U.S. patent application number 14/154616 was filed with the patent office on 2017-08-17 for front derailleur.
This patent application is currently assigned to Shimano Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Shimano Inc.. Invention is credited to Atsuhiro EMURA, Kenkichi INOUE, Kazuya KUWAYAMA, Yuuta MIZUTANI, Keijiro NISHI, Hiroshi TACHIBANA.
Application Number | 20170233036 14/154616 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50773779 |
Filed Date | 2017-08-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170233036 |
Kind Code |
A9 |
TACHIBANA; Hiroshi ; et
al. |
August 17, 2017 |
FRONT DERAILLEUR
Abstract
A front derailleur basically includes a fixed member, a movable
member, a driven link and a first link. The fixing member is
configured to be fixed to a bicycle frame. The movable member is
movably supported with respect to the fixed member. The driven link
is operatively coupled to the movable member. The first link
movably connects the movable member to the fixed member, and is
adjustably coupled to the driven link in a fixed position by a
fixing structure to establish a fixed rest position of the movable
member with respect to the fixed member.
Inventors: |
TACHIBANA; Hiroshi; (Osaka,
JP) ; MIZUTANI; Yuuta; (Osaka, JP) ; NISHI;
Keijiro; (Osaka, JP) ; KUWAYAMA; Kazuya;
(Osaka, JP) ; EMURA; Atsuhiro; (Osaka, JP)
; INOUE; Kenkichi; (Osaka, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Shimano Inc. |
Osaka |
|
JP |
|
|
Assignee: |
Shimano Inc.
Osaka
JP
|
Prior
Publication: |
|
Document Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20140148287 A1 |
May 29, 2014 |
|
|
Family ID: |
50773779 |
Appl. No.: |
14/154616 |
Filed: |
January 14, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
13705381 |
Dec 5, 2012 |
|
|
|
14154616 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
474/82 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B62M 3/00 20130101; B62M
9/134 20130101; B62M 9/132 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B62M 9/134 20060101
B62M009/134 |
Claims
1. A front derailleur comprising: a fixed member configured to be
fixed to a bicycle frame; a movable member movably supported with
respect to the fixed member; a driven link operatively coupled to
the movable member; and a first link movably connecting the movable
member to the fixed member and adjustably coupled to the driven
link in a fixed position by a fixing structure to establish a fixed
rest position of the movable member with respect to the fixed
member.
2. The front derailleur according to claim 1, wherein the first
link and the driven link are pivotally mounted on the fixed member
about a single pivot axis.
3. The front derailleur according to claim 2, wherein the fixing
structure abuts opposite circumferentially facing sides of the
driven link with respect to the pivot axis to establish the fixed
rest position of the movable member.
4. The front derailleur according to claim 1, wherein the fixing
structure includes a first bolt screwed into one of the first link
and the driven link and abutting the other of the first link and
the driven link, and a second bolt mounted on the one of the first
link and the driven link and threaded into a. movable abutment
member that moves axially along a threaded shaft of the second bolt
and that abuts the other of the first link and the driven link as
the second bolt is turned about its screwing axis.
5. The front derailleur according to claim 4, wherein the other of
the first link and the driven link includes a first inclined
contact surface that inclines with respect to the screwing axis,
and the movable abutment member includes a second inclined contact
surface that inclines with respect to the screwing axis so as to
face and contact the first inclined contact surface to prevent
movement of the other of the first link and the driven link.
6. The front derailleur according to claim 4, wherein the first
bolt is screwed into the first link and abuts the driven link, and
the second bolt is mounted on the first link and the movable
abutment member abuts the driven link.
7. The front derailleur according to claim 6, wherein the driven
link includes a first inclined contact surface that inclines with
respect to the screwing axis, and the movable abutment member
includes a second inclined contact surface that inclines with
respect to the screwing axis so as to face and contact the first
inclined contact surface to prevent movement of the driven
link.
8. The front derailleur according to claim 1, wherein the fixing
structure includes a positioning member inserted into the first
link and the driven link so as to adjustably position the first
link relative to the driven link.
9. The front derailleur according to claim 8, wherein the first
link and the driven link are pivotally mounted on the fixed member
about a single pivot axis, and the positioning member adjustably
positions the first link relative to the driven link around the
single pivot axis.
10. The front derailleur according to claim 9, wherein one of the
first link and the driven link includes a threaded screw bore and
the other of the first link and the driven link includes a
receiving portion, and the positioning member includes a threaded
portion screwed into the threaded screw bore, and a shaft portion
disposed in the receiving portion.
11. The front derailleur according to claim 10, wherein the
receiving portion is an elongated slot extending along inward and
outward direction with respect to a bicycle frame when the fixed
member is fixed to the bicycle frame.
12. The front derailleur according to claim 11, wherein the shaft
portion has a center axis that is offset from a center axis of the
threaded portion.
13. The front derailleur according to claim 10, wherein the first
link and the driven link that includes the receiving portion
further includes at least one additional receiving portion, the
receiving portions being arranged in inward and outward direction
with respect to a bicycle frame when the fixed member is fixed to
the bicycle frame, and the shaft portion is configured to be
selectively disposed into one of the receiving portions,
14. The front derailleur according to claim 10, wherein the fixing
structure includes a fastening member configured to fasten the
threaded portion to prevent the threaded portion from being
loosened with respect to the threaded screw bore.
15. The front derailleur according to claim 1, wherein the fixed
member includes a base member and a motor unit, the motor unit
having an output shaft operatively coupled to the driven link.
16. The front derailleur unit according to claim 1, further
comprising a second link movably connecting the movable member to
the fixed member.
17. The front derailleur unit according to claim 16, wherein the
first and second links are pivotally connected to the fixed member
and the movable member, and the movable member includes a chain
cage portion.
18. The front derailleur unit according to claim 17, wherein the
first link is disposed between the chain cage portion and the
second link.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation application of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 13/705381, filed on Dec. 5, 2012. The
entire disclosure of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/304,336 is
hereby incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field of the invention
[0003] This invention generally relates to a front derailleur for a
bicycle. More specifically, the present invention relates to a
front derailleur having a movable member movable relative to a
fixed member with a rest position of the movable member being
adjustable relative to the fixed member.
[0004] 2. Background Information
[0005] Generally, a front derailleur is mounted to the bicycle
frame adjacent to the front chain rings to shift a chain laterally
between the front chain rings. A front derailleur includes a fixed
or base member that is non-movably secured to the bicycle frame. A
front derailleur further includes a movable member or chain guide
that is movably supported relative to the fixed member such that
the chain guide moves between at least two lateral shift positions
to shift the chain between the front chain rings. Typically, a
linkage assembly is coupled between the fixed member and the chain
guide in order to movably support the chain guide. The chain guide
typically has a pair of cage plates or guide plates arranged to
selectively contact and move the chain between the front chain
rings. The cage plates or guide plates form lateral sides of a
chain cage portion of the chain guide.
SUMMARY
[0006] Generally, the present disclosure is directed to a front
derailleur. In one feature, a front derailleur has a movable member
in which a fixed rest position of the movable member is
adjustable.
[0007] In view of the state of the known technology, a front
derailleur is provided that basically comprises a fixed member, a
movable member, a driven link and a first link. The fixing member
is configured to be fixed to a bicycle frame. The movable member is
movably supported with respect to the fixed member. The driven link
is operatively coupled to the movable member. The first link
movably connects the movable member to the fixed member, and is
adjustably coupled to the driven link-in a fixed position by a
fixing structure to establish a fixed rest position of the movable
member with respect to the fixed member.
[0008] In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention,
the front derailleur according to the first aspect is configured so
that the first link and the driven link are pivotally mounted on
the fixed member about a single pivot axis.
[0009] In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention,
the front derailleur according to the second aspect is configured
so that the fixing structure abuts opposite circumferentially
facing sides of the driven link with respect to the pivot axis to
establish the fixed rest position of the movable member.
[0010] In accordance with a fourth aspect of the present invention,
the front derailleur according to the first aspect is configured so
that the fixing structure includes a first bolt screwed into one of
the first link and the driven link and abutting the other of the
first link and the driven link, and a second bolt mounted on the
one of the first link and the driven link and threaded into a
movable abutment member that moves axially along a threaded shaft
of the second bolt and that abuts the other of the first link and
the driven link as the second bolt is turned about its screwing
axis.
[0011] In accordance with a fifth aspect of the present invention,
the front derailleur according to the fourth aspect is configured
so that the other of the first link and the driven link includes a
first inclined contact surface that inclines with respect to the
screwing axis, and the movable abutment member includes a second
inclined contact surface that inclines with respect to the screwing
axis so as to face and contact the first inclined contact surface
to prevent movement of the other of the first link and the driven
link.
[0012] In accordance with a sixth aspect of the present invention,
the front derailleur according to the fourth aspect is configured
so that the first bolt is screwed into the first link and abuts the
driven link, and the second bolt is mounted on the first link and
the movable abutment member abuts the driven link.
[0013] In accordance with a seventh aspect of the present
invention, the front derailleur according to the sixth aspect is
configured so that the driven link includes a first inclined
contact surface that inclines with respect to the screwing axis,
and the movable abutment member includes a second inclined contact
surface that inclines with respect to the screwing axis so as to
face and contact the first inclined contact surface to prevent
movement of the driven link.
[0014] In accordance with an eighth aspect of the present
invention, the front derailleur according to the first aspect is
configured so that the fixing structure includes a positioning
member inserted into the first link and the driven link so as to
adjustably position the first link relative to the driven link.
[0015] In accordance with a ninth aspect of the present invention,
the front derailleur according to the eighth aspect is configured
so that the first link and the driven link are pivotally mounted on
the fixed member about a single pivot axis, and the positioning
member adjustable positions the first link relative to the driven
link around the single pivot axis.
[0016] In accordance with a tenth aspect of the present invention,
the front derailleur according to the ninth aspect is configured so
that one of the first link and the driven link includes a threaded
screw bore and the other of the first link and the driven link
includes a receiving portion. The positioning member includes a
threaded portion screwed into the threaded screw bore, and a shaft
portion disposed in the receiving portion.
[0017] In accordance with an eleventh aspect of the present
invention, the front derailleur according to the tenth aspect is
configured so that the receiving portion is an elongated slot
extending along inward and outward direction with respect to a
bicycle frame when the fixed member is fixed to the bicycle
frame.
[0018] In accordance with a twelfth aspect of the present
invention, the front derailleur according to the eleventh aspect is
configured so that the shaft portion has a center axis that is
offset from a center axis of the threaded portion.
[0019] In accordance with a thirteenth aspect of the present
invention, the front derailleur according to the tenth aspect is
configured so that the first link and the driven link that includes
the receiving portion further includes at least one additional
receiving portion. The receiving portions are arranged in inward
and outward direction with respect to a bicycle frame when the
fixed member is fixed to the bicycle frame. The shaft portion is
configured to be selectively disposed into one of the receiving
portions.
[0020] In accordance with a fourteenth aspect of the present
invention, the front derailleur according to the tenth aspect is
configured so that the fixing structure includes a fastening member
configured to fasten the threaded portion to prevent the threaded
portion from being loosened with respect to the threaded screw
bore,
[0021] In accordance with a fifteenth aspect of the present
invention, the front derailleur according to the first aspect is
configured so that the fixed member includes a base member and a
motor unit, the motor unit having an output shaft operatively
coupled to the driven link.
[0022] In accordance with a sixteenth aspect of the present
invention, the front derailleur according to the first aspect
further comprises a second link movably connecting the movable
member to the fixed member.
[0023] In accordance with a seventeenth aspect of the present
invention, the front derailleur according to the sixteenth aspect
is configured so that the first and second links are pivotally
connected to the fixed member and the movable member, and the
movable member includes a chain cage portion.
[0024] In accordance with an eighteenth aspect of the present
invention, the front derailleur according to the seventeenth aspect
is configured so that the first link is disposed between the chain
cage portion and the second link.
[0025] Other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the
disclosed front derailleur will become apparent to those skilled in
the art from the following detailed description, which, taken in
conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses preferred
embodiments of the front derailleur.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] Referring now to the attached drawings which form a part of
this original disclosure:
[0027] FIG. 1 is a partial side perspective view of a portion of a
bicycle frame having a front derailleur in accordance with a first
embodiment;
[0028] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the front derailleur
illustrated in FIG. 1, but with the drive linkage cover removed to
show the drive linkage;
[0029] FIG. 3 is an outside perspective view of selected parts of
the front derailleur illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0030] FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of the selected parts of
the front derailleur illustrated in FIG. 3;
[0031] FIG. 5 is a bottom perspective view of the fixed member, the
first and second links and the fixing structure of the front
derailleur illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0032] FIG. 6 is another bottom perspective view of the fixed
member, the first and second links and the fixing structure
illustrated in FIG. 5;
[0033] FIG. 7 is an outside perspective view of selected parts of
the front derailleur illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0034] FIG. 8 is another outside perspective view of selected parts
of the front derailleur illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0035] FIG. 9 is a front elevational view of the selected parts of
the front derailleur illustrated in FIG. 7;
[0036] FIG. 10 is a bottom perspective view of the selected parts
of the front derailleur illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 9;
[0037] FIG. 11 is another bottom perspective view of the selected
parts of the front derailleur illustrated in FIGS. 7, 9 and 10;
[0038] FIG. 12 is another outside perspective view of selected
parts of the front derailleur illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0039] FIG. 13 is a front elevational view of the selected parts of
the front derailleur illustrated in FIG. 12;
[0040] FIG. 14 is a bottom perspective view of the selected parts
of the front derailleur illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13;
[0041] FIG. 15 is another bottom perspective view of the selected
parts of the front derailleur illustrated in FIGS. 12, 13 and
14;
[0042] FIG. 16 is a partial side perspective view of a portion of a
bicycle frame having a front derailleur in accordance with a second
embodiment;
[0043] FIG. 17 is a front perspective view of the front derailleur
illustrated in FIG. 16, but with the drive linkage cover removed to
show the drive linkage;
[0044] FIG. 18 is an outside perspective view of selected parts of
the front derailleur illustrated in FIG. 16;
[0045] FIG. 19 is a front elevational view of the selected parts of
the front derailleur illustrated in FIG. 18;
[0046] FIG. 20 is an inside elevational view of the selected parts
of the front derailleur illustrated in FIGS. 18 and 19;
[0047] FIG. 21 is an inside perspective view of selected parts of
the front derailleur illustrated in FIGS. 18 to 20 with the fixing
structure being exploded from the first link and the driven link of
the front derailleur;
[0048] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of selected parts of the front
derailleur illustrated in FIG. 16, with the fixing structure being
exploded from the first link and the driven link of the front
derailleur;
[0049] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the positioning member of
the fixing structure for the front derailleur illustrated in FIG.
16;
[0050] FIG. 24 is an end elevational view of the positioning member
of the fixing structure for the front derailleur illustrated in
FIG. 16;
[0051] FIG. 25 is an enlarged, partial elevational view of the
fixing structure, the first link and the driven link of the front
derailleur illustrated in FIG. 16, with the first link in a first
position;
[0052] FIG. 26 is an enlarged, partial devotional view of the
fixing structure, the first link and the driven link of the front
derailleur illustrated in FIG. 16, with the first link in a second
position;
[0053] FIG. 27 is an enlarged, partial elevational view of the
fixing structure, the first link and the driven link of the front
derailleur illustrated in FIG. 16, with the first link in a third
position;
[0054] FIG. 28 is an enlarged, partial elevational view of an
alternate fixing structure used with the first link and a modified
driven link, with the first link in a first position;
[0055] FIG. 29 is an enlarged, partial elevational view of the
alternate fixing structure, the first link and the modified driven
link illustrated in FIG. 28, with the first link in a second
position; and
[0056] FIG. 30 is an enlarged, partial elevational view of the
fixing structure, the first link and the modified driven link
illustrated in FIGS. 28 and 29, with the first link in a third
position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0057] Selected embodiments will now be explained with reference to
the drawings. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art from
this disclosure that the following descriptions of the embodiments
are provided fir illustration only and not for the purpose of
limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their
equivalents.
[0058] Referring initially to FIG. 1, a portion of a bicycle frame
10 is illustrated with a front derailleur 12 in accordance with one
embodiment. The front derailleur 12 basically includes a fixed
member 14, a movable member 16 (e.g., a chain guide) and a support
linkage 18. In the illustrated embodiment, the front derailleur 12
further includes a fixing structure 20 that is operatively coupled
to the support linkage 18 to establish a fixed rest position of the
movable member 16 with respect to the fixed member 14. The fixing
structure 20 is configured to provide adjustment of a fixed rest
position of the movable member 16 with respect to the fixed member
14 in a lateral direction L.
[0059] As seen in FIG. 1, the fixed member 14 is configured to be
directly fixed to the bicycle frame 10 (e.g., seat tube) by a
hinged type seat tube clamp 22. Thus, the fixed member 14
constitutes a mounting fixture for supporting the front derailleur
12 on the bicycle frame 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the seat
tube clamp 22 is preferably detachable from the fixed member 14 by
a bolt (not shown). However, the fixed member 14 can have other
types of attachment structures as needed and/or desired. The
movable member 16 is movably supported with respect to the fixed
member 14 by the support linkage 18 so that the movable member 16
can move in the lateral direction L with respect to a vertical
center plane P of the bicycle frame 10.
[0060] As seen in FIG. 2, in the illustrated embodiment, the fixed
member 14 includes a base member 24 and an electric motor unit 26.
The electric motor unit 26 is fixedly mounted on the base member
24. The electric motor unit 26 is operatively connected to the
support linkage 18 for moving the movable member 16 laterally with
respect to the fixed member 14. The electric motor unit 26 includes
a reversible electric motor that is electrically connected to a
remote power supply such as a battery (not shown) and/or a
generator (not shown) via an electrical cord (not shown).
Alternatively, the electric motor unit 26 can be provided with a
rechargeable battery (not shown).
[0061] As seen in FIG. 2, the electric motor unit 26 includes an
output shaft 26a for driving the support linkage 18 to laterally
move the movable member 16 with respect to the fixed member 14. In
the illustrated embodiment, a drive linkage 28 connects the output
shaft 26a to the support linkage 18. Thus, the movable member 16 is
moved laterally by operation of the motor unit 26, which moves the
drive linkage 28, which in turn moves the support linkage 18. In
performing a chain shifting operation, the motor of the motor unit
26 is operated by a user operating device (not shown) to turn the
output shaft 26a of the motor unit 26. Depending on the rotational
direction of the output shaft 26a, the motor will either move the
movable member 16 towards or away from the bicycle frame 10.
[0062] While the front derailleur 12 of the illustrated embodiment
is an electric front derailleur, it will be apparent to those
skilled in the art from this disclosure that the support linkage 18
can be operated by a cable (e.g., a Bowden cable) if desired. In
other words, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from
this disclosure that electric the motor unit 26 of the front
derailleur 12 can be replaced with a cable operated arrangement.
Thus, the electric motor unit 26 and the drive linkage 28 will not
be discussed in further detail herein.
[0063] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the movable member 16 basically
includes an inner plate 16a, an outer plate 16b, a top connecting
member 16c and a bottom connecting member 16d. The inner plate 16a
and the outer plate 16b are laterally spaced apart and connected to
each other at upper portions by the top connecting member 16c and
connected to each other at lower portions by the bottom connecting
member 16d to define a chain cage portion 30. The inner plate 16a
pushes a chain up onto a larger chain ring during an upshift
operation. The outer plate 16b pulls a chain inward onto a smaller
chain ring during a downshift operation.
[0064] As seen FIGS. 2 and 4, the support linkage 18 includes a
first link 42 movably connecting the movable member 16 to the fixed
member 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the support linkage 18
further includes a second link 44 movably connecting the movable
member 16 to the fixed member 14. The first and second links 42 and
44 are pivotally connected to the fixed member 14 and the movable
member 16 to define a four bar linkage. As seen FIG. 4, the first
link 42 is disposed between the chain cage portion 30 and the
second link 44. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, the first link
42 constitutes an outer link of the front derailleur 12, while the
second link 44 constitutes an inner link of the front derailleur
12. While two links are used to support the movable member 16 to
the fixed member 14, it will be apparent to those skilled in the
art from this disclosure that the support linkage 18 can have only
a single support link or can have more than two support links.
[0065] As seen in FIG. 2, a driven link 46 interconnects the
support linkage 18 to the drive linkage 28. In particular, the
driven link 46 is connected to the drive linkage 28 by a connecting
pin 48. Thus, the output shaft 26a of the electric motor unit 26 is
operatively coupled to the driven link 46 by the drive linkage 28
to move the movable member 16 laterally in response to operation of
the motor unit 26.
[0066] In illustrated embodiment, as seen in FIGS. 2, 5 and 6, the
first link 42 is a wide H-shaped link that has a pair of first
(upper) ends pivotally coupled to the base member 24 by a pair of
pivot pins 50 respectively, and a pair of second (lower) ends
pivotally coupled to the movable member 16 by a pair of pivot pins
52 respectively, The second link 44 has a first (upper) end
pivotally coupled to the base member 24 by a pivot pin 54, and a
second (lower) end pivotally coupled to the movable member 16 by a
pivot pin 56. The driven link 46 is pivotally coupled to the base
member 24 by the front one of the pivot pins 50. Thus, as seen in
FIG. 4, the first 42 and the driven link 46 are pivotally mounted
on the fixed member 14 about a single pivot axis P1, which is
defined by the pivot pins 50.
[0067] Now, the fixing structure 20 will be discussed in more
detail with reference mainly to FIGS. 4 to 15. Basically, the
fixing structure 20 fixes a relative position of the first link 42
with respect to the base member 24 of the fixed member 14 to
establish a fixed rest position of the movable member 16 with
respect to the fixed member 14. More specifically, the fixing
structure 20 adjustably connects the first link 42 to the driven
link 46 in a fixed position. Thus, the driven link 46 is
operatively coupled to the movable member 16 by the fixing
structure 20 and the first link 42 such that a driving force a
pushing or pulling force) is transmitted from the driven link 46 to
the first link 42. In this way, the movable member 16 is moved
laterally as the driven link 46 pivots about the pivot axis P1 in
response to operation of the electric motor unit 26.
[0068] As best seen in FIGS. 6, 11, and 13 to 15, the fixing
structure 20 basically includes a first bolt 60, a second bolt 62
and a movable abutment member 64. The first bolt 60, the second
bolt 62 and the movable abutment member 64 cooperate together to
selectively maintain a desired relative position of the first link
42 with respect to the driven link 46. The first bolt 60 has a
threaded shaft 60a, a tool engagement structure 60b at one end of
the threaded shaft 60a, and an abutment surface 60c at the other
end of the threaded shaft 60a. The second bolt 62 has a threaded
shaft 62a and a tool engagement structure 62b at one end of the
threaded shaft 60a. The movable abutment member 64 has a threaded
hole 64a and an inclined contact surface 64b.
[0069] In the illustrated embodiment, as seen in FIGS. 7 and 8, the
first bolt 60 is screwed into a threaded hole 42a of the first
link. 42. The second bolt 62 is supported on the first link 42 by a
pair of mounting openings 42b and 42c as best seen in FIG. 11. As
seen in FIGS. 11, 14 and 15, the movable abutment member 64 is
threaded onto the threaded shaft 62a of the second bolt 62. The
second bolt 62 is mounted on the first link 42 by the movable
abutment member 64. More specifically, the movable abutment member
64 is located in the recess 42d (FIG. 11) of the first link 42 and
the second bolt 62 is screwed into the threaded hole 64a of the
movable abutment member 64 so that the second bolt 62 is retained
on the first link 42. Also a lower surface 64c of the abutment
member 64 contacts the first link 42 to prevent the movable
abutment member 64 from rotating relative to the first link. 42
while the second bolt 62 is turned. Moreover, when the second bolt
62 is turned, the inclined contact surface 64b moves within the
recess 42d and contacts the driven link 46, as discussed below, to
pivot the driven link 46 on the front one of the pivot pins 50.
[0070] As seen in FIGS. 4 to 6, optionally, the fixing structure 20
also includes a cover member 66 that partially conceals the first
bolt 60, the second bolt 62 and the movable abutment member 64. The
cover member 66 is secured to the first link 42 by the first bolt
60, which screws into a threaded hole 66a of the cover member 66.
The cover member 66 has a hole 66b that is aligned with the tool
engagement structure 62b of the second bolt 62.
[0071] While the fixing structure 20 is mounted on the first link
42 in the illustrated embodiment, it will be apparent to those
skilled in the art from this disclosure that the fixing structure
20 could be mounted on the driven link 46 if needed and/or desired.
In other words, the first bolt 60 can be screwed into either one of
the first link 42 and the driven link 46, and abuts the other of
the first link 42 and the driven link 46. The second bolt 62 would
be mounted on the one of the first link 42 and the driven link 46
with the movable abutment member 64 abutting the other of the first
link 42 and the driven link 46. In both cases, the relative
positions of the first link 42 and the driven link 46 can be easily
adjusted to set the fixed rest position of the movable member
16.
[0072] In the illustrated embodiment, as seen in FIGS. 7 and 8, the
first bolt 60 is screwed into the threaded hole 42a of the first
link 42 and the second bolt 62 is mounted on the first link 42. As
best seen in FIGS. 14 and 15, the abutment surface 60c of the first
bolt 60 abuts the driven link 46 and the movable abutment member 64
abuts the driven link 46. In other words, the first bolt 60 and the
movable abutment member 64 of the fixing structure 20 abut opposite
circumferentially facing sides of the driven link 46 with respect
to the pivot axis P1 to establish the fixed rest position of the
movable member 16.
[0073] As seen in FIG. 9, the first and second bolts 60 and 62 are
mounted on the first link 42, such that the first bolt 60 has a
longitudinal screwing axis Al that is perpendicularly arranged
relative to a longitudinal screwing axis A2 of the second bolt 62.
As seen in FIGS. 11 and 14, the movable abutment member 64 is
threaded. onto a threaded shaft portion of the second bolt 62. In
other words, the threaded shaft of the second bolt 62 is threaded
into the movable abutment member 64. Thus, as the second bolt 62 is
turned about the screwing axis A2 (FIG. 9), the movable abutment
member 64 moves axially along the threaded shaft 62a of the second
bolt 62 and that abuts the other of the first link 42 and the
driven link. 46 as the second bolt 62 is turned about the screwing
axis A2.
[0074] In particular, as seen in FIGS. 12 to 15, the driven link 46
includes a projecting part 70 that is sandwiched in between the
first bolt 60 and the movable abutment member 64. By turning the
first and second bolt 60 and 62, the position of the first link 42
with respect to the driven link 46 can be adjusted, as explained
below, such that the fixed rest position of the movable member 16
with respect to the fixed member 14 is adjusted. The projecting
part 70 of the driven link 46 includes an abutment surface 70a and
an inclined contact surface 70b. The abutment surface 60c of the
first bolt 60 contacts the abutment surface 70a of the driven link
46 to prevent movement of the driven link 46 in a clockwise
direction about the pivot axis P1 as viewed from in front of the
front derailleur 12 (i.e., as seen in FIG. 4). On the other hand,
the inclined contact surface 64b of the movable abutment member 64
contacts the inclined contact surface 70b to prevent movement of
the driven link 46 in a counterclockwise direction about the pivot
axis P1 as viewed from in front of the front derailleur 12 (i.e.,
as seen in FIG. 4). The inclined contact surface 70b inclines with
respect to the screwing axis A2 of the second bolt 62. The inclined
contact surface 64b of the movable abutment member 64 inclines with
respect to the screwing axis A2 of the second bolt 62 so as to face
and contact the inclined contact surface 70b to prevent movement of
the driven link 46 the counterclockwise direction about the pivot
axis P1 as seen in FIG. 4. In this embodiment, the inclined contact
surface 70b corresponds to the first inclined contact surface of
claims and the inclined contact surface 64b corresponds to the
second inclined contact surface of claims.
[0075] Now, one method of adjusting (setting) the fixed rest
position of the movable member 16 with respect to the fixed member
14 will now be discussed. Of course, the following order of some of
the steps can be changed as needed and/or desired. First, the first
bolt 60 is screwed into the threaded hole 42a of the first link 42.
Next, the second bolt 62 is mounted on the first link 42 using the
movable abutment member 64. The movable abutment member 64 is
inserted into the recess 42d (FIG. 11) of the first link 42 such
that the inclined contact surface 70b of the projecting part 70 of
the driven link 46 can mate with the inclined contact surface 64b
of the movable abutment member 64 as seen in FIGS. 14 and 16. Now,
the threaded shaft 62a of the second bolt 62 is inserted into the
opening 42b and screwed into the threaded hole 64a of the movable
abutment member 64, which is located in the recess 42d (FIG. 11) of
the first link 42 until the free end of the threaded shaft 62a of
the second bolt 62 is located in the opening 42c as seen in FIG.
11. Thus, the second bolt 62 is now supported in the opening 42b
and 42c with the movable abutment member 64 located in the recess
42d.
[0076] Now the first bolt 60 is turned to advance or retract the
first bolt 60 relative to the abutment surface 70a of the
projecting part 70 of the driven link 46 until the desired position
of the movable member 16 is attained. The second bolt 62 is then
turned to move the movable abutment member 64 axially along the
threaded shaft 62a of the second bolt 62 until the inclined contact
surface 70b of the projecting part 70 contacts the inclined contact
surface 64b of the movable abutment member 64. Thus, the projecting
part 70 is now sandwiched in between the first bolt 60 and the
movable abutment member 64. Thus, a fixed connection between the
first link 42 and the driven link 46 is established. Further
adjustment can be attained as needed and/or desired by turning one
of the first and second bolts 60 and 62 to loosening the connection
between the first link 42 and the driven link 46 and then turning
the other of the first and second bolts 60 and 62 to tighten the
connection between the first link 42 and the driven link 46.
[0077] Referring now to FIGS. 16 to 27, a front derailleur 112 is
illustrated in accordance with a second embodiment. The front
derailleur 112 is attached to the bicycle frame 10 in the same
manner as the first embodiment. As seen in FIG. 16, the front
derailleur 112 basically includes a fixed member 114, a movable
member 116 (e.g., a chain guide) and a support linkage 118. The
front derailleur 112 further includes a fixing structure 120 that
is operatively coupled to the support linkage 118 to establish a
fixed rest position of the movable member 116 with respect to the
fixed member 114. The fixing structure 120 is configured to provide
adjustment of a fixed rest position of the movable member 116 with
respect to the fixed member 114 in the lateral direction L of the
bicycle frame 10. Similar to the front derailleur 12, discussed
above, the front derailleur 112 is configured such that the fixed
rest position of the movable member 116 with respect to the fixed
member 114 can be easily set between at least two different
positions. Otherwise, the front derailleur 12 and the front
derailleur 112 are substantially the same. In view of the
similarities between the front derailleur 12 and the front
derailleur 112, the following description will focus only the
differences of the front derailleur 112 with respect to the front
derailleur 12.
[0078] As seen in FIG. 16, the fixed member 114 is configured to be
directly fixed to the bicycle frame 10 (e.g., seat tube) by a
hinged type seat tube clamp 122. Thus, the fixed member 114
constitutes a mounting fixture for supporting the front derailleur
112 on the bicycle frame 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the
seat tube clamp 122 is preferably detachable from the fixed member
114 by a bolt (not shown). However, the fixed member 114 can have
other types of attachment structures as needed and/or desired. The
movable member 116 is movably supported with respect to the fixed
member 114 by the support linkage 118 so that the movable member
116 can move in the lateral direction L with respect to the
vertical center plane P of the bicycle frame 10.
[0079] As seen in FIGS. 17 and 18, in the illustrated embodiment,
the fixed member 114 includes a base member 124 (FIG. 18) and an
electric motor unit 126 (FIG. 17). The electric motor unit 126 is
fixedly mounted on the base member 124. The electric motor unit 126
is operatively connected to the support linkage 118 for moving the
movable member 116 laterally with respect to the fixed member 114.
The electric motor unit 126 includes a reversible electric motor
that is electrically connected to a remote power supply such as a
battery (not shown) and/or a generator (not shown) via an
electrical cord (not shown). Alternatively, the electric motor unit
126 can be provided with a rechargeable battery (not shown).
[0080] As seen in FIG. 17, the electric motor unit 126 includes an
output shaft 126a for driving the support linkage 118 to laterally
move the movable member 116 with respect to the fixed member 114,
In the illustrated embodiment, a drive linkage 128 connects the
output shaft 126a to the support linkage 118. Thus, the movable
member 116 is moved laterally by operation of the motor unit 126,
which moves the drive linkage 128, which in turn moves the support
linkage 118. In performing a chain shifting operation, the motor of
the motor unit 126 is operated by a user operating device (not
shown) to turn the output shaft 126a of the motor unit 126.
Depending on the rotational direction of the output shaft 126a, the
motor will either move the movable member 116 towards or away from
the bicycle frame 10.
[0081] While the front derailleur 112 of the illustrated embodiment
is an electric front derailleur, it will be apparent to those
skilled in the art from this disclosure that the support linkage
118 can be operated by a cable (e.g., a Bowden cable) if desired.
In other words, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art
from this disclosure that electric the motor unit 126 of the front
derailleur 112 can be replaced with a cable operated arrangement.
Thus, the electric motor unit 126 and the drive linkage 128 will
not be discussed in further detail herein.
[0082] Referring to FIGS. 18 and 19, the movable member 116
basically includes an inner plate 116a, an outer plate 116b, a top
connecting member 116c and a bottom connecting member 116d. The
inner plate 116a and the outer plate 116b are laterally spaced
apart and connected to each other at upper portions by the top
connecting member 116c and connected to each other at lower
portions by the bottom connecting member 116d to define a chain
cage portion 130. The inner plate 116a pushes a chain up onto a
larger chain ring during an upshift operation. The outer plate 116b
pulls a chain inward onto a smaller chain ring during a downshift
operation.
[0083] As seen FIGS. 18 to 20, the support linkage 118 of the front
derailleur 112 includes a first link 142. The first link 142
movably connects the movable member 116 to the fixed member 114. In
the illustrated embodiment, the support linkage 118 further
includes a second link 144 movably connecting the movable member
116 to the fixed member 114. The first and second links 142 and 144
are pivotally connected to the fixed member 114 and the movable
member 116 to define a four bar linkage. As seen FIG. 19, the first
link 142 is disposed between the chain cage portion 130 and the
second link 144. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, the first
link 142 constitutes an outer link of the front derailleur 112,
while the second link 144 constitutes an inner link of the front
derailleur 112. While two links are used to support the movable
member 116 to the fixed member 114, it will be apparent to those
skilled in the art from this disclosure that the support linkage
118 can have only a single support link or can have more than two
support links.
[0084] As seen in FIG. 17, the support linkage 118 of the front
derailleur 112. includes a driven link 146 that interconnects the
support linkage 118 to the drive linkage 128. In particular, the
driven link 146 is connected to the drive linkage 128 by a
connecting pin 148. In this way, the driven link 146 is operatively
coupled to the movable member 116. Thus, the output shaft 126a of
the electric motor unit 126 is operatively coupled to the driven
link 146 by the drive linkage 128 to move the movable member 116
laterally in response to operation of the motor unit 126.
[0085] In illustrated embodiment, as seen in FIGS. 18 to 20, the
first link 142 is a wide H-shaped link that has a pair of first
(upper) ends pivotally coupled to the base member 124 by a pair of
pivot pins 150 respectively, and a pair of second (lower) ends
pivotally coupled to the movable member 116 by a pair of pivot pins
152 respectively. The second link 144 has a first (upper) end
pivotally coupled to the base member 124 by a pivot pin 154, and a
second (lower) end pivotally coupled to the movable member 116 by a
pivot pin 156. The driven link 146 is pivotally coupled to the base
member 124 by the front one of the pivot pins 150. Thus, as seen in
FIG. 19, the first link 142 and the driven link 146 are pivotally
mounted on the fixed member 114 about a single pivot axis P1, which
is defined by the pivot pins 150.
[0086] Now, the fixing structure 20 will be discussed in more
detail with reference mainly to FIGS. 21 to 27. Basically, the
first link 142 is adjustably coupled to the driven link 146 in a
fixed position by the fixing structure 120 to establish a fixed
rest position of the movable member 116 with respect to the fixed
member 114. In other words, the fixing structure 120 fixes a
relative position of the first link 142 with respect to the base
member 124 of the fixed member 114 to establish a fixed rest
position of the movable member 116 with respect to the fixed member
114. More specifically, the fixing structure 120 adjustably
connects the first link 142 to the driven link 146 in a fixed
position. Thus, the driven link 146 is operatively coupled to the
movable member 116 by the fixing structure 120 and the first link
142 such that a driving force (a pushing or pulling force is
transmitted from the driven link 146 to the movable member 116 via
the first link 142. In this way, the movable member 116 is moved
laterally as the driven link 146 pivots about the pivot axis P1 in
response to operation of the electric motor unit 126.
[0087] As best seen in FIGS. 21 and 22., the fixing structure 20
basically includes a positioning member 160 that is inserted into
the first link 142 and the driven link 146 so as to adjustably
position the first link 142 relative to the driven link 146. Here
in this illustrated embodiment, the positioning member 160 includes
a threaded portion 160a and a shaft portion 160b. The threaded
portion 160a and the shaft portion 160b comprise a cylindrical
structure. The shaft portion 160b protrudes from one end surface of
the threaded portion 160a in a longitudinal direction of the
positioning member 160. Also the shaft portion 160a has a diameter
that is less than diameter of the threaded portion 160a. Here, in
this illustrated embodiment, the threaded portion 160a and the
shaft portion 160b are integrally formed as a one-piece member. The
shaft portion 160b is a cylindrical member that extends from one
end of the threaded portion 160a. Preferably, the positioning
member 160 is formed of a metallic material that is suitable for
use in a derailleur. The threaded portion 160a engages with the
first link 142, while the shaft portion 160b engages the driven
link 146. The shaft portion 160b has a center axis C2 that is
offset from a center axis C1 of the threaded portion 160a. In this
way, the shaft portion 160b acts as a cam with respect to the
threaded portion 160a. Thus, rotation of the threaded portion 160a
causes the shaft portion 160b to move the driven link 146 relative
to the first link 142 in order to establish a fixed rest position
of the movable member 116 with respect to the fixed member 114.
[0088] One of the first link 142 and the driven link 146 includes a
threaded screw bore and the other of the first link 142 and the
driven link 146 includes a receiving portion. In the second
illustrated embodiment, the first link 142 includes a threaded
screw bore 142a, and the driven link 146 includes a receiving
portion 146a, However, while the first link 142 includes a threaded
screw bore and the driven link 146 includes the receiving portion,
it will be apparent from this disclosure that the first link 142
can include the receiving portions and the driven link 146 can
include the threaded screw bore. In any case, in this modification,
one of the first link and the driven link includes a threaded screw
bore and the other of the first link and the driven link includes
the receiving portion.
[0089] The threaded portion 160a of the positioning member 160 has
an external thread on an outer peripheral surface that screws into
the threaded screw bore 142a of the first link 142. The shaft
portion 160b of the positioning member 160 is received in the
receiving portion 146a of the driven link 146. Thus, when the fixed
member 114 is fixed to the bicycle frame 10, the threaded portion
160a is screwed into the threaded screw bore 142a, and the shaft
portion 160b is disposed in the receiving portion 142a. The
receiving portion 146a is an elongated slot that extends along
inward and outward direction (lateral direction L) with respect to
the bicycle frame 110 when the fixed member 114 is fixed to the
bicycle frame 10. While the receiving portion 146a is shown as an
opening that penetrates through the driven link 146, the receiving
portion 146a can be a recess that does not penetrate through the
driven link 146.
[0090] The threaded portion 160a of the positioning member 160 has
a tool engagement surface 160c for rotating the positioning member
160 about the center axis Cl. Here, the tool engagement surface
160c is a hexagonal recess formed in the other end surface of the
threaded portion 160a of the positioning member 160. Of course, the
tool engagement surface 160c can have any other configuration
(e.g., a hexagonal exterior surface, a slot, a star shaped recess,
etc.). To prevent the positioning member 160 from inadvertently
falling out of the first link 142 and the driven link 146, the
shaft portion 160b of the positioning member 160 includes a recess
or groove 160d that receives a clip 162.
[0091] Preferably, the fixing structure 20 includes a fastening
member 164 that aids in preventing the positioning member 160 from
inadvertently loosening from the first link 142 and/or the driven
link 146. In the second illustrated embodiment, the fastening
member 164 has a threaded hole 164a and an anti-rotation member
164b. The anti-rotation member 161b is in the form of a tab that is
received in a recess or opening 142b in the first link 142. The
fastening member 164 is configured to fasten the threaded portion
160a to prevent the threaded portion 160a from being loosened with
respect to the threaded screw bore 142a. Alternatively, the
fastening member 164 can be replaced with a nut and a lock washer
or just a nut. In other words, to prevent inadvertent loosening of
the positioning member 160, the threaded portion 160a is screwed
into the threaded hole 164a of the fastening member 164 and into
the threaded screw bore 142a, while the anti-rotation member 164b
is disposed in the opening 142b in the first link 142.
[0092] The first link 142 has a first opening 142c for receiving
one of the pivot pins 150 and a second opening 142d for receiving
one of the pivot pins 152. The threaded screw bore 142a is located
between the first and second openings 142c and 142d. The driven
link 146 has a first opening 146b for receiving connecting pin 148
and a second opening 146c for receiving one of the pivot pins 150.
Thus, one of the pivot pins 150 pivotally supports the first link
142 and the driven link 146 on the base member 124. When the output
shaft 126a of the electric motor unit 126 is operated, the drive
linkage 128 pivots the driven link 146 on one of the pivot pins
150. Since the first link 142 is fixed to the driven link 146 by
the fixing structure 120, the pivotal movement of the driven link
146 pivots the first link 142 about the single pivot axis P1. This
pivotal movement of the first link 142 causes the movable member
116 to move in the lateral direction L with respect to the fixed
member 114.
[0093] In the second illustrated embodiment, by rotating threaded
portion 160a, the positioning member 160 adjustably positions the
first link 142 relative to the driven link 146 around the single
pivot axis P1 to establish a fixed rest position of the movable
member 116 with respect to the fixed member 114. As seen in FIG.
25, the shaft portion 160b of the positioning member 160 is
disposed in a center area of the receiving portion 146a of the
driven link 146 to hold the first link 142 in a first position and,
thus, the movable member 116 (not shown in FIG. 25) in a first
fixed rest position. By rotating threaded portion 160a, the shaft
portion 160b moves in the receiving portion 146a of the driven link
146 so that the first link 142 pivots relative to the driven link
146 about the single pivot axis P1. If the threaded portion 160a is
rotated 90 degree counterclockwise in FIG. 25, then the first link
142 pivots clockwise to a second position (FIG. 26) to hold the
movable member 116 (not shown in FIGS. 25 to 27) in a second fixed
rest position farther from the bicycle frame 10 than the first
fixed rest position. If the threaded portion 160a is rotated 90
degree clockwise in FIG. 25, then the first link 142 pivots
clockwise to a third position (FIG. 27) to hold the movable member
116 (not shown in FIGS. 25 to 27) in a third fixed rest position
closer to the bicycle frame 10 than the first and third fixed rest
position.
[0094] Referring now to FIGS. 28 to 30, a modification of the
fixing structure 20 will now be discussed. Here in this
modification, a modified driven link 146' replaces the driven link
146, and a modified positioning member 160' replaces the
positioning member 160. The other parts remain the same. The driven
link 146 includes a plurality of receiving portions 146a' (e.g,,
three blind bores) arranged in inward and outward direction with
respect to a bicycle frame 10 when the fixed member 114 is fixed to
the bicycle frame 10. The positioning member 160' includes a
threaded portion 160a' and a shaft portion 160b'. The shaft portion
160b' has a center axis C2 that is coincident with a center axis CI
of the threaded portion 160a'. The shaft portion 160b' is
configured to be selectively disposed into one of the receiving
portions 146a' to selectively establish a fixed rest position of
the movable member 116 with respect to the fixed member 114. While
the first link 142 includes a threaded screw bore and the driven
link 146' includes the receiving portions, it will be apparent from
this disclosure that the first link 142 can include one or more of
the receiving portions and the driven link 146' can include the
threaded screw bore. In any case, in this modification, the one of
the first link and the driven link that includes the receiving
portion preferably further includes at least one additional
receiving portion.
[0095] In understanding the scope of the present invention, the
term "comprising" and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended
to be open ended terms that specify the presence of the stated
features, elements, components, groups, integers, and/or steps, but
do not exclude the presence of other unstated features, elements,
components, groups, integers and/or steps. Also it will be
understood that although the terms first and second may be used
herein to describe various components these components should not
be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish
one component from another. Thus, for example, a first component
discussed above could be termed a second component and vice-a-versa
without departing from the teachings of the present invention. The
foregoing also applies to words having similar meanings such as the
terms, "including", "having" and their derivatives. Finally, terms
of degree such as "substantially", "about" and "approximately" as
used herein mean an amount of deviation of the modified term. such
that the end result is not significantly changed.
[0096] While only selected embodiments have been chosen to
illustrate 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,
the size, shape, location or orientation of the various components
can be changed as needed and/or desired so long as they do not
substantially affect their intended function.
[0097] Although a four bar linkage is used in the illustrated
embodiment, as discussed above, the movable member 16 can be
connected to the fixed member 14 with other coupling arrangements.
In other words, the front derailleur 12 can be configured to have a
coupling arrangement which is constructed with a single link
member, or which is constructed with more than two link members.
Thus, the present invention can be used with electric front
derailleurs that use other types of coupling arrangements.
[0098] Also components that are shown directly connected or
contacting each other can have intermediate structures disposed
between them, unless specifically stated otherwise. The functions
of one element can be performed by two, and vice versa, unless
specifically stated otherwise. The structures and functions of one
embodiment can be adopted in another embodiment. It is not
necessary for all advantages to be present in a particular
embodiment at the same time. Every feature which is unique from the
prior art, alone or in combination with other features, also should
be considered a separate description of further inventions by the
applicant, including the structural and/or functional concepts
embodied by such feature(s). Thus, the foregoing descriptions of
the embodiments according to the present invention are provided for
illustration only, and not for the purpose of limiting the
invention as defined by the appended claims and their
equivalents.
* * * * *