TWI824101B - Bicycle front derailleur - Google Patents

Abstract

A bicycle front derailleur is for use on a bicycle frame. The bicycle front derailleur includes a base for mounting to the bicycle frame, and a guide. A linkage is movably coupled between the guide and the base. The linkage includes a first link coupled to the base via a first axle and coupled to the guide via a second axle, and a second link coupled to the base via a third axle and coupled to the guide via a fourth axle, the second link being closer to the bicycle frame than the first link. There is an electric motor unit drives an output shaft that at least partially defines a rotational axis of one of the third axle and the fourth axle.

Description

bicycle front derailleur

The invention relates to a bicycle front derailleur.

Cycling has become an increasingly popular leisure activity in addition to transportation purposes. Furthermore, cycling has become an increasingly popular competitive sport for both amateurs and professionals. The electric transmission currently used is different from the traditional manual transmission. The current electric transmission includes U.S. Published Patent Application No. 2007/0183925 proposed by Ichida et al., which uses a transmission or motor connecting rod and a protective connecting rod. leading to complex systems. Another known electric transmission is disclosed in US Patent Application No. 10,053,189 filed by Pasqua. However, this derailleur has a connecting rod that is driven by the motor at a location remote from the bike frame.

According to a first aspect of the invention, a bicycle front derailleur includes a base, a guide, a link member, and an electric motor unit. The base is configured to be secured to a bicycle frame. The guide is movable relative to the base. The link member is configured to movably couple the guide to the base. The connecting rod component includes a first connecting rod and a second connecting rod. The first connecting rod is coupled to the base through a first shaft and coupled to the guide through a second shaft. The second connecting rod passes through A third axis is coupled to the base and Coupled to the guide through a fourth axis. When the base is fixed to the bicycle frame, the second link is closer to the bicycle frame than the first link. The electric motor unit drives an output rotating shaft that at least partially defines an axis of rotation of one of the third axis and the fourth axis.

The advantage of the first aspect of the present invention is that the output shaft that drives one of the third shaft and the fourth shaft is close to the bicycle frame, so that the external force transmitted from the guide to the electric motor through the output shaft can be reduced. unit possibilities. In addition, by having the output rotating shaft at least partially define the rotation axis of one of the third axis and the fourth axis, the connecting rod structure is simplified, thereby improving rigidity and reducing cost.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the bicycle front derailleur according to the first aspect is constructed such that the output shaft at least partially defines the rotation axis of the third shaft.

Using the bicycle front derailleur according to the second aspect has the advantage that driving the third shaft allows the guide member to be driven by the force acting above the guide member in the fixed state.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the bicycle front derailleur according to the first or second aspect is constructed such that the third shaft includes the output shaft of the electric motor unit.

Using the bicycle front derailleur according to the third aspect has the advantage that driving the third shaft allows the guide member to be driven by the force acting on the guide member in the fixed state.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle front derailleur according to any one of the first to third aspects is configured such that the output shaft is directly connected to and directly drives the second connecting rod.

With the bicycle front derailleur according to the fourth aspect, direct transmission eliminates an intermediate link member between the output shaft and the second link, resulting in a more reliable connection and fewer moving parts.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle front derailleur according to any one of the first to fourth aspects is constructed such that the electric motor unit and the second connecting rod are constructed such that the output shaft and the third connecting rod are The two connecting rods rotate at the same angle.

Using the bicycle front derailleur according to the fifth aspect, as the output shaft and the second link rotate at the same angle, the construction and control of the link member are simplified.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle front derailleur according to any one of the first to fifth aspects is configured such that in the fixed state, the second shaft is lower than the first shaft, and The fourth axis is lower than the third axis.

Using the bicycle front derailleur according to the sixth aspect, the configuration includes a structurally reliable lower-swing type front derailleur.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the bicycle front derailleur according to any one of the first to sixth aspects is configured such that in the fixed state, the output shaft extends toward the front of the bicycle frame.

Using the bicycle front derailleur according to the seventh aspect, when the rotating shaft extends toward the front, the electric motor unit can be directed toward the back of the bicycle front derailleur, making it more reliable.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle front derailleur according to any one of the first to seventh aspects is configured such that the electric motor unit includes an electric motor having a motor shaft and a transmission, The rotation speed of the output shaft is changed relative to the rotation speed of the motor shaft of the electric motor.

Using the bicycle front derailleur according to the eighth aspect, using the derailleur, the output shaft can rotate with appropriate torque and rotational speed.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle front derailleur according to any one of the first to eighth aspects further includes a wireless receiver operatively connected to the electric motor unit, so that as the transmission proceeds through A variable speed signal from an electric switch from a wireless transmitter actuates the electric motor unit to move the link member and guide member.

Using the bicycle front derailleur according to the ninth aspect, using a wireless derailleur eliminates the need for communication wires or cables, resulting in a simple and clear appearance.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle front derailleur according to any one of the first to ninth aspects further includes a wired input operatively connected to the electric motor unit such that with input from a The speed change signal of the electric switch is used to activate the electric motor unit to move the link member and the guide member.

Using the bicycle front derailleur according to the tenth aspect, using a wired input can result in a more reliable connection than a wireless connection, and the communication wires can also be used to transmit power for driving the electric motor unit.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, the bicycle front derailleur according to any one of the first to tenth aspects further includes a deflection element disposed on the fourth axis to deflect the guide member.

Using the bicycle front derailleur according to the eleventh aspect, the deflection element is used to generate tension, so that the guide member can be maintained at an original position.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle front derailleur according to the eleventh aspect is configured such that the deflection element deflects the guide member in a direction away from the bicycle frame in the fixed state.

Using the bicycle front derailleur according to the twelfth aspect, when the guide member is moved outward and away from the bicycle frame, the deflection of the guide member in a direction away from the bicycle frame allows the electric motor unit to exert less force.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle front derailleur according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects is configured such that in the fixed state, the link member is located in front of the electric motor unit , and the link member overlaps the electric motor unit when viewed from a direction parallel to the rotation axis.

With the bicycle front derailleur according to the thirteenth aspect, the electric motor is behind the link member, thus resulting in a smaller structure.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle front derailleur according to any one of the first to thirteenth aspects is constructed such that in the fixed state, when viewed from a direction parallel to the rotation axis , the first connecting rod overlaps the electric motor.

Using the bicycle front derailleur according to the fourteenth aspect, the electric motor unit is in line with the first link, thus reducing the extension of the electric motor unit away from the bicycle frame so that the bicycle front derailleur does not protrude from the bicycle. shelf.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle front derailleur according to any one of the first to fourteenth aspects is configured such that in the fixed state, the bicycle front derailleur is viewed from a direction parallel to the rotation axis. , the second connecting rod overlaps the electric motor unit.

Using the bicycle front derailleur according to the fifteenth aspect, the electric motor unit is in line with the second link, thus reducing the extension of the electric motor unit away from the bicycle frame so that the bicycle front derailleur does not protrude from the bicycle. shelf.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle front derailleur according to any one of the first to fifteenth aspects is configured such that the second link includes a first link tab and a second A link tab is provided, and the base includes a first base tab connected to the first link tab, and a second base tab connected to the second link tab.

The advantage of using the bicycle front derailleur according to the sixteenth aspect is that the tabs provide a convenient and reliable way to fix the second link to the base.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle front derailleur according to the sixteenth aspect is configured such that in the fixed state, the first link lug is disposed between the first base lug and the first base lug. between the second base tabs.

An advantage of using the bicycle front derailleur according to the seventeenth aspect is that the protrusions provide a reliable and firm configuration.

According to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle front derailleur according to the sixteenth or seventeenth aspect is configured such that in the fixed state, the second base tab is disposed on the first link between the rod tab and the second link tab.

An advantage of using the bicycle front derailleur according to the eighteenth aspect is that the tabs constitute a reliable and secure arrangement.

10: Bicycle front derailleur

12:Guide

14: base

15: Connecting rod components

16: Fixed tab

18: Fastening bolts

20:Fixed washer

22:First connecting rod

24:Second connecting rod

26: Electric motor unit

28: Cables and wires

30:First axis

32:Second axis

34:Third axis

36:Fourth axis

38A: First external fixed tab

38B: Second external fixed tab

40A: The first hole

40B: Second hole

42A: First internal fixed tab

42B: Second internal fixed tab

44A: First connecting rod tab

44B: Second connecting rod tab

46A:Third connecting rod tab

46B:Fourth connecting rod tab

48:Support shaft

50:Output shaft

52:Receiver

54:Adjustment screw

56:Support screw

58:Back panel

60:Adjustment screw

62:hole

64: Fastening bolts

66A: Internal fixing hole

66B: External fixing hole

66C: Lower fixing hole

70A: First base tab

70B: Second base tab

72A:hole

72B:hole

74A: First additional base tab

74B: Second additional base tab

76: Receiving hole

78: Deflection element

80A: Fixed hole

80B: Fixed hole

80C: Fixed hole

82: Electrical terminal

84:Wireless receiver

86:Wireless input

88: Processing circuit

90A: Fixed post

90B: Fixed post

90C: Fixed post

92:Cap screw

94:Inner cover

96:Outer cover

98: Electric motor

99:Motor shaft

100:Transmission

102: Optional components

104: Sector gear

108:Line

110:hole

112:Line

114:Receiver

116:Line

A:Rotation axis

B:Bicycle

C:Chain

CK: Bicycle crank

D: Transmission system

F:Bicycle rack

FS: front chain plate

H: handlebar

OD: operating device

RD: bicycle rear derailleur

RS: Rear chain plate

A more complete evaluation of the present invention and its many attendant advantages will become apparent by reference to the following detailed description and consideration of the accompanying drawings.

The first figure is a side elevational view of a bicycle having a transmission system utilizing a bicycle front derailleur according to a first embodiment.

The second figure is a front perspective view of the bicycle front derailleur illustrated in the first figure.

The third picture is a front exploded view of the bicycle front derailleur looking toward the bicycle frame from the outside.

The fourth figure is a front exploded view of limited components of the bicycle front derailleur looking from the bicycle frame toward the bicycle front derailleur.

The fifth figure is a rear perspective view including the derailleur gears of the bicycle front derailleur looking toward the bicycle frame from the inside.

Figure 6 is a front view of the front derailleur of the bicycle showing section lines 106-106.

The seventh figure is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle front derailleur along line 106-106.

Figure 8 is a side view of the bicycle front derailleur showing section lines 108-108, 112-112 and 116-116.

Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle front derailleur along line 108-108 showing the guide in an interior position.

Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle front derailleur along line 108-108 showing the guide in an external position.

Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle front derailleur along line 112-112 showing the guide in an interior position.

Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle front derailleur along line 116-116 showing the guide in an interior position.

Please refer to the drawings, wherein the same reference numbers indicate the same or corresponding parts, and more specifically to the first figure, which illustrates a bicycle B including a transmission system. As shown in the first figure, the bicycle B includes a bicycle frame F, a handlebar H, and a transmission system D. The transmission system D includes a chain C and converts the rider's pedaling force into transmission force. The structure of Bicycle B is well known in the bicycle industry. As such, for the sake of simplicity, no detailed description/exemplification will be provided. A bicycle front derailleur 10 and a bicycle rear derailleur RD according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention are used to shift the chain C to different chainrings or ring gears. The bicycle front derailleur 10 is used on the bicycle frame F. Although the first figure illustrates a road-type bicycle as Bicycle B, the present invention is applicable to bicycle front derailleurs of any type of bicycle, including but not limited to mountain bikes and electric bicycles.

In this application, the following directional terms are used: "front", "back", "forward", "back", "left", "right", "lateral", "up" and "down" and others. Any similar directional terms refer to the direction determined by the user (eg, a rider) sitting on the saddle of bicycle B facing the handlebars H. Accordingly, the terms used to describe the bicycle front derailleur 10 should be interpreted with reference to a bicycle equipped with the bicycle front derailleur 10 being used in a normal riding position on a horizontal surface.

The transmission system D further includes a bicycle crank CK and a rear chain plate RS. The bicycle crank CK is rotatably fixed on the bicycle frame F and has a plurality of front chain discs FS, also called chain rings or gears. In this specific embodiment, two front chainrings FS are provided on the crank CK. The two front chainrings FS have different diameters, and the smaller chainring is closer to the bicycle frame F than the larger sprocket. The bicycle front derailleur 10 is configured to move the chain C between the two front chainrings FS. One or more operating devices OD are fixed on the handlebar H, which include electric switches, to allow the bicycle front derailleur 10 to move the chain C.

As shown in the second figure, the bicycle front derailleur includes a guide member 12, a base 14 and a link member 15 configured to movably couple the guide member 12 to the base 14. bicycle front derailleur 10. Move the guide 12 away from and toward the bicycle frame F to change the front chain plate FS that drives the bicycle chain C.

As shown in the third figure, the base 14 is stabilized or fixed in position relative to the bicycle frame F. The base 14 is configured to be fixed to the bicycle frame F using a fastening tab 16 which can be staple welded to the bicycle frame F. Before being screwed into the base 14, a fastening bolt 18 first passes through a fastening washer 20 and the fastening tab 16. Instead of the fastening tab 16, the bicycle front derailleur 10 can be fixed to the bicycle frame F through a fixing strap or a clamp mechanism surrounding the seat post of the bicycle frame F.

The link member 15 includes a first link 22 and a second link 24. The second link is closer to the bicycle frame F than the first link 22 when the base 14 is fixed to the bicycle frame F. Bicycle rack F. The lower half of the first link 22 and the lower half of the second link 24 are both attached to the guide 12 to move the guide 12 as it moves away from and back toward the bicycle frame F. 12Keep in proper orientation. Specifically, the guide 12, the base 14, the first link 22 and the second link 24 are all coupled, thus forming a four-bar linkage mechanism. The guide 12 can move relative to the base 14 through the four-bar linkage mechanism. An electric motor unit 26 has been connected to the second link 24 to move the second link 24, the guide 12, and the first link 22 away and back towards the bicycle frame F. Electric motor unit 26 receives power and/or control signals through cables or wires 28 . If desired, an external controller and/or power supply/battery can be connected to this cable or wire. The signal from the operating device OD is used to generate a control signal, which is passed through the cable or wire 28 to control the operation of the bicycle front derailleur 10 .

As shown in the third and fourth figures, the first connecting rod 22 is coupled to the base 14 through a first shaft 30 , and the first connecting rod 22 is coupled to the guide 12 through a second shaft 32 . The second link 24 is coupled to the base 14 through a third shaft 34 , and the second link 24 is coupled to the guide 12 through a fourth shaft 36 . The guide member 12 includes a first external fixing tab 38A and a second external fixing tab 38B. The guide 12 further includes a first internal fixing The connecting tab 42A and a second inner fixed tab 42B. The first shaft or pin 30 is used to secure the upper half of the first link 22 to the base 14 by passing through a first hole or upper hole 40A of the first link 22 . The first shaft 30 includes a bushing disposed within the first hole 40A. Each of the first shaft 30 and other shafts or pins may be constructed from multiple components, such as an outer bushing and an inner pin; and/or a shaft that rotates within a corresponding bushing. The second shaft or shaft 32 is used to secure the first and second external fastening tabs 38A, 38B of the guide 12 to the second or lower hole 40B in the first link 22 .

The guide 12 also includes a first inner fixing tab 42A and a second inner fixing tab 42B. The second link 24 includes a first link tab or front upper tab 44A, and a second link tab or rear upper tab 44B. The second link 24 also includes a third link tab or front lower tab 46A and a fourth link tab or rear lower tab 46B. The third shaft 34 passes through the first link tab 44A of the second link 24 and the second link tab 44B of the second link 24 . The third shaft 34 includes a support shaft 48 and an output shaft 50 . In this way, the output shaft 50 at least partially defines the rotation axis A of the third shaft 34 . The supporting rotating shaft 48 is fixedly inserted into the hole of the second link 24 in a suitable manner, such as an adhesive method, a press-fitting method, etc. The output rotating shaft 50 is fixedly inserted into the hole of the second connecting rod 24 in a suitable manner, such as an adhesive method, a press-fitting method, etc. The output shaft 50 extends from the electric motor unit 26 . In other words, the electric motor unit 26 includes the output shaft 50 . The electric motor unit 26 drives the output shaft 50 . The rotation of the second link 24 is caused by the rotation of the output shaft 50 . In this case, the output shaft 50 is directly connected to and directly drives the second connecting rod 24 . According to one embodiment, the electric motor unit 26 and the second link 24 are configured such that the output shaft 50 and the second link 24 rotate by the same degree. However, the output rotation shaft of the electric motor unit may also define the rotation axis of the fourth shaft 36 and be part of the fourth shaft 36 for rotating the second link 24 . The fourth shaft 36 can be realized by a bolt, shaft or pin with a bushing, and passes through the hole of the third link tab 46A and the hole of the fourth link tab 46B of the second link 24 to connect the third link tab 46A. The two connecting rods 24 are fixed to the first internal fixing tab 42A and the second internal fixing tab 42B of the guide 12 .

In the fixed state, the second axis 32 is lower than the first axis 30 and the fourth axis 36 is lower than the third axis 34 . This configuration results in a swing-down bicycle front derailleur. The cable or wire 28 connected to the electrical terminal 82 serves as a wired input operatively coupled to the electric motor unit 26 so that the electric motor unit 26 is actuated to move the connection in response to a variable speed signal from an electric switch, which may be implemented as an operating device OD. Rod member 15 and guide 12 .

In the fixed state, the link member 15 is located in front of the electric motor unit and overlaps the electric motor unit 26 when viewed in a direction parallel to the rotation axis A. In this fixed state, when viewed from a direction parallel to the rotation axis A, the first link 22 overlaps the electric motor unit 26 . In addition, in this fixed state, the second link 24 overlaps the electric motor unit 26 when viewed in a direction parallel to the rotation axis A.

The base 14 includes a receiver 52 for receiving the adjustment screw 54 . The adjustment screw 54 can be used to limit the outward movement of the guide 12 . A support screw 56 passes through the base 14 and contacts the backing plate 58, which is fixed to the seat tube of the bicycle frame F. The support screw 56 provides an additional point of contact between the bicycle front derailleur 10 and the bicycle frame F to further stabilize the bicycle front derailleur 10 . In addition, an adjusting screw 60 can pass through the hole 62 in the first connecting rod 22 . This adjustment screw limits the inward movement of the first link 22 .

The base 14 is fixed to the electric motor unit 26 through a fastening bolt 64 passing through an internal fastening hole 66A in the base 14 . Similar fastening bolts may pass through the outer fastening holes 66B and the lower fastening holes 66C of the base 14 to fasten the base 14 to the electric motor unit 26 .

The base 14 further includes a first base tab or front inner fastening tab 70A and a second base tab or rear inner fastening tab 70B. The first base tab 70A includes a hole 72A, and the second base tab 70B includes a hole 72B. The first base tab 70A is connected to the first link tab 44A via the support rotation shaft 48 of the third shaft 34 . The second base tab 70B is connected to the second link tab 44B via the output rotation shaft of the third shaft 34 . Furthermore, the first link tab 44A is arranged between the first base tab 70A and the second base tab 70B. Furthermore, the second base tab 70B is arranged between the first link tab 44A and the second link tab 44B. The support shaft 48 of the third shaft 34 is rotatably inserted into the holes 72A and 72B of the base 14 . The output shaft 50 of the third shaft 34 extending from the electric motor unit 26 is rotatably inserted into the hole 72B of the base 14 . In the fixed state, the output rotating shaft 50 extends toward the front of the bicycle frame F.

The first connecting rod 22 is fixed to the base 14 through the first shaft 30 . The first shaft 30 passes through the first hole 40A of the first link 22 . The base 14 includes a first additional base tab or front external attachment tab 74A and a second additional base tab or rear outer attachment tab 74B with the first link 22 disposed therebetween. The first shaft 30 passes through the hole 68A in the first base tab 70A and the hole 68B in the second base tab 70B in the base 14 .

After passing through the fastening washer 20 and the fastening tab 16, the mounting bolt 18 is screwed into the receiving hole 76 of the base 14 to fix the bicycle front derailleur 10 to the fastening tab 16 of the bicycle frame F. The bicycle front derailleur 10 further includes a deflection element 78 disposed on the fourth shaft 36 to deflect the guide member 12 . The deflection element 78 is embodied as a torsion spring about the fourth axis 36 on the lower half of the second link 24 . In the fixed state, the deflection element 78 deflects the guide 12 outwards or away from the bicycle frame F.

The electric motor unit 26 includes mounting holes 80A, 80B, and 80C. The fixing hole 80A corresponds to the inner fixing hole 66A of the base 14 and receives the fixing bolt 64 . Similarly, a fastening bolt can pass through the outer fastening hole 66B of the base 14 before being screwed into the fastening hole 80B. There is also a lower fixing hole 66C in the lower half of the base 14 for fixing the base 14 through the mounting hole 80C. Electrical terminals 82 of electric motor unit 26 may be used to receive power and/or communication signals from cable 28 to actuate electric motor unit 26 to rotate output shaft 50 . The rotation of the output shaft 50 causes the second link 24 to rotate, which causes the guide 12 to move and thus change the front chainring FS that drives the bicycle chain C. According to one implementation, electrical terminal 82 is connected to a wireless receiver 84. The connection may be a direct connection of the wireless receiver 84 to the electrical terminal 82 , may be through a cable or wire 28 , or alternatively the wireless receiver 84 may be included within the electric motor unit 26 . Wireless receiver 84 receives control signals from wireless input 86 No. Therefore, the wireless receiver 84 is operatively connected to the electric motor unit 26 such that the electric motor unit 26 is actuated to move the link member 15 and guide in response to the speed change signal from the electric switch acting as the operating device OD via the wireless transmitter. Item 12.

As shown in Figure 5, electric motor unit 26 includes processing circuitry 88, such as one or more programmed processors and/or conventional circuit components, which may be affixed to a circuit board connected to electrical terminals 82.

Electric motor unit 26 includes retention posts 90A, 90B, and 90C that receive cap screws 92 . The inner shroud 94 covers the internal components of the electric motor unit 26 and may also be used to support various spindles and gears within the electric motor unit 26 . The outer cover 96 is secured to retention posts 90A, 90B and 90C and keeps the inner cover 94 fixed.

Electric motor unit 26 includes an electric motor 98 that is electrically connected to and controlled by processing circuitry 88 . The electric motor 98 includes a motor shaft 99 . The electric motor unit 26 includes a transmission 100 having a plurality of gears. Transmission 100 transmits the rotational force of electric motor 98 to output shaft 50 . The transmission 100 includes an optional element 102, which may be a torque diode that only allows transmission of rotational force in one direction of rotation while allowing free rotation in the other direction of rotation. In addition or more importantly, the optional element 102 may be a clutch to limit the force output by the electric motor 98 and/or limit the force applied back to the electric motor 98 in the event that the guide 12 is forced to move due to a collision or accident. . The transmission 100 includes a sector gear 104 fixed on the output shaft 50 and receives transmission force from other parts of the transmission 100 and the electric motor 98 to drive the output shaft 50 . The transmission 100 is configured to change the rotation speed of the output shaft 50 relative to the rotation speed of the motor shaft 99 of the electric motor 98 . In this particular embodiment, transmission 100 reduces the rotational speed of the output shaft relative to the rotational speed of motor shaft 99 .

As shown in the sixth and seventh figures, the third shaft 34 passes through the first link tab 44A and the second link tab 44B of the second link 22 and the first base tab of the base 14 70A and second base tab 70B. In more detail, the support rotating shaft 48 passes through the first link tab 44A and the first base tab 70A, and supports Spindle 48 is inserted into second base tab 70B. Furthermore, the output rotating shaft 50 passes through the second link tab 44B, and the output rotating shaft 50 is inserted into the second base tab 70B. The fourth shaft 36 passes through the third link tab 46A and the fourth link tab 46B of the second link 24 .

Figure 8 is a side view of the bicycle's front derailleur showing many cross-sectional lines. Lines 108-108 pass through a hole 110 for receiving the adjustment screw 60. Lines 112 - 112 pass through receiver 114 for supporting screw 56 . Lines 116 - 116 pass through the center of receiver 52 for receiving adjustment screw 54 .

Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle front derailleur 10 along line 108-108 shown in Figure 8 showing the guide 12 in an interior position. In this position, the adjustment screw 60 can be seen contacting the base 14, which limits the inward movement of the guide 12. Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle front derailleur 10 along line 108-108 showing the guide 12 in an external position. In this position, the first link 22 and the second link 24 can be seen moving outwards at an angle so that the guide 12 moves further away from the bicycle frame F.

Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle front derailleur 10 along line 116-116 showing the guide 12 in an interior position. In this figure, it can be seen that the adjustment screw 54 limits the outward movement of the guide 12 .

Figure 12 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the bicycle front derailleur 10 along line 112-112 showing the guide 12 in an interior position. In Figure 12, the support screw 56 which rests on the back plate 58 and the bicycle frame F protrudes from the base 14 .

Those skilled in the bicycle field will understand from the present invention that the structures of the above-described specific embodiments can be at least partially combined with each other.

In the present invention, "comprise" and its variations used in this specification are open-ended terms that specify the presence of stated features, elements, components, groups, integers and/or steps, but do not exclude the existence of them. The presence of other unstated features, elements, components, integers and/or steps. This concept also applies to words with similar meanings, such as "includes", "has" and their variations.

As used in this specification, the terms "attached" or "attached" may include configurations in which one element is fixed to another element by directly attaching the element to the other element; the element is indirectly attached to the other element through an intermediate member; A configuration that is attached to another element; and a configuration in which one element is integrated with another element, which is a configuration in which one element is a substantial part of another element. This concept also applies to terms with similar meanings, such as "joined", "connected", "coupled", "secured", "keyed", "fixed" and variations thereof.

The terms "component," "section," "section," "component," and "element" when used in the singular may have the dual meaning of singular component and plural component.

The sequence words "first" and "second" cited in this specification are only identifiers and do not have other meanings, such as a specific order, etc. Furthermore, for example, the term "first element" does not by itself imply the presence of a "second element," and the term "second element" by itself does not imply the presence of a "first element."

The term "paired" as used in this specification can encompass paired configurations of elements in which each other has different shapes or structures, plus paired configurations of elements in which each other has the same shape or structure.

Finally, terms of degree such as "substantially," "approximately," and "approximately" used in this specification represent reasonable modifications to the terminology offset so that the results are not significantly changed.

It will be apparent that many modifications and variations of the invention are possible in view of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the claims hereinafter claimed, the invention may be practiced by other than those specifically described in this specification.

10: Bicycle front derailleur

12:Guide

14: base

15: Connecting rod components

16: Fixed tab

18: Fastening bolts

20:Fixed washer

22:First connecting rod

24:Second connecting rod

26: Electric motor unit

30:First axis

32:Second axis

34:Third axis

36:Fourth axis

38A: First external fixed tab

38B: Second external fixed tab

40A: The first hole

40B: Second hole

42A: First internal fixed tab

44A: First connecting rod tab

44B: Second connecting rod tab

46A:Third connecting rod tab

48:Support shaft

50:Output shaft

52:Receiver

54:Adjustment screw

56:Support screw

58:Back panel

60:Adjustment screw

62:hole

64: Fastening bolts

66A: Internal fixing hole

66B: External fixing hole

70A: First base tab

72A:hole

74A: First additional base tab

74B: Second additional base tab

76: Receiving hole

78: Deflection element

80A: Fixed hole

80B: Fixed hole

80C: Fixed hole

82: Electrical terminal

84:Wireless receiver

86:Wireless input

F:Bicycle rack

Claims (18)

A bicycle front derailleur, including: a base constructed for mounting to a bicycle rack; a guide movable relative to the base; A link member configured to movably couple the guide to the base, the link member including: a first link coupled to the base through a first shaft and coupled to the guide through a second shaft, and a second link coupled to the base through a third axis and coupled to the guide through a fourth axis, in a fixed state in which the base has been fixed to the bicycle frame, The second link is closer to the bicycle frame than the first link; and An electric motor unit drives an output rotating shaft that at least partially defines the axis of rotation of one of the third axis and the fourth axis. For example, the bicycle front derailleur in item 1 of the patent scope is applied for, among which: The output shaft at least partially defines the rotational axis of the third shaft. For example, the bicycle front derailleur in item 1 of the patent scope is applied for, among which: The third shaft includes the output shaft of the electric motor unit. For example, the bicycle front derailleur in item 1 of the patent scope is applied for, among which: The output rotating shaft is directly connected to and directly drives the second connecting rod. For example, the bicycle front derailleur in item 1 of the patent scope is applied for, among which: The electric motor unit and the second link are configured so that the output shaft and the second link rotate the same degree. For example, the bicycle front derailleur in item 1 of the patent scope is applied for, among which: In this fixed state: the second axis is lower than the first axis; and The fourth axis is lower than the third axis. For example, the bicycle front derailleur in item 1 of the patent scope is applied for, among which: In the fixed state, the output rotating shaft extends toward the front of the bicycle frame. For example, the bicycle front derailleur in item 1 of the patent scope is applied for, among which: The electric motor unit includes an electric motor having a motor shaft and a transmission for changing the rotation speed of the output shaft relative to the rotation speed of the motor shaft within the electric motor. For example, the bicycle front derailleur in item 1 of the patent scope includes: A wireless receiver is operatively connected to the electric motor unit so that the electric motor unit is actuated to move the link member and the guide in response to a speed change signal from an electric switch through a wireless transmitter. For example, the bicycle front derailleur in item 1 of the patent scope includes: A wired input is operatively connected to the electric motor unit such that the electric motor unit is actuated to move the link member and the guide in response to a speed change signal from an electrical switch. For example, the bicycle front derailleur in item 1 of the patent scope includes: A deflection element is provided on the fourth axis so as to deflect the guide. For example, the bicycle front derailleur in item 11 of the patent application scope includes: In the fixed state, the deflection element deflects the guide member away from the bicycle frame. For example, the bicycle front derailleur in item 1 of the patent scope is applied for, in which in the fixed state: the linkage member is in front of the electric motor unit, and The link member overlaps the electric motor unit when viewed in a direction parallel to the rotation axis. For example, the bicycle front derailleur in item 1 of the patent scope is applied for, in which in the fixed state: Viewed from a direction parallel to the rotation axis, the first connecting rod overlaps the electric motor unit. For example, the bicycle front derailleur in item 1 of the patent scope is applied for, in which in the fixed state: Viewed from a direction parallel to the rotation axis, the second link overlaps the electric motor unit. For example, the bicycle front derailleur in item 1 of the patent scope is applied for, among which: The second link includes a first link tab and a second link tab; and The base includes a first base tab coupled to the first link tab, and a second base tab coupled to the second link tab. For example, the bicycle front derailleur in item 16 of the patent application scope includes: The first link tab is disposed between the first base tab and the second base tab. For example, the bicycle front derailleur in Item 16 or 17 of the patent scope includes: The second base tab is disposed between the first link tab and the second link tab.