TWI532634B - Bicycle derailleur and method - Google Patents

Description

Bicycle transmission and method Field of invention

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 12/968,533, filed on Dec. 15, 2010, entitled "Bicycle Derailleur and Method".

The present invention relates to bicycles and, more particularly, to bicycles having a transmission.

Background of the invention

Typically, a transmission type bicycle has a drivetrain that includes a set of front chainrings or a plurality of chainrings, a set of rear sprockets or a plurality of cog, and extends over a chain between a front sprocket and a rear blunt tooth and engaged with them. The front sprocket wheels are mounted to a crankshaft and the rear blunt teeth are mounted to a rear wheel hub axle. The chain uses a front derailleur to convert the front sprocket and a rear derailleur to convert the blunt teeth. The rear derailleur includes a cage for laterally displacing the chain between the rear blunt teeth. The casing includes side panels, chain guide toothed pulleys, and tensioned toothed pulleys disposed between the side panels and engaged between a pair of links of the chain to laterally displace the chain. The front derailleur includes a housing with separate side panels such that the interior accepts a portion of the chain and the outer side of the chain Contact so that it is laterally displaced between adjacent sprocket wheels.

One of the disadvantages of the transmission type bicycle is that when the chain is engaged with the outermost or innermost rear blunt teeth, the chain may contact the side panels of the front derailleur to generate frictional noise. Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a front derailleur that prevents or prevents unwanted contact of the chain with the front derailleur casing side panels to reduce or eliminate frictional harsh noise.

Summary of invention

A brief summary of one of the various exemplary embodiments is presented in this paragraph. Some simplifications and omissions are made in the following summary, which is to emphasize and introduce some aspects of various exemplary embodiments, and not to limit the scope of the invention. The following paragraphs are a detailed description of exemplary embodiments that are sufficient for those skilled in the art to make and utilize the inventive concepts.

One aspect of the invention is a front derailleur for a bicycle having a frame member and a plurality of chainrings, one of which defines a sprocket plane. The front derailleur includes a mounting member attachable to the frame member. The movable chain guide is separated from the mounting. A linkage links the movable chain guide to the mount. Disposing a first discrete alignment indicator and a second discrete alignment indicator on the movable chain guide, the mounting member being movable to position the first and second discrete alignment indicators to a target plane to indicate the movable The aligned position of the chain guide relative to one of the spurs, the target plane being coincident or parallel with the sprocket plane.

Other aspects of some embodiments of the present invention provide a front derailleur wherein the frame member is a seat tube. The frame member can A clamp attached to a tube. The first discrete alignment indicator can be disposed at or near a front end of the chain guide, and the second discrete alignment indicator can be disposed at or near a trailing end of the chain guide. The first and second discrete alignment indicators can include one or more of a marker, a ridge, a groove, an indicator, a colored interval, a point, an aperture, a tolerance interval, and a line. The target plane can be parallel to the sprocket plane. The target plane can coincide with the sprocket plane. For example, the transmission can be aligned in an arcuate or rotational motion.

The chain guide can include an inner casing panel spaced from an outer casing panel, the inner casing panel including a third discrete alignment indicator disposed on an inner surface thereof. The third discrete alignment indicator can be grouped to indicate a vertically aligned position of the movable chain guide relative to an outer perimeter of the toothed disks. The third discrete alignment indicator can be curved. The third discrete alignment indicator can be a marker. The third discrete alignment indicator can be grouped to indicate a vertical alignment range of the movable chain guide relative to a periphery of one of the toothed disks.

Another embodiment of the present invention provides a method of aligning a front transmission of a bicycle having a frame member and a plurality of chainrings, one of the toothed disks defining a sprocket plane, wherein the front derailleur includes a mounting member attached to the frame member coupled to a movable chain guide of the mounting member by a link, and a first discrete alignment indicator and a second discrete alignment indicator on the movable member The method includes the steps of: mounting the front derailleur to the frame member with the mounting member, moving the front derailleur to align the first discrete alignment indicator and the second discrete alignment indicator with a target plane, the target plane Indicates the movable chain guide An aligned position of the member relative to one of the spurs, wherein the target plane coincides or is parallel with the sprocket plane and the front derailleur is secured in the laterally aligned position.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention provides a front derailleur for a bicycle having a frame member and a plurality of chainrings, each of the plurality of chainrings having an outer periphery, the front derailleur including an attachable to the frame A mounting piece for the piece. The movable chain guide is separated from the mounting. A linkage causes the movable chain guide to attach to the mount, and a third discrete alignment indicator is disposed on the movable chain guide, the third discrete alignment indicator being assembled to indicate the transmission A vertical height alignment range relative to a perimeter of one of the plurality of toothed disks.

1‧‧‧Bicycle

2‧‧‧Power train

3‧‧‧ front toothed disc

4‧‧‧After sprocket or blunt tooth

5‧‧‧Chain

6‧‧‧ Rear derailleur

7‧‧‧After the blunt axis

8‧‧‧ Rear wheel

9‧‧‧Front axis

10‧‧‧Front transmission

11‧‧‧ seat tube

12‧‧‧Installation / conventional circular clamp

13‧‧‧ frame

14‧‧‧Shell/chain guides

15‧‧‧ crank assembly

16‧‧‧Outer connecting rod

17‧‧‧ bolt

18‧‧‧Inner connecting rod

20, 22, 24, 26, 122, 124, 126, 220, 222‧‧‧ pivot bolts

29‧‧‧ Spring

30‧‧‧Outer board

31, 531‧‧‧ front end

32‧‧‧ inside panel

33, 233‧‧ ‧ Back area

34, 234, 134‧‧‧ extension arms

36,236‧‧‧ Cable Bolts

110‧‧‧Transmission assembly

112, 212‧‧‧Installation

114, 214, 314‧‧ ‧ shell

116‧‧‧ front connecting rod

117‧‧‧ clip bolt

118‧‧‧ Rear Link

120‧‧‧Pivot bolts or other hinges

129‧‧‧ Cable guides

130, 132‧‧‧ side panels

133, 533‧ ‧ tail

210‧‧‧Transmission

216‧‧‧ single connecting rod

229‧‧‧Return spring

230, 232‧‧‧ side

231‧‧‧ Front area

260, 262‧‧‧ cam surface

330‧‧‧Shell outer wall

332‧‧‧The inner wall of the casing

402‧‧‧Great external gear

404‧‧‧Small inward sprocket

406‧‧‧Small outward blunt teeth

408‧‧‧ Large inward blunt teeth

409A to D‧‧‧Chalk angle

430‧‧‧Front transmission cover

510‧‧ front transmission

514‧‧‧Chain guides

530‧‧‧Shell cover

532‧‧‧ inner cover panel

564a‧‧‧First alignment indicator

564b‧‧‧Second alignment indicator

564c‧‧‧ third alignment indicator

566‧‧‧ tongue

568‧‧‧ Bridge features

570‧‧‧ Target plane

572‧‧‧Clamps, hooks or hangers

572a, 572b‧‧‧ axis

A1‧‧‧first or upper pivot axis

A2‧‧‧Second or lower pivot axis

A3‧‧‧ skew or non-zero angle

B1, C1, C2, C3‧‧‧ Straight line

D1, d2, L1, L2, X1, X2, W1, W2‧‧‧ distance

L3, L4‧‧‧ length

R1‧‧‧ reference line

T1‧‧‧ longitudinal center axis

Y1‧‧‧ deflection axis

Various exemplary embodiments are more apparent with reference to the following drawings.

1 is a side view of a bicycle including a front derailleur of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the transmission prior to the first embodiment; FIG. 3 is a side view of the transmission assembly of FIG. 2; The outer link for the transmission of Fig. 2; the rear end view of Fig. 5 illustrates the outer link for the transmission of Fig. 2; Fig. 6 is the outward side view of the transmission assembly of Fig. 2; The transmission of FIG. 2 is shown in a first position; the top view of FIG. 8 illustrates the transmission of FIG. 2 in a second position; the upper view of FIG. 9 illustrates the transmission in a first position according to the second embodiment; The view illustrates the transmission of Figure 9 in a second position; Figure 11 illustrates a perspective view of the transmission in accordance with a third embodiment; the rear view of Figure 12 illustrates the transmission of Figure 11 in a first position; the rear view of Figure 13 illustrates the transmission of Figure 11 in a second position; The top view layout illustrates the transmission in a first position in accordance with a number of different embodiments; the top plan view of FIG. 15 illustrates the transmission in a second position in accordance with a number of different embodiments; the top view of FIG. 16 is in accordance with some different embodiments. The transmission in the first position is illustrated; the top view of FIG. 17 illustrates the transmission in the second position in accordance with some different embodiments; and FIGS. 18-23 illustrate the inclusion of an alignment indicator in accordance with other embodiments of the present invention. transmission.

Detailed description of the preferred embodiment

Reference is made to the accompanying drawings in which the claims Several specific embodiments are described herein by way of example.

A first specific embodiment is illustrated in Figures 1-8. 1 illustrates a bicycle 1 having a frame 13 and a drive train 2 that generally includes a set of front sprocket wheels 3, a set of rear sprocket or blunt teeth 4, a chain 5, a front derailleur 10, and a rear derailleur 6. The rear blunt teeth 4 are mounted centrally to the rear wheel 8 with the blunt tooth axis 7, and the set of front sprocket 3 is mounted to the crank assembly 15 centered on the previously toothed disk axis 9. The chain 5 extends and engages between one of the spurs 3 and one of the rear blunt teeth 4 Hehe. The front and rear derailleurs 10, 6 cause the chains 5 to shift between the front sprocket 3 and the rear blunt teeth 4, respectively.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the front derailleur 10 includes a mounting member 12. Mounting member 12, in this embodiment a clamp, is wrapped around and secured to the frame member of bicycle frame 13 by bolts 17, in this embodiment a seat tube 11. In the illustrated embodiment, the seat tube 11 has a longitudinal center axis T1. The seat tube 11 can have any cross-sectional shape. Thus, the mounting member 12 is rigidly attached to the frame 13 of the bicycle 1, which in the present application is considered to be a stationary reference point for the remaining components.

The movable element (in this embodiment, the casing 14) is positioned relative to the mounting member 12 by the outer link 16 and the inner link 18. The outer link 16 is pivotally coupled to the first end of the mount 12 with a pivot pin 20 or other hinge. The other end of the outer link 16 is pivotally coupled to the casing 14 by a pivot pin 22 or other hinge. The inner link 18 is pivotally coupled to the mounting member 12 by a pivot pin 24 or other hinge. The lower end of the inner link 18 is attached to the casing 14 with a pivot pin 26 or other hinge. In this particular embodiment, the mounting member 12, the outer link 16, the housing 14 and the inner link 18 together form a four-bar linkage mechanism. The spring 29 can also connect the casing 14 to the mount 12 or the frame 1, in some embodiments, to bias the casing 14, as described in more detail below.

The casing 14 forms a structure that at least partially receives or spans a portion of the chain 5, wherein the chain 5 is contained between the outer side panel 30 of the casing 14 and the inner side panel 32 of the casing 14. The casing 14 also has a front end 31 and a rear area 33. The side panels 30 and 32 form a contact portion that contacts the outer side surface of the chain 5 to move the chain 5 laterally from one toothed disc to the other in the inboard direction and the inboard direction. The lateral movement of the casing 14 is by providing an actuation force to one of the links 16 or 18. Upper or by providing an actuation force to the casing 14.

In the illustrated embodiment, the actuation force is applied to the outer link 16. In an exemplary embodiment, the outer link 16 has an extension arm 34 that receives the cable bolt 36 to be clamped or otherwise attached to one end of the actuation cable. The cable can be manipulated to drive the outer link 16 such that it pivots about the pivot pin 20 to force the casing 14 away from the seat tube 11 laterally outward. The return spring 29 is illustrated in a schematic manner and biases the casing 14 in a direction while the cable is pulled against the return spring biasing force to control the movement of the casing 14. While the set of cable bolts 36 are illustrated as accepting forces from the actuation cable, the front derailleur 10 can be actuated by other force providing devices, such as pneumatic, hydraulic or electric motors or electronically or otherwise generating an electric field, or the like. Modulated version with or without a spring to provide opposition. Other biasing springs that replace the spring can also be used.

In particular, as shown in Figures 3-6, the outer link 16 is mounted such that the pivot pin 20 can be oriented along the first or upper pivot axis A1. The lower pivot pin 22 is oriented along the second or lower pivot axis A2. Thus, the movement of the outer link 16 relative to the mounting member 12 is centered on the axis A1, and the movement of the cover 14 relative to the outer link 16 is centered on the axis A2. The axes A1 and A2 are not parallel to each other, but instead are offset from each other by a skew or non-zero angle A3. The non-zero angle A3 can be generally between 2 and 20 degrees. Figure 3 illustrates an axis A1 substantially perpendicular to the seat tube axis T1. However, as described below, this orientation is merely an example and can be implemented in other orientations relative to the axis T1. Figure 4 provides an outwardly looking side view of the outer link 16 as viewed from the frame, with axes A1 and A2 and a skew angle A3 depicted. Figure 5 is a rear elevational view of the outer link 16 taken along the upper axis A1 and showing the lower axis A2 at an angle thereto. The inner link 18 is mounted such that the pivot pin 24 can be oriented along the third pivot axis And the pivot pin 26 is oriented along the fourth pivot axis. The third and fourth pivot axes may be non-parallel to each other and offset from one another by a non-zero angle generally between 2 and 20 degrees.

7 and 8 illustrate the casing 14 of the front derailleur 10 in respective first and second positions. The first position as shown in Figure 7 may correspond to the position of the housing that is more outwardly or outwardly exiting the mounting member 12 on the seat tube 11, for example, this may be such that the chain 5 is located away from the chainring of the seat tube 11 (in In some embodiments, it may be the case after a larger sprocket.

Figure 8 illustrates the front derailleur casing 14 that has been moved to the second position. In this embodiment, the second position is a more inward or inward position that is moved relatively close to the seat tube 11, for example, this may be such that the chain is located closer to the toothed disc of the seat tube 11 (in some embodiments) It can be the case after the smaller sprocket. Due to the skew angle, the side panels 30 and 32 of the casing 24 have an angle with respect to the straight line B1.

In FIGS. 7 and 8, the reference line B1 falls in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the front toothed disc 9. In this embodiment, the side panels 30 and 32 are generally parallel to each other but may be angled to the other. Moreover, in some embodiments, the outward or outer front sprocket can be generally aligned with the center of the rear gear set while the inward or inner sprocket can be more inward than the center of the rear blunt set. In this case, the first position of Figure 7 would generally conform to the alignment of the chainring, while in the second case, the casing 14 can be described as being inclined outwardly such that its trailing end 33 points outwardly and rearwardly towards the blunt The center of the tooth set.

It will be appreciated that in the second position illustrated in FIG. 8, the housing 14 has been rotated about the yaw axis Y1 relative to the first position of FIG. This It is also shown by the difference between the distances W1 and X1 and the difference between the distances W2 and X2. In this particular embodiment, the yaw axis Y1 is parallel to the seat tube axis T1. Some applications of the movement of the casing 14 about the yaw axis Y1 are also described herein, as described below with respect to Figures 16 and 17. While this embodiment uses two pivot pins or hinges on each link, in other related embodiments, ball and socket joints, cams and driven wheels, or other pivotal connections may be used. Or coupling the device to replace any or all of the pivot pin positions.

9 and 10 illustrate a second embodiment of the present invention. The transmission assembly 110 includes a mounting member 112 that can be secured to the seat tube 11 (generally as described above with respect to the mounting member 12) and a clasping bolt 117. A housing 114 is provided that is generally similar to the housing 14 described above and includes side panels 130, 132, a trailing end 133 and a cable guide 129. The embodiment of Figures 9 and 10 may also include a return spring or other biasing arrangement that does not illustrate these views.

In this particular embodiment, a front link 116 that is aligned with the rear link 118 is provided instead of the inner and outer links. The front link 116 is coupled to the mounting member 112 by a pivot pin or other hinge 120 and to the housing 114 with a pivot pin 122 or other hinge. The rear link 118 is coupled to the mounting member 112 by a pivot pin 124 or other hinge and to the housing 114 with a pivot pin 126 or other hinge. The distance L1 between the pivot pins 120, 124 is defined. The distance L2 between the pivot pins 122, 126 is defined. In this particular embodiment, the pivot pins 120, 124 are generally vertically oriented, or generally parallel to the seat tube axis T1. In this particular embodiment, L1 and L2 of different lengths are selected. Alternatively, lengths L3 and L4 of different lengths are selected. Additionally, in this particular embodiment, L1 greater than L2 is selected. The front link 116 can include an extension arm 134 that can be fitted with a cable bolt, as described above in the description of the extension arm 34.

9 and 10 illustrate a housing 114 that is configured and oriented in a first position (which may be an outward position) of FIG. 9 as compared to the second position of FIG. 10 (which may be an inward position). In particular, the casing 114 is outwardly disposed relative to the reference line R1 of the first position of FIG. 9, but is oriented slightly inwardly toward the end 133, while in the second position of FIG. Configured inwardly, but the end 133 points slightly outward. The first and the second positions are selected such that the positions of FIG. 9 substantially correspond to the average chain path when the chain is engaged with the outer ring by selecting L1 and L2 having different lengths, and the orientation of the casing of FIG. 10 is in the chain. When engaged on the inner ring, it generally corresponds to the average chain path. The reference line R1 falls in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the front toothed disc 9.

Figure 11 is a perspective view of a third embodiment. The transmission 210 includes a mounting member 212 that can be substantially similar to the mounting member 12 described above. A casing 214 of the casing 14 as described above is also provided, including sides 230 and 232, a front zone 231, a rear zone 233 and a return spring 229. In this embodiment, a single link 216 and pivot pins 220 and 222 or other hinges are provided instead of the inner and outer links or the front and rear links, such that the single link 216 is pivoted 220 is coupled to the mounting member 212 and to the housing 214 with a pivot pin 122. Extension arm 234 and cable bolt 236 are illustrated as being operable similar to actuation extension arm 34 and cable bolt 36 described above. As with the specific embodiments described above, and all embodiments herein, other force providing devices other than cable actuation may operate the extension arm or other transmission component, such as a pneumatic, hydraulic or electronic motor, or generate an electric field electronically or otherwise, or They are modified versions with or without springs to provide opposition. Other biasing springs that replace the spring can also be used.

This embodiment is an embodiment using a single link 216 to The movement of the housing is defined by the pivot pin 222 and also by the contact of the cam surface 260 provided on the housing 214 with the opposite cam surface 262 provided on the mounting member. Surfaces 260 and 262 are illustrated as opposing curved surfaces, each facing each other and projecting such that cam surface 260 rides and follows cam surface 262. Alternatively, any type of contoured, contact, follow or meshing surface can be used, such as mounted on the casing 214 and assembled to roll along the cam surface 262.

In this particular embodiment, the axis of the pivot pin 220 is at an angle to the axis of the pivot pin 222 as described above in describing the skew angle A3 and the yaw axis Y1 of both axes A1, A2. Thus, this particular embodiment provides angular motion centered on the reference yaw axis similar to that illustrated in Figures 7 and 8.

Figures 14 and 15 provide additional details relating to some embodiments, wherein Figure 14 illustrates the housing 314 in an outwardly directed first position, and Figure 15 illustrates the housing 314 in an inwardly facing second position. In the particular embodiment illustrated in Figures 14 and 15, the outer casing wall 330 and the inner casing wall 332 are not illustrated in a mutually parallel manner but at an angle θ to each other. This angle θ is rearwardly disengaged such that portions of the walls 330 and 332 that are in contact with the chain during shifting are relatively closely spaced in front of the casing and relatively far apart behind the casing, such as the angle θ of the lines C1 and C3. In this embodiment, the casing 314 changes its orientation between the two positions by rotating one of the ways described above centered on the yaw axis. Thus, Figures 14 and 15 also depict the rotation of the casing relative to the frame member (e.g., the seat tube) about the yaw axis. The axis of deflection is not individually labeled in this figure but is represented by an arcuate arrow indicating the direction of rotation. Can be about or The angle of deflection of the rotation between the two positions is selected in a manner that corresponds to the angle of the side walls 330 and 332. In this embodiment, the geometry can be selected such that, in the position of Figure 14, the chain contact face outer wall 330 aligns with a line C3 that is parallel to the front sprocket (shown as line C2), and when in the position of Figure 15. The inner wall 332 is aligned with a straight line C1 parallel to the front sprocket direction (shown as a straight line C2).

While a single inward or inward position and a single outward or outward position are illustrated in a particular manner, it should be understood that the front derailleur can use a front drive having more than two spurs (including three or more spurs). Depending on the range of lateral motion (larger in the case of 3 or more sprocket wheels), the front derailleur geometry can be selected to increase the overall change in the direction of deflection of the casing. Depending on the number of rear blunt teeth, the possible chain angle range of the front and rear blunt teeth, possibly and optionally geometry to provide a longitudinal axis of the casing with a suitable wide angle steering range, or a rotation centered on the yaw axis to accommodate The range of chain angles.

16 and 17 illustrate a front deraer housing 430 and a front drive having a large outer spur 402 and a small inward spur 404, and a plurality of blunt teeth disposed in the small outwardly blunt teeth 406, inwardly blunt A group of rear blunt teeth between teeth 408. Dotted lines 409A, 409B, 409C, and 409D illustrate possible chain angles such that the angular variation of casing 430 is visible and its slightly inwardly directed end in Figure 16 as compared to Figure 17, to accommodate the possible range of chain angles. In some cases, adapting the chain angle range can reduce or eliminate noise after shifting.

Some embodiments also provide a method of shifting, such as a bicycle gear. As shown in the drawings, the method can include moving the movable element (eg, the chain guide 14) from the first position to the second position, where the movement causes the cover 14 to contact the outer side of the chain to displace the chain, And the movement includes relative to The lateral displacement of the frame and the rotation of the casing centered on the yaw axis.

Some embodiments are embodied such that the casing is movable in a lateral direction generally perpendicular to the chain to the sides, and the deflection axis is generally perpendicular to the transverse direction of movement of the casing.

The casing shown in the drawings has at least two side panels that are joined together as a unit and that are movable laterally together and centered about the yaw axis. However, it is possible for a particular embodiment to use the structure described herein such that only one side panel moves independently of the other side panel such that only one of them rotates about the yaw axis.

The casing can be described as being movable laterally or side to side with respect to the frame. However, such a movement as described does not necessarily need to be linear, in fact, viewed from a given field of view, may include curved or curved paths that occur in the lateral direction.

It will be appreciated that proper alignment of the transmission housing prior to the transmission is a challenging task when installing the front derailleur to the frame member. For the purposes of this application, it is understood that proper alignment refers to one or both of the following positions of the chain guide (also known as the chain cover) relative to one or more of the chainrings: a) chain The gears can be shifted between the chainrings without misalignment, and b) the chain avoids undesired contact with the chain guides with the chain engaging any of the chainrings and the rear sprocket combination. Preferably, when these two conditions ((a) and (b)) are met, alignment or optimal alignment can be considered.

As shifting techniques improve, the accurate alignment of the front derailleur is important to achieve optimal design interaction for the transmission, chain and chainring for proper shifting. The old type of transmission uses all of the flat plates to form a chain guide, thus making the plane of the outer plate of the front derailleur casing It is not difficult to align parallel to the plane of the outer or maximum sprocket to achieve proper shifting. However, modern transmissions increasingly have complex internal curved surfaces on the inner face of the front derailleur housing to achieve reliable shifting of the chain between the chainrings. Thus, in this case, for example, the inner surface of the chain guide is no longer a suitable alignment reference. Another alignment challenge is that the deflection attitude of the transmission housing will vary with the lateral position of the transmission housing. Where the outer panel plane of the transmission casing is not uniform, it may be advantageous to provide some discrete components rather than the functional components of the transmission itself (eg, the casing panels) to align the transmission.

Turning to Fig. 18, the front derailleur 510 (which shares most of the configuration of the apparatus of Fig. 7 and detailed above) is provided with additional features of the discrete alignment indicators 564a, 564b. The transmission 510 includes a mounting member 12 that carries a linkage that includes upper and lower linkage members 16, 18.

The first alignment indicator 564a can be disposed at or near the front end 531 of the chain guide 514. The second alignment indicator 564b can be disposed at or near the trailing end 533 of the chain guide 514. To accurately align the chain guide 514, the first and second alignment indicators can be spaced as far apart as possible along the direction of chain movement. For example, the first alignment indicator 564a can be positioned on the tab portion 566 of the outer casing panel 530, wherein the tongue portion spans the outer casing and the inner casing panel 532 of the chain guide 514. Likewise, the second alignment indicator 564b can be located on the bridge feature 568 at or near the end of the chain guide 514.

The alignment indicators 564a, 564b are discrete exclusive alignment features provided on the transmission 510. The alignment indicators 564a, 564b are non-arbitrary features of the front derailleur and are not randomly selected landmarks, planes, or other structures of the transmission. The alignment indicators 564a, 564b can be colored stripes, grooves or ridges Ridges, or other discrete features, such as the indicators shown in Figure 19. Further, the alignment indicators 564a, 564b may be intervals indicating the range to be aligned.

Figures 18, 19 and 22 illustrate the spur 3 and alignment indicators 564a, 564b aligned with the sprocket plane. It should be understood that the plane defined by the chainring is generally perpendicular to the spur axis 9 (refer to Figure 1). The chainring 3 provides a preferred reference for alignment indicators 564a, 564b to align with it. 20 and 21 each illustrate alignment indicators 564a, 564b aligned with the chainring 3 (Fig. 20) and misalignment with the alignment indicator (Fig. 21).

In FIGS. 20 and 21, the alignment indicators 564a, 564b are illustrated as sections indicating the alignment tolerance for the chain guide 514 of the transmission 510 to be aligned with the chainring 3. In particular, Figure 20 is aligned within the interval of alignment indicators 564a, 564b, and Figure 21 is not within the interval of alignment indicators 564a, 564b. Thus, the transmission 510 of Figure 20 is properly aligned while the transmission of Figure 21 is not aligned.

Turning to Figure 22, it can be seen that the alignment of the transmission 510 may not be the same as the prior art transmission because of the above-described yaw motion or the shape of the chain guide 514. In this case, the correct alignment of the chain guides 514 may not be strictly parallel to the plane of the chainring 3 to produce the correct shift and to avoid noise from the selected gears. This alignment may depend on a number of factors including, but not limited to, the particular amount of yaw motion described with the transmission 510. This alignment may depend on which one of the chainrings is used to align, the shape of the chain guide 514. This alignment may depend on the position of the alignment indicators 564a, 564b on the chain guide. In Figure 22, the desired alignment of the chain guides 514 can be described as being generally parallel or slightly "inwardly inclined", as compared to the outer casing and the trailing end 533. At a distance (d2), the outer casing 530 is closer to the sprocket 3 (d1) near the front end 531. In this alignment, the first alignment indicator 564a is closer to the outer casing panel 530 than the second alignment indicator 564b. Of course, it will be appreciated that, as described above, the alignment indicators 564a, 564b can be located in many places on the chain guide 514 such that by aligning the alignment indicators 564a, 564b with the target plane 570 (eg, the plane of the chainring 3), It is possible to align correctly. The target plane 570 can be the actual plane that coincides with the chainring 3, or the target plane can be a plane that is parallel to, but spaced from, the plane of the spur. In the latter case, the alignment indicators 564a, 564b may be offset or positioned to account for the position of the reference target plane.

Turning to FIG. 23, the transmission 510 can include an optional third alignment indicator 564c, or a discrete height alignment indicator, for setting the transmission relative to the chainring 3 (the largest of the one or more of the bicycles of the bicycle is Preferably, the desired height of the tooth or the periphery of the highest tooth. The third alignment indicator 564c is located on the interior of the inner cover panel 532 of the chain guide 514. The third alignment indicator 564c can be an arcuate line or section. The third alignment indicator 564c line can be bent into an arc following the perimeter of the reference sprocket 3. The third alignment indicator 564c may be in the form of a range or range that represents or defines a desired height adjustment limit, in other words, defines a range of heights of the guides above the teeth of the spurs 3.

Aligning the top of the toothed tooth portion with the third alignment indicator 564c properly aligns the chain guide 514 to produce the correct shift. In one embodiment, reference will be made to the third alignment indicator 564c whereby the bottom edge of the outer casing panel 530 is about 1 to 2 millimeters above the toothed teeth. Thus, the interval of the third alignment indicator 564c may reflect any desired tolerance of the range of 1 to 2 millimeters or height alignment.

Setting or aligning the alignment indicators 546a, 546b and views of the present invention The task of the transmission before the 564c is required is simple and reproducible. The following is generally an alignment method using a transmission. The front derailleur 510 is mounted to a frame member of a bicycle, such as a conventional circular clamp 12 or other conventional member, such as a clamp, hook or braze-on 572 as shown in FIG. With regard to the clamp 572 of Figure 19, it should be understood that some alignment methods of the transmission 510 may involve the axis 572a or the axis 572b of the frame seat tube of Figures 20 and 21, for example. In this case, the transmission is arcuate or can be rotated about one of the axes 572a or 572b to effect alignment of the guides 514.

The first discrete alignment indicator 564a and the second discrete alignment indicator 546b on the movable element or chain guide 514 are aligned with the target plane by moving the transmission. The transmission can be moved in any suitable manner to achieve alignment, such as in an arc or by rotation, for example. The transmission is secured to the bicycle when the alignment indicators are aligned with the target plane.

The specific embodiment described herein is suitable for use in an index shift system in which the transmission moves between preset lateral positions. Additionally, the particular embodiment described is suitable for use in a trim-adjusting transmission wherein the transmission has adjusted the lateral position of the casing after shifting to reduce or eliminate noise. Moreover, the various embodiments described herein do not rely on a chain that rides on a tooth sprocket or blunt tooth, but instead can be used with any long strip that is extended from the front to the rear and laterally moved at the transmission position. Other belt engaging systems may include a toothed belt or a v-belt that moves between a tooth wheel or pulley.

In this description, the reference points for a vertical direction, the front end, the rear end, and the side are only used to set the reference orientation, and it should be understood that the device Some embodiments may be oriented in any spatial configuration and may be fixed to a component in any spatial configuration. And the reference point for deflection refers to the rotational motion compared to a lateral displacement, but does not need to be centered on the vertical axis. Moreover, the above-described embodiments include embodiments in which the casing is depicted as extending and projecting generally "underside" the mounting member and linkage assembly; however, the casing may be upward or lateral or in any spatial orientation relative to other components. Extended in the middle.

While the invention has been described with particular reference to the specific embodiments of the embodiments, It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variations and modifications can be made within the spirit and scope of the invention. The foregoing disclosure, the description, and the drawings are intended to be illustrative and not restrictive

10‧‧‧Front transmission

11‧‧‧ seat tube

12‧‧‧Installation / conventional circular clamp

14‧‧‧Shell/chain guides

16‧‧‧Outer connecting rod

17‧‧‧ bolt

18‧‧‧Inner connecting rod

20, 22, 24, 26‧‧‧ pivot pin

29‧‧‧ Spring

30‧‧‧Outer board

31‧‧‧ front end

32‧‧‧ inside panel

33‧‧‧ Back area

34‧‧‧Extension arm

36‧‧‧ Cable Bolts

T1‧‧‧ longitudinal center axis

Claims (20)

A front derailleur for a bicycle having a frame member and a plurality of chainrings, one of the toothed disks defining a toothed disk plane, the front derailleur comprising: a mounting member attachable to the frame member a movable chain guide separate from the mounting member, the movable chain guide comprising an inner casing panel and an outer casing panel; a linkage coupling the movable chain guide and the mounting member; and a configuration a first discrete alignment indicator and a second discrete alignment indicator on the movable chain guide, the first and the second discrete alignment indicator being disposed between the inner cover panel and the outer cover panel, The transmission is movable to position the first and second discrete alignment indicators in a target plane to indicate an aligned position of the movable chain guide relative to one of the toothed disks, wherein the target plane and the chainring The planes coincide or are parallel. The prior transmission of claim 1, wherein the front derailleur is arcuate. A prior transmission as described in claim 2, wherein the front derailleur is rotatable. The prior transmission as described in claim 2, wherein the frame member is a tube. The prior transmission as described in claim 2, wherein the frame member A fixture attached to a tube. The prior transmission of claim 2, wherein the first discrete alignment indicator is disposed at or near a front end of the chain guide, and the second discrete alignment indicator is disposed at or near a trailing end of the chain guide. . The prior transmission of claim 2, wherein the first and second discrete alignment indicators comprise marks, ridges, grooves, indicators, colored intervals, points, openings, tolerance intervals, and lines One. The prior transmission of claim 2, wherein the movable chain guide comprises an inner casing panel spaced apart from an outer casing panel, the inner casing panel comprising a third portion disposed on an inner surface thereof Discrete alignment indicator. The prior transmission of claim 8, wherein the transmission is movable to position the third discrete alignment indicator to indicate a vertical alignment of the movable chain guide relative to an outer perimeter of one of the toothed disks position. The prior transmission of claim 9, wherein the third discrete alignment indicator is curved. The prior transmission of claim 9, wherein the third discrete alignment indicator is a mark. The prior transmission of claim 9, wherein the third discrete alignment indicator is configured to indicate a vertical alignment range of the movable chain guide relative to an outer periphery of one of the toothed disks . A method of aligning a front transmission of a bicycle having a frame member and a plurality of chainrings, one of the plurality of toothed disks defining a toothed disk plane, wherein the front derailleur includes a first attachable to the frame member installation a movable chain guide coupled to the mounting member and including the inner casing panel and the outer casing panel, and a first discrete alignment indicator disposed on the movable chain guide a two discrete alignment indicator, the first and the second discrete alignment indicator being disposed between the inner casing panel and the outer casing panel, the method comprising the steps of: installing the front derailleur to the frame member with the mounting member Moving the front derailleur to position the first discrete alignment indicator and the second discrete alignment indicator in a target plane to indicate an aligned position of the movable chain guide relative to one of the toothed disks, wherein the The target plane coincides or is parallel with the sprocket plane; and the front derailleur is secured in the aligned position. The method of claim 13, wherein the front derailleur is arcuate. The method of claim 14, wherein the front derailleur is rotatable. A front derailleur for a bicycle having a frame member and a plurality of chainrings each having an outer periphery, the front derailleur comprising: a mounting member attachable to the frame member; a movable chain guide separated from the mounting member, the movable chain guide comprising an inner cover panel and an outer cover panel; a linkage connecting the movable chain guide and the mounting member; and A discrete height alignment indicator on the inner casing panel that is positioned below the mounting member and is not overlapped by the outer casing panel when viewed from the side of the outer panel, the transmission being movable to position the discrete height alignment indicator A vertical alignment position of the movable chain guide relative to the outer periphery of one of the plurality of toothed disks is indicated. The prior transmission of claim 16, wherein the discrete height alignment indicator is configured to indicate a vertical alignment range of the movable chain guide relative to an outer perimeter of one of the toothed disks. The prior transmission of claim 16, wherein the discrete height alignment indicator is curved. The prior transmission of claim 16, wherein the discrete height alignment indicator is a marker. The prior transmission of claim 16, wherein the discrete height alignment indicator comprises a plurality of indicia.