WO1999037529A9

WO1999037529A9 - Automatic bicycle derailleur

Info

Publication number: WO1999037529A9
Application number: PCT/EP1999/000126
Authority: WO
Inventors: Johannes Ehrhardt
Original assignee: Schmitt Robert
Priority date: 1998-01-23
Filing date: 1999-01-12
Publication date: 1999-10-14
Also published as: EP0979193A1; TW404916B; WO1999037529A1; DE19802563C1

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for automatically actuating a bicycle derailleur with multiple gear shifting. The inventive device comprises a mechanism which regulates centrifugal force. Said regulating mechanism is rotationally arranged on the wheel axle (8), is coupled to the wheel hub on the entry side, and is coupled on the exit side to an actuating element (6) provided for multiple gear shifting. A reduction gear is arranged between the wheel hub (4) and the drive element (12) of the regulating mechanism, said drive element being located on the entry side. The movement of the regulating mechanism (16) located on the exit side is moved outward via a regulating element (76) which is arranged in the wheel axle and which can be longitudinally displaced. Said regulating element sits closely against the regulating mechanism (16) by means of a drive pin (74).

Description

Automatic derailleur

The invention relates to a device for automatically actuating a bicycle multi-gear shift, comprising a centrifugal force adjusting mechanism which is drive-connected on the input side to a wheel of the bicycle and which is coupled on the output side to an actuator for the multi-gear shift. Such adjusting mechanisms generally have a rotatably mounted driver element on the input side, on which the flyweights are arranged pivotably in the radial direction; the flyweights, on the other hand, are connected to an axially displaceable actuating element which carries out the actuating movement for actuating the circuit.

Devices of the type mentioned are able to automatically select different gear stages depending on the speed of the bicycle, so that the cyclist is relieved of this activity.

A device of the type mentioned above is already known from US Pat. No. 5,295,916, which is arranged in the area of the derailleur of a derailleur. The functional elements of this device are unclad and are very close to the road, so that the risk of contamination and, as a result, a malfunction is considerable is. A covering of the entire device including the drive gear attached to the spokes of the rear wheel is extremely complex and also aesthetically unappealing.

DE 44 35 788 AI already shows a device of the type mentioned, in which several flyweights are pivotally arranged on the spokes of a wheel and transmit their pivoting movement via cable pulls to an axially displaceably arranged adjusting element which, in turn, via cable pulls Chain derailleur controls a derailleur. This construction is very complex, aesthetically unappealing and also exposed to contamination from external influences.

From DE 195 43 704 AI a device of the type mentioned is already known, which is completely housed in a housing and is arranged at a greater distance from the road in the upper region of the rear wheel fork. This device is attached to the bicycle frame in the manner of a light dynamo. The drive connection to the rear wheel is via a friction wheel, which rests on the rear wheel rim. This device is also aesthetically unappealing. It also has the disadvantage of all friction wheel drives, namely that slippage can occur between the friction wheel and the rear wheel rim when wet, which adversely affects the function of the device. Another disadvantage is also seen in the fact that the known device is extremely vulnerable to theft, since it can be easily dismantled as a complete unit.

It is the object of the present invention to provide a device of the type mentioned at the outset, which is aesthetically pleasing and is protected against dirt and is integrated into the wheel of the bicycle, so that disassembly is not readily possible. This object is achieved by the features in claim 1.

It should be pointed out at this point that the term "hub sleeve" designates the central part of a wheel which is rotatably mounted on the wheel axis and which is connected to the wheel rim or wheel rim in any way, namely, for example, via spokes or via a wheel disc.

The adjusting mechanism is rotatably mounted on the wheel axle so that it can be received within a hub arrangement assigned to this wheel axle. The drive connection is made from the hub assembly to the driver element on the input side. The actuating movement of the actuating element is transmitted to the actuating element of the multi-speed circuit, for example a chain derailleur, via connecting elements led out of the hub, as will be explained in more detail using an exemplary embodiment.

For this purpose, according to the invention, the wheel axle is hollow, wherein a longitudinally displaceable tappet is arranged in the wheel axle, the one inner end of which is coupled to the actuating element via a driving pin arranged thereon and projecting through a longitudinal slot formed in the wheel axle, and the other , outer end is connectable to the actuator. The connection between the rotating actuating mechanism and the non-rotating plunger is achieved according to the invention in such a way that the actuating element has a roller bearing which is axially displaceable on the wheel axis, the rotating outer ring of which is connected to the centrifugal weights via the actuating element, and the non-rotating inner ring of which cooperates with the driving pin. This construction is extremely simple and therefore inexpensive.

Since the adjusting mechanism is not aligned vertically, so that the centrifugal weights are reset from their position into its less deflected position cannot be achieved by its weight, it is provided in a further embodiment that the actuating element is loaded by an actuating spring in a direction opposite to the direction of the centrifugal forces. With increasing deflection of the centrifugal weights, the adjusting spring is tensioned more and more; as the speed decreases, the centrifugal weights are reset by the adjusting spring. The design of the actuating spring thus also determines the switching force of the device in the direction of a smaller transmission ratio, as will be explained in more detail using the exemplary embodiment. The adjusting spring is preferably a compression spring arranged between the driver element and the adjusting element, for example a helical spring coaxial with the wheel axis.

In a multi-speed gearshift, in which, for example, a derailleur is biased in the usual way in the direction of a larger gear ratio by a shift spring inherent in the circuit and is switched by means of a tension element against the force of this shift spring in the direction of a smaller gear ratio, the invention provides that the driver pin on a The outer flank of the inner ring only bears and is pressed against this outer flank by the switching spring via the tension element and the tappet connected to it. This solution is structurally particularly simple. As the speed increases, the chain derailleur is not inevitably actuated, but is only released by shifting the control element for the shifting process in the direction of a higher gear ratio; the switching force is applied by the switching spring.

Since at the relatively low rotational speeds of the wheel, relatively large centrifugal weights would be required in order to overcome the force of the actuating spring designed for switching in the direction of a lower gear ratio, it is provided in a preferred embodiment of the invention that between the hub arrangement and the driver element Transmission gear is arranged. As a result of the higher rotational speeds of the adjusting mechanism that can be achieved with this, smaller centrifugal weights are sufficient, so that the device as a whole can be kept smaller.

In one embodiment of the invention, the transmission gear comprises a mounting plate arranged on the wheel axle with a gear train which engages on the input side with a toothing arranged in the hub arrangement and on the output side with a toothing formed on the driver element. This mounting plate with the gear train arranged thereon can be replaced in a simple manner, so that a simple and inexpensive repair can be carried out in the event of damage to the gear train.

According to the invention, the mounting plate is arranged on the wheel axle with frictional engagement, so that it can deflect in the event of shock loads on the transmission (e.g. blocking of the rear wheel). In this way, even if the transmission is blocked by damage, it can rotate with the wheel hub with which the gear train is engaged, so that the bicycle remains ready to drive.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the hub arrangement comprises an essentially rotationally symmetrical housing which accommodates the centrifugal force adjusting mechanism and in which at least one end face has an assembly opening which can be closed by means of a cover. The entire device, including the wheel axle, can be assembled or disassembled via this assembly opening after opening the cover, so that, for example, a complete exchange of the switching device is also possible in a simple manner.

In order to be able to easily attach or detach the end of the connecting element to the actuating member to the actuating member within the wheel axis in the event of assembly or disassembly of the switching device, At the outer end of the plunger on the one hand and the associated end of the pulling element on the other hand, screwable coupling pieces are arranged, the coupling piece connected to the connecting element being able to assume a freely rotatable or a rotation-transmitting position, as explained in more detail with reference to the exemplary embodiment becomes.

In further refinements of the invention, means are provided to ensure switching in discrete steps despite the continuous adjustment of the centrifugal weights, and means are provided to block the device in predetermined switching positions.

An embodiment of the invention is shown in the drawing and described in more detail below. Show it:

Figure 1 is a partially sectioned side view of a switching device.

Fig. 2 is a view in the direction of arrow A of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a view in the direction of arrow B of Fig. 1;

FIG. 4 shows a top view of a conventional derailleur system in which the device according to FIG. 1 is used;

5 is a view corresponding to FIG. 1, in a state installed in a bicycle;

FIG. 6 is a view corresponding to FIG. 5, but in a different switching state;

7a, 7b show a detail of FIG. 1 in an enlarged representation; 8 shows a rotary control handle for actuating a blocking device;

Fig. 9 an actuating lever for actuating the blocking device.

The device for automatically actuating a bicycle multi-speed gearshift shown in FIG. 1 comprises a centrifugal force adjusting mechanism, designated as a whole by 2, which is connected on the input side to a wheel hub 4 and is rotatably driven by the latter, and which on the output side via connecting elements 82, 84, 86 an actuator 6, for example the derailleur of a multi-speed derailleur (see Fig. 4) is coupled.

The centrifugal force adjusting mechanism 2 is rotatably arranged on the rotationally fixed wheel axle 8. It essentially comprises a driver element 12 rotatably mounted on the wheel axle 8 via a first inner bearing 10 and an actuating element 16 rotatably supported on the wheel axle 8 via a second inner bearing 14, each of which has two centrifugal force-weight pairs 18 which are articulated to them and connected to one another , 20 are arranged radially adjustable. The first inner bearing 10 is axially fixed, as will be described later, while the second inner bearing 14 is axially displaceable on the wheel axle 8. On the mutually facing flanks of the outer rings of the two inner bearings 10, 14 there is in each case a pot-like guide element 22 or 24, which serve to center a compression coil spring 26 arranged between the driver element 12 and the actuating element 16.

The driver element 12 is drive-connected to the wheel hub 4 via a transmission gear 28. As can also be seen in particular from FIG. 2, the transmission gear 28 comprises an internal toothed ring 32 arranged on the inside of the wheel hub 4 or on a cover 30 closing this on one side, and a toothed wheel 34 engaging therein connected to this gear 36, a gear 38 engaging in it, a gear 40 connected to it and an outer ring gear 44 formed on the outside of a bush 42 pressed into the driving element 12. The gear train consisting of the gears 34 to 40 is on a mounting plate 46 arranged, which in turn sits on the wheel axle 8 with friction. As can be seen in FIG. 1, a collar bushing 48 is arranged in a rotationally fixed manner on the wheel axle 8, the mounting plate 46 being seated on this collar bushing and being pressed onto the collar of the collar bushing by means of a plate spring 50.

The transmission gear 28 translates the speed of rotation of the wheel hub 4, for example with a transmission ratio of approximately 1:24, as already explained earlier.

The friction fit of the mounting plate 46 on the collar bush 48 enables the mounting plate e.g. can dodge in shock loads of the transmission and that the entire transmission assembly 28 can rotate with the wheel hub and the adjusting mechanism around the wheel axis 8 when the transmission is blocked, so that the bicycle remains ready to drive.

The wheel hub 4 consists of a bell 52 which forms the actual hub, with two flanges 54, 56 for fastening spokes 57 and a cover 30 which closes the bell 52 on the right-hand side in FIG. 1 and which can be screwed into an internal thread of the bell 52 . The wheel hub 4 is rotatably mounted on the wheel axle 8 via wheel bearings 58, 60. The cover 30 has an external thread 62 onto which a wheel rim 64 (see FIGS. 4 to 6) equipped with a freewheel can be screwed in a known manner.

The plate spring 50 is defined in a defined manner via a spacer bush 66, the wheel bearing 60, a further spacer bush 68 and a clamping nut 70 which can be screwed onto the wheel axle 8. tightens such that the mounting plate 46 can slip when a certain torque is exceeded.

1, the flange bushing 48 is supported on the left-hand side via the inner bearing 10 and a spring ring 71 lying in an annular groove of the wheel axle 8. In a similar manner, the outer wheel bearing 58 is pressed against a spring ring 77 via a spacer bush 73 and a clamping nut 75.

The entire assembly, which can be inserted into the wheel hub 4, including the wheel axle 8, the wheel bearings 58, 60 and the cover 30, can be preassembled outside the wheel hub and then inserted as a whole, the cover 30 being screwed into the internal thread of the bell 52. The wheel axle 8 is axially fixed in the cover 30 by the wheel bearing 60 resting on a collar 72 of the cover 30 on the one hand and by the toothed ring 64 screwed onto the external thread 62, which overlaps the wheel bearing 60 slightly.

The axial movement of the actuating element 16 is transmitted to the outside via a driver pin 74 which bears against the inner ring of the second inner bearing 14 and which is inserted in a plunger 76 which is displaceably arranged in the hollow wheel axle 8 and projects through a longitudinal slot 79 in the wheel axle 8. The right outer end of the plunger 76 in FIG. 1 carries a coupling piece 78 which can be connected to a coupling piece 80 which is fastened to the inner end of a chain 82. The chain 82 is connected via a tensioning screw 84 to a tension element 86, which serves to actuate the chain derailleur 6 in a manner known per se. The chain 82 and the pulling element 86 are attached to the right end of the wheel axle 8 in FIG. 1 and via a ball detent device known per se

87 fixable guide arm 88 led to the chain derailleur 6 without kinks. The chain 82 runs over one on the guide arm

88 arranged deflection roller 89, the tension element 86 via a Deflection roller 91. The connection of the coupling pieces 78, 80 is explained in more detail with reference to FIG. 7.

Fig. 3 shows a view in the direction of arrow B in Fig.

1 and shows the cross section of the two centrifugal weights 18 and 20 arranged articulated on the control element 16.

FIG. 5 shows the device of FIG. 1 in a state installed in a rear wheel, wherein a ring gear 64 with six gear wheels is screwed onto the cover 30. The position of the adjusting mechanism 2 shown corresponds to the state in which the rear wheel does not turn or only rotates at a low speed. The centrifugal weights 18,

20 are not deflected, but stretched. The actuating element 16 is in its end position on the left in FIG. 5 and the tension element 86 is tensioned, the chain derailleur 6 assuming its position assigned to the largest gear of the ring gear 64. The circuit's own switch spring 90 is also tensioned. So that the centrifugal weights cannot deflect inward beyond the extended position, suitable stops, for example an outer collar, can be provided on one of the parts 12, 10.

FIG. 6 shows a view corresponding to FIG. 5, however, the adjusting mechanism 2 assumes a position that corresponds to a high speed of the rear wheel. The centrifugal weights 18, 20 are deflected radially outward and the adjusting element 16 assumes its end position on the right in FIG. 6. The plunger 76 is released for movement to the right, so that the chain derailleur 6 can be adjusted by the switching spring 90 in its position corresponding to the smallest gear of the ring gear 64 (large translation). As can be seen in FIG. 6, the end position of the adjusting mechanism 2 is defined in that the guide element 22 rests against the guide element 24 on the end face. When the speed of the wheel shown in Fig. 6 decreases again, the centrifugal force of the centrifugal weights 18, 20 decreases and they are adjusted by the adjusting spring 26 again in a more extended position, whereby the tension element 86 via the plunger 76 against the force of the Switch spring 90 tensioned and the chain derailleur 6 is moved again in the direction of the larger gears of the ring gear 64. It follows from this that the shifting in the direction of a larger transmission ratio is carried out by the switching spring 90 in the circuit and in the direction of a smaller transmission ratio by the actuating spring 26. In this way, the switching forces are defined by the design of the springs 90 and 26, respectively.

7a, b show an enlarged representation of the left end of the chain 82 in FIG. 1. The coupling piece 80, which has a threaded extension 100 on its left end and one of the contours on its right end, sits axially displaceably on a shaft 98 arranged thereon of a chain link 102 has a correspondingly contoured cutout 104. At the end of the shaft 98 there is a nipple 106 which prevents the coupling piece 80 from being detached from the shaft 98.

A coupling piece 78 is arranged on the plunger 76 and has a central bore 108 with an internal thread 110.

To connect the coupling piece 80 to the coupling piece 78, the chain 82 released from the pulling element 86 is shifted to the left, so that the recess 104 bears against the last chain link 102 and is rotationally coupled to it. By rotating the chain, the coupling piece 80 can be screwed into or out of the thread 110. After connecting the chain to the tension element 86, the chain link 102 is pulled out of the recess 104 again. conditions, so that any operational rotation of the chain is not transmitted to the coupling 80.

The device according to the invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiment shown. For example, it is possible to use such a device also for derailleur gears, in which the circuit's own shift spring loads the derailleur in the direction of larger gears. In this case, the adjusting mechanism 2 must be installed so that the tension element is tensioned against the force of the switching spring when the centrifugal weights are deflected. The actuating spring 26 can then be omitted since the extension of the centrifugal force weights is brought about by the switching spring inherent in the circuit.

In order to be able to manually override the automatic switching device, for example the left end of the plunger 76 in FIG. 1 can be connected to a lever 92 which is moved in one direction by a manually operated cable 94 and in the opposite direction by a return spring 96. The abovementioned stops, which prevent the centrifugal weights 18, 20 from deflecting inwards, are designed in such a way that there is always a small pre-deflection to the outside, so that blocking by an articulated lever effect cannot occur. This device also allows the switching device to be locked in any switching position.

In order to ensure that the switching device switches at defined speeds, means are provided for resilient locking of the device in certain switching positions. These means are formed, for example, by a resilient latching of the deflection roller 89 by means of a latching ball 93 pressed resiliently into depressions (see FIG. 4). A switching process only takes place when the switching force of the switching spring 90 or the actuating spring 26 overcomes the latching. In this case, the deflection roller 89 is preferably designed as a toothed wheel, which ches cooperates with the chain 82, as is known per se.

In order to prevent automatic switching and to fix the device in a given switching position, a device is provided which holds the plunger 76 in its current position. Such a device can act on the plunger 76 itself or on any component connected to it.

1, one end of a cable pull 118 is arranged in the root region of the guide arm 88, the other end of which can be actuated manually via a switching device 120 or 122 (FIGS. 8, 9) arranged, for example, on the wheel control arm. The cable pull 118 comprises a bushing 114 which can be screwed into the guide arm 88 and in which a blocking element 112 connected to the actuating cable 119 of the cable pull 118 is slidably arranged. A return spring 116 loads this blocking element in the direction of the blocking position shown, in which it presses on the chain 82 and blocks it in its respective position. There is no switching operation in this position. The blocking element 112 can be adjusted via the cable pull 118 from its blocking position into a release position lifted from the chain, in which the switching device can switch.

Fig. 8 shows a known rotary switch handle 120, via which the cable 118 can be actuated. Position "A" corresponds to the "Automatic switching" function, position "B" corresponds to the "blocking position". It can in a manner not shown, e.g. can be fixed in position A by a device similar to ball locking device 93.

9 shows a control lever 122 known per se for actuating the cable pull 118. The position "A" can be can be fixed for example by a friction brake 124, the braking force of which can be changed by turning.

Claims

claims

Device for the automatic actuation of a multi-speed bicycle circuit, comprising a centrifugal force adjusting mechanism with a driver element rotatably mounted about an axis of rotation, centrifugal weights arranged thereon pivotably in the radial direction and an axially displaceable actuator element coupled to the centrifugal weights, the driver element being drive-connected to a wheel of the bicycle and the actuating element is coupled to an actuating element for the multi-speed gearshift, characterized in that the centrifugal force adjusting mechanism (2) is rotatably mounted within the hub sleeve (4) of a wheel hub on the rotationally fixed wheel axle (8), the driver element (12 ) on the wheel axle (8) rotatably and axially fixed and coupled to a hub sleeve (4) of the wheel rotatably mounted on the wheel axle (8), and wherein the adjusting element (16) on the wheel axle (8) is rotatably and axially displaceably arranged and via connection led out of the wheel hub gselemente is connected to the actuator (6) of the multi-speed circuit.

Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the wheel axle (8) is hollow and in that a longitudinally displaceable tappet (76) is arranged in the wheel axle, the inner end of which is arranged via a driving pin which projects through it and through a longitudinal slot (77) in the wheel axle (74) is coupled to the actuating element (16) and its outer end is connected to the actuating element (6) via connecting elements (82, 84, 86).

3. Apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the actuating element (16) by an axially displaceable rolling bearing on the wheel axis (8), the

Outer ring is connected to the centrifugal weights (18, 20) via the adjusting element and the inner ring of which interacts with the driving pin (74).

4. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the adjusting element (16) by a

Actuator spring (26) is loaded in a direction opposite to the direction of the centrifugal forces.

5. The device according to claim 4, characterized in that the actuating spring (26) is a compression spring arranged between the driver element (16) and the actuating element.

6. Device according to one of claims 3 to 5, for a multi-speed circuit, which is switched by a circuit-specific switching spring in the direction of larger translation and by means of a tension element against the force of the switching spring in the direction of smaller translation, characterized in that the driver pin (74) an outer flank of the inner ring of the bearing (14) and is pressed against this outer surface by the switching spring (90) via the tension element (86) and the tappet (76) connected to it.

7. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that a transmission gear (28) is arranged between the hub arrangement (4) and the driver element (12).

8. Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the transmission gear (28) has a mounting plate (46) arranged on the wheel axle (8) comprises a gear train which engages on the input side with a toothing (32) arranged in the hub arrangement (4) and on the output side with a toothing (44) formed on the driver element (12).

9. The device according to claim 8, characterized in that the mounting plate (46) is arranged with frictional engagement on the wheel axle (8).

10. Device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the hub arrangement (4) a

Centrifugal adjusting mechanism (2) accommodating, essentially rotationally symmetrical housing, in which at least one end face has an assembly opening which can be closed by means of a cover (30).

11. Device according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that at the outer end of the plunger

(76) on the one hand and the associated end of a chain (82) connected to the pulling element on the other hand, coupling pieces (78, 80) which can be coupled together are arranged.

12. Device according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the plunger (76) via connecting elements (92, 94) connected to a manually operable shift lever and is displaceable in both directions.

13. Device according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that means (93) are provided for a resilient locking of the device.

14. Device according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that means (112) for blocking the Device are provided in different operating positions.

15. The apparatus according to claim 14, characterized in that the means (112) for blocking the device on the plunger (76) or on components connected thereto (82; 92, 94) attack.

16. The apparatus of claim 14 or 15, characterized in that the means (112) for blocking the device via a manually operable switching device (120; 122) are adjustable between a blocking position and a release position.