TW202031549A - 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.

In addition to transportation purposes, cycling has become an increasingly popular leisure activity. Furthermore, whether for amateurs or professional players, cycling has become an increasingly popular competitive sport. The current electric transmission is different from the traditional manual transmission. The current electric transmission includes the US Published Patent Application No. 2007/0183925 filed by Ichida et al., which uses a transmission or a motor link and a protection link. Lead to a complex system. U.S. Patent Application No. 10,053,189 proposed by Pasqua discloses another known electric transmission. However, this transmission has a connecting rod which is driven by a motor at a position away from the bicycle frame.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a bicycle front derailleur includes a base, a guide, a link member, and an electric motor unit. The base is configured to be fixedly connected to a bicycle frame. The guide is movable relative to the base. The connecting rod is configured to couple the guide to the base in a movable manner. The connecting rod member includes a first connecting rod and a second connecting rod. The first connecting rod is coupled to the base through a first shaft and is coupled to the guide through a second shaft, and the second connecting rod passes through A third shaft is coupled to the base and coupled to the guide through a fourth shaft. In a state where 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 shaft, which at least partially defines the shaft of one of the third shaft and the fourth shaft.

The advantage of the first aspect of the present invention is that the output shaft, which drives one of the third shaft and the fourth shaft, is close to the bicycle frame, thereby reducing the transmission of external force from the guide to the electric motor through the output shaft Possibility of unit. In addition, by making the output rotating shaft at least partially define the rotating shaft of one of the third shaft and the fourth shaft, by simplifying the connecting rod structure, the rigidity is improved and the cost is reduced.

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

The advantage of using the bicycle front derailleur according to the second aspect is that the transmission of 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 third aspect of the present invention, the bicycle front derailleur according to the first or second aspect is constructed, so that the third shaft includes the output shaft of the electric motor unit.

The advantage of using the bicycle front derailleur according to the third aspect is that the transmission of 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 constructed, so that the output shaft is directly connected and directly drives the second link.

Using 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 constituted, and the electric motor unit and the second link are constituted so that the output shaft and the first 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 constructed, so 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 bottom swing type front derailleur with a reliable structure.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the bicycle front derailleur according to any one of the first to sixth aspects is constructed, so 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 face the rear 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 constructed, so 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 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, which is operatively connected to the electric motor unit, so as to pass through A shift signal from an electric switch of a wireless transmitter activates the electric motor unit to move the link member and the guide.

Using the bicycle front derailleur according to the ninth aspect, using the wireless transmission can eliminate 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, which is operatively connected to the electric motor unit, so as to The shift signal of the electric switch is used to activate the electric motor unit to move the link member and the guide.

Using the bicycle front derailleur according to the tenth aspect, using wired input can lead to 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 shaft to deflect the guide.

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 in an original position.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle front derailleur according to the eleventh aspect is constructed, so that the deflection element deflects the guide 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 is moved outward and away from the bicycle frame, the deflection of the guide in a direction away from the bicycle frame allows the electric motor unit to apply 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 constructed, so that in the fixed state, the link member is located in front of the electric motor unit , And seen from a direction parallel to the rotation axis, the link member overlaps the electric motor unit.

Using 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, so that in the fixed state, viewed from a direction parallel to the rotation axis , The first link overlaps the electric motor.

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

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

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

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle front derailleur according to any one of the first to fifteenth aspects is constructed, so that the second link includes a first link lug and a second Connecting rod lugs, and the base includes a first base lug connected to the first connecting rod lug, and a second base lug connected to the second connecting rod lug.

The advantage of using the bicycle front derailleur according to the sixteenth aspect is that the lugs provide a convenient and reliable way to secure 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 constructed, so that in the fixed state, the first link lug is disposed on the first base lug and Between the second base protrusions.

The advantage of using the bicycle front derailleur according to the seventeenth aspect is that the protrusions are configured to 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 constructed, so that in the fixed state, the second base lug is disposed on the first connection Between the rod protrusion and the second connecting rod protrusion.

The advantage of using the bicycle front derailleur according to the eighteenth aspect is that the protrusions are configured to provide a reliable and firm configuration.

Please refer to the drawings, where the same reference numbers indicate the same or corresponding parts, and more specifically, please refer 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 or bicycle body F, a handlebar H, and a transmission system D. The transmission system D includes a chain C and converts the pedaling force of the rider into transmission force. The structure of the bicycle B is well known in the bicycle industry. As such, for the sake of simplification, detailed description/illustration will not be omitted. The 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 chain discs 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 bicycles and electric bicycles.

In this application, the following direction terms "front", "back", "forward", "backward", "left", "right", "horizontal", "upward" and "downward" and others Any similar direction term means a direction determined by the user (such as a rider) sitting on the seat cushion of the bicycle B facing the handlebar H. Therefore, the terms used to describe the bicycle front derailleur 10 should be explained when the bicycle equipped with the bicycle front derailleur 10 is used in a normal riding position on a horizontal plane.

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 plates FS, which are also called chain rings or gears. In this specific embodiment, two front chain discs FS are arranged on the crank CK. The two front chain discs FS have different diameters, and the smaller chain disc is closer to the bicycle frame F than the larger chain wheel. The bicycle front derailleur 10 is arranged to move the chain C between the two front chain discs FS. One or more operating devices OD are fixedly attached to the handlebar H, which include an electric switch 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 12, a base or fixed body 14, and a link member 15 configured to couple the guide 12 to the base 14 in a movable manner. The bicycle front derailleur 10 moves the guide 12 away from and toward the bicycle frame F to change the front chain disc FS that drives the bicycle chain C.

As shown in the third figure, the base 14 is stable or fixed in position relative to the bicycle frame F. The base 14 is configured to be fixed to the bicycle frame F by a fixing tab 16 which can be nailed and welded to the bicycle frame F. Before being screwed into the base 14, a fixing bolt 18 passes through a fixing washer 20 and a fixing tab 16. For the replacement of the fixing tab 16, the bicycle front derailleur 10 can be fixed to the bicycle frame F through a fixing belt or a clamp mechanism surrounding the seat post of the bicycle frame F.

The connecting rod member 15 includes a first connecting rod or outer connecting rod 22 and a second connecting rod or inner connecting rod 24. The second connecting rod in the fixed state where the base 14 is fixed to the bicycle frame F is more The first link 22 is closer to the bicycle frame 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 away from the bicycle frame F and return toward the bicycle frame F. 12 Keep it in the proper position. 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 and the guide 12, and the first link 22 moves away from and returns to the bicycle frame F. The electric motor unit 26 receives power and/or control signals through cables or wires 28. If required, an external controller and/or power supply/battery can be connected to the cable or wire. The signal from the operating device OD is used to generate a control signal, which is transmitted 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 link 22 is coupled to the base 14 through a first shaft 30, and the first link 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 12 includes a first outer fixing tab or front outer fixing tab 38A and a second outer fixing tab or rear outer fixing tab 38B. The guide 12 further includes a front inner fixing tab 42A and a rear inner fixing tab 42B. The first shaft or pin 30 is used to fix the upper half of the first connecting rod 22 to the base 14 by passing through a first hole or upper hole 40A of the first connecting rod 22. The first shaft 30 includes a bushing disposed in the first hole 40A. Each of the first shaft 30 and other shafts or plug pins may be composed of multiple components, such as an outer bushing and an inner plug pin; and/or a shaft that rotates in a corresponding bushing. The second shaft or shaft 32 is used to fix the first outer fixing tab 38A and the second outer fixing tab 38B of the guide 12 to the second hole or lower hole 40B in the first connecting rod 22.

The guide 12 also includes a first inner fixing tab or front inner fixing tab 43A and a second inner fixing tab or rear inner fixing tab 43B. The second connecting rod 24 includes a first connecting rod protrusion or front upper protrusion 44A, and a second connecting rod protrusion or rear upper protrusion 44B. The second connecting rod 24 also includes a third connecting rod protrusion or front lower protrusion 46A and a fourth connecting rod protrusion or rear lower protrusion 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 supporting 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 shaft 48 is fixedly inserted into the hole of the second connecting rod 24 in a suitable manner, such as an adhesive method, a press-fit method, and the like. The output 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-fit method, and the like. 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 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 rotating shaft of the electric motor unit may also define the rotating shaft of the fourth shaft 36 and be a part of the fourth shaft 36 to rotate 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 connecting rod lug 46A and the hole of the fourth connecting rod lug 46B of the second connecting rod 24 to connect the The two connecting rods 24 are fixed to the first inner fixing tab 43A and the second inner fixing tab 43B of the guide 12.

In the fixed state, the second shaft 32 is lower than the first shaft 30 and the fourth shaft 36 is lower than the third shaft 34. This configuration results in a hem-type bicycle front derailleur. The cable or wire 28 connected to the electrical terminal 82 serves as a wired input that is operatively coupled to the electric motor unit 26, so that following the variable speed signal from the electric switch that can be realized as the operating device OD, the electric motor unit 26 is activated to move the connection The rod member 15 and the guide 12.

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

The base 14 includes a receiver 52 for receiving the adjustment screw 54. The adjusting screw 54 can be used to restrict the outward movement of the guide 12. A supporting screw 56 passes through the base 14 and contacts the back plate 58, which is fixedly connected to the seat tube of the bicycle frame F. The support screw 56 provides an additional contact point 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 adjusting screw restricts the inward movement of the first link 22.

The base 14 is fixed to the electric motor unit 26 through a fixing bolt 64 passing through an inner fixing hole 66A in the base 14. A similar fixing bolt can pass through the outer fixing hole 66B and the lower fixing hole 66C of the base 14 to fix the base 14 to the electric motor unit 26.

The base 14 further includes a first base protrusion or front inner fixing protrusion 70A and a second base protrusion or rear inner fixing protrusion 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 supporting shaft 48 of the third shaft 34. The second base tab 70B is connected to the second link tab 44B via the output shaft of the third shaft 34. In addition, the first link lug 44A is arranged between the first base lug 70A and the second base lug 70B. Furthermore, the second base tab 70B is disposed between the first link tab 44A and the second link tab 44B. The supporting 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 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 protrusion or front outer fixing protrusion 74A and a second additional base protrusion or rear outer fixing protrusion 74B, and the first connecting rod 22 is disposed therebetween. The first shaft 30 passes through the hole 68A of the first base tab 70A and the hole 68B in the second base tab 70B of the base 14.

After passing through the fixing washer 20 and the fixing lug 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 fixing lug 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 12. The deflection element 78 is implemented as a torsion spring surrounding the fourth shaft 36 on the lower half of the second link 24. In the fixed state, the deflection element 78 deflects the guide 12 outward or away from the bicycle frame F.

The electric motor unit 26 includes fixing 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 fixing bolt can pass through the outer fixing hole 66B of the base 14 before being screwed into the fixing hole 80B. There is a lower fixing hole 66C in the lower half of the base 14 for fixing the base 14 through the mounting hole 80C. The electrical terminal 82 of the electric motor unit 26 can be used to receive power and/or communication signals from the cable 28 to actuate the electric motor unit 26 to rotate the 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 therefore changes the front chain disc FS that drives the bicycle chain C. According to one implementation, the electrical terminal 82 is connected to a wireless receiver 84. The connection may be a direct connection between the wireless receiver 84 and the electrical terminal 82, through a cable or wire 28, or in addition, the wireless receiver 84 may be included in the electric motor unit 26. The wireless receiver 84 receives control signals from the wireless input 86. Therefore, the wireless receiver 84 is operatively connected to the electric motor unit 26, so that following the speed change signal from the electric switch serving as the operating device OD via the wireless transmitter, the electric motor unit 26 is actuated to move the link member 15 and guide Piece 12.

As shown in the fifth figure, the electric motor unit 26 includes a processing circuit 88, for example, one or more programming processors and/or conventional circuit elements, which can be fixed to a circuit board connected to the electrical terminal 82.

The electric motor unit 26 includes fixing posts 90A, 90B, and 90C that receive the cap screw 92. The inner cover 94 covers the internal components of the electric motor unit 26 and can also be used to support various rotating shafts and gears in the electric motor unit 26. The outer cover 96 is fixed to the fixing posts 90A, 90B, and 90C, and keeps the inner cover 94 fixed.

The electric motor unit 26 includes an electric motor 98, which is electrically connected to and controlled by a processing circuit 88. The electric motor 98 includes a motor shaft 99. The electric motor unit 26 includes a transmission 100 having a plurality of gears. The transmission 100 transmits the rotational force of the electric motor 98 to the output shaft 50. The transmission 100 includes an optional element 102, which may be a torque diode, which only allows transmission of rotational force in one direction of rotation, while allowing free rotation in another direction of rotation. In addition or even worse, the optional component 102 can be a clutch to limit the force output by the electric motor 98 and/or limit the force applied to the electric motor 98 when the guide 12 is forced to move due to a collision or accident. . The transmission 100 includes a sector gear 104 fixedly connected to the output shaft 50 and receives transmission force from the transmission 100 and other parts of 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 specific embodiment, the transmission 100 reduces the rotation speed of the output shaft relative to the rotation speed of the 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 the second base tab 70B. In more detail, the supporting shaft 48 passes through the first connecting rod tab 44A and the first base tab 70A, and the supporting shaft 48 is inserted into the second base tab 70B. In addition, the output shaft 50 passes through the second link lug 44B, and the output shaft 50 is inserted into the second base lug 70B. The fourth shaft 36 passes through the third link tab 46A and the fourth link tab 46B of the second link 24.

The eighth figure is a side view of the bicycle front derailleur showing many cross-sectional lines. The lines 108-108 pass through a hole or receiver 110 for receiving the adjustment screw 60. The lines 112-112 pass through the receiver or hole 114 for 56. The lines 116-116 pass through the center of the receiver 52 for receiving the adjustment screw 54.

The ninth figure is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle front derailleur 10 along the lines 108-108 shown in the eighth figure to show the guide 12 in an internal position. In this position, it can be seen that the adjusting screw 60 contacts the base 14, which restricts the inward movement of the guide 12. The tenth figure is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle front derailleur 10 showing the guide 12 in an outer position along the line 108-108. In this position, it can be seen that the first link 22 and the second link 24 move outward 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 showing the guide 12 in an internal position along the lines 116-116. In this figure, it can be seen that the adjustment screw 54 restricts the outward movement of the guide 12.

The twelfth figure illustrates a cross-sectional view of the bicycle front derailleur 10 showing the guide 12 in an internal position along the lines 112-112. In the twelfth figure, the support screw 56 resting on the back plate 58 and the bicycle frame F protrudes from the base 14.

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

In the present invention, the "include" and its variations used in this specification are open-ended terms that specify the existence of stated features, elements, components, groups, integers and/or steps, but does not exclude the existence of other unstated features , Elements, components, integers and/or steps. This concept is also applicable to terms with similar meanings, such as terms such as "contains", "have" and their variations.

The terms "attached" or "attached" as used in this manual can cover the configuration of directly attaching a component to another component and fixing the component to the other component; indirectly through an intermediate component The configuration attached to the other element; and the integration of one element with another element is a configuration in which one element is a substantial part of the other element. This concept also applies to terms with similar meanings, such as terms such as "connected", "connected", "coupled", "fixed", "bonded", "fixed" and their variations.

The terms "member", "section", "part", "part" and "component" used in the singular form can have the dual meaning of singular part and plural part.

For example, the preambles "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" itself does not mean that there is a "second element", and the term "second element" itself does not mean that there is a "first element".

As used in this specification, the term "pairing" can cover a paired configuration of elements that have different shapes or structures from each other, plus a paired configuration of elements that have the same shape or structure with each other.

Finally, for example, the terms "substantially", "approximately" and "approximately" used in this manual indicate a reasonable offset of the modified term, so the result has not changed significantly.

Obviously, in view of the above teachings, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible. Therefore, it should be understood that within the scope of the patent application later, the present invention can be practiced with examples other than those specified in this specification.

10: Bicycle front derailleur 12: guide 14: Pedestal 15: Link member 16: Fixed tab 18: Fixing bolt 20: Fixed gasket 22: The first link 24: second link 26: Electric motor unit 28: Cable 30: First axis 32: second axis 34: third axis 36: Fourth axis 38A: Front and outside fixing tab 38B: Rear outer fixing tab 40A: first hole 40B: second hole 42A: Front inner fixed lug 42B: Rear inner fixed lug 43A: Front inner fixed lug 43B: Rear inner fixed lug 44A: First connecting rod lug 44B: second connecting rod lug 46A: Third connecting rod lug 46B: Fourth connecting rod lug 48: Support shaft 50: output shaft 52: receiver 54: Adjust the screw 56: Support screw 58: Backplane 60: Adjust the screw 62: hole 64: fixing bolt 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: Electric terminal 84: wireless receiver 86: wireless input 88: processing circuit 90A: Fixed connection column 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: drive train F: Bike rack FS: Front chain disk H: Handlebar OD: operating device RD: Bicycle rear derailleur RS: rear chain plate

With reference to the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, a more complete evaluation of the present invention and its many accompanying advantages will be more clearly understood.

The first figure is a side elevational view of a bicycle with a transmission system using 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 figure is a front exploded view of the bicycle front derailleur viewed from the outside towards the bicycle frame.

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

The fifth figure is a rear perspective view including the transmission gear of the bicycle front derailleur as viewed from the inside toward the bicycle frame.

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

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

The eighth figure is a side view of the bicycle front derailleur showing cross-sectional lines 108-108, 112-112, and 116-116.

The ninth figure is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle front derailleur showing the guide member in an internal position along the line 108-108.

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

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

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

10: Bicycle front derailleur

12: guide

14: Pedestal

15: Link member

16: Fixed tab

18: Fixing bolt

20: Fixed gasket

22: The first link

24: second link

26: Electric motor unit

30: First axis

32: second axis

34: third axis

36: Fourth axis

38A: Front and outside fixing tab

38B: Rear outer fixing tab

40A: first hole

40B: second hole

42A: Front inner fixed lug

44A: First connecting rod lug

44B: second connecting rod lug

46A: Third connecting rod lug

48: Support shaft

50: output shaft

52: receiver

54: Adjust the screw

56: Support screw

58: Backplane

60: Adjust the screw

62: hole

64: fixing bolt

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: Electric terminal

84: wireless receiver

86: wireless input

F: Bike rack

Claims (18)

A bicycle front derailleur, including: A base, which is constructed to be mounted to a bicycle frame; A guide which can move 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 is coupled to the base through a third shaft, and to the guide through a fourth shaft, in a fixed state where the base is 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 shaft, which at least partially defines a shaft of one of the third shaft and the fourth shaft. For example, the bicycle front derailleur of item 1 of the scope of patent application, in which: The output rotating shaft at least partially defines the rotating shaft of the third shaft. For example, the bicycle front derailleur of item 1 of the scope of patent application, in which: The third shaft includes the output shaft of the electric motor unit. For example, the bicycle front derailleur of item 1 of the scope of patent application, in which: The output shaft is directly connected and directly drives the second connecting rod. For example, the bicycle front derailleur of item 1 of the scope of patent application, in which: The electric motor unit and the second link are configured so that the output shaft and the second link rotate by the same degree. For example, the bicycle front derailleur of item 1 of the scope of patent application, in 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 of item 1 of the scope of patent application, in which: In the fixed state, the output shaft extends toward the front of the bicycle frame. For example, the bicycle front derailleur of item 1 of the scope of patent application, in 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 in the electric motor. For example, the bicycle front derailleur of item 1 of the scope of patent application includes: A wireless receiver is operatively connected to the electric motor unit, such that following a variable speed signal from an electric switch through a wireless transmitter, the electric motor unit is activated to move the link member and the guide. For example, the bicycle front derailleur of item 1 of the scope of patent application includes: A wired input, which is operatively connected to the electric motor unit, so that following a speed change signal from an electric switch, the electric motor unit is actuated to move the link member and the guide. For example, the bicycle front derailleur of item 1 of the scope of patent application includes: A deflection element, which is arranged on the fourth shaft, thus deflects the guide. For example, the bicycle front derailleur of item 11 of the scope of patent application, of which: In the fixed state, the deflection element deflects the guide member away from the bicycle frame. For example, the bicycle front derailleur of item 1 of the scope of patent application, in the fixed state: The link member is before the electric motor unit, and Seen from a direction parallel to the rotation axis, the link member overlaps the electric motor unit. For example, the bicycle front derailleur of item 1 of the scope of patent application, in the fixed state: Seen from a direction parallel to the rotation axis, the first link overlaps the electric motor unit. For example, the bicycle front derailleur of item 1 of the scope of patent application, in the fixed state: Seen from a direction parallel to the rotation axis, the second link overlaps the electric motor unit. For example, the bicycle front derailleur of item 1 of the scope of patent application, in which: The second connecting rod includes a first connecting rod protrusion and a second connecting rod protrusion; and The base includes a first base lug coupled to the first connecting rod lug, and a second base lug coupled to the second connecting rod lug. For example, the bicycle front derailleur of item 16 of the scope of patent application, of which: The first connecting rod lug is arranged between the first base lug and the second base lug. For example, the bicycle front derailleur of item 16 or 17 of the scope of patent application, in which: The second base protrusion is arranged between the first connecting rod protrusion and the second connecting rod protrusion.

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