CH709549A2 - Twist shifter for bicycles. - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an electronic rotary handle switch (1.1) for electronic bicycle transmissions such as multi-speed hubs or derailleurs, which consists of an end cap (30.1), a rotary handle (31.1) and a rubber grip (38), wherein the rotary handle (31.1) between a neutral position and two switching positions is rotatable. The restoring force is realized as a magnetic force, and in the two switching positions proximity switches are mounted, which react to the rotary handle (31.1) in the switching positions.

Description

Technical area

The invention relates to an electronic rotary handle switch for bicycles, in which a rotary handle between a neutral position and two switching position is movable, wherein the rotary handle is acted upon in the switching positions with a restoring force, which returns the rotary handle in the neutral position and react proximity switches on the rotary handle , which is rotated in the switching positions.

State of the art

Electronic switches for bicycles for switching electronic bicycle transmissions such as multi-speed hubs or derailleurs are equipped with push buttons from the prior art. The pushbuttons are actuated by pushbuttons or shifters, which are held by springs in the neutral position or returned to the neutral position. By pressing the push button, a signal for an electric motor is generated, which moves, for example, the derailleur or the derailleur of a derailleur. The pushbuttons can be attached to classic road handlebars, triathlon handlebars, time-trial handlebars, mountain bike bells, straight or curved handlebars for everyday bicycles, and electric bicycles. Pushbuttons are sensitive to water, dirt and dust and are subjected to heavy mechanical stress, which means that their lifespan is limited. Water-, dirt- and dust-proof pushbuttons are comparatively expensive, switches manufactured with these electrical components are therefore expensive to procure or expensive to manufacture because they have to be constructed in a complex manner.

Knob handle for bicycles are known from the prior art, which are mounted in the grip area of a handlebar tube of a handlebar. These consist of a fixed housing connected to a handlebar and a second rotatable housing, a rotary member which contains a cable coil. By turning the rotary part by hand, the cable is opened or unwound.

The principle of the rotary handle switch can be realized only with great effort as an electronic switch for electronic circuits. The twist grip switches are mechanically stressed, exposed to water, dirt and dust and the rotating part must be defined and precisely moved. If the feel of the rotary part is not well worked out, unwanted switching operations occur or the switching operations can not be carried out precisely and promptly. Because of these high demands, rotary handle switches for electronic circuit are not built.

Presentation of the invention

The object of the invention is to provide a the aforementioned technical field associated electronic rotary handle switch for electronic circuit, which is simple and robust, has a good feel of the rotating part, precise and timely switching operations triggers, inexpensive electrical components includes or simple and is inexpensive to manufacture.

The solution of the problem is defined by the features of claim 1. According to the invention, the rotary member is held by magnetic force in the neutral position or returned to the neutral position during rotation in the switching positions and proximity switches react to the rotary member, which is rotated in the switching positions.

By realizing the restoring force as a magnetic force with the simultaneous use of proximity switches, which are influenced by the rotating part, particularly simple, robust, shift-proof and cost-effective electronic rotary handle switch for switching electronic bicycle transmissions as multi-speed hubs or derailleurs can be realized.

The provision of the rotary member in the neutral position is not a classic mechanical element, such as a torsion spring, a tension spring or the like, but via magnetic action. The magnetic effect has the advantage that no mechanical elements such as springs or resilient elements are required, which are sensitive to dust and dirt. The realization of the rotary handle switch with magnetic force also has the advantage that the rotary member is well fixed in the neutral position by the maximum attraction. Bumps and vibrations do not cause the rotating part to move causing unpleasant rattling noises. This is in the realization of a restoring force by springs or resilient elements like the case, because in the neutral position, the springs have little or no force effect, which stabilize or fix the moving part.

With the restoring force as magnetic force can be rotary handle switch with excellent feel, because the magnetic effect in the neutral position and the smallest in the switching position is smallest, when pressing the rotary handle switch to overcome the neutral position, the greatest force must be expended, but then the farther the rotary part twisted decreases sharply until the rotary member strikes in a stop point. This behavior causes the operator of the twist grip switch to receive clear feedback when the rotating part reaches the stop point. In classic springs or springy elements, the force is reversed. In the neutral position, a spring has the smallest force and the greatest force in the shift position. This means that in the neutral position, an actuator often has to be additionally stabilized or fixed in order to create a pressure point or the stop point must be specially designed so that it is clearly noticeable.

Proximity switches respond to approaching i. non-contact without direct contact. They are not mechanically stressed and have a very long service life.

In the combination provision by magnetic force and proximity switch extremely robust and durable rotary handle switch can be realized. In this way, realized rotary handle switch are not dust, water or dirt sensitive and therefore need not be laboriously protected. Therefore, very small, compact and aesthetic rotary handle switches can be built. In addition, the thus constructed rotary handle switches are stable and robust against the effects caused by falls of the bicycle.

In addition, magnets and proximity switches components that are inexpensive to purchase and because they respond without contact, cost-effective, durable and low maintenance rotary handle switch can be made.

The magnets are preferably commercially available permanent magnets or permanent magnets. These usually consist of metallic alloys of iron, nickel, aluminum with additives of cobalt, manganese and copper, or with additions of barium, or strontium hexaferrite. Furthermore, magnets made of bismanol, that is, of iron, bismuth and manganese can be used. Preferably, however, strong magnets made of samarium cobalt or neodymium-iron-boron are used, in particular for higher-quality rotary handle switches.

As a proximity switch, also called proximity sensor or proximity switch, inductive proximity switches, capacitive proximity switches, magnetic proximity switches, optical proximity switches, ultrasonic proximity switches or electromagnetic proximity switches can be used.

In a preferred variant, magnetic proximity switches, such as reed switches, reed contacts are also referred to as reed relays or Hall sensors used. These magnetic proximity switches are inexpensive to procure and robust in operation.

The rotary handle switch can be attached to classic road handlebars, triathlon handlebars, Zeitfahrradlenkern, Mountainbikelenkern, straight or curved handlebars for everyday bikes and electric bicycles. The rotary handle switch is preferably mounted in the grip region of a steering tube of a handlebar and is used for switching electronic bicycle transmissions such as multi-speed hubs or derailleurs.

Alternatively, the rotary handle switch can be mounted at other locations, as in the grip area, a handlebar tube a handlebar. It can be built a rotary handle switch, which can be attached anywhere on the bike, which is accessible with your hands.

In a preferred variant of the rotary handle switch is integrated in the brake lever for mounting on classically curved road handlebars. In this way, a rotary handle switch brake lever unit is provided, which is fastened in the bow of a classically curved road handlebar. In this preferred variant, the brake handle acts as a fixed housing.

Alternatively, with a rotary handle switch, another consumer, be operated as an electronic bicycle transmission. It is particularly suitable consumers with an on / off function or consumers which can be gradually regulated and operated electrically. Suitable consumers are light, horn, connecting an electric motor, control of an electric motor, etc.

The expert is still known other consumers, which can be regulated or switched on or off.

The rotary handle switch consists of a connected to a handlebar or a support rod fixed housing and attached from an axially fixed housing with this second housing, a rotary member, said rotary member is rotated by hand. The rotary member is preferably formed as a rotary handle. The rotating part is usually encapsulated with a rubber-elastic material, resulting in a variety of design options as a turning handle. The rotary member is rotatable in a first and in one, the first opposite, second switching position.

In a preferred variant, the fixed housing is constructed so that the rotary member is pushed on and that the fixed housing forms a bearing for the rotary member.

In the stationary housing a magnet is firmly anchored. The field lines of the magnet preferably extend axially to the rotary handle switch. The second rotatable by hand rotatable part includes a second magnet, wherein in the neutral position, the two magnets are opposite to opposite poles and there is an attraction between the two magnets. The rotating part is fixed by the magnetic force on the fixed housing.

Preferably, the distance between the two magnets in the neutral position is significantly smaller than in the first or second switching position. This optimum force effect is achieved and the rotary handle switch can be kept compact.

By rotating the rotary member by hand, the anchored in the rotary member magnet is deflected accordingly. The turned part can be turned up to a defined stop. The stop is chosen so that when you release the rotary part, the rotary part is returned by the attraction of the anchored in the fixed housing magnet back to the neutral position.

The rotary member is in the first switching position in the attack, the magnet anchored therein has the maximum distance to the anchored magnet in the fixed housing. In the first switching position, a proximity switch is now positioned so that it reacts reliably. That in the first switching position, the distance of the magnet in the rotating part to the proximity switch is the smallest. Now, when we release the rotary part by hand, the rotary part returns to the neutral position due to the attraction of the anchored magnet in the fixed housing. The distance of the magnet in the rotating part to the proximity switch is greater, the force of the magnet on the proximity switch decreases and the proximity switch goes back to its position, which he has no magnetic force. In the neutral position, the magnetic force of the magnet in the rotating part and the magnetic force of the anchored magnet in the fixed housing is too small for the proximity switches to govern. In the second switching position, a proximity switch is mounted analogous to the first switching position.

In a particularly preferred variant, reed switches, which are open without magnet action and close by magnet action, are used as proximity switches.

The reed switches are exposed in the neutral position of the rotating part to a small magnetic field than that they close. That the reed switches are open and there is no power. If the rotary member is rotated to the stop of the first switching position, the magnet in the rotary member approaches the corresponding reed switch, which is positioned near the first switching position, the magnetic field increases, the reed switch closes and a current flows. The same happens when the rotary member is rotated to the second switching position. The reed switch, which is near the second switching position, closes and a current flows. This power can be consumed directly by the consumer. By closing the reed switch but only one signal can be output, which is evaluated by a higher-level control. A higher level controller may be, for example, a bicycle computer.

The person skilled in the art is still aware of other higher-level control systems.

In the twist grip switch and induction switch or piezo elements can be used. These electrical components can be used for batteryless rotary handle switch. In this case, the signal is transmitted by radio. By induction or piezoelectric elements, the energy required for this is made available.

Short description of the drawing

The drawings used to explain the embodiment show: <Tb> FIG. 1 <SEP> is a schematic representation of an aerobar with two rotary handle switches; <Tb> FIG. 2 <SEP> a schematic representation of a mountain bike handlebar with two rotary handle switches; <Tb> FIG. 3a is a schematic illustration of a rotary handle switch in neutral position axially mounted on a handlebar, with the rotary handle switch shown from above; <Tb> FIG. FIG. 3b is a schematic illustration of a neutral position grip switch axially mounted on a handlebar, with the twist grip switch shown from below; FIG. <Tb> FIG. FIG. 3c is a schematic cross-sectional view of a twist grip switch in neutral position, which is axially mounted on a handlebar, with the twist grip switch shown from below; FIG. <Tb> FIG. 3d is a schematic sectional view of a twist grip switch in a neutral position which is axially mounted on a handlebar, the twist grip switch being shown in the rotation axis; <Tb> FIG. 4a is a schematic illustration of a rotary handle switch in the first shift position, which is mounted axially on a handlebar, the rotary handle switch being shown from above; <Tb> FIG. FIG. 4b is a schematic illustration of a rotary handle switch in the first shift position, which is mounted axially on a handlebar, with the twist grip switch shown from below; FIG. <Tb> FIG. FIG. 4c is a schematic cross-sectional view of a rotary handle switch in the first shift position, which is axially mounted on a handlebar, the rotary handle switch being shown from below; FIG. <Tb> FIG. Fig. 4d is a schematic cross-sectional view of a rotary handle switch in the first shift position, which is axially mounted on a handlebar, showing the handle switch in the axis of rotation; <Tb> FIG. 5a is a schematic illustration of a rotary handle switch in the second shift position, which is mounted axially on a handlebar, with the twist grip switch shown from above; <Tb> FIG. Fig. 5b is a schematic illustration of a twist grip switch in the second shift position, which is mounted axially on a handlebar, with the twist grip switch shown from below; <Tb> FIG. Fig. 5c is a schematic cross-sectional view of a twist grip switch in the second shift position, which is axially mounted on a handlebar, with the twist grip switch shown from below; <Tb> FIG. Fig. 5d is a schematic sectional view of a twist grip switch in the second shift position, which is axially mounted on a handlebar, showing the twist grip switch in the rotation axis; <Tb> FIG. Fig. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of a twist grip switch in a neutral position axially mounted on a handlebar, with the twist grip switch shown from above; <Tb> FIG. 7a <SEP> is a schematic sectional view of a third embodiment of a twist grip switch in side view; <Tb> FIG. 7b <SEP> is a schematic representation of a third embodiment of a twist grip switch in side view.

In principle, the same parts are provided with the same reference numerals in the figures.

Ways to carry out the invention

Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of an aerobar, as it is typical for time bicycles and triathlon, mount with two rotary knob.

The two rotary handle switches 1 are switches as they are preferably mounted on aerobars 10, which are used for time trial or triathlon. The twist grip switches 1 are mounted in the grip area of the arm support rods 11 and can be operated in an aerodynamic posture. The aerobar 10 is connected by the stem 12 with the steerer of a bicycle fork.

Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of a mountain bike handlebar with two mounted rotary handle switches.

The two rotary handle switches 1.1 are switches as they are preferably mounted on Mountainbikelenkern 20. The twist grip switches are mounted between the brake handles 21 and the handlebar ends. The Mountainbikelenker 20 is connected through the stem 12 with the steerer of a bicycle fork.

Fig. 3a shows a schematic representation of the top of a rotary handle switch in the neutral position.

The rotary handle switch 1 is mounted on the Armauflagenstange 11 of an aerobar. The rotary handle switch 1 consists of a fixedly anchored to the Armauflagenstange 11 end cap 30, an axially rotatable Armauflagenstange 11 rotary handle 31 and a fixedly anchored to the Armauflagenstange 11 fixing ring 32. In the end cap 30, an end cap magnet 33 is anchored and the rotary handle 31 is a rotary handle magnet 34 anchored. The twist grip switch 1 is in the neutral position, the end cap magnet 33 and the twist grip magnet 34 face each other and are aligned so that they attract each other. The rotary handle 31 is fixed vibration resistant by the attraction of the two magnets.

Fig. 3b shows a schematic representation of the underside of a rotary handle switch in the neutral position.

The rotary handle switch 1 is mounted on the Armauflagenstange 11 of an aerobar. The rotary handle switch 1 is in the neutral position. The end cap 30 has a recess and the rotary handle 31 a pin. The rotary handle 31 can thus only be rotated so far until the pin strikes the end cap 30.

Fig. 3c shows a schematic sectional view of the top of a rotary handle switch in the neutral position, viewed from the bottom.

The end cap 30 is slipped by the fixing screw 35 and rotationally connected to the Armauflagenstange 11. In the end cap 30, two reed switches 36 are cast. The two reed switches 36 are connected by the electric cables 37 to a superordinate controller which controls a bicycle circuit. The twist grip switch 1 is in the neutral position, the end cap magnet 33 and the twist grip magnet 34 are vis à vis. The two reed switches 36 are open, the distance to the two magnets is too large, or the magnetic force too small to react. The fixing ring 32 is fixed with fixing screw 35 fixed to the Armauflagenstange 11 and prevents the rotary handle 31 can be removed.

Fig. 3d shows a schematic sectional view of the rotary handle switch in the neutral position, wherein the rotary handle switch is shown in the axis of rotation.

The two reed switches 36 are cast in the end cap 30 and are within the Armauflagenstange 11. The two reed switch 36 have the same distance from the rotary handle magnet 34 which is anchored in the rotary handle 31.

4a shows a schematic representation of the top of a rotary handle switch in a first switching position.

The rotary handle 31 is rotated by hand in the direction of travel to the left. The handle magnet 34 turns away from the fixed end cap magnet 33.

4b shows a schematic representation of the underside of a rotary handle switch in a first switching position.

The rotary handle 31 is rotated in the direction of travel to the left. The rotary handle 31 can be rotated so far until the pin abuts the edge of the recess in the end cap 30.

Fig. 4c shows a schematic sectional view of the top of a rotary handle switch in a first switching position, viewed from the underside.

The rotary handle 31 is rotated in the direction of travel to the left. The rotary handle magnet 34 moves in the direction of the reed switch 36 and closes it by the magnetic force. As a result, the signal is given to the higher-level control unit and the circuit switches. If the rotary handle 31 is released again, this rotates back to the neutral position due to the attractive force of the end cap magnet 33 and the reed switch 36 opens again.

Fig. 4d shows a schematic sectional view of the rotary handle switch in a first switching position, wherein the rotary handle switch is shown in the axis of rotation.

The rotary handle 31 is rotated in the direction of travel to the left. The rotary handle magnet 34 moves towards the reed switch 36 and closes it. If the rotary handle 31 is released, the end cap magnet 33 pulls the rotary handle magnet 34 and thus the rotary handle 31 back into the neutral position and the reed switch 36 opens again.

Fig. 5a shows a schematic representation of the top of a rotary handle switch in a second switching position.

The rotary handle 31 is rotated by hand in the direction of travel to the right. The handle magnet 34 turns away from the fixed end cap magnet 33.

Fig. 5b shows a schematic representation of the underside of a twist grip switch in a second switching position.

The rotary handle 31 is rotated in the direction of travel to the right. The rotary handle 31 can be rotated so far until the pin abuts the edge of the recess in the end cap 30.

Fig. 5c shows a schematic sectional view of the upper side of a twist grip switch in a second switching position, viewed from the underside.

The rotary handle 31 is rotated in the direction of travel to the right. The rotary handle magnet 34 moves in the direction of the reed switch 36 and closes it by the magnetic force. As a result, the signal is given to the higher-level control unit and the circuit switches. If the rotary handle 31 is released, this rotates back to the neutral position due to the attraction of the Endkappenmagnets 33 and the reed switch 36 opens again.

Fig. 5d shows a schematic sectional view of the rotary handle switch in a second switching position, wherein the rotary handle switch is shown in the axis of rotation.

The rotary handle 31 is rotated in the direction of travel to the right. The rotary handle magnet 34 moves towards the reed switch 36 and closes it. When the rotary handle 31 is released again, the end cap magnet 33 pulls the rotary handle magnet 34 and thus the rotary handle 31 back into the neutral position and the reed switch 36 opens again.

Fig. 6 shows a schematic sectional view of a second embodiment of the rotary handle switch in the neutral position viewed from above.

The twist grip switch 1.1 is attached to a mountain bike handlebar 20. The rotary handle 31.1 is in the neutral position. The rotary handle magnet 34.1 is vis à vis the end cap magnet 33.1. The end cap 30.1 is connected by the fixing screw 35 with the Mountainbikelenker 20 slipping and rotation. In addition to the end cap magnet 33.1 fixed to the end cap 30.1, the two reed switches 36.1 are also firmly cast in the end cap 30.1. The reed switch 36.1 are located outside of the Mountainbikelenkers 20. The rubber grip 38 is mounted on the Mountainbikelenker 20 slipping and twisting and gives the rotary handle 31.1 a stop. The rotary handle 31.1 can be rotated analogously to the rotary handle switch 1. The operation of the rotary handle switch 1.1 is analogous to the rotary handle switch 1. There are two switch positions in which the reed switch 36.1 close and deliver a signal to a higher-level control, which switches an electronic circuit and the rotary handle 31.1 is held by the Endkappenmagnet 33.1 in the neutral position or . returned to this when the deflected handle 31.1 is released.

Fig. 7a shows a schematic sectional view of a third embodiment of the rotary handle switch in the neutral position as a side view.

The rotary handle 31.2 is integrated into a rotary handle switch 1.2, which also includes a brake lever 41 and can be used as a rotary handle switch brake lever unit for classic racing bikes. Such brake shift handles are mounted on classic curved road handlebars. The handle body 39 includes the therein firmly anchored handle body magnet 40, the cast reed switch 36.2 and the brake lever 41. The rotary handle 31.2 is in the neutral position, the rotary handle magnet 34.2 vis à vis the handle body magnet 40th The fixing ring 32.1 is by the fixing screw 35.1 with the handle body 39 firmly connected. The rotary handle 31.2 can be rotated analogously to the rotary handle switch 1. The operation of the rotary handle switch 1.2 is analogous to the rotary handle switch 1. There are two switching positions in which close the reed switch 36.2 and give a signal to a higher-level control, which switches a circuit and the rotary handle 31.2 is held by the handle body magnet 40 in the neutral position or returned to this when the deflected handle 31.2 is released.

Fig. 7b shows a schematic representation of a third embodiment of the rotary handle switch as a side view.

The rotary handle shift lever 1.2 shows the handle body 39, the brake lever 41, the rotary handle 31.2 and the fixing ring 32.1. On the rotary handle 31.2 3 handle pins 42 are mounted for better twisting of the rotary handle 31.2.

Claims (6)

1. rotary handle switch (1), in particular for switching electronic bicycle transmissions such as multi-speed hubs or derailleurs, which consists of a rotary handle (31) which is rotatable between a neutral position and two switching positions, characterized in that the restoring force is designed as a magnetic force and in the switching positions Proximity switch are mounted, which respond to the located in one of the two switching positions rotary handle (31). 2. Rotary handle switch (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that an end cap (30), a rotary handle (31) and a fixing ring (32) or rubber grip (38) are used as components. 3. twist grip switch (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the rotary handle (31) is axially attached to the end cap (30). 4. rotary handle switch (1) according to claim 1 to 3, characterized in that magnetic proximity switches are used. 5. rotary handle switch (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that in addition piezoelectric elements are used to enable wireless operation. 6. twist grip switch (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that a brake lever (41) and a handle body (39) are components.