chamber 416 to be switched from the first chamber state (see the Fig. 30) to the second chamber state (see the Fig. 31). The piston rod 444 is pressed by the bicycle hub assembly 403 of the wheel 401 when the hub shaft 403a of the bicycle hub assembly 403 is inserted into the slot 405b of the front fork 405 by means of the wheel-locking assembly 404. This moves the piston 424 from the second position P2 toward the first position P1. The piston 424 reaches the first position P1 when the hub shaft 403a reaches one end of the slot 405b, causing the state of the hydraulic chamber 416 to change from the second chamber state (see the Fig. 31) to the first chamber state (see the Fig. 30) is / will be switched on.

[0127] In the case of the bicycle hydraulic quick release device 412, it is possible to obtain substantially the same advantageous effects as those in the case of the bicycle hydraulic quick release device 12 according to the first embodiment. Moreover, it is possible to switch the state of the hydraulic chamber 416 between the first and second chamber states in conjunction with attaching and detaching the bicycle component 401 to and from the bicycle frame 402. Accordingly, it is possible to omit the switching operation of the hydraulic chamber 416, allowing the wheel 401 to be attached to and detached from the bicycle frame 2 in a faster manner.

[0128] In the case of the bicycle frame 402, since the frame body 405 includes the inner cavity 405a, the slot 405b, and the opening 405c connecting the slot 405b to the inner cavity 405a, it is possible to operatively couple a component disposed in the inner cavity 405a through the opening 405c to another component attached to the bicycle frame 402 via the slot 405b. Accordingly, it is possible to effectively utilize the interior of the bicycle frame 402.

[0129] The arrangement of the hydraulic quick release device for bicycle 412 is not limited to the illustrated embodiment. The hydraulic quick release device for bicycle 412 may be arranged at positions other than the front fork 405 of the bicycle frame 402. As shown in the Fig. For example, as shown in Figure 33, the bicycle hydraulic quick release device 412 may be disposed at least partially on a rear portion 406 of the bicycle frame 402. The rear portion 406 includes the chainstay 407, the seat stay 408, and the rear end 409. The rear end 409 couples the chainstay 407 to the seat stay 48. The rear portion 406 may also be referred to as a frame body 406.

[0130] The bicycle frame 402 includes the frame body 406, to which the bicycle hub assembly 403 of the wheel 401 is to be attached. The frame body 406 includes an internal cavity 406a, a slot 406b, and an opening 406c. Specifically, the rear portion 406 includes the internal cavity 406a, the slot 406b, and the opening 406c. In the illustrated embodiment, the internal cavity 406a is defined within the chainstay 407, the seat stay 408, and the rear end 409. The slot 406b and the opening 406c are provided at the rear end 409.

[0131] The hub shaft 403a of the bicycle hub assembly 403 is configured to extend through the slot 406b. The opening 406c connects the slot 406b to the internal cavity 406a. The hub shaft 403a and the rod 404a extend through the slot 406b in an attached state in which the wheel 401 is attached to the bicycle frame 402 (e.g., the rear part 406) via the wheel-locking assembly 404. The piston rod 404 extends through the opening 406c of the rear part 406.

[0132] In such an embodiment as described in the Fig. 33, the hydraulic chamber 416 is configured to be in the first chamber state when the bicycle component 401 (e.g., the wheel 401) is attached to the rear part 406 of the bicycle frame 402. The hydraulic chamber 416 is configured to be in the second chamber state when the bicycle component 401 (e.g., the wheel 401) is detached from the rear part 406 of the bicycle frame 402. The main body 414 is configured to be at least partially disposed in the inner cavity 406a provided inside the rear part 406. In particular, the hydraulic chamber 416 is configured to be at least partially disposed in the inner cavity 406a provided inside the rear part 406.

[0133] As in the Fig. 33, the main body 414 is / will be disposed inside the seat stay 408 and the rear end 409. However, the main body 414 may be disposed inside the chainstay 407 and the rear end 409 if needed and / or desired.

[0134] Furthermore, the arrangement of the bicycle hydraulic quick release device 412 is not limited to the illustrated embodiment. One of the first hydraulic hose H1 and the second hydraulic hose H2 may be omitted from at least one of the bicycle brake systems 10c and 10d if needed and / or desired. For example, the bicycle hydraulic quick release device 412 may be directly connected to one of the brake operating device B1 and the brake caliper B2. The bicycle hydraulic quick release device 412 may be integrated or integral with one of the brake operating device B1 and the brake caliper B2 if needed and / or desired. The bicycle hydraulic quick release device 412 may be attached to an adapter B4 (see the Fig. 30 and Fig. 33) or be integrated into the adapter B4, wherein the adapter B4 is provided between the bicycle frame 402 and the brake caliper B2. Fifth embodiment

[0135] With reference to the Fig. 34, a bicycle brake system 10d has the same configuration as the brake system 10 in the first embodiment. Therefore, those elements that have substantially the same function as those in the above-described embodiments will be numbered and / or labeled in the same manner here and will not be described and / or illustrated again in detail here for the sake of brevity.

[0136] As in the Fig.As shown in Figure 30, the bicycle brake system 10d includes the brake operating device B1, a brake caliper B502, the disc brake rotor B3, and the bicycle quick release apparatus 12 according to the first embodiment. Unlike the brake caliper B2 according to the first embodiment, the brake caliper B502 further includes rotor guide members B527. The rotor guide members B527 are respectively secured to the slave cylinders B21 and respectively extend from the slave cylinders B21.

[0137] The rotor guide member B527 includes a guide body B527a and a cushioning part B527b. The guide body B527a is secured to the slave cylinder B21 and extends from the slave cylinder B21. While the guide body B527a is a separate member from the slave cylinder B21 in the illustrated embodiment, the guide body B527a can be provided integrally with the slave cylinder B21 as a single unitary member if needed and / or desired. The cushioning part B527b is secured to the guide body B527a. For example, the guide body B527a is made of a metallic material, and the cushioning part B527b is made of a non-metallic material such as rubber. The cushioning part B527b can be omitted from the brake caliper B502 if required and / or desired.

[0138] The rotor guide members B527 have a symmetrical shape with respect to the disc brake rotor B3. The rotor guide members B527 are arranged such that a distance between the rotor guide members B527 increases from the slave cylinder B21 toward a rotation axis A51 of the disc brake rotor B3. The rotor guide members B527 are configured to guide the disc brake rotor B3 toward the slot B25 when the disc brake rotor B3 is inserted between the brake pads B23. This allows the disc brake rotor B3 to be inserted between the brake pads B23 in a simpler manner.

[0139] In the present embodiment, the terms "attached" or "attach" as used herein include configurations in which one element is directly attached to another element by means of a fastening element; configurations in which the element is indirectly attached to the other element by means of an intermediary member(s); and configurations in which one element is integral with another element, i.e., one element is essentially a part of the other element. This concept also applies to words of similar meaning, such as "connected," "coupled," "mounted," "bonded," "fixed," and their derivatives.

[0140] Also, the terms “part”, “section”, “member” or “element” when used in the singular may have the dual meaning of a single part or a plurality of parts, unless otherwise stated.

[0141] The ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second," as mentioned in the present application, are merely identifiers and have no further meaning, such as a specific order or the like. Furthermore, for example, the term "first element" does not in itself imply the presence of a "second element," and the term "second element" does not in itself imply the presence of a "first element."

[0142] The term "pair of" as used herein may include the configuration in which the pair of elements have different shapes and structures from each other, as well as the configuration in which the pair of elements have the same shapes and structures. Reference symbol 10 Bicycle brake system 12 Hydraulic quick release device for bicycle 14; 314; 414 main body 16 hydraulic chambers 18; 318 first hole 20; 320 second hole 22 housings 24 pistons 26 cylinder bore 28 Fluid passage 40; 240 positioning structure 42; 342 coupling element 50; 350 prestressing link 252; 382 actuating member 254 knocking mechanism 370 flexible cable 370a first end 370b second end 372 first holding link 374 second holding link 376 pressing member 401 Bicycle component; wheel 402 bicycle frames 405 front fork 406 rear part 405a; 406a inner cavity D1 axial direction D2 radial direction P1 first position P2 second position

Claims

[1] Hydraulic quick release device for bicycle (12) comprising: a main body (14; 314; 414) which includes: a first hole (18; 318); and a second hole (20; 320); a piston (24) movable relative to the main body (14; 314; 414) between a first position (P1) and a second position (P2); a prestressing member (50; 350); and a hydraulic chamber (16) having a variable volume and provided between the first hole (18; 318) and the second hole (20; 320), the hydraulic chamber (16) being configured to be in a first chamber state in which a volume of the hydraulic chamber (16) is a first volume, the hydraulic chamber (16) is configured to be in a second chamber state in which the volume of the hydraulic chamber (16) is a second volume different from the first volume, and the hydraulic chamber (16) is decoupled from the first hole (18; 318) in the second chamber state, wherein the biasing member (50; 350) is configured to bias the piston (24) towards the second position (P2). [2] A hydraulic quick release device for bicycle (12) according to claim 1, wherein the second volume is larger than the first volume. [3] Hydraulic quick release device for bicycle (12) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the main body (14; 314; 414) a housing (22) enclosing a cylinder bore (26) and a piston (24) movably provided in the cylinder bore (26), and the hydraulic chamber (16) is defined by the housing (22) and the piston (24). [4] A hydraulic quick release device for bicycle (12) according to claim 3, wherein the first hole (18; 318) and the second hole (20; 320) are provided on the housing (22). [5] A hydraulic quick release device for bicycle (12) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the main body (14; 314; 414) is configured to switch the hydraulic chamber (16) between the first state and the second state according to a relative position between the housing (22) and the piston (24). [6] Hydraulic quick release device for bicycle (12) according to claim 5, wherein the piston (24) is / is arranged at a first position (P1) with respect to the housing (22) in the first chamber state of the hydraulic chamber (16), the piston (24) is / is arranged at a second position (P2) with respect to the housing (22) in the second chamber state of the hydraulic chamber (16), the piston (24) encloses a fluid passage (28), the fluid passage (28) is connected to the first hole (18; 318) in a state in which the piston (24) is arranged at the first position (P1), and the fluid passage (28) is / is decoupled from the first hole (18; 318) in a state in which the piston (24) is / is arranged at the second position (P2). [7] Hydraulic quick release device for bicycle (12) according to claim 6, further comprising: a positioning structure (40; 240) which is / is designed to adjustably position the piston (24) with respect to the housing (22), wherein in particular the positioning structure (40; 240) includes a coupling member (42; 342) which is / will be configured to couple the piston (24) to the housing (22) such that the piston (24) is / will be positioned at at least one of the first position (P1) and the second position (P2). [8] Hydraulic quick release device for bicycle (12) according to claim 7, wherein the positioning structure (40; 240) is / is designed to position the piston (24) at the first position (P1) such that the hydraulic chamber (16) is in the first chamber state, and the positioning structure (40; 240) is / is designed to position the piston (24) at the second position (P2) such that the hydraulic chamber (16) is in the second chamber state. [9] A hydraulic quick release device for bicycle (12) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the positioning structure (40; 240) includes a biasing member (50; 350) configured to bias the piston (24) toward the second position (P2), and in particular the biasing member (50; 350) is provided in the hydraulic chamber (16). [10] A hydraulic quick release apparatus for bicycle (12) according to claim 9, wherein the positioning structure (40; 240) includes a coupling member (42; 342) configured to couple the piston (24) to the housing (22) such that the piston (24) is positioned at at least one of the first position (P1) and the second position (P2) against a biasing force from the biasing member (50; 350). [11] Hydraulic quick release device for bicycle (12) according to one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the positioning structure (40; 240) an actuating member (252; 382) which is movable relative to the housing (22) in an axial direction (D1) in which the piston (24) is movable relative to the housing (22), and includes a knocking mechanism (254) which is / becomes disabled to switch a position of the piston (24) between the first position (P1) and the second position (P2) in response to axial movement of the actuating member (252; 382). [12] A hydraulic quick release device for bicycle (12) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the hydraulic chamber (16) is connected to the first hole (18; 318) and the second hole (20; 320) in the first chamber state. [13] Hydraulic quick release device for bicycle (12) according to one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the main body (14; 314; 414) includes a flexible conduit (370), the flexible conduit (370) including a first end (370a) and a second end (370b) opposite the first end (370b), the first hole (18; 318) is provided at the first end (370a) of the flexible line (370), the second hole (20; 320) is provided at the second end (370b) of the flexible line (370), and the hydraulic chamber (16) is provided in the flexible line (370). [14] Hydraulic quick release device for bicycle (12) according to claim 13, wherein the main body (14; 314; 414) includes a first holding member (372) and a second holding member (374), and the second holding member (374) is / is configured to hold the flexible conduit (370) together with the first holding member (372) in order to inhibit expansion of the flexible conduit (370) in a radial direction (D2) of the flexible conduit (370) in response to a hydraulic pressure in the hydraulic chamber (16). [15] A hydraulic quick release device for bicycle (12) according to claim 14, wherein the second holding member (374) is movable with respect to the first holding member (372) between a first position (P1) and a second position (P2), wherein expansion of the flexible conduit (370) in the radial direction (D2) is inhibited. [16] A hydraulic quick release device for bicycle (12) according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the second holding member (374) includes a pressing member (376) configured to press the flexible conduit (370) in response to movement of the second holding member (374) from the first position (P1) to the second position (P2), thereby changing the volume of the hydraulic chamber (16) from the first volume to the second volume. [17] Hydraulic quick release device for bicycle (12) according to claim 15 or 16, further comprising: a positioning structure (40; 240) which is / is designed to position the second holding member (374) at the second position (P2), and in particular, the positioning structure (40; 240) includes a biasing member (50; 350) which is / is configured to bias the second holding member (374) towards the first position (P1). [18] Hydraulic quick release device for bicycle (12) according to one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the hydraulic chamber (16) is configured to be in the second chamber state when a bicycle component (401), in particular a wheel (401), is / will be released from a bicycle frame (402). [19] Hydraulic quick release device for bicycle (12) according to claim 18, wherein the hydraulic chamber (16) is configured to be in the first chamber state when the bicycle component (401), in particular the wheel (401), is / will be attached to the bicycle frame (402). [20] Hydraulic quick release device for bicycle (12) according to one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the hydraulic chamber (16) is configured to be in the second chamber state when the bicycle component (401) is detached from a front fork (405) of the bicycle frame (402), the hydraulic chamber (16) is configured to be in the first chamber state when the bicycle component (401) is attached to the front fork (405) of the bicycle frame (402), and the main body (14; 314; 414) is / will be configured to be / will be at least partially arranged in an inner cavity (405a; 406a) which is / will be provided inside the front fork (405). [21] Hydraulic quick release device for bicycle (12) according to one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the hydraulic chamber (16) is configured to be in the second chamber state when the bicycle component (401) is / is detached from a rear part (406) of the bicycle frame (402), the hydraulic chamber (16) is configured to be in the first chamber state when the bicycle component (401) is / is attached to the rear part (406) of the bicycle frame (402), and the main body (14; 314; 414) is / will be configured to be / will be arranged at least partially in an inner cavity (405a; 406a) which is / will be provided inside the rear part (406). [22] A hydraulic quick release device for bicycle (12) according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the main body (14; 314; 414) is configured to be provided in the bicycle frame (402). [23] Hydraulic quick release device for bicycle (12) comprising: a main body (14; 314; 414), including: a first hole (18; 318); a second hole (20; 320); a housing (22) enclosing a cylinder bore (26); and a piston (24) which is movable in the cylinder bore (26) is / will be provided; and a hydraulic chamber (16) having a variable volume and provided between the first hole (18; 318) and the second hole (20; 320), the hydraulic chamber (16) being configured to be in a first chamber state in which a volume of the hydraulic chamber (16) is a first volume, the hydraulic chamber (16) is configured to be in a second chamber state in which the volume of the hydraulic chamber (16) is a second volume different from the first volume, the hydraulic chamber (16) is decoupled from the first hole (18; 318) in the second chamber state, and the hydraulic chamber (16) is decoupled by the housing (22) and the piston (24) is / is defined, wherein the main body (14; 314; 414) is configured to switch the hydraulic chamber (16) between the first chamber state and the second chamber state according to a relative position between the housing (22) and the piston (24), the hydraulic chamber (16) is configured to be in the second chamber state when a bicycle component (401) is detached from a bicycle frame (402), and one of the housing (22) and the piston (24) is / is designed to be in contact with the bicycle component (401) or to change the relative position between the housing (22) and the piston (24). [24] Hydraulic quick release device for bicycle (12) according to claim 23, wherein the housing (22) is / will be designed to be secured to the bicycle frame (402), and the piston (24) is / is designed to be in contact with the bicycle component (401) or to change the relative position between the housing (22) and the piston (24). [25] Bicycle frame (402) comprising: a hydraulic quick release device for bicycles (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hydraulic quick release device for bicycles (12) is provided in an inner cavity (405a; 406a) of a frame body (406) to which a bicycle hub assembly (403) of a wheel (401) is to be attached, wherein the frame body (406) comprises a slot (405b) through which a hub shaft (403a) of the bicycle hub assembly (403) extends, and an opening (405c; 406c) connecting the slot (405b) to the inner cavity (405a; 406a).

Citation Information

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