TWI655134B - Electric bicycle rear derailleur - Google Patents

Abstract

An electric bicycle rear derailleur is basically provided with a base member, a chain guide, a connecting rod assembly and a battery frame. The chain guide is pivotally supported relative to the base member between a retracted position and an extended position. The link assembly operatively couples the chain guide to the base member. The battery holder is supported on the base member as a separate member. The battery rack is constructed to receive batteries.

Description

Electric bicycle rear derailleur

The invention generally relates to a rear derailleur for an electric bicycle and a battery holder for the rear derailleur for an electric bicycle.

In recent years, some bicycles have been provided with electrical components or devices to make it easier for the rider to operate the bicycle. Examples of such bicycle electric components include shock absorbers, transmissions (for example, derailleurs, inner gear wheels, etc.), and seatposts. Such bicycle electrical components require power from a power source such as a wheel hub generator and / or battery. Typically, the power source is installed remotely from the electrical components. Therefore, an electric wire is routed along the bicycle frame between the electric component and the battery. Also, these bicycle electrical components can be interconnected to communicate using wires or via wireless communication. An advantage of the wireless bicycle electrical components is that the wires connecting the bicycle electrical components to each other can be omitted.

Generally, the present disclosure is directed to various features of an electric bicycle rear derailleur, and an electric bicycle rear derailleur. Pool stand.

In view of the state of the known technology and according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, an electric bicycle rear derailleur is basically provided that includes a base member, a chain guide, a link assembly, and a battery holder. The chain guide is pivotally supported relative to the base member between a retracted position and an extended position. The link assembly operatively couples the chain guide to the base member. The battery holder is supported on the base member as a separate member. The battery rack is constructed to receive batteries.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the electric bicycle rear derailleur according to the first aspect further comprises a battery mounted on a battery holder.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the rear derailleur of the electric bicycle according to the first aspect is constructed so that the battery holder is detachably and reattachably coupled to the base member.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the electric bicycle rear derailleur according to the first aspect is constructed so that the battery frame extends from the frame member facing the frame side, and when the electric bicycle rear derailleur is mounted to the bicycle frame The battery holder supports the battery at a position where the battery is mainly disposed behind the base member.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the rear derailleur of the electric bicycle according to the fourth aspect is constructed such that when the rear derailleur of the electric bicycle is mounted to a bicycle frame, the battery holder further supports the battery mainly on the base member. Below.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the electric bicycle rear derailleur according to the first aspect is constructed so that the battery frame extends from the side of the base member facing the frame, and when the electric bicycle rear derailleur is mounted to the bicycle frame At this time, the battery holder supports the battery at a position where the battery is mainly provided in front of the base member.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the rear derailleur of the electric bicycle according to the sixth aspect is constructed such that when the rear derailleur of the electric bicycle is mounted to a bicycle frame, the battery rack additionally supports the battery ground above the base member. .

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, an electric bicycle rear derailleur according to the fourth aspect is constructed so that the base member includes a frame mounting structure, the frame mounting structure is constructed to be attached to a bicycle frame, and the battery frame is Attach to the base member.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the electric bicycle rear derailleur according to the first aspect further includes a derailleur frame including a first attachment portion mounted to a base member, and a built structure to be mounted to a bicycle frame. Second attachment part.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, the rear derailleur of the electric bicycle according to the ninth aspect is constructed so that the battery holder is provided on the second attachment portion of the derailleur holder.

According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the rear derailleur of the electric bicycle according to the ninth aspect is constructed such that the battery holder is provided on the first attachment portion of the derailleur holder.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, the electric bicycle rear derailleur according to the first aspect is constructed such that the battery frame extends from a side facing the frame side opposite to the base member, and when the electric bicycle rear derailleur is When mounted to a bicycle frame, the battery holder supports the battery. The rear position of the base member.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the rear derailleur of the electric bicycle according to the twelfth aspect is constructed such that when the rear derailleur of the electric bicycle is mounted to a bicycle frame, the battery holder further supports the battery mainly on the base. Below the component.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, an electric bicycle rear derailleur according to the twelfth aspect is constructed such that the base member includes a frame mounting structure, the frame mounting structure is constructed to be attached to a bicycle frame, and The battery holder is attached to the base member.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, the electric bicycle rear derailleur according to the twelfth aspect further includes a derailleur frame including a first attachment portion mounted to the base member, and a built structure to be mounted to the bicycle The second attachment portion of the frame.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, the electric bicycle rear derailleur according to the first aspect is constructed so that the battery frame extends from the side facing the frame side opposite to the base member, and when the electric bicycle rear derailleur is When mounting to a bicycle frame, the battery is supported at a position where the battery is mainly provided in front of the base member.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, the rear derailleur of the electric bicycle according to the sixteenth aspect is constructed so that when the rear derailleur of the electric bicycle is mounted to the bicycle frame, the battery holder further supports the battery mainly on the base Above the component.

According to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, an electric bicycle rear derailleur according to the sixteenth aspect is constructed so that the base member includes a frame mount Structure, a frame mounting structure is constructed to be attached to a bicycle frame, and a battery frame is attached to a base member.

According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, the rear derailleur of the electric bicycle according to the sixteenth aspect is constructed so as to further include a derailleur frame including a first attachment portion mounted to the base member, and the constructed structure Mounted to the second attachment portion of the bicycle frame.

According to a twentieth aspect of the present invention, the electric bicycle rear derailleur according to the first aspect further includes an electric motor unit which is provided on the base member.

According to a twenty-first aspect of the present invention, an electric bicycle rear derailleur according to the twentieth aspect is constructed so that a battery is electrically connected to an electric motor unit through a wire.

According to a twenty-second aspect of the present invention, the rear derailleur of the electric bicycle according to the twenty-first aspect is constructed so that the electric wire extends directly between the electric motor unit and the battery holder.

According to a twenty-third aspect of the present invention, the electric bicycle rear derailleur according to the twenty-first aspect is constructed so that the electric wire includes a wire terminal mounted on a battery holder, and the battery includes a plug-in terminal matching the electric wire terminal .

According to a twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention, the rear derailleur of the electric bicycle according to the first aspect is constructed so that the battery rack includes a mounting part, a battery receiving part, and an arm part. The mounting member is constructed to be attached to the base member. The battery receiving part is constructed to receive a battery. The arm member is constructed to connect the mounting member and the battery receiving member.

According to a twenty-fifth aspect of the present invention, the rear derailleur of the electric bicycle according to the twenty-fourth aspect is constructed such that an arm member of the battery holder is constructed to maintain a relative position of the battery receiving member to the mounting member.

According to a twenty-sixth aspect of the present invention, the rear derailleur of the electric bicycle according to the twenty-fourth aspect is constructed so that the arm member of the battery holder includes a plurality of ball joint connectors, and the arm member is constructed to be flexibly maintained Relative position of the battery receiving part with respect to the mounting part.

According to a twenty-seventh aspect of the present invention, a battery rack is provided, which basically includes a first mounting portion and a second mounting portion. The first mounting portion is constructed to be detachably and reattachably mounted to one of a bicycle frame, a derailleur frame, and a base member. The second mounting portion is constructed to support the battery at a position where the battery is mainly provided behind the base member when the base member is mounted to the bicycle frame.

According to a twenty-seventh aspect of the present invention, the rear derailleur of the electric bicycle according to the first aspect is constructed so that the second mounting portion is further constructed to support the battery when the rear derailleur of the electric bicycle is mounted to the bicycle frame. It is mainly provided below the base member.

According to a twenty-ninth aspect of the present invention, a battery rack is provided, which basically includes a first mounting portion and a second mounting portion. The first mounting portion is constructed to be detachably and reattachably mounted to one of a bicycle frame, a derailleur frame, and a base member. The second mounting portion is constructed to support the battery at a position where the battery is mainly provided in front of the base member when the base member is mounted to the bicycle frame.

According to a thirtieth aspect of the present invention, according to the twenty-ninth party The electric derailleur rear derailleur is constructed so that the second mounting portion is additionally constructed to support the battery at a position mainly provided above the base member when the electric bike rear derailleur is mounted to the bicycle frame.

In addition, other purposes, features, aspects, and advantages of the disclosed electric bicycle rear derailleur will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description. The electric bicycle rear derailleur is disclosed in conjunction with this description accompanying drawings An embodiment of the device.

1‧‧‧ bicycle frame

12‧‧‧ Electric bicycle rear derailleur

14‧‧‧ fixing bolts; fasteners

16‧‧‧ base member

16a‧‧‧Mounting part

18‧‧‧ chain guide

20‧‧‧ connecting rod assembly

22‧‧‧ Battery Rack

24‧‧‧ Movable components

26‧‧‧ derailleur frame

28‧‧‧tension pulley

30‧‧‧Guide pulley

31‧‧‧Inner connecting rod

32‧‧‧outer link

34‧‧‧ pivot pin

36‧‧‧ Pivot Pin

38‧‧‧ pivot pin

40‧‧‧ pivot pin

42‧‧‧ Electric Motor Unit

46‧‧‧Wireless communication unit

48‧‧‧ Battery

50‧‧‧Mounting parts

52‧‧‧Battery receiving parts

54‧‧‧arm parts

60‧‧‧shell

62‧‧‧ Cover

64‧‧‧ Latch

66‧‧‧notch

68‧‧‧ chamber

70‧‧‧Wire terminal; electrical contact

72‧‧‧Plug-in terminal

74‧‧‧Wire

76‧‧‧First electrical connector

78‧‧‧Second electrical connection

122‧‧‧First variant battery holder

150‧‧‧Mounting parts

152‧‧‧Battery receiving parts

154‧‧‧arm parts

222‧‧‧Second variant battery holder

250‧‧‧Mounting parts

252‧‧‧Battery receiving parts

254‧‧‧arm parts

322‧‧‧ Third Modified Battery Rack

350‧‧‧Mounting parts

352‧‧‧Battery receiving unit

354‧‧‧arm parts

412‧‧‧ Electric bicycle rear derailleur

414‧‧‧Fixed bolts; fasteners

415‧‧‧ derailleur rack

415A‧‧‧First Attachment

415B‧‧‧Second Attachment

416‧‧‧base member

416a‧‧‧Mounting part

418‧‧‧chain guide

420‧‧‧ connecting rod assembly

422‧‧‧Fourth variant battery holder

423‧‧‧Fastener

431‧‧‧Internal link

432‧‧‧outer link

442‧‧‧ Electric Motor Unit

446‧‧‧Wireless communication unit

448‧‧‧ Battery

450‧‧‧Mounting parts

452‧‧‧Battery receiving unit

454‧‧‧arm parts

460‧‧‧shell

462‧‧‧ cover

464‧‧‧bolt

466‧‧‧notch

468‧‧‧ chamber

470‧‧‧Wire terminal; electrical contact

472‧‧‧Plug-in terminal

474‧‧‧Wire

476‧‧‧First electrical connector

478‧‧‧Second electrical connector

522‧‧‧Fifth variant battery holder

550‧‧‧Mounting parts

552‧‧‧Battery receiving parts

554‧‧‧arm parts

622‧‧‧Sixth variant battery holder

650‧‧‧Mounting parts

652‧‧‧Battery receiving parts

654‧‧‧arm parts

722‧‧‧Seventh variant battery holder

750‧‧‧Mounting parts

752‧‧‧Battery receiving unit

754‧‧‧arm parts

822‧‧‧ Eighth Modified Battery Rack

850‧‧‧Mounting parts

852‧‧‧Battery receiving parts

854‧‧‧arm parts

922‧‧‧9th Modified Battery Rack

950‧‧‧Mounting parts

952‧‧‧Battery receiving unit

954‧‧‧arm parts

1022‧‧‧ Eleventh Battery Rack

1050‧‧‧Mounting parts

1052‧‧‧Battery receiving unit

1054‧‧‧arm parts

1055‧‧‧Ball socket connector

1112‧‧‧ rear derailleur

1114‧‧‧ Fasteners

1122‧‧‧Eleventh Battery Rack

1150‧‧‧Mounting parts

1152‧‧‧Battery receiving unit

1154‧‧‧arm parts

1174‧‧‧Wire

1174A‧‧‧Part I

1174B‧‧‧Part Two

1176‧‧‧First electrical connector

1178‧‧‧Second electrical connector

A1‧‧‧The first pulley axis

A2‧‧‧Second pulley axis

B‧‧‧ pivot axis

C‧‧‧Chain

P‧‧‧ chain guide pivot axis

PL‧‧‧ Central pulley flat

RS‧‧‧ Cassette Sprocket

Referring now to the accompanying drawings forming part of this original disclosure: FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of a portion of a bicycle frame equipped with an electric bicycle rear derailleur according to the first illustrated embodiment, wherein the rear derailleur has a The battery rack is mounted to the battery of the rear derailleur. When the rear derailleur is mounted to the bicycle frame, the battery rack supports the battery mainly at the rear and lower positions of the base member of the rear derailleur; 2 is an external side view of a portion of the bicycle frame and rear derailleur shown in FIG. 1, wherein when the rear derailleur is mounted to the bicycle frame, the battery holder supports the battery mainly at the rear derailleur The rear and lower positions of the base member; Figure 3 is a rear view of a portion of the bicycle frame and rear derailleur shown in Figures 1 and 2, where when the rear derailleur is mounted to the bicycle frame, The battery holder supports the battery mainly at the rear and lower positions of the base member of the rear derailleur; FIG. 4 is an enlarged rear view of the battery holder shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, in which the battery is separated from the battery holder; FIG. 5 is an enlarged partial view of the battery holder shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, in which the battery A portion of the frame is cut away to show the battery inside the battery frame; FIG. 6 is a side view of a portion of the bicycle frame and rear derailleur shown in FIG. 1, but with a first modified battery frame, in which the rear derailleur When the bicycle is mounted to a bicycle frame, the first modified battery frame supports the battery mainly at the rear and lower positions of the base member of the rear derailleur; FIG. 7 is the bicycle frame and the rear shown in FIG. 6 A rear view of a portion of the derailleur, wherein when the rear derailleur is mounted to a bicycle frame, the first variant battery holder supports the battery mainly at the rear and lower positions of the base member of the rear derailleur; FIG. 8 Is a side view of a portion of the bicycle frame and rear derailleur shown in FIG. 1, but having a second modified battery frame, wherein when the rear derailleur is mounted to the bicycle frame, the second modified battery frame will The battery support is located mainly behind The front and upper positions of the base member of the chain; FIG. 9 is a rear view of a portion of the bicycle frame and the rear derailleur shown in FIG. 8, where when the rear derailleur is mounted to the bicycle frame, the first The second variant battery holder supports the battery mainly in front and above the base member of the rear derailleur; FIG. 10 is the bicycle frame and rear derailleur shown in FIG. 1 A part of the rear side view of the rear derailleur, but with a third variant battery holder, where the third variant battery holder supports the battery predominantly in front of the base member of the rear derailleur when the rear derailleur is mounted to a bicycle frame And the upper position; FIG. 11 is a rear view of a portion of the bicycle frame and rear derailleur shown in FIG. 10, wherein when the rear derailleur is mounted to the bicycle frame, the third variant battery holder supports the battery At positions mainly in front of and above the base member of the rear derailleur; FIG. 12 is a rear perspective view of a portion of a bicycle frame equipped with an electric bicycle rear derailleur according to the second illustrated embodiment, in which the rear derailleur The chain device has a battery that is mounted to the rear derailleur via a fourth variant battery holder. When the rear derailleur is mounted to a bicycle frame, the fourth modification battery holder supports the battery mainly at the rear derailleur. The rear and lower positions of the base member; FIG. 13 is an external side view of a portion of the bicycle frame and the rear derailleur shown in FIG. 12, where the fourth is when the rear derailleur is mounted to the bicycle frame The modified battery holder supports the battery mainly at the rear and lower positions of the base member of the rear derailleur; FIG. 14 is a rear view of a part of the bicycle frame and the rear derailleur shown in FIG. 12 and FIG. 13, Wherein when the rear derailleur is mounted to the bicycle frame, the fourth variant battery holder supports the battery mainly at the rear and lower positions of the base member of the rear derailleur; FIG. 15 is shown in FIG. 12 to FIG. 14 A magnified rear view of the fourth variant battery rack shown in which the battery is separated from it; FIG. 16 is an enlarged partial view of the battery holder shown in FIGS. 12 to 14, in which a part of the fourth modified battery holder is cut away to show the batteries therein; FIG. 17 is a bicycle frame shown in FIG. 12 and Part of the rear derailleur is a side view, but has a fifth variant battery holder, where the fifth variant battery holder supports the battery primarily at the base of the rear derailleur when the rear derailleur is mounted to a bicycle frame The rear and lower positions of the components; FIG. 18 is a rear view of a portion of the bicycle frame and the rear derailleur shown in FIG. 17, where the fifth variant battery frame is when the rear derailleur is mounted to the bicycle frame The battery is supported mainly behind and below the base member of the rear derailleur; FIG. 19 is an external side view of a portion of the bicycle frame and the rear derailleur shown in FIG. 12, but with a sixth modification Battery rack, in which when the rear derailleur is mounted to the bicycle frame, the sixth variant battery rack supports the battery mainly at the front and upper positions of the base member of the rear derailleur; FIG. 20 is a perspective view of FIG. 19. Illustrated self Rear view of a portion of the vehicle frame and rear derailleur, wherein when the rear derailleur is mounted to a bicycle frame, the sixth variant battery holder supports the battery mainly in front of and above the base member of the rear derailleur FIG. 21 is an external side view of a portion of the bicycle frame and rear derailleur shown in FIG. 12, but with a seventh modified battery frame, wherein when the rear derailleur is mounted to the bicycle frame, the first Seven variant battery racks will The pool support is mainly located in front of and above the base member of the rear derailleur; FIG. 22 is a rear view of a portion of the bicycle frame and the rear derailleur shown in FIG. 21, where the rear derailleur is When mounted to a bicycle frame, the seventh variant battery holder supports the battery in positions that are located primarily in front of and above the base member of the rear derailleur; Figure 23 is the bicycle frame and rear derailleur shown in Figure 12 A side view of a part of the rear derailleur, but with an eighth variant battery holder in which the eighth variant battery holder supports the battery mainly behind the base member of the rear derailleur when the rear derailleur is mounted to a bicycle frame And the lower position; FIG. 24 is a rear view of a part of the bicycle frame and the rear derailleur shown in FIG. 23, wherein when the rear derailleur is mounted to the bicycle frame, the eighth modification battery holder supports the battery It is mainly located behind and below the base member of the rear derailleur; FIG. 25 is a side view outside the bicycle frame and a portion of the rear derailleur shown in FIG. 12, but with a ninth modified battery holder, Where when When the rear derailleur is mounted to the bicycle frame, the ninth modified battery holder supports the battery mainly in front of and above the base member of the rear derailleur; FIG. 26 is the bicycle cart shown in FIG. 25 Rear view of a part of the frame and the rear derailleur, wherein when the rear derailleur is mounted to a bicycle frame, the ninth variant battery holder supports the battery mainly in front of and above the base member of the rear derailleur ; FIG. 27 is a tenth modified battery holder that supports a battery at positions mainly behind and below the base member of the rear derailleur of the first embodiment or the second embodiment; and FIG. 28 is equipped with a battery according to the third embodiment. A rear perspective view of a part of a bicycle frame of an electric bicycle rear derailleur is shown, in which the rear derailleur has a battery that is mounted to the rear derailleur via an eleventh modified battery frame, and serves as the rear derailleur. When mounted to a bicycle frame, the eleventh modified battery holder supports the battery at positions mainly behind and below the base member of the rear derailleur.

The selected embodiment will now be explained with reference to the drawings. It will be apparent to those skilled in the bicycle field from this disclosure that the following description of these embodiments is provided for illustration only and does not limit the purpose of the present invention, which is defined by the scope of the accompanying patent applications and their equivalents.

Referring first to FIG. 1 to FIG. 3, a part of the bicycle frame 1 is illustrated as being equipped with an electric bicycle rear derailleur 12 according to the first embodiment. The electric bicycle rear derailleur 12 is attached to the bicycle frame 1 via a fixing bolt 14. A rear wheel (not shown) with a sprocket cassette RS is rotatably supported on the bicycle frame 1 in a conventional manner. The electric bicycle rear derailleur 12 is constructed to shift the chain C in a lateral direction with respect to a vertical central plane of the bicycle frame 1.

In the first embodiment, the electric bicycle rear derailleur 12 basically includes a base member 16, a chain guide 18, a link assembly 20, and a battery holder. (bracket) 22. The base member 16 includes a mounting portion 16 a that rotatably holds the fixing bolt 14 to the base member 16 in a conventional manner. Therefore, the base member 16 includes a frame mounting structure (that is, a fixing bolt 14 rotatably maintained at the mounting portion 16 a), which is constructed to be attached to the bicycle frame 1 and attach the battery frame 22 to the base Component 16. The fixing bolt 14 is a part of the mounting portion 16 a, wherein the fixing bolt 14 is rotatably attached to the mounting portion 16 a, and the fixing bolt 14 is not attached to the bicycle frame 1 and / or the battery frame 22. In other words, the battery holder 22 is supported as a separate component on the base member 16 via the fixing bolt 14 so as to prevent the rear derailleur 12 and / or the battery holder 22 of the electric bicycle from being damaged by using the fixing bolt 14. Removable and reinstallable. In this manner, the battery holder 22 is removably and reattachably coupled to the base member 16 via the fixing bolt 14. Because the battery holder 2 is removable and reattachable, the battery holder 22 can be replaced if it is damaged, without the need to replace the rear derailleur 12 of the electric bicycle. In addition, the battery holder 22 can be removed, and the electric bicycle rear derailleur 12 can be connected to a remote battery. In other words, the battery holder 22 is supported on the base member 16 as a separate member.

The base member 16 is preferably composed of a rigid material such as a lightweight metal (for example, an aluminum alloy or a fiber-reinforced plastic). Preferably, the base member 16 is pivotally mounted on the fixing bolt 14 about a pivot axis B, and the pivot axis B is defined by a central longitudinal axis of the fixing bolt 14. Here, the fixing bolt 14 of the base member 16 forms a mounting portion 16 a which is constructed to be attached to the bicycle frame 1 and attach the battery frame 22 to the base member 16. The mounting portion 16a has an opening Opening for passing the fixing bolt 14 therethrough. The pivot axis B is sometimes referred to as the B axis of the rear derailleur. The mounting portion 16a can also include a biasing member therein for controlling the movement of the base member 16 about the B axis in a conventional manner. In addition, the base member 16 pivotally supports one end of the link assembly 20.

The chain guide 18 is coupled to the link assembly 20 by a movable member 24, which is composed of a suitable rigid material such as aluminum alloy or fiber-reinforced plastic. In particular, the chain guide 18 is pivotally mounted to the movable member 24 by a shaft (not shown) to pivot about the chain guide pivot axis P, which is sometimes referred to as a rear dial P-axis of the chain. The chain guide 18 basically includes a pair of chain cage plates 26, a tension pulley 28, and a guide pulley 30. The components of the chain guide 18 are made of a suitable rigid material such as aluminum alloy and / or fiber-reinforced plastic. Both the pulleys 28 and 30 are rotatably provided between the derailleur frame pieces 26. The tension (first) pulley 28 rotates around the first pulley axis A1 on a central pulley plane PL that bisects the tension (first) pulley 28. The guide (second) pulley 30 rotates around the second pulley axis A2 on a central pulley plane PL that bisects the guide (second) pulley 30. Therefore, in the illustrated embodiment, the pulleys 28 and 30 have the same central pulley plane PL.

Now, the connecting rod assembly 20 will be discussed in more detail. The link assembly 20 operatively couples the chain guide 18 to the base member 16. In the illustrated embodiment, the link assembly 20 includes a first or inner link 31 and a second or outer link 32. The inner link 31 and the outer link 32 are made of a suitable rigid material such as aluminum alloy or fiber-reinforced plastic. 20 connecting rod assembly is better The ground further includes a biasing member (not shown) interposed between the inner link 31 and the outer link 32 to bias the movable member 24 toward one of a low gear position and a high gear position. The inner link 31 is pivotally connected to the base member 16 and the movable member 24. The outer link 32 is pivotally connected to the base member 16 and the movable member 24. The inner link 31 has a first end that is pivotally connected to the base member 16 by a pivot pin 34. The inner link 31 has a second end that is pivotally connected to the movable member 24 by a pivot pin 36. The outer link 32 has a first end that is pivotally connected to the base member 16 by a pivot pin 38. The outer link 32 has a second end that is pivotally connected to the movable member 24 by a pivot pin 40. Therefore, the inner link 31 and the outer link 32 have a first end pivotally connected to the base member 16 and a second end pivotally connected to the moving member 24 to define a four-link configuration.

As seen in FIG. 3, the chain guide 18 is pivotally supported by the link assembly 20 relative to the base member 16 between a retracted position (shown in dotted lines) and an extended position (shown in solid lines). Since the electric bicycle rear derailleur 12 is used with a rear cassette sprocket having 10 sprockets, the derailleur 18 can be moved to a plurality of retracted positions relative to the fully extended position shown by a solid line in FIG. . Of course, the chain guide 18 can be regarded as having a plurality of extended positions relative to the fully retracted position of the chain guide 18, which corresponds to the situation when the pulleys 28 and 30 of the chain guide 18 are aligned with the largest rear sprocket.

The electric motor unit 42 is operatively coupled to the link assembly 20 to move the chain guide 18 relative to the base member 16. In the first embodiment, the pivot pin 34 is also the output shaft of the electric motor element 42. In this way, electric horses The rotation of the pivot pin 34 of the reach member 42 pivots the link assembly 20 to move the chain guide 18 relative to the base member 16. Since a derailleur with an electric motor unit is known in the field of bicycles, the electric motor unit 42 and its connection to the link assembly 20 will not be discussed and / or shown here.

Preferably, the rear derailleur 12 of the electric bicycle further includes a wireless communication unit 46. The wireless communication unit 46 is provided on the base member 16. The wireless communication unit 46 is a two-way wireless communication unit that uses a wireless receiver for wirelessly receiving a shift signal and a wireless transmitter for wirelessly transmitting data for two-way wireless communication. In this embodiment, the wireless communication unit 46 can wirelessly communicate with other devices such as a smart phone or a personal computer, for example, to update the firmware stored in the memory of the wireless communication unit 46.

The wireless control signal of the wireless communication unit 46 can be a radio frequency (RF) signal, or any other type of signal suitable for wireless communication used in the field of bicycles. It should also be understood that the wireless communication unit 46 can transmit signals at a special frequency and / or with an identification code such as a special code to distinguish wireless control signals from other wireless control signals. In this way, the electric bicycle rear derailleur 12 can identify which control signals will work and which control signals will not work. Therefore, the electric bicycle rear derailleur 12 can ignore control signals from other wireless communication units.

4 and 5, the battery rack 22 will now be discussed in more detail. The battery rack 22 is constructed to receive a battery 48. Preferably, the battery 48 is removable from the battery holder 22 so that the battery 48 can be recharged or replaced. Therefore, the battery 48 is mounted on the battery holder 22. Battery 48 can be Any suitable power source such as rechargeable batteries, disposable batteries, fuel cells, etc.

The battery frame 22 extends from the frame member side facing the frame member 16. Specifically, the battery holder 22 is mounted on the frame-facing side of the mounting portion 16a. The battery rack 22 includes a mounting member 50, a battery receiving member 52, and an arm member 54. The mounting member 50, the battery receiving member 52, and the arm member 54 are preferably made of a suitable rigid material such as aluminum alloy or fiber-reinforced plastic. The mounting member 50 of the battery rack 22 constitutes a first mounting portion, and the battery receiving member 52 and the arm member 54 constitute a second mounting portion. Therefore, the battery rack 22 includes a first mounting portion and a second mounting portion.

As seen in FIG. 3, when the chain guide 18 is at one of the retracted positions corresponding to the chain C that meshes with one of the three largest sprocket wheels of the rear cassette sprocket RS, the center pulley plane PL and the battery holder 22 And the battery 48 intersects. More precisely, when the chain guide 18 is in one of the retracted positions where the chain C is engaged with one of the largest three sprockets of the rear cassette sprocket RS, the center pulley plane PL and the battery receiving member 52 of the battery holder 22 intersect. The central pulley plane PL is equally divided. Therefore, when the chain C is engaged with the largest sprocket of the rear cassette sprocket RS, the center pulley plane PL bisects the battery receiving member 52. Of course, depending on the configuration of the rear cassette sprocket RS, when the chain guide 18 is at least one of the retracted positions, the center pulley plane PL will intersect the battery receiving member 52 and the battery 48.

In this first embodiment, the mounting member 50 (ie, the first mounting portion) is constructed to be attached to the base member 16 via the fixing bolt 14. The mounting member 50 is located at the mounting portion 16 a of the base member 16 On the side facing the frame. However, it will be apparent from this disclosure that depending on the configuration of the rear derailleur, the mounting member 50 (ie, the first mounting portion) is constructed to be removably and reattachably mounted to the bicycle frame, One of the derailleur frame and the base member. The battery receiving member 52 is constructed to receive a battery 48. The arm member 54 is constructed to connect the mounting member 50 and the battery receiving member 52. The arm member 54 of the battery holder 22 is constructed to maintain the relative position of the battery receiving member 52 with respect to the mounting member 50.

The battery receiving member 52 and the arm member 54 (that is, the second mounting portion) are constructed to support the battery 48 on the rear side of the base member 16 when the base member 16 is mounted to the bicycle frame 1. Its location. The term "mainly rearward" as used herein means that more than 50% is disposed rearward. In other words, the battery 48 is disposed so that more than fifty percent of the battery 48 is behind the base member 16. In addition, the battery receiving member 52 and the arm member 54 (that is, the second mounting portion) are separately constructed to support the battery 48 mainly when the rear derailleur 12 of the electric bicycle is mounted to the bicycle frame 1. A position below the base member 16. As used herein, the term "mainly below" means that more than fifty percent is placed below. In other words, the battery 48 is disposed such that more than fifty percent of the battery 48 is below the base member 16.

The battery receiving member 52 includes a case 60 and a cover member 62. The cover member 62 is hinged to the case 60. The cover 62 includes a latch 64 that engages with the notch 66 of the housing 60. The housing 60 has a cavity 68 sized for receiving the battery 48. Here, the electric wire 74 includes a pair of electric wire terminals 70 mounted on the battery holder 22. Battery 48 includes a pair of mating wires 70 Plug-in terminal 72. For example, the plug-in terminals 72 of the battery 48 can be similar to a standard 9V battery with snap-on connector terminals inserted into the wire terminals 70.

Therefore, the electrical contacts or terminals 70 form a first electrical interface, and the electrical contacts or terminals 72 form a second electrical interface. However, the first and second electrical interfaces can be any suitable electrical interface that electrically transmits power therebetween. For example, the first and second electrical interfaces can be non-contact electrical connectors, wherein the metal electrical contacts of the mating electrical connectors do not physically establish an electrical connection for non-contact power (contactless connectivity).

The battery 48 is electrically connected to the electric motor unit 42 through a wire 74. The electric wires extend directly between the electric motor unit 42 and the battery holder 22. In particular, the electric wire 74 has a first electrical connection member 76 inserted into an electrical port of the housing 60 and a second electrical connection member 78 inserted into the electric motor unit 42. The electrical contacts 70 of the housing 60 are thus electrically connected to the electrical conductors of the electric wires 74. Alternatively, the electric wire 74 can be electrically connected to both the electrical contact 70 of the housing 60 and the electrical contact 70 of the electric motor unit 42 in a non-releasable manner.

Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 7, a first modified battery holder 122 for use with the electric bicycle rear derailleur 12 will now be discussed. The battery holder 122 includes a mounting member 150, a battery receiving member 152, and an arm member 154. Here, the battery holder 122 is equivalent to the battery holder 22, except that the configuration of the arm member 154 has been modified so that when the base member 16 is mounted to the bicycle frame 1 by the fastener 14, the mounting member 150 is mounted to the base member The mounting portion 16a of 16 is on the non-frame side.

The mounting member 150 (that is, the first mounting portion) is constructed It is removably and reattachably mounted to the base member 16 by a fastener 14. The battery receiving part 152 is constructed and sized to receive the battery 48. The arm member 154 is constructed to connect the mounting member 150 and the battery receiving member 152. The arm member 154 of the battery holder 122 is constructed to maintain the relative position of the battery receiving member 152 with respect to the mounting member 150. The battery receiving member 152 and the arm member 154 (that is, the second mounting portion) are constructed to support the battery 48 on the rear side of the base member 16 when the base member 16 is mounted to the bicycle frame 1. Its location. In addition, the battery receiving member 152 and the arm member 154 (that is, the second mounting portion) are separately constructed to support the battery 48 mainly when the rear derailleur 112 of the electric bicycle is mounted to the bicycle frame 1. A position below the base member 16.

Referring now to FIGS. 8 and 9, a second modified battery holder 222 for use with the electric bicycle rear derailleur 12 will now be discussed. The battery rack 222 includes a mounting member 250, a battery receiving member 252, and an arm member 254. The battery receiving part 252 is constructed and sized to support the battery 48 therein.

The mounting member 250 (ie, the first mounting portion) is constructed to be removably and reattachably mounted to the base member 16 by the fastener 14. The battery frame 222 extends from the frame-facing side of the base member 16. In other words, when the base member 16 is mounted to the bicycle frame 1 by the fastener 14, the mounting member 250 is located on the non-frame side of the mounting portion 16 a of the base member 16.

The battery receiving part 252 is constructed and sized to Receive battery 48. The arm member 254 is constructed to connect the mounting member 250 and the battery receiving member 252. The arm member 254 of the battery holder 222 is constructed to maintain the relative position of the battery receiving member 252 with respect to the mounting member 250. The battery receiving member 252 and the arm member 254 (that is, the second mounting portion) are constructed so that when the base member 16 is mounted to the bicycle frame 1, the battery 48 is supported on the battery 48 which is mainly provided in front of the base member 16. Its location. In addition, the battery receiving member 252 and the arm member 254 (that is, the second mounting portion) are separately constructed to support the battery 48 mainly when the rear derailleur 12 of the electric bicycle is mounted to the bicycle frame 1. A position above the base member 16.

Turning now to FIGS. 10 and 11, a third modified battery holder 322 for use with the electric bicycle rear derailleur 12 will now be discussed. The battery holder 322 includes a mounting member 350, a battery receiving member 352, and an arm member 354. The battery receiving member 352 is constructed and sized to support the battery 48 therein. Here, the battery holder 322 is equivalent to the battery holder 222, except that the configuration of the arm member 354 has been modified so that when the base member 16 is mounted to the bicycle frame 1 by the fastener 14, the mounting member 350 is mounted to the base member The mounting portion 16a of 16 is on the non-frame side.

The mounting member 350 (ie, the first mounting portion) is constructed to be removably and reattachably mounted to the base member 16 by the fastener 14. The battery frame 322 extends from one side of the frame-facing side facing the base member 16. In other words, when the base member 16 is mounted to the bicycle frame 1 by the fastener 14, the mounting member 350 is located on the non-frame side of the mounting portion 16 a of the base member 16.

The battery receiving part 352 is constructed and sized to receive the battery 48. The arm member 354 is constructed to connect the mounting member 350 and the battery receiving member 352. The arm member 354 of the battery holder 322 is constructed to maintain the relative position of the battery receiving member 352 to the mounting member 350. The battery receiving member 352 and the arm member 354 (that is, the second mounting portion) are constructed so that when the base member 16 is mounted to the bicycle frame 1, the battery 48 is supported on the battery 48 which is mainly provided in front of the base member 16. Its location. In addition, the battery receiving member 352 and the arm member 354 (that is, the second mounting portion) are separately constructed to support the battery 48 mainly when the rear derailleur 12 of the electric bicycle is mounted to the bicycle frame 1. A position above the base member 16.

Returning now to FIGS. 12 to 16, the electric bicycle rear derailleur 412 according to the second embodiment will now be discussed. In view of the similarity between the electric bicycle rear derailleurs 12 and 412, the electric bicycle rear derailleur 12 will not be discussed in such detail.

In the second embodiment, the electric bicycle rear derailleur 412 is mounted to the bicycle frame 1 via a fastener 414 (for example, a fixing bolt). In particular, the electric bicycle rear derailleur 412 includes a derailleur frame 415 that is mounted to the bicycle frame 1 by using a fastener 414. The electric bicycle rear derailleur 412 basically includes a base member 416, a chain guide 418, a link assembly 420, and a fourth modified battery holder 422. Here, the derailleur frame 415 includes a first attachment portion 415A attached to the base member 416 and a second attachment portion 415B constructed to be attached to the bicycle frame 1.

Base member 416 includes rotatably maintained in a conventional manner A mounting portion 416a of the fastener 423 (for example, a fixing bolt). Therefore, the base member 416 includes a frame mounting structure (that is, a fixing bolt 423 rotatably maintained at the mounting portion 416a), and the frame mounting structure is constructed to be attached to the bicycle frame 1 and attach the battery frame 422 Connected to the base member 416. In other words, the battery holder 422 is supported as a separate component on the base member 416 so as to be removable and reinstallable without damaging the electric bicycle rear derailleur 412 and / or the battery holder 422.

The chain guide 418 is coupled to the link assembly 420 by a movable member 424. The link assembly 420 operatively couples the chain guide 418 to the base member 416. Similar to the first embodiment, the link assembly 420 includes a first or inner link 431 and a second or outer link 432.

Similar to the first embodiment, the electric bicycle rear derailleur 412 further includes an electric motor unit 442 and a wireless communication unit 446 provided on the base member 416. The electric motor unit 442 and the wireless communication unit 446 are basically the same as the electric motor unit 42 and the wireless communication unit 46 discussed above. Therefore, the electric motor unit 442 and the wireless communication unit 446 will not be discussed further here.

15 and 16, the battery holder 422 will now be discussed in more detail. The battery rack 422 includes a mounting member 450, a battery receiving member 452, and an arm member 454. The battery receiving part 452 of the battery holder 422 is constructed to receive the battery 448. Preferably, the battery 448 is removable from the battery holder 422 so that the battery 448 can be recharged or replaced. Therefore, the battery 448 is mounted on the battery holder 422. The battery 448 can be any suitable power source such as a rechargeable battery, a disposable battery, a fuel cell, or the like. Here, the battery 448 is equivalent to the battery 48 discussed above.

Similar to the first embodiment, the mounting member 450, the battery receiving member 452, and the arm member 454 are preferably made of a suitable rigid material such as aluminum alloy or fiber-reinforced plastic. The mounting member 450 of the battery holder 422 constitutes a first mounting portion, and the battery receiving member 452 and the arm member 454 constitute a second mounting portion. Therefore, the battery rack 422 includes a first mounting portion and a second mounting portion.

In this second embodiment, the mounting member 450 (ie, the first mounting portion) is constructed to be attached to the base member 416 via the fixing bolt 414 and the derailleur frame 415. The battery holder 422 is provided on the second attachment portion 415B of the derailleur holder 415. The mounting member 450 is located on the frame-facing side of the derailleur frame 415. The arm member 454 is constructed to connect the mounting member 450 and the battery receiving member 452. The arm member 454 of the battery holder 422 is constructed to maintain the relative position of the battery receiving member 452 with respect to the mounting member 450.

Referring back to FIGS. 12 to 14, the arm member 454 of the battery holder 422 extends from the frame member-facing side of the base member 416. In particular, the arm member 454 of the battery holder 422 is mounted on the frame-facing side of the derailleur holder 415. The battery receiving member 452 and the arm member 454 (that is, the second mounting portion) are constructed so that when the base member 416 is mounted to the bicycle frame 1, the battery 448 is supported on the battery 448 and is mainly provided behind the base member 16 Its location. In addition, the battery receiving member 452 and the arm member 454 (that is, the second mounting portion) are separately constructed to support the battery 448 mainly when the rear derailleur 412 of the electric bicycle is mounted to the bicycle frame 1. A position below the base member 416.

The battery receiving part 452 includes a case 460 and a cover 462. The cover 462 is hinged to the housing 460. The cover 62 includes a latch 64 that engages with the notch 466 of the housing 460. The housing 460 has a cavity 468 that is sized to receive the battery 448. Here, the electric wire 474 includes a pair of electric wire terminals 470 mounted on the battery holder 422. The battery 448 includes a pair of plug-in terminals 472 that match the wire terminals 470. Therefore, the wire terminal 470 forms a first electrical interface and the plug-in terminal 472 forms a second electrical interface. However, the first and second electrical interfaces can be any suitable electrical interface that electrically transmits power therebetween. For example, the first and second electrical interfaces can be non-contact electrical connectors, wherein the metal electrical contacts of the mating electrical connectors do not physically establish an electrical connection for non-contact power (contactless connectivity).

The battery 448 is electrically connected to the electric motor unit 442 by a wire 474. The electric wires extend directly between the electric motor unit 442 and the battery holder 422. In particular, the electric wire 744 has a first electrical connection member 476 inserted into an electrical port of the housing 460 and a second electrical connection member 478 inserted into the electric motor unit 442. The electrical contacts 470 of the housing 460 are thus electrically connected to the electrical conductors of the wires 474. Alternatively, the electric wire 474 can be electrically connected to both the electric contact 470 of the housing 460 and the electric contact 470 of the electric motor unit 442 in a non-releasable manner.

Referring now to FIGS. 17 and 18, a fifth modified battery holder 522 for use with the electric bicycle rear derailleur 412 will now be discussed. The battery holder 522 includes a mounting member 550, a battery receiving member 552, and an arm member 554. Here, the battery holder 522 is equivalent to the battery holder 422, except for the arm member The configuration of 554 has been modified so that when the base member 416 is mounted to the bicycle frame 1 by the fastener 414 and the derailleur frame 415, the mounting member 550 is mounted to the derailleur frame 415 by the fastener 423 On the side facing the frame. Specifically, the battery holder 522 is provided on the first attachment portion 415A of the derailleur holder 415.

The mounting member 550 (ie, the first mounting portion) is constructed to be removably and reattachably mounted to the base member 416 via the derailleur bracket 415 by the fastener 414. The battery receiving part 552 is constructed and sized to receive the battery 448. The arm member 554 is constructed to connect the mounting member 550 and the battery receiving member 552. The arm member 554 of the battery holder 522 is constructed to maintain the relative position of the battery receiving member 552 with respect to the mounting member 550. The battery receiving member 552 and the arm member 554 (that is, the second mounting portion) are constructed so that when the base member 416 is mounted to the bicycle frame 1, the battery 448 is supported on the battery 448 and is mainly provided behind the base member 416 Its location.

Referring now to FIGS. 19 and 20, a sixth modified battery holder 622 for use with the electric bicycle rear derailleur 412 will now be discussed. The battery holder 622 includes a mounting member 650, a battery receiving member 652, and an arm member 654. The battery receiving member 652 is constructed and sized to support the battery 448 therein. Here, the arm member 654 has been modified so that when the base member 416 is mounted to the bicycle frame 1 by the fastener 414 and the derailleur frame 415, the mounting member 650 is mounted to the derailleur by the fastener 414 The frame 415 faces on the non-frame side. Specifically, the battery holder 622 is provided on the second attachment portion 415B of the derailleur holder 415.

The mounting member 650 (ie, the first mounting portion) is constructed to be removably and reattachably mounted to the base member 416 via the derailleur bracket 415 by the fastener 414. The battery frame 622 extends from the frame-facing side of the base member 416. In other words, when the base member 416 is mounted to the bicycle frame 1 by the fastener 414, the mounting member 660 is located on the non-frame side of the derailleur frame 415.

The battery receiving part 652 is constructed and sized to receive the battery 448. The arm member 654 is constructed to connect the mounting member 650 and the battery receiving member 652. The arm member 654 of the battery holder 622 is constructed to maintain the relative position of the battery receiving member 652 with respect to the mounting member 650. The battery receiving member 652 and the arm member 654 (that is, the second mounting portion) are constructed so that when the base member 416 is mounted to the bicycle frame 1, the battery 448 is supported on the battery 448 and is mainly provided in front of the base member 416 Its location. In addition, the battery receiving member 652 and the arm member 654 (that is, the second mounting portion) are separately constructed to support the battery 448 mainly when the rear derailleur 412 of the electric bicycle is mounted to the bicycle frame 1. A position above the base member 416.

Referring now to FIGS. 21 and 22, a seventh modified battery holder 722 for use with the electric bicycle rear derailleur 412 will now be discussed. The battery holder 722 includes a mounting member 750, a battery receiving member 752, and an arm member 754. The battery receiving member 752 is constructed and sized to support the battery 48 therein. Here, the battery rack 722 is equivalent to the battery rack 622, except that the configuration of the arm member 754 has been modified to be installed when the base member 16 is mounted to the bicycle frame 1 by the fastener 414 and the derailleur frame 415. The component 750 is mounted on the non-frame-facing side of the derailleur frame 415.

The mounting member 750 (ie, the first mounting portion) is constructed to be removably and reattachably mounted to the base member 416 via the derailleur bracket 415 by the fastener 414. The battery frame 722 extends from one side of the frame-facing side facing the base member 416. In other words, when the base member 416 is mounted to the bicycle frame 1 by the fastener 414, the mounting member 750 is located on the non-frame side of the derailleur frame 415.

The battery receiving part 752 is constructed and sized to receive the battery 448. The arm member 754 is constructed to connect the mounting member 750 and the battery receiving member 752. The arm member 754 of the battery holder 722 is constructed to maintain the relative position of the battery receiving member 752 with respect to the mounting member 750. The battery receiving member 752 and the arm member 754 (ie, the second mounting portion) are constructed so that when the base member 416 is mounted to the bicycle frame 1, the battery 448 is supported on the battery 448 and is mainly provided in front of the base member 416 Its location. In addition, the battery receiving member 752 and the arm member 754 (that is, the second mounting portion) are separately constructed to support the battery 448 mainly when the rear derailleur 412 of the electric bicycle is mounted to the bicycle frame 1. A position above the base member 416.

Referring now to FIGS. 23 and 24, an eighth modified battery holder 822 for use with the electric bicycle rear derailleur 412 will now be discussed. The battery holder 822 includes a mounting member 850, a battery receiving member 852, and an arm member 854. Here, the arm member 854 has been modified so that when the base member 416 is mounted to the bicycle frame 1 by the fastener 414 and the derailleur frame 415, the mounting member 850 is mounted to the derailleur by the fastener 423 Rack 415 On the non-frame side. Specifically, the battery holder 822 is provided on the first attachment portion 415A of the derailleur holder 415.

The mounting member 850 (ie, the first mounting portion) is constructed to be removably and reattachably mounted to the base member 416 via the derailleur bracket 415 by the fastener 414. The battery receiving part 852 is constructed and sized to receive the battery 448. The arm member 854 is constructed to connect the mounting member 850 and the battery receiving member 852. The arm member 854 of the battery holder 822 is constructed to maintain the relative position of the battery receiving member 852 with respect to the mounting member 850. The battery receiving member 852 and the arm member 854 (that is, the second mounting portion) are constructed to support the battery 448 at the rear of the base member 416 when the base member 416 is mounted to the bicycle frame 1. Its location.

Referring now to FIGS. 25 and 26, a ninth modified battery holder 922 for use with an electric bicycle rear derailleur 412 will now be discussed. The battery holder 922 includes a mounting member 950, a battery receiving member 952, and an arm member 954. The battery receiving part 952 is constructed and sized to support the battery 448 therein. Here, the arm member 954 has been modified so that when the base member 416 is mounted to the bicycle frame 1 by the fastener 414 and the derailleur frame 415, the mounting member 950 is mounted to the base member 416 by the fastener 423 The mounting portion 416a is on the non-frame side.

The mounting member 950 (ie, the first mounting portion) is constructed to be removably and reattachably mounted to the base member 416 via the derailleur bracket 415 by the fastener 414. The battery holder 922 extends from one side of the frame-facing side facing the base member 416. In other words, when the base member When 416 is mounted to the bicycle frame 1 by the fastener 414, the mounting member 960 is positioned on the non-frame side of the mounting portion 416a of the base member 416.

The battery receiving part 952 is constructed and sized to receive the battery 448. The arm member 954 is constructed to connect the mounting member 650 and the battery receiving member 952. The arm member 954 of the battery holder 922 is constructed to maintain the relative position of the battery receiving member 952 with respect to the mounting member 950. The battery receiving member 952 and the arm member 954 (that is, the second mounting portion) are constructed so that when the base member 416 is mounted to the bicycle frame 1, the battery 448 is supported on the battery 448 and is mainly provided in front of the base member 416 Its location. In addition, the battery receiving member 952 and the arm member 954 (that is, the second mounting portion) are separately constructed to support the battery 448 when the rear derailleur 412 of the electric bicycle is mounted to the bicycle frame 1. A position above the base member 416.

Referring now to FIG. 27, an eleventh modified battery holder 1022 that can be used with the electric bicycle rear derailleur 12 of the first embodiment or the electric bicycle rear derailleur 412 of the second embodiment will now be discussed. The battery holder 1022 includes a mounting member 1050, a battery receiving member 1052, and an arm member 1054. The battery receiving part 1052 is constructed and sized to support the battery 48 or 448 therein.

The arm member 1054 of the battery holder 1022 includes a plurality of ball and socket joint connectors 1055. Therefore, the arm member 1054 is constructed to flexibly maintain the relative position of the battery receiving member 1052 with respect to the mounting member 1050. Use ball and socket joint connections 1055, the arm member 1054 can be bent and / or twisted, so that the battery receiving member 1052 can be mainly located at either the rear or front of the base member (16 or 416), and the base member (16 or 416) is either below or above . A more detailed description of the ball and socket joint connector 1055 can be found in US Patent No. 7,891,615 assigned to Joby Photo.

Referring now to FIG. 28, an electric bicycle rear derailleur 1112 according to a third embodiment is shown, which has an eleventh modified battery holder 1122 mounted to the rear derailleur 1112 using fasteners 1114. Here, the rear derailleur 1112 is equivalent to the rear derailleur 12 and the battery rack 1122 is equivalent to the battery rack 22 as discussed above, except for the power line connection between the rear derailleur 1112 and the battery rack 1122. Also, the rear derailleur 1112 and the battery holder 1122 are fixed to the vehicle frame 1 in the same manner as in the first embodiment. Therefore, the following description of the rear derailleur 1112 and the battery holder 1122 will only focus on the differences from the first embodiment.

The battery holder 1122 includes a mounting member 1150, a battery receiving member 1152, and an arm member 1154. The battery receiving part 1152 is constructed and sized to support the battery 1148 therein. The battery 1148 is connected to the electric motor unit of the rear derailleur 1112 by a wire 1174. Here, the first portion 1174A of the electric wire 1174 is embedded in the arm member 1154 of the battery holder 1122. The second portion 1174B of the electric wire 1174 is an external electric wire extending between the first electric connector 1176 and the second electric connector 1178. The first electrical connector 1176 is either partially embedded or attached to the arm member 1154 of the battery holder 1122, and the second electrical connector 1178 is either partially embedded or attached to the rear derailleur 1112 Of the electric motor unit body.

This modified wiring shown in FIG. 28 can be implemented in each of the embodiments discussed above as needed and / or desired. In addition, the power line connection between the rear derailleur 1112 and the battery holder 1122 can be completely hidden if needed and / or desired. For example, the mounting member 1150 can be provided with electrical contacts that electrically contact corresponding electrical contacts provided on the mounting portion of the rear derailleur 1112.

In understanding the scope of the present invention, the term "comprising" and its derivatives are used herein as open-ended terms that define the appearance of said features, elements, components, groups, wholes, and / or steps, It does not exclude other unrecited features, elements, components, groups, wholes, and / or steps. The above also applies to words with similar meanings, such as the words "including", "having" and their derivatives. Also, the terms "part," "section," "section," "member," or "element" when used in the singular can have the dual meaning of a single part or a plurality of parts, unless otherwise stated.

As used herein, the following directional terms "facing the frame side", "facing the non-frame side", "front", "rear", "front", "rear", "up", "down", " "Above", "below", "up", "down", "top", "bottom", "side", "vertical", "horizontal", "vertical" or "transverse" and other similar directional terms Refers to those directions for bicycles in the upright and riding position equipped with an electric bicycle rear derailleur. Therefore, these directional terms as used to describe the rear derailleur of an electric bicycle should be interpreted relative to a bicycle in an upright riding position on a horizontal surface and equipped with the rear derailleur of an electric bicycle. The terms "left" and "right" are used when viewed from the rear of a bicycle "Right" is indicated when referred from the right, and "left" is indicated when viewed from the rear of the bicycle and referenced from the left.

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, the first element discussed above may be used to be referred to as the second element, and vice versa, without departing from the teachings of the present invention. The terms "attached" and "attached" as used herein encompass: the configuration of a component that is directly secured to another component by directly fixing the component to another component; The intermediate member is then fixed to the configuration of the other element so that the element is indirectly secured to the configuration of the other element; and one element is integrally formed with the other element (that is, one element is essentially a part of another element) Its configuration. This definition also applies to words with similar meanings, such as: "joined", "connected", "coupled", "installed", "adhered", "fixed" and their derivatives. As used herein, the terms "removably attached" and "removably attached" encompass: components that are directly attached to another component by directly fixing the component to another component A configuration that is removable from another component without damage; and a component that is indirectly attached to another component via an intermediate member and the component is removable from the other component and the intermediate member without damage configuration. This concept also applies to words with similar meanings, such as the terms "removably connected", "removably connected", "removably coupled", "removably installed" , "Removably glued", "Removably fixed" and its derivatives. The terms "attached by a reattachable ground" and "reattachable ground" are used herein. “Attach” encompasses a configuration in which an element is directly attached to another element by directly fixing the element to another element without the element being damaged, and the element is intermediate A component is indirectly attached to another component and the component can be reattached to another component and the configuration of the intermediate component without damage. This concept also applies to words with similar meanings, such as the phrase Reattach ground connection "," Reattached ground connection "," Reattached ground connection "," Reattached ground installation "," Reattached ground bonding "," Reattached ground fixed " "And its derivatives. Finally, terms such as" substantially, "" approximately, "and" approximately "as used herein mean the amount of variation in the modified term so that the end result does not change significantly.

Although only selected embodiments have been chosen to depict the invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the bicycle art from this disclosure that without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the scope of the accompanying patent application, Can make various changes and modifications. For example, unless specifically stated otherwise, the size, shape, location, or orientation of the various components can be changed as needed and / or desired, as long as this change does not substantially affect their intended function. Unless specifically stated otherwise, components shown as directly connected or in contact with each other can have intermediate components disposed between them as long as this change does not substantially affect their intended function. The function of one element can be performed by two elements, and vice versa, unless specifically stated otherwise. The structure and function of one embodiment are adopted in another embodiment. All advantages need not be present in a particular embodiment at the same time. Each feature specific to the prior art, alone or in combination with other features, should also be considered as the applicant A separate description of further inventions of the invention includes structural and / or functional concepts implemented by such features. Therefore, the foregoing description of the embodiments according to the present invention is provided only as an illustration and is not intended to limit the purpose of the present invention, which is defined by the scope of the accompanying patent applications and their equivalents.

Claims (30)

An electric bicycle rear derailleur comprising: a base member; a chain guide which is pivotally supported between a retracted position and an extended position relative to the base member; and a link assembly which operates the chain guide Ground is coupled to the base member; and a battery rack, which is a member separate from the base member, the chain guide, and the connecting rod assembly, the battery rack is constructed to be mounted on the base member via fasteners and One of the bicycle frames and receives a battery. According to the electric bicycle rear derailleur described in item 1 of the scope of the patent application, the battery is also mounted on the battery holder. According to the electric bicycle rear derailleur according to item 1 of the patent application scope, wherein the battery holder is detachably and reattachably coupled to the base member. According to the electric bicycle rear derailleur according to item 1 of the patent application scope, wherein the battery frame extends from the side of the base member facing the frame, and when the electric bicycle rear derailleur is mounted to the bicycle frame, the The battery holder supports the battery at a position where the battery is mainly provided behind the base member. The rear derailleur of an electric bicycle according to item 4 of the scope of application for a patent, wherein when the rear derailleur of the electric bicycle is mounted to a bicycle frame, the battery holder further supports the battery mainly below the base member . According to the electric bicycle rear derailleur according to item 1 of the patent application scope, wherein the battery frame extends from the side of the base member facing the frame, and when the electric bicycle rear derailleur is mounted to the bicycle frame, the The battery holder supports the battery at a position where the battery is mainly provided in front of the base member. The electric bicycle rear derailleur according to item 6 of the scope of patent application, wherein when the electric bicycle rear derailleur is mounted to a bicycle frame, the battery rack further supports the battery mainly above the base member . The rear derailleur for an electric bicycle according to item 4 of the scope of patent application, wherein the base member includes a frame mounting structure, the frame mounting structure is constructed to be attached to the bicycle frame, and the battery frame is attached Connected to the base member. The electric bicycle rear derailleur according to item 1 of the scope of patent application, further comprising a derailleur frame including a first attachment portion mounted to the base member, and The second attachment part, wherein the battery holder is also a separate member from the derailleur holder. According to the electric bicycle rear derailleur according to item 9 of the scope of the patent application, wherein the battery holder is mounted on the bicycle frame and the second attachment portion of the derailleur holder via the fastener. According to the electric bicycle rear derailleur according to item 9 of the scope of patent application, wherein the battery holder is mounted on the base member and the first attachment portion of the derailleur holder via the fastener. The electric bicycle rear derailleur according to item 1 of the patent application scope, wherein the battery holder extends from a side facing the frame side opposite to the base member, and when the electric bicycle rear derailleur is mounted to the bicycle In the case of a vehicle frame, the battery holder supports the battery at a position where the battery is mainly provided behind the base member. The electric bicycle rear derailleur according to item 12 of the scope of the patent application, wherein when the electric bicycle rear derailleur is mounted to a bicycle frame, the battery holder additionally supports the battery mainly below the base member . The electric bicycle rear derailleur according to item 12 of the scope of the patent application, wherein the base member includes a frame mounting structure, the frame mounting structure is constructed to be attached to the bicycle frame, and the battery frame is attached Connected to the base member. The electric bicycle rear derailleur according to item 12 of the scope of the patent application, further comprising a derailleur frame, which includes a first attachment portion mounted to the base member, and a structure constructed to be mounted to the bicycle frame. The second attachment part. The electric bicycle rear derailleur according to item 1 of the patent application scope, wherein the battery holder extends from a side facing the frame side opposite to the base member, and when the electric bicycle rear derailleur is mounted to the bicycle In the case of a vehicle frame, the battery holder supports the battery at a position where the battery is mainly disposed in front of the base member. According to the electric bicycle rear derailleur according to item 16 of the scope of patent application, wherein when the electric bicycle rear derailleur is mounted to a bicycle frame, the battery rack additionally supports the battery mainly above the base member . The rear derailleur for an electric bicycle according to item 16 of the scope of patent application, wherein the base member includes a frame mounting structure, the frame mounting structure is constructed to be attached to the bicycle frame, and the battery frame is attached Connected to the base member. The rear derailleur of an electric bicycle according to item 16 of the scope of the patent application, further comprising a derailleur frame including a first attachment portion mounted to the base member, and a structure constructed to be mounted to the bicycle frame. The second attachment part. The electric bicycle rear derailleur according to item 1 of the scope of the patent application, further comprising an electric motor unit, which is disposed on the base member. According to the electric bicycle rear derailleur according to item 20 of the patent application scope, wherein the battery is electrically connected to the electric motor unit through a wire. According to the electric bicycle rear derailleur according to item 21 of the patent application scope, wherein the electric wire extends directly between the electric motor unit and the battery holder. According to the electric bicycle rear derailleur according to item 21 of the scope of the patent application, wherein the electric wire includes a wire terminal mounted on the battery holder, and the battery includes a plug-in terminal matching the electric wire terminal. The electric bicycle rear derailleur according to item 1 of the scope of patent application, wherein the battery holder includes a mounting member that is constructed to be attached to the base member, a battery receiving member that is constructed to receive the battery, and An arm member constructed to connect the mounting member and the battery receiving member. According to the electric bicycle rear derailleur according to item 24 of the scope of the patent application, wherein the arm member of the battery holder is constructed to maintain the relative position of the battery receiving member to the mounting member. According to the electric bicycle rear derailleur according to item 24 of the scope of patent application, wherein the arm member of the battery holder includes a plurality of ball joint connectors, the arm member is constructed to flexibly maintain the battery receiving member against the Relative position of mounting parts. A battery rack comprising: a first mounting portion constructed to be detachably and reattachably mounted to one of a bicycle frame, a derailleur frame, and a base member of a bicycle derailleur; and Two mounting portions are constructed so that when the base member is mounted to the bicycle frame, the second mounting portion supports the battery at a position where the battery is mainly disposed behind the base member, wherein the battery frame is A component separated from the derailleur frame, the base member of the bicycle derailleur, the chain guide of the bicycle derailleur, and the connecting rod of the bicycle derailleur. The battery rack according to item 27 of the scope of patent application, wherein the second mounting portion is further constructed to support the battery when the rear derailleur of the electric bicycle is mounted to the bicycle frame. It is mainly provided below the base member. A battery rack comprising: a first mounting portion constructed to be detachably and reattachably mounted to one of a bicycle frame, a derailleur frame, and a base member of a bicycle derailleur; and Two mounting portions are constructed so that when the base member is mounted to the bicycle frame, the second mounting portion supports the battery at a position where the battery is mainly disposed in front of the base member, wherein the battery frame is A component separated from the derailleur frame, the base member of the bicycle derailleur, the chain guide of the bicycle derailleur, and the connecting rod of the bicycle derailleur. The battery rack according to item 29 of the scope of patent application, wherein the second mounting portion is further constructed to support the battery when the rear derailleur of the electric bicycle is mounted to the bicycle frame. It is mainly provided above the base member.