Coupled braking system for bicycles

Abstract

coupled braking system for bicycles, comprising: - two brake calipers, each arranged on the front wheel (91) and the rear wheel (93) of a bicycle (20), wherein these two brake calipers are each a first brake caliper (10A) and a second brake caliper (10B), wherein the first brake caliper (10A) is provided with at least two sets of pistons, which are at least one first set of pistons (12A) and at least one second set of pistons (12B), wherein the at least one first set of pistons (12A) and the at least one second set of pistons (12B) are arranged at a distance from one another; - a flow divider (20) connected to the respective interior of the two brake callipers (10A, 10B); - a first master cylinder (30) connected to the interior of the first brake caliper (10A) and operable to exert pressure on a fluid such that the fluid flows into the first piston set (12A) to control the movement of the first piston set (12A); and - a second master cylinder (40) connected to the flow divider (20) and connected via the flow divider (20) to the respective interiors of the two brake calipers (10A, 10B), wherein the second master cylinder (40) can be actuated to exert pressure on a fluid such that the fluid flows into the second piston set (12B) and the second brake caliper (10B) to control the movement of the second piston set (12B) of the first brake caliper (10A) and the movement of the second brake caliper (10B).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of bicycles, in particular to a coupled braking system for bicycles.

[0002] A conventional bicycle braking system includes two brake levers, one for the front wheel and one for the rear wheel, located on either side of the bicycle stem. Typically, the rear brake lever is located on the left side of the bicycle stem, and the front brake lever is located on the right side. When braking, both brake levers must be applied with appropriate force to ensure stable braking of the wheels.

[0003] Since each brake lever only brakes a single bicycle wheel and the cyclist may operate both brake levers using inappropriate forces and / or at an inappropriate time, the bicycle may fall over, for example by tipping over or skidding, which raises questions about cycling safety.

[0004] The invention is based on the object of creating a coupled braking system for bicycles that can brake the front wheel and rear wheel simultaneously using appropriately proportioned forces, thereby reducing the likelihood of falls and improving riding safety.

[0005] The object is achieved according to the invention by a coupled braking system for bicycles having the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0006] The coupled braking system for bicycles according to the invention comprises: two brake callipers, which can be arranged on a front wheel and a rear wheel of a bicycle, each of these two callipers being a first brake calliper and a second brake calliper, wherein the first brake calliper is provided with at least two sets of pistons, which are at least one first set of pistons and at least one second set of pistons, wherein the at least one first set of pistons and the at least one second set of pistons are arranged at a distance; a flow divider connected to the inside of each of the two brake calipers; a first master cylinder connected to the interior of the first brake caliper and operable to apply pressure to a fluid such that the fluid flows into the first piston set to control the movement of the first piston set; and a second master cylinder connected to the flow divider and connected via the flow divider to the respective interiors of the two brake calipers, wherein the second master cylinder can be actuated to exert pressure on a fluid such that the fluid flows into the second piston set and the second brake caliper to control the movement of the second piston set of the first brake caliper and the movement of the second brake caliper.

[0007] The coupled braking system for bicycles according to the invention has the following advantages. When the second master brake cylinder is actuated, pressure is exerted on the fluid such that the fluid is appropriately divided into partial flows by the flow divider. These partial flows are respectively directed into the two brake calipers, ensuring that the front and rear wheels of the bicycle are braked simultaneously using appropriately proportioned forces. This reduces the likelihood of hazards such as tipping and skidding, thereby improving riding safety.

[0008] The invention is described in detail below using an exemplary embodiment and with reference to the drawing. The drawing shows: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a coupled braking system for bicycles according to the invention, Fig. 2 a schematic representation of the application of the braking system in Fig. 1 for a bicycle, Fig. 3 a perspective view of a first brake calliper of the brake system according to the invention in Fig. 1, Fig. 4 an exploded view of the first brake caliper in Fig. 3, Fig. 5 a side view of the first brake caliper in Fig. 3, Fig. 6 a sectional view along the section line AA in Fig. 5, Fig. 7 a sectional view along the section line BB in Fig. 5, and Fig. 8 a schematic representation of the operation of the braking system in Fig. 1.

[0009] The objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the detailed description of an exemplary embodiment and the accompanying drawings. The invention is not intended to be limited to the features apparent from the description and the drawings.

[0010] In Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 shows a preferred embodiment of a coupled braking system for bicycles according to the invention. The coupled braking system comprises two brake calipers, a flow divider 20, and two master cylinders, and is used on a bicycle 90. The two brake calipers can be arranged on a front wheel 91 and a rear wheel 92 of the bicycle 90, respectively. The flow divider 20 serves to control the partial flows of a fluid between the brake calipers and the master cylinders. The two master cylinders are each a first master cylinder 30 and a second master cylinder 40, which can be actuated by a user to cause the two brake calipers to move.

[0011] As in Fig. 1 and Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the two brake calipers are a first brake caliper 10A and a second brake caliper 10B, each used to brake the front wheel 91 and the rear wheel 92 of the bicycle 90, respectively. The two brake calipers push the brake pads with the pressure of the fluid so that the brake pads perform braking. The flow divider 20 is connected to the interior of the first brake caliper 10A and the interior of the second brake caliper 10B, respectively, so that the partial flows of a fluid are introduced into the first and second brake calipers 10A, 10B via the flow divider 20.

[0012] In the above-mentioned preferred embodiment, the two brake calipers can be driven hydraulically or pneumatically, with each brake caliper being provided with a corresponding channel or space for the flow of a liquid or gas. As shown in Fig. 3 to Fig. 6, at least one connection 111 is arranged on the respective brake caliper, which is to be connected to a line extending from the master brake cylinder. Furthermore, at least one guide channel 112 is arranged on the respective brake caliper, which extends inward from the connection 111, so that a liquid or a gas can flow into the guide channel 112 via the connection 111. Furthermore, at least one mounting opening 113 is arranged on the respective brake caliper, by means of which the brake caliper is attached to the bicycle 90.

[0013] As in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the first master brake cylinder 30 is connected directly to the first brake caliper 10A by means of a line and thus not connected to the interior of the corresponding first brake caliper 10A via the flow divider 20, wherein the first master brake cylinder 30 can move the first brake caliper 10A. The second master brake cylinder 40 is connected directly to the flow divider 20 by means of a line and thus connected to the interior of the first brake caliper 10A and the interior of the second brake caliper 10B via the flow divider 20, wherein the first master brake cylinder 30 can move the first and second brake calipers 10A, 10B simultaneously.

[0014] In particular, the respective master brake cylinder comprises an actuating lever and a piston mechanism connected to the actuating lever. The movement of the piston mechanism can be controlled by actuating the actuating lever to exert pressure on the fluid such that the fluid flows via the line into the corresponding brake caliper. This causes the corresponding brake caliper to execute the braking movement. Further structural or functional details of the master brake cylinder vary depending on the type and nature of the master brake cylinder and do not affect the main technical aspects of the braking system according to the invention. Therefore, the master brake cylinders in the braking system according to the invention are not limited to specific structural and functional details.

[0015] As in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, the first brake caliper 10A is equipped with two sets of pistons, namely a first set of pistons 12A and a second set of pistons 12B, which are arranged at a distance from one another. When braking with the first brake caliper 10A, the first master cylinder 30 applies pressure to a fluid such that the fluid flows into the first set of pistons 12A, causing the first set of pistons 12A to move to apply braking. The second master cylinder 40 applies pressure to the fluid such that the fluid flows into the second set of pistons 12B, causing the second set of pistons 12B to move to apply braking. Thus, different sets of pistons are used for braking when the first and second master cylinders 30, 40 are used to apply braking by the first brake caliper 10A.

[0016] As in Fig. 2 and Fig. 8, the coupled braking system for bicycles according to the invention functions as follows. In the preferred embodiment, the first brake caliper 10A is arranged on the front wheel 91 and the second brake caliper 10B is arranged on the rear wheel 92 of the bicycle 90. When the first master brake cylinder 30 is actuated, the fluid is introduced into the first piston set 12A to cause the first piston set 12A to brake the front wheel 91. When the second master brake cylinder 40 is actuated, the fluid flows into the flow divider 20, whereby the fluid is divided into partial flows by the flow divider 20. These partial flows are then respectively introduced into the second piston set 12B and the second brake caliper 10B. Thus, the second piston set 12B and the second brake caliper 10B are simultaneously caused to brake the front wheel 91 and the rear wheel 92, respectively.

[0017] In particular, a distributor valve with a constant flow rate can be selected for the flow divider 20 so that the flow rates of the partial fluids introduced into the two brake calipers are in a fixed, appropriate ratio, thereby avoiding an excessively large difference between the braking forces for the front wheel 91 and the rear wheel 92 of the bicycle 90. Alternatively, a distributor valve with an adjustable flow rate can also be selected for the flow divider 20 so that the flow rates of the partial fluids introduced into the two brake calipers are adjusted depending on the location of the bicycle or other factors in order to brake the front wheel 91 and the rear wheel 92 using appropriately proportioned forces.

[0018] In contrast to conventional braking systems, in which each brake lever brakes only one wheel, braking with the second master cylinder 40 of the coupled braking system for bicycles according to the invention works as follows. Since the second master cylinder 40 is simultaneously connected to the respective interiors of the two brake calipers via the flow divider 20, the fluid to which the second master cylinder 40 exerts pressure is appropriately divided into partial flows. These partial flows are respectively introduced into the two brake calipers, ensuring that the front wheel 91 and the rear wheel 92 of the bicycle 90 are braked simultaneously using appropriately proportioned forces. This reduces the likelihood of hazards such as tipping and skidding, thereby improving riding safety.

[0019] As in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, the respective piston set of the first brake caliper 10A comprises two chambers 13 and two pistons 15, wherein the two chambers 13 are arranged opposite one another. The two chambers 13 of the first piston set 12A are connected to the first master cylinder 30, and the two chambers 13 of the second piston set 12B are connected to the second master cylinder 40, wherein the two chambers 13 of the first piston set 12A and the two chambers 13 of the second piston set 12B are arranged at a distance from one another. The respective piston 15 is arranged in the one corresponding chamber 13. The first brake caliper 10A comprises a plurality of brake pads 14 arranged on the outside of the opening of the one corresponding chamber 13. As a result, the two pistons 15 of the respective piston set can push the two corresponding brake pads 14 such that the two brake pads 14 approach each other.

[0020] As in Fig. 3 and Fig. 5, the respective brake caliper comprises in particular a brake caliper substructure 11, to which the connection 111 is connected. As shown in Fig. 6 and Fig. As shown in Figure 7, the guide channel 112 extends from the connection 111 to the brake caliper substructure 11 and branches such that the partial guide channels are each connected to the two chambers 13. Thus, the fluid exerted by the master brake cylinder can flow into the two chambers 13 via the line and the guide channel 112, causing the two pistons 15 to push the two corresponding brake pads 14 such that the two brake pads 14 approach each other to clamp a brake disc.

[0021] In a further embodiment, it is also conceivable for the first brake caliper 10A to comprise only two brake pads, which are arranged opposite each other between the two pistons 15 of the respective piston set. Regardless of which master cylinder is actuated, these two brake pads can be moved so that the two brake pads approach each other to clamp a brake disc and perform braking.

[0022] In the aforementioned further embodiment of the brake caliper, the pistons 15 of the first and second piston sets 12A, 12B are each in contact with the brake pads at different locations. When braking is performed using different master cylinders, the pistons pushing the brake pads at different locations may result in a discrepancy in the braking effect or even in bending of the brake pads. As a result, the brake pads cannot reliably clamp the brake disc during the subsequent braking application and become prone to failure. In comparison, the first brake caliper 10A in the preferred embodiment has the plurality of brake pads 14, with the pistons 15 of the first and second piston sets 12A, 12B pushing the different brake pads 14 to perform braking.In this way, a stable braking effect is achieved and bending of the brake pads 14 is avoided, whereby the brake disc is securely clamped.

[0023] If, in a further embodiment, the first brake caliper 10A is to be provided with two brake pads, the first brake caliper 10A can be equipped with two aforementioned first piston sets 12A and one aforementioned second piston set 12B, wherein the two pistons 15 of the second piston set 12B are each supported on the center of the two brake pads and the pistons 15 of the two first piston sets 12A are arranged symmetrically to one another with respect to the pistons 15 of the second piston set 12B. This allows the brake pads to be stably pushed and protected from bending when the first piston sets 12A and the second piston set 12B are used for full braking by actuating the different master brake cylinders. This also ensures safe, reliable clamping of the brake disc.

[0024] However, the number of the first and second piston sets 12A, 12B can be varied as needed and is not limited to the number(s) mentioned above in the aforementioned embodiments. If the two pistons 15 of the one second piston set 12B are each supported at the center of the two brake pads, and the remaining second and first piston sets 12B, 12A are arranged symmetrically to each other in the center with respect to the second piston set 12B, the brake pads can be stably pushed and protected from bending.

[0025] If, in a further embodiment, two brake pads are provided, it is also conceivable to arrange one brake pad in a fixed position and equip the respective piston set with only one chamber and one piston, and to arrange the other brake pad corresponding to the individual piston of the respective piston set. During braking, one brake pad is pushed toward the other fixed brake pad, thereby approaching it. In this way, the brake disc can also be clamped to achieve the desired braking effect. However, the arrangement of the first brake caliper 10A is not limited to that mentioned above.

[0026] In the preferred embodiment, the second brake caliper 10B, corresponding to the first brake caliper 10A, also comprises two aforementioned piston sets, whose chambers 13 are interconnected and connected to the second master cylinder 40 via the flow divider 20. Therefore, the brake caliper 10B only needs to be provided with one aforementioned connection 111 and one aforementioned guide channel 112. By actuating the second master cylinder 40, pressure is exerted on the fluid such that the fluid flows through the flow divider 20 and the guide channel 112 and further into all chambers 13 of the second brake caliper 10B, so that the two pistons of the second brake caliper 10B move synchronously. This ensures a stable braking effect.

[0027] In the preferred embodiment, the respective brake caliper substructure 11 of the first and second brake calipers 10A, 10B is assembled from two bearings 110 that are fastened together by bolts. The two chambers 13 of the respective piston set are recessed at the two bearings 110, with the two bearings 110 being arranged substantially symmetrically to each other. If components of the piston set are defective, the two bearings 110 can be separated from each other to remove the brake pads 14 and the pistons 15. This facilitates the replacement, maintenance, and repair of components.

[0028] As in Fig. 4 and Fig. As shown in Figure 7, two limiting projections 16 are arranged protruding on the circumference of the opening of the respective chamber 13 of the respective piston set, which ensure that the brake pad 14 corresponding to the chamber 13 is limited between the two limiting projections 16. In the preferred embodiment, the limiting projections 16 are formed on the bearings 110 of the brake caliper substructures 11. Due to the limitation of the limiting projections 16, the brake pads 14 will move in the direction in which the corresponding chamber 13 is open during braking and will not deviate from the intended direction. In this way, stability is further ensured in the process in which the brake pads 14 are caused to brake a wheel.

[0029] As in Fig.As shown in Figure 7, the coupled brake system for bicycles according to the invention is further configured such that at least one positioning projection 151 is arranged on the respective piston 15 of the respective piston set, and at least one positioning recess 131 is correspondingly formed in the respective chamber 13, wherein the positioning projection 151 is inserted into or removed from the positioning recess 131 of the corresponding chamber 13 with the movement of the piston 15. This ensures a positioning that facilitates the assembly of the piston 15 in the corresponding chamber 13.

[0030] Although the present invention has been described in detail using an exemplary embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to this exemplary embodiment. Rather, modifications are possible such that individual features can be omitted or different combinations of features can be implemented without exceeding the scope of the appended claims. The disclosure of the present invention includes all combinations of the individual features presented. List of reference symbols 10A first brake caliper 10B second brake caliper 11 Brake caliper substructure 110 warehouses 111 connection 112 guide channel 113 Mounting opening 12A first piston set 12B second piston set 13 Chamber 131 Positioning recess 14 brake pad 15 pistons 151 Positioning approach 16 Limit projection 20 flow dividers 30 first master brake cylinder 40 second master brake cylinder 90 bicycles 91 front wheel 92 rear wheel

Claims

[1] Coupled braking system for bicycles, comprising: - two brake calipers, each arranged on the front wheel (91) and the rear wheel (93) of a bicycle (20), wherein these two brake calipers are each a first brake caliper (10A) and a second brake caliper (10B), wherein the first brake caliper (10A) is provided with at least two sets of pistons, which are at least one first set of pistons (12A) and at least one second set of pistons (12B), wherein the at least one first set of pistons (12A) and the at least one second set of pistons (12B) are arranged at a distance from one another; - a flow divider (20) connected to the respective interior of the two brake callipers (10A, 10B); - a first master cylinder (30) connected to the interior of the first brake caliper (10A) and operable to exert pressure on a fluid such that the fluid flows into the first piston set (12A) to control the movement of the first piston set (12A); and - a second master cylinder (40) connected to the flow divider (20) and connected via the flow divider (20) to the respective interiors of the two brake calipers (10A, 10B), wherein the second master cylinder (40) can be actuated to exert pressure on a fluid such that the fluid flows into the second piston set (12B) and the second brake caliper (10B) to control the movement of the second piston set (12B) of the first brake caliper (10A) and the movement of the second brake caliper (10B). [2] Braking system according to claim 1, characterized byin that the first brake calliper (10A) is provided with at least four brake pads (14) and the respective piston set (12A; 12B) comprises two chambers (13) and two pistons (15), wherein the two chambers (13) are arranged opposite one another and the two pistons (15) are each arranged in the two chambers (13), wherein the respective brake pad (14) is arranged on the outside of the opening of the respective corresponding chamber (13) so that the two pistons (15) of the respective piston set (12A; 12B) push the corresponding two brake pads (14) such that these two brake pads (14) approach each other. [3] Braking system according to claim 2, characterized by that two limiting projections (16) are arranged protruding on the circumference of the opening of the respective chamber (13) of the respective piston set (12A; 12B), which ensure that the brake pad (14) corresponding to the chamber (13) is limited between the two limiting projections (16). [4] Braking system according to claim 1, characterized by in that the first brake caliper (10A) is equipped with two aforementioned first piston sets (12A), one aforementioned second piston set (12B) and two opposing brake pads, wherein the respective piston set (12A; 12B) comprises two chambers (13) and two pistons (15), wherein the two pistons (15) are each arranged in the two chambers (13) and the two brake pads are arranged between the pistons (15) of the respective piston set (12A; 12B), wherein the two pistons (15) of the second piston set (12B) are each supported on the center of the two brake pads and the pistons (15) of the two first piston sets (12A) are arranged symmetrically to one another with respect to the pistons (15) of the second piston set (12B). [5] Braking system according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized byin that the first brake calliper (10A) comprises a brake calliper substructure (11) which is assembled from two bearings 110 which are fastened to one another, the two chambers (13) of the piston set (12A; 12B) being recessed in each of the two bearings (110). [6] Braking system according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized by that at least one positioning projection (151) is arranged on the respective piston (15) and at least one positioning recess (131) is correspondingly formed in the respective chamber (13), wherein the positioning projection (151) is inserted into or removed from the positioning recess (131) of the corresponding chamber (13) with the movement of the piston (15).

Images