Handbrake arrangement of a bicycle

Abstract

Handbrake assembly (80) of a bicycle, which is attached to a handlebar (91) of a bicycle and connected to a brake line (92), wherein the handbrake assembly (80) comprises the following: - a mounting base (10) that can be attached to the handlebar (91) and is provided with a cable opening (11) for routing the brake line (92); and - a brake lever (20) arranged on the mounting base (10) and provided with a line connection (21) for connecting the brake line (92), wherein the brake lever (20) is pivotable with a pivot axis (A) as its center relative to the mounting base (10) between a starting position and a braking position, wherein the brake lever (20) is supported on the mounting base (10) when it is in the starting position or the braking position after a pivoting movement; characterized in that the extension of the line connecting the line opening (11) and the pivot axis (A) can be called a reference line (B), wherein the center point (C) of the line connection (21) can cross the reference line (B) when the brake lever (20) is pivoted from the starting position to the braking position.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a bicycle accessory, in particular a handbrake arrangement for a bicycle.

[0002] There are various types of bicycle brake systems, which are mechanically or hydraulically controlled. A bicycle brake system consists of a brake line or hydraulic hose that runs from a brake lever to a brake caliper located next to the wheel. The brake caliper is then actuated by the brake lever to initiate braking.

[0003] For safety reasons, some countries or regions require bicycles to be equipped with a parking brake, i.e., a handbrake. On bicycles with hydraulic brakes, a locking pin is traditionally located on the brake lever. When the brake lever is pulled, the brake caliper is actuated to initiate braking. After braking, the locking pin can be pressed to secure the brake lever in the braking position, thus achieving the effect of a handbrake.

[0004] However, the conventional handbrake design of the type mentioned above requires a continuous supply of hydraulic fluid to the brake caliper, which places a heavy strain on the hydraulic system. This is especially true for users who frequently need to apply the parking brake briefly, such as postal workers and delivery drivers. Therefore, the hydraulic system requires intensive maintenance and regular refilling with brake fluid, resulting in a relatively short lifespan.

[0005] The invention is based on the objective of creating a handbrake arrangement for a bicycle that solves the problems present in bicycles with hydraulically controlled handbrakes, namely high stress and a short service life of the hydraulic system, wherein the handbrake arrangement of a bicycle can be mounted next to a hydraulic brake and is suitable for briefly stopping the bicycle or locking the brake when parking.

[0006] The problem is solved according to the invention by a handbrake arrangement for a bicycle with the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0007] The handbrake assembly according to the invention is attached to the handlebars of a bicycle and connected to a brake line. The handbrake assembly comprises the following: a mounting base that can be attached to the handlebars and is provided with a cable opening for routing the brake line; and a brake lever which is arranged on the mounting base and provided with a line connection for connecting the brake line, wherein the brake lever is pivotable with a pivot axis as its center relative to the mounting base between a starting position and a braking position, wherein the brake lever then rests on the mounting base when, after a pivoting movement, it is in the starting position or the braking position.

[0008] The extension of the line connecting the pipe opening and the axis of rotation can be called the reference line, whereby the center point of the pipe connection may cross the reference line when the brake lever is pivoted from the starting position to the braking position.

[0009] The handbrake arrangement for a bicycle according to the invention has the following advantages. When used on bicycles with hydraulic brakes, the handbrake arrangement according to the invention can be used independently of the hydraulic braking system. Compared to the design of the conventional handbrake, in which a locking pin is arranged on the hydraulic brake lever, this design can relieve the hydraulic system, thereby reducing the frequency of maintenance and oil changes and extending the service life of the hydraulic system.Furthermore, the positions of the line opening, the axis of rotation, and the line connection are advantageously arranged such that the center point of the line connection can cross the reference line when the brake lever is pivoted. This reference line is an extension of the line connecting the line opening and the axis of rotation, allowing the torque exerted by the brake line on the brake lever to act in a different direction after the brake lever is rotated. This ensures that the brake lever is fixed in the braking position and the brake disc is braked by the caliper. Thus, the handbrake effect is achieved with a simply constructed handbrake.

[0010] The invention is described in detail below with reference to an exemplary embodiment and the drawing. The drawing shows: Fig. 1 a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a handbrake arrangement of a bicycle according to the invention, Fig. 2 an exploded view of the components of the preferred embodiment, Fig. 3 a perspective view of a brake lever of the preferred embodiment, Fig. 4 a side and sectional view of the preferred embodiment, Fig. 5 a schematic representation of the assembly of the handbrake arrangement according to the invention in Fig. 1 on a bicycle, Fig. 6 a top view of the handbrake arrangement according to the invention in Fig. 1 with a brake lever in the starting position in sectional view, Fig. 7 a schematic representation of turning the brake lever to the brake position in the handbrake arrangement according to the invention in Fig. 1, and Fig. 8 a top view of the handbrake arrangement according to the invention in Fig. 1 with a brake lever in the braking position in sectional view

[0011] The following section explains the tasks, features, and advantages of the present invention in more detail with reference to the detailed description of the exemplary embodiment and the accompanying drawing. The invention is not intended to be limited to the features described in the description and shown in the drawing.

[0012] The handbrake arrangement according to the invention for a bicycle is attached to the handlebars of a bicycle and connected to a brake line. By actuating the handbrake arrangement, force is transmitted via the brake line to perform braking. As shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the handbrake arrangement 80 comprises a mounting base 10 and a brake lever 20, wherein the brake lever 20 is arranged on the mounting base 10.

[0013] As in Fig. 1 and Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the mounting base 10 can be attached to a bicycle handlebar. In the preferred embodiment, a quick-release clamp 14 is arranged on the mounting base 10. By loosening and tightening the screw, this quick-release clamp 14 can be adapted to handlebars with different diameters and fixed to them. In further embodiments, a precisely fitting receiving hole for a handlebar of a fixed size can also be arranged on the mounting base 10, whereby this embodiment can also achieve the desired mounting effect. However, the design is not limited to the preferred embodiment.

[0014] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the mounting base 10 is provided with a cable opening 11 through which a brake line is inserted into the mounting base 10 from the outside. A brake line is then connected to the brake lever 20, which is attached to the mounting base 10 and pivotably mounted on it. In the preferred embodiment, the mounting base 10 comprises two retaining devices 12, which are spaced apart from each other. The brake lever 20 is inserted between the two retaining devices 12 and pivotably mounted on these two retaining devices 12. Thus, the brake lever 20 is pivotally and securely mounted on the mounting base 10.

[0015] As in Fig. 2 and Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the brake lever 20 is essentially elongated and has two opposite ends. As shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the brake lever 20 is pivotably mounted at one end on the mounting base 10, thus defining an axis of rotation A. With the axis of rotation A as its center point, the brake lever 20 can pivot relative to the mounting base 10. At the other end of the brake lever 20, an actuating element 201 is formed, which the user can rotate by applying a force to the brake lever 20.

[0016] As in Fig. 2 to Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the brake lever 20 is provided with a hose connection 21 for connecting a brake hose. In the preferred embodiment, the hose connection 21 is arranged closer to the end of the brake lever 20 at which the brake lever 20 is pivotably mounted on the mounting base 10. When the brake lever 20 is rotated by applying a force to the actuating part 201 to pull the brake hose, the torque exerted by the brake hose as resistance on the brake lever 20 is smaller, so that the brake lever 20 can be rotated more easily.

[0017] The inventive handbrake arrangement 80 of a bicycle is used on a bicycle with a hydraulic braking system. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the handbrake assembly 80 is attached to the handlebar 91 of a bicycle and connected to a brake line 92. A hydraulic brake lever 93 is also attached to the handlebar 91. Accordingly, a brake disc 94 is arranged on one wheel (front or rear wheel) of the bicycle, which is equipped with a hydraulic brake caliper 95 and a mechanical brake caliper 96. The hydraulic brake lever 93 is connected to the hydraulic brake caliper 95 via a hydraulic line 931. The handbrake assembly 80 is connected to the mechanical brake caliper 96 via the brake line 92.

[0018] When braking while riding, the rider can actuate the hydraulic brake lever 93, which hydraulically drives the hydraulic brake caliper 95 to decelerate the brake disc 94 and thus provide strong braking force, with this actuation being carried out smoothly and requiring little effort. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, the handbrake assembly 80 is used to stop or park the bicycle by means of a brake line 92, which, through mechanical force transmission, drives the mechanical brake caliper 96 to brake the brake disc 94. Thus, braking is carried out and the brake is engaged.

[0019] For the operation of the handbrake assembly 80, particular attention is paid to Fig. 6. The direction of the torque generated by the brake line 92 can be determined by reference to a reference line B, which is an extension of the line connecting the line opening 11 and the axis of rotation A, and by reference to the midpoint C of the line connection 21. When the handbrake assembly 80 is not actuated, the midpoint C of the line connection 21 is located on one side of reference line B, with the torque of the brake line 92 in the view shown in Figure 6. Fig. 6 acts clockwise, so that the brake lever 20 is supported on the mounting base 10 and is thus fixed in a starting position, while the mechanical brake caliper 96 is detached from the brake disc 94.

[0020] By applying a torque to the brake lever 20 that overcomes the torque exerted by the brake line 92, the user rotates the brake lever 20 and pivots it from its initial position relative to the mounting base 10. During this pivoting process, the center point of the line connection 21 shifts onto the vertical surface defined by the reference line B, such that the brake line 92 runs parallel to the reference line B. The brake line 92 will now exert no torque on the brake lever 20 but is in a state of unstable equilibrium. Regardless of whether a torque is applied slightly towards the initial position or in the opposite direction, the brake line 92 will again exert a torque on the brake lever 20 as soon as the center point of the line connection 21 leaves the vertical surface defined by the reference line B.

[0021] Further information will be provided on Fig. Reference is made to section 8. If the user continues to apply torque and the brake lever 20 is thereby pivoted further such that the center point of the line connection 21 crosses the reference line B (i.e., crosses the perpendicular surface defined by the reference line B), the brake line 92 will move to the other side of the reference line B. The direction of action of the torque exerted by the brake line 92 on the brake lever 20 will now be reversed to counterclockwise. Thus, the brake lever 20 will no longer be pulled upwards to its initial position, but rather in the opposite direction, so that it will bear against further parts of the mounting base 10 and then be fixed in a braking position. The mechanical brake caliper 96 will thus be maintained in the state in which it brakes the brake disc 94, thereby achieving the handbrake effect.

[0022] The handbrake arrangement 80 of a bicycle according to the invention has the following advantages. When used with bicycles equipped with hydraulic brakes, the handbrake arrangement according to the invention can be used separately, independent of the hydraulic brake system. Compared to the design of the conventional handbrake, in which a locking pin is arranged on the hydraulic brake lever, this design can relieve the hydraulic system, thereby reducing the frequency of maintenance and oil changes and extending the service life of the hydraulic system.Furthermore, the positions of the line opening 11, the axis of rotation A, and the line connection 21 are advantageously arranged such that the center point of the line connection 21 can cross the reference line B when the brake lever 20 is pivoted. This reference line is an extension of the line connecting the line opening 11 and the axis of rotation A, so that the torque exerted by the brake line 92 on the brake lever 20 can act in a different direction after the brake lever 20 is rotated, thus fixing the brake lever 20 in the braking position and braking the brake disc 94 by the mechanical brake caliper 96. In this way, the handbrake effect is achieved with a simply constructed handbrake.

[0023] As in Fig. 3, Fig. 4 and Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the brake lever 20 is further provided with a pivot bore 22 and a side slot 23, wherein the pivot bore 22 extends along the axis of rotation A and the side slot 23 extends along the radial direction of the pivot bore 22 from the outer surface of the brake lever 20 inwards into the pivot bore 22 and simultaneously into the hose connection 21. Thus, the brake hose 92 can be moved in the side slot 23 and inserted through the pivot bore 22. During the process of pivoting the brake lever 20 into the braking position, the brake hose 92 can certainly be moved to the other side of the reference line B and is not blocked by any other structures.

[0024] As in Fig. 2 and Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the joint bore 22 is connected to the two holding devices 12 by means of two joint bolts 30. Each joint bolt 30 has a smooth section and a meshing section in its axial direction, the circumference of which is a smooth circular surface and the outer circumference of which is toothed. During assembly, the smooth sections of the two joint bolts 30 are inserted into the upper and lower ends of the joint bore 22, respectively.

[0025] The engagement sections are then brought into corresponding holes on the retaining devices 12 to create a joint connection. The two joint bolts 30 are spaced apart so that the brake line 92 can be guided through the part of the joint bore located between the two joint bolts 30.

[0026] As in Fig. 2 to Fig. 4 and Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the brake lever 20 is further provided with a receiving slot 24, which extends along the longitudinal direction D1 of the brake lever 20 and from the outer surface of the brake lever 20 to the hose connection 21, and which, together with the hose connection 21, is recessed inwards from the outer surface of the brake lever 20 in the axial direction of the pivot bore 22. This allows the receiving slot 24 to communicate with the side slot 23. In particular, the axial direction of the pivot bore 22 and the longitudinal direction D1 of the brake lever 20 intersect, and the radial direction of the threaded bore 22 also intersects the longitudinal direction D1 of the brake lever 20. Preferably, the axial direction of the pivot bore 22 and the longitudinal direction D1 of the brake lever 20 are perpendicular to each other, and the radial direction of the pivot bore 22 and the longitudinal direction D1 of the brake lever 20 are also perpendicular to each other.

[0027] The combination of the receiving slot 24 with the side slot 23 ensures that other parts of the brake line 92 can be inserted into the brake lever 20 via the receiving slot 24 when the hose head of the brake line 92 is pressed into the hose connection 21, and in particular, can be inserted via the receiving slot 24 into the side slot 23 during the pivoting movement to ensure the connection of the brake line 92 to the brake lever 20. This prevents the brake line 92 and other components from interfering with each other during the aforementioned pivoting movement.

[0028] How Fig. 2 and Fig.As shown in Figure 6, the mounting base 10 further comprises a cable section 13 on which the cable opening 11 is arranged such that it passes through the cable section 13. When the brake lever 20 is fixed in the initial position by the action of the brake cable 92, it is supported by the cable section 13. The two functions, namely that the cable opening 11 is arranged on the cable section 13 and that the brake lever 20 is supported by the cable section 13, are integrated into the cable section 13, so that the mounting base 10 has a more compact design, requires less space and is therefore lighter.

[0029] Furthermore, the two holding devices 12, the cable part 13 and the quick-release clamp 14 of the mounting base 10 are integrated into the mounting base 10.

[0030] In particular, the mounting base 10 can be a plastic component manufactured by injection molding or a component manufactured in one piece from other materials using a mold. This increases the accuracy of the relative position of the two holding devices 12 and the cable opening 11 running through the cable section 13, so that the assembly steps, namely the pivoting mounting of the brake lever 20 on the two holding devices 12 and the routing of the brake line 92 from the cable opening 11 of the cable section 13 to the brake lever 20 pivotally mounted on the two holding devices 12, are made easier and more precise.

[0031] Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to one embodiment, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to this embodiment, but rather that modifications are possible such that individual features can be omitted or different combinations of features can be implemented without exceeding the scope of protection of the appended claims. The disclosure of the present invention includes all combinations of the individual features presented. Reference symbol list 10 Mounting base 11. Pipe opening 12 Holding device 13. Cable section 14 quick-release clamps 20 brake levers 201 Actuating part 21 Line connection 22 Joint bore 23 side slots 24 recording slots 30 hinge bolts 80 Handbrake arrangement 91 handlebars 92 Brake line 93 hydraulic brake lever 931 Hydraulic line 94 brake disc 95 hydraulic brake caliper 96 mechanical brake caliper A axis of rotation B Reference line C Center D1 Longitudinal direction

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