TWM504770U - Hydraulic operation system of bicycle - Google Patents

Description

Bicycle hydraulic operating system

This new type is about the hydraulic operating system of bicycles.

With the development of the bicycle industry, various hydraulic operating systems have been proposed for bicycles to be put to practical use. The most popular hydraulic brake system is an example of a hydraulic operating system. In the hydraulic brake system, the piston moves in the hydraulic cylinder in response to the swing of the brake lever. The fluid (for example, mineral oil) discharged from the hydraulic cylinder along with the movement of the piston drives the piston in the brake caliper connected to the hydraulic cylinder via the hydraulic hose. This allows the brake caliper to generate braking force.

In the hydraulic brake system, the temperature change of the hydraulic pressure path in which the fluid is sealed may change, for example, the position of the brake lever or the distance between the friction member of the brake caliper and the rotor or the rim.

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a hydraulic operating system for a bicycle that improves the stability of motion relative to temperature changes in the hydraulic circuit.

The hydraulic operating system of a bicycle of the present type has There is: a hydraulic operating device, a hydraulic operated device that is fluidly connected to the hydraulic operating device via a hydraulic passage, and a temperature corresponding to the operating device An adjustment mechanism that adjusts the capacity of the above hydraulic circuit.

In one example, the adjustment mechanism includes a variable volume chamber disposed in the hydraulic circuit.

In one example, the variable capacity chamber is defined by a cylinder and a piston that is configured to move within the cylinder.

In one example, the adjustment mechanism includes: a detection device that detects information on a temperature of the hydraulic operating system, a drive device that drives the piston, and a control device that controls the drive device based on a detection result of the detection device.

In one example, the detecting means detects the temperature of the fluid, the temperature of the outside air around the hydraulic circuit, the temperature of the hydraulic operating device, the temperature of the hydraulic operating device, or any combination of these temperatures.

In one example, the control device includes: a memory that stores information on a position of the piston corresponding to a detection result of the detection device, and information based on information on a detection result of the detection device and a position of the piston; The processor of the drive unit.

In one example, the variable capacity chamber includes an expansion and contraction portion that expands and contracts in response to the temperature of the fluid.

In one example, the expansion and contraction unit can accommodate the fluid.

In one example, the expansion and contraction portion has a dome shape.

In one example, the variable capacity chamber is defined by a cylinder and a piston that is configured to be movable within the cylinder; the telescoping portion is configured to support the piston within the cylinder.

The hydraulic operating system of the other type of the present invention includes: a hydraulic operating device, a hydraulic operating device that allows the hydraulic operating device to be connected to the fluid through a hydraulic passage, and a hydraulic pressure line in response to the hydraulic pressure circuit. An adjustment mechanism for adjusting a capacity of the hydraulic pressure path by the pressure of the fluid; the adjustment mechanism includes: a detection device that detects a pressure of the hydraulic pressure path; a drive device that drives the piston; and a control result based on a detection result of the detection device The control device of the drive device, wherein the control device changes the capacity change via the piston and the drive device to maintain a pressure of the hydraulic pressure path in a stopped state in which the hydraulic operation device is not operated. The capacity of the chamber.

In a suitable example, the hydraulic operating system described above is a closed type in which the hydraulic operating device does not have a fluid reservoir.

Other types and advantages are apparent from the drawings showing examples of the technical idea of the present invention and the following description.

10‧‧‧Hydraulic operating system

20‧‧‧Hydraulic operating device

22‧‧‧Leverage

22a‧‧‧ cam surface

24‧‧‧Hydraulic cylinder

24a‧‧‧ cylinder cavity

26‧‧‧Piston

26a‧‧‧Piston return spring

28‧‧‧Connecting components

28a‧‧‧ Length adjustment structure

29‧‧‧Swing axis

30‧‧‧Hydraulic operated device

32‧‧‧Piston

34‧‧‧Hydraulic cylinder bore

36‧‧‧煞车片

40‧‧‧Hydraulic hose

50‧‧‧Adjustment agency

DR‧‧ disc rotor

HB‧‧‧handlebar

P1‧‧‧ stop position

P2‧‧‧ operating position

R‧‧‧Hydraulic route

X1‧‧‧Levering pivot axis

X2‧‧‧ swing axis

The features of the present invention are known in the scope of the patent application. The objects and advantages of the present invention are apparent from the following description of the embodiments.

Fig. 1 is a schematic view showing a hydraulic operating system of the embodiment.

Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the adjustment mechanism.

Fig. 3 is a schematic view showing an adjustment mechanism of the first modification.

Fig. 4 is a schematic view showing an adjustment mechanism of a second modification.

The hydraulic operating system of the bicycle of the embodiment of the present invention will be briefly described. Referring to Fig. 1, a hydraulic operating system 10 for a bicycle includes a hydraulic operating device 20, a hydraulic operating device 30 that is fluidly connected to the hydraulic operating device 20 via a hydraulic pressure path R, and a corresponding The adjustment mechanism 50 for adjusting the capacity of the hydraulic pressure path R by the temperature of the hydraulic pressure path R.

In general, changes in the temperature of a hydraulic circuit that encloses a fluid tend to change the operating data of the hydraulic operating system. Specifically, by changing the temperature of the hydraulic circuit by the temperature and/or the operation of the hydraulic operating system, the volume of the fluid changes, and the operating data of the hydraulic operating system changes.

Therefore, in the hydraulic operation system 10 of the embodiment, the adjustment mechanism 50 substantially cancels the change in the operation data due to the change in the temperature of the hydraulic pressure path R, and the hydraulic pressure route R is made in response to the temperature of the hydraulic pressure path R. The capacity changes. By the adjustment mechanism 50, the movement data of the hydraulic operation system 10 is prevented or suppressed from changing with the temperature change of the hydraulic pressure path R. The adjustment mechanism 50 contributes to an increase in the operational stability of the hydraulic operating system 10 with respect to the temperature change of the hydraulic pressure path R.

Then, for each component of the hydraulic pressure operating system 10 of the bicycle, Description. The hydraulic operating system 10 of Fig. 1 is a hydraulic disc system for bicycles.

The hydraulic operating device 20 is a so-called brake lever device that is attached to the handlebar lever HB, and the handlebar lever HB is fixed to the bicycle tube. The handlebar lever HB can also be a downturned handlebar or other types of handlebars. The hydraulic operating device 20 includes a lever 22, a hydraulic cylinder 24, a piston 26, and a connecting member 28. The hydraulic operating device 20 is not provided with a fluid reservoir, so that the hydraulic operating system 10 is made into a so-called closed type.

The lever 22 is supported by the swing shaft 29 so as to swing about a lever pivot axis X1 between a rest position P1 and an operated position P2. The lever 22 can include a cam surface 22a. The cam surface 22a may also be part of other components that are operatively coupled to the lever 22.

The hydraulic cylinder 24 has a cylinder chamber 24a. The piston (main piston) 26 is disposed in the cylinder chamber 24a of the hydraulic cylinder 24 so as to move between the initial position and the actuating position. The piston 26 is biased toward the initial position by the piston return spring 26a. The piston return spring 26a is, for example, a compression spring that is disposed in the cylinder chamber 24a and that is engaged or coupled to the piston 26 and the hydraulic cylinder 24.

The connecting member 28 connects the lever 22 (for example, the cam surface 22a) to the piston 26 in response to the swing of the lever 22 from the stop position P1 toward the operating position P2 to move the piston 26 from the initial position to the actuating position. The connecting member 28 is swingably attached to the lever 22 about the swing axis X2. The connecting member 28 includes a length adjusting structure 28a for adjusting the overall length of the connecting member 28. The hydraulic operating system 10 is in the closed type, and the position of the piston 26 The position of the lever 22 or the clearance angle is adjusted by adjusting the overall length of the connecting member 28. The hydraulic operating device 20 may have a so-called range adjustment structure as known in the bicycle hydraulic brake.

The hydraulic operating device 20 is fluidly connected to the hydraulic pressure operated device 30 by the hydraulic hose 40.

The hydraulic pressure operated device 30 is a so-called brake caliper (here, a disc caliper) and includes at least one piston (working piston) 32 that presses the brake shoe 36. The piston 32 is disposed in the hydraulic cylinder chamber 34 of the hydraulic operation device 30 so as to move in response to the operation of the hydraulic operating device 20, and the friction member, that is, the brake shoe 36, is pressed against the disc rotor DR. Thereby, the hydraulic pressure is generated by the operating device 30. In this embodiment, two pistons 32 are provided at the hydraulic pressure operated device 30.

The hydraulic operation device 20, the hydraulic pressure operated device 30, and the hydraulic hose 40 can be of a conventional configuration, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. In this embodiment, the oil pressure path R is defined as the portion of fluid that flows from the piston 26 to the piston 32.

The adjustment mechanism 50 will be described with reference to Fig. 2 .

The adjustment mechanism 50 includes a variable capacity chamber 52 that is disposed in the hydraulic pressure line 40 on the hydraulic pressure path R. The variable capacity chamber 52 is defined by a cylinder 52a and a piston 52b that is configured to move within the cylinder 52a. The adjustment mechanism 50 includes a detection device 54 that detects information on the temperature of the hydraulic operation system 10, a drive device 56 that drives the piston 52b, and a control device 58 that controls the drive device 56 based on the detection result of the detection device 54.

The variable-capacity chamber 52 is disposed between the hydraulic cylinder 24 of the hydraulic operating device 20 and the hydraulic cylinder chamber 34 of the hydraulic-operated device 30. The variable capacity chamber 52 is provided in the middle of the hydraulic hose 40 as shown in Figs. 1 and 2 . The variable volume chamber 52 may be provided with one or more fluid ports that allow fluid to flow into and out of the chamber 52. The variable capacity chamber 52 having a plurality of fluid ports is inserted, for example, in the middle of the hydraulic hose 40. The variable capacity chamber 52 having a single fluid port can be attached to the hydraulic pressure path R by, for example, providing a three-way branch pipe in the middle of the hydraulic hose 40. The position of the variable capacity chamber 52 is not limited to the middle of the hydraulic hose 40. The variable capacity chamber 52 may also be provided in a connecting member for connecting the hydraulic hose 40 to the hydraulic operating device 20, or may be provided to connect the hydraulic hose 40 to the hydraulic pressure operated device 30. Connection member.

The detecting device 54 includes a temperature sensor that directly or indirectly detects the temperature of the hydraulic operating system 10. The detecting device 54 detects by measuring or monitoring: the temperature of the fluid, the temperature of the outside air around the oil pressure path R, the temperature of the hydraulic operating device 20, the temperature of the oil pressure by the operating device 30, or any combination of the temperatures. The temperature about the hydraulic pressure route R. The position and detection pattern of the detecting device 54 are not particularly limited. The detecting means 54 supplies a detection signal indicating the detection result to the control means 58.

The control device 58 includes a memory 58a that stores information on the position of the piston 52b corresponding to the detection result of the detecting device 54, and information that controls the driving device 56 based on information on the detection result of the detecting device 54 and the position of the piston 52b. Processor 58b. The control device 58 connects the detecting device 54 and the driving device 56 via a wired connection or a wireless connection. control The position of the device 58 is not particularly limited.

The memory 58a can store a table, a diagram, or an arithmetic expression indicating the correspondence between the detection result of the detecting device 54 and the position of the piston 52b, which is prepared in advance by experiments or simulations. Preferably, the table, the graph, or the expression is based on a thermal change in the operating range of the hydraulic operating system measured in advance by experiments or simulations. In the case where the thermal deformation of the mechanical part is small enough to be negligible for the volume change of the fluid, the table, the graph, or the expression may be changed according to the thermal volume of the fluid previously determined by experiment or simulation. The processor 58b generates a control signal corresponding to the detection signal of the detecting means 54, and supplies the control signal to the driving means 56.

The drive unit 56 forcibly changes the capacity of the hydraulic pressure path R in response to the temperature of the hydraulic pressure path R by the control of the control unit 58. For example, the driving device 56 moves the piston 52b such that the higher the temperature with respect to the hydraulic pressure path R, the larger the capacity of the variable-capacity chamber 52 becomes. The drive unit 56 includes a motor 56a and a transmission 56b that operatively connects the motor 56a and the piston 52b. The transmission 56b is, for example, a ball screw. The configuration of the driving device 56 is not limited thereto, and the driving device 56 may also be a linear actuator.

Next, the operation and effect of the hydraulic operating system 10 of the embodiment will be described.

(1) By causing the adjustment mechanism 50 to adjust the capacity of the hydraulic pressure path R in accordance with the temperature with respect to the hydraulic pressure path R, the influence of thermal expansion and thermal contraction of the hydraulic operation system 10 is reduced or eliminated. For example, the distance between the brake shoe 36 and the disk rotor DR is varied or prevented by the temperature change of the oil pressure path R. Reducing or preventing the temperature change of the oil pressure path R from causing the lever 22 The position or clearance angle changes. The rider's operational sensation is changed or prevented by the temperature change of the hydraulic pressure path R.

By the hydraulic operating system 10 provided with the bicycle having the adjustment mechanism 50, it is possible to provide a rider with a quick and linear braking reaction with respect to the operation of the lever 22 regardless of the temperature change of the hydraulic pressure path R. The hydraulic operating system 10 is particularly required for a rider who requires a slender operation of the lever 22, such as a racing knight.

(2) The adjustment mechanism 50 includes a variable capacity chamber 52 provided in the hydraulic pressure path R. With this configuration, the thermal change of the operating range of the hydraulic operating system 10 is reduced or offset by changing the capacity of the variable-capacity chamber 52 in response to the temperature of the hydraulic pressure path R. Thus, the operational stability of the hydraulic operating system 10 can be improved.

(3) The variable capacity chamber 52 is defined by the cylinder 52a and the piston 52b provided to be movable within the cylinder 52a. With this configuration, the displacement of the variable-capacity chamber 52 can be changed by the piston 52b moving in response to the temperature of the hydraulic pressure path R.

(4) The adjustment mechanism 50 includes: a detection device 54 that detects information on the temperature of the hydraulic operation system 10, a drive device 56 that drives the piston 52b, and a control device 58 that controls the drive device 56 based on the detection result of the detection device 54. . With this configuration, the drive unit 56 forcibly moves the piston 52b under the control of the control unit 58 to reduce or cancel the thermal change of the operating range of the hydraulic operating system 10.

(5) The detecting device 54 detects: the temperature of the fluid, the temperature of the outside air around the oil pressure path R (ambient temperature), the temperature of the hydraulic operating device 20, and the oil The temperature of the operated device 30, or any combination of these temperatures, is pressed. With this configuration, the control device 58 can substantially cancel the thermal change of the operating range of the hydraulic operating system 10 in response to the change in the capacity of the variable-capacity chamber 52 by the temperature detected by the detecting device 54.

(6) The memory 58a of the control device 58 stores information on the position of the piston 52b corresponding to the detection result of the detecting device 54. The processor 58b controls the drive unit 56 based on the detection result of the detecting means 54 and information on the position of the piston 52b. According to this configuration, information prepared in advance by, for example, experiment or simulation and most suitable for the hydraulic operating system 10 can be stored in the memory 58a. Then, the control device 58 can move the piston 52b at the amount of movement that is most suitable for substantially canceling the thermal change of the operating range of the hydraulic operating system 10.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment (one or a plurality of types). For example, the embodiment can be modified as follows.

Fig. 3 shows an adjustment mechanism 50a of the first modification. The capacity variable chamber 52 of the adjustment mechanism 50a includes an expansion and contraction portion 52c that expands and contracts in response to the temperature of the fluid. The expansion and contraction portion 52c accommodates the fluid. The expansion and contraction portion 52c has a dome shape. The variable-capacity chamber 52 includes a non-elastic portion 52d that supports the expansion-contraction portion 52c and is connected to the hydraulic hose 40.

When the temperature of the fluid rises more than the reference temperature (for example, 25 ° C), the stretchable portion 52c is elongated, and the capacity of the variable capacity chamber 52 is increased.

The expansion/contraction portion 52c is formed of, for example, a material having a large thermal linear expansion coefficient. This material is, for example, an aluminum alloy or the like. The thickness of the expansion-contraction portion 52c is determined in advance to allow the expansion-contraction portion 52c to expand and contract in accordance with the temperature of the fluid, and the other side The surface expansion and contraction portion 52c does not expand and contract by the pressure of the hydraulic pressure path R.

According to the first modification, by allowing the expansion/contraction portion 52c to automatically expand and contract in accordance with the temperature of the fluid, the capacity of the variable capacity chamber 52 can be changed without power. Thus, the thermal variation of the operating range of the hydraulic operating system 10 can be reduced or substantially offset without power.

The expansion/contraction portion 52c of Fig. 3 is not limited to the dome shape, and may have a shape other than a dome shape such as a film or a bellows.

Fig. 4 shows an adjustment mechanism 50b of the second modification. The variable capacity chamber 52 of the adjustment mechanism 50b is defined by a cylinder 52e and a piston 52f provided to be movable within the cylinder 52e. The expansion/contraction portion 52g that expands and contracts in response to the temperature of the fluid is provided to support the piston 52f in the cylinder 52e.

Similarly to the elasticized portion 52c of Fig. 3, the elasticized portion 52c is formed of, for example, a material having a large coefficient of thermal linear expansion. When the temperature of the fluid rises more than the reference temperature (for example, 25 ° C), the stretchable portion 52g is elongated, and the capacity of the variable capacity chamber 52 is increased.

According to the second modification, by allowing the expansion/contraction portion 52g to automatically expand and contract in accordance with the temperature of the fluid, the capacity of the variable capacity chamber 52 can be changed without power. Thus, the thermal variation of the operating range of the hydraulic operating system 10 can be reduced or substantially offset without power.

The expansion/contraction portion 52g of Fig. 4 is not limited to the rod member and may have any shape. The expansion/contraction portion 52g of Fig. 4 may directly connect the piston 52f to the inner surface of the cylinder 52e, and may be between the expansion and contraction portion 52g and the piston 52f and/or the inner surface of the expansion and contraction portion 52g and the cylinder 52e. There is a non-elastic part in the intermediation.

The detecting device 54 of Fig. 2 is formed to replace the temperature sensor or to detect a physical quantity other than the temperature having a correlation with respect to the temperature of the hydraulic operating system 10. In the closed hydraulic operation system 10, the pressure of the hydraulic pressure path R changes, and the pressure of the hydraulic pressure path R changes. Therefore, the detecting means 54 can include a pressure sensor for detecting the pressure of the oil pressure path R. In this case, the control device 58 changes the capacity of the variable-capacity chamber 52 via the piston 52b and the drive unit 56 in order to maintain the pressure of the hydraulic pressure path R in the state in which the hydraulic operation device 20 is not operated at the set value. In this case, the memory 58a of the control device 58 stores information on the position of the piston 52b corresponding to the detection result of the pressure sensor.

The shape, structure, and type of the hydraulic operating device and the hydraulic operating device are not limited to those shown in the drawings, and can be appropriately changed. For example, the hydraulic operating system 10 is not limited to the hydraulic disc system, and can also be used as a hydraulic rim brake system, or as a hydraulic operating system other than the hydraulic brake system, such as a hydraulic shifting system and a hydraulic suspension. Hanging system, oil pressure adjustable seat post and so on. In any of the examples, the hydraulic operating system 10 is particularly advantageous in the case where the hydraulic operating device does not have a so-called closed type having a fluid reservoir.

The present invention is not limited to the scope of its technical idea, and those skilled in the art can understand the technology embodied in other unique types. For example, in an embodiment (one or a plurality of types), a part of the illustrated part may be omitted or several parts may be combined. The scope of the present invention should be understood by reference to the appended claims.

10‧‧‧Hydraulic operating system

20‧‧‧Hydraulic operating device

22‧‧‧Leverage

22a‧‧‧ cam surface

24‧‧‧Hydraulic cylinder

24a‧‧‧ cylinder cavity

26‧‧‧Piston

26a‧‧‧Piston return spring

28‧‧‧Connecting components

28a‧‧‧ Length adjustment structure

29‧‧‧Swing axis

30‧‧‧Hydraulic operated device

32‧‧‧Piston

34‧‧‧Hydraulic cylinder bore

36‧‧‧煞车片

40‧‧‧Hydraulic hose

50‧‧‧Adjustment agency

DR‧‧ disc rotor

HB‧‧‧handlebar

P1‧‧‧ stop position

P2‧‧‧ operating position

R‧‧‧Hydraulic route

X1‧‧‧Levering pivot axis

X2‧‧‧ swing axis

Claims (12)

A hydraulic operating system for a bicycle includes: a hydraulic operating device; a hydraulic operating device that is fluidly connected to the hydraulic operating device via a hydraulic circuit; and a hydraulic pressure path that is disposed in the hydraulic pressure line An adjustment mechanism for adjusting the capacity of the above hydraulic circuit. The hydraulic operating system of claim 1, wherein the adjustment mechanism comprises: a variable capacity chamber disposed in the hydraulic circuit. The hydraulic operating system of claim 2, wherein the variable capacity chamber is defined by a cylinder and a piston disposed to move within the cylinder. The hydraulic operating system of claim 3, wherein the adjustment mechanism includes: a detecting device that detects information about a temperature of the hydraulic operating system, a driving device that drives the piston, and a detection result according to the detecting device To control the control device of the above drive device. The hydraulic operating system of claim 4, wherein the detecting means detects: a temperature of the fluid, an outside air temperature around the hydraulic circuit, a temperature of the hydraulic operating device, and a hydraulic pressure operated device Temperature, or any combination of these temperatures. The hydraulic operating system of claim 4, wherein the control device includes: a memory for storing information on a position of the piston corresponding to a detection result of the detecting device, And controlling the processor of the drive device based on the information about the detection result of the detecting device and the position of the piston. The hydraulic operating system according to claim 2, wherein the variable capacity chamber includes an expansion/contraction portion that expands and contracts in response to a temperature of the fluid. A hydraulic operating system according to claim 7, wherein the expansion and contraction portion is configured to accommodate the fluid. The hydraulic operating system of claim 8, wherein the expansion and contraction portion has a dome shape. The hydraulic operating system of claim 7, wherein the variable capacity chamber is defined by a cylinder and a piston disposed to be movable within the cylinder; the telescopic portion is configured to be supported in the cylinder The above piston. A hydraulic operating system includes: a hydraulic operating device; a hydraulic operating device that is fluidly connected to the hydraulic operating device via a hydraulic passage; and is disposed on the hydraulic circuit and in response to the hydraulic pressure An adjustment mechanism for adjusting a capacity of the hydraulic pressure path by a pressure of the fluid in the route; the adjustment mechanism includes: a detection device that detects a pressure of the hydraulic pressure path; a drive device that drives the piston; and a detection result according to the detection device Control device for controlling the above driving device; The control device changes the capacity of the variable-capacity chamber via the piston and the drive device in order to maintain the pressure of the hydraulic pressure path in a stopped state in which the hydraulic operation device is not operated at a set value. The hydraulic operating system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the hydraulic operating system is a closed type in which the hydraulic operating device does not have a fluid storage tank.