WO1987001294A1 - Method for regulating the braking action of a wheel mounted in a stationary or fixed machine - Google Patents

Abstract

The method is characterized in that, before the regulation phase, the limits of travel sections along which different braking actions are desired are defined for a distance at least theoretically travelled; then, on at least some of the mechanical members for counting said distance, there are provided means for controlling the regulating member of the action of the braking means, said control means being conformed and adapted to the members so that, during the regulation phase, each time the mechanical counting members are in the position corresponding to one of the predefined limits, the regulation member for regulating the braking means is controlled at least by one of the control means in a direction and with an intensity corresponding to the new braking action to be obtained. Application to the industry of accessories for cycles and other equipment with modulated braking.

Description

METHOD FOR REGULATING THE BRAKING OF A MOUNTED WHEEL IN A STATIONARY OR FIXED MACHINE

The invention relates to a method for regulating the braking of a wheel mounted in a stationary or stationary machine.

It also relates to the means for implementing this process and to the machines provided with these means.

To date, several methods and means of braking a bicycle wheel are known (CH-616,850, US-3,501,142, 4,206,914, 4,079,931, GB-1,406,342) but all these methods and means are not applicable only to stationary machines and / or do not allow their regulation to be automated in order to simulate the conditions encountered on a road with a certain profile. Among these known means and methods, there are two braking modes.

According to a first braking mode (CH-616,850, US-4,079,931, 4,206,914), use is made of a roller.

By friction on the bicycle wheel, this roller rotates around an axis of a support associated with the frame of the machine by counteracting the action of a brake shoe bearing on the roller under the action of a member of adjustment associated with the support

(CH-616.850).

In an alternative embodiment (US-4,079,931, 4,206,914), the roller presses on the wheel under the action of an adjusting member so as to deform it more or less deeply and thereby cause more or less braking. less energetic.

In both cases, the adjustment member consists of a screw-nut system on which the user acts by hand whenever he deems it useful and with a force that he appreciates.

(CH-616.850, US-4,079,931) where it controls by means of a revolution counter of the screw-nut system (US-4,206,914).

This manual adjustment can only be made between periods of use during which braking remains constant. To simulate the conditions of a course with a certain profile, the user must interrupt his training to adjust the brake each time the conditions change.

To know the times when these adjustments must be made, the user must monitor the data of a total counter (US-4,079,931) which, in known manner comprises mechanical organs driven in rotation by the bicycle wheel, such as knobs each displaying one of the digits of the distance theoretically traveled. In addition to the fact that these methods and means necessitate stopping the drive between changes in braking intensity, for these changes the user must therefore constantly monitor the counter, otherwise the conditions of the course followed may not be correct. simulated. According to a second braking mode, use is made of a belt passed over a drum linked in rotation to the wheel and fixed to the frame to rub on the drum, on which belt a tensioning means acts under the action of a adjusting device

(US-3.501.142, G8-1.406.342). With such a braking mode, it is known to automate the adjustment in order to obtain, as a function of the distance theoretically traveled, stages having different braking conditions without having to interrupt the drive.

To this end, according to a first embodiment, the tensioning means consists of a cam and the adjustment member consists of a step-by-step control of its rotation.

This step-by-step control consists of a toothed wheel, the teeth of which cooperate with one of the cranks of the crankset, for each passage of this crank, rotate the toothed wheel which is connected to the cam by an adequate transmission. like a worm wheel.

This embodiment by cam and control step by step, however, only allows very gradual changes in the conditions of travel. According to a second embodiment, the tensioning means consists of a pusher and its regulating member in an electromagnetic control, the supply of which takes place by programmable means. If this embodiment allows rapid modifications of the braking conditions, it however calls for very expensive means by reserving the use to a few specialists.

In addition, given the belt braking, these two embodiments do not allow to consider an application to a conventional bicycle.

To stationary use of a conventional bicycle, it is known to place this bicycle on roller supports of which at least one of them is rotated about its axis by friction on the bicycle wheel which is driven. Braking means are also known for such supports (cycle No. 78 - April 82 - page 15). In this example, use is made of a cam which, by turning, acts on a caster carried by a pusher which acts on a means of braking the roller. If the cam can reproduce a profile which is that of a section of road, its control is not described according to the distance theoretically traveled nor the braking mode of the roller and there is nothing to ensure that these means would be adaptable to a mobile machine normally used. A result which the invention aims to obtain is a method and means of regulation which are applicable both to stationary machines and to mobile machines and which allow in a simple and inexpensive manner, the automatic regulation of braking as a function of the distance at least theoretically traveled in order to simulate a route in which different sections of predetermined length have a different profile. Another result which the invention aims to obtain is a process implemented by means independent of the machine and which, without transformation, are adaptable to the capacities of the user. To this end, it relates to a method of regulating a bicycle wheel mounted in the frame of a machine.

- on the one hand, whose distance at least theoretically traveled is provided by a totalizing counter which in known manner comprises mechanical members driven in rotation by the bicycle wheel, such as knobs each displaying one of the digits of the distance theoretically traveled and,

- on the other hand provided with a braking means acting under the control of an adjustment member.

This process being characterized in that:. Before the regulation phase:

- for a distance at least theoretically traveled, the limits of the sections of the route are defined along which different braking actions are desired then,

- the position occupied by the mechanical distance counting devices is identified for each limit, and

- on at least some of the mechanical members for counting the distance, means for controlling the member for adjusting the action of the braking means are adapted, these control means being shaped and adapted to the members in such a way that, . during the regulation phase:

- each time that the mechanical counting members are in the position corresponding to one of the predefined limits, by at least one of the control means, action is taken on the member for adjusting the braking means in one direction and with an intensity corresponding to the new braking action to be obtained.

The subject of the invention is also the means for implementing this process and the machine which is provided with it. The invention will be clearly understood with the aid of the description below given by way of nonlimiting example, with reference to the attached drawing, which schematically represents:

FIG. 1, in partial view, a bicycle equipped with the means according to the invention,

FIG. 2, on a larger scale, the means according to the invention seen in isolation,

- Figure 3, an alternative embodiment of the means according to the invention. Referring to the drawing, it can be seen that the machine 1, which can be mobile or stationary, comprises at least one frame 2 in which is mounted in particular a wheel 3, driven in rotation about its axis 4 by a transmission 5 taking its movement on a crankset 6. On the frame 2 are also mounted means 7 comprising:

on the one hand, means 8 for counting and totaling the distance at least theoretically traveled and,

- on the other hand braking means 9 of the wheel 3 in order to create a handicap to its training and thus simulate more difficult conditions than the real conditions.

At least in the case of a mobile machine, these braking means are of course added to the braking means.

The counting and totalizing means 8 comprise a totalizing counter 10 with its mechanical counting members

11 such as associated knobs displaying one of the figures for the distance or pinions driving these knobs and themselves taking their movement on an input shaft 12 linked in rotation to the wheel 3. Preferably, this connection to the wheel operates indirectly via a roller 13 which by friction on the wheel is rotated about its axis 14 on which is mounted a transmission 15 of this rotation to the shaft

12 of input of counter 10. For this purpose, the counter 10 is fixed on a support 16 secured to the frame 2 of the machine and, in which support 16 is guided in rotation the axis 14 of the roller 13.

As for them, the means 9 for braking the wheel 3 comprise at least one braking element 17 and a member 18 for adjusting its action with their support 16 secured to the frame.

In a preferred embodiment, the braking element 17 consists of a pad and this pad is carried by the arm 19 of a lever constituting the adjustment member 18, which lever is articulated around an axis 20 carried by support 16.

The lever 18 includes another arm 21 by which one acts to control the adjustment.

Preferably, the pad 17 acts on the wheel 3 indirectly, by means of a roller 13 which by friction on the wheel 3 is rotated about an axis 14 of the support 16 while counteracting the action of the braking pad. 17 bearing on said roller under the control of the age management body. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the support 16 is common to the counting means 8 and to the braking means 9 and this in order to facilitate the mechanical connection of these means in the manner described below.

Similarly, the roller 13 is preferably common to these means 8, .9 for counting and braking.

According to an essential characteristic of the method according to the invention:

. before the regulation phase:

- for a distance at least theoretically traveled, the limits of the sections of the route are defined along which different braking actions are desired then,

for each limit, the position which the mechanical organs 11 for counting the distance will occupy is identified, - On at least some of the mechanical distance counting organs 11, control means 22, 23 of the member for adjusting the action of the braking means are adapted, these control means 22, 23 being shaped and adapted to organs 11 so that,

. during the regulation phase:

- each time that the mechanical counting members 11 are in the position corresponding to one of the predefined limits, by at least one of the control means 22, 23, action is taken on the adjusting member 18 of the braking 17 in one direction and with an intensity corresponding to the new braking action to be obtained.

Preferably the adjustments are made before adaptation of the support 16 on the machine 1. The means for the implementation of this method therefore comprise, adapted on at least some of the mechanical counting organs 11, means 22, 23 cooperating with the adjusting member 18, braking means for controlling the action in one direction and with an intensity corresponding to the braking to be obtained.

In a first embodiment, these control means consist of cams 22 of predetermined profiles attached to the mechanical counting members 11 and on the path 24 of which cams 22 bears a probe 25 carried by the end of an arm 26 d 'a lever 27 articulated around an axis 28 carried by the support 16 while the other arm 29 of this lever, whether directly or by means of at least one other lever, acts on the control arm 21 of the adjusting member 18 of the braking means 17. In order to allow a modification of the control cycle without having to interchange the counter 10 or at least some of the cams which it comprises, in another embodiment, the means 23 each consist of a drum 30 to the periphery of which is fixed a plurality of bosses 31 and this by means 32 for adjusting the distance between each of the vertices 33 of the bosses and the axis 34 of the drum 30.

For example, these adjustment means consist of threaded holes in the drum and receiving threaded rods whose heads produce the bosses.

These bosses each produce a fraction of a path of variable profile read as the path of the cam 22.

Of course, each control means 22, 23 cooperates with a different feeler 25 carried by a lever 27 which is provided therewith.

Preferably comprising at least two control means

22, 23 for example associated with the hectometric and kilometer wheels of the counting means 10, the assembly therefore comprises at least two levers 27 which act concurrently on the adjustment member.

Advantageously, these levers 27 can be, in particular beyond a certain amplitude of movement, secured by a connecting member (not shown), such as a needle screw carried transversely by one of the levers and the end of which is engaged in a conical bore reserved in the other lever.

The value of the engagement of the screw needle in the tapered bore makes it possible to adjust the value of the amplitude of the movement of the levers beyond which they will be secured.

This arrangement allows more or less certain difficulties along a route.

In order to adjust the action of the adjusting member 18 and / or for example according to the capacities of the user, to make up for the wear of the pad 17 and / or the play taken by at least one of the means , preferably the pad 17 bears on the pad holder arm 19 by means of an adjustable stop 35 such as for example the end of a screw 36 cooperating with a hole 37 tapped in the arm 19. For the fixing of the support 16 on the frame of the machine, preferably a means quickly put in place and removable 38 is used.

Thus adapted on a bicycle in particular at the level of the clevis of its driving wheel previously devoid of mudguards, the device will not hinder its evolutions on the ground but will, depending on the cam profile chosen, reconstitute the effects felt during the rise of '' a false flat, a rating or simulate wind resistance, of a given circuit. This device will restore the attractiveness of using the bike on the Home Trainer or exercise bike which would become in bad weather a tool for maintaining physical fitness (work power and rhythm) and would avoid, during from preparation for a fitness or competition program, bad weather.

The cyclist who does not have a circuit with natural difficulties will obtain the compensating effects with the device.

The total counter obviously includes any known device for resetting to zero or even counting in advance to start the training cycle at another point on the fictitious course.

It is mounted on the support so as to be quickly removable. The roller and the brake shoe are made of materials ensuring progressive braking given their expansion.

Claims

1. Method for regulating the braking of a wheel (3) mounted in a stationary or fixed machine (1) comprising at least one frame (2) in which is mounted in particular a wheel (3), driven in rotation about its axis (4) by transmission (5) taking its movement on a pedal (6), . on which frame (2) are also mounted means (7) comprising: on the one hand, means 8 for counting and totalizing the distance at least theoretically traveled and, - on the other hand braking means (9) of the wheel (3) in order to create a handicap to its training and thus simulate more difficult conditions than the real conditions, which means (8) of counting and totalization include a totalizing counter (10) with its mechanical counting members (11) such as rollers displaying one of the distance figures or pinions driving these rollers and themselves taking their movement on a linked input shaft (12) in rotation with the wheel (3), which connection preferably takes place indirectly, by means of a roller (13) which by friction on the wheel is rotated about its axis (14) on which is mounted a transmission (15) of this rotation to the input shaft (12) of the counter (10), which counter (10) is fixed on a support (16) secured to the frame (2) of the machine, in which support (16) is guided in rotation the axis (14) of the roller (13), which means (9) for braking the wheel (3) comprises at least one braking element (17) and a member (13) for adjusting its action with their support (16) secured to the frame, which braking element (17) preferably consists of a pad and this oatin is carried by the arm (19) of a lever constituting the adjustment oraine (18), which lever is articulated around an axis (20) carried on the support (16) and carries another arm (21) by which one acts to control the adjustment while, preferably, the shoe (17) acts on the wheel (3) indirectly, by means of a roller (13) which by friction on the wheel (3 ) is rotated about an axis (14) of the support (16) by counteracting the action of the brake shoe (17) resting on said roller under the control of the adjusting member, This process being CHARACTERIZED in that:. before the regulation phase: - we define, for a distance that is at least theoretically traveled, the limits of the sections of route along which we want different braking actions, then, - the position occupied by the mechanical distance counting devices is identified for each limit and - on at least some of the mechanical distance counting devices, means for controlling the action adjustment member are adapted braking means, these control means being shaped and adapted to the members in such a way that,. during the regulation phase: - each time that the mechanical counting organs are in the position corresponding to one of the predefined limits, by at least one of the control means, the regulating organ of the braking means in one direction and with an intensity corresponding to the new braking action to be obtained. 2. Means for implementing the method according to claim 1 intended for regulating the braking of a wheel (3) mounted in a stationary or fixed machine (1) comprising at least one frame (2) in which is in particular mounted a wheel (3), driven in rotation about its axis (4) by a transmission (5) taking its movement on a crankset (5), . on which frame (2) are also mounted means (7) comprising: on the one hand, means (8) for counting and totaling the distance at least theoretically traveled, and, - on the other hand braking means (9) of the wheel (3) in order to create a handicap to its training and thus simulate more difficult conditions than the real conditions, which means (8) of counting and totalization include a totalizing counter (10) with its mechanical counting members (11) such as knobs displaying one of the distance digits or pinions driving these knobs and themselves taking their movement on a linked input shaft (12) in rotation with the wheel (3), which connection preferably takes place indirectly via a roller (13) which by friction on the wheel is rotated about its axis (14), on which is mounted a transmission (15) of this rotation to the input shaft (12) of the counter (10), which counter (10) is fixed on a support (16) secured to the frame (2) of the machine, in which support (16) is guided in rotation the axis (14) of the roller (13), which means (9) for braking the wheel (3) comprises at least one braking element (17) and a member (18) for adjusting its action with their support (16) secured to the frame, which braking element (17) preferably consists of a pad and this shoe is carried by the arm (19) of a lever constituting the adjustment member (18), which lever is articulated around an axis (20) carried on the support (16) and carries another arm (21 ) by which one acts to control the adjustment while, preferably the shoe (17) acts on the wheel (3) indirectly, by means of a roller (13) which by friction on the wheel (3) is mu in rotation about an axis (14) of the support (16) by counteracting the action of the brake shoe (17) bearing on said roller under the control of the adjustment member. These means being CHARACTERIZED in that they comprise, adapted on at least some of the mechanical counting members (11), means (22, 23) cooperating with the adjustment member (18), zoyens of re inage po ur in c omm an of action in one direction and with a loudness corresponding to the braking to be obtained. 3. Means according to claim 2 CHARACTERIZED in that, the support (16) is common to the counting means (8) and to the braking means (9). 4. Means according to claim 2 or 3 CHARACTERIZED in that the roller (13) is preferably common to these means (8, 9) counting and braking. 5. Means according to any one of claims 2 to 4 CHARACTERIZED in that these control means consist of cams (22) of predetermined profiles attached to the mechanical counting members (11) and on the path (24) of which cams ( 22) is supported by a feeler (25) carried by the end of an arm (26) of a lever (27) articulated around an axis (28) carried by the support (16) while the other arm (29) of this lever, that this comes out directly or via at least one other lever, acts on the control arm (21) of the adjusting member (18) of the braking means (17). 6. Means according to any one of claims 2 to 4 CHARACTERIZED in that the control means consist of threaded holes in the drum and receiving threaded rods whose heads provide the bosses. These bosses each produce a fraction of a path of variable profile read as the path of the cam (22). 7. Means according to claim 5 or 6 CHARACTERIZED in that: - each control means (22, 23) cooperates with a different feeler (25) carried by a lever (25) which is specific to it, - The levers (25) which act concurrently on the adjusting member are, beyond a certain range of motion, secured by a connecting member. 8. Means according to claim 7 CHARACTERIZED in that the connecting member is a needle screw carried transversely by one of the levers and the end of which is engaged in a conical bore reserved in the other lever. 9. Means according to any one of claims 2 to 8 CHARACTERIZED in that the pad (17) bears on the pad holder arm (19) by means of an adjustable stop (35). 10. Stationary or fixed machine comprising at least one frame (2) in which is mounted in particular a wheel (3), driven in rotation about its axis (4) by a transmission (5) taking its movement on a crankset (6) , . on which frame (2) are also mounted means (7) comprising: - on the one hand means (8) for counting and totaling the distance at least theoretically traveled and, - on the other hand braking means (9) of the wheel (3) in order to create a handicap in its training and thus simulate d.es conditions more difficult than the real conditions,. which means (8) for counting and totalizing comprises a totalizing counter (10) with its mechanical counting members (11) such as knobs displaying one of the distance figures or pinions driving these knobs and taking their own movement on an input shaft (12) linked in rotation to the wheel (3), which connection preferably takes place indirectly via a roller (13) which by friction on the wheel is rotated around from its axis (14) on which is mounted a transmission (15) of this rotation to the input shaft (12) of the counter (10), which counter (10) is fixed on a support (16) secured to the frame (2) of the machine, in which support (16) is guided in rotation the axis (14) of the roller (13), which means (9) for braking the wheel (3) comprise at least one element of braking (17) and a member (18) for adjusting its action with their support (16) secured to the frame, which braking element (17) preferably consists of a pad and this pad is carried by the arm (19) of a lever constituting the adjustment member (18), which lever is articulated around an axis (20) carried on the support (16) and carries another arm (21) by which one acts to control the adjustment while that preferably the shoe (17) acts on the wheel (3) indirectly, by means of a roller (13) which by friction on the wheel (3) is rotated about an axis (14) of the support (16) by counteracting the action of the brake shoe (17) bearing on said roller under the control of the governing body, this machine being CHARACTERIZED in that it is provided with the means according to one any of claims 2 to 9.