Electronic rear derailleur for bicycles

Abstract

The application discloses a bicycle electronic rear derailleur, which comprises a base unit, a movable unit, a connecting unit and a driving unit, wherein the base unit and the driving unit are arranged on a bicycle, and the movable unit is connected with a chain guide; the connecting unit comprises a connecting rod assembly and an elastic clamping assembly, the connecting rod assembly connects the base unit and the movable unit, and the connecting rod assembly drives the movable unit to move relative to the base unit; the elastic clamping assembly is connected between the driving unit and the connecting rod assembly, and is used for controlling the on-off of power transmission between the driving unit and the connecting rod assembly. The bicycle electronic rear derailleur is used to solve the problem that the existing bicycle electronic rear derailleur causes the driving unit to have a damage risk.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application belongs to the technical field of bicycle, in particular, relates to a bicycle electronic rear derailleur. BACKGROUND

[0002] The bicycle electronic rear derailleur is used to guide the chain to one of the toothed discs of the rear sprocket, and since each toothed disc of the rear sprocket has different size, the bicycle can change gears by the cooperation between the chain and the different toothed discs. Since the bicycle electronic rear derailleur is often subjected to external impact during the rider's riding process or during the storage and transportation of the bicycle, the external impact can be transmitted to the driving unit, thereby causing the risk of damaging the driving unit.

[0003] Therefore, it is an urgent technical problem to develop a bicycle electronic rear derailleur which can avoid the risk of damaging the driving unit when the electronic rear derailleur is subjected to external force. SUMMARY

[0004] The present application aims to provide a bicycle electronic rear derailleur to solve the problem of the existing bicycle electronic rear derailleur causing the risk of damaging the driving unit.

[0005] To achieve the above-mentioned application purposes, the present application adopts the following technical solutions:

[0006] The present application provides a bicycle electronic rear derailleur, which comprises a base unit, a movable unit, a connecting unit and a driving unit, the driving unit is connected to the bicycle through the base unit, and the movable unit is used to connect with the chain guide; the connecting unit comprises a connecting rod assembly, an elastic clamping assembly and an elastic retaining component, the connecting rod assembly connects the base unit and the movable unit, and the connecting rod assembly drives the movable unit to move relative to the base unit; the elastic clamping assembly is connected between the driving unit and the connecting rod assembly to control the on-off of power transmission between the driving unit and the connecting rod assembly; and the elastic retaining component is used to retain the angle between the movable unit and the connecting unit by elastic force.

[0007] In some embodiments of the present application, the elastic clamping assembly comprises an elastic component, a first clamping component and a second clamping component; the output shaft of the driving unit can drive the second clamping component to rotate; the elastic component can push the first clamping component and the second clamping component to be position-locked, and the driving unit drives the connecting rod assembly to move through the position locking of the first clamping component and the second clamping component.

[0008] In some embodiments of this application, a receiving cavity is formed within the connecting rod assembly, and an opening is provided at the end of the connecting rod assembly, the opening communicating with the receiving cavity; the elastic member is installed in the receiving cavity and can extend and deform along the receiving cavity to push the first snap-fit ​​member to extend or retract relative to the opening and snap or disengage with the second snap-fit ​​member.

[0009] In some embodiments of this application, the second snap-fit ​​component is a rotating disk with a notch formed thereon; the first snap-fit ​​component is a spherical component; and the elastic component pushes the spherical component to abut against the notch.

[0010] In some embodiments of this application, the linkage assembly includes an inner linkage assembly and an outer linkage assembly. The receiving cavity is formed within the inner linkage assembly, and the opening is formed at the first end of the inner linkage assembly. The two ends of the outer linkage assembly are pivotally connected to the base unit and the movable unit, respectively. The second end of the inner linkage assembly is pivotally connected to the movable unit. The first end of the inner linkage assembly is connected to the drive unit via the elastic snap-fit ​​assembly. The drive unit is connected to the base unit.

[0011] In some embodiments of this application, the resilient snap-fit ​​assembly further includes an adjustment member, which is installed in the receiving cavity and movable along the receiving cavity, such that the end of the adjustment member is connected to the resilient member.

[0012] In some embodiments of this application, the cross-section of the rotating disk is circular; the notch forms a first abutting portion and a second abutting portion at the point where it is tangent to the first snap-fit ​​component; the angle between the first abutting portion and the second abutting portion is 40 degrees to 100 degrees.

[0013] In some embodiments of this application, both ends of the notch are provided with guide portions at the connection points between the notch and the rotating disk.

[0014] In some embodiments of this application, a sealing cover is formed at the first end of the inner connecting rod assembly, and the sealing cover is fitted over the second snap-fit ​​component.

[0015] In some embodiments of this application, the drive unit includes a motor and a gearbox, the output shaft of the drive unit is the output shaft of the gearbox, and the output shaft of the gearbox is a D-shaped shaft; a D-shaped hole is provided on the rotating disk; the D-shaped shaft is inserted into the D-shaped hole to connect the motor and the rotating disk.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the advantages and positive effects of the present invention are:

[0017] By incorporating an elastic locking component within the linkage assembly connecting the base unit and the movable unit, the elastic locking component controls the on / off state of power transmission between the drive unit and the linkage assembly. The linkage assembly is connected to the movable unit via the elastic locking component. When the elastic locking component is connected to the drive unit, the power output by the drive unit can be transmitted to the movable unit through the elastic locking component and the linkage assembly. When the movable unit and the linkage assembly are subjected to external forces, the elastic locking component, being connected to the linkage assembly, disengages from the drive unit, thereby preventing the external forces from being transmitted to the drive unit and reducing the risk of damage to the drive unit.

[0018] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become clearer after reading the detailed embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0019] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0020] Figure 1 This is an overall structural diagram of an embodiment of an electronic rear derailleur for bicycles proposed in this invention;

[0021] Figure 2 This is another overall structural diagram of an embodiment of an electronic rear derailleur for bicycles proposed in this invention;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an electronic rear derailleur for bicycles proposed in this invention;

[0023] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A partial schematic diagram of point A in the middle;

[0024] Figure 5 This is another cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an electronic rear derailleur for bicycles proposed in this invention;

[0025] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of an elastic snap-fit ​​assembly for an electronic rear derailleur of a bicycle, as proposed in this invention.

[0026] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the second latching component of an electronic rear derailleur for bicycles proposed in this invention;

[0027] In the picture,

[0028] 100, base unit;

[0029] 200, movable unit;

[0030] 300, connecting unit;

[0031] 310, Linkage assembly;

[0032] 311, Inner Linkage Assembly;

[0033] 312, External Linkage Assembly;

[0034] 313, accommodating cavity;

[0035] 314, open;

[0036] 320, Flexible snap-fit ​​assembly;

[0037] 321, Elastic component;

[0038] 322, First snap-fit ​​component;

[0039] 323, Second snap-fit ​​component;

[0040] 324, notch;

[0041] 325, Introductory section;

[0042] 326, Second Deployment;

[0043] 327, Adjustment component;

[0044] 328, First Deployment Site;

[0045] 330, elastic retaining component;

[0046] 400, drive unit;

[0047] 410, Electric motor;

[0048] 420, Gearbox;

[0049] 500, chain guide. Detailed Implementation

[0050] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0051] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0052] The terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0053] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; they can refer to mechanical connections, direct connections, or indirect connections through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0054] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0055] The following disclosure provides many different embodiments or examples for implementing different structures of the invention. To simplify the disclosure, specific examples of components and arrangements are described below. Of course, these are merely examples and are not intended to limit the invention. Furthermore, reference numerals and / or letters may be repeated in different examples; such repetition is for simplification and clarity and does not in itself indicate a relationship between the various embodiments and / or arrangements discussed.

[0056] In this embodiment, as Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 ,Figure 5 As shown, an electronic rear derailleur for bicycles is disclosed, comprising a base unit 100, a movable unit 200, a connecting unit 300, and a drive unit 400.

[0057] Both the drive unit 400 and the base unit 100 are mounted on the bicycle body.

[0058] In this embodiment, the drive unit 400 is connected to the bicycle via the base unit 100.

[0059] The movable unit 200 is used to connect with the chain guide 500.

[0060] The drive unit 400 is connected to the movable unit 200 via the connection unit 300.

[0061] Thus, the chain guide 500 is connected to the bicycle body via the movable unit 200, the connecting unit 300, and the drive unit 400.

[0062] During the use or placement of the bicycle, the connecting unit 300 or the movable unit 200 may be subjected to external impact.

[0063] The connecting unit 300 is directly connected to the driving unit 400. When the connecting unit 300 is subjected to external force, the external force will be transmitted to the driving unit 300, which can easily cause damage to the driving unit 300.

[0064] The movable unit 200 is connected to the drive unit 400 through the connecting unit 300. When the movable unit 200 is subjected to an external force, the external force will be transmitted to the drive unit 400 through the connecting unit 300, thereby causing the drive unit 300 to be damaged.

[0065] In this embodiment, the connecting unit 300 includes a connecting rod assembly 310 and an elastic snap-fit ​​assembly 320.

[0066] The linkage assembly 310 connects the base unit 100 and the movable unit 200.

[0067] Specifically, the linkage assembly 310 includes an inner linkage assembly 311 and an outer linkage assembly 312.

[0068] Specifically, the inner link assembly 311 is closer to the chain guide 500 than the outer link assembly 312.

[0069] That is, the inner link assembly 311 is located closer to the inside, and the outer link assembly 312 is located closer to the outside.

[0070] The elastic snap-fit ​​assembly 320 is used to connect the drive unit 400 and the linkage assembly 310, and to control the on / off transmission of power from the drive unit 400 to the linkage assembly 310.

[0071] In this embodiment, as Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 As shown, the elastic snap-fit ​​assembly 320 includes an elastic component 321, a first snap-fit ​​component 322, and a second snap-fit ​​component 323.

[0072] The output shaft of the drive unit 400 can drive the second snap-fit ​​component 323 to rotate.

[0073] The first snap-fit ​​component 322 and the second snap-fit ​​component 323 can snap into or detach from each other.

[0074] The elasticity of the elastic member 321 can be used to push the first snap-fit ​​member 322 and the second snap-fit ​​member 323 to snap together.

[0075] When the first locking component 322 and the second locking component 323 are in a locked state, the connecting rod assembly 310 pushes the first locking component 322 and the second locking component 323 to lock together through the elastic component 321, thereby realizing the connection between the connecting rod assembly 310 and the drive unit 400.

[0076] When the linkage assembly 310 is directly or indirectly subjected to external force, the linkage assembly 310 will directly or indirectly drive the elastic locking assembly 320 to rotate, thereby causing the first locking component 322 and the second locking component 323 to move relative to each other.

[0077] When the movement is large, the first engaging component 322 moves out of the second engaging component 323, thereby disconnecting the power transmission from the drive unit 400 to the linkage assembly 310. Power from the drive unit 400 is not transmitted to the linkage assembly 310, thus preventing damage to the drive unit 400.

[0078] The flexible snap-fit ​​assembly 320 can be connected to either the inner link assembly 311 or the outer link assembly 312, without limitation.

[0079] Specifically, in this embodiment, the connection between the elastic snap-fit ​​assembly 320 and the inner connecting rod assembly 311 is used as an example for explanation.

[0080] In this embodiment, the inner connecting rod assembly 311 has an accommodating cavity 313 inside.

[0081] An opening 314 is provided on the first end of the inner link assembly 311.

[0082] The opening 314 is connected to the cavity 313.

[0083] The elastic member 321 is installed in the receiving cavity 313. One end of the elastic member 321 is connected to the first snap-fit ​​member 322, and the other end of the elastic member 321 is connected to the inner wall of the receiving cavity 313.

[0084] Therefore, after the first locking component 322 and the second locking component 323 are released, the power of the drive unit 400 cannot be output to the linkage assembly 310 and the movable unit 200.

[0085] The elastic component 321 pushes the first locking part 322 out of the opening 314 and locks it with the second locking part 323.

[0086] When the linkage assembly 310 is subjected to an external force, it rotates, and the first locking part 322 and the second locking part 323 move relative to each other. At this time, the second locking part 323 pushes the first locking part 322 to compress the elastic member 321, thereby causing the first locking part 322 to loosen relative to the second locking part 323.

[0087] The specific structural form of the first snap-fit ​​component 322 and the second snap-fit ​​component 323 is not limited, as long as the first snap-fit ​​component 322 and the second snap-fit ​​component 323 can be snapped or released under the elastic force of the elastic component 321.

[0088] In this embodiment, the first snap-fit ​​component 322 is described as a spherical component or a near-spherical component.

[0089] Correspondingly, the second snap-fit ​​component 323 adopts a rotating disk structure, on which a notch 324 is formed. The cross-section of the rotating disk is circular or near-circular.

[0090] In order to ensure a stable engagement between the notch 324 and the first snap-fit ​​component 322, the notch 324 can be an arc-shaped notch.

[0091] The arc-shaped notch allows spherical or near-spherical components to be stably engaged within it. This enables the drive unit 400 to move the connecting rod assembly 310 via the first engaging component 322, the second engaging component 323, and the elastic component 321.

[0092] When the linkage assembly 310 is subjected to a large external force, the first locking component 322 will move out of the second locking component 323.

[0093] Specifically, the magnitude of the driving force that causes the first latching component 322 to disengage from the second latching component 323 is determined according to the usage requirements.

[0094] The driving force or driving torque required to loosen the first snap-fit ​​component 322 and the second snap-fit ​​component 323 can be adjusted by the radius of the first snap-fit ​​component 322, the size of the arc-shaped notch on the second snap-fit ​​component 323, and the elastic force that the elastic component 321 can output in the receiving cavity 313.

[0095] In this embodiment, an inlet portion 325 is formed at both ends of the notch, so that the first snap-fit ​​member 322 will not be stuck at the two ends of the notch, and further so that the first snap-fit ​​member 322 will not be stuck at the end of the notch when it moves out of the notch, and will not be stuck at the end of the notch when the first snap-fit ​​member 322 moves into the second snap-fit ​​member 323.

[0096] Specifically, the inlet section 325 can be chamfered.

[0097] In some other embodiments, the notch 324 is a triangular notch. Specifically, a first abutment portion 328 and a second abutment portion 326 that are symmetrically formed on the rotating disk structure are formed, and both the first abutment portion 328 and the second abutment portion 326 are tangent to the spherical first engaging member 322.

[0098] The angle between the straight line where the first abutment part 328 is located and the straight line where the second abutment part 326 is located is limited to a range of 40 degrees to 100 degrees, which enables the first locking member 322 and the second locking member 323 to be stably connected under a certain external force. That is, the drive unit 400 can drive the linkage assembly 310 to move through the elastic locking assembly 320 through the stable connection between the first locking member 322 and the second locking member 323.

[0099] However, under the action of a large external force, the first locking component 322 can be disengaged from the second locking component 323.

[0100] In some other embodiments, the resilient snap-fit ​​assembly 320 may also be connected to the external linkage assembly 312.

[0101] In this embodiment, when the elastic snap-fit ​​assembly 320 is connected to the inner connecting rod assembly 311, a sealing cover is formed at the first end of the inner connecting rod assembly 311, and the sealing cover is used to seal the second snap-fit ​​component 323.

[0102] Specifically, a cavity is formed inside the sealing cover, and the second snap-fit ​​portion 323 is accommodated inside the sealing cover.

[0103] Specifically, the sealing cover can adopt the structural shape of a sealing bowl.

[0104] Specifically, since the second snap-fit ​​portion 323 is housed within the cavity, the cavity is connected to the opening 314 and the housing cavity 313.

[0105] In this embodiment, the drive unit 400 includes a motor 410 and a gearbox 420. The motor 410 outputs power through the gearbox 420.

[0106] The output shaft of the drive unit 400 is the same as the output shaft of the gearbox 420.

[0107] The output shaft of the gearbox 420 is coaxially connected to the second locking part 323, and the gearbox 420 can drive the second locking part 323 to rotate.

[0108] Meanwhile, the output shaft of gearbox 420 will not drive the inner connecting rod assembly 311 to rotate.

[0109] Therefore, the output shaft of gearbox 420 can be a D-type shaft.

[0110] A circular through hole is provided on the first end of the inner connecting rod assembly 311. The output shaft of the gearbox 420 can extend from the circular through hole on the inner connecting rod assembly 311 into the inner connecting rod assembly 311 and connect with the D-shaped through hole on the first snap-fit ​​component 322, thereby enabling the gearbox 420 to drive the first snap-fit ​​component 322 to rotate.

[0111] In some other embodiments, the output shaft of the gearbox 420 is connected to the through hole on the first snap-fit ​​component 322 by an interference fit.

[0112] The connection method between the output shaft of the gearbox 420 and the first locking component 322 is not limited here. The output shaft of the gearbox 420 only needs to be able to drive the first locking component 322 to rotate, without driving the inner connecting rod assembly 311 to rotate.

[0113] The two ends of the external linkage assembly 312 are pivotally connected to the base unit 100 and the movable unit 200, respectively.

[0114] The second end of the inner link assembly 311 is pivotally connected to the movable unit 200.

[0115] In this embodiment, in order to adjust the force applied by the elastic member 321 to the first snap-fit ​​member 322, and thereby adjust the clamping force between the first snap-fit ​​member 322 and the second snap-fit ​​member 323, the elastic snap-fit ​​assembly 320 further includes an adjustment member 327.

[0116] The adjusting component 327 is installed in the receiving cavity 313. The adjusting component 327 can move along the receiving cavity 313, thereby pushing or pulling the elastic component 321, which is also installed in the receiving cavity 313, to move.

[0117] Specifically, the adjusting component 327 is threadedly connected to the inner wall of the accommodating cavity 313.

[0118] The end of the adjusting component 327 is connected to the adjusting component 327.

[0119] In this embodiment, the gearbox 420 contains multiple meshing gears that transmit power. Due to the backlash in the gear meshing transmission, there is a significant transmission error when the gearbox 420 is transmitting power in the forward or reverse direction.

[0120] Therefore, in this embodiment, the connecting unit 300 further includes an elastic retaining member 330. The elastic retaining member 330 is used to maintain the angle between the movable unit 200 and the connecting unit 300 by elastic force.

[0121] Specifically, such as Figure 2 As shown, the elastic retaining component 330 can be a torsion spring. The torsion spring can be located at any pivot point where the inner connecting rod assembly 311, the outer connecting rod assembly 312, the movable unit 200, and the base unit 100 are connected. Angle retention is achieved by pressing the two components forming the pivot point.

[0122] In some other embodiments, the elastic retaining member 330 may also be a tension spring. The tension spring may be disposed between two opposing pivot points located between the inner link assembly 311, the outer link assembly 312, the movable unit 200, and the base unit 100. Angle retention is achieved by tightening the two opposing pivot points.

[0123] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and are not intended to limit them. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions claimed by the present invention.

Claims

1. An electronic rear derailleur for bicycles, comprising a base unit, a movable unit, a connecting unit, and a drive unit, wherein the drive unit is connected to the bicycle via the base unit, and the movable unit is used to connect to a chain guide, characterized in that, The connecting unit includes a link assembly, an elastic snap-fit ​​assembly, and an elastic retaining component. The link assembly connects the base unit and the movable unit, and the link assembly drives the movable unit to move relative to the base unit. A receiving cavity is formed inside the link assembly, and an opening is provided at the end of the link assembly, which communicates with the receiving cavity. The elastic locking assembly is connected between the drive unit and the linkage assembly to control the on / off state of power transmission between the drive unit and the linkage assembly. The elastic locking assembly includes an elastic component, a first locking component, and a second locking component. The output shaft of the drive unit can drive the second locking component to rotate. The elastic component can push the first locking component and the second locking component to lock their positions. The drive unit drives the linkage assembly to move by locking the positions of the first locking component and the second locking component. The elastic component is installed in the receiving cavity and can expand and contract along the receiving cavity to push the first locking component to extend or retract relative to the opening to engage or disengage with the second locking component. The second locking component is a rotating disk with a notch formed on it. The first locking component is a spherical component. The elastic component pushes the spherical component to abut against the notch. The elastic retaining component is used to maintain the angle between the movable unit and the connecting unit by elastic force.

2. The electronic rear derailleur for bicycles according to claim 1, characterized in that, The linkage assembly includes an inner linkage assembly and an outer linkage assembly, the receiving cavity is formed in the inner linkage assembly, and the opening is formed at the first end of the inner linkage assembly; The two ends of the outer connecting rod assembly are pivotally connected to the base unit and the movable unit, respectively; the second end of the inner connecting rod assembly is pivotally connected to the movable unit; and the first end of the inner connecting rod assembly is connected to the drive unit through the elastic snap-fit ​​assembly. The drive unit is connected to the base unit.

3. The electronic rear derailleur for bicycles according to claim 1, characterized in that, The elastic snap-fit ​​assembly further includes an adjustment component, which is installed in the receiving cavity and can move along the receiving cavity, thereby connecting the end of the adjustment component to the elastic component.

4. The electronic rear derailleur for bicycles according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cross-section of the rotating disk is circular; The notch forms a first abutting part and a second abutting part at the point where it is tangent to the first snap-fit ​​component; The angle between the first abutment and the second abutment is 40 degrees to 100 degrees.

5. The electronic rear derailleur for bicycles according to claim 4, characterized in that, Both ends of the notch are connected to the rotating disk with guide portions.

6. The electronic rear derailleur for bicycles according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first end of the inner connecting rod assembly has a sealing cover, which is fitted over the first snap-fit ​​component.

7. The electronic rear derailleur for bicycles according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive unit includes a motor and a gearbox, and the output shaft of the drive unit is the output shaft of the gearbox; the output shaft of the gearbox is a D-shaped shaft; a D-shaped hole is provided on the rotating disk; the D-shaped shaft is inserted into the D-shaped hole to connect the motor and the rotating disk.

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