Electric derailleur

Abstract

The utility model provides an electric derailleur. The electric derailleur comprises a fixed part, a movable part, a first connecting rod, a second connecting rod, four pivots and a control module, the fixing part is used for being attached to a frame of a bicycle; the movable part moves relative to the fixed part; the first connecting rod is pivotally connected with the fixed part and the movable part; the second connecting rod is pivotally connected with the fixed part and the movable part; the fixed part, the movable part, the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod are pivoted to form a four-connecting-rod structure, so that the movable part moves relative to the fixed part; the pivots are respectively positioned between the fixed part and the second connecting rod, between the second connecting rod and the movable part, between the movable part and the first connecting rod, and between the first connecting rod and the fixed part; the control module is positioned opposite to the fixed part, the movable part, the first connecting rod or the second connecting rod, and is arranged at one end of one pivot.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to bicycle rear derailleurs; in particular, to electric derailleurs. Background Technology

[0002] Traditional electric derailleurs have a control module that receives gear shift signals and drives the movable part to adjust the chain position. However, current technology typically places this control module inside the fixed part of the electric derailleur, a design that has several drawbacks.

[0003] Because the control module is completely encapsulated within the mounting section, any malfunction or component damage requires the entire electric derailleur to be removed from the frame for repairs, increasing maintenance costs and complicating operations. Furthermore, the limited space within the mounting section severely restricts the size and layout of the control module, making upgrades or replacements difficult without compromising the overall structural strength of the electric derailleur, thus reducing design flexibility. Additionally, the deep integration of the control module within the mounting section complicates the configuration of power and signal cables, increasing assembly and repair difficulties and potentially affecting cable durability and signal stability.

[0004] Therefore, how to provide an electric derailleur that optimizes the configuration of the control module and improves maintenance convenience and structural flexibility is an urgent problem to be solved. Utility Model Content

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by this application is to provide an electric derailleur that improves the configuration of the control module.

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

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

[0008] The other effects and embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0009] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments recorded in this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0010] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an electric derailleur according to a preferred embodiment of this application;

[0011] Figure 2 This is a top view of the electric derailleur of the preferred embodiment described above;

[0012] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the electric derailleur of the preferred embodiment described above from another angle.

[0013] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the electric derailleur of the preferred embodiment described above from another angle.

[0014] Figure 5 This is a partial exploded view of the electric derailleur of the preferred embodiment described above.

[0015] Figure 6 This is another exploded view of the electric derailleur of the preferred embodiment described above;

[0016] Figure 7 for Figure 3 Enlarged view of circled area B;

[0017] Figure 8 for Figure 4 Enlarged view of circled area C;

[0018] Figure 9 for Figure 2 A sectional view along the AA direction;

[0019] Figure 10 for Figure 9 Enlarged view of circled area D.

[0020] Symbol Explanation

[0021] 100: Electric derailleur; 10: Fixing part

[0022] 12: First pivot ring; 14: Second pivot ring

[0023] 20: Movable part; 30: First link

[0024] 32: Third pivot ring; 33: Positioning hole

[0025] 34: Fourth pivot ring; 40: Second connecting rod

[0026] 50: Pivot 52: First Pivot

[0027] 522: Battery cavity 5222: Opening

[0028] 524: Positioning part; 54: Second pivot

[0029] 60: Control module; 61: Housing

[0030] 612: Perforation; 62: Circuit board

[0031] 622: Contact point; 624: Gear position detection unit

[0032] 64: Port 65: Switch

[0033] 66: Visual indicator 67: Antenna

[0034] 70: Battery cell; 72: Battery casing

[0035] 722: End cap; 7222: Terminal opening

[0036] 74: Battery body 80: Derailleur section

[0037] 90: Positioning component; 91: Stopping component Detailed Implementation

[0038] In the following text, the terms used in the description of embodiments according to this application, such as "upper" and "lower" indicating orientation or positional relationships, are based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the drawings. These terms are used merely for convenience in describing this application and are not intended to limit it; that is, they do not indicate or imply that the mentioned components must have a specific orientation or be constructed in a specific orientation. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" mentioned in this specification or the claims are only used to name components or distinguish different embodiments or scopes, and are not used to limit the upper or lower limit of the number of components.

[0039] To more clearly illustrate this application, preferred embodiments are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Please refer to... Figure 1 and Figure 6 As shown, a preferred embodiment of this application discloses an electric derailleur 100 for mounting on a bicycle frame (not shown). The electric derailleur 100 includes a fixed part 10, a movable part 20, a first link 30, a second link 40, four pivots 50, a control module 60, a battery unit 70, a derailleur part 80, and a plurality of positioning members 90.

[0040] Please cooperate. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The fixed part 10, movable part 20, first link 30, and second link 40 are pivotally connected to form a four-bar linkage. One end of the fixed part 10 is attached to the bicycle frame to provide a stable mounting point for the electric derailleur 100. The movable part 20 is movable relative to the fixed part 10 to achieve gear shifting. The two ends of the first link 30 are pivotally connected to the fixed part 10 and the movable part 20, respectively. The two ends of the second link 40 are pivotally connected to the fixed part 10 and the movable part 20, respectively, to allow the movable part 20 to move relative to the fixed part 10. The second link 40 is closer to the frame than the first link 30.

[0041] like Figure 3 As shown, more specifically, the fixing part 10 has a first pivot ring 12 and a second pivot ring 14 coaxially arranged at one end adjacent to the first connecting rod 30, with the first pivot ring 12 located above the second pivot ring 14.

[0042] like Figure 3 As shown, the first connecting rod 30 has a third pivot ring 32 and a fourth pivot ring 34 coaxially arranged at one end adjacent to the fixed part 10, with the third pivot ring 32 located above the fourth pivot ring 34. Specifically, the third pivot ring 32 is positioned above the first pivot ring 12, and the second pivot ring 14 is positioned above the fourth pivot ring 34.

[0043] like Figure 6 and Figure 9As shown, the third pivot ring 32 is provided with a plurality of positioning holes 33 for the corresponding positioning elements 90 to be positioned.

[0044] like Figure 1 As shown, four pivots 50 are respectively located between the fixed part 10 and the second link 40, between the second link 40 and the movable part 20, between the movable part 20 and the first link 30, and between the first link 30 and the fixed part 10. These pivots 50 can provide rotational support between the links, ensuring the stability and flexibility of the overall mechanism's movement.

[0045] like Figure 1 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 9 As shown, the pivots 50 are defined as a first pivot 52 and three second pivots 54. The first pivot 52 is defined as a tubular structure having a battery cavity 522, and each of the second pivots 54 is a rod-shaped structure.

[0046] like Figure 3 and Figure 9 As shown, the first pivot 52 is located between the first connecting rod 30 and the fixed part 10, and the first pivot 52 is disposed in the first pivot ring 12, the second pivot ring 14, the third pivot ring 32 and the fourth pivot ring 34, thereby providing support and rotation functions between the first connecting rod 30 and the fixed part 10.

[0047] In this embodiment, the first pivot 52 is located between the first link 30 and the fixed part 10. In other embodiments, the first pivot 52 may also be located between the fixed part 10 and the second link 40, between the second link 40 and the movable part 20, or between the movable part 20 and the first link 30, to adapt to different mechanism requirements.

[0048] like Figure 6 and Figure 9 As shown, the first pivot 52 includes a battery cavity 522, and one end of the first pivot 52 has a positioning portion 524. The battery cavity 522 is formed inside the first pivot 52, and the battery cavity 522 has an opening 5222 for accommodating the battery unit 70. The design of the first pivot 52 achieves effective integration of the battery unit 70, thereby simplifying the structural design, improving space utilization efficiency, and effectively reducing the impact of external impacts on the battery unit 70.

[0049] like Figures 6 to 9 As shown, the positioning part 524 is used to fix the positioning members 90. The positioning part 524 is a protruding ring provided on the outer surface of the first pivot 52, and the positioning part 524 is located above the third pivot ring 32.

[0050] like Figure 4 , Figure 7 and Figure 8As shown, the control module 60 includes a housing 61, a circuit board 62, a port 64, a switch 65, a visual indicator 66, and an antenna 67.

[0051] like Figure 4 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the outer casing 61 extends along a major axis of the first connecting rod 30, and one end of the outer casing 61 is positioned above the positioning portion 524 of the first pivot 52. One end of the outer casing 61 has a through hole 612, in which one end cap 722 of the battery unit 70 is fixed. The control module 60 and the battery unit 70 are fixed to each other.

[0052] like Figure 8 As shown, the outer casing 61 covers the circuit board 62, and one end of the circuit board 62 is provided with a contact 622 for electrical connection with the battery unit 70. By positioning the circuit board 62 at one end of the battery unit 70, the current conduction path is shortened, effectively reducing current loss and further improving the electrical energy transmission efficiency and overall system performance.

[0053] like Figure 8 As shown, one end of port 64 is connected to the end of circuit board 62 away from contact 622, and the other end of port 64 protrudes outward through housing 61, used for power transmission and data communication. By positioning port 64 near battery cell 70, the current transmission distance is effectively shortened, thereby reducing current loss and further improving charging efficiency and system performance.

[0054] In this embodiment, the housing 61 is made of a non-metallic material, such as plastic, to reduce electrical conductivity and avoid the risk of short circuits. In addition, non-metallic materials have better insulation, corrosion resistance, and signal transmission, which helps to improve the service life and safety of the control module 60 and prevent the wireless signal from being shielded or weakened by the housing 61.

[0055] like Figure 7 As shown, switch 65 is disposed on housing 61 and electrically connected to circuit board 62 to control the operation of circuit board 62. Specifically, switch 65 is a power switch used to control the power on / off of circuit board 62, thereby realizing power management of control module 60.

[0056] In this embodiment, switch 65 may be a push-button switch. In other embodiments, switch 65 may also be a touch switch.

[0057] In this embodiment, switch 65 is the power switch. In other embodiments, switch 65 may also be a mode control switch for switching the operating mode of circuit board 62; for example, different operating parameters or function settings can be selected through switch 65 to adapt to various application requirements.

[0058] In this embodiment, there is one switch 65. In other embodiments, there may be two switches 65, one being a power switch and the other a mode control switch.

[0059] like Figure 7 As shown, a visual indicator 66 is mounted on the housing 61 and electrically connected to the circuit board 62 to display the battery cell 70's power level, gear position, operating status, error messages, and operating mode prompts. This allows users to quickly determine the status of the electric derailleur 100, improving operational convenience and user experience.

[0060] Specifically, the visual indicator 66 displays different device states through changes in light color, flashing speed, flashing frequency, and interval. For example: regarding the display of battery cell 70's power information, a green light indicates sufficient power, a yellow light indicates low power, and a red light indicates that the power is too low and needs charging; regarding the display of gear information, different colors or flashing patterns indicate the position of the electric derailleur 100, such as using specific colors or rapid flashing to indicate the highest and lowest gears; regarding the display of operating status, a short flashing green light indicates a successful gear shift, a flashing red light indicates a failed gear shift, and an intermittent flashing pattern indicates fine-tuning mode; regarding error prompts, for example, a rapidly flashing red light indicates system malfunction or operational limitations, while a solid red light indicates a power-on malfunction; regarding operating mode prompts, for example, a blue light indicates normal mode, a green light indicates power-saving mode, a yellow light indicates standby mode, and a slowly flashing red light indicates charging mode.

[0061] like Figure 8 As shown, antenna 67 is electrically connected to circuit board 62 to receive an external wireless signal and transmit it to circuit board 62, and to transmit an internal wireless signal from circuit board 62 to an external device. Through antenna 67, bidirectional wireless communication between the electric derailleur 100 and the external device can be achieved, such as receiving remote control commands or transmitting status information of the electric derailleur 100, thereby improving the intelligence and ease of operation of the electric derailleur 100.

[0062] like Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the battery unit 70 includes a battery housing 72 and a battery body 74. The battery housing 72 is housed in the battery cavity 522 of the first pivot 52, and the battery body 74 is housed within the battery housing 72. Figures 7 to 9 As shown, one end of the battery casing 72 has an end cap 722, which protrudes from the opening 5222 of the battery cavity 522. Figure 10As shown, the end cap 722 has a terminal opening 7222 located on the bottom surface of the end cap 722, allowing one terminal (not shown) of the battery body 74 to be exposed. This terminal is electrically connected to the contact 622 of the circuit board 62. This provides secure protection for the battery body 74 while ensuring a stable connection between the battery body 74 and the circuit board 62 and convenient operation.

[0063] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the derailleur 80 is pivotally connected to the movable part 20 and can move relative to the fixed part 10 with the movable part 20. By moving the movable part 20 and the derailleur 80 relative to the fixed part 10, one chain (not shown) of the bicycle can move from one sprocket (not shown) to another sprocket (not shown), thereby achieving smooth gear shifting.

[0064] like Figure 6 , Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, these positioning elements 90 are arranged around the battery unit 70. In this embodiment, one end of each positioning element 90 is disposed in each positioning hole 33 of the third pivot ring 32, and the other end of each positioning element 90 sequentially passes through the positioning part 524 of the first pivot 52 and the housing 61 of the control module 60. The positioning part 524 of the first pivot 52, the third pivot ring 32 of the first connecting rod 30, and the housing 61 of the control module 60 are positioned relative to each other, and the first pivot 52 and the housing 61 of the control module 60 are fixed to each other.

[0065] Furthermore, by maintaining a fixed position of the control module 60 relative to the first link 30, and with the housing 61 of the control module 60 extending along the long axis of the first link 30, it is ensured that the electric derailleur 100 is protected from external impacts during use. This structural design not only improves overall stability but also effectively reduces the risk of performance degradation due to vibration or impact, further enhancing the durability and reliability of the control module 60.

[0066] In this embodiment, there are two positioning elements 90, and the third pivot ring 32 also has two positioning holes 33. In other embodiments, the number of positioning elements 90 may be one or more, and the number of positioning holes 33 may also be adjusted accordingly to one or more, to ensure structural stability and adapt to different installation requirements.

[0067] In this embodiment, the first pivot 52 and the housing 61 of the control module 60 are fixed to each other. The first pivot 52 is located between the first connecting rod 30 and the fixed part 10. The control module 60 is positioned relative to the first connecting rod 30, and the housing 61 extends along the long axis of the first connecting rod 30. In other embodiments, if the first pivot 52 and the housing 61 of the control module 60 are fixed to each other, and the first pivot 52 is located between the fixed part 10 and the second connecting rod 40, between the second connecting rod 40 and the movable part 20, or between the movable part 20 and the first connecting rod 30, the control module 60 may also be positioned relative to the fixed part 10, the movable part 20, or the second connecting rod 40. Furthermore, in other embodiments, if the first pivot 52 is located between the fixed part 10 and the second connecting rod 40, or between the second connecting rod 40 and the movable part 20, the housing 61 may also extend along a long axis of the second connecting rod 40.

[0068] like Figure 6 and Figure 9 As shown, in this embodiment, the first pivot 52 has a stop 91, which is attached to an outer side of the first pivot 52 and located on the bottom side of the fourth pivot ring 34 of the first connecting rod 30, to limit the displacement of the first pivot 52 relative to the fourth pivot ring 34. Through the cooperation of the stop 91 and the positioning part 524, the first pivot 52 is prevented from displacing relative to the fixing part 10 and the first connecting rod 30 along the longitudinal axis of the first pivot 52, thereby achieving a more stable pivoting connection between the fixing part 10 and the first connecting rod 30 via the first pivot 52. In other embodiments, the position of the stop 91 can be adjusted along the longitudinal axis of the first pivot 52 and can be located on the bottom side of the first pivot ring 12, the second pivot ring 14, or the third pivot ring 32 to limit the displacement of the first pivot 52 relative to the first pivot ring 12, the second pivot ring 14, or the third pivot ring 32. By cooperating with the stop 91 and the positioning part 524, displacement of the first pivot 52 relative to the fixed part 10 and the first connecting rod 30 along the longitudinal axis of the first pivot 52 can be prevented, further ensuring the stability of the overall structure.

[0069] In summary, the electric derailleur 100 of this application is positioned relative to the fixed part 10, the movable part 20, the first link 30, or the second link 40 via the control module 60, and is located at one end of the first pivot 52. This not only ensures the stability of the control module 60 during operation of the electric derailleur 100, but also effectively reduces the risk of vibration or external forces affecting the performance of the control module 60. Furthermore, this configuration helps optimize the space utilization of the overall structure of the electric derailleur 100, improves its durability and reliability, and further enhances the operating efficiency and accuracy of the transmission system.

[0070] The embodiments and / or implementation methods described above are merely preferred embodiments and / or implementation methods for implementing the technology of this application, and are not intended to limit the implementation methods of the technology of this application in any way. Any person skilled in the art may make some modifications or alterations to other equivalent embodiments without departing from the scope of the technical means disclosed in this application, but these should still be regarded as the technology or embodiments that are substantially the same as those of this application.

Claims

1. An electric derailleur for mounting on a frame of a bicycle, characterized by, The electric derailleur comprises: a fixed part for being attached to the frame of the bicycle; a movable part for being moved relative to the fixed part; a first link pivotally connecting the fixed part and the movable part; a second link pivotally connecting the fixed part and the movable part; wherein the fixed part, the movable part, the first link and the second link are pivotally connected as a four-link structure, so that the movable part is moved relative to the fixed part; four pivots respectively between the fixed part and the second link, between the second link and the movable part, between the movable part and the first link, and between the first link and the fixed part; and a control module positioned opposite to the fixed part, the movable part, the first link or the second link, and arranged at one end of one of the pivots.

2. The motorized chain tensioner of claim 1, wherein, The pivots are defined as a first pivot and three second pivots; the control module is fixed opposite to the first link or the second link, and arranged at one end of the first pivot; the control module extends along a long axis direction of the first link or the second link opposite to which the control module is fixed.

3. The motorized chain tensioner of claim 2, wherein, The control module is fixed opposite to the first link; the control module comprises a housing extending along the long axis direction of the first link; the first pivot is between the first link and the fixed part.

4. The motorized chain tensioner of claim 3, wherein, The control module comprises a circuit board and a port; the housing covers the circuit board; one end of the port is connected to the circuit board, and the other end of the port is exposed outward through the housing for power transmission and data communication.

5. The motorized chain tensioner of claim 4, wherein, The control module comprises at least one switch arranged on the housing and electrically connected to the circuit board, for controlling the operation of the circuit board.

6. The motorized chain tensioner of claim 5, wherein, The number of switches is two, which are a power switch and a mode control switch; wherein the power switch is used to control the power on / off of the circuit board, and the mode control switch is used to switch the working mode of the circuit board.

7. The motorized chain tensioner of claim 4, wherein, Further comprising a battery unit electrically connected to the control module; wherein the battery unit comprises a battery housing; the first pivot comprises a battery cavity, and the battery unit is accommodated in the battery cavity; one end of the battery housing has an end cover protruding from an opening of the battery cavity; the housing of the control module has a through hole, and the end cover of the battery housing is fixed in the through hole.

8. The motorized chain tensioner of claim 3, wherein, Further comprising at least one positioning member; one end of the first pivot has a positioning part, and the at least one positioning member is fixed to the positioning part; the at least one positioning member is used to fix the first pivot and the housing of the control module to each other.

9. The motorized chain tensioner of claim 8, wherein, The first link has a third pivot ring adjacent to one end of the fixed part, and the third pivot ring is provided with at least one positioning hole; the at least one positioning member is correspondingly arranged in the at least one positioning hole; the at least one positioning member is used to position the third pivot ring of the first link, the positioning part of the first pivot and the housing of the control module to each other.

10. The motorized chain tensioner of claim 7, wherein, The control module comprises a visual indicator arranged on the housing and electrically connected to the circuit board, and the visual indicator is used to display the power information, gear information, running state, error prompt and operation mode prompt of the battery unit.

11. The motorized chain tensioner of claim 4, wherein, The control module includes an antenna electrically connected to the circuit board for receiving an external wireless signal and transmitting the external wireless signal to the circuit board, and for transmitting an internal wireless signal from the circuit board to an external device.

12. The motorized chain tensioner of claim 1, wherein, The control module includes a housing made of a non-metallic material.

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