TW202413197A - Bicycle derailleur - Google Patents

Abstract

A bicycle derailleur 10 includes a base member 12, a movable member 14, a link member 16 and a chain guide 18. The movable member 14 includes a housing 30 having a base portion 32 and a cover portion 34 at least partially detachably coupled to the base portion 32. The link member 16 movably couples the movable member 14 to the base member 12. The chain guide 18 pivots relative to the movable member 14 about a first pivot axis A1. A biasing member 36 is at least partially disposed in the housing 30 for biasing the chain guide 18 relative to the movable member 14 about the first pivot axis A1 in a first direction D1. The base portion 32 includes a first contact surface 60 non-perpendicularly oriented with respect to the first pivot axis A1. The cover portion 34 includes a second contact surface 62 that contacts the first contact surface 60 of the base portion 32 in a closed state.

Description

Bicycle sprocket

The present invention generally relates to a bicycle sprocket.

In general, bicycles typically use a bicycle drive train to transmit pedal force to the rear wheel. The drive train of a bicycle often uses one or two bicycle derailleurs to selectively move a bicycle chain from one of a plurality of sprockets to another to change the speed of the bicycle. Typically, a bicycle derailleur includes a base member, a movable member, a chain structure, and a chain guide. The base member is configured to be mounted to the frame of the bicycle. The movable member is movably coupled to the base member by the chain structure. The chain guide is coupled to the movable member. The chain guide shifts the chain between a pair of sprockets in response to the movement of the base member relative to the base member to perform a speed change operation. Bicycle sprockets can be controlled manually by a hand-operated actuator connected to the sprocket by a mechanical cable, or by a motor unit to perform the shifting operation.

Generally speaking, the present invention is directed to various features of a bicycle derailleur having a movable member, wherein the movable member includes a base portion and a cover portion that is at least partially removably coupled to the base portion.

In view of the known state of the art and according to a first aspect of the present invention, a bicycle derailleur is provided, which basically comprises a base member, a movable member, a chain member and a chain guide. The movable member comprises a housing, the housing having a base portion and a cover portion, the cover portion being at least partially detachably coupled to the base portion. The chain member movably couples the movable member to the base member. The chain guide is pivotally coupled to the movable member around a first pivot axis. The bicycle derailleur further comprises a biasing member, which is at least partially disposed in the housing and biases the chain guide relative to the movable member around the first pivot axis in a first direction. The base portion includes a first contact surface that is non-vertically oriented relative to the first pivot axis. The cover portion includes a second contact surface that is configured to contact the first contact surface of the base portion in a closed state.

With respect to the bicycle derailleur according to the first aspect, the thickness of the base portion can be established so that the rigidity of the base portion can be improved while reducing the weight.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the bicycle derailleur according to the first aspect is configured so that the first contact surface is inclined relative to the first pivot axis. With the bicycle derailleur according to the second aspect, the protrusion amount of the movable member can be reduced. Therefore, in a state where the bicycle derailleur is mounted to a bicycle frame, the bicycle derailleur can have a low profile in the axial direction of the bicycle frame.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the bicycle derailleur according to the first aspect or the second aspect is configured so that the first contact surface includes a first surface portion and a second surface portion, the second surface portion being closer to the chain structure than the first surface portion. The second surface portion is disposed farther from the chain guide than the first surface portion. With the bicycle derailleur according to the third aspect, the rigidity of the base portion can be improved in the region attached to the chain structure.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle derailleur according to the third aspect is configured so that the first surface portion and the second surface portion are coplanar. With respect to the bicycle derailleur according to the fourth aspect, the configuration of the base portion and the cover portion can be simplified.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle derailleur according to any one of the first to fourth aspects is configured so that in a closed state, the second contact surface is inclined relative to the first pivot axis. In the bicycle derailleur according to the fifth aspect, in a closed state, the second contact surface of the cover portion can reliably contact the first contact surface of the base portion.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle derailleur according to any one of the first aspect to the fifth aspect is configured so that the cover portion includes an outer surface, which is disposed outside the movable member in a closed state. The outer surface includes an inclined surface, which is inclined relative to the first pivot axis in the closed state. For the bicycle derailleur according to the sixth aspect, the cover portion can be configured so that when the bicycle derailleur is mounted to the bicycle frame, the bicycle derailleur can have a low profile in the axial direction of the bicycle frame.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the bicycle derailleur according to the sixth aspect is configured such that the inclined surface includes a first inclined surface and a second inclined surface. In a closed state, the second inclined surface is closer to the chain structure than the first inclined surface. In a closed state, the second inclined surface is disposed farther from the chain guide than the first inclined surface. With the bicycle derailleur according to the seventh aspect, the cover portion may be configured to optimize the low profile of the bicycle derailleur.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, a bicycle derailleur is provided, which basically includes a base member, a movable member, a chain structure and a chain guide. The movable member includes a shell, the shell has a base portion and a cover portion, and the cover portion is at least partially detachably coupled to the base portion. The chain structure movably couples the movable member to the base member. The chain guide is pivotally coupled to the movable member around a first pivot axis. The bicycle derailleur further includes a biasing member, which is at least partially disposed in the shell and biases the chain guide relative to the movable member around the first pivot axis in a first direction. The cover portion includes an outer surface, which is disposed outside the movable member in a closed state. The outer surface includes an inclined surface, which is inclined relative to the first pivot axis in the closed state. The inclined surface includes a first inclined surface and a second inclined surface. In the closed state, the second inclined surface is closer to the chain structure than the first inclined surface. In the closed state, the second inclined surface is arranged to be farther away from the chain guide than the first inclined surface.

According to the bicycle derailleur of the eighth aspect, the protrusion of the movable member can be reduced. Therefore, in the state where the bicycle derailleur is mounted to the bicycle frame, the bicycle derailleur can have a low profile in the axial direction of the bicycle frame.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle derailleur according to the seventh aspect or the eighth aspect is configured such that when viewed from the first pivot axis in the closed state, the second inclined surface is larger than the first inclined surface. For the bicycle derailleur according to the ninth aspect, the cover portion can be configured to optimize the low profile of the bicycle derailleur.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle derailleur according to any one of the seventh to ninth aspects is configured so that in a closed state, the second inclined surface is more gently inclined relative to the first pivot axis than the first inclined surface. With the bicycle derailleur according to the tenth aspect, the cover portion can effectively cover the inner space of the movable member.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, the bicycle derailleur according to any one of the first to tenth aspects is configured such that the cover portion is disposed farther from the chain guide than the base portion. With the bicycle derailleur according to the eleventh aspect, the cover portion can be easily accessed when the bicycle derailleur is mounted on a bicycle frame.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle derailleur according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects is configured so that the cover portion is pivotally coupled to the base portion around a second pivot axis, and the second pivot axis is non-parallel to the first pivot axis. With the bicycle derailleur according to the twelfth aspect, the cover portion can be easily moved between an open state and a closed state.

According to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle derailleur according to any one of the first aspect to the twelfth aspect is configured so that the cover portion is fixed to the base portion by a fixing member. With the bicycle derailleur according to the thirteenth aspect, the cover portion can be reliably fixed to the base portion by using the fixing member.

According to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle sprocket according to any one of the first aspect to the eleventh aspect is configured so that the cover portion is pivotally coupled to the base portion by a pivot axis defining a second pivot axis. The cover portion is fixed to the base portion by a fixing member. When viewed along the first pivot axis, the pivot axis is located on the opposite side of the fixing member relative to the first pivot axis. With the bicycle sprocket according to the fourteenth aspect, the cover portion can be reliably fixed to the base portion by using the fixing member and pivot between an open state and a closed state.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle derailleur according to the thirteenth aspect or the fourteenth aspect is configured so that the fixing member includes a bolt. With the bicycle derailleur according to the fifteenth aspect, the cover portion can be easily fastened to the base portion in the closed state and partially disassembled to move to the open state.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle derailleur according to any one of the first aspect to the fifteenth aspect is configured so that the chain structure is pivotally coupled to the movable member by at least one hitch pin. When viewed along the first pivot axis, the second pivot axis is located on the opposite side of the at least one hitch pin relative to the first pivot axis. For the bicycle derailleur according to the sixteenth aspect, the cover portion can pivot relative to the base portion in a direction away from the chain structure, so that the chain structure does not interfere with the cover portion in an open state.

According to the seventeenth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle derailleur according to any one of the first aspect to the sixteenth aspect is configured so that the base portion includes a first portion and a second portion, the first portion having a first thickness in a direction parallel to the first pivot axis, and the second portion having a second thickness in a direction parallel to the first pivot axis. The second thickness is greater than the first thickness. With the bicycle derailleur according to the seventeenth aspect, the thickness of the base portion can be established so that the rigidity of the base portion can be improved while reducing the weight.

According to the eighteenth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle derailleur according to the seventeenth aspect is configured so that the second portion of the base portion is closer to the chain structure than the first portion of the base portion. With the bicycle derailleur according to the eighteenth aspect, the rigidity of the base portion close to the chain structure can be improved.

According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle derailleur according to any one of the first to eighteenth aspects further comprises a pivot rod defining a first pivot axis. The biasing member comprises a torsion spring disposed on the pivot rod. With the bicycle derailleur according to the nineteenth aspect, the size of the movable member can be relatively compact.

According to the twentieth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle derailleur according to any one of the first aspect to the nineteenth aspect further comprises a resistance applying element configured to apply resistance to the rotational movement of the chain guide relative to the movable member. The resistance applying element is located in the first space between the base portion and the cover portion. With the bicycle derailleur according to the twentieth aspect, an appropriate amount of resistance can be applied to the rotational movement of the chain guide relative to the movable member.

According to the twenty-first aspect of the present invention, the bicycle derailleur according to the twentieth aspect is configured so that the base portion includes a second space for accommodating the biasing member. With the bicycle derailleur according to the twenty-first aspect, the biasing member can be protected in the second space of the base portion.

According to the twenty-second aspect of the present invention, the bicycle derailleur according to any one of the first aspect to the twenty-first aspect is configured so that when the bicycle derailleur is mounted on the bicycle frame, the cover portion is disposed farther from the bicycle center plane than the base portion. The bicycle center plane passes through the center of the bicycle frame in the width direction of the bicycle frame. With the bicycle derailleur according to the twenty-second aspect, when the bicycle derailleur is mounted on the bicycle frame, the cover portion can be more easily accessed.

According to the twenty-third aspect of the present invention, the bicycle derailleur according to any one of the first aspect to the twenty-second aspect is configured so that the chain guide includes at least one pulley. With the bicycle derailleur according to the twenty-third aspect, the use of at least one pulley can reliably guide and/or tension the chain.

Moreover, from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the bicycle derailleur with the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art will understand other purposes, features, aspects and advantages of the disclosed bicycle derailleur.

Those skilled in the bicycle art will appreciate from this disclosure that the following descriptions of specific embodiments are provided for illustration only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Referring initially to FIG. 1 , according to an exemplary embodiment, a bicycle V equipped with a bicycle derailleur 10 is illustrated. Here, the bicycle V is illustrated as an electric-assisted bicycle. However, the bicycle derailleur 10 can be applied to any other type of bicycle, for example, a mountain bike, an off-road bike, a road bike, a city bike, a cargo bike, and a recumbent bike.

As shown in FIG1 , a bicycle V includes a bicycle frame F supported by a rear wheel RW and a front wheel FW. The bicycle frame F basically includes a front frame body FB and a rear frame body RB (swing arm). The bicycle frame F is also provided with a front fork FF and a handlebar H for maneuvering the bicycle V. The bicycle V further includes an adjustable seat post SP coupled to a seat tube of the bicycle frame F for supporting a bicycle seat S at the upper end.

The bicycle V further includes a drive system DT. Here, for example, the drive system DT is a chain drive type including a crank C, a plurality of front sprockets FS, a plurality of rear sprockets RS and a chain CN. The crank C includes a crank axle CA1 and a pair of crank arms CA2. The crank axle CA1 is rotationally supported to the front frame body FB. The crank arms CA2 are disposed on opposite ends of the crank axle CA1. The pedal PD is rotationally coupled to the distal ends of each of the crank arms CA2. The front sprocket FS is disposed on the crank C to rotate integrally with the crank axle CA1. The rear sprocket RS is disposed on the wheel hub of the rear wheel RW. The chain CN runs around the front sprocket FS and the rear sprocket RS. A human driving force is applied to the pedal PD by a rider of the bicycle V, so that the driving force is transmitted to the rear wheel RW via the front sprocket FS, the chain CN, and the rear sprocket RS. Although the drive system DT is exemplified as a drive system of a chain drive type, the drive system DT may be selected from any type of drive system and may be a belt drive type or a shaft drive type. Here, the bicycle V further includes a drive unit DU configured to apply a propulsion force to a crank axle CA1 of the bicycle V.

In the illustrated specific embodiment, the bicycle derailleur 10 is an electric rear derailleur. In response to an automatic shift signal from a cycle computer or a user-input shift signal from an operating device OD such as an electric shift lever, the bicycle derailleur 10 is configured to be connected to a chain CN between a rear sprocket RS. A power supply BT is provided on a bicycle frame F for applying power to the bicycle derailleur 10. For example, the power supply BT may be electrically connected to the bicycle derailleur 10 with a cable for applying power thereto. Here, the power supply BT is provided on the inner side of a lower tube of the bicycle frame F. Alternatively, the power supply BT may be provided on the bicycle derailleur 10 or other parts of the bicycle frame F.

2 , the outer shape of a bicycle V is illustrated, viewed from the front and in the longitudinal direction of the bicycle V to show that a bicycle center plane CP vertically bisects the frame F of the bicycle V. The bicycle center plane CP passes through the center of the bicycle frame F in the width direction of the bicycle frame F. The bicycle center plane CP separates the left side from the right side of the bicycle V. The directional terms "front", "rear", "forward", "rearward", "left", "right", "lateral", "longitudinal", "upward" and "downward", and any other similar directional terms, below, refer to those directions determined based on a rider sitting upright on the seat S of the bicycle V while facing the handlebars H of the bicycle V.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 to 5 , the bicycle derailleur 10 will be discussed in more detail herein. The bicycle derailleur 10 basically includes a base member 12, a movable member 14, a chain member 16, and a chain guide 18. The base member 12 is configured to be attached to a frame F of a bicycle V. The movable member 14 is movable relative to the base member 12. Specifically, the chain member 16 movably couples the movable member 14 to the base member 12. The chain guide 18 is pivotally coupled to the movable member 14 about a first pivot axis A1.

As described above, in the illustrated specific embodiment, the bicycle derailleur 10 is an electric rear derailleur. Therefore, herein, the bicycle derailleur 10 further includes an actuating unit 20. The power supply BT is configured to supply power to the actuating unit 20. The actuating unit 20 is configured to move the movable member 14 relative to the base member 12 in response to a shifting operation. The shifting operation may be a manual shifting operation, in which the operating device OD or some other operating member is operated to generate a shift signal, which is transmitted to the actuating unit 20 to operate the bicycle derailleur 10. The shifting operation may also be an automatic shifting operation, in which the shifting signal is generated by a controller based on one or more operating conditions of the bicycle V.

The actuation unit 20 can be any type of actuation unit as needed and/or desired. Basically, here, the actuation unit 20 includes an electric motor, a gear reduction unit and an electronic controller. Since actuation units are well known in the bicycle field, the actuation unit will not be discussed in further detail here. Furthermore, the actuation unit 20 can be omitted, and the movable member 14 can be moved relative to the base member 12 using a control cable such as a Bowden cable.

As described above, the base member 12 is configured to be mounted to the bicycle frame F. Specifically, the base member 12 includes a frame mounting structure, such as a fixing bolt 22, which is configured to be attached to the bicycle frame F. Therefore, when the movable member 14 is moved to displace the bicycle chain CN, the base member 12 is laterally stationary relative to the bicycle frame F. The base member 12 is preferably constructed of a rigid material, such as a lightweight metal (for example, an aluminum alloy or a fiber reinforced plastic). Preferably, the base member 12 is pivotally mounted to the fixing bolt 22 defining a pivot axis B. The pivot axis B is sometimes referred to as the B-axis. The base member 12 may also include a pair of adjustment bolts configured to define an outermost position of the movable member 14 relative to the base member 12 and an innermost position of the movable member 14 relative to the base member 12. Preferably, the adjustment bolts are contactable to the chain member 16.

As described above, the link structure 16 movably connects the movable member 14 to the base member 12. Specifically, the link structure 16 is a connecting rod, which includes a first link 16A and a second link 16B. When the bicycle derailleur 10 shifts the chain CN in the lateral direction, the first link 16A and the second link 16B enable the movable member 14 to move relative to the base member 12. As shown, in a state where the bicycle derailleur 10 is mounted to the bicycle frame F as seen in FIG. 1 , the first link 16A is closer to the bicycle center plane CP than the second link 16B. In other words, in a state where the bicycle derailleur 10 is mounted to the bicycle frame F, the first link 16A is located on the inner side of the second link 16B relative to the bicycle center plane CP. On the other hand, the second link 16B is located on the outer side of the first link 16A relative to the bicycle center plane CP. Therefore, here, the first link 16A can be considered as an inner link because the first link 16A is closer to the bicycle center plane CP than the second link 16B. On the other hand, the second link 16B can be considered as an outer link because the second link 16B is farther from the bicycle center plane CP than the first link 16A. The actuating unit 20 can be configured to at least one of the first link 16A, the second link 16B, the base member 12, and the movable member 14. Here, the actuating unit 20 is disposed to the first link 16A. The actuating unit 20 is configured to apply a torque between the first link 16A and the base member 12 so that the first link 16A pivots relative to the base member 12.

The first link 16A and the second link 16B operatively couple the movable member 14 to the base member 12 to enable the movable member 14 to move relative to the base member 12. The first link 16A and the second link 16B are pivotally connected to the base member 12 and the movable member 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the link member 16 is pivotally coupled to the movable member 14 by at least one link pin. Also, in the illustrated embodiment, the link member 16 is pivotally coupled to the base member 12 by at least one link pin. Here, for example, the first link 16A of the chain structure 16 is pivotally coupled to the movable member 14 via the chain pin P1 (see FIG. 5 ), and the second link 16B of the chain structure 16 is pivotally coupled to the movable member 14 via the chain pin P2 (see FIG. 5 ). Also, for example, the first link 16A of the chain structure 16 is pivotally coupled to the base member 12 via the chain pin P3 (see FIG. 3 ), and the second link 16B of the chain structure 16 is pivotally coupled to the base member 12 via the chain pin P4 (see FIG. 5 ). The first link 16A and the second link 16B are pivotally connected to the base member 12 and the movable member 14 to define a four-bar linkage arrangement. The linkage member 16 preferably further includes a biasing member (for example, a torsion spring) interposed between the first link 16A and the second link 16B to take up any play.

Basically, the movable member 14 is movably configured relative to the base member 12 to move between a retracted position and an extended position. As described above, the chain guide 18 is pivotally coupled to the movable member 14. Specifically, the bicycle derailleur 10 further includes a pivot shaft 24, which is coupled to the movable member 14 and the chain guide 18. Here, the pivot shaft 24 is fixedly coupled to the chain guide 18 and rotationally coupled to the movable member 14. Alternatively, the pivot shaft 24 may be fixedly coupled to the movable member 14 and rotationally coupled to the chain guide 18. The pivot shaft 24 defines a first pivot axis A1. In this manner, the chain guide 18 is pivotally mounted to the movable member 14 via a pivot rod 24 to pivot about a first pivot axis A1, which is sometimes referred to as the P axis. Here, as can be seen in FIG. 7 , the pivot rod 24 is fixed to the chain guide 18 by a fixing bolt 26. The pivot rod 24 is pivotally mounted to the movable member 14.

The movable member 14 includes a housing 30. The housing 30 has a base portion 32 and a cover portion 34. The housing 30 of the movable member 14 is made of a suitable rigid material, such as an aluminum alloy or a fiber-reinforced plastic. The base portion 32 and the cover portion 34 may be made of the same material or different materials. Basically, in a state where the bicycle derailleur 10 is mounted to the bicycle frame F, the cover portion 34 is disposed farther from the bicycle center plane CP than the base portion 32. Therefore, the cover portion 34 is disposed farther from the chain guide 18 than the base portion 32. In other words, the cover portion 34 is disposed on the opposite side of the chain guide 18 with respect to the axial direction of the first pivot axis A1. The movable member 14 further includes a link attachment portion 35. The link attachment portion 35 is configured to be pivotally attached to the first link 16A by a link pin P1 and to be pivotally attached to the second link 16B by a link pin P2.

As shown in FIGS. 4 , 6 , 7 and 9 , the bicycle derailleur 10 further includes a biasing member 36 at least partially disposed in the housing 30. The biasing member 36 biases the chain guide 18 relative to the movable member 14 about the first pivot axis A1 in the first direction D1. In the illustrated embodiment, the biasing member 36 includes a torsion spring disposed on the pivot rod 24. Specifically, the biasing member 36 has a coiled portion 36a disposed around the pivot rod 24. As shown in FIG. 4 , a first end 36b of the biasing member 36 is hooked to the chain guide 18. As can be seen in FIG. 9 , the second end 36 c of the biasing member 36 is disposed in a recess in the movable member 14 .

As can be seen in FIGS. 7 and 12 to 14 , the bicycle derailleur 10 further includes a resistance applying element 38 configured to apply resistance to the rotational movement of the chain guide 18 relative to the movable member 14. The resistance applying element 38 applies resistance to the rotational movement of the chain guide 18 in a direction opposite to the biasing direction of the torsion spring 36 (referred to as the first direction D1). An example of a resistance applying element is disclosed in US 9 187 149 B2. The base portion 32 of the movable member 14 includes a first space 40. The resistance applying element 38 is located in the first space 40 between the base portion 32 and the cover portion 34. Moreover, the base portion 32 includes a second space 42 that accommodates the biasing member 36.

The chain guide 18 basically comprises a pair of chain cage plates 44. The chain cage plates 44 are made of a suitable rigid material, such as an aluminum alloy or a fiber reinforced plastic. Preferably, the chain guide 18 comprises at least one pulley. Here, the chain guide 18 comprises a tension pulley 46 and a guide pulley 48. Both the tension pulley 46 and the guide pulley 48 are rotatably disposed between the chain cage plates 44. The tension pulley 46 and the guide pulley 48 are made of a suitable rigid material, such as plastic. The retracted position of the chain guide 18 corresponds to the guide pulley 48 of the chain guide 18 being positioned above the largest of the rear sprockets RS. The extended position of the chain guide 18 corresponds to the guide pulley 48 of the chain guide 18 being positioned above the smallest of the rear sprockets RS.

As can be seen in FIGS. 8 and 9 , the chain guide 18 further includes a positioning plate 49 having a positioning abutment 49a. The positioning plate 49 is non-rotatably coupled to the outer side of the chain cage plate 44 so that the positioning plate 49 pivots with the chain cage plate 44 about the first pivot axis A1. As can be seen in FIGS. 6 , 9 and 10 , the positioning plate 49 has a pair of pins 49b and 49c protruding from the frame facing sides of the positioning plate 49. As can be seen in FIG. 4 , the pins 49b and 49c are disposed in the opening of the outer side of the chain cage plate 44. Here, the pin 49c is integrally formed as a part of the positioning abutment 49a. The positioning abutment 49a is configured to abut against the movable member 14 to limit the pivotal movement of the chain guide 18 about the first pivot axis A1 in the first direction D1.

8 to 13 , the movable member 14 will be discussed in more detail. Basically, the cover portion 34 is at least partially detachably coupled to the base portion 32. More specifically, the cover portion 34 is pivotally coupled to the base portion 32 via a pivot axis 50 defining a second pivot axis A2. In other words, the cover portion 34 is pivotally coupled to the base portion 32 about a second pivot axis A2 that is non-parallel to the first pivot axis A1. In this manner, the cover portion 34 can pivot between a closed state and an open state. Here, as shown in FIG. 3 , when viewed along the first pivot axis A1, the second pivot axis A2 is located on the opposite side of at least one link pin P1 or P2 relative to the pivot rod 24. Furthermore, the cover portion 34 is fixed to the base portion 32 by a fixing member 52. Here, the fixing member 52 includes a bolt 54. In this manner, in the closed state, the cover portion 34 can be detachably fixed to the base portion 32.

Preferably, the pivot axis 50 is located on the opposite side of the fixed member 52 relative to the pivot rod 24 when viewed along the first pivot axis A1. In this manner, when the cover portion 34 pivots from the closed state (FIGS. 8 to 11) to the open state (FIGS. 12 and 13), the cover portion 34 pivots away from the second link 16B. When viewed along the first pivot axis A1, the pivot axis 50 is located on the opposite side of the link attachment portion 35 relative to the pivot rod 24.

As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 , the base portion 32 includes a first portion 56 and a second portion 58. The second portion 58 is disposed adjacent to the chain attachment portion 35. The first portion 56 is disposed on a side of the second portion 58 opposite to the chain attachment portion 35. Therefore, here, the second portion 58 of the base portion 32 is closer to the chain structure 16 than the first portion 56 of the base portion 32. As shown in FIG. 10 , the first portion 56 has a first thickness T1 in a direction parallel to the first pivot axis A1. The second portion 58 has a second thickness T2 in a direction parallel to the first pivot axis A1. The second thickness T2 is greater than the first thickness T1.

As can be seen in FIG. 10 , the base portion 32 includes a first contact surface 60 that is non-perpendicularly oriented relative to the first pivot axis A1. Specifically, the first contact surface 60 is tilted relative to the first pivot axis A1. The cover portion 34 includes a second contact surface 62 that is configured to contact the first contact surface 60 of the base portion 32 in the closed state. Therefore, the second contact surface 62 is tilted relative to the first pivot axis A1 in the closed state. In this manner, the first contact surface 60 and the second contact surface 62 are in close contact with each other. A seal may be provided on at least one of the first contact surface 60 and the second contact surface 62 as needed and/or required.

As can be seen in FIGS. 12 and 13 , the first contact surface 60 includes a first surface portion 60a and a second surface portion 60b. The first surface portion 60a is a portion of the first contact surface 60 disposed between the resistance applying element 38 and the pivot shaft 50. The second surface portion 60b is a portion of the first contact surface 60 disposed between the resistance applying element 38 and the chain attachment portion 35. Therefore, the second surface portion 60b is closer to the chain structure 16 than the first surface portion 60a. Moreover, because the second thickness T2 of the second portion 58 is greater than the first thickness T1 of the first portion 56, the second surface portion 60b is disposed farther from the chain guide 18 than the first surface portion 60a. The base portion 32 has a screw hole 64 formed in the first surface portion 60a for threadedly receiving the bolt 54. The cover portion 34 has a through hole 66 for receiving the bolt 54 therethrough. In this manner, the cover portion 34 can be held in a closed state by the bolts 54 passing through the through holes 66 and being screwed into the screw holes 64 .

Preferably, the first surface portion 60a and the second surface portion 60b are coplanar. In other words, in the illustrated specific embodiment, the first contact surface 60 is a flat surface. Alternatively, the first contact surface 60 can be a non-flat surface. For example, the first contact surface 60 can include a step between the first surface portion 60a and the second surface portion 60b. Moreover, for example, the first surface portion 60a can be a flat surface and the second surface portion 60b can be a flat surface that forms an angle with the first surface portion 60a.

Similarly, the second contact surface 62 includes a first surface portion 62a and a second surface portion 62b. When the cover portion 34 is in the closed state, the first surface portion 62a of the second contact surface 62 contacts the first surface portion 60a of the first contact surface 60. Moreover, when the cover portion 34 is in the closed state, the second surface portion 62b of the second contact surface 62 contacts the second surface portion 60b of the first contact surface 60. Therefore, the outer profile of the second contact surface 62 should be configured to match the outer profile of the first contact surface 60. Here, the first surface portion 62a and the second surface portion 62b are coplanar. Of course, if the first surface portion 60a and the second surface portion 60b are not coplanar, the first surface portion 62a and the second surface portion 62b should also not be coplanar.

8, 10 and 11, the cover portion 34 includes an outer surface 68, which is disposed outside the movable member 14 in the closed state. The outer surface 68 includes an inclined surface 70, which is inclined relative to the first pivot axis A1 in the closed state. Here, the inclined surface 70 includes a first inclined surface 70a and a second inclined surface 70b. In the closed state, the second inclined surface 70b is closer to the chain structure 16 than the first inclined surface 70a. Basically, in the closed state of the cover portion 34, the first inclined surface 70a is superimposed on the first portion 56, and the second inclined surface 70b is superimposed on the second portion 58. Therefore, because the second thickness T2 of the second portion 58 is greater than the first thickness T1 of the first portion 56, in the closed state, the second inclined surface 70b is disposed farther from the chain guide 18 than the first inclined surface 70a. Here, when viewed from the first pivot axis A1 in the closed state, the second inclined surface 70b is greater than the first inclined surface 70a. Alternatively, when viewed from the first pivot axis A1 in the closed state, the first inclined surface 70a may be greater than the second inclined surface 70b. Preferably, in the closed state, the second inclined surface 70b is more gently inclined with respect to the first pivot axis A1 than the first inclined surface 70a. The through hole 66 and the first pivot axis A1 pass through the second inclined surface 70b.

In understanding the scope of the present invention, “comprising” and its derivatives as used herein are intended to be open-ended terms, specifying the presence of stated features, elements, components, groups, integers and/or steps, but does 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 “including”, “having” and their derivatives. Furthermore, the words “part”, “section”, “portion”, “member” or “element” when used in the singular can have the dual meaning of a single part or plural parts, unless otherwise stated.

As used herein, the following directional terms “frame facing side,” “non-frame facing side,” “forward,” “rearward,” “front,” “rear,” “up,” “down,” “above,” “below,” “upward,” “downward,” “top,” “bottom,” “side,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “perpendicular,” “transverse” and any other similar directional terms refer to those directions of a bicycle in an upright riding position and equipped with a bicycle derailleur. Accordingly, these directional terms, when used to describe a bicycle derailleur, are to be interpreted relative to a bicycle equipped with the bicycle derailleur in an upright riding position on a horizontal surface. The terms "left" and "right" are used to indicate "right" when referenced to the right side as viewed from the rear of the bicycle, and to indicate "left" when referenced to the left side as viewed from the rear of the bicycle.

As used in this disclosure, the term "at least one of" means "one or more" of the desired choices. For example, as used in this disclosure, the term "at least one of" means "only one single choice" or "both of two choices" if the number of choices is two. For another example, as used in this disclosure, the term "at least one of" means "only one single choice" or "any combination of equal to or more than two choices" if the number of choices is equal to or greater than three. Furthermore, as used in this disclosure, the term "and/or" means "either one or both of".

Furthermore, it will be understood that although the terms "first" and "second" may be used herein to describe various components, these components should not be limited to these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from another. Thus, for example, the first component discussed above may be named the second component and vice versa without departing from the teachings of the present invention.

As used herein, the term "attached" or "attaching" covers the following configurations: a component is directly affixed to another component by being directly affixed to the other component; a component is indirectly affixed to the other component by being affixed to intermediate members (which are in turn affixed to the other component); and one component is integrated with another component, i.e., one component is essentially a part of the other component. This definition also applies to words of similar meaning, for example, "joined," "connected," "coupled," "mounted," "bonded," "fixed," and their derivatives. Finally, words of degree such as "substantially," "about," and "approximately," as used herein, mean an amount of deviation of the modified term such that the end result is not significantly changed.

Although only selected specific embodiments have been selected to illustrate the present invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that various changes and modifications may be made herein without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the attached claims. For example, unless otherwise specifically stated, the size, shape, position or orientation of various components may be changed as needed and/or required, as long as the change does not substantially affect the intended function. Unless otherwise specifically stated, components that are shown as being directly connected or in contact with each other may have an intermediate structure configured between them, as long as the change does not substantially affect the intended function. The function of one element may be performed by two elements and vice versa, unless otherwise specifically stated. The structure and function of a specific embodiment may be adopted in another specific embodiment. All advantages do not necessarily need to appear in a particular specific embodiment at the same time. Each feature that is unique compared to the prior art (alone or in combination with other features) should also be considered a separate description of further inventions made by the applicant, including the structural and/or functional concepts embodied by such feature(s). Therefore, the foregoing description of specific embodiments according to the present invention is provided for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the present invention as defined by the attached claims and their equivalents.

10: Bicycle derailleur 12: Base member 14: Movable member 16: Chain member 16A: First link/inner link 16B: Second link/outer link 18: Chain guide 20: Actuating unit 22: Fixing bolt 24: Pivot rod 26: Fixing bolt 30: Housing 32: Base portion 34: Cover portion 35: Chain attachment portion 36: Biasing member/torsion spring 36a: Coiled portion 36b: First end 36c: Second end 38: Resistance applying element 40: First space 42: Second space 44: Chain cage plate 46: tension pulley 48: guide pulley 49: positioning plate 49a: positioning abutment 49b: pin 49c: pin 50: pivot axis 52: fixing member 54: bolt 56: first part 58: second part 60: first contact surface 60a: first surface part 60b: second surface part 62: second contact surface 62a: first surface part 62b: second surface part 64: screw hole 66: through hole 68: outer surface 70: inclined surface 70a: first inclined surface 70b: second inclined surface A1: first pivot axis (P axis) A2: second pivot axis B: pivot axis (B axis) BT: power supply C: crank CA1: crank axle CA2: (a pair of) crank arms CN: chain CP: bicycle center plane DT: drive train DU: drive unit D1: first direction F: bicycle frame FB: front frame body FF: front fork FS: (plural) front chain pulleys FW: front wheel H: handlebars OD: operating device PD: pedals P1: chain pin P2: chain pin P3: chain pin P4: chain pin RB: rear frame body/swing arm RS: (plural) rear chain pulleys RW: rear wheel S: bicycle seat SP: adjustable seat post T1: first thickness T2: second thickness V: bicycle

Selected specific embodiments will now be explained with reference to the accompanying drawings which form a part of this original disclosure.

[FIG. 1] is a side view of a bicycle according to an illustrative specific embodiment of the present invention, which is equipped with a rear derailleur of a bicycle derailleur (meaning a rear bicycle derailleur).

FIG. 2 is an external view of the bicycle equipped with a rear bicycle derailleur as shown in FIG. 1 , viewed from the front of the bicycle and in the longitudinal direction to show the bicycle center plane vertically bisecting the bicycle frame.

[FIG. 3] is an exterior view of a rear bicycle derailleur coupled to the bicycle frame illustrated in FIG. 1. [FIG. 3] FIG.

FIG. 4 is an inner side view of the rear bicycle derailleur illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3 .

FIG. 5 is a partially exploded side view of the rear bicycle sprocket illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4 .

[FIG. 6] is a rear perspective view of a selected portion of the rear bicycle sprocket illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4.

[FIG. 7] is a cross-sectional view of the rear bicycle derailleur illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4, taken along section line 7-7 of FIG. 4, wherein selected portions have been omitted for clarity.

[FIG. 8] is an enlarged external side view of the movable member of the rear bicycle derailleur illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4.

[FIG. 9] is an enlarged inner side view of the movable member shown in FIG. 8.

[Fig. 10] is a bottom view of the movable member illustrated in Figs. 8 and 9.

[Fig. 11] is a right side view of the movable member illustrated in Figs. 8 to 10.

[FIG. 12] is an enlarged external side view of the movable member illustrated in FIGS. 8 to 11, similar to FIG. 8, in which the cover is in an open state.

[Fig. 13] is a three-dimensional view of the movable member illustrated in Figs. 8 to 12, in which the cover is in an open state.

[Fig. 14] is a perspective view of the movable member illustrated in Figs. 8 to 13, in which the cover portion is removed from the base portion.

14: Movable components

18: Chain guide

24: Pivot rod

26: Fixing bolts

30: Shell

32: Base part

34: Covering part

35: Chain attachment part

36: Biasing member/torsion spring

36a: Winding part

38: Resistance applying element

40: First Space

42: Second Space

44: Chain cage type plate

48: Guide pulley

49: Positioning plate

60: First contact surface

60a: first surface portion

60b: Second surface portion

62: Second contact surface

62a: first surface portion

62b: Second surface portion

68: External surface

70: Inclined surface

70a: first inclined surface

70b: Second inclined surface

A1: First pivot axis (P axis)

Claims (23)

A bicycle derailleur comprises: a base member; a movable member including a housing having a base portion and a cover portion, the cover portion being at least partially detachably coupled to the base portion; a chain member movably coupling the movable member to the base member; a chain guide pivotally coupled to the movable member about a first pivot axis; and a biasing member at least partially disposed in the housing and biasing the chain guide relative to the movable member about the first pivot axis in a first direction; the base portion includes a first contact surface oriented non-vertically relative to the first pivot axis, and The cover portion includes a second contact surface configured to contact the first contact surface of the base portion in a closed state. A bicycle derailleur as described in claim 1, wherein the first contact surface is inclined relative to the first pivot axis. A bicycle derailleur as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the first contact surface includes a first surface portion and a second surface portion, the second surface portion is closer to the chain structure than the first surface portion, and the second surface portion is arranged farther from the chain guide than the first surface portion. A bicycle sprocket as described in claim 3, wherein the first surface portion and the second surface portion are coplanar. A bicycle derailleur as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein in the closed state, the second contact surface is inclined relative to the first pivot axis. A bicycle derailleur as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the cover portion includes an outer surface disposed outside the movable member in the closed state, and the outer surface includes an inclined surface that is inclined relative to the first pivot axis in the closed state. A bicycle derailleur as described in claim 6, wherein the inclined surface includes a first inclined surface and a second inclined surface, in the closed state, the second inclined surface is closer to the chain structure than the first inclined surface, and in the closed state, the second inclined surface is arranged farther from the chain guide than the first inclined surface. A bicycle derailleur comprises: a base member; a movable member including a housing having a base portion and a cover portion, the cover portion being at least partially detachably coupled to the base portion; a chain member movably coupling the movable member to the base member; a chain guide pivotally coupled to the movable member around a first pivot axis; and a biasing member at least partially disposed in the housing and biasing the chain guide relative to the movable member around the first pivot axis in a first direction; The cover portion includes an outer surface, which is arranged outside the movable member in the closed state, and the outer surface includes an inclined surface, which is inclined relative to the first pivot axis in the closed state, and the inclined surface includes a first inclined surface and a second inclined surface, and in the closed state, the second inclined surface is closer to the chain structure than the first inclined surface, and in the closed state, the second inclined surface is arranged farther from the chain guide than the first inclined surface. A bicycle derailleur as described in claim 8, wherein when viewed from the first pivot axis in the closed state, the second inclined surface is larger than the first inclined surface. A bicycle derailleur as claimed in claim 8 or 9, wherein in the closed state, the second inclined surface is more gently inclined relative to the first pivot axis than the first inclined surface. A bicycle derailleur as described in claim 1 or 8, wherein the cover portion is arranged farther from the chain guide than the base portion. A bicycle derailleur as claimed in claim 1 or 8, wherein the cover portion is pivotally coupled to the base portion about a second pivot axis, and the second pivot axis is non-parallel to the first pivot axis. A bicycle derailleur as described in claim 1 or 8, wherein the cover portion is fixed to the base portion by a fixing member. A bicycle sprocket as claimed in claim 1 or 8, wherein the cover portion is pivotally coupled to the base portion via a pivot axis defining a second pivot axis, the cover portion is fixed to the base portion via a fixing member, and when viewed along the first pivot axis, the pivot axis is located on the opposite side of the fixing member relative to the first pivot axis. A bicycle derailleur as described in claim 13, wherein the fixing member includes a bolt. A bicycle derailleur as claimed in claim 1 or 8, wherein the chain structure is pivotally coupled to the movable member via at least one hitch pin, and the second pivot axis is located on the opposite side of the at least one hitch pin relative to the first pivot axis when viewed along the first pivot axis. A bicycle sprocket as described in claim 1 or 8, wherein the base portion includes a first portion and a second portion, the first portion having a first thickness in a direction parallel to the first pivot axis, the second portion having a second thickness in the direction parallel to the first pivot axis, the second thickness being greater than the first thickness. A bicycle derailleur as described in claim 17, wherein the second portion of the base portion is closer to the chain structure than the first portion of the base portion. The bicycle derailleur as described in claim 1 or 8 further comprises a pivot rod defining the first pivot axis, wherein the biasing member comprises a torsion spring disposed on the pivot rod. The bicycle derailleur as described in claim 1 or 8 further comprises a resistance applying element configured to apply resistance to the rotational movement of the chain guide relative to the movable member, and the resistance applying element is located in the first space between the base portion and the cover portion. A bicycle derailleur as described in claim 20, wherein the base portion includes a second space for accommodating the biasing member. A bicycle sprocket as described in claim 1 or 8, wherein when the bicycle sprocket is mounted on a bicycle frame, the cover portion is arranged farther from a bicycle center plane than the base portion, and the bicycle center plane passes through the center of the bicycle frame in the width direction of the bicycle frame. A bicycle derailleur as described in claim 1 or 8, wherein the chain guide includes at least one pulley.

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