Bicycle rear derailleur

Abstract

A rear derailleur includes a base member mountable to a bicycle frame, a movable member movably coupled to the base member, and a pivot member rotatably coupled to the movable member. The rear derailleur also includes a chain guide assembly rotatably connected to the movable member via the pivot member. The rear derailleur includes a damper device disposed within the movable member. The damper device is operable to apply a damping force to the chain guide assembly as the chain guide assembly rotates. The damper device includes a friction member having a friction surface. A first portion of the friction surface is in frictional engagement with the pivot member, and a second portion of the friction surface is in frictional engagement with the movable member. The friction device is disposed within the movable member, spaced apart from the biasing device in an axial direction along the pivot member.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application filed on April 11, 2022, with application number 202210372152.9 and invention title "Damper for Bicycle Components". Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure generally relates to a bicycle chain tensioner, and more specifically to a damper for a bicycle rear derailleur. Background Technology

[0003] The rear derailleur of a bicycle is well known in the art as part of the bicycle's drivetrain. A typical drivetrain also includes a crank assembly coupled to one or more sprockets. The crank assembly is operable to drive the chain, which is guided or wound around one of the sprockets. The chain is also guided to the bicycle's rear wheel.

[0004] The rear derailleur is provided as part of the drivetrain to perform two basic functions. The primary function of the rear derailleur is to selectively move the bicycle chain of the drivetrain between a series of gears of different diameters attached to the rear wheel. This movement of the bicycle chain from one gear to another at the rear wheel changes the gear ratio of the drivetrain. The rear derailleur may also include a chain tensioner, which applies tension to the chain to tighten or loosen and maintain the desired tension in the chain on the non-drive side of the drivetrain. The chain tensioner can be included as part of the rear derailleur or as a separate component.

[0005] The chain tensioner of the rear derailleur achieves its tensioning function through a chain tensioning mechanism integrated with the chain guide cage. The chain tensioner typically has one or two rotatable gears or pulleys, around which the chain is guided or wound. The chain tensioner is connected to the rear derailleur body in a manner that allows it to pivot relative to the body. The chain tensioner is also biased to pivot or rotate in the direction of tensioning the chain or applying tension to the chain.

[0006] When a bicycle is traveling on flat terrain, a standard rear derailleur and chain tensioner include a biasing member to provide a force that is generally sufficient to maintain adequate tension in the chain, preventing it from falling off the sprockets or gears. However, when a bicycle is traveling on rough terrain, the force transmitted to the rear derailleur causes the chain tensioner to undesirably rotate in the direction of chain slack, against the biasing force applied to it. This creates slack in the chain. A slack chain can cause it to slap against the bicycle frame. A slack chain can also cause it to fall off the sprockets or gears.

[0007] The solution to this undesirable situation is to incorporate a damping system into the chain tensioning section of the derailleur. The damping system is designed to resist rotation of the chain tensioner, particularly in the slack direction. A one-way damping system is configured to resist rotation of the chain tensioner in the slack direction while still allowing free rotation in the tension direction. A typical one-way damping system operates by using friction elements to provide damping force in the slack direction of chain tensioner rotation and includes a one-way roller clutch to prevent the friction elements from engaging in the tension direction.

[0008] These roller clutch-based friction damping systems are relatively heavy, which contradicts the common performance goal of reducing bicycle weight. Furthermore, this type of friction damping system can be quite complex to construct, requiring multiple parts and manufacturing steps. One consequence of the complexity of roller clutch-based friction damping systems is the relatively high cost of the parts, which increases the cost of the rear derailleur. Summary of the Invention

[0009] In one example, a bicycle rear derailleur includes: a base member mountable to a bicycle frame; a movable member movably coupled to the base member; and a pivot member rotatably coupled to the movable member. The pivot member has an outer annular surface. The bicycle rear derailleur also includes a chain guide assembly rotatably connected to the movable member via the pivot member. The chain guide assembly is not rotatably coupled to the pivot member. The bicycle rear derailleur includes: a biasing device configured to bias the chain guide assembly in a first rotational direction relative to the movable member; and a damper device disposed within the movable member. The damper device is operable to apply a damping force to the chain guide assembly when the chain guide assembly rotates in a second rotational direction relative to the movable member. The second rotational direction is opposite to the first rotational direction. The damper device includes a friction device comprising a friction member having a friction surface. A first portion of the friction surface is biased against and frictionally engaged with the outer annular surface of the pivot member, and a second portion of the friction surface is biased against and frictionally engaged with the movable member. The friction device is disposed within the movable member and spaced apart from the biasing device in the axial direction along the pivot member, such that the friction device and the biasing device do not overlap in the axial direction.

[0010] In one example, the distance between the friction device and the chain guide assembly in the axial direction is greater than the distance between the biasing device and the chain guide assembly in the axial direction.

[0011] In one example, the friction device is radially inward relative to the biasing device.

[0012] In one example, the second part of the friction surface is larger than the first part of the friction surface.

[0013] In one example, the friction element is a torsion spring, and the friction surface is the inner surface of the torsion spring.

[0014] In one example, the torsion spring is left-handed.

[0015] In one example, the movable member has a single open side. The movable member includes a cavity extending from the single open side into the movable member. At least a portion of the pivoting member and the friction device are disposed within the cavity.

[0016] In one example, the single open side of the movable component is located on the same side of the movable component as the chain guide assembly.

[0017] In one example, the friction member has a first end and a second end opposite to the first end. The first end of the friction member is biased toward the chain guide assembly.

[0018] In one example, a second portion of the friction surface frictionally engages with one or more inner surfaces of the movable member. One or more inner surfaces of the movable member at least partially form cavities. The second portion of the friction surface, adjacent to or both at and adjacent to the second end of the friction member, frictionally engages with a surface in one or more inner surfaces of the movable member, such that a first end of the friction member is biased toward the chain guide assembly.

[0019] In one example, the surface of the movable member is angled relative to the axis of rotation of the pivot member, such that the friction member is biased toward the chain guide assembly.

[0020] In one example, the damper device also includes a dynamic seal disposed within the cavity and surrounding the pivot member. The dynamic seal and the pivot member enclose the friction member within a portion of the cavity.

[0021] In one example, a movable member for a bicycle rear derailleur includes a housing having a single open side and a cavity extending partially through the housing from the single open side. The movable member further includes: a pivot member rotatably supported within the cavity of the housing; and a damper device disposed within the cavity of the housing and surrounding a portion of the pivot member. The damper device is operable to apply a damping force to a chain guide assembly rotatably attached to the movable member via the pivot member when the chain guide assembly rotates in a rotational direction relative to the movable member. The damper device includes a friction device comprising a friction member having a friction surface. A portion of the friction surface is biased against and frictionally engages with the pivot member.

[0022] In one example, the portion of the friction surface is a first portion of the friction surface, and a second portion of the friction surface is biased against the housing and frictionally engages with the housing.

[0023] In one example, the friction member has a portion that is non-rotatably connected to the housing. The pivot member has a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The first end of the pivot member is rotatably supported within a cavity of the housing, and the second end of the pivot member is attachable to a chain guide assembly. The friction member is disposed within the cavity of the housing, closer to the first end of the pivot member than the second end of the pivot member.

[0024] In one example, the cavity is a first cavity. The housing has a second cavity that extends partially through the housing from a single open side. The second cavity is radially outward relative to the first cavity. The movable member further includes a biasing device configured to bias the chain guide assembly in a first rotational direction relative to the movable member. The rotational direction is a second rotational direction relative to the movable member. The biasing device is disposed in the second cavity of the housing.

[0025] In one example, the friction device is located inside the housing and is spaced apart from the biasing device in the axial direction along the pivot member, such that the friction device and the biasing device do not overlap in the axial direction.

[0026] In one example, the damper device further includes a dynamic seal disposed within the first cavity and surrounding the pivot member. The housing, dynamic seal, and pivot member enclose the friction member within a portion of the first cavity.

[0027] In one example, a bicycle rear derailleur includes: a base member mountable to a bicycle frame; and a movable member movably coupled to the base member. The movable member has a single open side. The movable member has a recess extending partially through the movable member from the single open side. The bicycle rear derailleur also includes: a pivot member rotatably coupled to the movable member; and a chain guide assembly rotatably connected to the movable member via the pivot member. The chain guide assembly is not rotatably coupled to the pivot member. The bicycle rear derailleur includes: a biasing device configured to bias the chain guide assembly in a first rotational direction relative to the movable member; and a damper device disposed within the recess of the movable member. The damper device is operable to apply a damping force to the chain guide assembly when the chain guide assembly rotates in a second rotational direction relative to the movable member. The second rotational direction is opposite to the first rotational direction. The damper device includes a friction member having a friction surface that is biased against and frictionally engaged with the pivot member.

[0028] In one example, the friction surface is a first friction surface, and the friction member has a second friction surface that is biased against the movable member and frictionally engaged with the movable member.

[0029] In one example, a friction damper, as described herein, is incorporated into the chain tensioner, which may be integrated with or separate from the rear derailleur. Attached Figure Description

[0030] The objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic side view of a bicycle that can be configured to utilize a damper on the derailleur;

[0032] Figure 2 This is a side view of an example of an electronic rear derailleur removed from the bicycle section;

[0033] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Front view of the electronic rear derailleur;

[0034] Figure 4 An exploded perspective view of a portion of an example of a rear derailleur that includes a first damper in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure;

[0035] Figure 5 This is a front sectional view of an example of an electronic rear derailleur that includes a damper according to the teachings of this disclosure; and

[0036] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A close-up of the front sectional view. Detailed Implementation

[0037] This invention provides examples of friction dampers, chain tensioners, and bicycle rear derailleurs that address or improve upon one or more of the aforementioned and / or other disadvantages of existing known dampers and derailleurs. The disclosed friction damper eliminates the need for a roller clutch within the damper. This friction damper limits the movement of the derailleur chain tensioner in the forward chain tensioner rotation direction and helps control the chain amplitude (e.g., vertical chain amplitude) of the lower half of the chain when the bicycle is subjected to ground input (e.g., vertical ground input). A significant advantage of the disclosed friction damper is that the damping force is higher when the derailleur chain tensioner rotates in the forward chain tensioner rotation direction compared to the rearward chain tensioner rotation direction. The higher damping force in the forward chain tensioner rotation direction helps limit chain amplitude, while the lower damping force in the rear chain tensioner rotation direction allows a biasing device—such as a return spring (e.g., a P-spring)—to act on the derailleur chain tensioner and maintain chain tension without a significant increase in the size of the return spring or any increase at all. Another advantage of the disclosed friction damper is that it is lighter than conventional friction dampers based on roller clutches. Yet another advantage of the disclosed damper is its ease of manufacture and installation within the rear derailleur.

[0038] This document discloses and describes a friction damper and an example of a bicycle rear derailleur using such a friction damper. The disclosed damper resists chain tensioner movement in the slack direction of chain rotation more than in the tension direction. In other words, the torque generated by the friction damper when the derailleur chain tensioner rotates in the slack direction is greater than the torque generated by the damper when the derailleur chain tensioner rotates in the tension direction. Therefore, the damping torque applied by the disclosed damper is low during rider shifting and high during events such as shocks or vibrations.

[0039] Compared to rear derailleurs equipped with prior art roller clutch dampers, the disclosed friction damper can reduce the weight of the rear derailleur equipped with such a damper. For example, compared to a damping equivalent based on a roller clutch, which includes multiple assembly components, the disclosed friction damper has a simpler and minimalist part design with less weight. The disclosed friction damper can also be relatively small and can be cylindrical, which can reduce the overall size of the rear derailleur or chain tensioner when mounted on a rear derailleur.

[0040] Upon reading this disclosure, these and other objects, features, and advantages of the disclosed friction damper will become apparent to those skilled in the art. Throughout the accompanying drawings, where the same reference numerals are used, the same reference numerals denote the same or substantially similar parts in various disclosed examples. Furthermore, specific examples of specific combinations utilizing the disclosed aspects, features, and components of this disclosure are disclosed and described herein. However, it is possible that each disclosed aspect, feature, and / or component of this disclosure may be used independently of or in different combinations with other aspects, features, and components of this disclosure in other examples not disclosed or described herein.

[0041] Now turn to the attached image. Figure 1 A bicycle 50 employing a rear derailleur and damper constructed according to the teachings of this disclosure is generally shown. The bicycle 50 includes a frame 52, a front wheel 54, a rear wheel 56, and a drivetrain 58, both the front wheel 54 and the rear wheel 56 being rotatably attached to the frame 52. A front brake 60 is provided for braking the front wheel 54, and a rear brake 62 is provided for braking the rear wheel 56. The bicycle 50 generally also has a seat 64 located near the rear end of the frame 52 and supported on the end of a seat tube 66 connected to the frame 52. The bicycle 50 also has a handlebar 68 near the front end of the frame 52. A brake lever 70 is supported on the handlebar 68 for actuating one or both of the front brake 60 and the rear brake 62. If the brake lever 70 actuates only one of the front brake 60 and the rear brake 62, a second brake lever (not shown) may also be provided to actuate the other brake. The forward and / or forward riding direction or orientation of the bicycle 50 is determined by… Figure 1 The direction of arrow A is indicated by the arrow. Thus, the forward direction of bicycle 50 is indicated by the direction of arrow A.

[0042] Although Figure 1 The bicycle 50 shown is a road bicycle with drop handlebars 68, but this disclosure is applicable to any type of bicycle, including mountain bikes with full or partial suspension and bicycles with mechanical (e.g., cable, hydraulic, pneumatic) and non-mechanical (e.g., wired, wireless) drive systems.

[0043] The drivetrain 58 has a chain C and a front sprocket assembly 72, which is coaxially mounted with a crank assembly 74 having pedals 76. The drivetrain 58 also includes a rear sprocket assembly 78 coaxially mounted with the rear wheel 56 and a rear derailleur mechanism, such as a rear derailleur 80.

[0044] like Figure 1As shown, the front sprocket assembly 72 may include one or more coaxially mounted chain links, gears, or sprockets F. In this example, the front sprocket assembly 72 has two such sprockets F, each with teeth 82 around its respective circumference. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the rear sprocket assembly 78 may include a plurality (e.g., eleven) coaxially mounted gears, sprockets, or sprockets G. Each sprocket G also has teeth 84 arranged around its respective circumference. The number of teeth 82 on the smaller diameter front sprocket F may be less than the number of teeth on the larger diameter sprocket F. The number of teeth 84 on the rear sprocket G may gradually decrease from the largest diameter rear sprocket G to the smallest diameter sprocket G. Although not described in detail herein, the front derailleur 85 may be operated to move from a first operating position to a second operating position to move the chain C between the front sprockets F. Similarly, the rear derailleur 80 may be operated to move, for example, between eleven different operating positions to switch the chain C to a selected rear sprocket among the rear sprockets G.

[0045] See Figure 2 and Figure 3 In these examples, the rear derailleur 80 is depicted as a radio-actuated rear derailleur that can be mounted to the frame 52 of the bicycle 50. The electric rear derailleur 80 has a base member 86 (e.g., a B-knuckle) that can be mounted to the bicycle frame 52. The linkage mechanism 88 has two links L (in... Figure 2 (One is hidden behind the other), these two links are pivotally connected to base member 86. Movable member 90 (e.g., a p-knuckle) is connected to link 88. Chain guide assembly 92 (e.g., a cage) has cage plate 93 with a proximal end 91 pivotally connected to a portion of movable member 90, as further described below. See also Figure 2 The cage plate 93 can rotate or pivot about the cage rotation axis R in the damping direction D and the chain tension direction T.

[0046] The motor module 94 is mounted on the electric rear derailleur 80 and has a battery 96. The battery 96 supplies power to the motor module 94. In one example, such as Figure 2 As shown, the motor module 94 is located in the base member 86. However, the motor module 94 may alternatively be located elsewhere, such as in a link L of the linkage 88 or in the movable member 90. The motor module 94 may include (although not shown herein) a gear mechanism or transmission. As is known in the art, the motor module 94 and the gear mechanism may be coupled to the linkage 88 to laterally move the retainer plate 93, thereby switching the chain C between the rear sprockets G on the rear sprocket assembly 78.

[0047] The cage plate 93 also has a distal end 98 that carries a tension gear or tension wheel 100 (e.g., a tension wheel). The wheel 100 also has teeth 102 around its circumference. The cage plate 93 is biased along the chain tensioning direction T to maintain tension in the chain C. The chain guide assembly 92 may also include a second gear or wheel, such as a guide wheel 104 disposed near the proximal end 91 of the cage plate 93 and the movable member 90. In operation, the chain C is guided around one of the rear sprockets G. The upper section of the chain C extends forward to the front sprocket assembly 72 and is guided around one of the front sprocket portions F. The lower section of the chain C returns from the front sprocket assembly 72 to the tension wheel 100 and is then guided forward to the guide wheel 104. The guide wheel 104 guides the chain C to the rear sprocket G. The lateral movement of the retaining plate 93, tension wheel 100 and guide wheel 104 determines the lateral position of the chain C so as to align it with the selected rear sprocket in the rear sprocket G.

[0048] Reference Figure 1 The control unit 106 can be mounted on the handlebars 68 to actuate the motor module 94 and operate the rear derailleur 80 to perform gear shifting and gear selection. However, the control unit 106 can be located anywhere on the bicycle 50, or alternatively, it can be distributed among various components of the bicycle 50, with necessary signal and power paths accommodated via communication link wiring. The control unit 106 can also be located outside the bicycle 50, such as on the rider's wrist or in a sweatshirt pocket. The communication link can include wires, can be wireless, or can be a combination thereof. In one example, the control unit 106 can be integrated with the rear derailleur 80 to transmit control commands between components. The control unit may include a processor, memory, and one or more communication interfaces.

[0049] Alternatively, battery 96 can be an alternative power source or power source and can operate other electrical components of bicycle 50 within the linked system. Battery 96 or other power sources may also be located elsewhere, such as attached to frame 52. Furthermore, multiple power sources may be provided that can collectively or individually power the electrical components of the system including rear derailleur 80, such as the drive motor used in embodiments involving electric bicycles. However, in this example, battery 96 is configured to be directly attached to rear derailleur 80 and provides power only to components of rear derailleur 80.

[0050] A movable member 90 (e.g., acting as a housing) houses a damper assembly (e.g., a damper). Now refer to... Figures 4 to 6 An example of the damper 120 is described. Although the damper 120 is discussed herein as part of the rear derailleur of a bicycle, the damper 120 may be incorporated into the chain tensioner or chain guide assembly of a bicycle, wherein the chain tensioner is not part of the front or rear derailleur.

[0051] Reference Figure 4 The chain guide assembly 92 includes a spaced-apart outer plate 122 and an inner plate 124. The outer plate 122 and inner plate 124 are, for example, rigid plates. A tension wheel 100 and a guide wheel 104 are rotatably arranged between the outer plate 122 and the inner plate 124 to receive a chain (not shown). For example, the tension wheel 100 and the guide wheel 104 are rotatable relative to the outer plate 122 and the inner plate 124 of the chain guide assembly 92, respectively, via corresponding bearings 126, and the tension wheel 100 and the guide wheel 104 rotate together with the bearings 126.

[0052] The movable member 90 can be made of any number of different materials. For example, the movable member 90 can be made of fiberglass nylon. The outer plate 122 and the inner plate 124 can be made of any number of materials. For example, the outer plate 122 can be made of stamped aluminum, while the inner plate 124 can be made of stamped steel. Other materials can be used. Since the outer plate 122 does not prevent moisture and / or debris from entering the damper assembly 120, the outer plate 122 can be treated to help prevent corrosion. For example, the outer plate 122 may include an electrophoretic deposition (ED) coating.

[0053] A first connector 128 (e.g., a first screw or bushing) extends through a first opening 130 through the inner plate 124, an opening 132 through the bearing 126 of the guide wheel 104, and a first opening 134 through the outer plate 122, and connects the inner plate 124, the guide wheel 104, and the outer plate 122 to a movable member 90 of the rear derailleur 80.

[0054] The second connector 136 (e.g., a second screw or bushing) extends through the second opening 138 through the outer plate 122, the opening 140 through the bearing 126 of the tension wheel 100, and the second opening 142 through the inner plate 124, and connects the tension wheel 100 to the outer plate 122 and the inner plate 124 (e.g., with a nut).

[0055] The outer plate 122 is connected to the rotating shaft 144 (e.g., a cage shaft) in a manner that prevents it from rotating relative to the rotating shaft 144. For example, the outer plate 122 is connected to the rotating shaft 144 in a manner that prevents it from rotating relative to the rotating shaft 144 via a first connector 128 and a nut 146 (e.g., a locking nut) disposed between the outer plate 122 and the guide wheel 104. For example, the first connector 128 is screwed into the internal thread of the rotating shaft 144, and the nut 146 is tightened onto the outer plate 122, such that the outer plate 122 cannot rotate relative to the rotating shaft 144.

[0056] The rotating shaft 144 is supported (e.g., by two bearings) to rotate within a cavity 148 (e.g., a first cavity) of the movable member 90. The first cavity 148 may form a channel (e.g., a stepped channel hole) extending partially from a first axial side 150 of the movable member 90 into the movable member 90. In other words, the first cavity 148 may not extend all the way through the movable member 90. Therefore, the movable member 90 has a single open side (e.g., the first axial side 150). The single open side 150 is on the same side of the movable member 90 as the chain guide assembly 92.

[0057] Intermediate members 152, 154, and 156 isolate a portion (e.g., a first section) of the first cavity 148 from the environment where the rear derailleur 80 is used. The intermediate members 152, 154, and 156, arranged around a rotation axis 144, together with the movable member 90, prevent, for example, dust and moisture from entering the first section of the first cavity 148, within which a portion of the rotation axis 144 (e.g., including the end of the rotation axis 144) rotates. In other words, the first section of the first cavity 148 is closed.

[0058] Intermediate members 152, 154, and 156 may be disposed about the rotation axis 144 and may be positioned within a first cavity 148 within the movable member 90, such that intermediate members 152, 154, and 156 are adjacent to the rotation axis 144 and / or the movable member 90 (see...). Figure 6 Intermediate components 152, 154, and 156, for example, form dynamic seals.

[0059] Intermediate member 152 is, for example, a retaining ring. Intermediate member 154 is, for example, a gasket. Intermediate member 156 is, for example, a washer (e.g., an O-ring). Figure 4 In the example shown, retaining ring 152 is closest to the first axial side 150 of movable member 90, gasket 154 is next closest to the first axial side 150 of movable member 90, and washer 156 is furthest from the first axial side 150 of movable member 90. Other arrangements may be provided. Intermediate members 152, 154, and 156 may be made of any number of materials. For example, retaining ring 152 may be made of stainless steel, gasket 154 may be made of plastic or aluminum, and washer 156 may be made of silicone. Other materials may be used. More, fewer, and / or different intermediate members may be provided.

[0060] See Figure 6 The retaining ring 152 is located within a cutout 157 within a first cavity 148 (e.g., a second portion of the first cavity 148) of the movable member 90. The retaining ring 152 does not include any threads. However, in one embodiment, the retaining ring 152 includes threads that can engage with corresponding threads in the movable member 90.

[0061] Because of the small size of the retaining ring 152, the distance between the support surfaces 159 and 160 between the rotating shaft 144 and the movable member 90 can be maximized. For example, the support surfaces 159 and 160 can be located at both ends of the damper 120. This is advantageous because the maximum distance between the support surfaces 159 and 160 reduces the amount of rocking motion between the rotating shaft 144 and the movable member 90.

[0062] Reference Figure 4 The biasing device 158 engages with the connection portion 161 of the movable member 90 and the outer plate 122 in a forced-locking manner. For example, the biasing device 158 includes a first tab 162 at one end 164 of the biasing device 158 and a second tab (not shown) at the other end 168 of the biasing device 158. The first tab 162 may be disposed in a corresponding recess within the movable member 90, and the second tab may be disposed within the connection portion 161 (e.g., an opening) of the outer plate 122. The biasing device 158 may be attached to the movable member 90 and the outer plate 122 in other ways.

[0063] The biasing device 158 biases the chain guide assembly 92, for example, in the chain tension direction T, to maintain or restore the necessary tension of the chain C engaged with the tensioner 100 and the guide wheel 104. The biasing device 158 can be any number of different types of biasing devices, including, for example, torsion springs. The biasing device 158 can be made of any number of materials, including, for example, steel. The biasing device 158 can be treated for corrosion protection. For example, the biasing device 158 may include an ED coating.

[0064] According to the teachings of this disclosure, the damper 120 may be disposed within the movable member 90 about the rotation axis 144. When the chain guide assembly 92 and therefore the rotation axis 144 rotates in the damping direction D, the damper 120 is operable to apply a damping force (e.g., radial force) to the rotation axis 144 and therefore to the chain guide assembly 92.

[0065] The damper 120 includes a friction member 172 (e.g., an annular friction member). In one example, the friction member 172 is a spring with multiple coils (e.g., a torsion coil spring). The torsion coil spring 172 is used, for example, as a clutch spring. The torsion coil spring 172 can be, for example, left-handed (e.g., counterclockwise when viewed from the chain guide assembly 92). This can be advantageous because the spring 172 and the rotating shaft 144 are pressed into the movable member 90 from a first axial side 150 (e.g., the same side as the chain guide assembly 92). The movable member 90, accessible from a single open side 150, allows for alteration of the orientation of the damper device 120 relative to the movable member 90 compared to other damper devices.

[0066] Spring 172 may have four to six or more coils. Other numbers of coils may be provided. Friction member 172 is radially outward relative to the rotation axis 144 and radially inward relative to the biasing device 158.

[0067] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, once the rear derailleur 80 is assembled, the friction member 172 is biased against and frictionally engaged with the rotating shaft 144 (e.g., a pivoting member). The rotating shaft 144 includes a first end 180 and a second end 182 opposite to the first end 180. The first end 180 of the rotating shaft 144 is supported within a portion 184 of a first cavity 148 by a movable member 90 (e.g., this portion of the first cavity 148 is sealed by intermediate members 152, 154, and 156). The second end 182 of the rotating shaft 144 extends beyond the first axial side 150 of the movable member 90 and protrudes from the movable member 90. In one embodiment, the rotating shaft 144 does not extend beyond the first axial side 150 of the movable member 90, but is instead disposed within the movable member 90.

[0068] The first cavity 148 includes a first portion 186 and a second portion 188 separated by a wall 190 (e.g., a first annular wall). The first annular wall 190 partially forms the first cavity 148. A first end 180 of the rotating shaft 144 is disposed within the first portion 186 of the first cavity 148, and a friction member 172 is disposed within the second portion 188 of the first cavity 148.

[0069] See Figure 6 The rotating shaft 144 has an outer annular surface 192 (e.g., a first outer annular surface), and the friction member 172 engages with the outer annular surface 192. Figure 5 and Figure 6 In the example shown, the rotating shaft 144 includes a plurality of outer annular surfaces (e.g., nine outer annular surfaces) with different diameters. For example, the rotating shaft 144 has a second outer annular surface 194 that engages with a washer 156 and a third outer annular surface 196 that engages with a retaining ring 152. Other components (e.g., other intermediate members) may engage with the first outer annular surface 192, the second outer annular surface 194, the third outer annular surface 196, and / or other outer annular surfaces of the rotating shaft 144.

[0070] Friction member 172 has a friction surface 198. For example, friction surface 198 is the inner surface of torsion spring 172 (e.g., an inner annular surface) (e.g., the inner surface of multiple coils). A first portion 200 of friction member 172 (e.g., a first portion of friction surface 198) is biased against and frictionally engaged with a first outer annular surface 192 of rotating shaft 144, and a second portion 202 of friction member 172 (e.g., a second portion of friction surface 198) is biased against and frictionally engaged with movable member 90. For example, the second portion 202 of friction member 172 is biased against and frictionally engaged with a first annular wall 190 within a first cavity 148 of movable member 90.

[0071] Reference Figure 6 The first annular wall 190 has an outer annular surface 204, and when the rotating shaft 144 is mounted within the movable member 90, the outer annular surface 204 of the first annular wall 190 is aligned (e.g., flush) with the first outer annular surface 192 of the rotating shaft 144. In other embodiments, the first outer annular surface 192 of the rotating shaft 144 may be offset relative to the outer annular surface 204 of the first annular wall 190 in a radially outward or radially inward direction.

[0072] For example, the second portion 202 of the friction member 172 generates a greater frictional force than the first portion 200 of the friction member 172. For example, the length of the second portion 202 of the friction member 172 is greater than the length of the first portion 200 of the friction member 172. The plurality of coils of the friction member 172 include a first portion coil 206 (e.g., corresponding to the first portion 200 of the friction member 172; one or more first coils) and a second portion coil 208 (e.g., corresponding to the second portion 202 of the friction member 172; one or more second coils). The one or more first coils 206 are, for example, active coils engaged with the rotation shaft 144, while the one or more second coils 208 are, for example, passive coils (e.g., passive coils) engaged with the movable member 90 (e.g., the first annular wall 190 of the movable member 90).

[0073] The second portion of coil 208 may include more coils (e.g., coil windings) than the first portion of coil 206. Friction on the static side (e.g., the clutch side; at the movable member 90) is greater than on the dynamic side (e.g., the damper side; at the rotating shaft 144). Figure 5 and Figure 6In the example shown, the first portion of coil 206 includes between one and two coil windings (e.g., 1.5 coil windings), and the second portion of coil 208 includes between five and six coil windings (e.g., 5.5 coil windings). Other configurations can be provided. For example, the first portion of coil 206 may include two coil windings, while the second portion of coil 208 may include four coil windings. As another example, the first portion of coil 206 may include one winding, while the second portion of coil 208 may include five windings. For example, the greater the number of active coils 206 on the rotating shaft 144, the greater the torque (e.g., an increase of 0.4–0.6 Nm in force for every half millimeter of coil).

[0074] The friction member 172 has a first end 210 and a second end 212 opposite to the first end 210. A first portion coil 206 is disposed at and / or near the first end 210 of the friction member 172, and a second portion coil 208 is disposed at and / or near the second end 212 of the friction member 172.

[0075] exist Figure 5 and Figure 6 In the example shown, the first annular wall 190 has a base 214. The base 214 has, for example, an inclined segment 216 (e.g., a curved segment) and a straight segment 218. The curved segment 216 of the base 214 is angled relative to the cage rotation axis R. The curved segment 216 of the base 214 bends away from the outer annular surface 204 of the first annular wall 190 to the straight segment 218 of the base 214, such that the straight segment 218 of the base 214 of the first annular wall 190 is radially outward relative to the outer annular surface 204 of the first annular wall 190. The second end 212 of the friction member 172 engages with (e.g., is embedded in) the curved segment 216 of the base 214 of the first annular wall 190, such that the friction member 172 is biased toward the chain guide assembly 92. In other words, the engagement of the second end 212 of the friction member 172 with the curved segment 216 of the base 214 of the first annular wall 190 axially positions the friction member 172 relative to the movable member 90 and the rotation axis 144. Axial positioning allows for variations in the spring length during manufacturing.

[0076] This bias toward the chain guide assembly 92 prevents the friction member 172 from moving deeper into the second portion 188 of the first cavity 148, such that a smaller portion or none of the friction member 172 engages with the rotating shaft 144. Such movement of the friction member 172 into the second portion 188 of the first cavity 148 would cause the damper 120 to work worse or not at all.

[0077] Reference Figure 6The friction member 172 is disposed within the first cavity 148, and the biasing device 158 is disposed within the second cavity 220 within the movable member 90, such that the friction member 172 is spaced apart from the biasing device 158 in the direction (e.g., the axial direction) along the rotation axis R of the cage. In other words, the friction member 172 and the biasing device 158 may not overlap in the axial direction.

[0078] The second cavity 220 extends partially from the first axial side 150 of the movable member 90 into the movable member 90. The second cavity 220 is separated from the first cavity 148 by the second annular wall 222. The second cavity 220 does not extend into the movable member 90 in the same way that the first cavity 148 extends into the movable member 90.

[0079] The biasing device 158 is closer to the chain guide assembly 92 (i.e., on the outside) than the friction member 172 relative to the chain guide assembly 92. In other words, the distance between the friction member 172 and the chain guide assembly 92 is greater than the distance between the biasing device 158 and the chain guide assembly 92. The friction member 172 is disposed within the first cavity 148 such that the friction member 172 is closer to the first end 180 of the rotation shaft 144 than the second end 182 of the rotation shaft 144.

[0080] Friction member 172 can be used as a spring clutch. The frictional engagement between the inner annular surface 198 of friction member 172 and the first outer annular surface 192 of rotating shaft 144 restricts the rotational movement of chain guide assembly 92 relative to movable member 90. When chain guide assembly 92 and rotating shaft 144 rotate in the damping direction D, due to the different coefficients of friction between the first annular surface 192 of rotating shaft 144 and the outer annular surface 204 of the first annular wall 190, the first end 210 of friction member 172 moves more freely than the second end 212 of friction member 172. The frictional engagement between friction member 172 and the first annular surface 192 of rotating shaft 144 reduces the inner diameter of friction member 172 and increases its length. When chain guide assembly 92 and rotating shaft 144 rotate in the damping direction D, the frictional engagement between friction member 172 and the first outer annular surface 192 of rotating shaft 144 secures friction member 172 to rotating shaft 144, thereby increasing the radial force on rotating shaft 144.

[0081] Therefore, when the chain guide assembly 92 and the rotating shaft 144 rotate in the damping direction D, the friction member 172 generates a higher torque on the rotating shaft 144 compared to when the chain guide assembly 92 and the rotating shaft 144 rotate in the tension direction T. The different ratio of the torque generated by the friction member 172 on the rotating shaft 144 when the chain guide assembly 92 and the rotating shaft 144 rotate in the damping direction D to the torque generated by the friction member 172 on the rotating shaft 144 when the chain guide assembly 92 and the rotating shaft 144 rotate in the tension direction T can be provided based on the following factors: different dimensions, shapes, and / or materials of the friction member 172, the movable member 90, and / or the rotating shaft 144; and / or different positioning of the friction member 144 along the rotating shaft 144 and the first annular wall 190 of the movable member 90.

[0082] Although certain bicycle derailleurs, bicycles, and methods based on the teachings of this disclosure have been described herein, the scope of this patent is not limited thereto. Rather, this patent covers all embodiments that fall fully within the scope of permissible equivalents of the teachings of this disclosure.

[0083] The illustrations of the embodiments described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of various embodiments. These illustrations are not intended as a complete description of all elements and features of apparatuses and systems utilizing the structures or methods described herein. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading this disclosure. Other embodiments can be utilized and derived from this disclosure, allowing structural and logical substitutions and changes to be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, the illustrations are merely representative and may not be drawn to scale. Some scales in the illustrations may be exaggerated, while others may be minimized. Therefore, this disclosure and the accompanying drawings are to be considered illustrative rather than restrictive.

[0084] While this specification contains numerous details, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention or the scope that may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of specific features of particular embodiments of the invention. Certain features described herein in the context of individual embodiments may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented individually or in any suitable sub-combination in multiple embodiments. Furthermore, although features may be described above as functioning in certain combinations and even initially claimed in this way, one or more features from a claimed combination may be removed from that combination in certain circumstances, and the claimed combination may be for sub-combinations or variations thereof.

[0085] Similarly, although operations and / or actions are depicted in the accompanying drawings and described herein in a specific order, this should not be construed as requiring these operations to be performed in the specific order shown or in sequential order, or requiring all shown operations to achieve the desired result. In some cases, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Furthermore, the separation of various system components in the above embodiments should not be construed as requiring such separation in all embodiments, and it should be understood that any described program components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single software product or packaged into multiple software products.

[0086] One or more embodiments of this disclosure may be referred to herein individually and / or collectively by the term "invention," for convenience only and not intended to voluntarily limit the scope of this application to any particular invention or inventive concept. Furthermore, although specific embodiments are shown and described herein, it should be understood that any subsequent arrangements designed to achieve the same or similar purpose may replace the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all subsequent modifications or variations of the various embodiments. Combinations of the above embodiments, as well as other embodiments not specifically described herein, will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading this specification.

[0087] This abstract of the disclosure is provided and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Furthermore, in the foregoing detailed description, various features may be combined together or described in a single embodiment for the purpose of simplifying the disclosure. This disclosure should not be construed as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as reflected in the following claims, the inventive subject matter may relate to fewer features than all of any of the disclosed embodiments. Therefore, the following claims are incorporated into the detailed description, wherein each claim independently represents and separately defines the claimed subject matter.

[0088] The foregoing detailed description is intended to be illustrative rather than restrictive, and it should be understood that the appended claims, including all equivalents, are intended to define the scope of the invention. The claims should not be construed as limited to the described order or elements unless otherwise stated. Therefore, all embodiments falling within the scope and spirit of the appended claims and their equivalents are claimed as an invention.

Claims

1. A bicycle rear derailleur, the bicycle rear derailleur comprising: A base component that can be mounted onto a bicycle frame; A movable component that is movably connected to the base component; A pivoting member rotatably connected to the movable member, the pivoting member having a first outer annular surface and a second outer annular surface; A chain guide assembly, rotatably connected to the movable member via the pivot member, wherein the chain guide assembly is non-rotatably connected to the pivot member; A first support surface, at which the first outer annular surface of the pivoting member rotatably engages the movable member; A second support surface, at which the second outer annular surface of the pivoting member rotatably engages the movable member; A biasing device configured to bias the chain guide assembly in a first rotational direction relative to the movable member; as well as A damper device disposed within the movable member, the damper device being operable to apply a damping force to the chain guide assembly when the chain guide assembly rotates in a second rotational direction relative to the movable member, the second rotational direction being opposite to a first rotational direction, the damper device comprising: The friction device includes friction components. The friction member is located between the first support surface and the second support surface in the axial direction along the pivot member.

2. The bicycle rear derailleur according to claim 1, wherein, The diameter of the second support surface is smaller than the diameter of the first support surface.

3. The bicycle rear derailleur according to claim 2, wherein, The pivoting member includes a third outer annular surface, and the friction member has an inner friction surface and an outer surface, wherein the inner friction surface is biased against the third outer annular surface of the pivoting member and frictionally engages with the third outer annular surface.

4. The bicycle rear derailleur according to claim 3, wherein, The diameter of the third outer annular surface of the pivoting member is larger than the diameter of the second outer annular surface of the pivoting member, and The diameter of the third outer annular surface of the pivot member is smaller than the diameter of the first outer annular surface of the pivot member.

5. The bicycle rear derailleur according to claim 3, wherein, The internal friction surface has a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion of the internal friction surface is biased against the third outer annular surface of the pivot member and frictionally engages with the third outer annular surface, and the second portion of the internal friction surface is biased against the movable member and frictionally engages with the movable member.

6. The bicycle rear derailleur according to claim 5, wherein, The second portion of the inner friction surface engages with a surface friction in one or more inner surfaces of the movable member at, near, or both at and near the second end of the friction member, such that the first end of the friction member is biased toward the chain guide assembly.

7. The bicycle rear derailleur according to claim 6, wherein, The surface of the movable member is angled relative to the axis of rotation of the pivoting member, such that the friction member is biased toward the chain guide assembly.

8. The bicycle rear derailleur according to claim 1, wherein, The friction device is disposed within the movable member and spaced apart from the biasing device in the axial direction along the pivot member, such that the friction device and the biasing device do not overlap in the axial direction.

9. The bicycle rear derailleur according to claim 1, wherein, The distance between the friction device and the chain guide assembly in the axial direction is greater than the distance between the biasing device and the chain guide assembly in the axial direction.

10. The bicycle rear derailleur according to claim 1, wherein, The friction member is radially inward relative to the biasing device.

11. The bicycle rear derailleur according to claim 1, wherein, The friction component is a torsion spring.

12. The bicycle rear derailleur according to claim 11, wherein, The torsion spring is left-handed.

13. The bicycle rear derailleur according to claim 1, wherein, The movable member has a single open side. The movable member includes a cavity extending from the single opening side of the movable member into the movable member. At least a portion of the pivoting member and the friction device are disposed in the cavity.

14. The bicycle rear derailleur according to claim 13, wherein, The single opening side of the movable member is located on the same side of the movable member as the chain guide assembly.

15. A bicycle rear derailleur, the bicycle rear derailleur comprising: A base component that can be mounted onto a bicycle frame; A movable member movably connected to the base member, the movable member having a single open side and a recess extending partially through the movable member from the single open side; A pivoting member rotatably connected to the movable member, the pivoting member having a first outer annular surface and a second outer annular surface; A chain guide assembly, rotatably connected to the movable member via the pivot member, wherein the chain guide assembly is non-rotatably connected to the pivot member; A first support surface, at which the first outer annular surface of the pivoting member rotatably engages the movable member; A second support surface, at which the second outer annular surface of the pivoting member rotatably engages the movable member; A biasing device configured to bias the chain guide assembly in a first rotational direction relative to the movable member; A damper device disposed within the recess of the movable member, the damper device being operable to apply a damping force to the chain guide assembly when the chain guide assembly rotates in a second rotational direction relative to the movable member, the second rotational direction being opposite to the first rotational direction, the damper device comprising: A friction device that frictionally engages with the pivot member and the movable member; and wherein the friction device is located between the first support surface and the second support surface in the axial direction along the pivot member.

16. A bicycle rear derailleur, the bicycle rear derailleur comprising: A base component that can be mounted onto a bicycle frame; A movable member movably connected to the base member, the movable member having a single open side, the movable member having a recess extending partially through the movable member from the single open side, the movable member including an inclined section; A pivoting member that is rotatably connected to the movable member; A chain guide assembly, rotatably connected to the movable member via the pivot member, wherein the chain guide assembly is non-rotatably connected to the pivot member; A biasing device configured to bias the chain guide assembly in a first rotational direction relative to the movable member; A damper device disposed within the recess of the movable member, the damper device being operable to apply a damping force to the chain guide assembly when the chain guide assembly rotates in a second rotational direction relative to the movable member, the second rotational direction being opposite to the first rotational direction, the damper device comprising: A friction device that engages frictionally with the movable component. Wherein, at least a portion of the friction device engages with the inclined section of the movable member to position the friction device axially relative to the movable member.

17. The bicycle rear derailleur according to claim 16, wherein, The pivoting member has a first outer annular surface and a second outer annular surface, and the bicycle rear derailleur further includes: A first support surface, at which the first outer annular surface of the pivoting member rotatably engages the movable member; and A second support surface, at which the second outer annular surface of the pivoting member rotatably engages the movable member.

18. The bicycle rear derailleur according to claim 17, wherein, The friction device engages frictionally with the pivoting member and the movable member; and The friction device is located between the first support surface and the second support surface in the axial direction along the pivot member.

19. The bicycle rear derailleur according to claim 16, wherein, The axially positioned friction device includes biasing the friction device toward the chain guide assembly.

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