bicycle derailleur

Abstract

Bicycle chain derailleur (48), including: a basic component (56) configured to be coupled to a bicycle frame (22); a chain guide (60) configured to guide a bicycle chain (42); a joint component (68, 72) which is pivotally coupled to the base component (56) about a first swing axis (92, 100) and pivotally coupled to the chain guide (60) about a second swing axis (96, 104), so that the chain guide (60) is movable between a retracted position and an extended position relative to the base component (56); and an adjusting screw (184, 188) for adjusting the retracted or extended position of the chain guide (60), and the adjusting screw (184, 188) is located on the joint component (68), wherein the base component (56) comprises a first support surface (212) and a second support surface (216) which is spaced apart from the first support surface (212) in the axial direction of the first swing arm axis (92), and the first and the second support surfaces (212, 216) are pivotally connected to the joint component (68) about the first swing arm axis (92), the first support surface (212) defining a first plane (220) and the second support surface (216) defining a second plane (224), and the adjusting screw (184, 188) intersects the first plane (220) or is located on a side of the first plane (220) that defines the second plane (224). opposite, is located, whereby the joint component (68) comprises an opening (176), a first arm (200) and a second arm (204); the opening (176) is located between the first arm (200) and the second arm (204); and the upper end of the opening (176) is closed by the base component (56); wherein the opening (176) is configured to allow the passage of a mounting screw (168), and the mounting screw (168) is adapted to attach the base component (56) to the bicycle frame (22).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a bicycle derailleur. In particular, the present invention relates to a top / bottom pull bicycle derailleur with a pivoting mechanism that adjusts the upper and lower position of a chain guide of the derailleur relative to the bicycle frame.

[0002] The bicycle industry is constantly improving the various components of bicycles. One component that has been comprehensively redesigned is the derailleur, which shifts a chain between chainrings with a chain guide, thus changing the gear ratio. Typically, adjustment screws are provided on a bicycle derailleur to set the limits of the chain guide's movement. These adjustment screws are located in various places, but are often found on a base component attached to the bicycle frame. However, as the size and weight of components are reduced in modern derailleurs, fewer and fewer locations are available for the adjustment screws, making their placement more challenging.

[0003] Examples of chain launchers are known from DE 60 2004 012 062 T2, US 2007 / 0 178 998 A1, GB 982 986 A, US 5 456 637 A, DE 16 05 782 A, DE 10 2010 011 391 A1 and GB 1 376 054 A.

[0004] The invention is therefore based on the objective of providing a lightweight and compact bicycle derailleur that is easy and reliable to use.

[0005] This problem can be solved with a bicycle chain derailleur according to claim 1, 2 or 13. Further variants and advantages are set out in the dependent claims.

[0006] According to a first aspect, a bicycle chain derailleur according to the invention comprises a base component configured to be coupled to a bicycle frame (e.g., to the seat tube of the bicycle frame), a chain guide configured to guide a bicycle chain, a pivot component pivotally coupled to the base component about a first pivot axis and pivotally coupled to the chain guide about a second pivot axis, such that the chain guide is movable between a retracted and an extended position relative to the base component, and an adjusting screw for setting the retracted or extended position of the chain guide. The adjusting screw is located on the pivot component. The base component comprises a first bearing surface and a second bearing surface spaced apart from the first bearing surface in the axial direction of the first pivot axis.The first and second bearing surfaces are pivotally connected to the joint component around the first swingarm axis. The first bearing surface defines a first plane, and the second bearing surface defines a second plane. The setscrew intersects the first plane or is located on a side of the first plane opposite the second plane. The joint component comprises an opening, a first arm, and a second arm. The opening is located between the first and second arms. The upper end of the opening is closed by the base component. The opening is configured to allow the passage of a mounting screw, and the mounting screw is adapted to attach the base component to the bicycle frame.

[0007] According to another aspect, the bicycle chain derailleur according to the invention comprises a base component configured to be coupled to a bicycle frame, a chain guide configured to guide a bicycle chain, a pivot component pivotally coupled to the base component about a first pivot axis and pivotally coupled to the chain guide about a second pivot axis, so that the chain guide is movable between a retracted and an extended position relative to the base component, and an adjusting screw for setting the retracted or extended position of the chain guide. The adjusting screw is located on the pivot component. The pivot component is configured to allow passage of a mounting screw, and the mounting screw is adapted to attach the base component to the bicycle frame.The joint component comprises a first arm, a second arm, and an opening. The opening is located between the first and second arms. The joint component includes a cross member that runs between the first and second arms. The adjusting screw is located on the cross member.

[0008] According to another aspect of the bicycle derailleur, the opening is configured to allow the passage of a mounting screw, and the mounting screw is adapted to secure the base component to the bicycle frame.

[0009] According to another aspect of the bicycle chain derailleur, the adjusting screw is located on the first arm.

[0010] According to another aspect of the bicycle derailleur, the adjusting screw is a first adjusting screw; the bicycle derailleur further includes a second adjusting screw, which adjusts the other from the retracted position and the extended position of the chain guide, and the second adjusting screw is located on the first arm.

[0011] According to another aspect of the bicycle chain derailleur, the second adjusting screw intersects the first plane or is located on a side of the first plane that is opposite the second plane.

[0012] According to another aspect of the bicycle chain derailleur, the adjusting screw is a first adjusting screw; the bicycle chain derailleur further includes a second adjusting screw, which adjusts the other from the retracted position and the extended position of the chain guide; and the second adjusting screw is located on the second arm.

[0013] According to another aspect of the bicycle chain derailleur, the adjusting screw is located on the cross member.

[0014] According to another aspect of the bicycle chain derailleur, the adjusting screw is a first adjusting screw; the bicycle chain derailleur further includes a second adjusting screw, which adjusts the other from the retracted position and the extended position of the chain guide; and both the first adjusting screw and the second adjusting screw are located on the cross member.

[0015] According to another aspect of the bicycle derailleur, the derailleur further comprises a wire guide configured to guide a control cable for actuating the derailleur, and the wire guide is adapted such that the control cable is held in at least one of a top-pull arrangement and one of a bottom-pull arrangement. Preferably, the control cable is located in at least one of a top-pull arrangement and one of a bottom-pull arrangement.

[0016] According to another aspect of the bicycle derailleur, the cable guide is configured to guide the control cable in both the top-pull and bottom-pull arrangements.

[0017] According to another aspect of the bicycle chain launcher, the joint component is a first joint component, the bicycle chain launcher further comprises a second joint component, and the wire guide on the second joint component is fixed in such a way that the second joint component can be pivoted by the control cable.

[0018] According to another aspect, a bicycle chain derailleur according to the invention comprises a base component configured to be coupled to a bicycle frame, a chain guide configured to guide a bicycle chain, a pivot component pivotally coupled to the base component about a first pivot axis and pivotally coupled to the chain guide about a second pivot axis, such that the chain guide is movable between a retracted and an extended position relative to the base component, and an adjusting screw for adjusting the retracted or extended position of the chain guide, the adjusting screw being located on the pivot component. The base component comprises a bearing surface pivotally connected to the pivot component about the first pivot axis. The bearing surface defines a reference plane. The pivot component comprises a first side surface and a second side surface.The bearing surface is located between the first and second side faces, with the first side face being closer to the reference plane than the second. The adjusting screw intersects the reference plane or is located between the first side face and the reference plane. The base component is connected to the joint component via a pivot joint only at the bearing surface. The joint component includes an opening configured to allow the mounting screw to pass through. The adjusting screw is located between the opening and the first side face, and the mounting screw is adapted to attach the base component to a bicycle frame. Fig. 1 is a side view of a bicycle on which a chain launcher of the invention is installed; Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the chain launcher of the invention; Fig. 3 is a perspective partial exploded view of the chain thrower from Fig. 3; Fig. 4 is a schematic rear view of the chain thrower, showing the chain guide in a retracted position; Fig. Figure 5 is a schematic rear view of the chain thrower, showing the chain guide in an extended position; Fig. 6 is a partial side view of a first embodiment of the chain launcher; Fig. 7 is a partial side view of a second embodiment of the chain launcher; Fig. 8 is a partial side view of a third embodiment of the chain launcher; Fig. 9 is a partial side view of a fourth embodiment of the chain launcher; Fig. 10 is a partial side view of a fifth embodiment of the chain launcher; Fig. 11 is a partial side view of a sixth embodiment of the chain launcher; Fig. 12 is a partial side view of a seventh embodiment of the chain launcher; Fig. 13 is a partial side view of an eighth embodiment of the chain launcher and Fig. Figure 14 is a partial side view of a ninth embodiment of the chain launcher.

[0019] Fig. Figure 1 shows a bicycle 10 comprising a saddle 14, a handlebar 18, a frame 22, a seat tube 26, pedals 30, a front wheel 34, a rear wheel 38, a chain 42, a derailleur 48, and a rear derailleur 52. For reference, the bicycle 10 includes a midplane 54 (see Figure 1). Fig. 4 and Fig. 5), which is perpendicular to an axis of the rear wheel 38, encompasses a central axis of the seat tube 26 and runs in the longitudinal direction of the bicycle 10.

[0020] Regarding the Fig. 2 and Fig. The chain launcher 48 comprises a base component 56, which is fixed to the seat tube 26 and is stationary, a chain guide 60, which is moved relative to the base component 56 to displace the position of the chain 42, and a four-part articulation 64, which connects the base component 1 to the chain guide 60. The main components of the four-part articulation 64 are the first articulation component 68, the second articulation component 72, the base component 56, and the chain guide 60. The first articulation component 68 is pivotally connected to the base component 56 about a first pivot axis 92 and to the chain guide 60 about a second pivot axis 96. The second articulation component 72 is pivotally connected to the base component 56 about a third pivot axis 100 and to the chain guide 60 about a fourth pivot axis 104.Preferably, the first joint component 68 is an outer link located further away from the frame 22 than the second joint component 72, which is preferably an inner link when the base component 56 is mounted on the frame 22. In the illustrated embodiment, the first swing arm axis 92 is arranged at a higher position than the third swing arm axis 100, and the swing arm axes 92, 96, 100, 104 are generally horizontal. Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, the first swing arm axis 92 is not parallel to the second swing arm axis 96, and the third swing arm axis 100 is not parallel to the fourth swing arm axis 104. However, the positions of the swing arm axes 92, 96, 100, 104 can be varied, and the four-bar linkage 64 can be arranged with swing arm axes that are generally vertical or inclined.Likewise, the first swing axle 92 can be parallel to the second swing axle 96 and the third swing axle 100 can be parallel to the fourth swing axle 104.

[0021] Accordingly, the bicycle chain derailleur 48 basically comprises a basic component 56, which is configured so that it can be coupled to the bicycle frame 22, a chain guide 60, which is configured so that it guides the bicycle chain 42, the first joint component 68 is a joint component that is pivotally coupled about the first swing axis 92 to the basic component 56 and pivotally coupled about a second swing axis 96 to the chain guide 60, so that the chain guide 60 is movable between a retracted position and an extended position with respect to the basic component 56.

[0022] The pulling motion of the control cable 108 causes the chain guide 60 to move from a retracted position to an extended position. Although not illustrated, the control cable 108 runs from the chain launcher 48 to a generally known shift control device (not illustrated) mounted on the handlebar 18. The shift control device selectively pulls and releases the control cable 108. The counter-movement of the chain guide 60 is effected by a return spring 116, which in this embodiment is arranged around a pivot pin 112 that is coaxial with the third swingarm axis 100. The return spring 116 pre-tensions the chain guide 60 in the direction of the retracted position.

[0023] The wire guide 120 acts as a force arm and is fixed to the second joint component 72. The wire guide 120 comprises a top-pull guide 124 and a bottom-pull guide 128. Fig. In Figure 2, the control cable 108 is located in the bottom-pull configuration and is fitted into the bottom-pull guide 128. The control cable 108 is shown as a dashed line in the top-pull configuration and fitted into the top-pull guide 124. Whether the control cable 108 is placed in the top-pull or bottom-pull configuration is optional and is determined by the specific configuration of the bicycle 10. Therefore, the cable guide 120 is configured to guide the control cable in both the top-pull and bottom-pull configurations. However, the cable guide 120 can also have only one guide 124 or 128 and only support one guide from the top-pull configuration and one from the bottom-pull configuration.In other words, the chain launcher 48 can include a wire guide 120 configured to guide the control cable 108 to actuate the chain launcher 48, and the wire guide 120 is designed to hold the control cable 108 in at least one of the top-pull arrangement and the bottom-pull arrangement.

[0024] The wire guide 120 also includes a cable clamp 132 for clamping one end of the control cable 108 to the wire guide 120. The cable clamp 132 includes a cable clamp screw 136, which is screwed into a cable clamp nut 140. Tightening the cable clamp screw 136 into the cable clamp nut 140 clamps the control cable 108 to the wire guide 120 in the conventional manner. The cable clamp 132 is intended to clamp the control cable 108 regardless of whether the control cable 108 is in a top-pull or bottom-pull configuration.

[0025] The wire guide 120 is fixed to the second joint component 72 in such a way that the second joint component 72 can be pivoted by the control cable 108. This means that the tensile force exerted by the control cable 108 pivots the wire guide 120 and the second joint component 72 integrally about the third swingarm axis 100 in a direction in which the chain guide 60 runs away from the central plane 54 of the bicycle 10. The chain guide 60 is pre-tensioned by the return spring 116 in the direction of the central plane 54. Thus, the torque exerted by the return spring 116 on the second joint component 72 counteracts the torque exerted by the control cable 108 and the wire guide 120 on the second joint component 72.When the shift control device releases the control cable 108, the second pivot component 72 pivots about the third swing arm axis 100 under the torque of the return spring 116 such that the chain guide 60 moves from the extended position to the retracted position (towards the central plane 54). In other words, the chain guide 60 is moved relative to the base component 56 by pulling or releasing the control cable 108, which is operatively coupled between the shift control device and the chain tensioner 48.

[0026] Regarding Fig. 3 The chain launcher 48 is fixed to the seat tube 26 by a pipe clamp 144. The pipe clamp 144 comprises a first clamp part 148 and a second clamp part 152. The first clamp part 148 and the second clamp part 152 are C-shaped components that surround the seat tube 26 and thus attach the base component 56 to the seat tube 26 in a conventional manner. The first clamp part 148 is an integral part of the base component 56. The second clamp part has a first end 156 and a second end 160 (see Fig. 3) The first end 156 is attached to the corresponding end of the first clamp part 148 using a conventional fastener (not illustrated). The second end 160 includes a threaded nut 164 for receiving a mounting screw 168. The threaded nut 164 is pivotally attached to the second end 160, as shown in Fig. 3 shown. The mounting screw 168 passes through a clamp bore 172 formed in the base component 56 and is intended to fasten the base component 56 to the bicycle frame 22.

[0027] To install the chain launcher 48 on the seat tube 26, the inner surfaces of the first clamp part 148 and the second clamp part 152 are positioned against the seat tube 26. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the first joint component 68 includes an opening 176 configured to allow the mounting screw 168 to pass through. The mounting screw 168 is inserted through the opening 176 in the first joint component 68 along the insertion line 180, indicated by a dashed arrow. Fig. Figure 3 illustrates this. The mounting screw 168 is then inserted through the clamp bore 172 and into the threaded opening of the threaded nut 164. The mounting screw 168 is then tightened by inserting a standard tool through the opening 176, which engages the head of the mounting screw 168. Tightening the mounting screw 168 to the threaded nut 164 pulls the pipe clamp 144 onto the seat tube 26, thus securing the base component 56 to the frame 22.

[0028] The Fig. 4 and Fig. Figure 5 schematically shows the hinge quadrilateral 64. Fig. Figure 4 shows the position of the articulating quadrilateral 64 when the chain guide 60 is in the retracted position (inside position). Fig. Figure 5 shows the position of the four-part articulation joint 64 when the chain guide 60 is in the extended position (outer position). The limits of the lateral movement of the chain guide 60 are set by the positions of a first adjusting screw 184 and a second adjusting screw 188, which are located on the first joint component 68. As shown schematically in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the first adjusting screw 184 limits the movement of the chain guide 60 in the direction of the mid-plane 54 when the distal end of the first adjusting screw 184 contacts a first stop surface 192 (see Figure 4). Fig. 5), which in this embodiment is formed on the basic component 56. As schematically shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the second adjusting screw 188 limits the movement of the chain guide 60 in the opposite direction away from the mid-plane 54 when the distal end of the second adjusting screw 188 contacts a second stop surface 196 (see Figure 5). Fig. 4), which in this embodiment is formed on the chain guide 60. The adjusting screws 184, 188 have threads, and correspondingly the holes in the first joint component 68, into which the adjusting screws 184, 188 are fitted, also have threads, so that the positions of the distal ends of the adjusting screws 184, 188 and the corresponding limit positions of the chain guide 60 can be varied by turning the respective adjusting screws 184, 188 in a conventional manner.

[0029] The locations of the first and second stop surfaces 192, 196 need not be those illustrated, but can be chosen according to the specific configuration of the chain launcher 48. For example, the second stop surface 196 can be located on the second joint component 72 instead of the chain guide 60.

[0030] Regarding Fig. The first joint component 68 comprises a first arm 200 and a second arm 204, a first side surface 202 and a second side surface 206. The first and second side surfaces 201 and 206 are the rearmost surfaces of the first joint component 68 in the axial direction of the first swing arm axis 92. The joint component 68 further comprises a cross member 208, which extends between the first arm 200 and the second arm 204. The opening 176, through which the mounting screw 168 passes, is located between the first arm 200 and the second arm 204. In the embodiment of Fig. 2 and Fig. The adjusting screws 184 and 188 are located on the first arm 200. The width of the first arm 200 in the axial direction of the first swing axis 92 is greater than the width of the second arm 204. The adjusting screws 184 and 188 are located sequentially on the first arm 200, aligned along its longitudinal axis. Positioning the adjusting screws 184 and 188 on the first joint component 68 facilitates the reduction in size of the chain launcher 48 by utilizing the available, but limited, space on the relatively narrow arms 200 and 204.

[0031] Even if the Fig. 2 and Fig. Figure 6 shows both the first and second adjusting screws 184, 188 on the first joint component 68, is located at least in a second embodiment, as in Fig. 7 shown, only one adjusting screw 184, 188 on the first joint component 68. The chain thrower 48 of Fig. 7 is identical to that of Fig. 2, except that one of the adjusting screws 184, 188 in the embodiment of Fig. 7 was omitted. In the embodiments of the Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 includes a joint component 68 comprising a first arm 200 and a second arm 204, the opening 176 is located between the first arm 200 and the second arm 204, and the adjusting screw 184, 188 is located on the first arm 200.

[0032] Each of the adjusting screws 184, 188 can be configured to set either the inner or the outer limit position of the chain guide 60, depending on the surface against which it abuts. Therefore, the embodiments of the Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 an adjusting screw 184, 188 for adjusting the retracted position or the extended position of the chain guide 60 and at least one of the adjusting screws 184, 188 is located on the joint component 68.

[0033] Once again, referring to the Fig. 6 and Fig. The basic component 56 comprises a first support surface 212 and a second support surface 216, which is spaced apart from the first support surface 212 in the axial direction of the first swing arm axis 92. The first and second support surfaces 212, 216 are pivotally connected to the first joint component 68 about the first swing arm axis 92. The first support surface 212 defines a first plane 220, and the second support surface defines a second plane 224. In other words, the first support surface 212 forms part of the first plane 220, and the second support surface 216 forms part of the second plane 224. The adjusting screw 184, 188 intersects the first plane 220 or is located on a side of the first plane 220 that is opposite the second plane 224. Even if the Fig. 6 and Fig. 7. If the adjusting screw 184, 188 is located entirely on the side of the first level 220, which is opposite the second level 224, the position of the adjusting screw 184, 188 can be determined in the Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 can be shifted to the right so that the adjusting screw 184, 188 intersects the first plane 220 while still being located on the first arm 200. Likewise, the adjusting screw 184, 188 can be located on the second arm 204 or on the crossbeam 208.

[0034] Once again, referring to the Fig. 2, Fig. 6 and Fig. The bicycle chain launcher 48 comprises a base component 56 configured to be coupled to a bicycle frame 22, a chain guide 60 configured to guide a bicycle chain 42, and a pivot component 68 pivotally coupled to the base component 56 about the first pivot axis 92 and pivotally coupled to the chain guide 60 about the second pivot axis 96, such that the chain guide 60 is movable between a retracted and an extended position relative to the base component 56. The chain launcher 48 further comprises an adjusting screw 184, 188 for adjusting the retracted or extended position of the chain guide 60, and the adjusting screw 184, 188 is located on the pivot component 68.The joint component 68 is configured to allow the passage of a mounting screw 168, and the mounting screw 168 is adapted to attach the base component 56 to the bicycle frame 22.

[0035] Once again, referring to the Fig. 2 and Fig. 6 The chain launcher of the first embodiment comprises a first adjusting screw 184 for adjusting the retracted position or the extended position of the chain guide 60, and the bicycle chain launcher 48 further comprises a second adjusting screw 188, which adjusts the other of the retracted position and the extended position of the chain guide 60, and the second adjusting screw 188 is located on the first arm 200.

[0036] Regarding Fig. 6. The second adjusting screw 188 intersects the first level 220 or is located on a side of the first level that is opposite the second level 224. Even if Fig. 6. If both adjusting screws 184, 188 are entirely on the side of the first level 220, which is opposite the second level 224, the position of one or both adjusting screw(s) 184, 188 can be adjusted. Fig. 6 are moved to the right in such a way that one or both of the adjusting screw(s) 184, 188 intersect(s) the first plane 220 while still being on the first arm 200.

[0037] As mentioned above, the positioning of the first and second adjusting screws 184, 188 is not limited to the first arm 200. For example, with regard to Fig. 8 of the chain thrower 48 a first adjusting screw 184 for adjusting the retracted position or the extended position of the chain guide 60 and a second adjusting screw 188, which adjusts the other of the retracted position and the extended position of the chain guide 60, and the second adjusting screw 188 is located on the second arm 204.

[0038] Regarding Fig. 9 the second adjusting screw 188 is located on the crossbeam 208. Accordingly, in the embodiment of Fig. 9. The joint component 68 has a first arm 200 and a second arm 204. The opening 176 is located between the first arm 200 and the second arm 204. The joint component 68 includes a crossbeam 208 that runs between the first arm 200 and the second arm 204, and an adjusting screw 188 is located on the crossbeam 208. However, the first adjusting screw 184 may also be located on the crossbeam 208, and the second adjusting screw 188 may be located elsewhere. Except for the positioning of the second adjusting screw 188, the chain launcher 48 is of Fig. 9 the same as that of Fig. 2.

[0039] Regarding Fig. 10. Both the first adjusting screw 184 and the second adjusting screw 188 are located on the crossbeam 208. Otherwise, the chain thrower 48 is of Fig. 10 the same as the one from Fig. 2. Accordingly, in the embodiment of Fig. 10 the adjusting screw 184, 188 a first adjusting screw 184, the bicycle chain thrower further comprises a second adjusting screw 188, which adjusts the other from the retracted position and the extended position of the chain guide 60, and both the first adjusting screw 184 and the second adjusting screw 188 are located on the cross member 208.

[0040] In the embodiment of Fig. 11 are located in relation to Fig. 6 both the first adjusting screw 184 and the second adjusting screw 188 on the opposite side of the first joint component 68. In this embodiment, however, the marking of the first and second bearing surfaces 212, 216, the first and second planes 220, 224, the first and second arms and the first and second side surfaces is related to the Fig. 6 the other way around. Otherwise, the chain launcher is 48 of Fig. 11 the same as that of Fig. 2.

[0041] In the embodiment of Fig. 12. The first adjusting screw 184 is located on the side of the first level 220, opposite the second level 224, and the second adjusting screw 188 intersects the first level 220. Otherwise, the chain thrower 48 is of Fig. 12 the same as that of Fig. 2.

[0042] In the Fig. 6 - 12, a part of the basic component 56, which carries the first joint component 68, is located between the ends of the first arm 200 and the second arm 204. In Fig. However, at 13, an upper part of the first joint component 68 is located between load-bearing parts of the base component 56. The first joint component 68 and the base component 56 of Fig. 13 are functionally the same as those of Fig. 2. In the embodiment of Fig. 13, just as in the embodiments of the Fig. 6 - 12, the first level 220 and the second level 224 are defined by the first and second support surfaces 212, 216 of the base component 56, respectively. In the embodiment of Fig. In section 13, both the first adjusting screw 184 and the second adjusting screw 188 are located on one side of the first level 220, opposite the second level 224. One or both adjusting screws 184, 188 can intersect the first level 220 or be located on the crossbeam 208.

[0043] In the embodiments of the Fig. In section 14, the first joint component 68 is supported by the base component 56 in a cantilevered arrangement. A first adjusting screw 184 and a second adjusting screw 188 are located on the first joint component 68. Except for the cantilevered arrangement connecting the base component 56 and the first joint component 68, the chain launcher 48 is of Fig. 14 the same as that of Fig. 2. Consequently, with regard to Fig. 14 a bicycle chain launcher 48, a basic component 56 configured to be coupled to a bicycle frame 22, a chain guide 60 configured to guide a bicycle chain 42, and a pivot component 68 pivotally coupled to the basic component 56 about the first pivot axis 92 and pivotally coupled to the chain guide 60 about the second pivot axis 96, such that the chain guide 60 is movable between a retracted position and an extended position relative to the basic component 56. Furthermore, the chain launcher 48 includes an adjusting screw 184, 188 for adjusting the retracted or extended position of the chain guide 60, and the adjusting screw 184, 188 is located on the pivot component 68.

[0044] Again, referring to Fig. 14 The basic component 56 comprises a support surface 232, which is pivotally connected to the joint component 68 about the first swing arm axis 92. The support surface 232 is located between the first side surface 202 and the second side surface 206 in the axial direction of the first swing arm axis 92. The first and second side surfaces are the rearmost surfaces of the first joint component in the axial direction of the first swing arm axis 92. Unlike in the embodiments of Fig. 6 - 13 is in the embodiment of Fig. 14 the basic component 56 is connected to the joint component 68 only via the support surface 232 in a pivotal manner.

[0045] The bearing surface 232 defines a reference plane 236. In other words, the bearing surface 232 forms part of the reference plane 236. The hinge component 68 comprises a first side surface 202 and a second side surface 206, and the first side surface 202 is closer to the reference plane 236 than the second side surface 206. The adjusting screw 184, 188 intersects the reference plane 236 or is located between the first side surface 202 and the reference plane 236.

[0046] In the embodiment of Fig. In embodiment 14, both the first adjusting screw 184 and the second adjusting screw 188 are located on the first arm 200 and intersect the reference plane 236 or are located between the first side surface 204 and the reference plane 236. As in the preceding embodiments, however, only one of the adjusting screws 184, 188 may be located on the first joint component 68. Alternatively, one of the adjusting screws 184, 188 may be located on the first arm 200 and the other on the second arm 206. Likewise, one or both adjusting screws 184, 188 may be located on the cross member 208 or on the second arm 206 of the embodiment of Fig. 14.

[0047] Again, referring to Fig. The joint component 68 includes an opening 176 configured to allow the passage of the mounting screw 168. The adjusting screw 184, 188 is located between the opening 176 and the first side surface 202. The mounting screw 168 is adapted to attach the base component 56 to the bicycle frame 22.

[0048] In the Fig. In sections 2 and 6-10, the opening 176 is formed as a recess in the first hinge component 68, and the upper end of the recess is closed by the base component 56. However, the opening 176 can also be a recess that is open at one end. That is to say, in Fig. 13 the opening 176 can be, for example, at the upper end of the first joint component 68 of Fig. 13 be open. In other words, pivot joints can be provided at the upper end of the first arm 200 and the second arm 204, while a gap is provided between the first arm 200 and the second arm 204, so that the upper end of the opening 176 is not closed by the base component 56.

[0049] In the Fig.In 6 - 10, 12 and 13, the left of the two support surfaces is designated as the first support surface 212, the left of the two corresponding planes is designated as the first plane 220, and the left arm is designated as the first arm 200; however, the right support surface can also be considered as the first support surface 212, the right plane can be considered as the first plane 220, the right arm can be considered as the first arm 200, the left support surface can be considered as the second support surface 216, the left plane can be considered as the second plane 224, and the left arm can be considered as the second arm 204.

[0050] The ordinal numbers cited in the present application, such as "first," "second," and the like, are merely descriptive and have no other meaning, such as indicating a specific order. Moreover, for example, the expression "first element" does not in itself imply the existence of a "second element," and the expression "second element" does not in itself imply the existence of a "first element."

[0051] The term "comprehensive" and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended to be open terms that specify the presence of the listed features, elements, components, groups, integers, and / or steps, but do not exclude the presence of other unlisted features, elements, components, groups, integers, and / or steps. This concept also applies to words of similar meaning, such as the expressions "exhibit," "contain," and their derivatives.

[0052] The terms “component”, “area”, “section”, “part” or “element” can have the dual meaning of one part or several parts when used in the singular.

[0053] Even though the invention has been described in detail with regard to specific embodiments, a person skilled in the art, having understood these specific embodiments, can readily design modifications, adaptations, and equivalents to them. Consequently, the scope of the invention should be considered to be that of the appended claims and their equivalents. REFERENCE MARK 10 bicycles 14 saddles 18 Handlebar 22 frames 26 seat tube 30 pedals 34 front wheel 38 rear wheel 42 chain 48 chain throwers 52 Shifter 54 Middle level 56 Basic component 60 chain guide 64 Jointed quadrilateral 68 first joint component 72 second joint component 92 first swingarm axle 96 second swingarm axle 100 third swingarm axis 104 fourth swing axle 108 control cables 112 pivot bolts 116 Return spring 120 wire guide 124 Top-Pull Leadership 128 Bottom-Pull Guide 132 cable clamp 136 cable clamp screw 140 cable clamp nuts 144 Pipe clamp 148 first part of the clamp 152 second part of the clamp 156 first end of the second part of the bell 160 second end of the second part of the clamp 164 Threaded nut 168 Mounting screw 172 Clamp drilling 176 Opening 180 insertion line 184 first adjusting screw 188 second adjusting screw 192 first stop surface 196 second stop surface 200 first arm (of the first joint component) 202 first side surface 204 second arm (of the first joint component) 206 second side surface 208 crossbeams 212 first bearing surface 216 second support surface 220 first level 224 second level 232 contact area 236 Reference plane

Claims

[1] Bicycle chain launcher (48), comprising: a basic component (56) configured to be coupled to a bicycle frame (22); a chain guide (60) configured to guide a bicycle chain (42); a joint component (68, 72) which is pivotally coupled to the base component (56) about a first swing arm axis (92, 100) and pivotally coupled to the chain guide (60) about a second swing arm axis (96, 104), so that the chain guide (60) is movable between a retracted position and an extended position relative to the base component (56); and an adjusting screw (184, 188) for adjusting the retracted or extended position of the chain guide (60), and the adjusting screw (184, 188) is located on the joint component (68), wherein the base component (56) comprises a first bearing surface (212) and a second bearing surface (216) which is spaced apart from the first bearing surface (212) in the axial direction of the first swing arm axis (92), and the first and the second bearing surfaces (212, 216) are pivotally connected to the joint component (68) about the first swing arm axis (92), the first bearing surface (212) defining a first plane (220) and the second bearing surface (216) defining a second plane (224), and the adjusting screw (184, 188) intersects the first plane (220) or is located on a side of the first plane (220) that defines the second plane (224). opposite, is located, whereby the joint component (68) comprises an opening (176), a first arm (200) and a second arm (204); the opening (176) is located between the first arm (200) and the second arm (204); and the upper end of the opening (176) is closed by the base component (56); wherein the opening (176) is configured to allow the passage of a mounting screw (168), and the mounting screw (168) is adapted to attach the base component (56) to the bicycle frame (22). [2] Bicycle chain launcher (48), comprising: a basic component (56) configured to be coupled to a bicycle frame (22); a chain guide (60) configured to guide a bicycle chain (42); a joint component (68, 72) which is pivotally coupled to the base component (56) about a first swing arm axis (92, 100) and pivotally coupled to the chain guide (60) about a second swing arm axis (96, 104), so that the chain guide (60) is movable between a retracted position and an extended position relative to the base component (56); and an adjusting screw (184, 188) for adjusting the retracted or extended position of the chain guide (60), wherein the adjusting screw (184, 188) is located on the joint component (68) and the joint component (68) is configured to allow the passage of a mounting screw (168), and the mounting screw (168) is adapted to attach the base component (56) to the bicycle frame (22), wherein the joint component (68) comprises a first arm (200), a second arm (204) and an opening (176), the opening (176) being located between the first arm (200) and the second arm (204) the joint component (68) comprises a cross member (208) which runs between the first arm (200) and the second arm (204), and the adjusting screw (184, 188) is located on the cross member (208). [3] Bicycle chain derailleur (48) according to claim 2, wherein the opening (176) is configured to allow passage of a mounting screw (168) and the mounting screw (168) is adapted to attach the base component (56) to the bicycle frame (22). [4] Bicycle chain derailleur (48) according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the adjusting screw (184, 188) is located on the first arm (200). [5] Bicycle chain derailleur (48) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the adjusting screw (184, 188) is a first adjusting screw (184), the bicycle chain derailleur (48) further comprises a second adjusting screw (188) which adjusts the other of the retracted position and the extended position of the chain guide (60), and the second adjusting screw (188) is located on the first arm (200). [6] Bicycle chain derailleur (48) according to claims 1 and 5, wherein the second adjusting screw (188) intersects the first plane (220) or is located on a side of the first plane (220) opposite the second plane (224). [7] Bicycle chain derailleur (48) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the adjusting screw (184, 188) is a first adjusting screw (184), the bicycle chain derailleur (48) further comprises a second adjusting screw (188) which adjusts the other of the retracted position and the extended position of the chain guide (60), and the second adjusting screw (188) is located on the second arm (204). [8] Bicycle chain derailleur (48) according to one of claims 1 or 4 to 7, wherein the adjusting screw (184, 188) is located on the cross member (208). [9] Bicycle chain derailleur (48) according to claim 7, wherein the adjusting screw (184, 188) is a first adjusting screw (184), the bicycle chain derailleur (48) further comprises a second adjusting screw (188) which adjusts the other of the retracted position and the extended position of the chain guide (60), and both the first adjusting screw (184) and the second adjusting screw (188) are located on the cross member (208). [10] Bicycle chain derailleur (48) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a wire guide (120) configured to guide a control cable (108) for actuating the bicycle chain derailleur (48), wherein the wire guide (120) is adapted to hold the control cable (108) in at least one top-pull arrangement and one bottom-pull arrangement. [11] Bicycle chain derailleur (48) according to claim 10, wherein the wire guide (120) is configured to guide the control cable (108) in the top-pull arrangement and the bottom-pull arrangement. [12] Bicycle chain launcher (48) according to one of claims 10 or 11, wherein the joint component (68, 72) is a first joint component (68), the bicycle chain launcher (48) further comprises a second joint component (72) and the wire guide (120) is fixed to the second joint component (72) in such a way that the second joint component (72) can be pivoted by the control cable (108). [13] Bicycle chain launcher (48), comprising: a basic component (56) configured to be coupled to a bicycle frame (22); a chain guide (60) configured to guide a bicycle chain (42); a joint component (68, 72) which is pivotally coupled to the base component (56) about a first swing arm axis (92, 100) and pivotally coupled to the chain guide (60) about a second swing arm axis (96, 104), so that the chain guide (60) is movable between a retracted position and an extended position relative to the base component (56); and an adjusting screw (184, 188) for adjusting the retracted or extended position of the chain guide (60), and the adjusting screw (184, 188) is located on the joint component (68, 72), wherein the base component (56) comprises a bearing surface (232) which is pivotally connected to the joint component (68) about the first swing arm axis (92), and the bearing surface (232) defines a reference plane (236), the joint component (68) comprises a first side surface (202) and a second side surface (206), the bearing surface (232) is located between the first side surface (202) and the second side surface (206), and the first side surface (202) is closer to the reference plane (236) than the second side surface (206), the adjusting screw (184, 188) intersects or is located at the reference plane (236). between the first side surface (202) and the reference plane (236); where the basic component (56) is only connected to the joint component (68) via the support surface (232) in a pivotal manner, the joint component (68) includes an opening (176) configured to allow the passage of a mounting screw (168), wherein the adjusting screw (184, 188) is located between the opening (176) and the first side surface (202), and wherein the mounting screw (168) is adapted to attach the base component (56) to the bicycle frame (22).

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