Electromechanical damping device and derailleur

Abstract

The utility model provides an electromechanical damping device and a derailleur. The electromechanical damping device is arranged on a movable component of a derailleur and can be connected to a chain guide of the derailleur, the electromechanical damping device comprises a driving unit and a damping unit, and the driving unit can drive the damping unit to be switched between a damping state and a release state; wherein, in the damping state, the damping unit applies a force to the chain guide to provide a damping force when the chain guide rotates in at least one rotational direction relative to the movable member; in the release state, the damping force between the damping unit and the chain guide is weakened or eliminated; and when the derailleur is in the gear shifting process, the damping unit is in the release state. The electromechanical damping device and the derailleur are used for solving the problem that the derailleur is large in damping force in the gear shifting process.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of bicycles, and in particular to an electromechanical damping device and a derailleur. Background Art

[0002] A derailleur is an important component of a variable-speed bicycle, which is used to push the chain to switch between sprocket discs with different diameters to change the transmission ratio and achieve speed change. The derailleur has a chain guide, and a tension wheel meshing with the chain is arranged on the chain guide. During the speed change shifting process, the length of the chain cooperating with sprocket discs with different diameters changes. Therefore, during the speed change shifting process, the chain guide will change the angle to tighten or release a certain length of the chain.

[0003] In the prior art, the chain guide is usually kept in a tensioned state by the force applied by an elastic biasing element. When the bicycle travels on a flat terrain, the solutions in the prior art are usually sufficient to keep the chain guide in a tensioned state, so as to ensure that the chain has sufficient tension and will not fall off the sprocket. However, when the bicycle travels on a rough terrain, due to large bumps and vibrations, the chain guide will sway in a direction that makes the chain loose at some moments, which will cause the chain to become loose and result in chain dropping.

[0004] In this regard, there are solutions in the prior art to alleviate the above problems by adding a damping system. For example, the Chinese invention patent with the publication number CN108995759B discloses a damper device for a rear derailleur. Although adding a damper device can alleviate the problem of chain slack and dropping, during the speed change shifting process, the derailleur needs to do work against the damping force of the damper device, which will increase energy consumption. Therefore, during the speed change shifting process, the existence of the damping force has an adverse effect.

[0005] In view of this, it is necessary to propose a new technical solution to overcome the problems existing in the prior art. Summary of the Utility Model

[0006] The present application provides an electromechanical damping device and a derailleur, which solve the problem of large shifting damping force in the prior art.

[0007] The present application is realized by the following technical solutions: An electromechanical damping device is configured on a movable member of a derailleur and can be engaged with a chain guide of the derailleur. The electromechanical damping device includes a driving unit and a damping unit, and the driving unit can drive the damping unit to switch between a damping state and a release state;

[0008] Wherein, in the damping state, the damping unit applies a force to the chain guide to provide a damping force when the chain guide rotates relative to the movable member in at least one rotation direction;

[0009] In the release state, the damping force between the damping unit and the chain guide is weakened or eliminated;

[0010] Wherein, when the derailleur is in the process of shifting gears, the damping unit is in the release state.

[0011] Optionally, the damping unit is joined to the chain guide through a main shaft, the damping unit includes a friction member contacting with the main shaft, and the driving unit drives the friction member to change the normal pressure between the friction member and the main shaft so as to change the frictional damping force.

[0012] Optionally, the friction member is a sleeve sleeved on the outer periphery of the main shaft, the sleeve has an opening with adjustable width, and the driving unit changes the tightening force of the sleeve on the main shaft by adjusting the width of the opening, so as to change the normal pressure therebetween.

[0013] Optionally, the sleeve is an elastic member, which is configured to increase the width of the opening when the driving unit releases the force applied to the sleeve, so as to weaken or eliminate the tightening force on the main shaft.

[0014] Optionally, the lower part of the main shaft is connected to the movable member through a bearing.

[0015] Optionally, two lugs extend from both ends of the opening, the driving unit includes a motor and a cam driven by the motor, and the cam drives the two lugs to approach each other to tighten the opening.

[0016] Optionally, one of the two lugs contacts with the cam, and the other is fixed relative to the movable member.

[0017] Optionally, the electromechanical damping device includes a mounting seat, the driving unit and the damping unit are both mounted on the mounting seat, and are assembled into the movable member through the mounting seat.

[0018] Optionally, the electromechanical damping device includes a state detection unit, which is configured to detect the rotation angle of the motor included in the driving unit and judge the state of the damping unit according to the rotation angle.

[0019] This application is also implemented by the following technical solution: A derailleur includes a fixed base, a link mechanism, a movable member, a chain guide and the electromechanical damping device as described above. The derailleur controls gear shifting by means of a shift electric signal, wherein the shift electric signal is configured to first trigger the electromechanical damping device to switch the damping unit to the release state, and then trigger the derailleur to perform a chain shifting action.

[0020] The electromechanical damping device and derailleur provided by the present application include a driving unit and a damping unit. The driving unit can drive the damping unit to switch between a damping state and a release state. In the damping state, the damping unit applies a force to the chain guide to provide a damping force when the chain guide rotates relative to the movable member in at least one rotational direction, thereby preventing the chain from loosening and dropping due to the vibration of the chain guide. In the release state, the damping force between the damping unit and the chain guide is weakened or eliminated. During shifting, the derailleur can achieve a small damping force or no damping force during the shifting process, reducing the shifting resistance and improving the smoothness and reliability of shifting. Description of the Drawings

[0021] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, the drawings of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below only relate to some embodiments of the present application and do not limit the present application.

[0022] Figure 1 It is a three-dimensional combined view of an embodiment of the derailleur of the present application.

[0023] Figure 2 It is a three-dimensional combined view of an embodiment of the electromechanical damping device of the present application and the movable member.

[0024] Figure 3 It is an assembly state diagram of an embodiment of the electromechanical damping device of the present application in the movable member.

[0025] Figure 4 It is a three-dimensional exploded view of an embodiment of the electromechanical damping device of the present application and the movable member.

[0026] Figure 5 It is a three-dimensional view of a friction member in an embodiment of the electromechanical damping device of the present application.

[0027] Description of the reference numerals: 100, derailleur; 10, movable member; 20, fixed base; 30, link mechanism; 40, chain guide; 11, member body; 12, member upper cover; 13, member bottom cover; 2, main shaft; 21, bearing; 22, bearing positioning member; 3, driving unit; 31, mounting seat; 32, motor; 33, cam; 4, friction member; 41, sleeve portion; 410, necking; 42, lug; 421, first lug; 422, second lug. Detailed Embodiments

[0028] To make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the following will further elaborate on this application in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The components of the embodiments of this application described and illustrated in the drawings here can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative efforts fall within the scope of protection of this application.

[0029] It should be noted that: like reference numerals and letters denote like items in the following drawings. Therefore, once an item is defined in one drawing, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent drawings.

[0030] Unless otherwise defined, the technical terms or scientific terms used in this patent document should have the ordinary meaning as understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains. The terms "first", "second" and similar terms used in the specification and claims of this application do not denote any order, quantity or importance, but are only used to distinguish different components. Similarly, the terms such as "a", "an" or "the" do not denote a quantity limitation, but mean that there is at least one. The terms such as "comprising" or "including" mean that the elements or items appearing before "comprising" or "including" cover the elements or items listed after "comprising" or "including" and their equivalents, and do not exclude other elements or items. The terms such as "center", "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "inner", "outer", etc. are only used to represent relative positional relationships. When the absolute position of the object being described changes, the relative positional relationship may also change accordingly. They are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and thus should not be construed as a limitation to this application.

[0031] In the description of this application, it should be noted that unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installed", "connected" and "coupled" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, and it can be the communication inside two elements. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in this application can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0032] The following will elaborate on some embodiments of this application in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Without conflict, the features in the following embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0033] Please refer to Figure 1As shown, the present application discloses a derailleur 100, which is a rear derailleur of a bicycle in this embodiment. The derailleur includes a fixed base 20, a linkage mechanism 30, a movable member 10, a chain guide 40, and an electromechanical damping device disposed on the movable member 10. The fixed base 20 is used to attach the derailleur 100 to the bicycle; the linkage mechanism 30 is movably connected between the fixed base 20 and the movable member 10 to enable the movable member 10 to move relative to the fixed base 20 to achieve speed change; the chain guide 40 is rotatably connected to the movable member 10 and is used to rotate relative to the movable member 10 to tension the chain threaded through the chain guide 40. The electromechanical damping device is disposed within the movable member 10 and can be engaged with the chain guide 40 to lock the chain guide 40 to prevent the chain from slackening and dropping due to the shaking of the chain guide 40 when the derailleur 100 does not shift gears, and to release the lock when the derailleur 100 shifts gears to avoid excessive shifting resistance and poor shifting smoothness.

[0034] Please refer to Figures 2 to 5 As shown, the electromechanical damping device includes a drive unit 3 and a damping unit, and the drive unit can drive the damping unit to switch between a damping state and a release state. Wherein, in the damping state, the damping unit applies a force to the chain guide 40 to provide a damping force when the chain guide 40 rotates relative to the movable member 10 in at least one rotational direction; in the release state, the damping force between the damping unit and the chain guide 40 is weakened or eliminated. Wherein, when the derailleur 100 is in the process of shifting gears, the damping unit is in the release state. The derailleur 100 provided by the present application has a better effect of preventing the chain from slackening and dropping due to the vibration of the chain guide when not shifting gears, and can achieve small or no damping force during the shifting process, with the effects of reducing the shifting resistance, improving the shifting smoothness and reliability.

[0035] Please refer to Figures 2 to 5 As shown, in this embodiment, the movable member 10 includes a member body 11, a member upper cover 12 covering the upper end of the member body 11, and a member bottom cover 13 covering the lower end of the member body 11. The member body 11 has a cavity therein, and the electromechanical damping device is disposed in the cavity. One end of the chain guide 40 has a rotating shaft that extends through the member bottom cover 13 into the cavity to be able to engage with the electromechanical damping device. In this embodiment, the drive unit 3 drives the damping unit to switch between the damping state and the release state by changing the frictional damping force.

[0036] As Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, the electromechanical damping device further includes a mounting seat 31, the driving unit 3 and the damping unit are both mounted on the mounting seat 31, and the mounting seat 31 is assembled to the movable member through the mounting seat, and the mounting seat 31 is fixed to the member body 11. The driving unit 3 includes a motor 32 and a cam 33, the motor 32 is mounted on the mounting seat 31, and the cam 33 is connected to the output shaft of the motor 32 to be driven to rotate by the output shaft, and during the rotation process, the circumferential side surface of the cam 33 contacts the damping unit to cause the damping unit to move.

[0037] The damping unit is connected to the chain guide 40 via a main shaft 2. The lower end of the main shaft 2 can be connected to the chain guide 40 by means of a spline or a screw. The damping unit includes a friction member 4 in contact with the main shaft 2. The friction member 4 is a sleeve sleeved on the outer periphery of the main shaft 2. Figure 5 As shown, the friction member 4 includes a sleeve portion 41, and the sleeve portion 41 has a width-adjustable closing opening 410, and two lugs 42 extend from both ends of the closing opening 410, namely a first lug 421 and a second lug 422. When the two lugs 42 are close to each other, the sleeve portion 41 will be elastically deformed to be tightened toward the center, so that the closing opening 410 is tightened, so that the sleeve portion 41 hugs the main shaft 2 to increase the friction between the friction member 4 and the main shaft 2. In order to make the friction between the two sufficiently large, the peripheral surface of the main shaft 2 that cooperates with the friction member 4 can be set as a rough surface, or a component that can increase the friction can be set.

[0038] Please also read Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the friction member 4 is mounted on the mounting seat 31, the first lug 421 contacts the circumferential side of the cam 33, and the second lug 422 abuts against the mounting seat 31 or the component body 11. When the motor 32 drives the cam 33 to rotate and press the first lug 421, the first lug 421 moves toward the direction close to the second lug 422, and the two lugs 42 approach each other to tighten the closing 410, and the sleeve part 41 holds the main shaft 2 tightly, and the friction force increases; when the motor 32 drives the cam 33 to rotate and release the first lug 421, the friction member 4 increases the closing 410 under the action of its own elastic restoring force, and the sleeve part 41 is loosened from the main shaft 2, and the friction force is reduced or even disappears. That is, the driving unit 3 changes the tightening force of the sleeve on the main shaft 2 by adjusting the width of the closing 410, thereby changing the positive pressure between the two, and then changing the friction damping force between the two. The lower part of the main shaft 2 is connected to the movable component 10 through the bearing 21. Specifically, the bearing 21 is sleeved on the lower part of the main shaft 2 , and the outer ring of the bearing 21 is fixed in the component body 11 through a bearing positioning piece 22 .

[0039] When in use, the chain guide 40 is connected to the main shaft 2 and the two are relatively fixed in the rotation direction; when the motor 32 drives the friction member 4 to hold the main shaft 2 via the cam 33, the rotation of the main shaft 2 and the chain guide 40 connected thereto is subject to a large damping force, thereby preventing the chain guide 40 from shaking and causing the chain to be damaged or fall off; when the motor 32 drives the friction member 4 to release the hold on the main shaft 2 via the cam 33, the rotation of the main shaft 2 and the chain guide 40 connected thereto is subject to little or no resistance, and gear shifting can be performed at this time to reduce the gear shifting resistance, reduce gear shifting energy consumption, and improve gear shifting smoothness and reliability. In the present embodiment, in the damping state, the chain guide 40 is prevented from rotating in both rotational directions relative to the movable member 10. In other embodiments, the damping unit may be set as a one-way damping structure so that in the damping state, the chain guide 40 is prevented from rotating only in the rotational direction of loosening the chain relative to the movable member 10, while the rotation in the direction of tightening the chain on the chain guide 40 is not prevented, thereby enabling the chain guide 40 to remain in a tensioned state at all times.

[0040] Furthermore, the electromechanical damping device further comprises a state detection unit, which is configured to detect the rotation angle of the motor 32 included in the driving unit, and to determine the state of the damping unit according to the rotation angle. The state detection unit may be a grating sensor, a micro switch, etc., which can identify and determine the state of the damping unit according to parameters such as the angle and position of the motor 32.

[0041] In some embodiments, the derailleur 100 provided in the present application controls gear shifting by means of a gear shifting electrical signal, wherein the gear shifting electrical signal is configured to first trigger the electromechanical damping device to release the damping force, and then trigger the derailleur 100 to perform the shifting action, so that the shifting can be completed in one action.

[0042] Through the above description of multiple specific embodiments, it can be known that the electromechanical damping device and derailleur 100 provided by the present application, the driving unit can drive the damping unit to switch between a damping state and a release state. In the damping state, the damping unit is connected to the chain guide 40 to provide a damping force when the chain guide 40 rotates in at least one rotational direction relative to the movable member, thereby preventing the chain guide 40 from vibrating and causing the chain to loosen and fall off; in the release state, the damping unit is released from the connection with the chain guide 40 to reduce or remove the damping force. In this release state, the derailleur 100 performs gear shifting, which can achieve low or no damping force during the gear shifting process, thereby reducing the gear shifting resistance and improving the gear shifting smoothness and reliability.

[0043] As described above, it is only the specific implementation manner of the present application, but the protection scope of the present application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily thought of by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed by the present application should be covered within the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the present application shall be subject to the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An electromechanical damping device configured on a movable member of a derailleur and capable of engaging with a chain guide of the derailleur, characterized in that, The electromechanical damping device comprises a driving unit and a damping unit, wherein the driving unit is capable of driving the damping unit to switch between a damping state and a release state; wherein, in the damping state, the damping unit applies force to the chain guide to provide a damping force when the chain guide rotates relative to the movable member in at least one rotational direction; In the released state, the damping force between the damping unit and the chain guide is weakened or eliminated; Wherein, when the derailleur is in the gear shifting process, the damping unit is in the released state.

2. The electromechanical damping device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The damping unit is coupled to the chain guide via a main shaft, the damping unit includes a friction member contacting the main shaft, and the driving unit drives the friction member to change a normal pressure between the friction member and the main shaft to change a friction damping force.

3. The electromechanical damping device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The friction member is a sleeve sleeved on the outer circumference of the main shaft, and the sleeve has a closing opening with adjustable width. The driving unit changes the tightening force of the sleeve on the main shaft by adjusting the width of the closing opening, thereby changing the positive pressure between the two.

4. The electromechanical damping device according to claim 3, wherein, The sleeve is an elastic member, which is configured to increase the closing width when the driving unit releases the force applied to the sleeve, so as to weaken or eliminate the tightening force on the main shaft.

5. The electromechanical damping device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The lower portion of the main shaft is connected to the movable member through a bearing.

6. The electromechanical damping device according to claim 3, characterized in that, Two lugs extend from both ends of the closing mouth, and the driving unit comprises a motor and a cam driven by the motor. The cam drives the two lugs to approach each other to tighten the closing mouth.

7. The electromechanical damping device according to claim 6, characterized in that, One of the two lugs is in contact with the cam, and the other is fixed relative to the movable member.

8. The electromechanical damping device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The electromechanical damping device comprises a mounting seat, the driving unit and the damping unit are both mounted on the mounting seat and assembled into the movable member through the mounting seat.

9. The electromechanical damping device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The electromechanical damping device includes a state detection unit, which is configured to detect a rotation angle of a motor included in a driving unit and determine a state of the damping unit according to the rotation angle.

10. A derailleur, characterized in that, It comprises a fixed base, a connecting rod mechanism, a movable component, a chain guide and an electromechanical damping device as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the derailleur controls the gear shifting by means of a gear shifting electrical signal, wherein the gear shifting electrical signal is configured to first trigger the electromechanical damping device to switch the damping unit to a released state, and then trigger the derailleur to perform the gear shifting action.

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