Braking system

Abstract

Braking system comprising at least one brake unit (10) for exerting a braking force on a wheel of a wheeled vehicle powered by a person or a motor, further comprising: a remote control (30) configured to send an electrical signal to the brake unit (10), wherein the brake unit (10), when it receives the electrical signal, is configured to exert a braking force on the wheeled vehicle in an additional or alternative manner to braking by a driver or operator of the wheeled vehicle.

Description

Field of invention

[0001] The invention relates to the field of wheeled vehicles and in particular to a remote control lever unit for operating a braking device attached to wheeled vehicles. Background of the invention

[0002] Vehicles designed for locomotion, especially wheeled ones, generally require a means of controlling their speed. Such vehicles include those propelled by human interaction or those assisted by a motor, such as tricycles, handcycles, bicycles, wheelchairs, or the like.

[0003] A typical braking system for such wheeled vehicles comprises a brake device that exerts a braking force on the wheel of the vehicle, and an actuating lever device for operating the brake device, which is connected to the brake device by a brake cable. In a bicycle braking system, for example, the actuating lever device is mounted on the handlebars of the bicycle in a position where a user can easily grasp the lever.

[0004] One difficulty associated with these systems, however, is adjusting the lever of the actuating lever assembly to a neutral position relative to the bicycle handlebars. Such an adjustment is necessary, for example, if the brake cable stretches after prolonged use or under very heavy load. If the brake cable stretches, the distance between the lever and the handlebars changes, resulting in inadequate braking force. Another situation requiring a neutral lever adjustment is when the distance between the lever and the handlebars no longer suits the user's hand size due to growth or other changes in hand shape.

[0005] To adjust the distance between the brake lever and the handlebar, the length of the brake cable connecting the brake caliper of the brake device to the brake lever attached to the handlebar would have to be changed.

[0006] Several attempts have been made to improve the adjustability of the lever position. US Patent 5,660,082 A discloses a brake lever system with a cable retainer that runs in an open slot in a brake lever body, which tilts away from the origin of the brake cable as the brake lever body is swung out of the brake lever housing. A threaded screw or rod guided in the open slot can be adjusted to raise or lower the height of a rectangular block that forms an adjustable lower limit below which the cable retainer cannot move.

[0007] US Patent 4,611,500 A discloses a brake lever reach adjustment device comprising a bracket, a brake lever, and a reach adjustment mechanism. The bracket, which is mounted on a handlebar, has a cavity. The brake lever is pivotally connected to the bracket and forms two opposing wings. The reach adjustment unit comprises a leadscrew and a movable block mounted around the leadscrew. The movable block optionally supports one of the two wings or is positioned between the two wings to adjust the position of the brake lever relative to the handlebar.

[0008] In both documents described above, the lever's adjustment range is only a few millimeters at most. Therefore, if a user requires a larger adjustment, they must loosen one end of the brake cable attached to the brake mechanism using a hex key or special tools, adjust the cable length, and then tighten it again. This process requires effort and some experience in brake maintenance.

[0009] For this reason, the conventional brake levers disclosed in the aforementioned documents are not suitable if the lever requires extensive adjustment, for example, as the user ages or changes users. In some cases, it may be necessary to replace the brake lever itself with a new one that fits the user's hand.

[0010] Therefore, the aim of the present invention is to provide a remote control lever unit and a braking system that can be easily repositioned to accommodate different hand sizes, different user grip ranges and different grip strengths. Brief description of the invention

[0011] This objective is achieved by the remote control lever unit according to claim 1 and by the braking system according to claim 12.

[0012] The invention relates to a remote control lever unit for actuating a braking device mounted on a wheeled vehicle. The wheeled vehicle comprises a body and one or more wheels mounted on the body. The remote control lever unit comprises a lever for actuation by a user, a main body that allows the lever to be displaced, a control unit for transmitting a signal to the braking device based on the amount of displacement of the lever from its neutral position, a bracket that holds the main body, and a connecting section that releasably engages the main body and the bracket at any angle about an axis perpendicular to a plane in which the lever displaces.

[0013] This arrangement allows a user of the wheeled vehicle to easily adjust the neutral position of the lever to different hand sizes; this repositioning can be achieved by loosening the main body and bracket and reattaching the main body and bracket via the connecting section at any angle around the axis perpendicular to the plane in which the lever moves.

[0014] In a further arrangement, the connecting section preferably comprises a projection provided on one of the holders and the main body along the axis and having one or more male keyways on its outer circumferential surface, as well as a recess for receiving the projection, wherein the recess is provided on the other of the holders and the main body along the axis and has one or more female keyways dimensioned and shaped to engage with the male keyways on their inner circumferential surface.

[0015] This is advantageous because it allows a user to easily engage the main body with the holder at a preferred angle. Furthermore, the protruding and recessed portions are easy to manufacture. In a preferred arrangement, the protruding portion is formed integrally with the holder or the main body, and the recessed portion is formed integrally with the main body or the holder.

[0016] In a further arrangement, the lever preferably comprises a neutral position, a brake actuation position in which the lever is moved by a user in a first direction from the neutral position, and a parking brake position in which the lever is moved in a second direction opposite to the first. Preferably, the control unit of the remote control lever unit transmits a signal to engage a parking brake or a parking brake function to the brake unit when the lever is moved into the parking brake position.

[0017] This allows a user to easily adjust the parking brake position. Furthermore, because the parking brake position is located on the opposite side from the brake lever, it prevents a user from accidentally engaging the parking brake while driving.

[0018] A further arrangement preferably comprises a calibration device for calibrating the signal to be generated on the basis of the displacement of the lever from the neutral position, taking into account a change in the movable range of the lever from the neutral position to a full braking position as a result of setting the neutral position of the lever via the connecting section.

[0019] This arrangement makes it possible to achieve a desired braking force at the brake unit according to the amount of lever actuation even after a repositioning of the lever, i.e. the movable range of the lever from the neutral position to the full braking position is changed.

[0020] Preferably, the remote control lever unit can include a relative position sensing device for detecting a position relationship about the axis perpendicular to the plane in which the lever moves, between the main body and the holder. A change in the position relationship indicates a change in the lever's range of motion.

[0021] Preferably, the relative position detection device comprises one or more first electrical contacts provided on the main body (24) and one or more second electrical contacts provided on the holder (26), and the relative position is detected by the control unit depending on which first contact and which second contact are connected.

[0022] In a further arrangement, the holder preferably comprises a locking section which engages with an outer surface of the main body and maintains a connection state between the main body and the holder via the connecting section.

[0023] This ensures a reliable connection between the main body and the holder via the connection section.

[0024] In another arrangement, the control unit preferably includes an accelerometer. The control unit is preferably configured to send a signal to the brake unit to engage a parking brake or parking brake function if an output signal from the accelerometer does not change significantly over a predetermined period or does not exceed a predetermined threshold. If the wheeled vehicle has been stationary for a while, the brake unit automatically engages the parking brake. This function is useful in many situations, especially for attendants who may need to keep the vehicle stationary while assisting the user and who may have forgotten to engage the parking brake.

[0025] In a further arrangement, the main body preferably comprises a variable resistance element to adjust lever resistance against pulling. Preferably, the variable resistance element comprises a pair of friction elements and a variable pressure device for exerting contact pressure between the pair of friction elements.

[0026] In a further arrangement, the remote control lever unit preferably includes a preloading device for returning the lever to the neutral position when the lever is released.

[0027] In a further arrangement, the control unit preferably includes a user profile management device for storing one or more user profiles in a memory in the control unit and for reading a requested user profile from the memory.

[0028] The invention also provides a braking system comprising the remote control lever unit and at least one brake unit which receives the signal from the remote control lever unit indicating the amount of displacement of the lever from its neutral position and exerts a braking force corresponding to the brake control signal on at least one wheel of a wheeled vehicle.

[0029] The invention also provides a method for repositioning the lever of the remote control unit. The method comprises the steps of removing the main body from the holder and reconnecting the main body to the holder via the connecting section, thereby achieving a desired lever position. Brief description of the drawings

[0030] A better understanding of the features and advantages of the present invention can be obtained from the following detailed description, which only presents exemplary embodiments in which the principles of the invention are used, and the accompanying drawings, of which Fig. Figure 1A shows an exemplary remote control lever unit attached to the handlebars of a bicycle, as well as part of an exemplary braking device. Fig. 1B shows the braking device Fig. 1A, which is attached to one wheel of the bicycle. Fig. Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the remote control lever unit. Fig. 1A. Fig. Figure 3 shows a right-hand view of the remote control lever unit. Fig. 1A. Fig. Figure 4 shows a left view of the remote control lever unit. Fig. 1A. Fig. Figure 5 shows a rear view of the remote control lever unit. Fig. 1A. Fig. Figure 6 shows a top view of the remote control lever unit. Fig. 1A. Fig. Figure 7 shows different positions of a lever on the remote control lever unit. Fig. 1A, where Fig. 7A a parking brake position of the lever, Fig. 7B a neutral position of the lever and Fig. 7C shows a full braking position. Fig. Figure 8 shows a procedure for adjusting the neutral position of the lever of the remote control lever unit. Fig. 1A using a connecting section. Fig. Figure 9 shows another example of the connecting section. Fig. Figure 10 shows another example of the connecting section. Fig. Figure 11 shows two different neutral positions of the lever. Fig. 1A, where Fig. 11A shows the neutral position of the lever, which is set for a large hand / handle size, and Fig. 11B shows the neutral position of the lever, which is set for a smaller hand / handle size. Fig. Figure 12 shows another embodiment of a braking system according to the present invention. Detailed description of the invention

[0031] In the illustrated embodiment, a braking system is applied to a bicycle 100 as an example of a wheeled vehicle; however, it is understood that the braking system is not limited to bicycles and can also be applied to other wheeled vehicles such as tricycles, handcycles, wheelchairs, other mobility aids, and the like. Wheeled vehicles include not only those propelled by human power but also those that are wholly or partially propelled by a power source such as at least one electric motor, an internal combustion engine, or the like.

[0032] The braking system comprises at least one brake unit 10, which is attached to a wheel of the wheeled vehicle, shown here being the rear wheel 102 of the bicycle 100, as in Fig. 1B shows how to apply a braking force to wheel 102. In Fig. 1A The braking system further comprises at least one remote-controlled lever unit 20 for actuating the brake unit 10. In a case where a wheeled vehicle has multiple wheels, more than one brake unit 10 may be fitted. In the example of the bicycle 100, the brake unit 10 may be fitted to each of the front and rear wheels 102. The multiple brake units 10 may each be actuated by more than one remote-controlled lever unit 20 or by the single remote-controlled lever unit 20. In the example where two brake units 10 are fitted to the bicycle 100, one brake unit 10 fitted to the front wheel may be connected to a remote-controlled lever unit 20 that is attached to the right side of a handlebar 104 of the bicycle 100, and the other brake unit 10 fitted to the rear wheel 102 may be connected to the other remote-controlled lever unit 20 that is attached to the left side of the handlebar 104.In another example, both brake units 10 attached to the front and rear wheels 102 can be operated with a single remote control lever unit 20, which is provided either on the right or left side of the handlebar 104 of the bicycle 100.

[0033] Fig. Figure 1A shows a remote control lever unit 20 according to the principles of the present invention. Fig. 1A the remote control lever unit 20 is attached as a mounted object of a wheeled vehicle to the handlebar 104.

[0034] The remote control lever unit 20 mainly comprises a lever 22, which is operated by a user, in particular by gripping the user's hand, a main body 24 which carries the lever 22 slidably or pivotably in a plane, and preferably a bracket 26 which is attached to the handlebar 104 of the bicycle 100 and ideally holds the main body 24 detachably.

[0035] The main body 24 includes a control unit (not shown) that transmits an electrical signal to the brake unit 10, based on the displacement or stroke of the lever 22 from its neutral position. Fig. Figure 1A shows lever 22 in a neutral position, in which lever 22 is not operated by a user. In this position, the control unit of the remote control lever unit 20 does not send a signal requesting activation of the braking device, or it sends a signal to the brake unit 10 indicating that the displacement amount is zero.

[0036] Fig. Figure 2 shows a perspective view of an example of the remote control lever unit 20. Fig. Figure 3 shows a right side view of the remote control lever unit 20. Fig. Figure 4 shows a left side view of the remote control lever unit 20. Fig. Figure 5 shows a rear view of the remote control lever unit 20. Fig. Figure 6 shows a top view of the remote control lever unit 20. These figures show that the main body 24 has an upper housing 24A and a lower housing 24B. The upper housing 24A and the lower housing 24B are connected to each other by known fasteners such as screws, adhesives, welding, fitting, or the like. The upper housing 24A and the lower housing 24B are formed in a roughly frustoconical outer shape, but the shapes of the upper and lower housings 24A, 24B are not limited to this. It is advantageous that the main body 24 has a shape that can be securely held by the bracket 26.

[0037] The lever 22 is arranged between the upper housing 24A and the lower housing 24B of the main body 24. The lever 22 can be pivotable about an axis X to allow rotational movement of the lever 22 in the plane. Alternatively, the lever 22 can be designed to slide in a direction that moves toward or away from the handlebar 104 of the bicycle 100. In the example shown, the lever 22 is pivotally mounted between the upper housing 24A and the lower housing 24B so that it can rotate about the axis X toward or away from the handlebar 104. The axis X can coincide with a center line passing through the upper housing 24A and the lower housing 24B of the main body 24. The base section 22a of the lever 22 is arranged between the upper housing 24A and the lower housing 24B, the remaining section 22b of the lever 22 protrudes laterally from the main body 24.

[0038] The lever 22 can be biased towards the neutral position, as seen from the handlebar 104, by a biasing device (not shown) provided in the main body 24. This allows the lever 22 to automatically return to the neutral position when a user releases the handle of the lever 22. The biasing device can be an elastic element such as a spring or rubber. Alternatively, the biasing device can be a magnet that exerts a magnetic force, causing the lever 22 to return to the neutral position.

[0039] The preload device can have a non-linear characteristic, where the spring constant increases with increasing compression. This allows the user to experience a similar feel to a wired brake system, where the resistance of the lever to pulling increases with increasing lever pull.

[0040] In another example, the preload device can comprise a spring that pushes the lever 22 toward the neutral position and a preload application device that applies a preload to the spring. The preload application device can be a threaded adjusting screw that is screwed through the housing of the main body 24 and provides an adjustable preload according to the screw-in depth into the housing.

[0041] The increased pull resistance of the lever ensures comfortable operation for adults or people with sufficient hand strength. Conversely, if the preload is set to a lower value or zero, the pull resistance of the lever decreases accordingly, allowing children or people with limited hand strength to easily pull the lever 22.

[0042] The pre-tensioning device is not essential, of course. What is important is that the lever 22 is not mechanically connected to the brake unit 10 via a brake cable. The absence of a cable connection allows the lever 22 to be pulled easily, making the remote control lever unit 20 perfectly suited for children and people with limited (<10%) hand strength.

[0043] The main body 24 can include a variable resistance element to adjust the resistance of the lever to being pulled. The variable resistance element can comprise a pair of friction elements and a variable pressure device. One friction element can be connected to the lever 22, and the other friction element can be connected to the housing of the main body 24. The variable pressure device can exert contact pressure between the pair of friction elements to generate the resistance to being pulled. The variable pressure device can be a threaded adjusting screw that is screwed through the housing of the main body 24 and provides adjustable pressure according to the amount of thread screwed into the housing. Preferably, a detector is provided for detecting an angle of rotation or a quantity of movement, i.e., the amount of displacement of the lever 22 from its neutral position.In one example, the detector could be a potentiometer or a variable resistor that converts the angle of rotation or the amount of movement of lever 22 from its neutral position into a voltage. The detector is not limited to this and could be a rotary encoder, a magnetic sensor, an inductive sensor, a contact sensor, or the like.

[0044] The control unit provided in the main body 24 comprises a processor, such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), memory, such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory), a transmitter, and a power supply circuit. These control elements are mounted on or integrated into a circuit board provided in the housing of the main body 24.

[0045] The CPU calculates a signal indicating the amount of actuation or displacement of lever 22 from its neutral position and transmits the signal via the transmitter to the brake unit 10 by executing programs stored in the ROM. The RAM is a read / write memory device associated with the CPU.

[0046] The transmitter comprises an RF module and an RF antenna. In one example, the transmitter includes a Bluetooth module and a Bluetooth antenna to enable short-range wireless communication with the brake unit 10. Signal transmission from the transmitter of the remote control lever unit 20 to a corresponding receiver of the brake unit 10 is not limited to wireless communication and can also be configured via wired signal transmission. The transmitter can be a long-distance communication device based on a long-distance communication protocol. The communication range can be extended to 200 m or more. This increases the utility of a parent control system, i.e., a remote control that is not attached to the wheeled vehicle such as a bicycle or wheelchair, but is carried by a parent / attendant or attached to the parent's bicycle, as described later.

[0047] The power supply circuit generates a voltage suitable for each circuit section from a battery located in the main body 24 and supplies each circuit section with the generated voltage. The battery is preferably a rechargeable battery. The battery can be recharged via a connection port 241, which is located as shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the connector 241 can be located on the side of the main body 24. In one example, the connector 241 can be a USB or Micro-USB dock or port. The connector 241 can also be configured to receive a connection from an external source, such as a computer, smartphone, or the like, which can be used to configure settings or update the control unit of the remote control lever unit 20.

[0048] Furthermore, the control unit may include a receiver designed to receive a connection from the brake unit 10 and / or an external source, such as a computer, smartphone or the like, whereby the external source can be used to configure the settings or to update the control unit of the remote control lever unit 20.

[0049] Furthermore, as in Fig. Figure 6 shows a lighting element 242, for example an LED, possibly with RGB elements, provided on the main body 24 to indicate a normal operating state, a power failure state, a signal loss state, or the like. Likewise, the remote control lever unit 20 can be equipped with a display to show any number of parameters. The remote control lever unit 20 can also be equipped with a GPS receiver, and the decoded location information can be displayed on the screen.

[0050] Fig. Figure 7 shows, in addition to the neutral position, two different positions in which the lever 22 of the remote control lever unit 20 can be moved out of the neutral position by a user. Fig. 7C, the lever 22 is moved from the neutral position ( Fig. 7B) is actuated into a full braking position in a first direction, i.e., towards the handlebar 104 of the bicycle 100. Accordingly, an electrical signal corresponding to the actuation dimension of the lever 22 is transmitted from the control unit of the remote control lever unit 20 to the brake unit 10. It is understood that the full braking position is the position of the lever 22 in which a user pulls the lever 22 so far that the lever 22 does not touch or obstruct the handlebar 104. Therefore, the full braking position does not necessarily mean a mechanically limited position. However, a mechanical stop may be provided for the pull-back braking position. The mechanical stop may be adjustable to increase or decrease the available travel of the lever 22 for the user. In particular, such an adjustment may be made in conjunction with repositioning the lever 22. The stop may be a screw or a pin.

[0051] In Fig. 7A the lever 22 is moved from the neutral position ( Fig. 7B) in a second direction opposite to the first direction and is in a parking brake position. When the lever 22 is moved into the parking brake position, the control unit of the remote control lever unit 20 sends an electrical signal to the brake unit 10 to activate the parking brake or the parking brake function. However, the lever 22 may be configured to be in the neutral and brake actuation positions only, and instead a separate switch for activating the parking brake may be provided on the main body 24.

[0052] Back to the Fig. 2 to 4: The bracket 26 comprises a circular mounting section 261 that surrounds the handlebar 104 of the bicycle 100. The mounting section 261 can be attached to the handlebar 104 with screws 262 or the like. An extension wall 263 extends from the mounting section 261, stretching forward and diagonally downward. A support plate 264 is provided on the front of the extension wall 263, on which the main body 24 is arranged.

[0053] In Fig. 8. A projecting part 265 is formed along an axis perpendicular to the plane of motion of the lever 22 on the upper surface of the support plate 264. The projecting part 265 preferably extends along the axis of rotation X of the lever 22. In one example, the projecting part 265 is cylindrical. Preferably, one or more male teeth 265a are formed on the outer circumferential surface of the projecting part. The one or more male teeth 265a preferably extend along the axis X.

[0054] In accordance with the preceding part 265, a recessed section 245 is formed on the underside of the main body 24 to receive the preceding part 265. The recessed section is formed along an axis perpendicular to the plane of motion of the lever 22. The recessed section 245 preferably extends along the axis of rotation X of the lever 22. One or more internal teeth 245a, dimensioned and shaped to engage with the external teeth 265a, are preferably formed on the inner circumferential surface of the recessed section 245. The one or more internal teeth 245a preferably extend along the axis X.

[0055] These protruding and recessed parts 265, 245 form a connecting section which releasably engages the main body 24 and the holder 26 at any angle about the axis perpendicular to the plane in which the lever 22 moves.

[0056] Although not shown in the drawings, the protruding part 265 with the one or more male keyways 265a may be provided on the underside of the main body 24, and the corresponding recessed part 245 with the one or more female keyways 245a may be provided on the support plate 264.

[0057] In a preferred arrangement, the protruding part 265 is formed integrally with the holder 26 or the main body 24, and the recessed part 245 is formed integrally with the main body 24 or the holder 26.

[0058] The connecting section is not limited to the projecting part 265 and the recessed part 245, each of which has one or more toothed sections 265a, 245a. For example, the connecting section may include one or more projections provided on the support plate 264 at predetermined intervals along a circle centered on the axis of rotation X of the lever 22, and one or more holes provided on the underside of the main body 22 suitable for receiving the one or more projections. When the one or more projections on the support plate 264 are guided into the one or more holes in the main body 22 in a desired neutral position of the lever 22, the neutral position of the lever 22 is established.In another arrangement, one or more projections can be provided on the lower surface of the main body 24 and the corresponding holes can be provided on the support plate 264 of the bracket 26.

[0059] In another example, which in Fig. As shown in Figure 9, the connecting section can comprise a cylindrical part 265' extending along the axis X, a circular recessed part 245' dimensioned and shaped to accommodate the cylindrical part, and a positioning device (not shown). The cylindrical part 265' can be located on the support plate. The circular recessed part 245' can be located on the underside of the main body 24. The positioning device can be a screw, bolt, locking pin, or the like to fix the main body 24 and the holder 26 at any angle about the axis X in a rotationally fixed manner. According to this arrangement, the neutral position of the lever 22 can be adjusted in finer angles or continuously.

[0060] In another example, which in Fig. As shown in Figure 10, the connecting section can comprise a polygonal column section 265" extending along axis X, and a polygonal recessed section 245" dimensioned and shaped to accommodate the polygonal column section 265". The polygonal column section 265" can be located on the support plate 264. The polygonal recessed section 245" can be located on the underside of the main body 24. According to this arrangement, the positioning device is no longer required, since the polygonal column section 265" and the polygonal recessed section 245" engage with each other circumferentially.

[0061] Back to the Fig. 2 to 4: In an advantageous arrangement, the holder 26 has a locking section 267 that engages the outer surface of the main body 24, preferably the outer surface of the upper housing 24A of the main body 24, and maintains the connection between the main body 24 and the holder 26 via the connection section. This allows the connection between the main body 24 and the holder 26 to be reliably maintained during use. To set the neutral position of the lever 22, the engagement of the locking section 267 is released so that the main body 24 can be lifted out of the holder 26. The locking section 267 preferably has a pin shape. Preferably, an undercut or a hook 267a is formed at a distal end of the locking section 267, which can engage with the outer surface of the main body 24.The locking section 267 can be designed to be elastically deformable. Advantageously, the locking section 267 extends upwards from the extension wall 263 and is located at the rear of the main body 24. When the lever 22 is pulled towards the link 104, the force generated in the main body 24 can be absorbed by the locking section 267, thereby stabilizing the actuation of the lever 22.

[0062] Fig. Figure 8 shows a method for a user to adjust the neutral position of the lever 22 according to the principle of the present invention. The method for attaching the remote control lever unit 20 to the handlebars of the bicycle 100 and for adjusting the neutral position of the lever 22 comprises the following steps. 1) One step to attach the bracket 26 to the handlebar 104. If two remote control lever units 20 are attached, preferably both brackets 26 are attached at the same angle to the handlebar 104. 2) A step to guide the recessed part 245 onto the projecting part 265 and to engage the one or more female keyways 245a and the one or more male keyways 265a. In this step, the distance between the handle 104 and the lever 22 is adjusted to the individual user in a neutral position. Preferably, the locking section 267 is brought into engagement with the outer surface of the main body 24 after the neutral position of the lever 22 has been set. 3) To reposition the neutral position of the lever 22, the engagement between the locking section 267 and the main body 24 is released by pushing the locking section 267 towards the handlebar 104 to remove it from the main body 24, and the main body 24 is lifted out of the bracket 26. Step 2) is then resumed.

[0063] Setting the neutral position of lever 22 means changing the range of movement or stroke of lever 22 between the neutral position and the full brake position. For example, in Fig. As shown in Figure 11A, the range of motion θ1 of lever 22 for an adult user, defined between the neutral position and the full brake position, can be approximately twice as large as the range of motion θ2 for a child user, as shown in Figure 11A. Fig. shown in 11B. Therefore, if the neutral position of lever 22 is, for example, Fig. 11A to Fig. If the neutral position is set too high, the displacement of lever 22, even when the child user pulls lever 22 into the full braking position, is actually only about half the value of a full braking maneuver. Therefore, if the neutral position is set too high, the braking force generated in the brake unit 10 may be excessive or less than expected.

[0064] Therefore, in an advantageous arrangement, the remote control lever unit 20 includes a calibration device for calibrating the signal to be generated based on the displacement of the lever 22 from the neutral position. The change in the range of motion of the lever 22 from the neutral position to the full braking position, resulting from the adjustment of the neutral position of the lever 22 via the connecting part, is taken into account to ensure satisfactory operation of the brake unit 10.

[0065] After the lever is set to its neutral position, the calibration device reconstructs the correspondence between the displacement from the neutral position of lever 22 and the electrical signal to be sent to the brake unit 10, taking into account a new movable range between the neutral position of lever 22 and the full brake position. That is, this calibration resets the full brake position to the regular full brake position after the lever 22 has been set to its neutral position. The function of the calibration device is provided by the control unit of the main body 24.

[0066] An example of the calibration procedure includes the following steps. 1) A step in which, after setting the neutral position of the lever 22, the lever 22 is pulled from the neutral position into a new full braking position. 2) A step in which, while the lever 22 is pulled into the new full brake position, a calibration button 246 (see Fig. 2) is pressed, which may be provided on the side of the main body 24. 3) A step in which, for example, a new movable range or angle between the neutral position and the new full braking position is measured with the detector and the correspondence between the displacement amount of the lever 22 and the electrical signal for the brake unit 10 is reconstructed with the measured movable range or angle, which is calibrated to 100%.

[0067] By performing such a calibration, satisfactory operation of the brake unit 10 can be ensured even after a significant change in the neutral position of the lever 22.

[0068] Instead of measuring the new movable range or angle with the detector, it can also be determined from the positional relationship between the main body 24 and the bracket 26 after adjustment. Electrical contacts can be provided on the keyways 245a, 265s to detect the positional relationship between the main body 24 and the bracket 26. For example, one or more first electrical contacts can be provided on the male keyways 265a; one or more second electrical contacts can be provided on the female keyways 245a. The positional relationship is determined by the CPU of the remote control lever unit 20's control unit, depending on which first and second electrical contacts are connected.

[0069] In one configuration, the control unit of the remote control lever unit 20 can be equipped with an accelerometer. The accelerometer can, for example, consist of a three-axis gyroscope. The control unit of the remote control lever unit 20 is designed to send a signal to the brake unit 10 to engage the parking brake or parking brake function if the accelerometer output signal does not change significantly over a predetermined period or does not exceed a predetermined threshold. Accordingly, the brake unit 10 automatically engages the parking brake. This function is useful in many situations, especially for attendants who need to keep the bicycle stationary while assisting the user and may have forgotten to engage the parking brake.

[0070] The control unit of the remote control lever unit 20 can include a user profile management device for storing one or more user profiles in memory and retrieving a requested user profile from memory. The user profile management device can be provided by the CPU in the control unit of the remote control lever unit 20. It is advantageous for the user profile management device to record calibration data from the calibration device as a user profile. According to this arrangement, the calibration process can be simplified or even eliminated entirely. Other data, such as hand sizes and gripping forces of users, can also be stored as a user profile. Such data can be used by the CPU to calculate optimal parameters for individual users, such as optimal neutral and full brake positions of the lever 22, optimal resistance when pulling the lever 22, or the like.

[0071] One or more input elements, such as push buttons or a touch panel, for operating at least the user profile management device may be provided on the main body 24.

[0072] It is therefore understood that an advantageous structure according to the present invention is a combination of the following features: the removable structure of the main body 24 and the holder with the connecting section; the calibration device for calibrating the signal for actuating the brake unit 10; and / or the preload device for returning the lever 22 to the neutral section.

[0073] The combination of the mechanical repositioning of the lever 22 via the connecting section and the electrical recalibration by the calibration device ensures easy repositioning of the lever 22 for individual users with complete and customized control of the brake unit 10, allowing 100% braking force to be set before the lever 22 contacts the handlebar 104. Furthermore, the combination of mechanical repositioning via the connecting section and the preload device offers the user numerous advantages. Because the lever 22 is held in a section when released, the user can easily move the lever 22 into a desired position during the mechanical repositioning process via the connecting section.Furthermore, a safer remote control lever unit 20 can be provided, as the lever 22 automatically returns to the neutral position, in which the brake does not act on the wheel. This prevents unexpected braking while riding. Back to . Fig. In 1B, the brake unit 10 is attached to the rear wheel 102 of the bicycle 100. In one arrangement, the brake unit 10 can be a hydraulic brake unit 10 and comprise a brake piston 12, a pump 14, and a brake disc 16, wherein the brake piston 12 is configured to act against the brake disc 16 via a pumped hydraulic brake fluid, applying a braking force to it. When the brake piston 12 is actuated, the braking force causes the rear wheel 102 to slow down.

[0074] An alternative to one or more brake units is the use of an eddy current brake. In this sense, an electric motor can be used as one or more brake units. In one configuration, a brake disc is integrated into the rim of one or more wheels. Such a rim is designed to generate an eddy current in response to an applied magnetic field. With the correct configuration, i.e., with the correct current and magnetic field directions, a resistance force can be generated that opposes the rotational movement of the brake disc.

[0075] The brake unit 10 further includes a control unit 18 designed to receive the signal from the remote control lever unit 20 and to actuate the pump 14 to compress the hydraulic brake fluid according to the quantity indicated by the remote control lever unit 20.

[0076] The control unit 18 of the brake unit 10 comprises a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), memory such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory), a receiver, and a power supply circuit. These elements are mounted on or integrated into a circuit board provided in the control unit 18.

[0077] The CPU controls the pump 14 by executing programs stored in ROM so that the braking force in the brake disc 16 is generated based on the signal from the remote control lever unit 20, which specifies the adjustment travel of the lever 22. The RAM is a readable and writable memory connected to the CPU.

[0078] The receiver includes an RF module and an RF antenna. In one example, the receiver includes a Bluetooth module and a Bluetooth antenna to enable short-range wireless communication with the remote control lever unit 20.

[0079] The power supply circuit generates a voltage suitable for each circuit component from a battery, which may be located in the brake unit 10, and supplies each circuit component with the generated voltage. The battery is preferably a rechargeable battery. The battery can be charged via a connection port 181. In one example, the connection port 181 can be a USB or micro-USB dock or port. In another example, an external power source can be used to charge the battery, but renewable energy from the wheel 102 of the bicycle 100 can also be used. The connection 181 can further be configured to receive a connection from an external source, such as a computer, a smartphone, or the like, which can be used to configure the settings or to update the control unit.

[0080] Furthermore, the control unit 18 can include a transmitter. Such a transmitter can be used to transmit a signal indicating the status of the brake unit 10 to the remote control lever unit 20 and / or to an external device such as a computer, a smartphone, or the like.

[0081] Fig.Figure 12 shows a further embodiment of a braking system according to the present invention. The braking system comprises the remote control lever unit 20, which is attached to the wheeled vehicle, at least one braking device 10, which is attached to the wheel of the wheeled vehicle and exerts a braking force based on the signal from the remote control lever unit 20, and a parent control 30, i.e., a remote control that is not attached to the wheeled vehicle. The parent remote control 30 can be carried by a person other than the driver or operator of the wheeled vehicle, for example, a parent or attendant, and is configured to control or actuate the braking unit 10 in an auxiliary or alternative manner.For this purpose, the parent control unit 30 includes an operating element 31, for example, a push button, and a control unit (not shown) that transmits an electrical signal to the brake unit 10 based on an ON / OFF actuation of the operating element 31 or the degree of actuation of the operating element 31. The control unit of the parent control unit 30 includes a transmitter. In one example, the transmitter includes a Bluetooth module and a Bluetooth antenna to enable short-range wireless communication with the brake unit 10. In another example, the transmitter can be based on a long-range wireless protocol that has a greater communication range than Bluetooth communication. The transmitter can be configured to transmit the signal over a communication range of 200 meters or more.The higher-level control unit 30 can be configured to operate in parallel with the remote control lever unit 20 mounted on the vehicle and to provide both an active brake and a parking brake.

[0082] This feature is of great value to some users, especially children and people with disabilities who need help during their activities.

[0083] Although the invention was derived with reference to certain illustrative embodiments, many changes and modifications to the invention may be obvious to the person skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0084] The preferred aspects of the present revelation can be summarized as follows: 1. A remote control lever unit (20) for actuating a brake unit (10) attached to a wheeled vehicle, characterized by: - a lever (22) for operation by a user; - a main body (24) which keeps the lever (22) displaceable and includes a control unit to transmit a signal to the brake unit (10) based on a displacement amount of the lever (22) from a neutral position thereof; - a bracket (26) that holds the main body (26); and - a connecting element (245, 265) which is detachably engaged with the main body (24) and the support (26) at any angle about an axis (X) perpendicular to a plane in which the lever (22) moves. 2. Remote control lever unit (20) according to aspect 1, wherein the connecting section comprises a projection (265) provided on one of the holders (26) and main body (24) along the axis (X) and having one or more sockets (265a) on its outer circumferential surface, and a recessed section (245) for receiving the projecting part (265), wherein the recessed part (245) is provided on the other part, the holder (26) or the main body (24), along the axis (X) and has one or more female toothed parts (245a) dimensioned and shaped to engage with the male toothed parts (265a) on their inner circumferential surface. 3. The remote control lever unit (20) according to aspect 1 or 2, wherein the lever (22) comprises the neutral position, a brake actuation position in which the lever (22) is moved by a user in a first direction from the neutral position, and a parking brake position in which the lever (22) is in is shifted in a second direction opposite to the first direction, and preferably The control unit of the remote control lever unit (20) transmits a signal to the brake unit (10) to activate a parking brake when the lever (22) is moved into the parking brake position. 4. The remote control lever unit (20) according to one of aspects 1 to 3 further includes a calibration device for calibrating the signal to be generated on the basis of the displacement of the lever (22) from the neutral position, taking into account a change in the movable range of the lever (22) from the neutral position to a full braking position as a result of adjusting the neutral position of the lever (22) with respect to and across the connecting section. 5. Remote control lever unit (20) according to aspect 4, which further comprises a relative position sensing device for sensing a position relationship between the main body (24) and the holder (26), wherein a change in the position relationship indicates the change in the range of motion of the lever (22). 6. Remote control lever unit (20) according to aspect 5, wherein the relative position sensing device comprises one or more first electrical contacts provided on the main body (24) and one or more second electrical contacts provided on the holder (26), and the relative position is sensed by the control unit depending on which first electrical contact and which second electrical contact are connected. 7. Remote control lever unit according to any of aspects 1 to 6, wherein the holder (26) comprises a locking section (267) which engages with an outer surface of the main body (24) and maintains a connection state between the main body (24) and the holder (26) via the connecting section (245, 265). 8. Remote control lever unit (20) according to one of aspects 1 to 7, wherein the control unit of the remote control lever unit (20) includes an accelerometer and the control unit is configured to send a signal to the brake unit to activate a parking brake or parking brake function if an output signal from the accelerometer does not change for a predetermined period or does not exceed a predetermined threshold. 9. Remote control lever unit (20) according to one of aspects 1 to 8, wherein the main body (26) comprises a variable resistance element for adjusting a lever resistance against pulling, wherein the variable resistance element preferably comprises a pair of friction elements and a variable pressure device for exerting a contact pressure between the pair of friction elements. 10. Remote control lever unit (20) according to one of aspects 1 to 9, which further comprises a preloading device for returning the lever (22) to the neutral position when the lever (22) is released. 11. Remote control lever unit (20) according to any one of aspects 1 to 10, wherein the control unit comprises a user profile management device for storing one or more user profiles in a memory in the control unit and for reading a requested user profile from the memory. 12. Braking system, characterized by: the remote control lever unit (20) according to one of aspects 1 to 11; and at least one brake unit (10) which receives the signal from the remote control lever unit (20) indicating the displacement amount of the lever (22) from its neutral position and applies a braking force corresponding to the signal to at least one wheel of a wheeled vehicle. 13. The braking system according to aspect 12, which further comprises a superior remote control (30), wherein the superior remote control (30) is configured to actuate the brake unit (10) in parallel with the remote control lever unit (20). 14. Method for repositioning the lever (22) of the remote control lever unit (20) according to one of aspects 1 to 11, comprising the following steps Removing the main body (24) from the holder (26) and Reconnecting the main body (24) to the bracket (26) via the connecting section (245, 265) where a desired neutral position of the lever (22) is achieved. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 5,660,082 A

[0006] US 4,611,500 A

[0007]

Claims

[1] Braking system comprising at least one brake unit (10) for exerting a braking force on a wheel of a wheeled vehicle powered by a person or a motor, further comprising: a remote control (30) configured to send an electrical signal to the brake unit (10), wherein the brake unit (10), when it receives the electrical signal, is configured to exert a braking force on the wheeled vehicle in an additional or alternative manner to braking by a driver or operator of the wheeled vehicle. [2] The braking system according to claim 1, wherein the remote control (30) is separate from the wheeled vehicle. [3] The braking system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the remote control (30) comprises: a control element (31); and a control unit configured to send an electrical signal to the brake unit (10) according to the actuation of the control element (31). [4] The braking system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the remote control (30) comprises a transmitter configured to send an electrical signal over a communication distance of preferably at least 200 meters. [5] The braking system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the brake unit (10) is a hydraulic brake unit. [6] The braking system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the braking unit (10) is attached to a bicycle (100). [7] The braking system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the brake unit (10) is attached to a tricycle. [8] Braking system according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the brake unit (10) is attached to a handbike.

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