Electric front derailleur

Abstract

Electric front derailleur (12) comprising: a base element (16) comprising a bicycle assembly section (30); a movable member (18) which is movable with respect to the base member (16); a drive unit (20) is operatively coupled to the movable link (18) in order to move the movable link (18) relative to the base link (16); and a control unit (22) configured to selectively actuate the drive unit (20) in a first mode which moves the movable link (18) between a first end position (P1) and a second end position (P2) or in a second mode which moves the movable link (18) between a third end position (P3) and a fourth end position (P4), wherein the control unit (22) is configured to actuate the drive unit (20) to selectively position the movable link (18) at a first holding position (S1), a second holding position (S2) and a third holding position (S3) in the first mode, wherein at least the third end position (P3) or the fourth end position (P4) differs from the first end position (P1) and the second end position (P2), and a first distance (D1) between the first holding position (S1) and the second holding position (S2) differs from a second distance (D2) between the second holding position (S2) and the third Holding position (S3) deviates,where , the drive unit (20) has a first transmission ratio which varies when the movable link (18) moves between the first end position (P1) and the second end position (P2) in the first mode, and wherein the drive unit (20) has a second transmission ratio which varies differently from the first transmission ratio when the movable link (18) moves between the third end position (P3) and the fourth end position (P4) in the second mode.

Description

Cross-reference to related applications

[0001] This application claims priority over US patent application number 13 / 849,866, filed on March 25, 2013. The entire disclosure of US patent application number 13 / 849,866 is incorporated herein by reference. BACKGROUND Area of ​​the invention

[0002] This invention relates essentially to an electric front derailleur for a bicycle. More specifically, the present invention relates to an electric front derailleur that can be used with bicycles that have different speeds, in particular those with two chainrings and three chainrings. Background information

[0003] Essentially, a front derailleur is mounted to the bicycle frame adjacent to the chainrings or front sprockets to shift the chain laterally between the chainrings. A front derailleur includes a base or fixed link that is immovably secured to the bicycle frame. A front derailleur further includes a moving element or chain guide that is supported in a way that allows it to move relative to the base link, so that the moving link can move between at least two lateral shifting positions to shift the chain between the chainrings.

[0004] Various adjustable front derailleurs are known from the prior art. For example, DE 603 ​​14 986 T2 describes a bicycle with an electronically assisted gear shift. The gear shift comprises a rear actuator and a front actuator with a corresponding motor to move a chain axially via a derailleur in relation to a corresponding gear group. The gear group comprises at least two sprockets, each connected to the hub of the rear wheel or to the axle of the bicycle's crank arms. The gear shift further comprises a device for generating a signal that requests a movement of the chain from a first sprocket to a second sprocket of the respective gear group. The gear shift also includes an electronic control unit connected to the rear actuator and the front actuator.Furthermore, the electronic control unit includes rear and front memory devices. The memory devices of the electronic control unit also include an overtravel memory device for storing at least a differential amount, referred to as the "overtravel amount." The overtravel amount represents the offset between the theoretical position of the sprocket and the position that the chain guide element must assume during an upshift and / or downshift to assist the gear shift itself.

[0005] US 2013 / 0030662A1 describes an electronically assisted gear shifting system comprising a rear derailleur and a front derailleur. The rear derailleur comprises a variety of sprockets or chainrings of varying diameters arranged coaxially with the rear wheel, and the front derailleur comprises a variety of sprockets of varying diameters arranged coaxially with the crank axle. The electronically assisted gear shifting system further comprises an electronic control unit with an electronic power board, an interface unit, and a sensor unit. The rear derailleur and front derailleur are controlled by the electronic control unit based on upshift or downshift request signals.

[0006] US 2007 / 0184925A1 describes a motorized front derailleur and a motorized rear derailleur for a bicycle. The motorized front derailleur and the motorized rear derailleur are actuated by a front electric shifter and a rear electric shifter, respectively, to shift a chain between different gears. The motorized front derailleur essentially comprises a front derailleur assembly, a front derailleur motor assembly, a motor linkage, and a battery. Essentially, the front derailleur assembly has a predetermined maximum chain cage movement range between an upper chain cage end position and a lower chain cage end position. Summary

[0007] The present disclosure essentially relates to an electric front derailleur for use with both bicycles with two chainrings and bicycles with three chainrings. The technical object of the present invention is to provide a gear-shifting device that can be operated on bicycles with a different number of chainrings and different distances between these chainrings. This object is achieved by an electric derailleur according to the attached independent claims 1 and 3. Preferred and advantageous embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims and the following description.

[0008] Other tasks, features, aspects and advantages of the disclosed electric front derailleur will become apparent to the person skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, discloses preferred embodiments of the electric front derailleur. Brief description of the drawings

[0009] Referring now to the attached drawings, which form part of this original revelation: Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective partial side view of a bicycle frame equipped with an electric front derailleur according to one embodiment; Fig. Figure 2 is a simplified schematic block diagram showing an exemplary configuration of the electric front derailleur illustrated in Fig. 1 in which the electric front derailleur is connected to a computer (PC); Fig. Figure 3 is a pair of simplified schematic diagrams showing (a) the chain guide of the electric front derailleur moving between three holding positions in a first mode for a front three-speed configuration, the first and second end positions corresponding to the first and third holding positions respectively, and (b) the chain guide of the electric front derailleur moving between two holding positions in a second mode for a front two-speed configuration, the third and fourth end positions corresponding to the fourth and fifth holding positions respectively; Fig. Figure 4 is a pair of simplified schematic diagrams showing (a) the chain guide of the electric front derailleur moving between three holding positions in a first mode for a front three-speed configuration, having first and second end positions corresponding to a first holding position and an outer trim position, respectively, and (b) the chain guide of the electric front derailleur moving between two holding positions in a second mode for a front two-speed configuration, having third and fourth end positions corresponding to a fourth holding position and an outer trim position, respectively; Fig. Figure 5 is a front elevation view of the electric front derailleur illustrated in Fig. 1. The cover of the housing of the electric drive unit has been removed to illustrate a first (three-speed) configuration using a first connection structure; Fig. Figure 6 is a front elevation view of the electric front derailleur illustrated in Fig. 1. The cover of the electric drive unit housing has been removed to illustrate a second (two-speed) configuration using a second connection structure; Fig. Figure 7 is a front elevation view of the electric front derailleur illustrated in Fig. 5 (three-speed configuration) with the moving link in the low position (i.e., in the fully retracted position); Fig. Figure 8 is a graph illustrating the translation ratio with respect to the lateral movement of the movable part of the electric front derailleur. Fig. 5 (three-speed configuration), wherein the movable link is in a low position; Fig. Figure 9 is a front elevation view of the electric front derailleur illustrated in Fig. 5 (three-speed configuration) with the movable link in the middle position; Fig. Figure 10 is a graph illustrating the translation ratio with respect to the lateral movement of the movable part of the electric front derailleur. Fig. 5 (three-speed configuration), with the movable link in the middle position; Fig. Figure 11 is a front elevation view of the electric front derailleur illustrated in Fig. 5 (three-speed configuration) with the movable link in the up position (i.e., in the fully extended position); Fig. Figure 12 is a graph illustrating the translation ratio with respect to the lateral movement of the movable part of the electric front derailleur. Fig. 5 (three-speed configuration), with the movable link in the up position; Fig. Figure 13 is a front elevation view of the electric front derailleur illustrated in Fig. 5 (two-speed configuration), with the movable link in the up position; Fig. Figure 14 is a graph illustrating the translation ratio with respect to the lateral movement of the movable part of the electric front derailleur. Fig. 6 (two-speed configuration), with the movable link in the low position; Fig. Figure 15 is a front elevation view of the electric front derailleur illustrated in Fig. 6 (Two-speed configuration) with the movable link in the up position (i.e., in the fully extended position); Fig. Figure 16 is a graph illustrating the translation ratio with respect to the lateral movement of the movable element of the electric front derailleur. Fig. 6 (two-speed configuration), wherein the movable link is in the up position; and Fig. Figure 17 shows a front elevation view of the electric front derailleur illustrated in Fig. 1 and Fig. 5, however, is fixed to the first connection structure with a locking plate to convert the electric front derailleur from the three-speed configuration to the two-speed configuration. Detailed description of the embodiments

[0010] Selected embodiments are now described with reference to the drawings. It will be apparent to the person skilled in the art from this disclosure that the following descriptions of the embodiments are provided for illustrative purposes only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the attached claims and their equivalents.

[0011] First, referring to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, wherein a section of a bicycle frame 10 is illustrated with an electric front derailleur 12 according to an illustrated embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, the electric front derailleur 12 (hereinafter the derailleur 12) is mounted to a seat tube 14 of the bicycle frame 10. However, the derailleur 12 can be mounted to the bicycle frame 10 in a different manner. The derailleur 12 essentially comprises a base element 16, a movable element 18, an electric drive unit 20, and a controller 22. As explained below, the controller 22 is configured to selectively actuate the drive unit 20 in a first mode or a second mode. In the illustrated embodiments, the first mode corresponds to the actuation of a derailleur 12 which has a three-speed configuration (i.e.,a bicycle having only three chainrings or front chainrings) and the second mode of actuation corresponds to the derailleur 12, which uses a two-speed configuration (i.e. a bicycle having only two chainrings or front chainrings).

[0012] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the controller 22 includes a microcomputer 21 comprising a processor 23a and a memory 23b. The controller 22 also includes a switching control program that controls the movement of the movable link 18 as explained below. The switching control program can be stored in the memory 23b, which includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) device and a RAM (Random Access Memory) device. The controller 22 includes an input interface 23c, such as a USB port, connected to a user actuation device, such as a switch (not shown) and / or a bicycle computer (not shown), for receiving switching signals and / or for setting signals. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, a computer (PC) can be connected to the input interface (23c) to update and / or modify the programming of the controller 22, such as setting distances between holding positions and end positions, as explained below. The programming of the controller 22 can also be modified using a bicycle computer (not shown). In any case, the input interface 23c communicates with a user actuation device (e.g., a switch, a bicycle computer, a PC, etc.) to switch between the first and second actuation modes.

[0013] With regard to the Fig. 2 to 4, the control 22 is selectively set by a user to operate the drive unit 20 in either the first mode or the second mode. As shown in diagrams (a) in the Fig. 3 and Fig. As can be seen in diagram 4, the control unit 22 actuates the drive unit 20 in the first mode for a drive train having only three chainrings C1, C2 and C3, while in diagrams (b) of Fig. 3 and Fig. 4. The control unit 22, in the second mode for a drivetrain comprising only two chainrings C1' and C2', actuates the drive unit 20. Consequently, the control unit 22 can be selectively programmed to execute each of these four operating modes in order to set hold positions and end positions for the specific bicycles on which the derailleur 12 is installed. In the illustrated embodiment, the lateral distances between the chainrings C1, C2, and C3 are not equal. As used herein, the term "hold position" refers to a preset chain cage position in which the chain cage of the movable link 18 is in a position above one of the chainrings C1, C2, or C3 to shift the chain 16 onto it.As used herein, the term “end position” refers to a preset outermost or innermost chain cage position in which the chain cage of the movable link 18 can be moved in a lateral direction.

[0014] As shown in diagram (a) of Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the control unit 22 is configured to actuate the drive unit 20 to position the movable link 18 in a first holding position S1, a second holding position S2, and a third holding position S3 in the first mode. In the first mode, the control unit 22 is further configured to actuate the drive unit 20 to selectively move the movable link 18 between a first end position P1 and a second end position P2, as shown in diagram (a) of Figure 3. Fig. 3 can be seen, to move. Furthermore, in the first mode of diagram (a) of Fig. 3 the control 22 further designed to actuate the drive unit 20 in order to selectively move the movable link 18 to an inner trim holding position T1. In diagram (a) of Fig. In the first and second end positions P1 and P2, respectively, correspond to the first and third holding positions S1 and S3. In other words, the first end position P1 and the first holding position S1 are the same positions, and the second end position P2 and the first holding position S3 are the same positions. The first and second end positions P1 and P2 are laterally separated by a total distance D. The first holding position S1 is laterally separated from the second holding position S2 by a first distance D1. The second holding position S2 is laterally separated from the third holding position S3 by a second distance D2.

[0015] As shown in diagram (b) of Fig. As can be seen in Figure 3, the control unit 22 is designed to actuate the drive unit 20 in order to selectively position the movable link 18 at a fourth holding position S4 and a fifth holding position S5 in the second mode. The fourth holding position S4 is laterally spaced from the fifth holding position S5 by a third distance D3. In the second mode of diagram (b) of Fig. 3, the control unit 22 is further designed to actuate the drive unit 20 in order to selectively move the movable link 18 between a third end position P3 and a fourth end position P4. In diagram (b) of Fig. In 3, the third and fourth end positions P3 and P4 correspond to the fourth and fifth holding positions S4 and S5. In other words, the third end position P3 and the fourth holding position S4 are the same positions, and the fourth end position P4 and the fifth holding position S5 are the same positions.

[0016] In the illustrated embodiment of Fig. 3 The third end position P3 deviates from the first end position P1 and the second end position P2, and the fourth end position P4 deviates from the first end position P1 and the second end position P2. Naturally, the control unit 22 can be configured to actuate the drive unit 20 such that at least the third end position P3 or the fourth end position P4 deviates from the first end position P1 and the second end position P2. This is also the case in the illustrated embodiment of Fig. 3. The first distance D1 between the first and second holding positions S1 and S2 differs from the second distance D2 between the second and third holding positions S2 and S3. The third distance D3 between the fourth and fifth holding positions S4 and S5 differs from the first and second distances D1 and D2.

[0017] Furthermore, with regard to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 3. The first end position P1 is closer to the base element 16 than the second and third end positions P2 and P3. The third end position P3 is closer to the base element 16 than the second and fourth end positions P2 and P4. The fourth end position P4 is closer to the base element 16 than the second end position P2. The third end position P3 deviates from the first end position P1 and the second end position P2, and the fourth end position P4 deviates from the first end position P1 and the second end position P2.

[0018] Transition to Fig. 4, similar to the settings as in Fig. 3. The control unit 22 is designed to actuate the drive unit 20 to selectively position the movable link 18 at a first, second, and third holding position S1, S2, and S3 in the first mode, and selectively position the movable link 18 at a fourth and fifth holding position S4 and S5 in the second mode. The first end position P1 and the third end position P3 are also the same as for the settings of the control unit 22 in Fig. 3. However, on the other hand, an outer trim hold position T1' is provided in the first mode and a second outer trim hold position T2' is provided in the second mode. Consequently, in the first mode of diagram (a) of Fig. 4, the first end position P1 and the first holding position S1 are the same positions, but a second end position P2' is provided, which differs from the third holding position S3. Also in the second mode of diagram (b) of Fig. 4. The third end position P3 and the fourth holding position S4 are the same positions, but a fourth end position P4' is provided, which differs from the fifth holding position S5. An inner trim position and an outer trim position can each be set with respect to the first holding position S1 and the fourth holding position S4. In this case, the first end position P1 and the third end position P3 are the inner trim positions.

[0019] Referring now to Fig. 5, wherein an illustrated embodiment of the electric drive unit 20 is shown for performing the movements shown in the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4. The electric drive unit 20 is operatively coupled to the movable element 18 in order to move the movable element 18 relative to the base element 16. In particular, the electric drive unit 20 includes a connection structure 24 and a reversible electric motor 25 ( Fig. 1) The connecting structure 24 connects the base link 16 and the movable link 18. The connecting structure 24 is driven by the electric motor 25 to move the movable link 18 relative to the base link 16. The present invention can be used with other connecting structures as required and / or desired. In the illustrated embodiments, the movable link 18 is a chain guide. Consequently, the movable link 18 is referred to below as the “chain guide 18”.

[0020] In Fig. 1. The connection structure 14 is partially concealed by a cover C. The cover C is secured to the housing of the electric drive unit 20 by a variety of snap-fit ​​connections or by other suitable fasteners, such as screws. The cover C was designed in the Fig. 5, Fig. 7, Fig. 9, Fig. 11 and Fig. Figure 13 has been removed for better illustration of the connection structure 24. The control unit 22 actuates the motor 25 to move the chain guide 18 laterally to each of the holding positions and / or end positions, depending on the selected operating mode. Alternatively, the connection structure 24 can be moved as shown in Fig. 6 may be modified to form a modified connection structure 24', as explained below. The connection structure 24 may also be equipped with an optional locking or latching mechanism 38a, as described in Fig. 17 can be seen and explained below.

[0021] The electric drive unit 20 is operatively connected to the connection structure 24, such that the electric drive unit 20 drives the connection structure 24 to move the chain guide 18 relative to the base link 16. In particular, as shown in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 5, the electric drive unit 20 has an output shaft 28 that forms an input element which is connected to the connection structure 24, so that the electric drive unit 20 drives the connection structure 24 to move the chain guide 18 relative to the base link 16. An electrical cable W ( Fig. 1) The motor 25 is connected to a battery (not shown) and / or to a generator (not shown). Preferably, a reduction gear unit (not shown) is provided between the motor 25 and the output shaft 28. Since reduction gear units are generally used in electric derailleurs, the reduction gear unit of the electric drive unit 20 is not explained and / or illustrated herein.

[0022] As in the Fig. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the base link 16 includes a bicycle mounting section 30. The bicycle mounting section 30 has a threaded bore 30a which accommodates a mounting bolt (not shown) for attaching the front derailleur 12 to the seat tube 14 by means of a brazed-on bracket in a conventional manner. Of course, other types of mounting arrangements, e.g., a strap type, can be modified as required and / or desired. The base link 16 acts as a fixing link, since it is fixed relative to the seat tube 14.

[0023] As in the Fig. 7, Fig. 9 and Fig. As can be seen in 11, the chain guide 18 with respect to the base link 16 is between the first end position P1, as in Fig. 7 to be seen, and the second end position P2, as in Fig. 11, movable. The second end position P2 of the chain guide 18 is further away from the base link 16 in the lateral direction with respect to the vertical mid-longitudinal plane of the bicycle 10 than the first end position P2 of the chain guide 18. In the illustrated embodiment, the first end position P1 of the chain guide 18 corresponds to a low position (i.e., the fully retracted position) of the derailleur 12. Conversely, in the illustrated embodiment, the second end position P2 of the chain guide 18 corresponds to a high position (i.e., the fully extended position) of the derailleur 12. The derailleur 12 is designed to be used with a bicycle that has three chainrings. Consequently, the chain guide 18 is positioned with respect to the base link 16 in an intermediate or middle position between the first and second end positions P1 and P2, as shown in Fig. 7 can be seen, movable.

[0024] The chain guide 18 comprises an inner plate 18a and an outer plate 18b. The inner plate 18a and the outer plate 18b are laterally spaced and connected to each other at their upper and lower end sections to define a chain cage 23. The chain cage 23 of the chain guide 18 defines a chain receiving slot. During an upshift, the inner plate 18a pushes a chain upwards onto a larger chainring. During a downshift, the outer plate 18b pulls a chain inwards onto a smaller chainring.

[0025] As mentioned above, the connecting structure 24 movably connects the chain guide 18 to the base link 16 between the first and second end positions P1 and P2. Every derailleur has a "gear ratio" or "shift ratio," which refers to the relationship between the number of movements of a transmission element (e.g., a cable or a motor shaft) and the lateral travel of the moving element. Since the connecting structure 24 is provided for a variable gear ratio, which is particularly suitable for the first mode (e.g., three-speed configuration), it is preferred that the gear ratio be changed for the second mode (e.g., two-speed configuration).

[0026] In one embodiment, the drive unit 20 includes at least one connecting element that movably couples the movable element 18 to the base element 16, wherein the at least one connecting element is designed to be variable in order to switch a transmission ratio between the first mode and the second mode. Here, the connection structure 24 essentially comprises a drive connector 32, a connection connector 34, and an output connector 36. At least the drive connector 32, the output connector 36, or the connection connector 34 is variable from a first setting to a second setting. Switching the transmission ratio between the first mode and the second mode can be easily achieved by replacing the two-part construction of the connection connector 34, as shown in Fig. 5 can be seen, with a one-piece connector 34', as in Fig. 6. It is evident from this revelation that the drive unit 20 can be modified in other ways to change the gear ratio of the derailleur 12 for use in the second mode (e.g., two-speed configuration). For example, the lock 39 can be used to lock the first and second arms 38 and 40 together, as shown in Fig. Figure 17 can be seen. In any case, the front derailleur 12 is either sold as a kit with both the connector 34 and the connector 34', so that the user can switch between the first and second configuration, or the connector 34' can be sold separately so that the front derailleur 12 can be converted into a two-speed configuration.

[0027] The drive connector 32 is rotated by the electric motor 25. The connecting connector 34 is connected between the drive connector 32 and the output connector 36. The output connector 36 is attached to the movable link 18. The drive unit 20 has a first gear ratio that varies as soon as the movable link 18 moves between the first end position P1 and the second end position P2, in the first mode, as in the Fig. 8, Fig. 10 and Fig. 12 can be seen, moved. With the connecting connector 34' or the lock 39 installed in the drive unit 20, the drive unit 20 has a second gear ratio that varies differently from the first gear ratio as soon as the movable link 18 moves between the third end position P3 and the fourth end position P4 in the second mode, as shown in the Fig. 14 and Fig. 16 can be seen.

[0028] The drive connector 32 is fixedly mounted to the output shaft 28 (i.e., the input link), so that the drive connector 32 rotates together with the output shaft 28. Consequently, the drive connector 32 is rotatably arranged on the base link 16 through the output shaft 28. The output connector 36 is operatively coupled to the chain guide 18.

[0029] Preferably, the connector 34 includes a first arm 38 and a second arm 40. The first arm 38 includes a first slot 38a. The second arm 40 includes a first switching pin 40a, which selectively engages with the first slot 38a as soon as the chain guide 18 moves between the first and second end positions P1 and P2. The first arm 38 includes a second switching pin 38b, which selectively engages with a second slot 32a of the drive connector 32 as soon as the chain guide 18 moves between the first and second end positions P1 and P2. As explained below, this arrangement of the switching pins 38b and 40a and the slots 32a and 38a provides a transmission ratio that decreases and then increases as the chain guide 18 moves from the first end position P1 toward the second end position P2.

[0030] The connecting connector 34 is pivotally connected to the drive connector 32 by a pivot shaft 41 and is further pivotally connected to the output connector 36 by a pivot shaft 42. More specifically, the first arm 38 is pivotally connected to the drive connector 32 by the pivot shaft 41, and the second arm 40 is pivotally connected to the output connector 36 by the pivot shaft 42. The output connector 36 is pivotally connected to the base member 16 by a third pivot shaft 43. The first arm 38 and the second arm 40 are pivotally connected to each other by a fourth pivot shaft 44. The second switching pin 38b is arranged along the pivot axis defined by the fourth pivot shaft 44. In particular, the pivot pin 38b is an extension of the fourth pivot shaft 44.

[0031] In the illustrated embodiment, the connection structure 24 further includes a first support element 50 and a second support element 52. The first support element 50 has a first end which is pivotably attached to the base link 16 and a second end which is pivotably mounted on the chain guide 18. The second support element 52 has a third end which is pivotably attached to the base link 16 and a fourth end which is pivotably mounted on the chain guide 18. As shown in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 5, according to this connection of the first and second support elements 50 and 52, the base link 16 and the chain guide 18 are defined as a four-bar linkage 56, four-point linkage, or crank arm. The output connector 36 is rigidly coupled to the first support element 50. However, the output connector 36 can also be coupled to the second support element 52. Consequently, the output connector 36 is coupled to either the first support element 50 or the second support element 52. Since the first support element 50 is closer to the chain guide 18 than the second support element 52, the first support element 50 is preferably rigidly coupled to the output connector 36. The first support element 50 is pivotally connected to the base link 16 by the third pivot axis 43. The second support element 52 is pivotally connected to the base link 16 by a pivot axis 54.

[0032] Essentially, as in the Fig. 7 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 9, the connecting connector 34 has a first effective length L1 as soon as the chain guide 18 moves from the first end position P1 or the first holding position S1 towards the second holding position S2. As shown in the Fig. As can be seen in Figure 11, the connecting connector 34 has a second effective length L2 as soon as the chain guide 18 moves from the second holding position S2 towards the second end position P2 or the third holding position S3. In the Fig. 8, Fig. 10 and Fig. In section 12, the first end position P1 is the same as soon as the first holding position S1 and the second end position P2 are the same as soon as the third holding position S3 is open. The first effective length L1 of the connector 34 is greater than the second effective length L2 of the connector 34.

[0033] More specifically, the first switching pin 40a engages with the first slot 38a to form a first output arm as soon as the chain guide 18 moves from the first end position P1 towards the intermediate position. The first output arm extends from the center of the first pivot shaft 41 to the center of the second pivot shaft 42 and has the first effective length L1. The first switching pin 40a is located closer to the second pivot shaft 42 than to the fourth pivot shaft 44. The second switching pin 38b engages with the second slot 32a to form a second output arm as soon as the chain guide 18 moves from the second holding position S2 towards the second end position P2. The second output arm extends from the center of the fourth pivot shaft 44 to the center of the second pivot shaft 42 and has the second effective length L2.

[0034] As in the graphs of Fig. 8, Fig. 10 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 12, in this arrangement of the connecting structure 24, the connecting structure 24 moves the chain guide 18 with a transmission ratio that decreases and then increases as the chain guide 18 moves from the first end position P1 (i.e., the fully retracted position) towards the second end position P2 (i.e., the fully extended position). As shown in the Fig. As illustrated in Figure 8, the translation ratio changes in the following order: a first ratio, a second ratio smaller than the first ratio, a third ratio larger than the second ratio, as soon as the chain guide 18 moves from the first end position P1 ( Fig. 8) towards the second end position P2 ( Fig. 12) moves. In this way, the translation ratio decreases from the first ratio to the second ratio, as in the Fig. 8, Fig. 10 and Fig. 12 can be seen and rises from the second ratio to the third ratio, as in Fig. Figure 10 shows that the transmission ratio is switched from the second ratio to the third ratio at the second holding position S2 (e.g., the "middle" position) between the first end position P1 (e.g., the "low" position) and the second end position P2 (e.g., the "high" position) when the first switching pin 40a disengages from the first slot 38a and the second switching pin 38b engages with the second slot 32b. Finally, as shown in the Fig. 10 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 12, the transmission ratio drops from the third ratio to a fourth ratio, which is smaller than the third ratio, as soon as the chain guide 18 moves from the first end position P1 towards the second end position P2. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and third ratios are more than twice the second ratio, and the first and third ratios are more than twice the fourth ratio.

[0035] When a chain shift is performed, the motor 25 is actuated by a user-operated device (not shown) to rotate the output shaft 28 of the electric drive unit 20. Depending on the direction of rotation of the output shaft 28, the connecting structure 24 will move the chain guide 18 either towards or away from the base link 16 and the seat tube 14 of the bicycle frame 10. When the chain guide 18 is in the first end position P1 (e.g., the fully retracted position), the output shaft 28 moves clockwise, as shown in Fig. 7, Fig. 9 and Fig. As shown in Figure 11, the chain guide 18 is moved towards the second end position P2. Consequently, the drive connector 32 is also rotated clockwise with the output shaft 28, as shown in the Fig. 7, Fig. 9 and Fig. As shown in Figure 11, the first switching pin 40a engages with the first slot 38a, and the second switching pin 38b is disengaged from the second slot 32a. Consequently, the first and second arms 38 and 40 are connected as a rigid unit to form the first output arm with the first effective length L1. With the first switching pin 40a engaging with the first slot 38a, the output connector 36 and the first and second support elements 50 and 52 are moved through the connection structure 24, with the first output arm acting between the first pivot shaft 41 and the second pivot shaft 42.

[0036] However, as soon as the output shaft 28 continues to rotate the output connector 36 clockwise, the second slot 32a of the drive connector 32 will eventually engage with the second switching pin 38b of the fourth pivot shaft 44. Once the second slot 32a engages with the second switching pin 38b, the first switching pin 40a begins to disengage from the first slot 38a. This results in the first and second arms 38 and 40 being connected together as a rigid unit to form the second output arm with the second effective length L2. In other words, the connection structure 24 switches from the first output arm to the second output arm. With the second slot 32a, engaging with the second switching pin 38b, the output connector 36 and the first and second support elements 50 and 52 are moved through the connection structure 24, with the second output arm acting between the fourth pivot shaft 44 and the second pivot shaft 42.

[0037] As in Fig. 13 and Fig. As can be seen on 15, the front derailleur 12 is illustrated with the connecting connector 34', so that the front derailleur 12 can be configured as a two-speed derailleur with the second gear ratio, as shown in the Fig. 14 and Fig. 16 can be seen. Fig. Figure 13 shows the chain guide 18 in the low position (i.e. the fully retracted position) during Fig. Figure 15 shows the chain guide 18 in the raised position (i.e., the fully extended position). Here, the second gear ratio differs from the first gear ratio for the three-speed configuration.

[0038] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 17, the locking device 39 is installed on the connector 34 to lock the first arm 38 and the second arm 40 together. Consequently, the drive unit 20 has the second gear ratio, as shown in the Fig. 14 and Fig.16 can be seen, as soon as the chain guide 18 moves between the third end position P3 and the fourth end position P4, in the second mode.

[0039] For the purposes of understanding the scope of the present invention, the terms "comprehensive" and its derivatives as used herein are intended to be open terms that specify the presence of the stated features, elements, components, groups, numbers, and / or steps, but do not exclude the presence of other unstated features, elements, components, groups, numbers, and / or steps. It should also be understood that although the terms "first" and "second," as used herein, are used to describe different components, these components are not intended to be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one component from another. Consequently, for example, a first component as described above may be referred to as a second component, and vice versa, without departing from the teachings of the present invention.The foregoing also applies to terms that have a similar meaning, such as the terms "include," "exist," and their derivatives. Similarly, the terms "part," "section," "element," or "link," when used individually, can also have an ambiguous meaning, referring to a single element or a plurality of elements. Finally, terms of a degree such as "essentially," "approximately," and "approximately," as used herein, can represent a reasonable degree of deviation from the modified term, such that the final result does not change significantly. While only preferred embodiments have been selected to illustrate the present invention, it will be apparent to a person skilled in the art from this disclosure that various changes and modifications can be made herein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.For example, the size, shape, location, or orientation of the various components can be modified as needed and / or desired, as long as they do not substantially lose their specific function. Components depicted as directly connected or touching each other may have intermediate structures arranged between them, unless otherwise stated. The functions of one element may also be performed by two, and vice versa, unless otherwise stated. The structural functions can be adapted from one embodiment to another. It is not necessary for all advantages to be present in a particular embodiment at the same time.Each feature that is unique from the prior art, alone or in combination with other features, shall be considered a separate description of further inventions by the applicant, including the structural and / or functional concepts implemented by these features. Consequently, the foregoing descriptions of embodiments according to the present invention are provided for illustrative purposes only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the attached claims and their equivalents.

Claims

[1] Electric front derailleur (12) comprising: a base element (16) comprising a bicycle assembly section (30); a movable member (18) which is movable with respect to the base member (16); a drive unit (20) is operatively coupled to the movable link (18) in order to move the movable link (18) relative to the base link (16); and a control unit (22) configured to selectively actuate the drive unit (20) in a first mode which moves the movable link (18) between a first end position (P1) and a second end position (P2) or in a second mode which moves the movable link (18) between a third end position (P3) and a fourth end position (P4), wherein the control unit (22) is configured to actuate the drive unit (20) to selectively position the movable link (18) at a first holding position (S1), a second holding position (S2) and a third holding position (S3) in the first mode, wherein at least the third end position (P3) or the fourth end position (P4) differs from the first end position (P1) and the second end position (P2), and a first distance (D1) between the first holding position (S1) and the second holding position (S2) differs from a second distance (D2) between the second holding position (S2) and the third Holding position (S3) deviates,where, the drive unit (20) has a first transmission ratio which varies when the movable link (18) moves between the first end position (P1) and the second end position (P2) in the first mode, and wherein the drive unit (20) has a second transmission ratio which varies differently from the first transmission ratio when the movable link (18) moves between the third end position (P3) and the fourth end position (P4) in the second mode. [2] Electric front derailleur (12) according to claim 1, wherein the drive unit (20) includes at least one connecting element which movably couples the movable element (18) to the base element (16), wherein the at least one connecting element is designed to be variable in order to change a transmission ratio between the first mode and the second mode. [3] Electric front derailleur (12) comprising: a base element (16) comprising a bicycle assembly section (30); a movable member (18) which is movable with respect to the base member (16); a drive unit (20) is operatively coupled to the movable link (18) in order to move the movable link (18) relative to the base link (16); and a control unit (22) configured to selectively actuate the drive unit (20) in a first mode which moves the movable link (18) between a first end position (P1) and a second end position (P2) or in a second mode which moves the movable link (18) between a third end position (P3) and a fourth end position (P4), wherein the control unit (22) is configured to actuate the drive unit (20) to selectively position the movable link (18) at a first holding position (S1), a second holding position (S2) and a third holding position (S3) in the first mode, wherein at least the third end position (P3) or the fourth end position (P4) differs from the first end position (P1) and the second end position (P2), and a first distance (D1) between the first holding position (S1) and the second holding position (S2) differs from a second distance (D2) between the second holding position (S2) and the third Holding position (S3) deviates,where, the drive unit (20) includes at least one connecting element which movably couples the movable element (18) to the base element (16), wherein the at least one connecting element is designed to be variable in order to change a transmission ratio between the first mode and the second mode. [4] Electric front derailleur (12) according to claim 3, wherein the drive unit (20) has a first gear ratio which varies when the movable link (18) moves between the first end position (P1) and the second end position (P2) in the first mode, and wherein the drive unit (20) has a second gear ratio which varies differently from the first gear ratio when the movable link (18) moves between the third end position (P3) and the fourth end position (P4) in the second mode. [5] Electric front derailleur (12) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control (22) is designed to actuate the drive unit (20) to selectively position the movable member (18) at a fourth holding position (S4) and a fifth holding position (S5) in the second mode, preferably a third distance (D3) between the fourth holding position (S4) and the fifth holding position (S5) differs from the first distance (D1) and the second distance (D2). [6] Electric front derailleur (12) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the third end position (P3) differs from the first end position (P1) and the second end position (P2) and the fourth end position (P4) differs from the first end position (P1) and the second end position (P2). [7] Electric front derailleur (12) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the control (22) includes an input interface (23c) which is connected to a user actuation device to switch between the first mode and the second mode. [8] Electric front derailleur (12) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the drive unit (20) includes a connection structure (24) and an electric motor (25), wherein the connection structure (24) is driven by the electric motor (25) to move the movable member (18) relative to the base member (16). [9] Electric front derailleur (12) according to claim 8, wherein the connection structure (24) includes a drive connector (32) rotated by the electric motor (24), an output connector (36) attached to the movable member, and a connection connector (34, 34') connected between the drive connector (32) and the output connector (36), wherein optionally either the drive connector (32), the output connector (36) or the connection connector (34, 34') is changeable from a first setting to a second setting. [10] Electric front derailleur (12) according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein one or more of the following conditions are met: a. the first end position (P1) is closer to the base member (16) than the second end position (P2) and the third end position (P3); b. the third end position (P3) is closer to the base member (16) than the second end position (P2) and the fourth end position (P4); c. the fourth end position (P4) is closer to the base member (16) than the second end position (P2).

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