CN116788418A

CN116788418A - Cleat for attachment to a chain guide of a derailleur

Info

Publication number: CN116788418A
Application number: CN202310167355.9A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 古家隆; 仓地刚志; 深尾和孝; 正下昭彦
Original assignee: Shimano Inc
Current assignee: Shimano Inc
Priority date: 2022-03-21
Filing date: 2023-02-24
Publication date: 2023-09-22
Also published as: TW202337749A; DE102022202720A1

Abstract

A cleat is configured to be attached to a chain guide of a derailleur. The cleat includes a contactable chain portion, a first attachment portion, and a second attachment portion. The contactable chain portion is configured to be at least partially disposed in a guide space of the chain guide defined between an outer guide plate of the chain guide and an inner guide plate of the chain guide. The first attachment portion is configured to attach to a first portion of the chain guide. The first portion has a first portion surface plane facing in a first facing direction. The second attachment portion is configured to attach to a second portion of the chain guide. The second portion has a second portion surface plane facing a second facing direction, the second facing direction being different from the first facing direction.

Description

Cleat for attachment to a chain guide of a derailleur

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to a cleat for attachment to a chain guide of a derailleur.

Background

Some human powered vehicles are provided with a chain drive train for transmitting power from the pedals to the wheels. Typically, the drive train uses one or more derailleurs to change the gear ratio. The derailleur is mounted to the frame adjacent a set of sprockets to shift the chain laterally between the sprockets. The derailleur generally includes a base member, a chain guide and a linkage assembly. The base member is immovably fixed to the frame. The chain guide is movably supported relative to the base member by the linkage assembly for movement between at least two lateral shift positions. The chain guide contacts the chain to shift the chain laterally between the sprockets.

Disclosure of Invention

In general, the present disclosure is directed to various features of a cleat for attachment to a chain guide of a derailleur for use with a human powered vehicle. The term "human powered vehicle" as used herein refers to a vehicle that can be propelled by at least human powered driving force to generate propulsion, but does not include vehicles that use driving force other than human powered. Specifically, a vehicle using only an internal combustion engine as a driving force is not included in a human powered vehicle. Human powered vehicles are generally considered compact, light vehicles that sometimes do not require a license for driving on public roads. The number of wheels on a human powered vehicle is not limited. For example, human powered vehicles include monocycles and vehicles having three or more wheels. For example, human powered vehicles include various types of bicycles such as mountain bikes, road bikes, city bikes, cargo bikes, recumbent bikes, and electric assist bikes (E-bike).

In view of the state of the known technology and according to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a cleat for attachment to a chain guide is provided. The cleat basically includes a contactable chain portion, a first attachment portion and a second attachment portion. The contactable chain portion is configured to be at least partially disposed in a guide space of the chain guide defined between an outer guide plate of the chain guide and an inner guide plate of the chain guide. The first attachment portion is configured to be attached to a first portion of the chain guide for attaching the contactable chain portion to the chain guide. The first portion has a first portion surface plane facing in a first facing direction. The second attachment portion is configured to be attached to a second portion of the chain guide for attaching the contactable chain portion to the chain guide. The second portion has a second portion surface plane facing a second facing direction different from the first facing direction.

With the cleat according to the first aspect, the cleat can be securely attached to the chain guide for preventing the chain from falling off.

According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, the cleat according to the first aspect is configured such that the first attachment portion includes an attachment hole whose center hole axis extends along a first attachment direction, and the second attachment portion includes a protruding portion that extends along a second attachment direction different from the first attachment direction.

With the cleat according to the second aspect, the cleat can be easily and securely attached to the chain guide.

According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a cleat for attachment to a chain guide is provided. The cleat basically includes a contactable chain portion, a first attachment portion and a second attachment portion. The contactable chain portion is configured to be partially disposed in a guide space of the chain guide defined between an outer guide plate of the chain guide and an inner guide plate of the chain guide. The first attachment portion is configured to be attached to a first portion of the chain guide for attaching the contactable chain portion to the chain guide. The first attachment portion is configured to limit movement of the cleat relative to the chain guide in a first limiting direction. The second attachment portion is configured to be attached to a second portion of the chain guide for attaching the contactable chain portion to the chain guide. The second attachment portion is configured to limit movement of the cleat relative to the chain guide in a second limiting direction that is different from the first limiting direction. The second limiting direction is a direction in which movement of the cleat relative to the chain guide is not limited by the first attachment portion.

With the cleat according to the third aspect, the cleat can be securely attached to the chain guide for preventing the chain from falling off.

According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, the cleat according to any one of the first to third aspects is configured such that the contactable chain portion is configured to cover an inwardly facing surface of one of the outer guide plate and the inner guide plate in a state in which the cleat is attached to the chain guide, wherein the inwardly facing surface of one of the outer guide plate and the inner guide plate faces an inwardly facing surface of the other of the outer guide plate and the inner guide plate.

With the cleat according to the fourth aspect, the cleat can reliably prevent the chain from falling off.

According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, the cleat according to any one of the first to fourth aspects is configured such that the accessible chain portion includes a first portion configured to contact the chain during an out-shift operation of the chain guide, wherein the out-shift operation is defined based on a movement direction of the chain guide moving from a smaller sprocket corresponding position to a larger sprocket corresponding position.

With the cleat according to the fifth aspect, the cleat can reliably prevent the chain from falling off during an outward shift operation.

According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, the cleat according to any one of the first to fifth aspects is configured such that the accessible chain portion includes a second portion configured to contact the chain during an inward shift operation of the chain guide, the inward shift operation being defined based on a movement direction of the chain guide moving from a larger sprocket corresponding position to a smaller sprocket corresponding position.

With the cleat according to the sixth aspect, the cleat can reliably prevent the chain from falling off during an inward shift operation.

According to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, the cleat according to any one of the first to sixth aspects is configured such that the accessible chain portion includes a third portion configured to occasionally contact the chain in a state where the chain guide is located at a position corresponding to a larger sprocket when the chain guide does not perform a shift operation.

With the cleat according to the seventh aspect, the third portion of the cleat occasionally contacts the chain to reduce friction sound by preventing the chain from occasionally contacting the chain guide when not shifting gears.

According to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, the cleat according to any one of the first to seventh aspects is configured such that the second attachment portion includes at least two second attachment portions.

With the cleat according to the eighth aspect, the cleat can be reliably attached to the chain guide.

According to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, the cleat according to the eighth aspect is configured such that one of the plurality of second attachment portions is configured to be coupled to the chain guide by a press fit.

With the cleat according to the ninth aspect, the second attachment portion of the cleat can be easily attached to the chain guide by press-fitting.

According to a tenth aspect of the present disclosure, the cleat according to the eighth or ninth aspects is configured such that one of the second attachment portions is configured to be coupled to a chain guide by a snap fit.

With the cleat according to the tenth aspect, the second attachment portion of the cleat can be easily and securely attached to the chain guide by a snap fit.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure, the cleat according to any one of the first to tenth aspects is configured such that the first attachment portion is configured to be coupled to a chain guide by a fastener.

With the cleat according to the eleventh aspect, the first attachment portion of the cleat can be easily and securely attached to the chain guide by the fastener.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present disclosure, the cleat according to the eleventh aspect is configured such that the fastener includes a rivet.

With the cleat according to the twelfth aspect, the first attachment portion of the cleat can be easily and securely attached to the chain guide by rivets.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the cleat according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects is configured such that the accessible chain portion is made of a non-metallic material.

With the cleat according to the thirteenth aspect, since the cleat does not have a metal material, the cleat can be manufactured inexpensively and is lightweight.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the cleat according to the thirteenth aspect is configured such that the nonmetallic material includes a resin material.

With the cleat according to the fourteenth aspect, the cleat may be a resin material to reduce friction sound generated due to the contact of the chain with the cleat.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a derailleur basically comprising a base, a chain guide and a cleat according to any one of the first to thirteenth aspects. The base is configured to be mounted on a human powered vehicle. The chain guide is movably coupled to the base. The cleat is attached to the chain guide.

With the derailleur according to the fifteenth aspect, the derailleur can be provided with a cleat for preventing the chain from falling off.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the derailleur according to the fifteenth aspect is configured such that the chain guide includes an outer guide plate, an inner guide plate, and a connecting portion connecting the outer guide plate and the inner guide plate together, and wherein at least a portion of the cleat is attached to the connecting portion.

With the derailleur according to the sixteenth aspect, the cleat can be easily attached to the connecting portion of the chain guide of the derailleur.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present disclosure, the derailleur according to the sixteenth aspect is configured such that the first attachment portion of the cleat is attached to the connecting portion.

With the derailleur according to the seventeenth aspect, the first attachment portion of the cleat can be easily attached to the connecting portion of the chain guide of the derailleur.

According to an eighteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the derailleur according to the sixteenth or seventeenth aspect is configured such that the second attachment portion of the cleat is attached to the connecting portion.

With the derailleur according to the eighteenth aspect, the second attachment portion of the cleat can be easily attached to the connecting portion of the chain guide of the derailleur.

According to a nineteenth aspect of the present disclosure, a derailleur is provided that basically comprises a base, a chain guide and a cleat. The base is configured to be mounted on a human powered vehicle. The chain guide is movably coupled to the base. The chain guide includes an outer guide plate, an inner guide plate, and a connecting portion connecting the outer guide plate and the inner guide plate together. The connection portion has at least one cleat attachment portion. The cleat includes a snap-fit attachment portion configured to attach to at least one cleat attachment portion by a snap-fit.

With the derailleur according to the nineteenth aspect, the derailleur can be provided with the cleat through a snap fit.

Further, other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the disclosed cleat and the disclosed derailleur will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses a preferred embodiment of the cleat.

Drawings

Reference is now made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a partial elevational view, from the side, of a portion of a human powered vehicle (i.e., a bicycle frame) having a chain drive assembly that includes a front derailleur with a chain guide that includes a cleat according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the front derailleur illustrated in FIG. 1 from the outside.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the front derailleur illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 from the inside.

FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of the front derailleur illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 as seen from the rear, with the chain guide and cleat in a first position (i.e., a retracted position).

FIG. 5 is a front elevational view of the front derailleur illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4, as seen from the rear, but with the chain guide and cleat in a second position (i.e., an extended position).

FIG. 6 is an enlarged front elevational view of the chain guide and cleat illustrated in FIGS. 1-5 as seen from the front.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged front elevational view of the chain guide and cleat illustrated in FIG. 6 as seen from the rear.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the chain guide and cleat of FIGS. 6 and 7 shown in a perspective view from the inside looking rearward.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the chain guide and cleat of FIGS. 6-8 shown in a perspective view from the inside looking forward.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the chain guide and cleat of FIGS. 6-9 shown in a front view.

FIG. 11 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the chain guide and cleat of FIGS. 6-10 shown in a perspective view from the inside looking at the rear.

Fig. 12 is an enlarged perspective view of the cleat shown in fig. 1-11, as seen from the inside.

FIG. 13 is an enlarged perspective view of the cleat shown in FIG. 12, as seen from the outside.

FIG. 14 is an enlarged front view of the cleat shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, as seen from the inside.

FIG. 15 is an enlarged front view of the cleat shown in FIGS. 12-14, as viewed from the outside.

Fig. 16 is an enlarged front view of the cleat shown in fig. 12-15, as seen from the front.

Fig. 17 is an enlarged front view of the cleat shown in fig. 12-16, as viewed from the rear.

Detailed Description

Selected embodiments will now be explained with reference to the drawings. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art of human powered vehicles (e.g., in the bicycle arts) from this disclosure that the following description of the embodiments is provided for illustration only and not for the purpose of limiting the application as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Referring initially to FIG. 1, a portion of a human powered vehicle V is illustrated that is equipped with a derailleur 10 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. In this embodiment, the human powered vehicle V is a bicycle and the derailleur 10 is a front derailleur. More specifically, the derailleur 10 is a down-swing front derailleur as described below. However, it will be apparent from this disclosure that the present application is applicable to other types of derailleurs. For example, the derailleur 10 can be configured as a top swing front derailleur or a side swing front derailleur. The derailleur 10 is herein an electrically operated front derailleur. The derailleur 10 includes a motor unit MU that is operatively connected to the shifter using a cable EC. However, the front derailleur 10 can be configured to operate in other manners, such as mechanically, hydraulically or pneumatically.

The derailleur 10 is mounted to a frame F of a human powered vehicle V. Here, the frame F is a bicycle frame, and the derailleur 10 is mounted to a seat tube of the frame F. Specifically, the derailleur 10 is mounted to a mounting flange attached to a seat tube of the frame F by a fixing bolt FB. Alternatively, for example, the derailleur 10 can be mounted to a hanger tube or any other suitable portion of the frame F.

The human powered vehicle V also includes a sprocket assembly FS. Here, the sprocket assembly FS is a front sprocket assembly rotatably mounted to a hanger tube of the frame F. The sprocket assembly FS includes a first sprocket S1 and a second sprocket S2. The first sprocket S1 and the second sprocket S2 are rotated by a pair of crank arms CA1 and CA2 to rotate about the rotation center axis a. The first sprocket S1 is a larger front sprocket relative to the second sprocket S2, and the second sprocket is an adjacent smaller front sprocket relative to the first sprocket S1. While the sprocket assembly FS is shown as having only two front sprockets, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art of human powered vehicles in this disclosure that the sprocket assembly FS can include more than two sprockets if needed and/or desired.

Basically, the derailleur 10 is configured to move laterally between a first sprocket S1 and a second sprocket S2 of a bicycle chain CN. The derailleur 10 basically includes a base 12 and a chain guide 14. The base 12 is configured to be mounted on a human powered vehicle V. More specifically, in the exemplary embodiment, base 12 is configured to be mounted to a seat tube of frame F. The chain guide 14 is movably coupled to the base 12. The base 12 is a rigid member made of a suitable material such as a metallic material or a plastic material. The motor unit MU is supported on the base 12 and is operatively connected to the chain guide 14 to move the chain guide 14 relative to the base 12.

Here, the derailleur 10 further includes a linkage assembly 16 for movably connecting the chain guide 14 to the base 12. The linkage assembly 16 operatively couples the chain guide 14 to the base 12 for lateral movement relative to the frame F. Specifically, the chain guide 14 is configured to be movably coupled to the base 12 between a first position or retracted position (FIG. 4) and a second position or extended position (FIG. 5) to move the bicycle chain CN. The chain guide 14 is positioned farther from the base 12 in the second position or extended position than in the first position or retracted position of the chain guide 14.

Basically, the chain guide 14 includes an outer guide plate 18, an inner guide plate 20 and a connecting portion 22 that connects the outer guide plate 18 and the inner guide plate 20 together. The connection 22 constitutes a downstream connection. The connecting portion 22 connects the downstream end of the outer guide plate 18 and the downstream end of the inner guide plate 20. Here, the chain guide 14 also includes an upstream connecting portion 24. The upstream connection portion 24 connects the upstream end of the outer guide plate 18 with the upstream end of the inner guide plate 20. The terms "upstream" and "downstream" as used herein mean the chain driving direction CD inside the chain guide slot 26 relative to the bicycle chain CN during the forward pedaling action applied to the first and second sprockets S1 and S2.

The outer guide plate 18 and the inner guide plate 20 are configured to form a guide space 26 therebetween. Specifically, the outer guide plate 18 has an inwardly facing surface 18a that forms a first guide surface for guiding the chain CN. The inner guide plate 20 has an inwardly facing surface 20a that forms a second guide surface for guiding the chain CN. In other words, the inwardly facing surface 18a of the outer guide plate 18 and the inwardly facing surface 20a of the inner guide plate 20 face each other to form a guide space 26 therebetween for carrying the bicycle chain CN.

In an exemplary embodiment, the derailleur 10 further includes a cleat 30. The cleat 30 is configured for attachment to the chain guide 14 of the derailleur 10. Thus, with the cleat 30 mounted on the derailleur 10, the cleat 30 is attached to the chain guide 14. Basically, the cleat 30 includes a contactable chain portion 32, a first attachment portion 34 and a second attachment portion 36. Here, the cleat 30 is a one-piece member. Preferably, the cleat 30 is made of a non-metallic material such as a resin material. For example, the cleat 30 may be injection molded from a resin material. Alternatively, the cleat 30 may be a fiber reinforced plastic material, for example. Although the cleat 30 is made entirely of a non-metallic material, such as a resin material, in the exemplary embodiment, the cleat 30 may be shaped to include a metallic portion if needed and/or desired. Preferably, at least the contactable chain portion 32 is made from a non-metallic material. More preferably, the non-metallic material includes a resin material at least for the contactable chain portion 32.

As shown in fig. 3-6, the accessible chain portion 32 is configured to be at least partially disposed in a guide space 26 of the chain guide 14 defined between the outer guide plate 18 of the chain guide 14 and the inner guide plate 20 of the chain guide 14. Preferably, the accessible chain portion 32 is configured to cover an inwardly facing surface of one of the outer guide plate 18 and the inner guide plate 20 in a state in which the cleat 30 is attached to the chain guide 14. The inwardly facing surface of one of the outer guide plate 18 and the inner guide plate 20 faces the inwardly facing surface of the other of the outer guide plate 18 and the inner guide plate 20. Further, with the cleat 30 attached to the chain guide 14, the accessible chain portion 32 may contact an inwardly facing surface of one of the outer guide plate 18 and the inner guide plate 20. In an exemplary embodiment, the accessible chain portion 32 is configured to cover an inwardly facing surface of one of the outer guide plate 18 and the inner guide plate 20 in a state in which the cleat 30 is attached to the chain guide 14.

Specifically, the derailleur 10 further includes a first and second link members 40 and 42 that interconnect the base 12 and the chain guide 14 together for lateral movement relative to the frame F. In other words, the first and second link members 40 and 42 define a link assembly for movably supporting the chain guide 14 relative to the base 12 between an extended position and a retracted position. The first and second link members 40, 42 are rigid members made of a suitable material such as a metallic material or a fiber reinforced plastic material. Here, in the exemplary embodiment, the first link member 40 is an outer link and the second link member 42 is an inner link. The upper end of the first link member 40 is pivotally mounted to the base 12. The lower end of the first link member 40 is pivotally mounted to the chain guide 14. An upper end of the second link member 42 is pivotally mounted to the base 12. The lower end of the second link member 42 is pivotally mounted to the chain guide 14. The second link member 42 is connected to the motor unit MU through a motor link 44. Here, as described above, the derailleur 10 is a down swing front derailleur because the pivot axes of the pivot pins for the first and second link members 40 and 42 are generally horizontal, and the chain guide 14 swings in the lateral direction below the position where the base 12 is mounted to the frame F. However, it will be apparent from this disclosure that the cleat 30 may be adapted for use with other types of derailleurs. For example, the cleat 30 may be disposed on a chain guide of a top swing front derailleur or a chain guide of a side swing front derailleur.

Basically, the first attachment portion 34 is configured to be attached to the first portion 46 of the chain guide 14 for attaching the accessible chain portion 32 to the chain guide 14. The first portion 46 has a first portion surface plane 46a facing the first facing direction X1. The second attachment portion 36 is configured to be attached to the second portion 48 of the chain guide 14 for attaching the contactable chain portion 32 to the chain guide 14. The second portion 48 has a second portion surface plane 48a facing the second facing direction X2. The second facing direction X2 is different from the first facing direction X1. Here, the second facing direction X2 is perpendicular to the first facing direction X1.

Preferably, as in the exemplary embodiment, at least a portion of cleat 30 is attached to connecting portion 22. Thus, the connection portion 22 has at least one cleat attachment portion. Here, the first portion 46 of the chain guide 14 includes a first cleat attachment portion of the connecting portion 22 of the chain guide 14. In this way, the first attachment portion 34 of the cleat 30 is attached to the connecting portion 22. Similarly, the second portion 48 of the chain guide 14 includes a second cleat attachment portion of the connecting portion 22 of the chain guide 14. In this way, the second attachment portion 36 of the cleat 30 is attached to the connecting portion 22.

As shown in fig. 10, the first attachment portion 34 includes an attachment hole 34a whose center hole axis Y extends along the first attachment direction D1. Here, the first attachment portion 34 is also an attachment flange connected to the lower end of the first link member 40. Preferably, the first attachment portion 34 is configured to be coupled to the chain guide 14 by a fastener. Here, the fastener includes a rivet 50. The rivet 50 also functions as a pivot pin for pivotally connecting the lower end of the first link member 40 to the chain guide 14. The first attachment portion 34 is configured to limit movement of the cleat 30 relative to the chain guide 14 in the first limiting direction R1. Here, the first restriction direction R1 and the first attachment direction D1 are parallel.

The second attachment portion 36 includes a protruding portion that extends along a second attachment direction D2 different from the first attachment direction D1. Here, the protruding portion of the second attachment portion 36 includes at least two second attachment portions 36a and 36b. One of the second attachment portions 36a and 36b is configured to be coupled to the chain guide 14 by a press fit. Here, the second attachment portion 36a includes a protrusion sized to be press-fit into the opening 48b of the second portion 48 of the connector 22 (i.e., the second cleat attachment portion). The protrusion of the second attachment portion 36a is shown as a cylindrical rod. However, the protrusion of the second attachment portion 36a is not limited to the shape shown, but rather has a variety of shapes as needed and/or desired. Further, the second attachment portion 36a may have more than one tab as needed and/or desired. One of the second attachment portions 36a and 36b is configured to be coupled to the chain guide 14 by a snap fit. Here, the second attachment portion 36b has a pair of cantilevered hooks sized to snap fit into openings 48c of the second portion 48 of the connector 22 (i.e., the second cleat attachment portion). Thus, the second attachment portion 36b of the cleat 30 includes a snap-fit attachment portion configured to attach to at least one cleat attachment portion via a snap-fit. In other words, in the exemplary embodiment, second attachment portion 36 of cleat 30 includes a snap-fit attachment portion (e.g., second attachment portion 36 b) configured to attach to a second cleat attachment portion (e.g., opening 48 c) having second portion 48 of connecting portion 22.

The second attachment portion 36 is configured to limit movement of the cleat 30 relative to the chain guide 14 in the second limiting direction R2. The second limiting direction R2 is different from the first limiting direction R1. The second limiting direction R2 is a direction in which the movement of the cleat 30 relative to the chain guide 14 is not limited by the first attachment portion. Here, the second restricting direction R2 is parallel to the second mounting direction D2.

Basically, in the exemplary embodiment, the accessible chain portion 32 includes a first portion 32a configured to contact the chain CN during an out-shift operation of the chain guide 14. The out-shift operation is defined based on the direction of movement of the chain guide 14 moving from the smaller sprocket corresponding position to the larger sprocket corresponding position. During an out shift operation, the chain CN is pushed by the inner guide plate 20 to disengage the chain CN from the second sprocket S2 and engage the chain CN with the first sprocket S1. When the chain CN moves in an outward direction from the second sprocket S2 to the first sprocket S1, the chain CN contacts the first portion 32a. The chain CN is prevented from falling off the sprocket by the chain CN contacting the first portion 32a during an out-shifting operation of the chain guide 14.

Here, the first portion 32a includes a triangular planar surface that slopes away from the vertical center plane PL of the guide space 26 of the chain guide 14 as the first portion 32a extends from the upstream end to the downstream end. Therefore, the upper end of the triangular flat surface of the first portion 32a is closer to the inner guide plate 20 than the lower end of the triangular flat surface of the first portion 32a. Further, the upstream end of the triangular flat surface of the first portion 32a is closer to the inner guide plate 20 than the downstream end of the triangular flat surface of the first portion 32a. However, the first portion 32a may have other structures that realize a function of preventing the chain from falling.

Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment, the accessible chain portion 32 includes a second portion 32b that is configured to contact the chain CN during an inward shift operation of the chain guide 14. The inward shift operation is defined based on the direction of movement of the chain guide 14 moving from the larger sprocket corresponding position to the smaller sprocket corresponding position. During an inward shift operation, the chain CN is pushed by the outer guide plate 18 to disengage the chain CN from the first sprocket S1 and engage the chain CN with the second sprocket S2. When the chain CN moves in an inward direction from the first sprocket S1 to the second sprocket S2, the chain CN contacts the second portion 32b. During an inward shift operation of the chain guide 14, the chain CN is prevented from falling off the sprocket by the chain CN contacting the second portion 32b. More specifically, when the chain CN is disengaged from the first sprocket S1, the chain CN moves radially outward with respect to the sprocket rotation axis. Since the chain CN will contact the second portion 32b during the inward shift operation, the chain CN can be prevented from falling off the sprocket.

Here, the second portion 32b is located below the first portion 32a. The second portion 32b includes a triangular planar surface that slopes upward and toward the vertical center plane PL of the guide space 26 of the chain guide 14 as the second portion 32b extends from the upstream end to the downstream end. Therefore, the upper end of the triangular flat surface of the second portion 32b is closer to the inner guide plate 20 than the lower end of the triangular flat surface of the second portion 32b. Further, the upstream end of the triangular flat surface of the second portion 32b is farther from the inner guide plate 20 than the downstream end of the triangular flat surface of the second portion 32b. However, the second portion 32b may have other structures that achieve a function of preventing chain drop.

Further, in the exemplary embodiment, the accessible chain portion 32 includes a third portion 32c that is configured to occasionally contact the chain in a state where the chain guide 14 is located at a position corresponding to a larger sprocket when the chain guide 14 is not performing a shifting operation.

When the chain CN is engaged with the first sprocket S1 and the chain CN is driven by a pedaling operation without any shifting operation, the chain CN will occasionally contact the third portion 32c. In this way, the chain CN is prevented from directly contacting and rubbing against the outer guide plate 18. When the third portion 32c is made of resin, noise generated by the contact and friction of the chain CN and the third portion 32c is minimized compared to noise generated by the contact and friction of the chain CN and the outer guide plate 18. Here, the third portion 32c is located below the second portion 32b. The third portion 32c includes a planar surface that slopes upward and away from the vertical center plane PL of the guide space 26 of the chain guide 14 as the third portion 32c extends from the upstream end to the downstream end. Therefore, the upper end of the flat surface of the third portion 32c is farther from the inner guide plate 20 than the lower end of the flat surface of the third portion 32c. However, the third portion 32c may have other structures that achieve the function of minimizing friction noise described above.

In understanding the scope of the present application, the term "comprising" and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended to be open ended terms that specify the presence of the stated features, elements, components, groups, integers, and/or steps, but do not exclude the presence of other unstated features, elements, components, groups, integers and/or steps. The foregoing also applies to words having similar meanings such as the terms, "including", "having" and their derivatives. Furthermore, unless stated otherwise, the terms "portion," "section," "portion," "member" or "element" when used in the singular can have the dual meaning of a single part or a plurality of parts.

As used herein, the following directional terms "frame-facing side", "frame-not-facing side", "forward", "rearward", "front", "rear", "upper", "lower", "above", "below", "upward", "downward", "top", "bottom", "side", "vertical", "horizontal", "vertical" and "transverse" as well as any other similar directional terms refer to those directions of a human powered vehicle (e.g., a bicycle) in an upright, riding position and equipped with a derailleur. Accordingly, these directional terms used to describe the cleat should be interpreted relative to a human-powered vehicle (e.g., a bicycle) having a derailleur in an upright riding position on a horizontal surface. The terms "left" and "right" are used to indicate "right" that is referenced from the right side when viewed from the rear of a human powered vehicle (e.g., a bicycle), and "left" that is referenced from the left side when viewed from the rear of a human powered vehicle (e.g., a bicycle).

The expression "at least one" as used in this disclosure means "one or more" of the desired choice. For example, the phrase "at least one" as used in this disclosure refers to "only a single selection" or "both selections" if the number of alternatives is two. As another example, the phrase "at least one" as used in this disclosure refers to "only a single selection" or "any combination of two or more selections" if the number of alternatives is three or more. Furthermore, the term "and/or" as used in this disclosure refers to "one or both of two".

Furthermore, it should be understood that although the terms "first" and "second" may be used herein to describe various components, these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element. Thus, for example, a first element described above could be termed a second element, and vice versa, without departing from the teachings of the present application.

The term "attached" or "attached" as used herein encompasses structures in which an element is directly secured to another element by affixing the element directly to the other element; a structure for indirectly securing elements to other elements by attaching the elements to one or more intermediate members, which in turn are attached to the other elements; and the structure in which one element is integral with another element, i.e., one element is an important constituent of the other element. The definition also applies to words of similar import such as "joined," "connected," "coupled," "mounted," "adhered," "affixed," and derivatives thereof. Finally, terms of degree such as "substantially", "about" and "approximately" as used herein mean a modified amount of deviation of the term such that the end result is not significantly changed.

While only selected embodiments have been chosen to illustrate the present application, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that various changes and modifications can be made herein without departing from the scope of the application as defined in the appended claims. For example, unless specifically indicated otherwise, the size, shape, location or orientation of the various components may be changed as needed and/or desired, provided that such changes do not substantially affect their intended function. Unless specifically stated otherwise, components shown as directly connected or contacting each other may have intermediate structures disposed therebetween, so long as such changes do not substantially affect their intended function. The functions of one element may be performed by two, and vice versa, unless otherwise specified. In another embodiment, the structure and function of one embodiment may be employed. All advantages do not have to be present in one embodiment at the same time. Each feature, alone or in combination with other features, unique to the prior art is also to be considered a separate description of another application by the present inventors, including the structural and/or functional concepts embodied by such features. Accordingly, the foregoing description of the embodiments according to the present application is provided for illustration only and not for the purpose of limiting the application as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A cleat for attachment to a chain guide, the cleat comprising:

a contactable chain portion configured to be at least partially disposed in a guide space of the chain guide defined between an outer guide plate of the chain guide and an inner guide plate of the chain guide;

a first attachment portion configured to be attached to a first portion of the chain guide for attaching the contactable chain portion to the chain guide, the first portion having a first portion surface plane facing a first facing direction; and

a second attachment portion configured to be attached to a second portion of the chain guide for attaching the contactable chain portion to the chain guide, the second portion having a second portion surface plane facing a second facing direction, the second facing direction being different from the first facing direction.

2. The cleat according to claim 1, wherein,

the first attachment portion includes an attachment hole having a center hole axis extending along a first attachment direction, and

the second attachment portion includes a protruding portion extending along a second attachment direction different from the first attachment direction.

3. A cleat for attachment to a chain guide, the cleat comprising:

a contactable chain portion configured to be partially disposed in a guide space of the chain guide defined between an outer guide plate of the chain guide and an inner guide plate of the chain guide;

a first attachment portion configured to be attached to a first portion of the chain guide for attaching the contactable chain portion to the chain guide, the first attachment portion configured to limit movement of the cleat relative to the chain guide in a first limiting direction; and

a second attachment portion configured to be attached to a second portion of the chain guide for attaching the accessible chain portion to the chain guide, the second attachment portion configured to limit movement of the cleat relative to the chain guide in a second limiting direction, the second limiting direction being different from the first limiting direction,

the second limiting direction is a direction in which movement of the cleat relative to the chain guide is not limited by the first attachment portion.

4. The cleat according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein,

the contactable chain portion is configured to cover an inwardly facing surface of one of the outer guide plate and the inner guide plate in a state in which the cleat is attached to the chain guide, the inwardly facing surface of the one of the outer guide plate and the inner guide plate facing an inwardly facing surface of the other of the outer guide plate and the inner guide plate.

5. The cleat according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein,

the accessible chain portion includes a first portion configured to contact a chain during an out-shift operation of the chain guide, the out-shift operation being defined based on a direction of movement of the chain guide moving from a smaller sprocket corresponding position to a larger sprocket corresponding position.

6. The cleat according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein,

the accessible chain portion includes a second portion configured to contact a chain during an inward shift operation of the chain guide, the inward shift operation being defined based on a direction of movement of the chain guide moving from a larger sprocket corresponding position to a smaller sprocket corresponding position.

7. The cleat according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein,

the accessible chain portion includes a third portion configured to occasionally contact a chain in a state where the chain guide is located at a position corresponding to a larger sprocket when the chain guide is not performing a shift operation.

8. The cleat according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein,

the second attachment portion includes at least two second attachment portions.

9. The cleat according to claim 8, wherein,

one of the plurality of second attachment portions is configured to be coupled to the chain guide by a press fit.

10. The cleat according to claim 8 or 9, wherein,

one of the plurality of second attachment portions is configured to be coupled to the chain guide by a snap fit.

11. The cleat according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein,

the first attachment portion is configured to be coupled to the chain guide by a fastener.

12. The cleat according to claim 11, wherein,

the fastener includes a rivet.

13. The cleat according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein,

the contactable chain portion is made of a non-metallic material.

14. The cleat according to claim 13, wherein,

the nonmetallic material includes a resin material.

15. A derailleur, comprising:

a base configured to be mounted on a human powered vehicle;

a chain guide movably coupled to the base; and

the cleat for attachment to a chain guide according to any one of claims 1-14.

16. The derailleur according to claim 15, wherein,

the chain guide comprises an outer guide plate, an inner guide plate and a connecting part for connecting the outer guide plate and the inner guide plate together,

at least a portion of the cleat is attached to the connecting portion.

17. The derailleur according to claim 16, wherein,

the first attachment portion of the cleat is attached to the connecting portion.

18. The derailleur according to claim 16 or 17, wherein,

the second attachment portion of the cleat is attached to the connecting portion.

19. A derailleur, comprising:

a base configured to be mounted on a human powered vehicle;

a chain guide movably coupled to the base, the chain guide including an outer guide plate, an inner guide plate, and a connection portion connecting the outer guide plate and the inner guide plate together, the connection portion having at least one cleat attachment portion; and

the cleat includes snap-fit attachment portions configured to attach to at least one of the cleat attachment portions by snap-fit.