Electric chain derailleur

Abstract

This invention provides an electric derailleur, comprising a fixed part, a movable part, a first link, a second link, four pivots, and a control module; the fixed part is for attachment to a bicycle frame; the movable part is movable relative to the fixed part; the first link pivotally connects the fixed part and the movable part; the second link pivotally connects the fixed part and the movable part; the fixed part, the movable part, the first link, and the second link are pivotally connected to form a four-bar linkage, allowing the movable part to move relative to the fixed part; the pivots are respectively located between the fixed part and the second link, between the second link and the movable part, between the movable part and the first link, and between the first link and the fixed part; the control module is positioned relative to the fixed part, the movable part, the first link, or the second link, and is disposed at one end of one of the pivots.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to bicycle rear derailleurs; in particular, it refers to electric derailleurs. [Previous Technology]

[0002] The control module of a traditional electric derailleur is responsible for receiving the speed change signal and driving the movable part to adjust the chain position. However, the existing technology generally places this control module inside the fixed part of the electric derailleur, which has several drawbacks.

[0003] Because the control module is completely encapsulated inside the mounting section, in the event of a malfunction or component damage, the entire electric derailleur must be removed from the frame for repair, increasing maintenance costs and making the process cumbersome. Furthermore, the size and layout of the control module are severely limited by the space constraints of the mounting section, making it difficult to upgrade or replace it without affecting the overall structural strength of the electric derailleur, thus reducing design flexibility. Additionally, because the control module is deeply embedded inside the mounting section, the configuration of the power and signal cables is complex, increasing the difficulty of assembly and repair, and potentially affecting cable durability and signal stability.

[0004] Therefore, how to provide an electric derailleur to optimize the configuration of the control module and improve maintenance convenience and structural flexibility is an urgent problem to be solved. [Summary of the Invention]

[0005] In view of the above, the object of the present invention is to provide an electric derailleur that can improve the configuration of the control module.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides an electric derailleur for mounting on a bicycle frame, comprising: a fixed part for attaching to the bicycle frame; a movable part for moving relative to the fixed part; a first link pivotally connecting the fixed part and the movable part; a second link pivotally connecting the fixed part and the movable part; wherein the fixed part, the movable part, the first link, and the second link are pivotally connected to form a four-bar linkage, allowing the movable part to move relative to the fixed part; four pivots are respectively located between the fixed part and the second link, between the second link and the movable part, between the movable part and the first link, and between the first link and the fixed part; and a control module positioned relative to the fixed part, the movable part, the first link, or the second link, and disposed at one end of one of the pivots.

[0007] The advantage of this invention lies in the fact that by positioning the control module relative to the fixed part, the movable part, the first link, or the second link, and by setting it at one end of one of the pivots, not only is the stability of the control module ensured during the operation of the electric derailleur, but the risk of the control module's performance being affected by vibration or external forces is also effectively reduced. Furthermore, this configuration helps optimize the space utilization of the overall structure of the electric derailleur, improves its durability and reliability, and further enhances the operating efficiency and accuracy of the transmission system.

Implementation Method

[0008] In the following text, the terms used in the description of embodiments of the present invention, such as "upper" and "lower" indicating orientation or positional relationships, are based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the drawings used. The above terms are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention, that is, they do not indicate or imply that the mentioned elements must have a specific orientation or be constructed in a specific orientation. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" mentioned in this specification or the claims are only used to name the elements or distinguish different embodiments or scopes, and are not used to limit the upper or lower limit of the number of elements.

[0009] To more clearly illustrate the present invention, preferred embodiments are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Referring to Figures 1 and 6, an electric derailleur 100 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is provided for mounting on a bicycle frame (not shown). The electric derailleur 100 includes a fixed part 10, a movable part 20, a first connecting rod 30, a second connecting rod 40, four pivots 50, a control module 60, a battery unit 70, a derailleur part 80, and a plurality of positioning members 90.

[0010] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the fixed part 10, the movable part 20, the first link 30, and the second link 40 are pivotally connected to form a four-bar linkage. One end of the fixed part 10 is attached to the bicycle frame to provide a stable mounting point for the electric derailleur 100. The movable part 20 is movable relative to the fixed part 10 to achieve gear shifting. The two ends of the first link 30 are pivotally connected to the fixed part 10 and the movable part 20, respectively. The two ends of the second link 40 are pivotally connected to the fixed part 10 and the movable part 20, respectively, to allow the movable part 20 to move relative to the fixed part 10. The second link 40 is closer to the frame than the first link 30.

[0011] As shown in FIG3, more specifically, the fixing part 10 has a first pivot ring 12 and a second pivot ring 14 coaxially arranged at one end adjacent to the first connecting rod 30, with the first pivot ring 12 located above the second pivot ring 14.

[0012] As shown in Figure 3, the first connecting rod 30 has a third pivot ring 32 and a fourth pivot ring 34 coaxially arranged at one end adjacent to the fixed part 10, with the third pivot ring 32 located above the fourth pivot ring 34. The third pivot ring 32 is positioned above the first pivot ring 12, and the second pivot ring 14 is positioned above the fourth pivot ring 34.

[0013] As shown in Figures 6 and 9, the third pivot ring 32 is provided with a plurality of positioning holes 33 for the positioning elements 90 to be positioned accordingly.

[0014] As shown in Figure 1, four pivots 50 are respectively located between the fixed part 10 and the second link 40, between the second link 40 and the movable part 20, between the movable part 20 and the first link 30, and between the first link 30 and the fixed part 10. In this way, these pivots 50 can provide rotational support between the links, ensuring the stability and flexibility of the overall mechanism's movement.

[0015] As shown in Figures 1, 5, 6 and 9, the pivots 50 are defined as a first pivot 52 and three second pivots 54. The first pivot 52 is defined as a tubular structure having a battery cavity 522, and each of the second pivots 54 is a rod-shaped structure.

[0016] As shown in Figures 3 and 9, the first pivot 52 is located between the first connecting rod 30 and the fixed part 10, and the first pivot 52 is disposed in the first pivot ring 12, the second pivot ring 14, the third pivot ring 32 and the fourth pivot ring 34, thereby providing support and rotation functions between the first connecting rod 30 and the fixed part 10.

[0017] In this embodiment, the first pivot 52 is located between the first link 30 and the fixed part 10. In other embodiments, the first pivot 52 may also be located between the fixed part 10 and the second link 40, between the second link 40 and the movable part 20, or between the movable part 20 and the first link 30, to adapt to different mechanism requirements.

[0018] As shown in Figures 6 and 9, the first pivot 52 includes a battery cavity 522, and one end of the first pivot 52 protrudes from the surface of the first connecting rod 30 and has a positioning portion 524. The battery cavity 522 is formed inside the first pivot 52, and the battery cavity 522 has an opening 5222 for accommodating the battery unit 70. Thus, the design of the first pivot 52 achieves effective integration of the battery unit 70, thereby simplifying the mechanism structure, improving space utilization efficiency, and effectively reducing the impact of external impacts on the battery unit 70.

[0019] As shown in Figures 6 to 9, the positioning part 524 is used to fix the positioning members 90. The positioning part 524 is a convex ring provided on the outer surface of the first pivot 52, and the positioning part 524 is located above the third pivot ring 32.

[0020] As shown in Figures 4, 7 and 8, the control module 60 includes a housing 61, a circuit board 62, a connection port 64, a switch 65, a visual indicator 66 and an antenna 67.

[0021] As shown in Figures 4, 7, and 8, the outer casing 61 extends along a major axis of the first connecting rod 30, and one end of the outer casing 61 is positioned above the positioning portion 524 of the first pivot 52. One end of the outer casing 61 has a through hole 612, in which one end cap 722 of the battery unit 70 is fixed. This secures the control module 60 and the battery unit 70 together.

[0022] As shown in Figure 8, the outer casing 61 covers the circuit board 62. One end of the circuit board 62 is provided with a contact 622 for electrical connection with the battery unit 70. By placing the circuit board 62 at one end of the battery unit 70, the current conduction path is shortened, effectively reducing current loss and further improving the electrical energy transmission efficiency and overall system performance.

[0023] As shown in Figure 8, one end of the connector 64 is connected to the end of the circuit board 62 away from the contact 622, and the other end of the connector 64 protrudes outward through the housing 61 for power transmission and data communication. By positioning the connector 64 near the battery cell 70, the current transmission distance is effectively shortened, thereby reducing current loss and further improving charging efficiency and system performance.

[0024] In this embodiment, the housing 61 is made of a non-metallic material, such as plastic, to reduce electrical conductivity and avoid the risk of short circuits. In addition, non-metallic materials have better insulation, corrosion resistance and signal transmission, which helps to improve the service life and safety of the control module 60 and prevent the wireless signal from being shielded or weakened by the housing 61.

[0025] As shown in Figure 7, switch 65 is disposed on housing 61 and electrically connected to circuit board 62 to control the operation of circuit board 62. Specifically, switch 65 is a power switch used to control the power on / off of circuit board 62, thereby realizing power management of control module 60.

[0026] In this embodiment, switch 65 may be a push-button switch. In other embodiments, switch 65 may also be a touch switch.

[0027] In this embodiment, switch 65 is the power switch. In other embodiments, switch 65 may also be a mode control switch for switching the operating mode of circuit board 62; for example, different operating parameters or function settings can be selected through switch 65 to adapt to various application requirements.

[0028] In this embodiment, the number of switches 65 is one. In other embodiments, the number of switches 65 may also be two, namely a power switch and a mode control switch.

[0029] As shown in Figure 7, a visual indicator 66 is disposed on the housing 61 and electrically connected to the circuit board 62 to display the battery cell 70's power information, gear information, operating status, error messages, and operating mode prompts. This allows a user to quickly determine the status of the electric derailleur 100, improving operational convenience and user experience.

[0030] Specifically, the visual indicator 66 displays different device states through changes in light color, flashing speed, flashing frequency, and interval. For example: regarding the display of battery unit 70's power information, a green light indicates sufficient power, a yellow light indicates low power, and a red light indicates that the power is too low and needs to be charged; regarding the display of gear information, different colors or flashing patterns are used to indicate the position of the electric derailleur 100, such as using specific colors or rapid flashing to indicate the highest and lowest gears; regarding the display of operating status, a short flashing green light indicates a successful gear shift, a flashing red light indicates a failed gear shift, and an intermittent flashing pattern indicates fine-tuning mode; regarding error prompts, for example, a rapidly flashing red light indicates a system malfunction or operational limitation, while a solid red light indicates a power-on malfunction; regarding operating mode prompts, for example, a blue light indicates normal mode, a green light indicates power-saving mode, a yellow light indicates standby mode, and a slowly flashing red light indicates charging mode.

[0031] As shown in Figure 8, the antenna 67 is electrically connected to the circuit board 62 to receive an external wireless signal and transmit it to the circuit board 62, and to transmit an internal wireless signal from the circuit board 62 to an external device. Through the antenna 67, bidirectional wireless communication between the electric derailleur 100 and the external device can be realized, such as receiving remote control commands or transmitting status information of the electric derailleur 100, thereby improving the intelligence and ease of operation of the electric derailleur 100.

[0032] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the battery unit 70 includes a battery housing 72 and a battery body 74. The battery housing 72 is housed in the battery cavity 522 of the first pivot 52, and the battery body 74 is housed in the battery housing 72. As shown in Figures 7 to 9, one end of the battery housing 72 has an end cap 722, which protrudes from the opening 5222 of the battery cavity 522. As shown in Figure 10, the end cap 722 has a terminal opening 7222, which is disposed on the bottom surface of the end cap 722, allowing one terminal (not shown) of the battery body 74 to be exposed. This terminal is electrically connected to the contact 622 of the circuit board 62. In this way, the battery body 74 is provided with stable protection while ensuring a stable connection between the battery body 74 and the circuit board 62 and convenient operation.

[0033] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the derailleur 80 is pivotally connected to the movable part 20 and can move relative to the fixed part 10 with the movable part 20. By allowing the movable part 20 and the derailleur 80 to move relative to the fixed part 10, one chain (not shown) of the bicycle can move from one sprocket (not shown) to another sprocket (not shown), thereby achieving a smooth gear shifting function.

[0034] As shown in Figures 6, 8, and 9, the positioning members 90 are arranged around the battery unit 70. In this embodiment, one end of each positioning member 90 is disposed in each positioning hole 33 of the third pivot ring 32, and the other end of each positioning member 90 sequentially passes through the positioning part 524 of the first pivot 52 and the housing 61 of the control module 60. Thereby, the positioning part 524 of the first pivot 52, the third pivot ring 32 of the first connecting rod 30, and the housing 61 of the control module 60 are positioned relative to each other, and the first pivot 52 and the housing 61 of the control module 60 are fixed to each other, with the control module 60 being coupled to the positioning part 524.

[0035] Furthermore, by maintaining a fixed position relative to the first link 30, and with the housing 61 of the control module 60 extending along the long axis of the first link 30, it can be ensured that the electric derailleur 100 is protected from external impacts during use. This structural design not only improves overall stability but also effectively reduces the risk of performance degradation due to vibration or impact, further enhancing the durability and reliability of the control module 60.

[0036] In this embodiment, there are two positioning elements 90, and the number of positioning holes 33 in the third pivot ring 32 is also two. In other embodiments, the number of positioning elements 90 may be one or another plurality, and the number of positioning holes 33 may also be adjusted accordingly to one or another plurality, to ensure structural stability and adapt to different installation requirements.

[0037] In this embodiment, the first pivot 52 and the housing 61 of the control module 60 are fixed to each other. The first pivot 52 is located between the first link 30 and the fixed part 10. The control module 60 is positioned relative to the first link 30, and the housing 61 extends along the long axis of the first link 30. In other embodiments, if the first pivot 52 and the housing 61 of the control module 60 are fixed to each other, and the first pivot 52 is located between the fixed part 10 and the second link 40, between the second link 40 and the movable part 20, or between the movable part 20 and the first link 30, the control module 60 may also be positioned relative to the fixed part 10, the movable part 20, or the second link 40. Furthermore, in other embodiments, if the first pivot 52 is located between the fixed part 10 and the second link 40, or between the second link 40 and the movable part 20, the housing 61 may also extend along a long axis of the second link 40.

[0038] As shown in Figures 6 and 9, in this embodiment, the first pivot 52 has a stop member 91. The stop member 91 is coupled to the outer side of one of the first pivot 52 and located on the bottom side of one of the fourth pivot rings 34 of the first connecting rod 30 to limit the displacement of the first pivot 52 relative to the fourth pivot ring 34. By cooperating with the positioning part 524, the first pivot 52 can avoid displacement relative to the fixing part 10 and the first connecting rod 30 along the longitudinal axis of the first pivot 52, thereby enabling a more stable pivoting connection between the fixing part 10 and the first connecting rod 30 through the first pivot 52. In other embodiments, the position of the stop member 91 can be adjusted along the longitudinal axis of the first pivot 52 and can be disposed on the bottom side of the first pivot ring 12, the second pivot ring 14, or the third pivot ring 32 to limit the displacement of the first pivot 52 relative to the first pivot ring 12, the second pivot ring 14, or the third pivot ring 32. By cooperating with the stop 91 and the positioning part 524, displacement of the first pivot 52 relative to the fixed part 10 and the first connecting rod 30 along the longitudinal axis of the first pivot 52 can be prevented, further ensuring the stability of the overall structure.

[0039] In summary, the electric derailleur 100 of the present invention is positioned relative to the fixed part 10, the movable part 20, the first link 30 or the second link 40 through the control module 60, and is disposed at one end of the first pivot 52. This not only ensures that the control module 60 remains stable during the operation of the electric derailleur 100, but also effectively reduces the risk of the control module 60's performance being affected by vibration or external forces. In addition, this configuration helps to optimize the space utilization of the overall structure of the electric derailleur 100, improves the durability and reliability of the electric derailleur 100, and further enhances the operating efficiency and accuracy of the transmission system.

[0040] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Any equivalent changes made by applying the present invention specification and the claims should be included within the patent scope of the present invention. [Simplified Explanation of the Diagram]

[0041] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an electric derailleur according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a top view of the electric derailleur according to the preferred embodiment; Figure 3 is a perspective view of the electric derailleur according to another angle; Figure 4 is a perspective view of the electric derailleur according to another angle; Figure 5 is a partially exploded view of the electric derailleur according to the preferred embodiment; Figure 6 is another partially exploded view of the electric derailleur according to the preferred embodiment; Figure 7 is an enlarged schematic diagram of circled area B in Figure 3; Figure 8 is an enlarged schematic diagram of circled area C in Figure 4; Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view along direction AA in Figure 2; Figure 10 is an enlarged schematic diagram of circled area D in Figure 9.

Claims

1. An electric derailleur for mounting on a bicycle frame, comprising: a fixed portion for attachment to the bicycle frame; a movable portion for movement relative to the fixed portion; a first link pivotally connecting the fixed portion and the movable portion; and a second link pivotally connecting the fixed portion and the movable portion; wherein, The fixed part, the movable part, the first link, and the second link are pivotally connected to form a four-bar linkage, allowing the movable part to move relative to the fixed part; four pivots are respectively located between the fixed part and the second link, between the second link and the movable part, between the movable part and the first link, and between the first link and the fixed part, these pivots are defined as a first pivot and three second pivots, one end of the first pivot protrudes from the surface of the first link and has a positioning part; and a control module is positioned relative to the first link, the control module being coupled to the positioning part.

2. The electric derailleur as described in claim 1, wherein, The control module is fixed relative to the first link; the control module extends along a major axis of the first link which is fixed relative to the control module.

3. The electric derailleur as claimed in claim 2, wherein the control module includes a housing extending along the long axis of the first link; the first pivot is located between the first link and the fixing portion.

4. The electric derailleur as claimed in claim 3, wherein the control module includes a circuit board and a connector; the housing covers the circuit board; one end of the connector is connected to the circuit board, and the other end extends outward through the housing, providing power transmission and data communication.

5. The electric derailleur as claimed in claim 4, wherein the control module includes at least one switch disposed on the housing and electrically connected to the circuit board for controlling the operation of the circuit board.

6. The electric derailleur as described in claim 5, wherein there are two switches, namely a power switch and a mode control switch; wherein the power switch is used to control the power on / off of the circuit board, and the mode control switch is used to switch the operating mode of the circuit board.

7. The electric derailleur as described in claim 4, further comprising a battery unit electrically connected to the control module; wherein, The battery cell includes a battery housing; the first pivot includes a battery cavity in which the battery cell is housed; one end of the battery housing has an end cap that protrudes from an opening in the battery cavity; the housing of the control module has a perforation in which the end cap of the battery housing is fixed.

8. The electric derailleur as claimed in claim 3, comprising at least one positioning member; the at least one positioning member being fixed to the positioning portion; the at least one positioning member being used to fix the first pivot and the housing of the control module to each other.

9. The electric derailleur as claimed in claim 8, wherein the first link has a third pivot ring at one end adjacent to the fixed portion, and the third pivot ring is provided with at least one positioning hole; the at least one positioning member is correspondingly disposed in the at least one positioning hole; the at least one positioning member is used to position the third pivot ring of the first link, the positioning portion of the first pivot, and the housing of the control module relative to each other.

10. The electric derailleur as described in claim 7, wherein, The control module includes a visual indicator mounted on the housing and electrically connected to the circuit board. The visual indicator is used to display the battery cell's power level, gear information, operating status, error messages, and operating mode prompts.

11. The electric derailleur as claimed in claim 4, wherein the control module includes an antenna electrically connected to the circuit board for receiving an external wireless signal and transmitting it to the circuit board, and for transmitting an internal wireless signal from the circuit board to an external device.

12. The electric derailleur as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control module includes a housing made of a non-metallic material.

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