Actuator device for a bicycle gear shifting device and related bicycle gear shifting device

Abstract

The present invention relates to an actuator device for a bicycle gear shifting device and to a related bicycle gear shifting device, wherein the actuator device comprises an actuation linkage, a drive member and a fastening / releasing mechanism operatively arranged between a motion transmission element and a linkage of the actuation linkage. The fastening / releasing mechanism comprises a first member rotatable about an axis of rotation as a unit with the motion transmission element, a second member rotatable about the axis of rotation together with the linkage, and an elastic element operatively arranged between and exerting a predetermined preload stress on the first and second members. The fastening / releasing mechanism is selectively configurable in a fastening operating state, in which the first member is rotatable about the axis of rotation as a unit with the second member, and in a releasing operating state, in which the first and second members are rotatable about the axis of rotation relative to each other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an actuator device for a bicycle shifting device, and to a bicycle shifting device including such an actuator device. Background Technology

[0002] Preferably, the bicycle is a racing bicycle.

[0003] In this specification and in the appended claims, the shifting device referred to may be indiscriminately: a rear shifting device (shown as a non-limiting example in the drawings) that moves the chain between different sprockets in a sprocket assembly associated with the rear wheel of the bicycle; or a front shifting device that moves the chain between different crowns of a chainring associated with a crank arm. The movement of the chain is typically actuated by the movement of a derailleur associated with an actuation linkage mechanism. The actuation linkage mechanism includes a first body associated with the bicycle frame, a second body associated with the derailleur, and a pair of articulated links connecting the first body and the second body.

[0004] Motor-driven bicycle shifting systems have been commercialized for some time, in which the movement of the derailleur is accomplished by a properly controlled, usually electrically powered, drive mechanism.

[0005] In the development of gear shifting devices, people have paid great attention to the quality of actuation, that is, the ability of the gear shifting device to perform gear shifting operations quickly and accurately.

[0006] However, during normal use, the performance of the shifting mechanism can be impaired by impacts it experiences, such as from a bicycle falling or even simply from loading, unloading, and transport operations on the vehicle. Particularly severe impacts can, in the most serious cases, damage certain components of the shifting mechanism; on the other hand, less severe impacts may cause minor deformations or even just slight relative movement of the shifting mechanism, often not immediately visible to the naked eye, but still affecting, for example, the accuracy of shifting, thus affecting proper shifting operation. In other cases, deformation or relative movement can be determined during shifting by temporary obstruction of the linkage mechanism relative to the drive components, as sometimes occurs due to mechanical interference between the chain and sprockets (especially when shifting from one sprocket to another with a larger diameter).

[0007] Therefore, actuator devices equipped with a protection system have been developed to protect the shifting mechanism from unwanted temporary deformation / movement or impact. For the sake of brevity, this unwanted temporary deformation / movement or impact will be referred to as "excessive stress" in the following text.

[0008] US 8,066,597 describes an actuator device for a motorized gear shifting mechanism, wherein, to provide protection against possible excessive stress, a fastening / releasing mechanism is provided between an internal hinged link of an actuation linkage and a motion transmission shaft of a motor, the motion transmission shaft being fixedly connected to a first body of the linkage. This fastening / releasing mechanism includes a drive member, a driven member, and a torsion spring that pushes the driven member against the drive member. The drive member is fixedly connected to the motor shaft, while the driven member is associated with and generally defined by a first-order lever that pivots at a fulcrum pin fixedly connected to the internal hinged link and is arranged parallel to the rotational axis of the motor. The torsion spring acts on an end of the lever, and the opposite end of the lever includes teeth that are received in a seat formed in the drive member in the normal operating state. The torsion spring includes: a central portion coaxially arranged with a rotating pin between an internal hinge link and a second body; a first end portion contacting the end of a lever; and a second end portion contacting a preloaded adjusting screw, which is housed in a suitable additional element associated with the internal hinge link. In the presence of excessive stress, i.e., when a predetermined threshold determined by the preload of the torsion spring is exceeded, relative rotation exists between the driven and driven members, causing the lever teeth to disengage from the seat. The excessive stress is thus absorbed by a fastening / releasing mechanism, which allows the motion transmission shaft to be released from the actuating linkage mechanism. In this way, the excessive stress is not transmitted to the motion transmission shaft of the motor.

[0009] US 8,974,331 describes an actuator device for a motorized gear shifting mechanism, wherein a fastening / release mechanism is operably arranged between the motion transmission shaft of a motor and one of the hinged links of an actuation linkage mechanism. This fastening / release mechanism is located on an outer hinged link, which is divided into two rigidly connected portions. Again, in this case, the fastening / release mechanism includes a drive member, a driven member, and a torsion spring that pushes the driven member against the drive member. The drive member is fixedly connected to the shaft of the motor, while the driven member is associated with the outer hinged link of the actuation linkage mechanism and is generally defined by a second-order lever that pivots at a fulcrum pin fixedly connected to the outer hinged link and is arranged parallel to the rotational axis of the motor. The torsion spring acts on an end of the lever, while the middle portion of the lever includes teeth that are received in a seat formed in the drive member in the normal operating state. The torsion spring includes: a central portion coaxially arranged with a mounting element connecting two parts of an external hinge link; a first end portion contacting an end of a lever; and a second end portion contacting a suitable seat formed in the external hinge link. In a manner entirely similar to the fastening / releasing mechanism of US8,066,597, in the presence of excessive stress, i.e., when a predetermined threshold determined by the preload of the torsion spring is exceeded, relative rotation exists between the driven and driven members, thereby causing the lever teeth to disengage from the seat.

[0010] The applicant has observed that the fastening / releasing mechanism of the actuator device described in the aforementioned prior art documents has various disadvantages, including the need for a large number of parts and the occupation of a large amount of space, mainly due to the shape and arrangement of the corresponding levers that define the corresponding driven members and due to the arrangement of the corresponding torsion springs. Summary of the Invention

[0011] The fundamental problem of this invention is to provide an actuator device for a bicycle shifting mechanism that is more compact and simpler in terms of the total number of parts than the aforementioned actuator devices with reference to the prior art.

[0012] Therefore, the present invention relates in its first aspect to an actuator device for a bicycle shifting mechanism, the actuator device comprising:

[0013] - An actuation linkage mechanism comprising a first body, a second body, and a pair of hinged links, wherein the first body is configured to be associated with a bicycle frame, the second body is configured to be associated with a derailleur of the bicycle shifter, and the pair of hinged links connect the first body and the second body;

[0014] - A drive member configured to control the deformation of the actuation linkage mechanism, and the drive member includes a motor and a motion transmission element, the motor being fixedly connected to one of the first body and the second body, and the motion transmission element being configured to rotate about a rotation axis via the motor;

[0015] - A fastening / releasing mechanism, operably arranged between the motion transmission element and one of the pair of links, and the fastening / releasing mechanism comprising:

[0016] - A first component, which is rotatable about the rotation axis as a unit with the motion transmission element;

[0017] - A second component, which is capable of rotating together with the connecting rod about the axis of rotation;

[0018] - An elastic element, operably disposed between the first member and the second member, applies a predetermined preload stress to the first member and the second member.

[0019] The fastening / releasing mechanism can be selectively configured to be in a fastening operation state and a releasing operation state. In the fastening operation state, the first component and the second component can rotate as a unit around the rotation axis. In the releasing operation state, the first component and the second component can rotate relative to each other around the rotation axis. The fastening operation state is defined when the fastening / releasing mechanism is subjected to a stress lower than the predetermined preload stress, and the releasing operation state is defined when the fastening / releasing mechanism is subjected to a stress greater than the predetermined preload stress.

[0020] The term "elastic element" is used generally to refer to an element capable of providing any of the following types of elastic response: torsion, traction, compression, and bending. For example, an elastic element can be a torsion spring.

[0021] The term "preloaded stress" is used to describe the stress exerted by the elastic element on the first and second components. This stress is due to the fact that, in the installed configuration (especially in the tightened operating state), the geometry of the elastic element differs from its geometry in the stationary configuration (with the elastic element removed). This different geometry means that when the elastic element is in the tightened operating state, it is in a prestressed state, thus applying a non-zero elastic stress to the first and second components. This directly affects the "predetermined stress threshold," which will also be referred to hereinafter as the "release torque." Therefore, the elastic element is in a state of elastic yielding only when the stress applied to it exceeds the predetermined stress threshold (e.g., in the case of impact); on the other hand, if the stress applied to it is below the predetermined stress threshold (e.g., in the case of normal use of the shift mechanism), the elastic element does not yield. Therefore, in this last state, the elastic element behaves like a roughly rigid body, and its yielding does not interfere with the normal operation of the shift mechanism.

[0022] If it is desirable to extend the operating range of the actuator device for easy response, it is advantageous to select a high threshold stress. On the other hand, if it is desirable for the actuator device to also absorb small impacts, a threshold stress with a smaller value is selected. The value of the threshold stress can be easily determined by appropriately designing the dimensions of the elastic element and / or the first member and / or the second member.

[0023] The aforementioned fastening / releasing mechanism allows it to transition from a fastened state to a released state. In the fastened state, the linkage rotates as a unit with the motion transmission element and transmits motion to the shifter's derailleur. In the released state, the linkage does not rotate as a unit with the motion transmission element and allows the linkage and the shifter's derailleur to move freely relative to other components of the actuating linkage mechanism.

[0024] The release operation can be automatically initiated upon the occurrence of undesirable impact or movement / deformation, and can remain in the released operation state until the desired return to the fastening operation state is achieved. Undesirable temporary deformation / movement or impact of a certain size is thus completely absorbed by the fastening / release mechanism, thereby preventing the deformation / movement or impact from being transmitted to the motion transmission shaft, and thus preventing the deformation / movement or impact from being transmitted to the drive component.

[0025] The release operation can also be manually activated before loading, unloading, and transporting the bicycle on the vehicle, or before and after using the bicycle. The possibility of manually moving the actuation linkage mechanism also allows for setting the desired gear ratio in case of shifting failure or obstruction. In the case of a rear shifter, it also simplifies wheel installation and removal. In practice, the operator can use the release to facilitate chain engagement or disengagement from the sprocket.

[0026] Therefore, the aforementioned fastening / release mechanism is reversible, meaning it allows for restoration to the original operating configuration (i.e., back to the state before release) without leaving residual deformation that could easily interfere with the operation of the shift mechanism, and without requiring the replacement of any parts. In effect, there is no yielding or damage to mechanical parts, and the use of mechanical parts that move freely without any restraint (because they are damaged or no longer hold in place) could be avoided, potentially causing damage by accidentally impacting components of the shift mechanism and / or bicycle components.

[0027] In the released operating state, the actuator device maintains its structural integrity, which allows it to be restored to the tightened operating state without the need to replace parts.

[0028] Compared to the space occupied by the actuator device described in the aforementioned prior art documents, the positioning of the elastic element between the first and second components allows for a reduction in the space occupied by the actuator device, whereas in the aforementioned prior art documents, the torsion spring is arranged between the second component and the (internal or external) hinge link.

[0029] Furthermore, the actuator device according to the invention comprises a smaller total number of components than the actuator devices described in the aforementioned prior art documents. Specifically, it is not necessary to provide an element associated with the internal hinge link and housing a preload adjusting screw therein, such as the element described, for example, in US 8,066,597, nor is it necessary to provide an element connecting the two parts of the external hinge link and around which a torsion spring is arranged, such as the element described, for example, in US 8,974,331.

[0030] The following describes preferred and / or optional features of the actuator device for a bicycle shifting mechanism according to the present invention. Unless otherwise expressly stated, these features may be provided individually or in combination with each other.

[0031] Preferably, the second member is fixedly connected to a rotating pin that is rotatably associated with the connecting rod. More preferably, this rotating pin extends along an axis parallel to the axis of rotation.

[0032] In the release operation state, the second component can rotate relative to the connecting rod about the rotating pin, while in the fastening operation state, the second component and the connecting rod move as a unit about the rotation axis.

[0033] Preferably, the connecting rod includes:

[0034] - A first frame having a first hole and a second hole, the first hole being configured to receive a first end of the motion transmission element, and the second hole being configured to receive an end of the rotating pin;

[0035] - A second frame, which is fixedly associated with the first frame.

[0036] The fastening / releasing mechanism is operably arranged between the first frame and the second frame.

[0037] The fastening / release mechanism is protected by a first frame and a second frame. Installation of the fastening / release mechanism is easy and can be advantageously achieved by first arranging the first end of the motion transmission element and the end of the rotating pin in the first and second holes of the first frame.

[0038] Preferably, the second component comprises two arms. More preferably, a rotating pin is arranged between the two arms.

[0039] Therefore, the second component functions similarly to a first-order lever.

[0040] Preferably, the second member is generally L-shaped, wherein the two arms of the L-shape (corresponding to the two arms of the second member) may have the same or different lengths.

[0041] Preferably, the two arms are angularly spaced from each other at an angle equal to or less than 90° to reduce the space occupied by the second component.

[0042] Preferably, the elastic element is a torsion spring.

[0043] Preferably, the torsion spring includes a central portion, a first end portion, and a second end portion, wherein the central portion is coaxially arranged with the rotating pin, the first end portion contacts the first component, and the second end portion contacts the second component.

[0044] A predetermined preload stress (equivalent to a release torque) is applied to the first and second ends of the torsion spring, and this preload stress acts between the first and second components.

[0045] The applicant has discovered that, due to the fact that the torsion spring is coaxially arranged with the rotating pin and acts on the first and second components, the release torque is approximately independent of the distance between the axis of the rotating pin and the contact point of the second component. Unless otherwise specified, the release torque is therefore solely a function of the elastic constant of the torsion spring and its preload.

[0046] Preferably, one of the first and second components includes a torque transmission element, and the other component includes a housing seat that is configured to accommodate the torque transmission element when the fastening / releasing mechanism is in the fastening operation state.

[0047] Preferably, the torque transmission element is formed as a single part with the first component or the second component, and the torque transmission element has a toothed profile, preferably with a rounded top.

[0048] Alternatively, the torque transmission element may be a ball or cylindrical roller pivoting to a first or second component. The radius and length of the cylindrical roller and the radius of the ball may be appropriately dimensioned to establish a threshold stress value, exceeding which a transition from a tightening to a releasing operation occurs. In the presence of high threshold stress, the use of cylindrical rollers may be advantageous over the use of balls because such stress is distributed along the length of the cylindrical roller, thereby reducing the risk of deformation of the housing seat due to high load concentration.

[0049] In a first preferred embodiment, the torque transmission element is arranged on one of the two arms, while the housing seat is arranged on the first member. Alternatively, the housing seat is arranged on one of the two arms, while the torque transmission element is arranged on the first member.

[0050] When the elastic constant of a torsion spring is the same, the release torque (or the predetermined preload stress) can be determined by other factors, which can be considered during the design process or after the design is completed.

[0051] For example, in the design phase, the release torque can be adjusted by changing the axis of the rotating pin and the distance between the contact point between the torque transmission element and the housing seat. Again, in the design phase, the release torque can be adjusted by changing the geometry of the torque transmission element and / or the geometry of the housing seat, or by selecting the surface roughness of the torque transmission element and / or the surface roughness of the housing seat.

[0052] Once the design is complete, the release torque can be adjusted by arranging a thicker element or spacer between the first end of the spring and the first component.

[0053] Preferably, the other of the two arms includes a pin that contacts the second end of the torsion spring. The contact point between the torsion spring and the second member is thus arranged on this pin. As described above, because the release torque is independent of the axis of the rotating pin and the distance between the contact point between the torsion spring and the second member, the pin can be arranged close to the rotating pin, thus limiting the arm with the pin and reducing the space occupied by the second member and therefore by the actuator device.

[0054] Preferably, the first component is coaxial with the axis of rotation. This arrangement allows for a reduction in the space occupied by the first component and thus the actuator device.

[0055] In a first preferred embodiment of the actuator device of the present invention, the motion transmission element is defined by a motion transmission shaft of a motor. In this case, preferably, a first member is coaxially fixed to a portion of the motion transmission shaft. This portion is preferably slotted to ensure a practical and reliable fixation of the first member on the motion transmission shaft.

[0056] Preferably, the first component includes a generally cylindrical annular body and a shaped annular body, the generally cylindrical annular body contacting a first end of the torsion spring, and the shaped annular body being axially adjacent to the generally cylindrical annular body.

[0057] In a first preferred embodiment, the housing seat is formed in the shaped annular body. Alternatively, the torque transmission element is formed in the shaped annular body.

[0058] Advantageously, during the design phase, the preload stress (and equivalent release torque) can be adjusted by appropriately selecting the diameter of the generally cylindrical annular body that contacts the torsion spring. For example, the generally cylindrical annular body can be defined by a washer with a calibration diameter.

[0059] The roughly cylindrical annular body and the shaped annular body can be made into a single part or two different parts. In the latter case, the roughly cylindrical annular body cannot rotate as a unit with the shaped annular body.

[0060] Preferably, the housing base defines a recessed surface portion between two generally cylindrical surface portions having equal diameters.

[0061] Thus, when switching to the release operation state, the torque transmission element can slide freely on one of the two generally cylindrical surface portions.

[0062] When the torque transmission element is a cylindrical roller or ball, the roller or ball can rotate freely on the aforementioned generally cylindrical surface portion when transitioning to the release operation state.

[0063] In a second aspect of the invention, the present invention relates to a bicycle shifting device, the bicycle shifting device comprising an actuator device according to the first aspect of the invention described above.

[0064] Preferably, the bicycle shifting device described above, individually or in combination, has all the structural and functional features discussed in the actuator device described above with reference to the present invention, thereby enabling all the above advantages and technical effects to be achieved. Attached Figure Description

[0065] Further features and advantages of the invention will become clearer from the following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, and specific embodiments of the invention are given for illustrative purposes and not for limitation. In such drawings:

[0066] - Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a bicycle shifting device according to the present invention, which includes the actuator device of the present invention;

[0067] - Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of a portion of the actuator device;

[0068] - Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A magnified perspective view of the actuator device details;

[0069] - Figure 4 It is seen from another perspective. Figure 3 A detailed perspective view;

[0070] - Figure 5 yes Figure 3 A detailed exploded perspective view;

[0071] - Figure 6 yes Figure 3 A detailed plan view viewed from above;

[0072] - Figures 7 to 10 yes Figure 3 The details are shown in the planar diagrams of the four different operational configurations. Detailed Implementation

[0073] exist Figure 1 In the accompanying drawing, reference numeral 200 indicates a bicycle shifting device according to the present invention. In particular, it is a rear shifting device.

[0074] The shifting device 200 includes Figures 2 to 10 The actuator device 100 is shown in detail in the figure.

[0075] The actuator device 100 includes an actuation linkage 101 which is shaped as a hinged quadrilateral, preferably a hinged parallelogram, and is configured to be moved by a drive member 120 to move a derailleur 130 (or, in a non-limiting example of a rear shifter, a rocker arm).

[0076] The actuation linkage mechanism 101 includes: a first body 112 (also referred to as the upper body) configured to be fixed to a bicycle frame (not shown) and housing a drive member 120 therein; a second body 113 (also referred to as the lower body) supporting a derailleur 130; and a pair of hinged links 102, 104 connecting the first body 112 and the second body 113. The links 102, 104 are also referred to as the "inner link" and "outer link" respectively, referring to their relative positions with respect to the midplane of the bicycle.

[0077] The drive member 120 controls the deformation of the actuation linkage mechanism 101, causing one of the axes in the hinged quadrilateral (in this particular case, axis X between the upper body 112 and the inner link 102) to rotate. Specifically, assuming the actuator device 100 is used for the rear shift mechanism of a bicycle, the inner link 102 rotates relative to axis X (in... Figure 1 The counterclockwise rotation of the inner link 102 relative to the axis X (in the view) enables upshifting, i.e., shifting towards the inner gear (i.e., the gear with the larger diameter) of the sprocket assembly. Conversely, the inner link 102 rotates counterclockwise relative to the axis X (in the view). Figure 1 Clockwise rotation (in the view) allows for downshifting, that is, shifting towards the outermost gear of the sprocket assembly (i.e., the gear with the smaller diameter).

[0078] refer to Figure 1 The drive component 120 includes an electric motor 121, which is fixedly connected to the first body 112 and is typically powered and controlled via cables and control components not shown in the figure.

[0079] The drive component 120 also includes a motion transmission element 122 having a predetermined axis of rotation X and being configured to rotate by an electric motor 121.

[0080] The drive component 120 is a gear motor as a whole.

[0081] The electric motor 121 is powered by a removable battery 121a. Figure 1 In a non-limiting example, the removable battery 121a is arranged in a suitable seat formed on the inner link 102.

[0082] Motion transmission element 122 defines the motion transmission shaft 123 of electric motor 121. Figure 2 ).

[0083] The fastening / releasing mechanism 150 is operably arranged between the motion transmission element 122 and the inner link 102.

[0084] The fastening / releasing mechanism 150 can be selectively configured to be in a fastening operation state and in a releasing operation state.

[0085] In the tightened state, the link 102 and the motion transmission element 122 rotate as a unit, while in the released state, the link 102 does not rotate as a unit with the motion transmission element 122.

[0086] When the actuator device 100 is subjected to stress below a predetermined stress threshold, a fastening operation state is defined, and when the actuator device 100 is subjected to stress above the predetermined stress threshold, a release operation state is defined.

[0087] In the specific case described herein, the predetermined stress threshold is a torque whose value is greater than a threshold. This torque is referred to herein as the release torque.

[0088] like Figure 2 As shown, the fastening / releasing mechanism 150 includes: a first component 160 that rotates as a unit with the motion transmission element 122; and a second component 170 that is associated with the link 102.

[0089] The first component 160 is coaxial with the rotation axis X and is capable of rotating about the rotation axis X.

[0090] As described below, the second component 170 is capable of rotating together with the connecting rod 102 about the rotation axis X.

[0091] The first component 160 is fixed to the groove portion 123a of the motion transmission shaft 123. Figure 5 The first component has a cylindrical inner surface that is configured to be connected to the inner surface of the motion transmission shaft 123 via mechanical interference.

[0092] The second component 170 is fixedly connected to the rotating pin 171, which extends along an axis Y that is substantially parallel to the axis of rotation X and is rotatably associated with the connecting rod 102.

[0093] As in Figure 2 As shown in the non-limiting example, the link 102 includes a first frame 102a and a second frame 102b that are fixedly associated with each other.

[0094] Specifically, the first frame 102a and the second frame 102b are associated by opposing fixing screws 102c.

[0095] The spacer element 102d is arranged between the first frame 102a and the second frame 102b.

[0096] The spacer element 102d is generally cylindrical and is fixed to the first frame 102a and the second frame 102b at its opposite ends 102e by the aforementioned fixing screws 102c.

[0097] Spacer element 102d defines the housing gap between the two frames 102a, 102b for the fastening / release mechanism 150.

[0098] The first frame 102a includes: a first hole 102f configured to receive a first end portion 123b of a motion transmission shaft 123; and a second hole 102g configured to receive an end portion 171a of a rotating pin 171.

[0099] The motion transmission shaft 123 rotates freely in the first hole 102f, and the rotating pin 171 rotates freely in the second hole 102g.

[0100] The first hole 102f shown in the non-limiting example of the accompanying drawings is a through hole, but it could also be a blind hole.

[0101] The second hole, 102g, is a through hole.

[0102] The first end 171a of the rotating pin 171 has an outer peripheral seat 171c on the opposite side of the second frame 102b after the first frame 102a has passed through it. An elastic ring 171b is accommodated in the outer peripheral seat 171c, thereby axially locking the rotating pin 171 relative to the first frame 102a.

[0103] The second frame 102b includes a third hole 102h, which is configured to receive either a second end 123c of the motion transmission shaft 123 or an end of a pin (not shown) coaxial with the rotation axis X, the pin being physically separate from and rotating with the motion transmission shaft 123 as a unit. The third hole 102h shown in the non-limiting example of the accompanying drawings is a through hole, but it could also be a blind hole. The motion transmission shaft 123 or the aforementioned pin rotates freely within the third hole 102h.

[0104] like Figure 5 As shown in the non-limiting example, the groove portion 123a of the motion transmission shaft 123 is closer to the first end portion 123b of the motion transmission shaft 123 than to the second end portion 123c.

[0105] The motion transmission shaft 123 includes a gear 123d between a groove portion 123a and a second end portion 123c, the gear 123d being configured to receive rotational motion from the drive member 120 and transmit the rotational motion to the motion transmission shaft 123.

[0106] The elastic element 180 is operatively disposed between the first member 160 and the second member 170. The elastic element 180 applies a predetermined preload stress to the first member 160 and the second member 170, which directly affects the release torque.

[0107] In the non-limiting example shown in the figure, the elastic element 180 is a torsion spring.

[0108] The torsion spring includes a central portion 182, a first end portion 184, and a second end portion 186. The central portion 182 is coaxially arranged with a rotating pin 171, the first end portion 184 is in contact with a first component 160, and the second end portion 186 is in contact with a second component 170.

[0109] The two ends 184, 186 of the torsion spring include corresponding straight segments. In the specific embodiment shown herein, end 186 has a curved end segment 186a.

[0110] In the tightened operating state, that is, when the tightening / releasing mechanism 150 is subjected to a stress lower than the predetermined preload stress, the first member 160 is able to rotate about the rotation axis X as a unit with the second member 170. The second member 170 causes the rotating pin 171, and thus the connecting rod 102, to rotate about the rotation axis X.

[0111] In the release operation state, that is, when the fastening / release mechanism 150 is subjected to a stress greater than the predetermined preload stress, the first component 160 and the second component 170 are able to rotate relative to each other about the rotation axis X.

[0112] The second component 170 includes two arms 173 and 174 and a hole 170a disposed between the two arms 173 and 174. Figure 5 ).

[0113] The hole 170a shown in the attached figure is a through hole, but it can also be a blind hole.

[0114] Rotary pin 171 passes through hole 170a. Rotary pin 171 is fixedly associated with hole 170a, for example by interference or glued connection.

[0115] Therefore, the second component 170 behaves like a first-order lever, with the fulcrum at the axis Y of the rotating pin 171 and at the two arms 173, 174 of the lever.

[0116] Specifically, the second member 170 is generally L-shaped, wherein the two arms of the L-shape are defined by two arms 173 and 174. Such arms may have the same or different lengths and be spaced apart from each other at an angle equal to or less than 90°.

[0117] A pin 175 is formed at the end 174a of the arm 174, a second end 186 contacts the pin 175, and a portion of the bent section 186a of the second end 186 of the torsion spring is wound around the pin 175.

[0118] A torque transmission element 172 is formed at the end 173a of the arm 173. The torque transmission element 172 is configured to rotate the second member 170 and the first member 160 as a unit in a fastened operation state, and is configured to disengage the second member 170 from rotating together with the first member 160 in a released operation state.

[0119] The torque transmission element 172 is manufactured as a single part together with the second component 170. For example... Figure 4 As shown in the non-limiting example, the torque transmission element 172 has a toothed profile with rounded tips.

[0120] The first component 160 includes a housing seat 162 formed therein, and the housing seat 162 is configured to cooperate with the torque transmission element 172.

[0121] When the fastening / releasing mechanism 150 is in the fastening operation state, the housing seat 162 accommodates the torque transmission element 172, while when the fastening / releasing mechanism 150 is in the releasing operation state, it does not accommodate the torque transmission element 172.

[0122] exist Figure 5 In a non-limiting example, the first component 160 includes a shaped annular body 163 having a shaped annular portion 163a and a generally cylindrical annular portion 163b axially adjacent to the shaped annular portion 163a.

[0123] The housing base portion 162 is formed in the shaped annular portion 163a.

[0124] The first component 160 also includes a generally cylindrical annular body 164, which is axially adjacent to the formed annular body 163 and on which the first end 184 of the torsion spring forms contact.

[0125] exist Figure 5 In the example, the roughly cylindrical annular body 164 is defined by a washer with a calibrated diameter. During the design phase, the preload stress can be adjusted by appropriately selecting the outer diameter of such a washer.

[0126] Again, in Figure 5In the example, the generally cylindrical annular body 164 is connected to the free end 163c of the generally cylindrical annular portion 163b of the formed annular body 163.

[0127] Specifically, the roughly cylindrical annular body 164 abuts against the free end 163c.

[0128] Alternatively, a generally cylindrical annular body 164 may be fitted onto a generally cylindrical annular portion 163b of a formed annular body 163, which is arranged radially outward relative to the generally cylindrical annular portion 163b of the formed annular body 163.

[0129] In another alternative, the generally cylindrical annular body 164 may not be provided. In this case, the first end 184 of the torsion spring directly contacts the generally cylindrical annular portion 163b of the formed annular body 163.

[0130] exist Figure 5 In the example, the generally cylindrical annular body 164 and the shaped annular body 163 are made into two different parts, but they could also be made into a single part. The shaped annular body 163 is always fixed to the groove portion 123a of the motion transmission shaft 123, while the generally cylindrical annular body 164 may also be fixed to the groove portion 123a or may not be fixed to the motion transmission shaft 123, and does not rotate about the rotation axis X as a unit with the shaped annular body 163.

[0131] like Figure 6 As shown in the non-limiting example, the housing base 162 defines a recessed surface 162a between two generally cylindrical surface portions 162b and 162c having approximately equal diameters.

[0132] Thus, when transitioning to the release operation state, the torque transmission element 172 can slide freely on one of the two generally cylindrical surface portions 162b or 162c.

[0133] Preferably, a tapered engagement surface is provided between the recessed surface portion 162a and each of the two generally cylindrical surface portions 162b, 162c. This facilitates the transition from a tightened operating state to a released operating state without jamming. The response to unwanted movement / deformation or impact is influenced by the geometry of the torque transmission element 172 (the dimensions and radius of the tooth profile in the example shown herein), and by the geometry of the housing seat portion 162 (the angle and depth of the recessed surface portion 162a in the example shown herein), as well as by the preload of the elastic element 180.

[0134] For example in Figure 6As shown, when the actuator device 100 is in a secured operating state, the torque transmission element 172 is at least partially housed in the housing seat 162, allowing rotation to be transmitted from the first member 160 to the second member 170. On the other hand, for example in... Figures 7 to 10 As shown, when the actuator device 100 is in the release operation state, the torque transmission element 172 is not housed in the housing seat 162, and relative rotation between the first member 160 and the second member 170 is permitted. The elastic element 180 applies a pushing force such that when the actuator device 100 is in the fastened operation state, the torque transmission element 172 is pushed in the housing seat 162.

[0135] During operation, the actuator device 100 is normally in a locked operating state. In this operating state, the linkage 102 and the motion transmission element 122 rotate as a unit and transmit motion to the shift lever 130 of the gear shifting device. The torque transmission element 172 is housed in the housing seat 162, as shown in the image. Figure 6 As shown.

[0136] During various gear shifting operations, the relative position between the first component 160 and the body 112 housing the drive component 120 (and therefore the relative position between the derailleur 130 and the bicycle frame) changes, but the relative position between the first component 160 and the second component 170 remains unchanged. Since a stress value greater than a predetermined stress threshold is not reached, the torque transmission element 172 is effectively always housed within the housing seat 162.

[0137] When the manual actuation or shifting device jams or is impacted, causing stress exceeding a predetermined stress threshold on the shifting device, the torque transmission element 172 disengages from the housing seat 162, allowing the first component 160 to rotate relative to the second component 170 (e.g., Figures 7 to 10 (As shown). In this case, the actuator device 100 is in the release operation state.

[0138] In particular, Figure 7 and Figure 8 This illustrates that while the actuation linkage 101 is engaged, the motion transmission element 122 (and therefore the first member 160) moves counterclockwise. Figure 7 Or in a clockwise direction ( Figure 8 The actuator device 100 is in a release operation state when it is rotating. In this operation state, the torque transmission element 172 slides freely on one of the two generally cylindrical surface portions 162b or 162c.

[0139] Figure 9 and Figure 10The diagram illustrates the release operation state of the actuator device 100 when an impact is applied to the actuation linkage 101, generating stress exceeding a predetermined stress threshold, while the motion transmission element 122 remains fixed. Depending on the direction of the impact on the actuation linkage 101, the second member 170 can rotate counterclockwise (…). Figure 9 Or in a clockwise direction ( Figure 10 The torque transmission element 172 rotates so that it slides freely on one of the two generally cylindrical surface portions 162c or 162d.

[0140] The actuator device 100 is rotary, and the fastening / release mechanism 150 is rotationally symmetrical, meaning that the bicycle shifter 200 can be released when shifting toward the larger sprocket and when shifting toward the smaller sprocket of the sprocket assembly, and the derailleur 130 can be manually repositioned so that it is aligned under any sprocket.

[0141] As can be clearly seen from the above description, the main function of the fastening / releasing mechanism 150 of the actuator device 100 of the present invention is to protect the gear motor (gear and motor 121) and the components of the shifting device in the event of external impact or jamming, and to allow manual selection of the sprocket to be used in the event of shifting device failure (e.g., due to gear motor failure) or depletion of energy in battery 121a, so that the rider can still safely return home.

[0142] Of course, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to the present invention to meet specific and possible requirements, all of which are within the scope of protection defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An actuator device (100) for a bicycle shifting mechanism (200), comprising: - An actuation linkage mechanism (101) comprising a first body (112), a second body (113), and a pair of hinged links (102, 104), wherein the first body (112) is configured to be associated with a bicycle frame, the second body (113) is configured to be associated with a derailleur (130) of the bicycle shifter, and the pair of hinged links (102, 104) connect the first body (112) and the second body (113). - A drive member (120) configured to control the deformation of the actuation linkage (101), and the drive member (120) includes a motor (121) and a motion transmission element (122), wherein the motor (121) is fixedly connected to one of the first body (112) and the second body (113), and the motion transmission element (122) is configured to rotate about a rotation axis (X) via the motor (121); - A fastening / releasing mechanism (150), said fastening / releasing mechanism (150) being operably disposed between the motion transmission element (122) and one of the pair of links (102, 104), and said fastening / releasing mechanism (150) comprising: - A first component (160) is rotatable about the rotation axis (X) as a unit with the motion transmission element (122); - A second component (170) is capable of rotating together with the connecting rod (102) about the axis of rotation (X); - An elastic element (180) operably disposed between the first member (160) and the second member (170), and the elastic element (180) applies a predetermined preload stress to the first member (160) and the second member (170). The fastening / releasing mechanism (150) can be selectively configured to be in a fastening operation state and a releasing operation state. In the fastening operation state, the first member (160) and the second member (170) can rotate as a unit about the rotation axis (X). In the releasing operation state, the first member (160) and the second member (170) can rotate relative to each other about the rotation axis (X). The fastening operation state is defined when the fastening / releasing mechanism (150) is subjected to a stress lower than the predetermined preload stress, and the releasing operation state is defined when the fastening / releasing mechanism (150) is subjected to a stress greater than the predetermined preload stress.

2. The actuator device (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The second component (170) is fixedly connected to a rotating pin (171), which is rotatably associated with the connecting rod (102), and the rotating pin (171) extends along an axis (Y) parallel to the axis of rotation (X).

3. The actuator device (100) according to claim 2, wherein, The link (102) includes: - A first frame (102a) having a first hole (102f) and a second hole (102g), wherein the first hole (102f) is configured to receive a first end (123b) of the motion transmission element (122), and the second hole (102g) is configured to receive an end (171a) of the rotating pin (171). - A second frame (102b), which is fixedly associated with the first frame (102a). The fastening / releasing mechanism (150) is operably arranged between the first frame (102a) and the second frame (102b).

4. The actuator device (100) according to claim 2, wherein, The second component (170) includes two arms (173, 174), wherein the rotating pin (171) is arranged between the two arms (173, 174).

5. The actuator device (100) according to claim 4, wherein, The second component (170) is L-shaped.

6. The actuator device (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The elastic element (180) is a torsion spring.

7. The actuator device (100) according to claim 6, wherein, The second component (170) is fixedly connected to a rotating pin (171), which is rotatably associated with the connecting rod (102) and extends along an axis (Y) parallel to the axis of rotation (X). The torsion spring includes a central portion (182), a first end (184), and a second end (186), wherein the central portion (182) is coaxially arranged with the rotating pin (171), the first end (184) contacts the first component (160), and the second end (186) contacts the second component (170).

8. The actuator device (100) according to claim 2, wherein, One of the first component (160) and the second component (170) includes a torque transmission element (172), and the other component (160) includes a housing seat (162) configured to receive the torque transmission element (172) when the fastening / releasing mechanism (150) is in the fastening operation state.

9. The actuator device (100) according to claim 8, wherein, The second component (170) includes two arms (173, 174), wherein the rotating pin (171) is arranged between the two arms (173, 174), and wherein the torque transmission element (172) is arranged on one of the two arms (173).

10. The actuator device (100) according to claim 9, wherein, The elastic element (180) is a torsion spring, wherein the torsion spring includes a central portion (182), a first end (184), and a second end (186), wherein the central portion (182) is coaxially arranged with the rotating pin (171), the first end (184) contacts the first component (160), and the second end (186) contacts the second component (170), wherein the other arm (174) of the two arms (173, 174) includes a pin (175), the pin (175) contacts the second end (186) of the torsion spring.

11. The actuator device (100) according to claim 2, wherein, The first component (160) is coaxial with the rotation axis (X).

12. The actuator device (100) according to claim 11, wherein, The elastic element (180) is a torsion spring, wherein the torsion spring includes a central portion (182), a first end (184) and a second end (186), wherein the central portion (182) is coaxially arranged with the rotating pin (171), the first end (184) is in contact with the first component (160), and the second end (186) is in contact with the second component (170), wherein the first component (160) includes a cylindrical annular body (164) and a shaped annular body (163), wherein the cylindrical annular body (164) is in contact with the first end (184) of the torsion spring, and the shaped annular body (163) is axially adjacent to the cylindrical annular body (164).

13. The actuator device (100) according to claim 12, wherein, One of the first component (160) and the second component (170) includes a torque transmission element (172), and the other component (160) includes a housing seat (162) configured to receive the torque transmission element (172) when the fastening / releasing mechanism (150) is in the fastening operation state, wherein the housing seat (162) is formed in the shaped annular body (163).

14. The actuator device (100) according to claim 13, wherein, The housing base (162) defines a recessed surface (162a) between two cylindrical surface portions (162b, 162c) having equal diameters.

15. A bicycle shifting device (200) comprising the actuator device (100) according to claim 1.

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