JP2004323013A - Operation device for vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an operation device for part assembling for a vehicle capable of being operated simply. <P>SOLUTION: This operation device 52 for the vehicle is provided with an operation mechanism 62, a positioning mechanism 104, and a valve mechanism 144. The operation mechanism 62 moves a control element 64. The positioning mechanism 104 is connected with the operation mechanism and has at least two positions to hold the control element at two positions in accordance with the operation mechanism. The valve mechanism 144 is connected with the operation mechanism 62 to open and close a fluid passage in accordance with the operation mechanism 62. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicle actuator.

  Cycling is becoming increasingly popular as a means of transportation as well as recreation. In addition, cycling has become a very popular competitive sport in both amateur and professional disciplines. Whether the bicycle is used for recreation, transportation or competition, the bicycle industry is constantly improving various parts of the bicycle.

  For example, the front and rear transmission assemblies are often redesigned for ease of operation. The transmission assembly (gearbox) uses a plurality of gears to facilitate bicycling uphill or to facilitate high-speed driving on level ground. 2. Description of the Related Art A transmission (transmission assembly) generally includes a transmission control component used by a rider to shift a speed, and a transmission mechanism connected to the transmission control component by a control cable.

  The shift control component includes, for example, two shift levers and a cable winding mechanism that rotates through a ratchet mechanism when the shift lever operates. There are two types of transmission mechanisms, an internal type and an external type. The external transmission mechanism is installed in parallel with each other and has multiple sprockets with different numbers of teeth, and a derailleur that moves forward and backward in the axial direction of the sprocket to guide the chain between the multiple sprockets and change the speed. And The derailleur includes a mounting component mounted on a bicycle frame, and a chain guide component that moves relative to the mounting component and guides the chain in a speed change direction.

  When a conventional transmission (transmission assembly) is used, when one of the transmission levers is operated, the cable winding mechanism rotates by one gear in one direction through the ratchet mechanism. As a result, the cable is wound around the cable winding mechanism, and is shifted from one gear to the next gear by the transmission mechanism. When the other shift lever is operated, the ratchet mechanism is released, and the cable winding mechanism rotates by one gear in the reverse direction. As a result, the cable wound around the cable winding mechanism is stretched and shifted in the opposite direction by the transmission mechanism.

  Generally, the front derailleur and the rear derailleur each include a fixed member rigidly connected to a bicycle frame and a movable portion movably supported by the fixed member. Usually, the fixing member of the front derailleur is a cylindrical clamp member fixed to the seat tube. Alternatively, the fixing member of the front derailleur may be connected to the bottom bracket. The rear derailleur is fixed to the frame by a bracket axle assembly or derailleur hanger.

  The movable parts of the front and rear derailleurs include a chain guide. The movable portion is movable with respect to the fixed member by pulling the transmission control cable. In particular, the movable part and the fixed member are connected to each other through a pivot link. The control cable is connected to one of the pivot links and applies a torque thereto, which causes the link to move the moving part. The control cable is rigidly connected to the link such that an operating force is exerted on the control cable. The force applied to this cable is converted into link swing torque.

  On the other hand, the internal transmission mechanism has a plurality of transmission mechanisms having different gear ratios, which are installed in a hub of the rear wheel. The controller moves back and forth in the axial direction of the hub and selects one from a plurality of transmission mechanisms. The internal transmission mechanism is usually operated by a cable from the transmission.

  Regardless of whether an external speed change mechanism or an internal speed change mechanism is used, a return spring acting on the cable is used. That is, when one of the levers is pressed to release the control cable, the control cable sags. This slack is captured by the return spring. Thus, pressing another lever means that the rider must press the lever against the return spring. This requires the rider not only to pull the cable, but also to apply extra force to overcome the drag of the return spring.

  When riding a bicycle, especially during a race, riders spend most of their power on pedaling. Therefore, in evaluating a transmission (transmission assembly), it is important how much the extra force that the rider uses to operate the transmission lever can be reduced. In order to reduce the extra force used by the rider to operate the shift lever, it is necessary to shorten the shift lever stroke and reduce the force required for operation. However, these requirements are mutually exclusive. For example, when the operating stroke is shortened, the operating force increases, and when the operating force is reduced, the operating stroke becomes longer. As a result, it is almost impossible to satisfy both of these conditions when shifting is performed by winding up the cable using the shift lever.

  In view of the above, there is a need for a vehicle component assembly operating device that overcomes the aforementioned problems of the prior art. The present invention addresses these and other needs in the art, and the present disclosure will enable one of ordinary skill in the art to clearly understand them.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an operating device for a vehicle component assembly which is easy to operate.

  The present invention can basically be achieved by providing an operating device for a vehicle body component including an operating mechanism, a positioning mechanism, and a valve mechanism. The operation mechanism is connected to a control element that operates the body part. The positioning mechanism is coupled to the operating mechanism and has at least two positions, and selectively holds the control element in two positions in response to the operating member. The valve mechanism is connected to the operation mechanism, and opens and closes a fluid flow path in response to the operation mechanism.

  The actuator according to the preferred embodiment includes a positioning mechanism having a cable release member and a cable pulling member connected to the operated component by a cable. The cable traction member includes a switch that moves between an open position and a closed position. The switch is preferably located on the cable so that it will operate during movement of the cable traction member.

  Other objects, advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which discloses embodiments of the present invention, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the operation device for vehicle component assemblies which is easy to operate is obtained.

  FIG. 1 shows a bicycle 10 with a vehicle component assembly installed according to an embodiment of the present invention, as described below. As used herein, terms such as "forward, rear, upper, upper, lower, vertical, horizontal, lower, side," etc., as used below, as well as other similar terms, refer to bicycle normals. Represents the installation direction of the vehicle component assembly with reference to the riding position of the vehicle. Therefore, these terms describing the vehicle component assembly must be interpreted with reference to the normal riding position of the bicycle 10.

  The bicycle 10 is preferably a conventional bicycle having a bicycle frame 14 having front and rear wheels 16, a saddle 18, a handlebar 22, and a drive train component 24 for propelling the bicycle 10. The drive train component 24 basically includes a plurality of front sprockets (front gears) 30, a plurality of rear sprockets (rear gears) 32, and a chain. The drive train component 24 includes a front transmission component (front transmission assembly) 40 that moves the chain 34 between the front gears 30 and a rear transmission component (rear transmission assembly) that moves the chain 34 between the rear gears 32. 42 (see FIG. 3 and the like). Front and rear brake components (brake assemblies) 44 (see FIG. 3 etc.) are preferably installed on bicycle 10 in a conventional manner to stop or slow down the rotation of wheels 16. For those skilled in the art, the bicycle 10 and its various components are well known in the art and will not be described or illustrated in detail herein except as necessary for the description of the present invention.

  The present invention basically relates to bicycle cable operating components such as a front transmission component (front transmission assembly) 40, a rear transmission component (rear transmission assembly) 42, and front and rear brake components 44. A front transmission component (front transmission assembly) 40 is shown in FIG. 3, and a rear transmission component (rear transmission assembly) 42 is shown in FIG. One of the front brake components (rear brake components) 44 is shown in FIG. 17, but the other is the same as the former, except that it is installed at another position on the frame 14. These body parts (assemblies) are designed to utilize compressed fluids, including compressed air, to facilitate their operation. The invention may be used for other types of body parts (assemblies) that move the movable part between at least two positions using cables or other mechanical linkages.

[Front transmission parts]
Referring to FIGS. 1 to 11, the front transmission component (front transmission assembly) 40 basically includes an operated device (front derailleur assembly) 50 and an operating device (transmission device) 52. Front derailleur assembly 50 is coupled to actuator 52 to shift chain 34 between front gears 30. In the embodiment of the present invention, the bicycle 10 has three front gears. Here, the gear with the largest diameter is called the top gear, and the gear with the smallest diameter is called the low gear. Further, here, the gear between the top gear and the low gear is referred to as an intermediate gear.

  As best seen in FIGS. 1 and 5-7, the front derailleur assembly 50 is adapted to be rigidly connected to the seat tube portion of the bicycle frame 14. The front derailleur assembly 50 can be connected to other parts of the bicycle 10, such as a bottom bracket, if necessary or desired (or both).

  The front derailleur assembly 50 basically includes a base member (fixed member) 54 firmly connected to the frame 14 and a movable member (movable member) movably connected to the base member 54 via a pair of links 58 and 60. And a chain guide) 56. The movable member (chain guide) 56 has three gear positions corresponding to the position of the front gear 30 with respect to the frame 14. That is, in the embodiment according to the description, the movable member (chain guide) 56 has a low-end position, a top-end position, and an intermediate position therebetween. In these three positions, it is desirable to position the movable portion at a distance of d1, d2, and d3 from the frame 14, respectively, and shift the chain 34 to the desired front sprocket 30.

  The operating device (transmission device) 52 basically includes an operating portion (operating mechanism) 62, a control element (control cable) 64, a piston member 66, and a pressurized fluid supply portion 68. The actuator 52 basically utilizes the control cable 64 and the piston member 66 to move the movable member (chain guide) 56 of the front derailleur assembly 50 between the three gear positions. In particular, the piston member 66 functions as an urging member that takes in the slack of the control cable 64, and moves the movable member (chain guide) 56 from the top end position to the low end position. After the control cable 64 compresses the piston member 66 and releases the pressure on the piston member 66, it moves the movable member (chain guide) 56 from the low end position (ie, the distance d1 from the frame) to the top end position (ie, the distance d3 from the frame). Go to).

  The control cable 64 is desirably a conventional control cable having an exterior (coating) so that the inner wire 64a can slide inside. Accordingly, details regarding control cable 64 are not described or disclosed herein.

  Here, the details of the front derailleur assembly 50 will be described with reference to FIGS. The base member 54 is desirably fastened directly to the seat tube of the frame 14. The base member 54 is preferably a conventional clamp, and basically comprises a set of C-shaped clamps rotatably connected at one end and releasably connected at the other end by mounting hardware. The clamp portion of the base member 54 is made of a rigid material and secures the front derailleur assembly 50 to the seat tube on the frame 14 of the bicycle 10. The clamp portion of the base member 54 is desirably formed of metal. The clamp portion of the base member 54 may be formed of another material such as a hard plastic material.

  The base member 54 includes a pair of pivot pins 70 and 72 that rotatably connect one ends of the links 58 and 60, respectively. The other ends of the links 58 and 60 are connected to a movable member (chain guide) 56 by pivot pins 74 and 76. The links 58, 60 together with the base member 54 and the chain guide 56 form a four-bar linkage assembly. In particular, the base member 54 forms a first link between the pivot pins 70, 72, the chain guide 56 forms a second link between the pivot pins 74, 76, and the links 58, 60 in turn form a third link. And a fourth link.

  The link 58 includes a cable attachment member 80 for attaching the control cable 64. The cable attachment member 80 is desirably formed of a normal bolt 84 and a wire clamp 86 for attaching the inner wire of the control cable 64. The link 58 also includes a piston connecting arm 82 to which the piston member 66 is rotatably connected. Thus, link 58 acts as a control link for chain guide 56.

  The control cable 64 and the piston member 66 of the actuator 52 control the movement of the chain guide 56 and the links 58,60. In particular, the piston member 66 functions as an urging member that takes in the slack of the inner wire 64a of the control cable 64, and moves the movable member (chain guide) 56 from the top end position (that is, the distance d3) to the low end position (that is, the distance d1). Go to The inner wire 64a of the control cable 64 compresses the piston member 66, and after releasing the pressure applied to the piston member 66, moves the movable member (chain guide) 56 from the low end position (that is, the distance d1) to the top end position (that is, the distance). Move to d3). The control cable 64 and the piston member 66 allow the chain guide 56 to move the chain guide 56 between an intermediate position (ie, distance d2) and a top end position (ie, distance d3), or a low end position (ie, distance d1). You can also move back and forth. The piston member (biasing member) 66 normally biases the chain guide 56 laterally toward the frame of the bicycle 10. That is, when the chain guide 56 is located closest to the frame of the bicycle 10, the chain 34 is held on the front sprocket 30 closest to the seat tube of the frame 14.

  One end of the piston member 66 is rigidly connected to the frame 14 by a bracket (mounting member) 87, and the other end is connected to the link 58. The piston member 66 includes a cylindrical housing 88a in which a chamber is formed, and it is preferable that the piston rod 88b is movably disposed in the chamber. In particular, the chamber of the cylindrical housing 88a is desirably fluidly connected to the pressurized fluid supply 68. When the chamber of the cylindrical housing 88a is pressurized, the piston rod 88b is pushed out of the cylindrical housing 88a. The outward movement of the piston rod 88b rotates the link 58 and moves the chain guide 56. When the pressure on the chamber of the cylindrical housing 88a is released, the piston rod 88b simply retracts and shifts the chain guide 56. Since piston members such as piston member 66 are well known in the art, details of piston member 66 will not be described or illustrated herein.

  The upper end of the link 60 is provided with a wing member (not shown) in which adjustment screws 90 and 92 are engaged to limit the movement of the chain guide 56 between the retracted position and the extended position. The airfoil particularly has a lower stop surface and an upper stop surface (not shown). The lower stop surface is designed to mesh with the free end of the lower adjustment screw 92, and the upper stop surface is designed to mesh with the upper adjustment screw 90. Since this relatively standard adjustment mechanism is well known in the art, the details of this adjustment mechanism will not be described or illustrated herein.

  The movable portion (chain guide) 56 is desirably formed of a rigid material. For example, the chain guide 56 is desirably made of a material such as a rigid sheet metal. The chain guide 56 includes a chain cage section for guiding the chain 34 and an extension mounting section to which the links 58 and 60 are rotatably connected.

  The chain guide 56 is provided with a pair of threaded holes in which the adjusting screws 90 and 92 are installed. The adjusting screw 90 is a top position adjusting screw, and the adjusting screw 92 is a bottom position adjusting screw. The adjusting screws 90 and 92 are engaged with a part of the link 60 and control the range of movement of the chain guide 56 as described below. In other words, by individually adjusting the extension of the adjusting screws 90 and 92 in the axial direction based on the mounting portion of the chain guide 56, the retracted position (low gear) and the extended position (top gear) of the chain guide 56 are independent of each other. Adjusted.

  The chain cage portion of the chain guide 56 has a chain receiving slot 94 formed by a set of vertical transmission plates 96, 98. A pair of vertical transmission plates 96, 98 are adjusted to engage the chain 34 and move the chain 34 laterally with respect to the bicycle 10.

  Referring to FIGS. 2 to 4 and FIGS. 8 to 11, the operation unit (operation mechanism) of the operating device 52 is basically a transmission including a cable control mechanism 100 and a fluid control mechanism 102. The cable control mechanism 100 is designed to pull and release the inner wire 64a of the control cable 64 connected to the front derailleur assembly 50. The fluid control mechanism 102 is designed to pressurize and depressurize the piston member 66. The piston member 66 functions as an urging member that applies an urging force to the front derailleur assembly 50 and causes the cable control mechanism 100 to take in the slack generated in the inner wire 64a of the control cable 64. Thus, the cable control mechanism 100 and the fluid control mechanism 102 interact to move the chain guide 56 through the control cable 64 and the piston member 66.

  The cable control mechanism 100 is basically a conventional transmission including a housing 103, a positioning mechanism 104, a cable pulling member (lever) 106, and a cable releasing member (lever) 108. Housing 103 mounts the transmission to handlebar 22 in a conventional manner. The cable pull lever 106 and the cable release lever 108 are connected to the positioning mechanism 104 and pull or release the inner wire 64a of the control cable 64. The cable control mechanism 100 is basically a conventional rapid-fire indexing transmission configured to implement the present invention. Therefore, the details of the cable control mechanism 100 are not described or illustrated here.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the positioning mechanism 104 includes a take-up element 110 for winding (pulling) and releasing the inner wire of the control cable 64, and a ratchet-type interlock mechanism 112. The cable traction and release mechanisms 106, 108 interface with the take-up element 110 through a ratchet-type interlock mechanism 112 in a conventional manner. The interlock mechanism 112 includes a ratchet-type feed claw (not shown) for transmitting a rotational motion from the cable pulling lever 106 to the take-up element 110, and a positioning claw (not shown) for holding the take-up element 110 at a predetermined rotational position. (Not shown), a limiting claw (not shown) for restricting the rewinding rotation of the take-up element 110, and a release cam (not shown) for removing the positioning claw from the take-up element 110. When the cable pulling / releasing levers 106 and 108 are shifted, the take-up element 110 rotates, and the inner wire 64a of the control cable 64 is pulled or loosened.

  For example, when the cable pulling lever 106 is shifted in the first direction from the first position shown in FIG. 9 to the second position shown in FIG. 10, the take-up element 110 rotates in the winding direction, and the control cable 64 rotates. The inner wire 64a is wound or pulled, and a certain length of the inner wire 64a is effectively wound. After activating the predetermined amount required to change speed, the cable pull lever 106 can be released. When this is done, the cable pulling lever 106 is automatically returned to the original position by the biasing force of the return spring (not shown). At this point, the take-up element 110 is moved by the ratchet-type interlock mechanism 112 to the position rotated by the cable pulling lever 106 to complete the gear shift, even though the cable pulling lever 106 has returned to its original position. Will be retained. The cable pull lever 106 and the take-up element 110 are designed such that the inner wire of the control cable 64 is pulled such that the length of the travel stroke of the cable pull lever 106 causes the front derailleur assembly 50 to move one or more gears. Is also good.

  The cable release lever 108 is shifted in the opposite direction with respect to the cable pulling lever 106 from the original position. Thereafter, the cable release lever 108 is released, and the lever can be returned to the original position by the urging force of the return spring (not shown). When this is done, take-up element 110 is rotated by an angle of one pitch in the rewind direction by the force of a rewind spring (not shown), and a certain length of inner wire 64a is effectively rewound. The restoring force is supplied by the piston member 66 on the inner wire 64a of the control cable 64, and the bending of the inner wire 64a of the control cable 64 caused by the unwinding operation is effectively wound. As a result, the transmission rewinds the inner wire of the control cable 64, causing a one-step change in speed.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 8-11, the fluid control mechanism 102 is preferably mounted on a cable pulling lever 106 to allow its movement. The fluid control mechanism 102 basically includes a valve mechanism 120 and an operating member 122. The valve mechanism 120 includes a housing 124 in which a valve member 126 is movably accommodated (see schematic diagrams in FIGS. 3 and 4). The housing 124 has an inlet opening (port) 128, an outlet opening (port) 130, and an exhaust port 132. An inlet opening (port) 128 is connected to the pressurized fluid supply 68 through a conduit (tube) 134, and an outlet opening (port) 130 is fluidly connected to the chamber of the piston member 66 through a conduit (tube) 136. Thus, the valve member 126 controls the pressure in the chamber of the piston member 66.

  As shown in the schematic diagrams of FIGS. 3 and 4, a valve member 126 that opens and closes a connection between the inlet opening 128 and the outlet opening 130 is present in the chamber of the housing 124. As is most apparent from FIG. 3, the valve member 126 is typically urged by a spring 138 so that the inlet opening 128 and the outlet opening 130 are fluidly connected by a first passage 140 formed on the valve member 126. Is held. When the actuating member 122 is pressed, the valve member 126 moves axially within the chamber of the housing 124, closing the inlet opening 128, that is, being closed by the valve member 126. Further, the movement of the valve member 126 connects the outlet opening 130 and the exhaust port 132 to each other through the second passage 142.

  Accordingly, the compressed gas in the piston member 66 is discharged out of the exhaust port 132 through the conduit 136, as is most apparent in FIG. As an alternative, the gas or air can be discharged into a recycling container which acts as a reserve storage container for the compressed gas.

  As described above, the operating member 122 and the valve member 126 form a switch that opens and closes the connection between the pressurized fluid supply 68 and the piston member 66. The actuation member 122 is preferably a rotating lever located on the cable traction member 106. When the cable traction member 106 is pressed to perform the speed change operation, the operation member 122 is also moved, and the compressed gas is released into the piston member 66 by the valve member 126.

  Pressurized fluid supply 68 is preferably a gas-filled component filled with compressed gas or other suitable gaseous fluid. The pressurized fluid supply 68 is fluidly connected to the front transmission component 40, the rear transmission component 42, and the front and rear brake components 44 via a conventional valve manifold (manifold) (not shown).

  As shown in FIG. 1, the pressurized fluid supply 68 may be a can attached to the bicycle frame 14 in a conventional manner. Alternatively, a pressurized fluid supply 68 may be formed in a portion of the bicycle frame 14 as needed or desired (or both). In any case, the pressurized fluid supply 68 preferably includes an air valve 144 for filling the tank with compressed gas or other compressed fluid. The container of the pressurized fluid supply 68 is preferably provided with a tire-type valve so that the compartment can be refilled with compressed gas using a manual bicycle pump or air compressor.

  The container for the pressurized fluid supply 68 is preferably filled with 5 to 10 kg / cm 2 of compressed gas. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the supply pressure is adjusted to about 2 kg / cm 2 or 3 kg / cm 2 using a conventional regulator 146. If the pressure gauge on the pressure gauge 148 indicates less than 2 kg / cm2 or 3 kg / cm2 for the pressure of the compartment, no compressed gas is released from this compartment. Therefore, it is necessary to add compressed gas to the container for the pressurized fluid supply unit 68.

[Rear transmission parts]
Here, the rear transmission component (rear transmission assembly) 42 according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The rear transmission component (assembly) 42 includes an operated device (rear derailleur assembly) 150 and an operating device or an operating component (rear transmission device) 52. The rear derailleur assembly 150 is coupled to the actuator 152 to shift the chain 34 between the rear gears 32. Normally, the bicycle 10 has three to eight rear gears. Here, the gear with the largest diameter is called the low gear, and the gear with the smallest diameter is called the top gear. Further, here, the gear between the top gear and the low gear is referred to as an intermediate gear.

  The structure and operation of the rear actuator (rear transmission) 152 are substantially the same as those of the front actuator (forward transmission) 52, and therefore, the description thereof is omitted.

  The rear derailleur assembly 150 is connected to a rear fork on the frame 14 of the bicycle 10 (a part of which is shown in FIG. 13). More specifically, rear derailleur assembly 150 is shown connected to the end of a rear fork on bicycle frame 14 of bicycle 10 in a conventional manner for interlocking with freewheel assembly 153.

  Although the freewheel assembly 153 is shown with seven rear gears 32, a different number of gears may be installed on the freewheel assembly as needed and / or desired. Chain 34 is coupled to rear gear 32 and front gear 30 in a conventional manner and transmits a desired rotational torque to rear wheel 16 of bicycle 10.

  Referring to FIG. 13, the rear derailleur assembly 150 is basically movably connected to the base member 154 via a pair of links 158 and 160 and a base member (fixing member) 154 which is firmly connected to the frame 14. Movable member (chain guide) 156. The movable member (chain guide) 156 has a plurality of gear positions corresponding to the position of the rear gear 32 with respect to the frame 14. That is, in the embodiment according to the description, the movable member (chain guide) 156 includes a first or top end position, a second or low end position, and a plurality of intermediate positions therebetween.

  Preferably, base member 154 is clamped directly to the fork end of frame 14. The bracket axle assembly has the base member 154 rigidly connected to the frame 14 of the bicycle 10 in a conventional manner. Since the bracket axle assembly is well known in the bicycle industry, the structure of the bracket axle assembly is not described or illustrated herein. Although the bracket axle assembly is shown here as being directly connected to the frame 14, the bracket axle of the base member 154 is provided using a detachable derailleur hanger or a hanging plate (not shown). The assembly may be connected to the frame 14. This type of derailleur hanger (not shown) is well known in the art and will not be described or illustrated in detail herein.

  The base member 154 includes a pair of pivot pins 170, 172 that rotatably connect one end of each of the links 158, 160. The other ends of the links 158 and 160 are connected to the chain guide 156 by pivot pins 174 and 176. Links 158, 160, together with base member 154 and chain guide 156, form a four bar linkage assembly. In particular, the base member 154 forms a first link between the pivot pins 170, 172, the chain guide 156 forms a second link between the pivot pins 174, 176, and the links 158, 160 in turn form the third link. And a fourth link.

  The link 158 includes a cable attachment member 180 for attaching the control cable 164. The cable attachment member 180 is desirably formed of a normal bolt 184 for attaching the inner wire 164 a of the cable 164 and a wire clamp 186. The link 158 also includes a piston mounting to which the piston member 166 is connected.

  Preferably, the cable 164 is a conventional control cable having an exterior (coating) 164b that allows the inner wire 164a to easily slide inside. Accordingly, details regarding cable 164 are not described or disclosed herein.

  Control cable 164 and piston member 166 of actuator 152 control the movement of chain guide 156 and links 158,160. In particular, the piston member 166 acts as a biasing member that takes in the slack of the control cable 164 and moves the movable member 156 from a low end position (maximum gear) to a top end position (minimum gear). The control cable 164 compresses the piston member 166 and, after releasing the pressure on the piston member 166, moves the movable member 156 from the top end position to the low end position. The piston member (biasing member) 166 normally biases the movable member 156 in a direction approaching the frame of the bicycle 10. That is, the piston member 166 normally urges the chain guide 156 toward the frame 14 of the bicycle 10 so that the movable member 156 holds the chain 34 on the smallest gear 32 closest to the frame 14.

  12, one end of the piston member 166 is rigidly connected to the base member 154, and the other end is connected to the link 158. The piston member 166 includes a cylindrical housing 188a in which a chamber is formed, and it is preferable that the piston rod 188b is movably disposed in the chamber. In particular, the chamber of the cylindrical housing 188a is desirably fluidly connected to the pressurized fluid supply 68. When the chamber of the cylindrical housing 188a is pressurized, the piston rod 188b is pushed out of the cylindrical housing 188a. The outward movement of the piston rod 188b rotates the link 158 and moves the chain guide 156. When the pressure on the chamber of the cylindrical housing 188a is released, the piston rod 188b retracts into the cylindrical housing 188a by the control cable 164 that rotates the link 158. With the pressure on the chamber of the cylindrical housing 188a released, the piston rod 188b simply retracts and shifts the chain guide 156. Since piston members such as piston member 166 are well known in the art, details of piston member 166 will not be described or illustrated herein.

  Referring to FIGS. 14 to 16, the operation unit or the operation mechanism of the operation device 152 is basically a transmission including a cable control mechanism 200 and a fluid control mechanism 202. The cable control mechanism 200 is designed to pull and release the inner wire 164a of the control cable 164 connected to the rear derailleur assembly 150. The fluid control mechanism 202 is designed to pressurize and depressurize the piston member 166. The piston member 166 provides a biasing force to the rear derailleur assembly 150, and functions as a biasing member that causes the cable control mechanism 200 to take in the slack generated in the control cable 164. Therefore, the cable control mechanism 200 and the fluid control mechanism 202 interact to move the chain guide 156 through the control cable 164 and the piston member 166. The pressurized fluid supply 68 is also part of the rear actuator 152 because the pressurized fluid supply 68 is connected to the piston member 166.

  The cable control mechanism 200 has the same basic structure as the cable control mechanism 100 described above. Specifically, the cable control mechanism 200 includes a cable pulling lever 206 and a cable release lever 208 connected to a positioning mechanism in the housing 203, and pulls or releases the control cable 164. Housing 203 mounts the transmission to handlebar 22 in a conventional manner.

  For example, when the cable pulling lever 206 is shifted in the first direction from the first position shown in FIG. 15 to the second position shown in FIG. 16, the inner wire 164a of the control cable 164 is wound. After activating the predetermined amount required to change speed, the cable pull lever 206 can be released. When this is done, the cable pulling lever 206 automatically returns to its original position by the biasing force of the return spring (not shown). At this point, the inner wire 164a of the control cable 164 is held at the wound position by the ratchet-type interlock even though the cable pulling lever 206 returns to the original position, and the speed switching is completed. .

  The cable release lever 208 is shifted from its original position in the opposite direction relative to the cable pull lever 206. Thereafter, the cable release lever 208 is released, and the lever can be returned to the original position by the urging force of the return spring (not shown). This movement of the cable release lever 208 releases the inner wire of the control cable 164. Subsequently, the inner wire 164a of the control cable 164 is pulled by the piston member 166, the slack of the inner wire 164a is wound, and then the movable member 156 is moved. As a result, the transmission rewinds the inner wire of the control cable 164, causing a one-step change in speed.

  As shown in FIGS. 12 and 14 to 16, the fluid control mechanism 202 is preferably mounted on the cable pull lever 206 to allow its movement. The fluid control mechanism 202 has the same structure as the fluid control mechanism 102 described above. Therefore, the details of the fluid control mechanism 202 are not described or illustrated here. The fluid control mechanism 202 includes an inlet opening (port) 228 fluidly connected to the pressurized fluid supply unit 68 through a conduit (tube) 234 and an outlet fluidly connected to the piston member 166 through a conduit (tube) 236. An opening (port) 230 is provided.

  The fluid control mechanism 202 operates substantially in the same manner as the fluid control mechanism 102, and includes an operating member 222 and a valve member 226 serving as a switch for opening and closing the connection between the pressurized fluid supply unit 68 and the piston member 166. . The actuating member 222 is preferably a rotating lever located on the cable traction member 206. When the cable pulling lever 206 is pulled to perform the speed change operation, the operating member 222 is also moved, and the compressed gas is discharged into the piston member 166 by the valve member 226.

  Rear derailleur assembly 150 is connected to rear transmission 152 via control cable 164 and air tube (conduit) 236 in the same manner that front derailleur assembly 50 is connected to front transmission 52. Control cable 164 and conduit 236 provide rear derailleur 150 with a shifting force to move chain 34 between gears 32. When the rider moves or shifts the cable pulling lever 206 of the rear transmission 152, the operating member 222 is also moved, the compressed gas is released into the piston member 166, and the inner wire 164a of the cable 164 pulls the movable member 156, and the chain 34 Is moved inward and meshes with the next gear. When the rider moves or shifts the cable release lever 208 of the rear transmission 152, the control cable 164 sags, causing the piston member 166 to move the movable member 156 and the chain 34 outward, meshing with the next gear, and causing the cable 164 to move. Wind up slack effectively. That is, the chain 34 moves inward toward the longitudinal center plane of the bicycle 10 and meshes with the next larger gear (sprocket) or moves outward away from the longitudinal center plane of the bicycle 10 and then Meshes with small gears (sprockets). The rear derailleur assembly 150 is designed to be normally outwardly biased by the piston member 166 such that the chain 34 is typically located on the outermost or smallest gear 32.

[Brake parts assembly]
Here, the bicycle brake component 44 according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The bicycle brake component 44 basically includes an operated component (brake device or brake assembly)) 250 and an operating device or an operating component (braking device) 252. Each brake device 250 is connected to one of the actuators 252 to stop or slow down the rotation of the wheels. The bicycle brake component 44 is a cantilevered brake device installed on the front and rear forks of the bicycle frame 14 in a conventional manner. The present invention may be used with most types of cable operated brake devices.

  Preferably, the front and rear braking devices 250 are substantially the same. Therefore, the details of the rear brake are not described or illustrated here. As shown in FIG. 1, the brake device 250 includes a pair of brake arms 254 and 256 rotatably supported by a front fork of a bicycle frame.

  In the brake device 250, the brake cable 264 attracts the upper ends of the brake arms to each other, whereby the brake shoes 258 are pressed against the side of the rim of the bicycle wheel to apply a braking force, thereby achieving a braking effect. A piston member 266 is connected between the brake arms 254 and 256, and applies a biasing force in a direction to separate the brake arms 254 and 256. That is, the movement of the brake arms 254 and 256 is controlled by the control cable (brake cable) 264 and the piston member 266 controlled by the actuator (brake operating device) 252. Specifically, piston member 266 acts as a biasing member to capture the flexure of brake cable 264 and pulls brake arms 254 and 256 apart to a non-braking position where brake shoe 258 moves away from the rim of bicycle wheel 16. The cable 264 compresses the piston member 266 and pulls the brake arms 254, 256 together until the brake shoe 258 presses against the rim to a braking position that reduces the speed of the bicycle 10.

  Brake cables such as the brake cable 264 used in the brake device 250 are currently commercially available, and are basically constituted by an inner wire 264a and an outer casing 264b. The exterior 264b preferably has an inner layer made of metal and an outer layer made of resin. Preferably, the inner wire 264a is a thin copper wire. As shown in FIG. 19, the inner wire guide tube 264d is desirably made of a metal such as aluminum and has a plastic liner 264c.

  Preferably, the piston member 266 includes a cylindrical housing 288a in which a chamber is formed, and a piston rod 288b is movably disposed in the chamber. In particular, the chamber of the cylindrical housing 288a is desirably fluidly connected to the pressurized fluid supply 68. Therefore, the pressurized fluid supply unit 68 is also a part of the brake operating device (brake operating device) 252. When the chamber of the cylindrical housing 288a is pressurized, the piston rod 288b is pushed outward from the cylindrical housing 288a, and the brake arms 254, 256 are separated. When the pressure on the chamber of the cylindrical housing 288a is released, the piston rod 288b is retracted into the cylindrical housing 288a by the control cable 264, and the brake arms 254, 256 are attracted to each other to exert a braking force. Since piston members such as piston member 266 are well known in the art, details of piston member 266 are not described or shown herein.

  The upper end of the brake arm 254 of the brake device 250 is connected to the first end of the inner wire 264a of the brake cable 264 by a screw 263. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 18, the second end of the inner wire 264a is connected in a conventional manner to a brake lever mounted on the handlebar. The brake arm 256 of the brake device 250 has a connection arm 261 that can rotate around its upper end.

  A second end (not shown) of the inner wire 264a is fixed to an inner wire end mounting portion of a brake lever (not shown). A first end of the inner wire 264a is fixed to an upper end of the brake arm 254 with a screw 263. When the rider grasps the brake lever and pulls the inner wire 264a of the brake cable 264 to apply the brake, tension (retraction force) is applied to the inner wire 264a.

  As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, the operation unit (operation mechanism) 262 of the actuator 252 is basically a brake lever (brake assembly) including the cable control mechanism 300 and the fluid control mechanism 302 (for example, , Brake lever with air parts) The cable control mechanism 300 is designed to pull or release the inner wire 264a of the control cable 264 connected to the brake arms 254, 256. The fluid control mechanism 302 is designed to pressurize and depressurize the piston member 266. The piston member 266 acts as an urging member that applies an urging force between the brake arms 254 and 256 and causes the cable control mechanism 300 to take in the slack generated in the inner wire 264a of the control cable 264. Therefore, the cable control mechanism 300 and the fluid control mechanism 302 interact to move the brake arms 254, 256 through the control cable 264 and the piston member 266.

  The cable control mechanism 300 includes a brake lever 306 rotatably mounted on a bracket 303 with a pivot pin 310. The brake lever 306 is connected to the inner wire 264a of the control cable 264, and pulls and releases the inner wire 264a of the control cable 264.

  Referring to FIG. 17, the fluid control mechanism 302 is preferably mounted on the brake lever 306 to allow its movement. The fluid control mechanism 302 has the same structure as the fluid control mechanism 102 described above. Therefore, the details of the fluid control mechanism 302 are not described or illustrated here. The fluid control mechanism 302 includes an inlet opening (port) 328 fluidly connected to the pressurized fluid supply 68 through a conduit (tube) 334 and an outlet fluidly connected to the piston member 266 through a conduit (tube) 336. An opening (port) 330 is provided.

  The fluid control mechanism 302 includes an operating member 322 and a valve member 326 that functions as a switch that opens and closes a connection between the pressurized fluid supply unit 68 and the piston member 266. The operating member 322 is desirably a rotating lever arranged on the brake lever 306. When the brake lever 306 is pulled and rotated about the pivot pin 310 to apply a brake, the actuating member 322 is also moved and the compressed gas is released into the piston member 266 by the valve member 326.

  The brake device 250 is connected to an actuator (brake operating device) 252 via a control cable (brake cable) 264 and an air tube (conduit) 236, and provides a braking force and a release force for moving the brake arms 254 and 256. give. When the rider moves the brake lever 306, the actuating member 322 is also moved, and the compressed gas is released into the piston member 266, and at the same time, the inner wire 264a of the cable 264 is pulled. When the inner wire 264a is pulled, the brake arms 254 and 256 are closed, and the brake shoe 258 is pressed against the rim 16 of the wheel. When the rider releases the brake lever 306 and the operating member 22, the inner wire 264 a of the control cable 264 sags, and pressure is applied to the piston member 266. Accordingly, the piston member 266 opens the brake arms 254 and 256, and the wheels 16 freely rotate.

[Internal transmission hub]
20 and 21 show a multi-speed internal transmission hub 400 according to the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the actuator 52 according to the first embodiment is connected to a multi-speed internal transmission hub 400 that attaches the rear wheels to the frame. More specifically, the operation unit (operation mechanism) 62 of the transmission 52 according to this embodiment is connected to the internal transmission hub 400 in order to shift the internal transmission hub 400. Further, a pressurized fluid supply 68 having a piston 66 is also connected to the internal transmission hub 400. That is, the operation unit (operation mechanism) 62 uses the control cable 64 and the piston member 66 to shift the internal transmission hub 400 up and down.

  Since internal transmission hubs such as internal transmission hub 400 are well known in the art, details of internal transmission hub 400 will not be described or shown herein. The technology of the internal transmission hub and the transmission assembly that can be used in the present invention is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,928,103 designated by Shimano Corporation. The present invention essentially uses the piston member 66 to eliminate the need for a return spring on the pushrod of the inner hub in prior art patents.

  The internal transmission hub 400 includes a movable member (push rod) 456 that can move in the axial direction within the axle 457, and a link member 458 that is rotatably mounted on the axle 457 by a support bracket 459. The jacket of the transmission control cable 64 is stopped by the support bracket 459, and the inner wire of the control cable 64 is connected to the first end of the link member 458. A second end of the link member 458 is rotatably connected to an outer end of the push rod 456. When the inner wire of the control cable 64 is pulled using the operation unit (operation mechanism) 62, the link member 458 rotates and presses the push rod 456. The inward movement of the push rod 456 causes the internal transmission hub 400 to shift upward. When the inner wire of the control cable 64 slacks, the urging force of the piston 66 pulls the push rod 456 outward from the axle 457, and the internal transmission hub 400 shifts downward in a conventional manner.

  This section describes and illustrates selected embodiments of the present invention, which will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the present disclosure, but without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention as defined in the claims. Various modifications, changes, improvements and changes can be made. Furthermore, the description of the multiple embodiments of the present invention is for explanatory purposes only, and is not intended to limit the present invention by the definition of the appended claims and equivalent claims.

1 is a right side view of a bicycle with an operating device used with a bicycle component according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a bottom view of a brake and a derailleur operating device installed on a handlebar of a bicycle according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an actuator used with a front derailleur assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an actuator used with the front derailleur shown in FIG. 3 showing a second position of the operating part according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a rear view of the front derailleur assembly installed on the bicycle frame shown in FIG. 1 showing a first position of the movable part according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a rear view of the front derailleur assembly installed on the bicycle frame shown in FIGS. 1 and 5 showing a second position of the movable part according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a rear view of the front derailleur assembly installed on the bicycle frame shown in FIGS. 1, 5 and 6 showing a third position of the movable part according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is an enlarged bottom view of the front derailleur operating device installed on the handlebar of the bicycle showing the first operating position of the operating device according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the front derailleur operating device shown in FIG. 8 showing a second operating position of the operating device according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the front derailleur operating device shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 showing a third operating position of the operating device according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the front derailleur actuator shown in FIGS. 8 to 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an actuator used with a rear derailleur assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a right side view of a rear derailleur installed on the bicycle frame shown in FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is an enlarged bottom view of the rear derailleur operating device installed on the handlebar of the bicycle showing the first operating position of the operating device according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 15 is a bottom view of the rear derailleur operating device shown in FIG. 14 showing a second operating position of the operating device according to the embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 16 is a bottom view of the rear derailleur operating device shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 showing a third operating position of the operating device according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an actuator used with a brake component according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the brake operating device installed on the handlebar of the bicycle according to the embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a front view of a brake component assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a schematic view of an actuator used with the internal transmission hub part according to the second embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 8 is a rear view of the internal transmission hub part according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of reference numerals

40 front transmission assembly 50 operated device 52 operating device 54 mechanical connection portion 56 movable portion 62 operation portion 66 piston member 68 pressurized fluid supply portion 100 control mechanism 126 control valve

Claims (10)

An operating mechanism for moving the control element;
A positioning mechanism coupled to the operating mechanism, having at least two positions, and holding the control element at the two positions according to the operating mechanism;
A valve mechanism coupled to the operating mechanism to open and close a fluid passage according to the operating mechanism;
Vehicle actuation device with a.   The positioning mechanism comprises at least three positions and holds the control element at the first and second positions and at least one intermediate position between the first and second positions. An actuating device according to claim 1.   The operating device according to claim 1, wherein the positioning mechanism includes a cable winding member having a cable attachment portion.   The operating device according to claim 3, wherein the operating mechanism includes a cable releasing member and a cable pulling member connected to the cable winding member.   The actuator of claim 4, wherein the cable release member and the cable traction member are levers.   The actuation device according to claim 5, wherein the valve mechanism includes a switch provided on the cable traction member.   The switch includes an actuating member movable between an open position and a closed position, the actuating member being disposed on the cable traction member so as to be operable during movement of the traction member. Item 7. An actuator according to Item 6.   The valve mechanism includes a housing portion having an inlet opening and an outlet opening selectively connected by a valve member, wherein the valve member is selectively connected to the outlet opening when the valve member is in the first position. 8. The actuating device of claim 7, wherein the actuator is movably mounted within the housing portion to connect the outlet opening to an exhaust port when the valve member is in the second position.   The valve mechanism includes a housing having an inlet opening and an outlet opening selectively connected by a valve member, wherein the valve member selectively connects the inlet opening to the outlet opening when in a first position. The actuating device according to claim 1, wherein the actuator is movably provided in the housing portion so as to close the outlet opening when connected to the exhaust port when in the second position.   The actuating device of claim 8, further comprising a pressurized fluid supply connected to the inlet opening of the housing, and a piston member connected to the outlet opening of the housing.

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