FR2685280A1 - Compound manual or automatic gearchange device for a cycle - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a compound (hybrid) manual or automatic device for transmission by means of chain, toothed belt or feed belt, intended mainly for cyclists, which makes it possible to adapt the pedalling torque to the resistive torque and to optimise it, this being without a derailleur. In the manual configuration the control of a tensioner "T" secured to the perforated segment "SE1" which in this case is inactive allows an infinite number of transmission ratios between previously fixed extreme diameters. A frictional drive plate is produced by satellites "S" which can be moved radially under the action of inclined ramps "RF" dependent on the pedal and bottom bracket assembly. Springs "R1" ensure that they return to the initial diameter. The automatic nature is provided by a torque integrator composed of a roller "G" and of a perforated sector "SEZ" which, by its combined displacement with "SE1", brings radiation emitters LED and sensors "PH" into register in order to trigger the forwards or backwards action of an electric motor "MO", for acting on "T". The elements of the transmission always remain strictly aligned in the vertical plane.

Description

State of the prior art
Few achievements concerning a semi-automatic or automatic gear change for cycle have appeared to date: let us mention the DEAL system and more recently that of the American Keith Chilcote.

These creations of clever design present, apart from their complexity and their weight, the crippling defect of not allowing the transmission of a significant instantaneous engine torque if need be, their basic principle opposing it
The classic derailleurs, despite their incessant improvements, are mechanical heresies that we are satisfied with for lack of anything better.

The system with unreliable epicycicidal gear trains has apparently been abandoned for a long time.

Variators based on the spacing of the flanges of a leading plate have been proposed, they are not suitable for the low rotational speeds specific to the elements of the cycles driven by pedaling.

1 - Description
The present invention relates to a gear change device preferably intended for cycles, characterized in that it allows these changes without a derailleur; it has only one toothed wheel at the rear ("free" wheel or not).

If the rear sprocket is fixed when the pedal is released, the chain or belt will move on the planet sprockets of a front notch plate
The arrangement at the rear of a so-called "free wheel" pinion will cause the elements offering the least resistance to rotation to turn "empty".

The fictitious chainring made up of eccentric satellites "S" allows under the action of a set of inclined ramps "rye" with a straight or evolving profile integral with the crankset, to move them radially. Said satellites are made up either of a classic ratchet pinion, or of a notched pulley anti-return with jamming rollers (which avoid the blind spots inherent in ratchet wheels). Their pivot axis is located outside their geometric center of rotation and is articulated at the periphery of a ring "C" around which they are distributed. (See plate 1/4).

Each satellite is provided with a lug "E" diametrically opposite to its pivot axis.

This lug engages in one of the inclined ramps "RF" of the motor plate "P1".

Note: In order to facilitate the insertion of the teeth of the planet sprockets in the chain, the end of the teeth will benefit from being bevelled and of asymmetrical profile shifted forward.

A belt must have triangular blackmail. If it is trapezoidal, the satellites will be grooved pulleys (also at the rear).

The crown "C" concentric to the ramp carrier plate "P1" is angularly movable relative to the latter.

Its relative rotation is limited by the stop of the lugs "E" on the bottom of the ramps "RF".

In order to increase the radial clearance of the satellites, they can be mounted on a "MS" support crank. This makes it possible to obtain a greater clearance and a greater amplitude of the variations in diameter.

Their hub in this case is integral with the crank. At rest, tray, ramp holder and crown are brought towards each other by springs "R1". The satellites are thus constantly pushed towards the largest diameter.

This diameter is dependent on the tension of the connecting element (chain or belt) following the action of the tensioner "T", this is balanced by the tension of the springs "R1" in the absence of 'a resistant couple.

This tensioner, actuated manually by a lever exerts its action on the "free strand" (not motor) of the connecting element. The device offers an infinite number of "reason" transmission relationships between the above defined limit points.

The tensioner "T" is controlled by the cable "C3" (Cf. board 2/4). This includes a spring whose function in the "pushed back" position is to allow the movement of "T" during the automatic phase.

The satellites are synchronized by the ramps which keep them at equal distance from the center, even in the non-active phase.

This device allows exceptional efforts such as "sprinting".

Note:
The diagrams show eccentric sprockets "pulled" by the chain, a configuration with sprockets "pushed" is of course conceivable.

The "RF" ramp in this case becomes the "pulling" element and its inclination is reversed,
The balance of forces between ramps and lugs is always achieved by virtue of the law of action and reaction if a resistant couple appears.

Any stress on the tension of the link member (chain or belt) under the action of the tensioner "T" results in the momentary disruption of this balance and the radial displacement of the satellites towards the center (smaller transmission ratio) followed by a new state of equilibrium as a result of the lengthening of the opposing springs "R1".

The opposite occurs when the connecting element is released by the tensioner "T", resulting in an increase in the diameter of the dummy plate.

An elementary principle of mechanics is that if two elements such as a chain or a belt are meshed, one cannot change its linear value without the other.

In the device described above, this is made possible by the relative sliding of the transmission elements (pinion, chain or belt) thanks to the satellite pinions and to their unidirectional rotation. This allows the linear values to be adjusted, both in the direction of expansion of the fictitious plateau and in that of its retraction.

Variants:
In a device where the satellites are in even number, if the ramp profiles located on the side of the pedal arm and opposite have a lower inclination, it is possible to obtain a fictitious "oval" plate. This automatic ovalization is valid for all use diameters. It reduces the inequality of the torque specific to the pedal-pedal system,
In the case of the use of a toothed belt, the so-called "notches" like those of the satellite will be triangular in shape.

A V-belt will be driven by a satellite with a corresponding profile
In all cases, chain, belt and satellites remain rigorously aligned in the vertical plane.

The control system of the "E" pins of satellites can be devolved to rods articulated on the hub of the crankset.

The inclined ramps previously machined in the crankset can be movable relative to the latter (see board 3/4) and their axis of articulation located at its periphery.

Their free end is subjected to the action of rotation of a cam carrier plate "CA" (one per ramp) controlled by a lever (M) disposed on one of the arms of the crankset. This arrangement makes it possible to vary certain parameters and the characteristics of the assembly during the radial displacement of the satellites.

Diagrams 1, 2, 3 and 4 are a typical representation. On the same principle, variants are conceivable.

AUTOMATICITY (Principle)
Automaticity is linked to the notion of resistant torque.

This is highlighted in the device presented by the tangential deformation of the connecting element "L" by the tensioning roller "G". This is dependent on the segment "SE2" which is manually controlled by the action of the cable "C1" and its intermediary the spring "R3".

The tensioner "T" linked to the segment "SE1" is then released (see details below).

The connecting element "L" (chain or belt) is moved in the vertical direction with respect to the plate "P1" and its corresponding the rear sprocket "P2".

The arrow presented by "L" at this time acts on "G" and "SE2" which become "the torque integrator".

The set "L", "P1" and "P2", this. the latter can be a pinion a notched or grooved pulley), fixed or freewheel, constitutes a homogeneous and closed assembly.

The consideration of the resistant torque external to the system cannot result from any action on one of these elements, the internal forces specific to the system self-balancing.

An activator located outside the system is required 'here the motor "MO".

The resistive torque varying in intensity according to the running conditions is interpreted by the roller "G" and "SE2" to interfere with "SE1" to act on the so-called "free" strand of the connecting element "L" by acting on the tensioner "T" via the motor "MO" (Cf plate 2/4), not reversible in the absence of supply.

The piloting of this motor is controlled by the successive discovery of "PH" photo-receptor cells, two of which are connected in parallel.

A double ray of light provided by two photoluminescent diodes "LED" face them. (Other sources can be used).

Depending on the displacement of the segment "SE2" relative to SE1 "under the voltage of" L "(" SE1 "being considered at this immobile moment), windows" F "are discovered, holes or slots which each carry number of segments any.

Their intertwining (Cf plate 2/4), triggers an electrical impulse which is used to activate the "MO" motor.

The special feature of the device is that the spacing of the "LEDs" is equal to half the spacing of the holes or slots of the windows "F" carried by the segments "SE1" and "SE2".

 As a result, when one of the "LED" diodes is masked by the solid part of a segment, one of the windows of this same segment unmasks the other "LED".

On the opposite segment, the same situation may occur, but vice versa.

The diode unmasked by the first segment is masked by the second. In this case, nothing happens. The "MO" motor is not activated due to the lack of flow from the "PH" photoreceptors supplying the "RP" power relay.

If a change in the resistive torque appears, either that the connection "L" tightens or distends (arrow of L) this results in the displacement of the segment "S2" requested by the roller "G" and the discovery of one of the photoreceptors by moving a window of "SE2".

This photoreceptor will output on the relay "RP" and through the reverse gear "I" which switches in the direction taken.

The motor "MO" comes into action, being jointly engaged by the cam stopper "B" during the operation of the lever engaging the automaticity by the engagement of the contactor "CT" (Cf. board 4/4).

The movement in the opposite direction of the "SEl" segment will continue until the photoreceptor is closed again.

The device thus works step by step in both directions as a function of the voltage state of the link L (arrow which it presents at this instant).

A "backward" movement of the "BO" control lever allows acting on the "CT" contactor and stopping the operation in the current position.

Regardless of this action, the device freezes when the segments no longer have opposing windows (end of travel).

An intense effort exerted on the crankset such as that resulting from a "sprint" does not in any way affect the behavior of the assembly which remains insensitive to it.

The role of "LEDs" can be devolved to simple low-power lamps or any emitters such as laser, infrared emitter, ultrasound, by effect transistor
Hall, as well as simple wipers (brooms). In this latter arrangement "SE1" and "SE2" comprise conductive zones which alternate with insulating parts.

Such a design authorizes the device remote control according to convenience, from a transmitter located within easy reach on the handlebars by a non-material link such as infrared ray, ultra sonic, laser or by optical fibers.

Motor: this is not necessarily located on the axis of the tensioner T, but can activate the latter by chain or belt, the torque to be transmitted being low.

The engine may be of the conventional type.

A new generation based on the principle of the piezoelectric or piezo-magnetostrictive, rotary or linear effect is suitable.

Non-reversibility is required, whether intrinsic to the engine or obtained by the transmission.

The power is supplied by battery or accumulator, the latter can be recharged by a rectified generator integrated into the vehicle and put into action in gradients with the double aim: to ensure the recharging of the battery and to be associated with braking by effect against electro-motor.

Note:
A device for integrating the resistant torque can be produced by a pendulum system, which can consist of a ball, a mercury gouffe or an air bubble moving in a curvilinear housing, this housing containing a damping liquid, the transmitters and receivers remaining those previously defined. In such a scheme, the notion of external events such as wind or ground conditions cannot be taken into account.

The electronic or electrical part as well as the elements "G" "SEl" and "SE2" can be omitted: only remaining the manual control of the tensioner "T", the basic principle of the device is not modified, but the simplicity wins as well as the relief at the expense of convenience.

Automatic device:
The manual control not shown in detail to gain clarity is made by a single command "BO" (Cf. board 4/4) of the "bowden" type with one or two pulleys. In the latter case, one of the cables is wound in one direction, the other in the opposite direction.

A bifurcation allows one of them to act in parallel on "Cl" and "C2", the tensioner "T" being actuated by "C3". The stop of the lever is constituted by the contactor "CT" which has the function of engaging the automaticity.

A slight return of the joystick interrupts automatic operation, its more pronounced movement again engages the manual process.

In this new configuration, the device regains its character of insensitivity to significant efforts such as sprinting. The diameter of the dummy plate is defined by the position of the joystick at this time.

Violent stresses on the bottom bracket, the resulting jolts, can possibly be absorbed by a single-acting hydraulic shock absorber acting either on the eccentric "E" or on the segment "SE2".

The same result is obtained by the timing of the power relay "RP".

The arrangement of the transmitters and receivers can be made according to the rcryon of the segments "SEl" and "SE2".

LEGEND
Pi: Leading plate
P2: Led gear
S: Satellite
C: Crown for satellite S
Cl, C2 C3: Control cables BO: RF control lever, RM: Fixed and mobile ramps
A: Satellite axis
E: Eccentric pin
MS: Satellite crank
CA: Crankset cam
M: Pedal lever
B: Rotating cam stop
R1: Inter-plate-crown spring R2: Tensioner travel spring
R3: Joystick control travel spring
R4: Return spring for rotary stop
MO: Motor
T: Selection tensioner
SEl, "SE2": Openwork segments
G: Integrating torque roller
CT: Limit switch RP: Power relay IM: reverse motor
LED: Radiation emitter
PH: Photo-receptor
L: Chain or belt link

Claims (2)

 2 - Claims 1) - Gear shifting device  characterized in that it is mixed, manual or automatic  without derailleur and in that it allows with a single sprocket  fixed rear or freewheel, transmission of the pedal torque, by chine toothed or trapezoidal belt (link member "L") and in that during all the operating phases, the link "L" and the driving and driven parts " Pl "and" P2 "remain strictly aligned in the vertical plane.  It consists of a motor plate "Pl" linked to the crankset, a crown "C" which is concentric with it and relatively free to rotate. This crown carries eccentric satellites "S", in any number, focused on "A". These axes can be arranged on a crank arm "MS" in order to increase their travel.  The offset of these satellites is achieved by inclined ramps linked to the "Pi" plate. The diagram presented is only an example of construction. The satellites can be controlled by a set of links centered on the bottom bracket hub. The satellites in the 1/4 board are in the "thrust" configuration. Lcr so-called "pulled" solution requires ramps inclined inversely.  "C3" cable, a fictitious plate of variable diameter.  as a result of manual control of the tensioner "T" by the The star arrangement of the satellites enables,  towards the largest diameter.  The springs "Rl" have the function of bringing back the satellites  the chain resulting from the torque resisting any radial displacement, the forces engaged being constantly balanced.  Satellites and ramps prohibit under the tension force of  possible.  A significant effort such as that provided during a "sprint" is  The rear pinion "P2" can be fixed or with a so-called "free wheel".  the connecting element "L" and the satellites due to the unidirectional direction of rotation of the latter.  fictitious are allowed by the relative linear displacement of  the expansion or retraction of the "Pl" diameter plate 2) - Device characterized according to claim 1, in that Asymmetrical or not, these ramps can be made mobile and articulate around an axis of rotation "A" located at the periphery of the motor plate "Pi". Their inclination under the action of a lever "M" placed on an arm of the crankset acts on the cam holder "CA", modifying the characteristics and the behavior of the system. The linear deviations linked to these variations being absorbed by a pseudo-sliding 3) - Device characterized according to claims I and 2, in that the asymmetrical inclination of the inclined ramps, the least inclined being located perpendicular to the arms of the crankset and diametrically opposite, allows the creation of a fictitious oval plate regulating coupla  Fictitious "PI" / "P2".  to automatically change the gear ratio  that the resisting torque is highlighted and used here 4) - Device characterized according to claims 1 2 and 3, in that  "SE2" segment, manually controlled by the "C3" cable.  The roller "G" tensioner of the link "L" is pushed by a  function of the resistive torque received.  "Tl" which modifies the diameter of the fictitious plate "Pl" in  electrically a "MO" motor which acts on the tensioner  The segments "SE2" and "SEl" interfere to activate  the arrow of "L". "  "G" and "SE2" form an integrator of the torque resulting from  are intrinsically irreversible.  linear, which while being undemanding in energy  piezoelectric or piezo-magnetostrictive, rotary or  either by adopting the new generation of engines  intermediaries, either by the design of the transmission,  The motor must be irreversible in rotation during the phases 5) - Device characterized according to claims 1 2 3 and 4, in that the device ensuring the automaticity is composed of segments "SE1" and "SE2" which interfere from the perforation or the scallop (window) "F" of these segments in order to trigger a "step by step" command of the "MO" motor by interrupting and connecting a non-material beam emitted by "LED" via a "PH" receiver to control the power relay " RP ". "MO" acting on the tensioner "T" and "SEl" which are integral, works in both directions. The command for "SE2" is made in parallel with that for "MO" and initiates its mechanical connection with "T", the cable "C3" actuating "T" being released during this maneuver. This maneuver is carried out using the "BO" lever of the "bowden" type. The emitting source can be a laser diode, an emitter with infrared rays, Hall effect or wipers (brushes) sliding on alternating conductive or insulating zones.  The notching of the segments "SEl" and "SE2" has a spacing (pitch) twice that of the spacing of "LED". A damping of the travel of the roller "G" and of the segment "SE2", during violent stresses of the pedal, can between obtained by a hydraulic shock absorber with simple effect linked to "G" or "SE2" or by the delay of the power relay "RP" (longer period than that of pedaling).  laser, ultra-sonic or fiber optics without loosening the handlebars, by manipulating a contactor placed on the handlebars.  that it can be remote controlled by an infrared source 6) - Device characterized according to claims from l to 5 in that  "straightened" integrated into the vehicle.  reader. The latter can be recharged by a generator  that the power supply is made by battery or accumulated 7) - Device characterized according to claims from l to 6 in that In declivities its borrowing of energy exerts a braking action which can be beneficial. The autonomy of the electric power source is thus almost unlimited. 8) - Device characterized according to claims from l to 7 in that the above-described "step by step" system can be controlled by a "pendulum" slope indicator consisting of a pendulum, a ball, a drop of mercury or an air bubble, the latter moving in a curvilinear guide containing a damping liquid. This device does not allow external events such as wind or ground conditions to be taken into account.  affected.  command by the cable "C3". The basic principle is not  deleted, only remaining the tensioner "T" and its com  that the whole electronic or electrical part can be 9) - Device characterized according to claims from l to 8 in that  that manual control is carried out by the so-called "bowden" system. This consists of a lever and one or two pulleys which receive the cables. 10) - Device characterized according to claims from l to 9 in A contactor establishes contact at the end of the stroke and engages the automatic control. A very slight return from the "MA" control lever interrupts the current and leaves the transmission ratio as it is. A more pronounced movement of the lever brings the device back to its "manual" phase. Always insensitive to significant pedaling efforts such as "sprinting".