Two-way gear shift operator, actuator and gear shift system

Abstract

A bidirectional shifting system 300 for a foot-operated vehicle includes: a bidirectional shifting operator 100, including a bidirectional cable reel 120 fixed to a shift lever, the bidirectional cable reel 120 including a first reel 130, a second reel 140 and a third reel 150; a bidirectional shifting actuator 200; a first shifting cable 310 and a second shifting cable 320, including shifting wires interconnecting the bidirectional shifting operator and the bidirectional shifting actuator.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to gear shifting, particularly to gear shifting in pedal-powered vehicles, such as bicycles. More specifically, this invention relates to gear shifting operators, gear shifting actuators, and gear systems including such gear shifting operators and gear shifting actuators. [Previous Technology]

[0002] In today's market, bidirectional derailleurs are far less common than unidirectional derailleurs. However, bidirectional derailleurs have many advantages compared to unidirectional derailleurs using a single-track system. While it is generally possible to apply more torque, riding a bicycle with a unidirectional gear system typically allows for the application of greater torque to the shifter in one direction, for example, forcing the shifter to a lower gear in one direction. The torque in the opposite direction depends on the spring force of the gear system in the opposite direction, for example, shifting to a higher gear. Typically, derailleur gears are unidirectional and include a return spring. Furthermore, most hub-integrated multi-speed derailleurs are also unidirectional.

[0003] US 6055882A discloses a one-way twist-grip shifter for a bicycle with a twist grip, the twist grip including an outer grip portion and an inner twist portion.

[0004] WO2012128639A1 and WO2020130841 disclose a two-way multi-speed gear system for a foot-operated vehicle and are configured to be operated by a two-way transmission system.

[0005] WO2017149396A2 discloses a hydraulic bidirectional gear system, including a pair of separate hydraulic thumb actuators and corresponding bidirectional hydraulic gear actuators.

[0006] However, riders have different preferences. While thumb actuators work well for many riders, some prefer twist actuators.

[0007] Torsional shift actuators are well known for unidirectional shifting systems, but are not easily adapted to bidirectional actuators. Similarly, unidirectional actuators, which intersect with unidirectional actuators, are quite different from bidirectional actuators because it is essentially a return spring in one direction.

[0008] Although transmission systems with bidirectional gear units that change speed via a reciprocating torsion actuator are known, they are expensive to manufacture due to their internal complexity and relatively large weight.

[0009] One objective of the present invention is to solve the problem of large investment in manufacturing tools, while reducing the weight of the gear system on the operator and actuator side. [Summary of the Invention]

[0010] The present invention is a bidirectional speed changer operator, a corresponding bidirectional speed changer actuator, and a bidirectional speed changer system including such an operator and actuator, according to the independent claim.

[0011] Compared with the prior art, the transmission system has one or more of the following advantages.

[0012] First, due to the design of the components, the production line for manufacturing bidirectional speed changer operators, bidirectional speed changer actuators and bidirectional speed changer systems is not as complex as the production line for prior art systems.

[0013] Therefore, the initial and ongoing production costs are reduced.

[0014] This allows for the production of smaller series and customized components, such as for different line connections.

[0015] In addition, the present invention has the advantage that both the speed changer and the speed change actuator have been reduced in weight.

Implementation Method

[0026] In the following description, various examples and specific embodiments of the invention are set forth in order to provide those skilled in the art with a more thorough understanding of the invention. The specific details described in the context of the various specific embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings are not intended to be construed as limiting. Rather, the scope of the invention is defined in the appended claims.

[0027] The specific examples described below are numbered with "EM" placed first. Furthermore, subordinate specific examples defined with respect to the numbered specific examples are described. Unless otherwise stated, any specific example that can be combined with one or more numbered specific examples may also be directly combined with any subordinate specific examples of the mentioned numbered specific examples.

[0028] EM 01: A bidirectional speed changer 100 for a handle of a foot-operated vehicle, comprising: a housing 110 having a cylindrical extension 112 configured to be mounted on the handle; a speed change lever 160 rotatably mounted on the cylindrical extension, wherein the speed change lever includes: a bidirectional reel 120 fixed to the speed change lever, including a first reel 130, a second reel 140 and a third reel 150.

[0029] In the first subsidiary specific example, the first reel 130 and the third reel 150 are the same.

[0030] In a second subsidiary embodiment that can be combined with the first subsidiary embodiment, the second reel 140 is disposed between the first reel 130 and the third reel 150.

[0031] In a third subsidiary embodiment that can be combined with the second subsidiary embodiment, the first reel 130, the second reel 140 and the third reel 150 respectively have a first side 130a, 140a, 150a and a second side 130b, 140b, 150b, wherein the first side of the first reel is the same as the first side of the third reel, the second side of the first reel is the same as the second side of the third reel, and the first side of the second reel is the same as the second side plate, wherein the first side of the first reel faces the second side of the second reel and the first side of the third reel faces the first side of the second reel.

[0032] In a fourth subsidiary embodiment that can be combined with any of the above subsidiary embodiments, the first, second and third reels have through holes for the cylindrical extension, wherein the through hole of the second reel has a smaller diameter than the through holes of the first reel and the second reel.

[0033] In a fifth subsidiary embodiment that can be combined with the fourth subsidiary embodiment, the diameter of the through hole of the second reel corresponds to the outer diameter of the cylindrical extension.

[0034] In this way, improved support can be obtained for the rotary gear shifter.

[0035] In a sixth subsidiary embodiment that can be combined with any of the above embodiments, the housing includes a clamp configured to clamp the housing onto a handle, wherein the clamp includes a first clamp portion 116a and a second clamp portion 116b.

[0036] The first clamping part can be integrated with the housing, and the second clamping part can be clamped to the first clamping part with screws 114.

[0037] In a seventh subsidiary embodiment that can be combined with any of the above embodiments, the housing 110 includes a through hole having corresponding cable stops 117a, 117b.

[0038] In an eighth embodiment that can be combined with any of the above embodiments, the bidirectional shifter includes an end stop mechanism configured to prevent the shift lever from rotating a full revolution.

[0039] In the ninth embodiment, which is subordinate to the eighth embodiment, the stop mechanism includes a groove in the second side of the third reel and a protrusion in the housing extending into the groove, wherein the groove extends within a range smaller than a full circle in the position of the protrusion.

[0040] The protrusion can be, for example, a metal nail.

[0041] EM 02: The bidirectional speed changer 100 according to EM 01, wherein the cable reel includes a first speed change cable connector and a second speed change cable connector, configured to be connected to the first speed change cable and the second speed change cable respectively, wherein the cable reel is configured to pull the first speed change cable when the speed change handle is rotated in a first direction, and to pull the second speed change cable when the speed change handle is rotated in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0042] In the first subsidiary embodiment, the first wire connector includes a first wire connection portion in the first reel and a second wire connection portion in the second reel.

[0043] In the second subsidiary embodiment, the second wire connector includes a first wire connection portion in the third reel and a second wire connection portion in the second reel.

[0044] In the third subsidiary specific example, the first wire connecting portion and the second wire connecting portion face each other to form the first wire connector and the second wire connector.

[0045] In the fourth subsidiary embodiment, the first wire connector and the second wire connector have a semi-cylindrical shape.

[0046] EM O3: According to the bidirectional speed changer 100 of EM O1 or EM O2, the first side 130a, 150a of the first reel 130 and the first side 140a and the second side 140b of the third reel 150 respectively include the first side line guide path portion 132 of the first reel, the first side line guide path portion 152 of the third reel, the first side line guide path portion 142 of the second reel, and the second side line guide path portion 143 of the second reel.

[0047] In the first subsidiary specific example, the first side guide path portion 132 of the first disc is symmetrically identical to the second side guide path portion 143 of the second disc, and the first side guide path portion 152 of the third disc is symmetrically identical to the first side guide path portion 142 of the second disc.

[0048] In the second subsidiary embodiment, the first side guide path portion 132 of the first reel and the second side guide path portion 143 of the second reel form a first circumferential groove in the wire reel. The first side guide path portion 152 of the third reel and the first side second reel guide path portion 142 form a second circumferential groove in the wire reel.

[0049] In the third subsidiary embodiment, the first circumferential groove and the second circumferential groove are configured to guide and support the first line and the second line, wherein the cross sections perpendicular to the grooves have a constant radius in a 90-degree partition.

[0050] In the fourth specific example,

[0051] EM 04: A bidirectional speed changer 100 according to any one of EM 01 to EM 03 includes a screw 170, wherein the bidirectional cable reel 120 includes a plurality of through holes and the speed change lever 160 includes a plurality of holes, wherein the screw passes through the through holes and is fixed in the holes.

[0052] In the first subsidiary embodiment, the first reel and the second reel respectively include a first rotation guide member 134 and a second rotation guide member 145, configured to determine the relative rotational position of the first reel and the second reel. The third reel and the second reel respectively include a first rotation guide member 154 and a first rotation guide member 144, configured to determine the relative rotational position of the third reel and the second reel.

[0053] A bidirectional speed changer 100 according to any one of EM 01 to EM 04, wherein the speed changer 160 includes a grip portion 161 and a support portion 162, wherein the support portion is at least partially cylindrical and configured to rotate about the cylindrical portion, wherein the grip portion is located radially outward of the support portion.

[0054] In the first subsidiary embodiment, the gripping portion is press-fitted onto the support portion. Alternatively, the gripping portion and the support portion are manufactured by overmolding the gripping portion onto the support portion.

[0055] In a second subsidiary embodiment, the bidirectional speed changer includes a locking element 113 configured to lock the support portion to the cylindrical portion in the longitudinal direction.

[0056] The support portion may be made of, for example, a plastic material, and the grip portion may be made of a relatively soft plastic material.

[0057] EM A1: A bidirectional variable speed actuator 200 for a foot-operated vehicle, comprising: a housing 210, a bidirectional wire reel 220 disposed in the housing 210 and configured to rotate a multi-speed gear shaft 400, wherein the wire reel and the housing have a plurality of through holes, wherein the through holes of the wire reel are configured to hold the variable speed shaft.

[0058] In the first subsidiary embodiment, the housing includes a first removable housing element 211a and a second removable housing element 211b.

[0059] In the second subsidiary embodiment, the first housing element is configured to be detachably mounted on the outside of the first housing element along the opening direction.

[0060] In a third subsidiary embodiment, the first housing element and the second housing element are at least partially cylindrical, wherein the outer diameter of the second housing element corresponds to the inner diameter of the first housing element.

[0061] EM A2: The bidirectional variable speed actuator 200 of EM A1 includes an extended housing 212 fixed to the housing 210.

[0062] In the first subsidiary embodiment, the extended housing includes a first cable conditioner 230 and a second cable conditioner 240.

[0063] In the second subsidiary embodiment, the cable conditioner is configured to pivot in a direction parallel to the plane of the cable reel.

[0064] In a third subsidiary embodiment, the extended housing includes a first cylindrical nut and a second cylindrical nut, wherein the cable adjuster is fixed to the cylindrical nut.

[0065] In the fourth subsidiary embodiment, the extended housing includes a first housing element 212a and a second housing element 212b.

[0066] In the fifth subsidiary embodiment, the first housing element and the second housing element are made of metal plate.

[0067] In the fifth subsidiary embodiment, the first housing element 212a is configured to be at least partially detachably mounted inside the second housing element 212b.

[0068] In the sixth subsidiary embodiment, the first cylindrical nut and the second cylindrical nut are locked between the first housing element and the second housing element.

[0069] EM S1: A bidirectional transmission system 300 for a foot-operated vehicle, comprising: a bidirectional transmission operator 100 according to any one of EO1 to EO5, a bidirectional transmission actuator 200 according to any one of EM1 to EM2, a first transmission cable 310 and a second transmission cable 320, including transmission lines interconnecting the bidirectional transmission operator and the bidirectional transmission actuator.

[0070] In the first subsidiary embodiment, the bidirectional transmission system includes a transmission shaft 400 configured to be disposed in a multi-speed gear system.

[0071] In the second subsidiary embodiment, the gear shaft 400 is hollow and configured to allow through bolts 410 for securing the hub to the frame of the pedal-driven vehicle.

[0072] In exemplary embodiments, various features and details are shown in combination. The fact that a particular example describes several features should not be construed as implying that these features must necessarily be included together in all embodiments of the invention. Rather, features described with reference to different embodiments should not be construed as mutually exclusive. As will be readily understood by those skilled in the art, embodiments combining any subset of the features described herein and not explicitly interdependent have been considered by the inventors and are part of the intended disclosure. However, an explicit description of all such embodiments would not contribute to understanding the principles of the invention, and therefore, for simplicity or brevity, some feature arrangements have been omitted. [Simplified Explanation of the Diagram]

[0016] FIG1 is an exploded view of a bidirectional speed changer 100 according to a specific embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 2 depicts the same speed changer 100 as in Figure 1 in a partially exploded view.

[0018] Figure 3 depicts the speed changer in Figure 1 in an isometric view.

[0019] Figures 4a, 4b and 4c depict the outer spool plate of Figure 1 in more detail.

[0020] Figures 5a, 5b and 5c depict the middle reel of Figure 1 in more detail.

[0021] Figures 6a, 6b and 6c depict the inner coil of Figure 1 in more detail.

[0022] FIG7 depicts a bidirectional variable speed actuator 200 according to a specific embodiment of the present invention in an isometric view.

[0023] Figure 8 depicts an exploded view of the variable speed actuator of Figure 7.

[0024] Figure 9 depicts a cross-sectional view of the speed change actuator in a plane perpendicular to the through-hole of the wire spool 220. Furthermore, this view depicts the speed change shaft 400 of the multi-speed gear system, wherein the external teeth of the speed change shaft mesh with the internal teeth of the wire spool. The depicted speed change shaft is hollow, allowing a through bolt 410 to pass through the speed change shaft and the speed change actuator assembly.

[0025] Figure 10 depicts a bidirectional shifting system 300, including a bidirectional shifting operator 100 of Figure 3 connected to a bidirectional shifting actuator 200. A first shifting cable 310 and a second shifting cable 320, each having multiple internal wires, are interconnected. The shifting operator 100 is typically located at the end of a handlebar, while the shifting actuator is located near the wheel hub of a pedal-driven vehicle. The first and second shifting cables may extend along portions of the frame and / or be partially within the frame.

Claims

1. A two-way speed-changing actuator (100) for a handle of a foot-operated vehicle, comprising: A housing (110) having a cylindrical extension (112) configured to be mounted on a handle, and a gear shift lever (160) rotatably mounted on the cylindrical extension, wherein the gear shift lever (160) includes a bidirectional wire reel (120) fixed to the gear shift lever (160), the bidirectional wire reel (120) including a first reel (130), a second reel (140) and a third reel (150), wherein the first reel (130) and the third reel (150) are identical, and the second reel (140) is disposed between the first reel (130) and the third reel (150). Between the three reels (150), and wherein the first reel (130), the second reel (140) and the third reel (150) include a plurality of through holes, and the shift lever (160) includes a plurality of holes, and a screw (170) passes through the through holes and enters the holes of the shift lever (160) to fix the bidirectional cable reel (120) to the shift lever (160), and cable stops (117a, 117b) are provided on the housing (110).

2. As in request item 1, the bidirectional speed changer (100), wherein, The first reel (130), the second reel (140), and the third reel (150) each have a first side (130a, 140a, 150a) and a second side (130b, 140b, 150b), wherein the first side (130a) of the first reel (130) is the same as the first side (150a) of the third reel (150), and the second side (130b) of the first reel (130) is the same as the second side (150b) of the third reel (150). The second side (150b) of the reel (150) is the same, and the first side (140a) of the second reel (140) is the same as the second side (140b), wherein the first side (130a) of the first reel (130) faces the second side (140b) of the second reel (140), and the first side (150a) of the third reel (150) faces the first side (140a) of the second reel (140).

3. A bidirectional speed changer (100) as requested in any of items 1 to 2, wherein, The first reel (130), the second reel (140) and the third reel (150) have a through hole for the cylindrical extension, wherein the through hole of the third reel (150) has a smaller diameter than the through holes of the first reel (130) and the second reel (140).

4. A bidirectional variable speed actuator (200) for a foot-operated vehicle, comprising: A housing (210) and a bidirectional cable reel (220) are disposed in the housing (210) and configured to rotate a gear shift shaft (400) of a multi-speed gear. The bidirectional cable reel (220) and the housing (210) have multiple openings. The openings of the bidirectional cable reel (220) are configured to hold the gear shift shaft (400). The bidirectional gear shift actuator (200) includes an extension housing (212) fixed to the housing (210). The extension housing (212) includes a first cable adjuster (230) and a second cable adjuster (240). The first cable adjuster (230) and the second cable adjuster (240) are configured to pivot in a direction parallel to the plane of the bidirectional cable reel (220).

5. The bidirectional variable speed actuator (200) as described in claim 4, wherein, The housing includes a first removable housing element (211a) and a second removable housing element (211b), wherein the first removable housing element (211a) is configured to be removably mounted outside the second removable housing element (211b) along the direction of the opening.

6. The bidirectional variable speed actuator (200) as requested in item 4 or 5, wherein, The extended housing (212) includes a first housing element (212a) and a second housing element (212b), wherein the first housing element (212a) and the second housing element (212b) are made of metal plates.

7. A bidirectional transmission system (300) for a foot-operated vehicle, comprising: The bidirectional shifter (100) of any one of claims 1 to 3, the bidirectional shifter actuator (200) of any one of claims 4 to 6, the first shifter cable (310) and the second shifter cable (320), including multiple shifter lines interconnecting the bidirectional shifter (100) and the bidirectional shifter actuator (200).

8. As in request item 7, a bidirectional transmission system, wherein, The gearshift shaft (400) is hollow and configured to allow a through bolt (410) for securing the hub to the frame of the pedal-driven vehicle.

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