Abstract:
The invention relates to a dynamic force-distributing device. The dynamic force-distributing device has a dynamic three-stage force distribution function, and is especially suitable for being applied to a single-handed braking device of various front and rear wheel form vehicles. The whole braking process can show three-stage functional characteristics such as safety, stability, reliability, fast stopping and the like, so that the problem of accidents caused by improper brake operation is avoided.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present application claims priority to PCT application number PCT/CN2005/071949, filed on 2015 Jan. 30, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    The present application relates to a dynamic force-distributing device. The dynamic force-distributing device (hereinafter referred to as “a force-distributing device” for short) has a dynamic three-stage strength distribution function, and is especially suitable for being applied to a single-handed brake device of various front and rear wheel form vehicles. The whole braking process can show three-stage functional characteristics such as safety, stability, reliability, fast stopping and the like, so that the problem of accidents caused by improper brake operation is avoided. 
         [0003]    Since the vehicles are commonly used in various front and rear wheel forms, such as bicycles, due to the fact that the front wheel is firstly braked in emergency, the casualty accidents are never avoided, while there are a few applications of brake control devices for preventing such emergency brake accidents, however, the design of these applications has certain specific defects, the defects include that a proper front wheel brake force and a rear wheel brake force cannot be directly and effectively distributed, and the structure is too complex, the operation is delayed or distorted, the production cost is too high, and the replacement or assembly is not easy, the service life is short, the preset use condition is too strict, and the appearance and the assembling mode of the product are poor, the hand feeling and the stability of the brake process are poor, and the like. Therefore, there is still no application to be commonly accepted and used by most vehicles, and the accidents are still happened frequently. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    The defects of the prior art for preventing bike&#39;s emergency brake accidents are overcome, the invention discloses a force-distributing device, so that the proportion of the brake force distribution of the front wheel and the rear wheel of the whole brake process can be changed dynamically, stable and reliable, and the function characteristics of three different stages such as safety, stability, reliability and fast stopping are achieved. The single-hand brake control device is simple and durable in structure, low in cost and expected to be widely applied to a single-hand brake control device of a front-back wheel vehicle, the problem that casualties are easily caused due to improper brake operation of a rider is effectively solved, and a high practical value is created. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0005]      FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2  are exploded and assembled diagrams of the first structural type of force-distributing device (using a sliding pivotal rod). 
           [0006]      FIG. 3  and  FIG. 4  are exploded and assembled diagrams of first and second embodiments. 
           [0007]      FIG. 5  and  FIG. 6  are exploded and assembled diagrams of the first structural type of force-distributing device (using a rolling pivotal rod). 
           [0008]      FIG. 7  is a diagram schematically illustrating the three-stage force distribution function of the first structural type of force-distributing device. 
           [0009]      FIG. 8  is a three-stage force distribution function graph of the force-distributing device applied to front brake and rear brake. 
           [0010]      FIG. 9  and  FIG. 10  are exploded and assembled diagrams of the first structural type of force-distributing device (using a rotating arm pivotal rod). 
           [0011]      FIG. 11  and  FIG. 12  are exploded and assembled diagrams of the first structural type of force-distributing device (using a rotating body pivotal rod). 
           [0012]      FIG. 13  is a diagram schematically illustrating the three-stage force distribution function of the second structural type of force-distributing device. 
           [0013]      FIG. 14  is a diagram schematically illustrating the third embodiment. 
           [0014]      FIG. 15  is a diagram schematically illustrating the fourth embodiment. 
           [0015]      FIG. 16  is a diagram schematically illustrating the fifth embodiment. 
           [0016]      FIG. 17  is a diagram schematically illustrating the sixth embodiment. 
           [0017]      FIGS. 18, 19 and 20  are diagrams schematically illustrating the applicable methods to adjust the forces to be distributed. 
           [0018]      FIG. 21  and  FIG. 22  are diagrams schematically illustrating the structural integration of the brake levers. 
       
    
    
     LABEL NO - - - NAME 
       [0000]    
       
         
           
               1  - - - force-distributing device 
               10  - - - frame assembly 
               101  - - - fixed section 
               12  - - - cable adjustment screw assembly 
               15  - - - connecting hole 
               20  - - - brake lever 
               201  - - - lever force output hole 
               202  - - - lever shaft hole 
               30  - - - frame 
               301  - - - rod moving space 
               306  - - - rotate restrict convex 
               307  - - - spring attachment hole 
               308  - - - screw 
               309  - - - parallel perforation 
               31  - - - compression spring 
               33  - - - torsion spring 
               34  - - - rotating arm 
               343  - - - rotating arm shaft 
               36  - - - rotating body 
               362  - - - rotate restrict concave 
               363  - - - spring attachment part 
               40  - - - force input moving piece 
               401  - - - movable force-in pivotal rod 
               402  - - - perforated movable body 
               42  - - - brake force input cable 
               50  - - - first force output of moving piece (front wheel) 
               501  - - - first force output shaft (front wheel) 
               52  - - - front brake cable 
               53  - - - front brake hydraulic piston rod 
               54  - - - front brake hydraulic cylinder 
               55  - - - front brake hydraulic pipe 
               60  - - - second force output of moving pieces (rear wheel) 
               601  - - - second force output shaft (rear wheel) 
               62  - - - rear brake cable 
               63  - - - rear brake hydraulic piston rod 
               64  - - - rear brake hydraulic cylinder 
               65  - - - rear brake hydraulic pipe 
               70  - - - handlebar 
               80  - - - existing cable brake lever assembly 
               81  - - - existing cable fastener 
               82  - - - existing brake lever 
               83  - - - existing cable adjustment screw assembly 
               84  - - - existing brake cable housing 
           
         
       
     
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0062]    The force-distributing device and its applications to single-handed brake lever of front and rear wheels are simple in structure. The first structural type of the force-distributing device is called “surface moving pivotal rod type” (including “sliding pivotal rod type” and “rolling pivotal rod type”, and both types have the same physical theory). The second structural type is “rotating pivotal rod type” (including “rotating arm pivotal rod type” and “rotating body pivotal rod type”, and both types have the same physical theory). Both of the two structural types of force-distributing device can be applied to “cable brake lever” assembly, “hydraulic brake lever” assembly and “cable brake breakout box” assembly for the single-handed front and rear wheels brake. Therefore, it can be applied to six types of embodiment in total: 
         [0063]    The first type of embodiment apply a “surface moving pivotal rod type” force-distributing device to a “cable brake lever” assembly. 
         [0064]    The second type of embodiment apply a “rotating pivotal rod type” force-distributing device to a “cable brake lever” assembly. 
         [0065]    The third type of embodiment apply a “surface moving pivotal rod type” force-distributing device to a “hydraulic brake lever” assembly. 
         [0066]    The fourth type of embodiment apply a “rotating pivotal rod type” force-distributing device to a “hydraulic brake lever” assembly. 
         [0067]    The fifth type of embodiment apply a “surface moving pivotal rod type” force-distributing device to a “cable brake breakout box” assembly. 
         [0068]    The sixth type of embodiment apply a “rotating pivotal rod type” force-distributing device to a “cable brake breakout box” assembly. 
         [0069]    All six embodiments can provide the safe three-stage brake function while the brake force is applied to from zero to maximum. 
         [0070]    The first structural type of the force-distributing device is called “surface moving pivotal rod type”. Please refer to  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 2 ,  FIG. 5  and  FIG. 6 . The movable force-in pivotal rod ( 401 ) in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2  moves in sliding mode, while the movable force-in pivotal rod ( 401 ) in  FIG. 5  and  FIG. 6  moves in rolling mode. Because these two moving modes have the same physical theory and function, only the force-distributing device with the “sliding pivotal rod” would be described hereinafter. 
         [0071]    The first structural type of force-distributing device ( 1 ) comprising one frame ( 30 ), one movable force-in pivotal rod ( 401 ), one torsion spring ( 33 ), one force input moving piece ( 40 ), one first force output moving piece ( 50 ) and one second force output moving piece ( 60 ). The first force output moving piece ( 50 ) pin joint to one side of the frame ( 30 ) by a first force output shaft ( 501 ), the second force output moving piece ( 60 ) pin joint to the opposite side of frame ( 30 ) by a second force output shaft ( 601 ). The frame ( 30 ) forms a rod moving space ( 301 ) to accommodate the movable force-in pivotal rod ( 401 ) between these two sides of frame ( 30 ). The movable force-in pivotal rod ( 401 ) formed on one side of the force input moving piece ( 40 ) contacts the surface of the rod moving space ( 301 ). The torsion spring ( 33 ) is mounted inside the frame ( 30 ) by jacketing the first force output shaft ( 501 ) and by fixing one tail on frame ( 30 ) and attaching the other tail on the movable force-in pivotal rod ( 401 ). The force input from the force input moving piece ( 40 ) is transferred to the frame ( 30 ) via movable force-in pivotal rod ( 401 ). Then the input force should be divided into two force outputs of the first force output shaft ( 501 ) and the second force output shaft ( 601 ) via the frame ( 30 ). Lastly, the two divided forces are separately transferred to the first force output moving piece ( 50 ) and the second force output moving piece ( 60 ). The amounts of the two force outputs depend on the position of the position of the movable force-in pivotal rod ( 401 ) because the movable force-in pivotal rod ( 401 ), the first force output shaft ( 501 ) and the second force output shaft ( 601 ) are pin jointed by frame ( 30 ). The structural relationship of them forms a force balancing between a moving fulcrum and two ends of a lever. The force balancing is illustrated in  FIG. 7 . When the force input applied from 0 and start to increase, the movable force-in pivotal rod ( 401 ) cannot yet move due to the counteracting torque of the torsion spring ( 33 ). Therefore, the forces distributed of the first force output shaft ( 501 ) and the second output force shaft ( 601 ) keep at 1:3 fixed ratio. This status is called “the first stage”. When the force input increases and generate a sufficient torque exceeding the counteracting torque of the torsion spring ( 33 ), the movable force-in pivotal rod ( 401 ) starts to move along the attached surface, and the force distribution ratio of the first force output shaft ( 501 ) and second force output shaft ( 601 ) starts to change. Now, the status is entering “the second stage”, the force distributed to the first force output shaft ( 501 ) gradually increases and the force distributed to second force output shaft ( 601 ) gradually decreases. When the movable force-in pivotal rod ( 401 ) move to its final position, the force distribution of the first force output shaft ( 501 ) and the second force output shaft ( 601 ) is fixed at 3:1 ratio, and the status enters “the third stage”. 
         [0072]    The second structural type of the force-distributing device is called “rotating pivotal rod type”. Please refer to  FIG. 9  to  FIG. 12 . In the illustration of  FIG. 9  and  FIG. 10 , the movable force-in pivotal rod ( 401 ) rotates along with a rotating arm ( 34 ). In the illustration of  FIG. 11  and  FIG. 12 , the movable force-in pivotal rod ( 401 ) rotates along with the rotating body ( 36 ). Because these two types of rotation have the same physical theory and function, only the force-distributing device with the “rotating arm pivotal rod” would be described hereinafter. 
         [0073]    Comparing the first structural type and the second structural type of the force-distributing device, both of them include the same of one frame ( 30 ), one movable force-in pivotal rod ( 401 ), one torsion spring ( 33 ), one force input moving piece ( 40 ), one first force output moving piece ( 50 ) and one second force output moving piece ( 60 ). But the second structural type comprising one extra rotating arm ( 34 ). The first force output moving piece ( 50 ) pin joint to one side of the frame ( 30 ) by a first force output shaft ( 501 ), the second force output moving piece ( 60 ) pin joint to the opposite side of frame ( 30 ) by a second force output shaft ( 601 ). The frame ( 30 ) forms a rod moving space ( 301 ) to accommodate the movable force-in pivotal rod ( 401 ) between these two sides of frame ( 30 ). The movable force-in pivotal rod ( 401 ) is formed on one side of the force input moving piece ( 40 ). One end of the rotating arm ( 34 ) pin joint to the rod moving space ( 301 ) via the movable force-in pivotal rod ( 401 ) while the other end of the rotating arm ( 34 ) pin joint to the frame ( 30 ) by a rotating arm shaft ( 343 ). The torsion spring ( 33 ) is mounted inside the frame ( 30 ) by jacketing the rotating arm shaft ( 343 ) and by fixing one tail on frame ( 30 ) and attaching the other tail on the movable force-in pivotal rod ( 401 ). The force input moving piece ( 40 ) introduce the force input through the movable force-in pivotal rod ( 401 ) to one side of the rotating arm ( 34 ) and generate a count-clockwise torque around the rotating arm shaft ( 343 ), but the torsion spring ( 33 ) also generate a clockwise torque rotating around the rotating arm shaft ( 343 ). When the count-clockwise torque applied not yet exceeds the clockwise torque applied from the torsion spring ( 33 ), the rotating arm ( 34 ) does not rotate. The movable force-in pivotal rod ( 401 ) also does not move. Only when the force input increase and generate a sufficient count-clockwise torque exceeding the clockwise torque, the rotating arm ( 34 ) starts to rotate and the movable force-in pivotal rod ( 401 ) starts to move. Therefore, the movable force-in pivotal rod ( 401 ) can transfer the force input from the force input moving piece ( 40 ) to the frame ( 30 ) via the structural combination of the torsion spring ( 33 ), the rotating arm ( 34 ) and the rotating arm shaft ( 343 ). Then the frame ( 30 ) divide the force input into two force outputs to the first force output shaft ( 501 ) and the second force output shaft ( 601 ). Finally, the two force outputs can each go through first force output moving piece ( 50 ) and the second force output moving piece ( 60 ). The amounts of the two force outputs depend on the position of the position of the movable force-in pivotal rod ( 401 ) because the movable force-in pivotal rod ( 401 ), the first force output shaft ( 501 ) and the second force output shaft ( 601 ) are pin jointed by frame ( 30 ). The structural relationship of them forms a force balancing between a moving fulcrum and two ends of a lever. Please refer to  FIG. 13  for the force balancing illustration. When the force input applied from 0 and start to increase, the movable force-in pivotal rod ( 401 ) cannot yet move due to the counteracting torque of the torsion spring ( 33 ). Therefore, the forces distributed on the first force output shaft ( 501 ) and the second output force shaft ( 601 ) keep at 1:3 fixed ratio. This status is called “the first stage”. When the force input increases and generate a sufficient torque exceeding the counteracting torque of the torsion spring ( 33 ), the movable force-in pivotal rod ( 401 ) starts to move along the attached surface, and the force distribution ratio of the first force output shaft ( 501 ) and second force output shaft ( 601 ) starts to change. Now, the status is entering “the second stage”, the force distributed to the first force output shaft ( 501 ) gradually increases and the force distributed to second force output shaft ( 601 ) gradually decreases. When the movable force-in pivotal rod ( 401 ) move to its final position, the force distribution of the first force output shaft ( 501 ) and the second force output shaft ( 601 ) is fixed at 3:1 ratio, and the status enters “the third stage”. 
         [0074]    In summary of the explanations above, the second structural type force-distributing device has the same three stages of force distribution function and is also suitable for single-handed front and rear wheels brake device. It offers better safety and efficiency compared to traditional two-hands separate brake devices for front wheel and rear wheels. 
         [0075]    The first type of embodiment of the force-distributing device can be referred to  FIG. 1  to  FIG. 4  and combine with a “cable brake lever” assembly. This embodiment comprising one frame assembly ( 10 ), one brake lever ( 20 ) and one “surface moving pivotal rod type” force-distributing device ( 1 ). The frame assembly ( 10 ) forms one fixed section ( 101 ) to be fixed on the handlebar ( 70 ) and a container space to house related parts. One side of the frame assembly ( 10 ) setup two sets of cable adjustment screw assembly ( 12 ) to be put through by a front brake cable ( 52 ) and a rear brake cable ( 62 ). The other side of the frame assembly  10  pin joint to a shaft hole ( 202 ) of the brake lever ( 20 ). The force input end of the force input moving piece ( 40 ) pin joint to the brake lever&#39;s force output hole ( 201 ), the first force output moving piece ( 50 ) connects to the front brake cable ( 52 ) and the rear brake force moving piece ( 60 ) connects to the rear brake cable ( 62 ). With the above combination, when user apply a braking force to the brake lever ( 20 ), the braking force passing through the movable force-in pivotal rod ( 401 ) then to the frame ( 30 ). As the braking force gradually increase, the movable force-in pivotal rod ( 401 ) start to move gradually towards to its final position, thus alters the force distribution ratio. Finally, it provides the force distribution function between front and rear wheels illustrated in  FIG. 8  and builds a great braking process with safe, smooth, reliable, and quick to stop function. 
         [0076]    The second type of embodiment of the force-distributing device can be referred to  FIG. 3  to  FIG. 6  and combine with a “cable brake lever” assembly. This embodiment is almost identical to the first type single-handed front and rear wheel brake device, including one frame assembly ( 10 ), one brake lever ( 20 ) and one “rotating pivotal rod type” force-distributing device ( 1 ). However, except the “rotating pivotal rod type” force-distributing device ( 1 ), the mechanism including physical theory, function of single-handed front and rear wheel brake, combined characteristics and exterior are all identical, therefore the details will not be repeated. 
         [0077]    The third type of embodiment of the force-distributing device can be referred to  FIG. 14  and combine with a “hydraulic brake lever” assembly. This embodiment comprising one frame assembly ( 10 ), one brake lever ( 20 ), one front brake hydraulic piston rod ( 53 ), one rear brake hydraulic piston rod ( 63 ), one front brake hydraulic cylinder ( 54 ), one rear brake hydraulic cylinder ( 64 ) and one “surface moving pivotal rod type” force-distributing device ( 1 ). The frame assembly ( 10 ) forms one fixed section ( 101 ) to be fixed on a handlebar ( 70 ) and a container space to house related parts. One side of the frame assembly ( 10 ) setup two holes to put through a front brake hydraulic pipe ( 55 ) and a rear brake hydraulic pipe ( 65 ), the other side pin joint to a lever shaft hole ( 202 ) of the brake lever ( 20 ). The force input end of the force input moving piece ( 40 ) pin joint to a lever force output hole ( 201 ) of the brake lever ( 20 ). The front brake force output moving piece ( 50 ) and the rear brake force moving piece ( 60 ) each connects to the front brake hydraulic piston rod ( 53 ) and the rear brake hydraulic piston rod ( 63 ). The front brake hydraulic piston rod ( 53 ) and the rear brake hydraulic piston rod ( 63 ) then each drives the responding piston inside of the front brake hydraulic cylinder ( 54 ) and the rear brake hydraulic cylinder ( 64 ). Each hydraulic cylinder&#39;s output port connects to the front brake hydraulic pipe ( 55 ) and the rear brake hydraulic pipe ( 65 ). With the above combination, when user apply a brake force to the brake lever ( 20 ), the braking force passing through the movable force-in pivotal rod ( 401 ) then to the frame ( 30 ). As the braking force gradually increase, the movable force-in pivotal rod ( 401 ) starts to move from starting position to the final position of the rod moving space ( 301 ) and the force-distributing device ( 1 ) follows the described mechanism to divide the braking force into two separate force outputs that each go through a passing way of “the front brake force output shaft ( 501 )--&gt;the front brake force output moving piece ( 50 )--&gt;the front brake hydraulic piston rod ( 53 )--&gt;the front brake hydraulic cylinder ( 54 )--&gt;the front brake hydraulic pipe ( 55 )” and another passing way of “the rear brake force output shaft ( 601 )--&gt;the rear brake force moving piece ( 60 )--&gt;the rear brake hydraulic piston rod ( 63 )--&gt;the rear brake hydraulic cylinder ( 64 )--&gt;the front brake hydraulic pipe ( 65 )”. Finally, the force distribution curve between front and rear wheels illustrated in  FIG. 8  showing a great braking process with safe, smooth, reliable, and quick to stop function. 
         [0078]    The fourth type of embodiment of the force-distributing device can be referred to  FIG. 15  and combine with a “hydraulic brake lever” assembly. This embodiment is almost identical to the third type of embodiment, it also comprising one frame assembly ( 10 ), one brake lever ( 20 ), one front brake hydraulic piston rod ( 53 ), one rear brake hydraulic piston rod ( 63 ), one front brake hydraulic cylinder ( 54 ), one rear brake hydraulic cylinder ( 64 ), one front brake hydraulic pipe ( 55 ), one rear brake hydraulic pipe ( 65 ) and one “rotating pivotal rod type” force-distributing device ( 1 ). However, except the “rotating pivotal rod type” force-distributing device, the mechanism including physical theory, function of single-handed front and rear wheel brake, combined characteristics and exterior are all identical, therefore the details will not be repeated. 
         [0079]    The fifth type of embodiment of the force-distributing device can be referred to  FIG. 16  and combine with a “cable brake breakout box” assembly. This embodiment comprising one frame assembly ( 10 ), one brake force input cable ( 42 ) and one “surface moving pivotal rod type” force-distributing device ( 1 ). The frame assembly ( 10 ) forms a container space to house related parts. One side of the frame assembly ( 10 ) setup two sets of cable adjustment screw assembly ( 12 ) to be put through by a front brake cable ( 52 ) and a rear brake cable ( 62 ). The other side of the frame assembly  10  forms a connecting hole ( 15 ) to setup a cable adjustment screw assembly ( 83 ), the brake force input cable ( 42 ) is put through the existing cable adjustment screw assembly ( 83 ), the force input moving piece ( 40 ) connects to one end of the brake force input cable ( 42 ), the other end of the brake force input cable ( 42 ) connects to the existing cable fastener ( 81 ) of the existing cable brake lever assembly ( 80 ). The first force output moving piece ( 50 ) connects to the front brake cable ( 52 ), the second force output moving piece ( 60 ) connects to the rear brake cable ( 62 ). With the combination described as above, when user start to apply force to the existing brake lever ( 82 ), the brake force passes through the brake force input cable ( 42 ) and pulling the force input moving piece ( 401 ) and movable force-in pivotal rod ( 401 ) inside the frame assembly ( 10 ). As the brake force gradually increases, the movable force-in pivotal rod ( 401 ) starts to move from starting position to the final position of the rod moving space ( 301 ) and the force-distributing device ( 1 ) follows the described mechanism to divide the braking force into two separate force outputs that each go through a passing way of “The front brake force output shaft ( 501 )--&gt;the front brake force output moving piece ( 50 )--&gt;the front brake cable ( 52 )” and another passing way of “the rear brake force output shaft ( 601 )--&gt;the rear brake force moving piece ( 60 )--&gt;the rear brake cable ( 62 )”. Finally, it provide the force distribution function between front and rear wheels illustrated in  FIG. 8  and also build the three-stage safe brake feature. 
         [0080]    The sixth type of embodiment of the force-distributing device can be referred to  FIG. 17  and combine with a “cable brake breakout box” assembly. This embodiment is identical to the fifth type of embodiment except using the “rotating pivotal rod type” force-distributing device ( 1 ). However, their mechanisms are all identical, therefore the details will not be repeated. 
         [0081]    Further, as the  FIG. 18 ,  FIG. 19  and  FIG. 20  illustrated, the detail characteristics of force-distributing device can be adjusted with methods as described below. 
         [0082]    The first method to change the detail characteristics of the force distribution is to design a different shape of the rod moving space ( 301 ) to change the contacting track of the movable force-in pivotal rod ( 401 ). For example, please refer to  FIG. 18  describing two different shapes of the rod moving space ( 301 ), as the left shape of the rod moving space ( 301 ) can result the dynamic force-distributing device to enter the “second stage” status earlier, on the contrary, the right shape of the rod moving space ( 301 ) can delay the time entering the “second stage” status. 
         [0083]    The second method of adjustment setup is to change the transformation volume of the spring. As the volume of the transformation changes, the profile of the “three stages dynamic force distribution curve” must change immediately. For example, please refer to  FIG. 19  and  FIG. 20  for two different adjustment mechanics. The  FIG. 19  setup a screw adjustment mechanics, while the  FIG. 20  illustrate multiple attachment holes for spring to be fixed in any of the holes. However, any existing spring adjustment available can all be applied to these two types of force-distributing device described herein. 
         [0084]    More as illustrated in  FIG. 21  and  FIG. 22 , the force input moving piece ( 40 ) and the lever ( 20 ) can be combined to form a composite lever to simplify the structure of the single-handed brake device.