Electric derailleur

Abstract

The present application provides an electric derailleur, comprising a fixed base, a driving device, a movable piece, a chain guide piece, and connecting rods. The movable piece is configured to be movable relative to the fixed base. The chain guide piece is rotatably connected to the movable piece. Two ends of each connecting rod are pivotally connected to the movable piece and the fixed base, respectively. The driving device is arranged on the connecting rod. The driving device comprises: a transmission shaft configured to drive the movable piece and the connecting rod to move relative to the fixed base, the transmission shaft being pivotally connected to the connecting rod and the movable piece; and a shifting piece driven by the transmission shaft to rotate, the shifting piece being configured to apply a force to the movable piece to drive the movable piece and the connecting rod to move. The electric derailleur provided by the present application can improve the power transmission performance.

Description

An electric derailleur Technical Field

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

[0002] The derailleur is a key component of a speed-shifting bicycle, used to shift the chain between different-sized wheels to achieve speed changes. Existing derailleurs include manual derailleurs pulled by a steel cable and electric derailleurs driven by a motor. Existing electric derailleurs typically include a motor assembly, a connecting rod, and a chain guide. The connecting rod and chain guide are pivotally connected, through which the chain passes. The motor assembly applies power to the chain guide, thereby shifting the chain to different wheels. The forward and reverse rotations output by the motor assembly drive the chain guide in opposite directions to achieve the chain's shifting between the different wheels. For example, Chinese invention patent application No. CN103707996A discloses an electric bicycle rear derailleur. However, in this prior art, the motor, or motor unit, is mounted on a base member. The motor's output drives the movable member through the connecting rod, which in turn drives the chain guide. This results in a long power transmission path and unsatisfactory power transmission performance.

[0003] In view of this, it is necessary to propose a new technical solution to overcome the problems existing in the prior art.

[0004] Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present application provides an electric derailleur, which can improve power transmission performance.

[0006] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the present application adopts the following technical solution: an electric derailleur comprising a fixed base, a driving device, a movable member, a chain guide, and a connecting rod, wherein the movable member is configured to be movable relative to the fixed base, the chain guide is rotatably connected to the movable member, and both ends of the connecting rod are pivotally connected to the movable member and the fixed base, respectively; wherein the driving device is configured on the connecting rod, and the driving device comprises:

[0007] a transmission shaft configured to drive the movable member and the connecting rod to move relative to the fixed base, wherein the transmission shaft is pivotally connected to the connecting rod and the movable member; and

[0008] The toggle member is driven to rotate by the transmission shaft, and the toggle member is configured to drive the movable member and the connecting rod to move by applying force to the movable member.

[0009] As a further improved technical solution of the present application, the driving device includes a motor, the motor has an output end connected to the transmission shaft, and the output end is located at one end of the connecting rod facing the movable part.

[0010] As a further improved technical solution of the present application, the connecting rod includes an upper connecting rod and a lower connecting rod pivotally connected to the fixed base and the movable part respectively, and the upper connecting rod and the lower connecting rod move in response to the movement of the movable part relative to the fixed base.

[0011] As a further improved technical solution of the present application, a load limiting device is arranged between the toggle member and the movable member, and the load limiting device is configured to disengage the transmission connection between the toggle member and the movable member when the load borne by the movable member exceeds a load threshold.

[0012] As a further improved technical solution of the present application, the load limiting device includes a protruding member that simultaneously connects the toggle member and the movable member, and the protruding member is configured to transmit power to the movable member in the rotation direction of the toggle member.

[0013] As a further improved technical solution of the present application, the protruding member is a ball, and the shifting member is provided with a hemispherical groove for accommodating a part of the ball.

[0014] As a further improved technical solution of the present application, the load limiting device includes an elastic member that elastically presses against the ball toward the toggle member.

[0015] As a further improved technical solution of the present application, an elastic preload member is arranged between the toggle member and the movable member, and the toggle member drives the movable member to rotate through the elastic preload member in at least one movement direction.

[0016] As a further improved technical solution of the present application, the elastic preload member is a torsion spring, which is sleeved on the transmission shaft, with one end of the torsion spring abutting against the toggle member and the other end abutting against the movable member.

[0017] As a further improved technical solution of the present application, a biasing member is arranged between the upper connecting rod and the fixed base, and the biasing member is configured to provide a biasing force to the upper connecting rod that is conducive to the movement of the upper connecting rod in a rotation direction of the upper connecting rod relative to the fixed base.

[0018] As a further improved technical solution of the present application, the biasing member is a torsion spring, one end of the torsion spring abuts against the upper connecting rod, and the other end abuts against the fixed base.

[0019] As a further improved technical solution of the present application, a battery module for providing power to the driving device is detachably attached to the fixed base.

[0020] As a further improved technical solution of the present application, the electric derailleur includes a wireless communicator, and the wireless communicator is configured in the battery module.

[0021] As a further improved technical solution of the present application, the derailleur is a rear derailleur for a bicycle.

[0022] The electric derailleur provided in the present application has a driving device configured on a connecting rod. The driving device includes a transmission shaft pivotally connected to the connecting rod and the movable part. The derailleur driven by the transmission shaft drives the movable part and the connecting rod to move by applying force to the movable part. In this way, the power of the driving device is not transmitted to the movable part through the connecting rod, but is applied more directly to the movable part, which can shorten the power transmission path and improve the power transmission performance. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, the drawings of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below only relate to some embodiments of the present application, and are not limitations to the present application.

[0024] FIG1 is a perspective view of the electric derailleur of the present application.

[0025] FIG2 is an exploded perspective view of the electric derailleur of the present application.

[0026] FIG3 is a perspective view of the lower connecting rod and the driving device of the electric derailleur of the present application.

[0027] FIG4 is a perspective view of the electric derailleur of the present application with the chain guide removed.

[0028] FIG5 is a perspective exploded view of the electric derailleur of the present application with the chain guide removed.

[0029] FIG6 is a perspective exploded view of the electric derailleur of the present application after the chain guide is removed from another perspective.

[0030] FIG7 is a perspective view of the lower connecting rod, the driving device and the movable parts of the electric derailleur of the present application.

[0031] Explanation of the reference numerals: 100-derailleur; 1-fixed base; 11-first rotating shaft; 12-second rotating shaft; 13-third rotating shaft; 14-mounting portion; 2-upper connecting rod; 3-lower connecting rod; 31-inner shell; 32-middle frame; 33-outer shell; 34-gear cover; 4-movable part; 41-mounting groove; 42-load limiting device; 421-ball; 422-elastic part; 5-driving device; 51-motor; 52-gear set; 53-screw; 54-worm gear; 55-drive shaft; 551-shifting part; 5510-hemispherical groove; 552-elastic preload member; 6-chain guide; 7-battery module; 8-biasing member. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] To make the purpose, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present application more clear, the present application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Generally, the components of the embodiments of the present application described and shown in the drawings herein can be arranged and designed in various different configurations. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0033] It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters denote similar items in the following drawings, and therefore, once an item is defined in one drawing, it does not need to be further defined or explained in subsequent drawings.

[0034] Unless otherwise defined, technical or scientific terms used in this patent document shall have the ordinary meaning as understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terms "first," "second," and similar expressions used in this patent specification and claims do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish one component from another. Similarly, terms such as "a," "an," or "the" do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one. Terms such as "include" or "comprising" mean that the elements or objects preceding the phrase "include" or "comprising" include the elements or objects listed after the phrase and their equivalents, and do not exclude other elements or objects. Terms such as "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer" are used solely to indicate relative positional relationships. When the absolute position of the described object changes, the relative positional relationship may also change accordingly. These terms are used solely to facilitate the description of this application and to simplify the description. They are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or component referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed, or operate in a specific orientation, and are not to be construed as limitations on this application.

[0035] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "mounted," "connected," and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; mechanical connections or electrical connections; direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and internal connections between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0036] The following describes some embodiments of the present application in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the absence of conflict, the features of the following embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0037] Referring to Figures 1 to 7 , the present application provides an electric derailleur 100 for shifting a chain to switch between different-sized wheels to achieve speed changes. Derailleur 100 includes a fixed base 1, a drive device 5, a movable member 4, a chain guide 6, connecting rods, and a battery module 7. The connecting rods include an upper connecting rod 2 and a lower connecting rod 3.

[0038] Referring to Figures 1 and 2 , the fixed base 1 serves as a base upon which the upper link 2, lower link 3, movable member 4, drive device 5, chain guide 6, and battery module 7 are directly or indirectly mounted. Furthermore, the fixed base 1 is configured to be mounted to a bicycle frame, allowing the derailleur 100 to be attached to the bicycle frame via the fixed base 1. In this embodiment, the fixed base 1 is provided with a mounting portion 14, which connects the fixed base 1 and the entire derailleur 100 to the bicycle frame. The mounting portion 14 may be a screw, buckle, strap, or other suitable means for connecting the fixed base 1 to the bicycle frame.

[0039] The movable member 4 is configured to be movable relative to the fixed base 1, and the chain guide 6 is rotatably connected to the movable member 4. The chain guide 6 is configured to be movable relative to the fixed base 1 and includes two substantially parallel side plates and a guide sprocket connected between the two side plates. The bicycle chain passes through the two side plates of the chain guide 6 and is wound around the guide sprocket. When shifting gears, the chain guide 6 can be driven to move, causing the chain guide 6 to push the chain to move, enabling the chain to switch between different sized wheels, achieving speed change. The guide sprocket can also be used to tension the chain.

[0040] Referring to Figure 4 , the ends of the connecting rod are pivotally connected to the movable member 4 and the fixed base 1, respectively. Specifically, the ends of the upper connecting rod 2 and the lower connecting rod 3 are pivotally connected to the fixed base 1 and the movable member 4, respectively. The fixed base 1, upper connecting rod 2, lower connecting rod 3, and movable member 4 form a four-bar linkage. In this embodiment, the upper connecting rod 2 is generally plate-shaped and positioned above the lower connecting rod 3. One end of the upper connecting rod 2 is pivotally connected to the fixed base 1 via a second rotating shaft 12, and the other end is pivotally connected to the movable member 4 via a third rotating shaft 13. The lower connecting rod 3 is constructed as a mounting base for the drive device 5. One end of the lower connecting rod 3 is pivotally connected to the fixed base 1 via a first rotating shaft 11, and the other end is pivotally connected to the movable member 4 via the transmission shaft 55 of the drive device 5. Referring to Figure 3 , specifically, the lower connecting rod 3 includes an inner shell 31, a middle frame 32, an outer shell 33, and a gear cover 34. The inner shell 31 forms a space for installing the driving device 5. The middle frame 32 is fixed on the inner shell 31 and one end of the middle frame 32 is pivotally connected to the fixed base 1. The outer shell 33 is covered on the inner shell 31 and the middle frame 32 to cover the driving device 5. The gear cover 34 is covered on the gear set 52 of the driving device 5 to protect the gear set 52.

[0041] With particular reference to Figures 2 and 3 , the drive device 5 is disposed on the connecting rod, specifically, the lower connecting rod 3. The drive device 5 comprises a motor 51, a gear set 52 driven by the output of the motor 51, a screw 53 rotated by the gear set 52, a worm gear 54 meshingly connected to the screw 53, a transmission shaft 55 rotated by the worm gear 54, and a toggle member 551 sleeved on the transmission shaft 55. The transmission shaft 55 is configured to drive the movable member 4 and the connecting rod to move relative to the fixed base 1. The transmission shaft 55 is pivotally connected to the lower connecting rod 3 and the movable member 4. The toggle member 551 is fixedly disposed relative to the transmission shaft 55 along the circumference of the transmission shaft 55, i.e., the transmission shaft 55 drives the toggle member 551 to rotate synchronously. The toggle member 551 is rotated by the transmission shaft 55, applying force to the movable member 4 to drive the movable member 4 and the connecting rod. The output end of the motor 51 is in transmission connection with the transmission shaft 55, and the output end is located at the end of the lower connecting rod 3 facing the movable member 4. The output end of the motor 51 is arranged toward the movable member 4, which facilitates connection with the transmission shaft 55. Furthermore, the location where the lower connecting rod 3 is connected to the movable member 4 has a larger operating space than the location where the lower connecting rod 3 is connected to the fixed base 1, which facilitates the installation of components such as the gear set 52, screw 53, and worm gear 54. During operation, the motor 51 is started, and the transmission shaft 55 is driven to rotate via the gear set 52, screw 53, and worm gear 54. The rotation of the transmission shaft 55 drives the toggle member 551 to rotate, which in turn pushes the movable member 4 to move relative to the fixed base 1. In response to the movement of the movable member 4 relative to the fixed base 1, the upper connecting rod 2 and the lower connecting rod 3 rotate about the second rotating shaft 12 and the first rotating shaft 11.

[0042] The present application arranges the driving device 5 on the lower connecting rod 3, and pivotally connects the transmission shaft 55 included in the driving device 5 to the lower connecting rod 3 and the movable part 4. The driving member 551 driven by the transmission shaft 55 applies force to the movable part 4 to drive the movable part 4 and the connecting rod to move. In this way, the power of the driving device 5 is not transmitted to the movable part 4 through the connecting rod, but is directly applied to the movable part 4, which can shorten the power transmission path and improve the power transmission performance.

[0043] As shown in Figures 5 to 7 , a load limiting device 42 is disposed between the toggle member 551 and the movable member 4. The location where the lower connecting rod 3 connects to the movable member 4 provides greater maneuverability than the location where the lower connecting rod 3 connects to the fixed base 1, facilitating the placement of the load limiting device 42. The load limiting device 42 is configured to disengage the transmission connection between the toggle member 551 and the movable member 4 when the load on the movable member 4 exceeds a load threshold. Specifically, the load limiting device 42 includes a protruding member that simultaneously connects the toggle member 551 and the movable member 4, and an elastic member 422 that elastically abuts the protruding member toward the toggle member 551. The protruding member is configured to transmit force to the movable member 4 in the direction of rotation of the toggle member 551. In this embodiment, the protruding member is a ball bearing 421, and the toggle member 551 is provided with a hemispherical recess 5510 for accommodating a portion of the ball bearing 421. That is, approximately half of the ball 421 is accommodated in the toggle member 551, and approximately the other half is accommodated in the movable member 4. When the toggle member 551 rotates, the ball 421 can apply force to the movable member 4 to cause the movable member 4 to move. The elastic member 422 is installed in the installation groove 41 provided in the movable member 4 and elastically presses against the ball 421 toward the toggle member 551, so that when the load on the movable member 4 does not exceed the load threshold, the ball 421 remains accommodated in the hemispherical groove 5510 of the toggle member 551. When the load on the movable member 4 exceeds the load threshold, the ball 421 compresses the elastic member 422 and elastically deforms it, causing the ball 421 to escape from the hemispherical groove 5510. At this time, the transmission connection between the toggle member 551 and the movable member 4 via the ball 421 is disengaged, and relative sliding motion occurs between the toggle member 551 and the movable member 4. The load threshold can be adjusted by changing factors such as the elastic force of the elastic member 422 or the depth of fit between the ball 421 and the hemispherical groove 5510. The load threshold can be preset at the factory according to actual needs. The elastic member 422 can be an elastic pad such as a spring or rubber.

[0044] Furthermore, an elastic preload member 552 is disposed between the toggle member 551 and the movable member 4. The toggle member 551 rotates the movable member 4 in at least one direction of motion via the elastic preload member 552. The elastic preload member 552 is a torsion spring, which is mounted on the transmission shaft 55. One end of the torsion spring abuts the toggle member 551, and the other end abuts the movable member 4. The elastic preload member 552 is positioned between the toggle member 551 and the movable member 4 in a twisted and compressed state to generate a force that forces the toggle member 551 and the movable member 4 toward each other. The provision of the elastic preload member 552 provides a preload force between the toggle member 551 and the movable member 4, and also acts as a buffer between the toggle member 551 and the movable member 4, preventing impacts caused by hard contact that could affect the operation and service life of the derailleur 100.

[0045] Referring again to FIG. 2 , a biasing member 8 is disposed between the upper link 2 and the fixed base 1. The biasing member 8 is configured to provide a biasing force to the upper link 2 in one rotational direction relative to the fixed base 1, thereby facilitating movement of the upper link 2. In this embodiment, the biasing member 8 is a torsion spring, one end of which abuts the upper link 2 and the other end abuts the fixed base 1. When the upper link 2, the movable member 4, and the chain guide 6 move in one direction, for example, when the chain moves from the small pulley to the large pulley or vice versa, the biasing member 8 is compressed, storing force. When the upper link 2, the movable member 4, and the chain guide 6 move in the opposite direction, the compressed biasing member 8 releases its elastic force, thereby facilitating chain shifting.

[0046] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the fixed base 1 is also detachably attached to a battery module 7 that provides power to the drive device 5. The battery module 7 is configured as a relatively independent module, allowing for easy disassembly for maintenance, inspection, replacement, and other operations. Examples of detachable attachment include, but are not limited to, snap-fit ​​connections, screw connections, magnetic connections, and the like. In one embodiment, the electric derailleur 100 is wirelessly connected to a user's operating device, such as a shifting device used by the user to operate the derailleur 100. The electric derailleur 100 includes a wireless communicator that receives shifting instructions transmitted by the shifting device via wireless signals, thereby activating the drive device 5 to shift the chain. In this embodiment, the wireless communicator is located within the battery module 7, placing it closer to the outside, facilitating the transmission and reception of wireless signals and providing more sensitive control. In one embodiment, the derailleur 100 is a rear derailleur for a bicycle.

[0047] From the above description of the specific embodiment, it can be seen that in the electric derailleur 100 provided by the present application, the driving device 5 is configured on the connecting rod, and the driving device 5 includes a transmission shaft 55 pivotally connected to the connecting rod and the movable part 4. The shifting member 551 driven by the transmission shaft 55 drives the movable part 4 and the connecting rod to move by applying force to the movable part 4; in this way, the power of the driving device 5 is not transmitted to the movable part 4 through the connecting rod, but is directly applied to the movable part 4, which can shorten the power transmission path and improve the power transmission performance.

[0048] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present application, but the scope of protection of the present application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present application should be included in the scope of protection of the present application. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present application should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. An electric derailleur, comprising a fixed base, a driving device, a movable member, a chain guide and a connecting rod, wherein the movable member is configured to be movable relative to the fixed base, the chain guide is rotatably connected to the movable member, and both ends of the connecting rod are pivotally connected to the movable member and the fixed base respectively; characterized in that: The driving device is arranged on the connecting rod, and the driving device comprises: a transmission shaft configured to drive the movable member and the connecting rod to move relative to the fixed base, wherein the transmission shaft is pivotally connected to the connecting rod and the movable member; and The toggle member is driven to rotate by the transmission shaft, and the toggle member is configured to drive the movable member and the connecting rod to move by applying force to the movable member.

2. The electric derailleur according to claim 1, characterized in that: The driving device comprises a motor having an output end drivingly connected to the transmission shaft, and the output end is located at one end of the connecting rod facing the movable member.

3. The electric derailleur according to claim 1, wherein: The link includes an upper link and a lower link pivotally connected to the fixed base and the movable member, respectively, and the upper link and the lower link move in response to movement of the movable member relative to the fixed base.

4. The electric derailleur according to claim 1, wherein: A load limiting device is arranged between the toggle member and the movable member, and the load limiting device is arranged to disconnect the transmission connection between the toggle member and the movable member when the load borne by the movable member exceeds a load threshold.

5. The electric derailleur according to claim 4, characterized in that: The load limiting device includes a protruding member that simultaneously connects the toggle member and the movable member, and the protruding member is configured to transmit power to the movable member in the rotation direction of the toggle member when the load borne by the movable member does not exceed a load threshold.

6. The electric derailleur according to claim 5, characterized in that: When the load borne by the movable member exceeds a load threshold, the protruding member disengages from the toggle member or the movable member, and a relative sliding motion occurs between the toggle member and the movable member.

7. The electric derailleur according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that: The protruding member is a ball, and the shifting member is provided with a hemispherical groove for accommodating a part of the ball.

8. The electric derailleur according to claim 7, wherein: The load limiting device includes an elastic member elastically pressing against the ball toward the shifting member.

9. The electric derailleur according to claim 1 or 4, characterized in that: An elastic preload member is arranged between the toggle member and the movable member, and the toggle member drives the movable member to rotate in at least one movement direction through the elastic preload member.

10. The electric derailleur according to claim 9, wherein: The elastic preload component is a torsion spring, which is sleeved on the transmission shaft. One end of the torsion spring abuts against the toggle component, and the other end abuts against the movable component.

11. The electric derailleur according to claim 3, wherein: A biasing member is disposed between the upper link and the fixed base, and the biasing member is configured to provide a biasing force to the upper link that is conducive to the movement of the upper link in a rotation direction of the upper link relative to the fixed base.

12. The electric derailleur according to claim 11, wherein: The biasing member is a torsion spring, one end of which is abutted against the upper connecting rod, and the other end of which is abutted against the fixed base.

13. The electric derailleur according to claim 1, wherein: A battery module for providing power to the driving device is detachably attached to the fixed base.

14. The electric derailleur according to claim 13, wherein: The electric derailleur includes a wireless communicator, and the wireless communicator is configured in the battery module.

15. The electric derailleur according to claim 1, wherein: The derailleur is a rear derailleur for a bicycle.

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