Bicycle derailleur

Abstract

A bicycle derailleur (12) comprising: a base member (38) configured to be attached to a bicycle (10); a movable member (40) configured to be movable with respect to the base member (38) between a retracted position and an extended position at which the movable member (40) is farther from the base member (38) than in the retracted position; a first link member (41) including a first link portion (74) pivotally coupled to the movable member (40) about a first pivot axis (P1), the first link member (41) being pivotally coupled to the base member (38) about a second pivot axis (P2);anda second link (42) pivotally coupled to the movable member (40) about a third pivot axis (P3), wherein the second link (42) is pivotally coupled to the base member (38) about a fourth pivot axis (P4), and wherein the first link portion (74) at least partially overlaps with a part of the second link (42) extending between the third pivot axis (P3) and the fourth pivot axis (P4) when viewed from a direction parallel to the first pivot axis (P1) in a state where the movable member (40) is arranged in one of the retracted position and the extended position, wherein the second link (42) includes a space (90) that accommodates the first link portion (74) of the first link (41).

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 444,159, filed July 28, 2014. The entire disclosure of U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 444,159 is hereby incorporated by reference. Field of the invention

[0002] This invention relates generally to a bicycle derailleur. More specifically, the present invention relates to a bicycle derailleur having a movable member movable with respect to a base member between a retracted position and an extended position. Background Information

[0003] Many bicycles are provided with a drivetrain that allows the rider to change a gear ratio for transferring power from the pedals to the rear wheel. Often, the drivetrain uses one or more derailleurs to change the gear ratio. A front derailleur is mounted to the bicycle frame adjacent to the front chainrings for shifting a chain laterally between the front chainrings, while a rear derailleur is mounted adjacent to a hub of the rear wheel for shifting the chain laterally between rear sprockets. In both cases, the derailleur typically includes a fixed or base link that is non-movably secured to the bicycle frame and a movable link. The movable link typically includes a chain guide that is movably supported relative to the base link for movement between at least two lateral shifting positions.Typically, a linkage assembly is coupled between the fixing member and the movable member to movably support the movable member with the chain guide. The derailleur is typically actuated by an actuating cable coupled between a switch and the derailleur. Bicycle derailleurs are known, for example, from US 5 624 336 A, DE 694 23 175 T2, US 2003 / 0 083 161 A1, US 5 389 043 A, US 2011 / 0 218 067 A1, US 2010 / 0 075 788 A1, and DE 10 2014 007 566 B4. SUMMARY

[0004] Essentially, the present disclosure is directed to various features of a bicycle derailleur. One object of the present invention is to provide a bicycle derailleur that is more compact. This object is achieved by independent claims 1, 3, and 12. Advantageous embodiments are specified in the subclaims.

[0005] In view of the prior art and according to a first aspect of the present invention, a bicycle derailleur is provided comprising a base member, a movable member, a first link member, and a second link member. The base member is configured to be attached to the bicycle. The movable member is configured to be movable with respect to the base member between a retracted position and an extended position at which the movable member is farther from the base member than in the retracted position. The first link member includes a first link portion pivotally coupled to the movable member about a first pivot axis. The first link member is pivotally coupled to the base member about a second pivot axis. The second link member is pivotally coupled to the movable member about a third pivot axis.The second link is pivotally coupled to the base member about a fourth pivot axis. The first connecting portion at least partially overlaps with a portion of the second link extending between the third pivot axis and the fourth pivot axis, as viewed from a direction parallel to the first pivot axis, in a state where the movable member is / will be disposed at one of the retracted position and the extended position. The second link includes a space that accommodates the first connecting portion of the first link.

[0006] Preferably, the bicycle derailleur is configured such that the first, second, third and fourth pivot axes are configured to be arranged with respect to the base member such that the first and third pivot axes in the retracted position are offset from the first and third pivot axes in the extended position in a forward and rearward direction with respect to a bicycle.

[0007] Preferably, the bicycle derailleur is designed such that the first connecting member is an external connector and the second connecting member is an internal connector.

[0008] Preferably, the bicycle derailleur is configured such that the second link includes a support projection extending outwardly and includes a cable fastening structure disposed on the support projection adjacent to the first link.

[0009] Preferably, the bicycle derailleur is configured such that the second link member includes a second link portion pivotally coupled to the base member about the fourth pivot axis, and wherein the first link portion at least partially overlaps with the second link portion when viewed from the direction parallel to the first pivot axis in a state where the movable member is disposed at one of the retracted position and the extended position.

[0010] Preferably, the bicycle derailleur is designed such that the second connecting member includes a space which receives the first connecting portion of the first connecting member.

[0011] Preferably, the bicycle derailleur is designed such that the second connecting member includes a space which receives the first connecting portion of the first connecting member.

[0012] Preferably, the bicycle derailleur is configured such that the second connecting portion includes a connecting part which is attached to the base member and a second connecting part which is attached to the base member, wherein the space is located between the first and second connecting parts.

[0013] Preferably, the bicycle derailleur is designed such that the first connecting part is attached to the base member with a first pivot shaft and the second connecting part is attached to the base member with a second pivot shaft.

[0014] Preferably, the bicycle derailleur is configured such that the second connecting portion includes a first connecting part which is attached to the base member and a second connecting part which is attached to the base member, and wherein the first connecting portion is arranged between the first connecting part and the second connecting part when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the first pivot axis.

[0015] Preferably, the bicycle derailleur is designed such that the first connecting portion projects in the direction of the second connecting member.

[0016] Preferably, the bicycle derailleur further comprises a third connecting member which is pivotally coupled to the movable member about a fifth pivot axis and which is pivotally coupled to the base member about a sixth pivot axis.

[0017] Preferably, the bicycle derailleur is designed such that the third connecting member is / will be arranged further from the second connecting member than from the first connecting member.

[0018] Preferably, the bicycle derailleur is configured such that the third connecting link has an effective length that is equal to the effective length of the second connecting link. The effective length of the third connecting link is measured between the fifth and sixth pivot axes, while the effective length of the second connecting link is measured between the third and fourth pivot axes.

[0019] Preferably, the bicycle derailleur is configured such that the second link includes a support projection extending outwardly and includes a cable fastening structure disposed on the support projection adjacent to the third link.

[0020] According to another aspect, a bicycle derailleur is provided, comprising a base member, a movable member, a first link, and a second link. The base member is configured to be attached to a bicycle. The movable member includes an inner plate and an outer plate and is configured to form a chain guide slot therebetween. The movable member is configured to be movable with respect to the base member between a retracted position and an extended position, at which the movable member is farther from the base member than in the retracted position. The first link includes a first link portion pivotally coupled to the movable member about a first pivot axis. The first link is pivotally coupled to the base member about a second pivot axis.The second link includes a third link portion coupled to the base member about a third pivot axis. The second link is pivotally coupled to the base member about a fourth pivot axis. The first link portion and the third link portion are disposed between the base member and an outer surface of the inner plate. The third link portion includes a first link part attached to the movable member by a pivot pin and a second link part attached to the movable member by the pivot pin, wherein the first link part and the second link part are aligned in an axial direction of the third pivot axis. Movement of the movable member is such that the movable member swings in a forward and backward direction with respect to the bicycle.Each of the first pivot axis, the second pivot axis, the third pivot axis, and the fourth pivot axis is substantially vertically aligned.

[0021] Preferably, the bicycle derailleur is configured such that the first, second, third, and fourth pivot axes are configured to be arranged with respect to the base member such that the first and third pivot axes in the retracted position are offset from the first and third pivot axes in the extended position in a forward and rearward direction with respect to a bicycle.

[0022] According to yet another aspect, a bicycle derailleur is provided, comprising a base member, a movable member, a first link, a second link, and a third link. The base member is configured to be attached to the bicycle. The movable member is configured to be movable with respect to the base member between a retracted position and an extended position, at which the movable member is farther from the base member than in the retracted position. The first link includes a first link portion pivotally coupled to the movable member about a first pivot axis. The first link is coupled to the base member about a second pivot axis. The second link is pivotally coupled to the movable member about a third pivot axis. The second link is pivotally coupled to the base member about a fourth pivot axis.The third link is pivotally coupled to the movable member about a fifth pivot axis and is pivotally coupled to the base member about a sixth pivot axis. Movement of the movable member is such that the movable member swings in a forward and backward direction with respect to the bicycle. Each of the first pivot axis, the second pivot axis, the third pivot axis, and the fourth pivot axis is substantially vertically oriented.

[0023] Further features, aspects and advantages of the disclosed bicycle derailleur will also become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, discloses an embodiment of the bicycle derailleur. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Referring now to the accompanying drawings which form a part of this original disclosure: Fig. 1 is a partial side elevational view of a bicycle frame with a bicycle front derailleur mounted thereon according to a first illustrated embodiment; Fig. 2 is an enlarged outside elevational view of a portion of the bicycle in the area of the front derailleur; Fig. 3 is a side elevational view of the front derailleur according to the illustrated embodiment with an actuating cable; Fig. 4 is a rear perspective view of the front derailleur according to the illustrated embodiment with the actuating cable; Fig. 5 is an inside elevational view of the front derailleur according to the illustrated embodiment; Fig. 6 is an inside elevation view similar to Fig. 5 of the front derailleur according to the illustrated embodiment with the second link removed; Fig. 7 is a plan view of the front derailleur according to the illustrated embodiment; Fig. 8 is a plan view of the front derailleur according to the illustrated embodiment; Fig. 9 is a plan view of the front derailleur according to the illustrated embodiment; and Fig. 10 is a plan view of the front derailleur according to the illustrated embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0025] Selected embodiments will now be described with reference to the drawings. It will be apparent to those skilled in the bicycle art from this disclosure that the following descriptions of the embodiments are provided for illustration only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0026] Firstly, referring to Fig. 1, therein is illustrated a bicycle 10 equipped with a front bicycle derailleur 12 (hereinafter referred to as the front derailleur 12) according to a first embodiment. As explained below, the front derailleur 12 is attached to the bicycle 10 in a removable and reinstallable manner. Essentially, the bicycle 10 includes a bicycle frame 14, a front fork 16, a rear wheel 18, a front wheel 20, and a handlebar 22. The handlebar 22 is attached to a steering tube or column of the front fork 16. In the illustrated embodiment, a switch 24 is attached to the handlebar 22 for actuating the front derailleur to laterally shift a chain 26 between three front sprockets or chainrings 28. The switch 24 is operatively connected to the front derailleur 12 by means of an actuating cable 30.It will be apparent to those skilled in the bicycle art from this disclosure that any switch that utilizes an actuating cable, such as actuating cable 30, may be used to actuate the front derailleur 12. Here, the switch 24 is illustrated on the right side of the handlebar 22. However, the switch 24 may be used on either the left or right side of the handlebar 22 to actuate the front derailleur if needed and / or desired.

[0027] Referring to the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, the actuating cable 30 preferably includes an outer housing 30a and an inner cable 30b that runs through the outer housing 30a. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, the actuating cable 30 is a conventional Bowden cable. The inner cable 30b is slidably disposed within the outer housing 30a. In particular, upon actuation of the switch 24 (i.e., pulling or releasing), the inner cable 30b moves within the outer housing 30a to actuate the front derailleur 12. The outer housing 30a may be formed as a single continuous tubular member with one end contacting a portion of the switch 24 and another end contacting the derailleur 12, as illustrated. Alternatively, the outer housing 30a may be formed from two or more pieces, as is conventional for many bicycles. The actuating cable 30 is connected to a downpipe 32 of the bicycle frame 14 in a conventional manner, as shown in Fig. 1 can be seen.

[0028] The bicycle 10 may be any type of bicycle and may have a variety of configurations. Since bicycles and their various components are well known in the bicycle art, the following descriptions do not include detailed explanations and descriptions regarding the bicycle 10 and its various components, except for the front derailleur 12 of the present invention and the components or parts related to the front derailleur 12. In other words, this explanation only describes and / or illustrates the front derailleur 12 and the components or parts of the bicycle 10 related to the front derailleur 12.

[0029] In the illustrated embodiment, as shown in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the front derailleur 12 is mounted to a seat tube 34 of the bicycle frame 14. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the bicycle art from this disclosure that the front derailleur 12 may also be attached to a head tube 36 of the bicycle frame 14 via a bottom bracket or other mounting structure if needed and / or desired.

[0030] Now referring to the Fig. 3 to 10, the front derailleur 12 will now be described in further detail. The front derailleur 12 includes a base member 38, a movable member 40, a first link 41, and a second link 42. Preferably, the front derailleur 12 further includes a third link 43. However, certain aspects of the front derailleur can be achieved without incorporating the third link 43, as will be apparent from the following description of the front derailleur 12. The third link 43 provides additional stability (i.e., stiffness) to the first and second link members 41 and 42 and provides greater accuracy in the positioning of the movable member 40.

[0031] In the illustrated embodiment, the first, second and third link members 41, 42 and 43 define a linkage arrangement for connecting the movable member 40 with respect to the base member 38 between a retracted position (see Fig. 8), an intermediate or middle position (see Fig. 9) and an extended position (see Fig. 10). The first link 41 is pivotally coupled to the movable member 40 about a first pivot axis P1. The first link 41 is pivotally coupled to the base member 38 about a second pivot axis P2. The second link 42 is pivotally coupled to the movable member 40 about a third pivot axis P3. The second link 42 is pivotally coupled to the base member 38 about a fourth pivot axis P4. The third link 43 is pivotally coupled to the movable member 40 about a fifth pivot axis P5. The third link 43 is pivotally coupled to the base member 38 about a sixth pivot axis P6.

[0032] In this arrangement, as in the Fig. As can be seen in Figures 8 to 10, a first four-linkage connection 44 is defined by the pivot axes P1, P2, P3 and P4, while a second four-linkage connection 46 is defined by the pivot axes P3, P4, P5 and P6. The first, second, third and fourth pivot axes P1, P2, P3 and P4 are configured to be arranged relative to the base member 38 such that the first and third pivot axes P1 and P3 are in the retracted position (see Fig. 8) from the first and third swivel axes P1 and P3 in the extended position (see Fig. 10) are offset in a forward and backward direction with respect to the bicycle 10. In other words, the first and third pivot axes P1 and P3 move in a forward direction with respect to the bicycle 10, while the movable member 40 moves from the retracted position (see Fig. 8) towards the extended position (see Fig. 10). Furthermore, the first and third pivot axes P1 and P3 move in a rearward direction with respect to the bicycle 10, while the movable member 40 moves from the extended position (see Fig. 10) towards the retracted position (see Fig. 8) moves.

[0033] The base member 38 is configured to be / be attached to the bicycle 10. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the base member 38 is a rigid member that is clamped to the seat tube 34 of the bicycle 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the base member 38 is disposed above the movable member 40 while the front derailleur 12 is in the installed position on the seat tube 34. Of course, it will be apparent to those skilled in the bicycle art from this disclosure that the base member 38 may have other configurations if needed and / or desired. For example, the base member 38 could be attached to the head tube 36 via the bottom bracket or a chainstay, if needed and / or desired. Typically, the base member 38 is made of a metallic material or a fiber-reinforced material.

[0034] As in the Fig. 4 and Fig. 5, in the illustrated embodiment, the base member 38 is a hinged strap clamp including a first strap clamp portion 50 and a second strap clamp portion 52. A hinge pin 54 hingeably connects the first ends of the first and second strap clamp portions 50 and 52, while the second ends of the first and second strap clamp portions 50 and 52 are secured together by a fastener 56. Here, the fastener 56 includes a bolt and a nut used to pull the second ends of the first and second strap clamp portions 50 and 52 together to secure them to the seat tube 34 of the bicycle frame 14 ( Fig. 2) clamp in a removable and reinstallable manner. Typically, the first and second band clamp portions 50 and 52 of the base member 38 are made of a metallic material or a fiber-reinforced material.

[0035] As in the Fig. 3 to 7, the movable member 40 includes an inner plate 60 and an outer plate 62. The inner plate 60 and the outer plate 62 are configured to form a chain guide slot 64 therebetween. In the illustrated embodiment, the movable member 40 further includes an upstream connecting part 66 and a downstream connecting part 68. The upstream connecting part 66 connects the upstream ends of the inner and outer plates 60 and 62. The downstream connecting part 68 connects the downstream ends of the inner and outer plates 60 and 62. The terms "upstream" and "downstream" as used herein have the meaning with respect to the movement of the chain 26 within the chain guide slot 64 during pedaling and bicycle riding, respectively.In other words, the inner surfaces of the inner and outer plates 60 and 62 face each other to form the chain guide slot 64 therebetween for receiving the chain 26. As best shown in FIGS. Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, the inner plate 60 includes a pair of mounting flanges 70 for pivotally mounting the first link 41. The inner plate 60 also includes a pair of mounting flanges 72 for pivotally mounting the second link 42. The mounting flanges 70 and 72 are formed on an outer surface 60a (i.e., the frame-facing side in the illustrated embodiment) of the inner plate 60, which faces the bicycle 10 and which opposes the chain guide slot 64. Thus, the first and second links 41 and 42 are pivotally mounted to the movable member 40 on the outer surface 60a of the inner plate 60. The third link 63 is pivotally attached to the downstream link 68.

[0036] Referring to the Fig. 8 and Fig. 10, the movable member 40 is configured to be movable with respect to the base member 38 between a retracted position (see Fig. 8) and an extended position (see Fig. 10), in which the movable member 40 is further from the base member 38 than in the retracted position. In particular, with the arrangement of the first and second connecting members 41 and 42, the movement of the movable member 40 is in a substantially horizontal plane, such that the movable member 40 swings in a forward and backward direction with respect to the bicycle 10, while the movable member 40 swings laterally with respect to the bicycle 10 between the retracted position (see Fig. 8) and the extended position (see Fig. 10). In the illustrated embodiment, the movable member 40 of the front derailleur 12 includes a middle or intermediate position (see Fig. 9).

[0037] More specifically, the movable member 40 is moved relative to the base member 38 in an outward direction away from the bicycle frame 14 by pulling the inner cable 30b (i.e., a pulling operation) of the operating cable 30 in response to the operation of the switch 24. Consequently, in response to the pulling operation of the operating cable 30, the inner plate 60 contacts and laterally shifts the bicycle chain 26, such that the bicycle chain 26 moves in an outward direction with respect to the bicycle frame 14 between the chainrings 28. Also, the movable member 40 is moved relative to the base member 38 in an inward direction toward the bicycle frame 14 by releasing the inner cable 30b (i.e., a releasing operation) of the operating cable 30 in response to the operation of the switch 24.Consequently, in response to the release operation of the actuating cable 30, the outer plate 62 contacts and laterally shifts the bicycle chain 26 such that the bicycle chain 26 moves in an inward direction relative to the bicycle frame 14 between the chainrings 28. In this way, the movable member 40 selectively positions the bicycle chain 26 over one of the chainrings 28 in response to the actuation of the switch 24.

[0038] The first link 41 will now be explained in further detail. The first link 41 is a rigid link made of a suitable material, such as a metallic material or a fiber-reinforced material. Here, in the illustrated embodiment, the first link 41 is an external connector that is located farther from the bicycle frame 14 than the second link 42 while the front derailleur 12 is in the installed position. The first link 41 has an effective length L1. The effective length L1 of the first link 41 is measured between the first and second pivot axes P1 and P2. The first link 41 includes a first connecting portion 74 that is pivotally coupled to the movable member 40 about the first pivot axis P1. More specifically, the first connecting portion 74 is fixed to the movable member 40 by means of a pivot pin 76.The first link 41 further includes a connecting portion 78 pivotally coupled to the base member 38 about the second pivot axis P2. Specifically, the connecting portion 78 is secured to the base member 38 by a pivot pin 80.

[0039] The second link 42 will now be explained in further detail. The second link 42 is a rigid link made of a suitable material, such as a metallic material or a fiber-reinforced material. Here, in the illustrated embodiment, the second link 42 is an internal connector. The second link 42 has an effective length L2. The effective length L2 of the second link 42 is measured between the third and fourth pivot axes P3 and P4. The effective length L2 of the second link 42 is equal to the effective length L1 of the first link 41.

[0040] One end of the second link 42 is pivotally coupled to the movable member 40 about the third pivot axis P3, while the other end of the second link 42 is coupled to the base member 38 about the fourth pivot axis P4. The second link 42 further includes a second connecting portion 82 coupled to the base member 38 about the fourth pivot axis P4. More specifically, the second connecting portion 82 includes a first connecting part 82a fixed to the base member 38 and a second connecting part 82b fixed to the base member 38. More specifically, the first connecting part 82a is fixed to the base member 38 by a first pivot shaft 84a. Similarly, the second connecting part 82b is fixed to the base member 38 by a second pivot shaft 84b. The first and second connecting parts 82a and 82b are aligned in an axial direction of the fourth pivot axis P4.The second link 42 includes a third connecting portion 86 which is pivotally coupled to the movable member 40 about the third pivot axis P3.

[0041] Specifically, the third connecting portion 86 is fixed to the movable member 40 by a pivot pin 88. Specifically, the third connecting portion 86 includes a first connecting portion 86a fixed to the movable member 40 by the pivot pin 88 and a second connecting portion 86b fixed to the movable member 40 by the pivot pin 88. The first and second connecting portions 86a and 86b are aligned in an axial direction of the third pivot axis P3. The first connecting portion 74 of the first connecting member 41 and the third connecting portion 86 of the second connecting member 42 are disposed between the base member 38 and the outer surface 60a of the inner plate 60.With this arrangement of the first connecting portion 74 and with the third connecting portion 86 located between the base member 38 and the outer surface 60a, a more compact design of the front derailleur can be achieved than in a conventional derailleur. Also, the first and second connecting members 41 and 42 can be shorter than in a conventional front derailleur, while still providing sufficient impact movement of the movable member 40 between the retracted position and the extended position.

[0042] With this arrangement of the first and second connecting members 41 and 42, as shown in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 5, the second link 42 includes a space 90 that receives the first connecting portion 74 of the first link 41. More specifically, the space 90 is located between the first and second connecting parts 82a and 82b. The first connecting portion 74 of the first link 41 is disposed between the first connecting part 82a and the second connecting part 82b when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the first pivot axis P1.

[0043] Preferably, in the arrangement of the first and second links 41 and 42, the first link portion 74 of the first link 41 is at least partially overlapped with the second link portion 82 of the second link 42 when viewed from the direction parallel to the first pivot axis P1 in a state where the movable member 40 is disposed in one of the retracted position and the extended position. With this overlapping arrangement of the first and second links 41 and 42, a more compact front derailleur can be manufactured compared to a conventional front derailleur. Also, the first and second links 41 and 42 can be made shorter than in a conventional front derailleur while still providing sufficient swinging movement of the movable member 40 between the retracted position and the extended position.

[0044] The third link 43 is not required to achieve the compact structure provided by using the overlapping arrangement of the first and second links 41 and 42. However, as explained above, the third link 43 provides additional stability (i.e., rigidity) to the first and second links 41 and 42 and provides greater accuracy in positioning the movable member 40. Similarly, the overlapping arrangement of the first and second links 41 and 42 is not required to achieve the additional stability provided by the third link 43.

[0045] Here in the illustrated embodiment, as in Fig. 8, the first connecting portion 74 of the first connecting member 41 is located in the space 90 between the first and second connecting parts 82a and 82b, while the movable member 40 is in the retracted position. Consequently, in the illustrated embodiment, the first connecting portion 74 of the first connecting member 41 at least partially overlaps with the second connecting member 42, while the movable member 40 is in the retracted position, as shown in Fig. 8. Of course, it will be apparent from this disclosure that the first and second connecting members 41 and 42 may be redesigned and relocated such that the first connecting portion 74 of the first connecting member 41 is located in the space 90 between the first and second connecting parts 82a and 82b while the movable member 40 is in the extended position. In the illustrated embodiment, as shown in Fig. 8, the first connecting portion 74 of the first connecting member 41 projects toward the second connecting member 42.

[0046] In the illustrated embodiment, as shown in the Fig. As can be seen from Figures 8 to 10, the second link 42 includes a support projection 92 and a cable fastening structure 94. The support projection 92 extends outwardly from an intermediate portion of the second link 42. The cable fastening structure 94 is disposed on the support projection 92 at a position adjacent to the third link 43. The inner cable 30b is secured to the second link 42 by means of the cable fastening structure 94. More specifically, the cable fastening structure 94 is essentially a bolt that is screwed into a threaded bore of the support projection 92 of the second link 42. When the second link 42 is pulled or released by the movement of the inner cable 30b of the operating cable 30, the movable member 40 moves between the retracted position and the extended position to move the bicycle chain 26 between the chainrings 28.

[0047] In the illustrated embodiment, as shown in Fig.5, a biasing member 96 is provided between the movable member 40 and the second link member 42. In the illustrated embodiment, the biasing member 96 is operatively disposed between the movable member 40 and the second link member 42 to bias the movable member 40 toward the retracted position. Alternatively, the biasing member 96 may be disposed to bias the movable member 40 toward the extended position if needed and / or desired. In the illustrated embodiment, the biasing member 96 is a torsion spring. The biasing member 96 has a coiled portion mounted to the pivot pin 88. A first end of the biasing member 96 engages the inner plate 60. For example, as in the illustrated embodiment, the first end of the biasing member 96 is hooked to the inner plate 60.A second end of the tendon 96 is fixed to an adjustment collar 98, which is fixed to the second connecting link 42 via the pivot pin 88. The pivot pin 88 is non-rotatably mounted to the second connecting link 42. The adjustment collar 98 has an adjustment screw 101 that engages the pivot pin 88 to fix the adjustment collar 98 to the pivot pin 88. By fixing the adjustment collar 98 with the adjustment screw 101 at different angular positions, the preload force of the tendon 96 on the movable link 40 can be varied.

[0048] The third link 43 will now be explained in further detail. The third link 43 is a rigid link made of a suitable material such as a metallic material or a fiber-reinforced material. The third link 43 is located farther from the second link 42 than the first link 41. The third link 43 has an effective length L3 equal to the effective length L2 of the second link 42. The effective length L3 of the third link 43 is measured between the fifth and sixth pivot axes P5 and P6. The third link 43 provides additional stability (i.e., stiffness) to the first and second links 41 and 42 and provides greater accuracy in positioning the movable link 40.The third link 43 includes a connecting portion 43a pivotally coupled to the movable member 40 about a fifth pivot axis P5. Specifically, the connecting portion 43a is attached to the movable member 40 by a pivot pin 102 at a position of the downstream connecting part 68. The third link 43 further includes a connecting portion 43b pivotally coupled to the base member 83 about the sixth pivot axis P6. Specifically, the connecting portion 43b is attached to the base member 38 by a pivot pin 104.

[0049] For the purpose of understanding the scope of the present invention, the terms "comprising" and its derivatives, as used herein, are to be understood as open-ended terms; the presence of recited features, elements, groups, components, integers, and / or steps specifies but does not preclude the presence of other unstated features, elements, groups, components, integers, and / or steps. The foregoing also applies to words with similar meanings, such as the terms "comprising," "including," and their derivatives. Furthermore, the terms "part," "section," "portion," "member," or "element," when used in the singular, may have the plural meaning of a single part or a plurality of parts, unless otherwise stated.

[0050] As used herein, the following directional terms such as "frame-facing side," "non-frame-facing side," "forward," "backward," "forward," "backward," "high," "downward," "above," "below," "upward," "downward," "above," "below," "sideways," "vertical," "horizontal," "perpendicular," and "across," as well as other similar terms, refer to such directions of a bicycle in an upright riding position and equipped with the bicycle derailleur. Accordingly, these terms, as used herein to describe the present invention, should be interpreted or understood relative to a bicycle in an upright riding position on a horizontal surface equipped with the bicycle derailleur.The terms “left” and “right” as used herein to mean “right” when referring to the right side when viewed from the rear of the bicycle and to mean “left” when referring to the left side when viewed from the rear of the bicycle.

[0051] It should also be understood that although the terms "first" and "second" as used herein describe different components, these components are not to be limited to these terms. These terms are used herein only to distinguish one component from another. Thus, for example, a first component discussed above could be referred to as a second component and vice versa without departing from the teachings of the present invention. The term "attached" or "attaching" as used herein includes configurations in which one element is / will be arranged directly to another element; by attaching the element directly to the other element; configurations in which the element is / will be arranged indirectly to the other element via the intermediate member; and configurations in which one element is integrally formed with another element, i.e.One element is essentially part of the other element. This concept also applies to other words with similar meanings, such as "connected," "joined," "coupled," "mounted," "glued," "fixed," and their derivatives. Finally, the extent terms such as "substantially," "by," and "approximately," as used herein, mean a reasonable amount of variation from the modified term such that the final result is not significantly altered.

[0052] While only selected embodiments have been chosen to illustrate / depict the present invention, it will be apparent to those 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 in the appended claims. For example, while the illustrated embodiment is a front derailleur, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that the foregoing configurations can also be applied to a rear derailleur. Also, while the illustrated embodiment is a front derailleur that swings in a fore-and-aft direction, the various features of the present invention, as described above, can also be applied to top-swing and down-swing front derailleurs.Any feature that differs from the prior art, alone or in combination with other features, should be considered a separate description of further inventions of the applicant, including the structural and / or functional concepts embodied by such invention(s). Furthermore, the foregoing descriptions of embodiments according to the present invention are presented for illustration only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

[1] Bicycle derailleur (12) comprising: a base member (38) configured to be attached to a bicycle (10); a movable member (40) configured to be movable with respect to the base member (38) between a retracted position and an extended position at which the movable member (40) is farther from the base member (38) than in the retracted position; a first link member (41) including a first connecting portion (74) pivotally coupled to the movable member (40) about a first pivot axis (P1), the first link member (41) being pivotally coupled to the base member (38) about a second pivot axis (P2); and a second link (42) pivotally coupled to the movable member (40) about a third pivot axis (P3), the second link (42) pivotally coupled to the base member (38) about a fourth pivot axis (P4), and the first link portion (74) at least partially overlaps with a part of the second link (42) extending between the third pivot axis (P3) and the fourth pivot axis (P4) when viewed from a direction parallel to the first pivot axis (P1) in a state where the movable member (40) is arranged in one of the retracted position and the extended position, the second link (42) including a space (90) that accommodates the first link portion (74) of the first link (41). [2] The bicycle derailleur (12) according to claim 1, wherein the second link member (42) includes a second link portion (82) pivotally coupled to the base member (38) about the fourth pivot axis (P4), and the first link portion (74) at least partially overlaps with the second link portion (82) when viewed from the direction parallel to the first pivot axis (P1) in the state where the movable member (40) is disposed at one of the retracted position and the extended position. [3] Bicycle derailleur (12) comprising: a base member (38) configured to be attached to a bicycle (10); a movable member (40) including an inner plate (60) and an outer plate (62) configured to form a chain guide slot (64) therebetween, the movable member (40) being configured to be movable with respect to the base member (38) between a retracted position and an extended position at which the movable member (40) is farther from the base member (38) than in the retracted position; a first connecting member (41) including a first connecting portion (74) pivotally coupled to the movable member (40) about a first pivot axis (P1), wherein the first connecting member (41) is pivotally coupled to the base member (38) about a second pivot axis (P2); and a second connecting member (42) including a third connecting portion (86) which is pivotally coupled to the movable member (40) about a third pivot axis (P3), the third connecting portion (86) including a first connecting part (86a) which is fixed to the movable member (40) by means of a pivot pin (88) and a second connecting part (86b), which is / is attached to the movable member (40) by means of the pivot pin (88), wherein the first connecting part (86a) and the second connecting part (86b) are aligned in an axial direction of the third pivot axis (P3), wherein the second connecting member (42) is / is pivotally coupled to the base member (38) about a fourth pivot axis (P4), and wherein the first connecting portion (74) and the third connecting portion (86) are arranged between the base member (38) and an outer surface (60a) of the inner plate (60), wherein a movement of the movable member (40) is such that the movable member (40) swings in a forward direction and backward direction with respect to the bicycle (10), and wherein each of the first pivot axis (P1), the second pivot axis (P2), the third pivot axis (P3), and the fourth pivot axis (P4) is substantially vertically aligned. [4] Bicycle derailleur (12) according to claim 3, wherein the second link (42) includes a space (90) which receives the first connecting portion (74) of the first link (41). [5] Bicycle derailleur (12) according to claims 2 and 4, wherein the second connecting portion (82) includes a first connecting part (82a) which is fixed to the base member (38) and a second connecting part (82b) which is fixed to the base member (38), wherein the space (90) is located between the first and second connecting parts (82a, 82b) and / or the first connecting portion (74) is arranged between the first connecting part (82a) and the second connecting part (82b) when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the first pivot axis (P1). [6] Bicycle derailleur (12) according to claim 5, wherein the first connecting part (82a) is attached to the base member (38) with a first pivot shaft (84a) and the second connecting part (82b) is attached to the base member (38) with a second pivot shaft (84b). [7] Bicycle derailleur (12) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first, second, third and fourth pivot axes (P1, P2, P3, P4) are configured to be arranged relative to the base member (38) such that the first and third pivot axes (P1, P3) in the retracted position are offset from the first and third pivot axes (P1, P3) in the extended position in a forward and rearward direction with respect to the bicycle (10). [8] Bicycle derailleur (12) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first connecting member (41) is an external connector and the second connecting member (42) is an internal connector. [9] Bicycle derailleur (12) according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the second link (42) includes a support projection (92) extending outwardly and includes a cable fastening structure (94) disposed on the support projection (92) adjacent to the first link (41). [10] Bicycle derailleur (12) according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first connecting portion (74) projects toward the second connecting member (42). [11] Bicycle derailleur (12) according to one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising a third link member (43) which is pivotally coupled to the movable member (40) about a fifth pivot axis (P5) and which is pivotally coupled to the base member (38) about a sixth pivot axis (P6). [12] Bicycle derailleur (12) comprising: a base member (38) configured to be attached to a bicycle (10); a movable member (40) configured to be movable with respect to the base member (38) between a retracted position and an extended position at which the movable member (40) is farther from the base member (38) than in the retracted position; a first connecting member (41) including a first connecting portion (74), which is pivotally coupled to the movable member (40) about a first pivot axis (P1), wherein the first connecting member (41) is pivotally coupled to the base member (38) about a second pivot axis (P2); a second link member (42) pivotally coupled to the movable member (40) about a third pivot axis (P3), the second link member (42) being pivotally coupled to the base member (38) about a fourth pivot axis (P4); and a third connecting member (43) which is pivotally coupled to the movable member (40) about a fifth pivot axis (P5) and which is pivotally coupled to the base member (38) about a sixth pivot axis (P6), wherein a movement of the movable member (40) is such that that the movable member (40) swings in a forward direction and a backward direction with respect to the bicycle (10), and wherein each of the first pivot axis (P1), the second pivot axis (P2), the third pivot axis (P3) and the fourth pivot axis (P4) is substantially vertically aligned. [13] Bicycle derailleur (12) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the third connecting member (43) is arranged further away from the second connecting member (42) than the first connecting member (41). [14] Bicycle derailleur (12) according to one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the third link (43) has an effective length (L3) which is equal to an effective length (L2) of the second link (42), the effective length (L3) of the third link (43) being measured between the fifth and sixth pivot axes (P5, P6), while the effective length (L2) of the second link (42) being measured between the third and fourth pivot axes (P3, P4). [15] Bicycle derailleur (12) according to one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the second link (42) includes a support projection (92) extending outwardly and includes a cable fastening structure (94) disposed on the support projection (92) adjacent to the third link (43).

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