Coaxial connection of rear derailleur

Abstract

A rear derailleur (10) for coaxial mounting with respect to the rear wheel axle on a bicycle frame (1) comprises a base element (20), a pivot mechanism, a movable element, and a chain guide assembly. The pivot mechanism connects the base element (20) to the movable element, and the chain guide assembly is rotatably connected to the movable element about an axis of rotation. The base element (20) includes a connecting end for coaxial mounting with respect to the rear wheel axle on the bicycle frame. A first arm (22a) and a second arm (22b) of the connecting end are axially spaced from each other and are configured by means of an associated threaded adapter (60) to mount the derailleur (10) on an associated mounting section (201), in particular a dropout or frame eye (201), of a rear triangle of the bicycle frame (1).For this purpose, the first arm (22a) is positioned on the inner axial side of the mounting section and the second arm (22b) on the outer axial side thereof. According to one aspect of the invention, it is proposed, among other things, that the base element (20) be equipped with an adjustment device that allows it to pivot coaxially with the rear wheel axle in the chain tensioning direction.

Description

Technical background

[0001] A bicycle can be equipped with a drivetrain, such as a chain drive. Bicycle drivetrains can be used to transfer torque from a rider to a rear wheel to propel the bicycle. For example, a drivetrain can transfer torque from a front chainring assembly via a chain to a rear sprocket or pinion, such as a sprocket from a cassette or cassette, to drive a rear wheel. Such a drivetrain can be referred to as a drive train.

[0002] Bicycle chainring assemblies can consist of one or more individual chainrings. The front chainrings are generally referred to as chainrings. Chainrings can be attached using various types of fasteners. For example, a chainring can be attached with chainring bolts or mounted directly to the crank arm of a bicycle. The rear chainrings are often referred to as sprockets. A set of rear chainrings or sprockets may be called a cassette, sprocket set, or sprocket pack. Such a cassette is typically configured to attach to a freehub body of a rear wheel. A cassette can be attached to a rear wheel's freehub body, for example, using a splined and / or threaded connection.

[0003] The alignment of a front chainring group with a rear cassette affects chain performance. For example, a front chainring group might have a single chainring aligned with a specific cog on the rear cassette. When the chain connects this single chainring to this essentially aligned single rear cog, the chain experiences little to no lateral stress. However, when the chain is moved laterally to another cog on the cassette, for example, by a rear derailleur, the chain experiences some lateral stress. Similar lateral stresses occur when the front chainring group has multiple chainrings, between which the chain is moved by a front derailleur.

[0004] For optimal performance of such a derailleur system, the correct positioning and alignment of the rear derailleur, in particular, on the bicycle frame is crucial. It has been recognized that coaxial alignment features can be applied to the drivetrain. For example, a single component can serve as a reference for the alignment of various other drivetrain components. For instance, both the derailleur and the cassette can be aligned coaxially to a single axle. Aligning a drivetrain component, such as this axle, can reduce inaccuracies in various applications due to tolerance variations in the wheels or frame. Coaxial alignment of the derailleur with the cassette can also facilitate a consistent radial clearance between parts of the derailleur and the cassette across different derailleur rotations.

[0005] The drivetrain can also be configured for stiffness to increase precision and / or improve the relative alignment of components. For example, relevant components and elements of the rear derailleur, the rear axle assembly with the rear hub and the cassette of the rear wheel, and the associated frame interfaces of the rear triangle of the bicycle frame can be configured in such a way that, on the one hand, the derailleur is reliably and correctly positioned and mounted on the frame relative to the cassette and the chain running over it, within the most negligible tolerances, and on the other hand, good stiffness is achieved so that this correct positioning is maintained even during riding, despite potentially greater and varying loads depending on the riding surface.

[0006] Thus, a correspondingly coordinated configuration of the so-called B-knuckle (or base element) of a rear derailleur, i.e., the component of a rear derailleur that is mounted on an associated frame interface, the rear triangle of the bicycle frame and especially its frame interfaces where the rear axle arrangement of the rear wheel and the rear derailleur are mounted, and the rear axle arrangement is possible in order to meet the requirements under the aforementioned objectives of correct positioning and alignment, precision and stiffness.

[0007] Against this technical background, the present invention relates generally to a rear derailleur of a bicycle derailleur system and the manner of mounting the rear derailleur in relation to a rear wheel axle on a bicycle frame and thus also to a bicycle frame having a suitable frame interface for the rear derailleur. State of the art

[0008] Traditionally, rear derailleurs were mounted on the right dropout of the frame using a derailleur hanger that was separate from or part of the frame, offset from the rear axle and therefore non-coaxial with respect to the rear axle.

[0009] The derailleur hanger is attached to the frame at one end, coaxially with the rear axle, and connected at the other end to the derailleur's base element (B-knuckle). The base element can rotate around the B-axis relative to the derailleur hanger. Derailleur hangers vary considerably depending on the manufacturer and mounting method. They can be integrated with the frame or be a separate component. Separate derailleur hangers are clamped to the frame using either quick-release or thru-axles. Clamping on both the outside and inside of the frame is possible. This results in the derailleur occupying a different position relative to the rear axle and the cassette, depending on the derailleur hanger used. These positional differences, both axial and radial, complicate derailleur design and installation. The derailleur must be readjusted depending on the derailleur hanger used.The additional component introduces tolerances that negatively affect the positioning accuracy of the switchgear.

[0010] Furthermore, derailleur hangers, especially as separate components, are prone to damage and often unstable. With large sprocket clusters and correspondingly large derailleur dimensions, increased leverage forces occur that a replaceable derailleur hanger cannot adequately absorb. Moreover, the larger derailleur dimensions and the resulting increased leverage negatively impact the derailleur's positioning accuracy. This is contradicted by the fact that a higher number of closely spaced sprockets actually demands greater positioning accuracy.

[0011] In view of these and other disadvantages of mounting the rear derailleur to the frame, the applicant, SRAM Deutschland GmbH, has developed a new type of rear derailleur for coaxial mounting with respect to the rear axle on a suitably designed bicycle frame, for which pending patent applications are directed. The bicycle frame has a special interface for the rear derailleur, which, with the assistance of a frame adapter for the rear derailleur, also serves as a frame interface for the rear axle assembly on one axial side of the frame. Furthermore, this frame interface, including the base element (B-knuckle) and the frame adapter, and the frame interface on the other axial side of the frame are suitably configured in relation to each other for the rear axle assembly on the one hand, and the rear axle assembly on the other.This not only overcomes the aforementioned disadvantages, but also allows for sufficient or even very good rigidity of the derailleur's mounting at its frame interface. It reliably meets the previously mentioned objectives of correct positioning, alignment, and precision.

[0012] Reference is made in this regard to the German patent application published as DE 10 2018 001 253 A1, file number 10 2018 001 253.1, the European patent application published as EP 3 388 324 A2, file number 18 000 255.2, the Taiwanese patent application published as TW 2018 34 921 A, file number 107 107 712, the Chinese patent application published as CN 10 8622 302 A, file number 2018 1021 7966.9 and the US application published as US 2018 / 0265169 A1, file number 15 / 926,194, all of which originate from SRAM Deutschland GmbH.

[0013] From these publications, a rear derailleur for mounting coaxially with respect to a rear wheel axle on a bicycle frame is known. The known derailleur comprises a base element, a pivoting mechanism, a movable element, and a chain guide assembly. The pivoting mechanism connects the base element to the movable element, and the chain guide assembly is rotatably connected to the movable element about a pivot axis. The base element includes a first connecting end for mounting coaxially with respect to the rear wheel axle on the bicycle frame and a second connecting end for coupling with the pivoting mechanism.The first connecting end has a first arm and a second arm, which are arranged axially spaced apart from each other and are designed for mounting the derailleur to an associated mounting section (in particular, a dropout or frame eyelet) of the rear triangle of the bicycle frame by means of a corresponding adapter. The adapter has at least one thread for creating a screw connection. In a defined pre-assembled state and in a fully assembled state, the first arm is located on an axial inner side of the mounting section, and the second arm is located on an axial outer side of the mounting section.

[0014] Such a rear switching device, which forms the basis of the preamble of claim 1, is also known from publications DE 10 2018 206 104 A1, EP 3 556 643 A1, CN 11 0386 220 A and US 2019 / 0322333 A1.

[0015] In the following, explicit reference is made only to the publication EP 3 388 324 A2, also referred to as EP'324, as representative of the two patent families mentioned. The subsequent description of the invention in its various aspects and the exemplary embodiment illustrating it draws on the definitions, relationships, and terminology established in publication EP'324, and the content of this publication is expressly an integral part of the present description of the invention, not only with regard to the definitions and technical relationships established in EP'324. According to EP'324, as detailed therein, Figs. 5 to 8 As can be seen, a frame adapter 60 is used to mount the derailleur 10. The frame adapter 60 is screwed to a right dropout or frame eye of the rear triangle of a bicycle frame in such a way that the knurled nut belonging to the frame adapter 60 is engaged.

[0016] The adapter nut 66, by means of its knurled face, achieves a defined rotational angular position relative to the frame eye through a positive or frictional engagement with the inside of the right frame eye. This defined rotational angular position of the adapter nut 66 allows the base element (so-called B-knuckle) of the derailleur to abut rotational stop projections 68a / b of the adapter nut 66 (see Figure 1). Fig. 8 (the EP'324) adjust and fix a corresponding rotational pivot position of the derailleur 10 relative to the bicycle's rear axle. This ensures that the bicycle chain, by means of which it is connected in the usual way between the shifting element (so-called P-knuckle 40, cf. Fig. 3 the EP'324) and the chain guide arrangement (so-called chain cage 50, cf. Fig. 3The desired chain tension, or the tension required for optimal shifting function, is achieved by adjusting the torsion spring located in EP'324. A detailed procedure for this adjustment process to achieve the desired chain tension is described in paragraphs

[0089] to

[0090] of EP'324, and can be applied analogously to the coaxial derailleur connection according to the present invention. EP 3 388 324 A2 discloses the features of the preamble of claim 1. invention

[0017] Based on the aforementioned prior art, the present invention provides alternative solutions and further developments to the known solutions for the rear axle-coaxial connection of a bicycle derailleur to the right frame eye or dropout of a bicycle frame rear triangle, from which various advantages result.

[0018] According to a first aspectFor the rear derailleur defined above, it is proposed that the base element be designed with an adjustment device comprising at least one manually operable adjusting screw. Advantageously, the adjustment device allows the base element to be pivoted in a chain tension direction relative to at least one of the adapter and mounting sections, coaxially to the rear wheel axle, in at least one of the pre-assembled and fully assembled states. Alternatively, the adjustment device allows a second sub-element of the base element, pivotally connected to a first sub-element of the base element and having its second connection end, to be pivoted relative to the first sub-element, which has its first connection end, in a chain tension direction.The purpose of this adjustment is to set the chain tension of a bicycle chain guided by the chain guide assembly and running over a sprocket of a sprocket set of a rear wheel of the bicycle, or / and the distance of an upper chain guide roller of the chain guide assembly from the sprocket, in the finished, assembled or / and pre-assembled state of the rear derailleur on the bicycle frame.

[0019] This may be an additional adjustment option or an alternative adjustment option compared to the adjustment option known from EP '324. Adjusting the chain tension or the distance of the upper chain guide roller from a specific reference sprocket of the sprocket cluster (so-called chain gap, where the reference sprocket is not necessarily the smallest or largest sprocket of the sprocket cluster) is of great practical importance. The invention allows for fine-tuning or readjustment, for example, to account for chain wear and the associated elongation of the bicycle chain. Compared to the solution known from EP '324, this adjustment or readjustment or fine-tuning is facilitated.

[0020] The main consideration is that, with a taut bicycle chain, a pivoting force acting in a chain tensioning direction can be exerted on the base element by means of the adjusting device, which opposes a counter-pivoting force exerted on the base element in a chain relaxation direction based on a tension of the bicycle chain.

[0021] Regarding the alternative solution with a multi-part base element comprising the first sub-element and the second sub-element, it is considered that, with a tensioned bicycle chain, a pivoting force acting in a chain tensioning direction can be exerted on the second sub-element by means of the adjusting device, which opposes a counter-pivoting force exerted on the second sub-element in a chain relaxation direction based on a tension of the bicycle chain.

[0022] Insofar as the adjusting device can exert pivoting forces on the base element or the second sub-element directly only in the chain tensioning direction, as is typically the case with a pressure-loaded adjusting screw, the counter-pivoting force based on the tension of the bicycle chain can be used to pivot the base element or the second sub-element in the chain relaxation direction if this is desired when adjusting, readjusting or fine-tuning the chain tension or the "chain gap".

[0023] Regarding the adapter used for mounting the base element to the bicycle frame, it is intended that (analogous to EP '324) the adapter has an adapter bolt with an external thread that can be inserted from an outside of the mounting section into a passage in the mounting section. Advantageously, the adapter may also include an adapter nut with an internal thread that can be screwed onto the external thread of the adapter bolt on the inside of the mounting section.

[0024] Alternatively, and deviating from the proposals of EP '324, the adapter can also be made in one piece.

[0025] Analogous to EP '324, the adapter, in particular the adapter bolt, can have an axle opening with an internal thread into which a mating thread of a corresponding thru-axle can be screwed. Apart from any necessary adjustment of the chain tension or chain gap, screwing in and tightening the thru-axle will generally complete the mounting of the rear derailleur to the bicycle frame, thus resulting in the aforementioned "fully assembled state." A "defined pre-assembled state" is defined, in particular, as one in which the thru-axle (if provided) is not yet screwed into the internal thread of the adapter bolt, or is screwed in but not yet tightened.In an alternative implementation proposed below, where the one-piece adapter is screwed to the first arm of the base element on the inside of the support element, a state without tightening the adapter in the corresponding internal thread of the first arm can be considered a "defined pre-assembled state".

[0026] In general, the "defined pre-assembled state" referred to here is a state of the rear derailleur in which the base element can be pivoted relative to the bicycle frame with comparatively low pivoting forces, particularly in designs where a frictional or positive locking connection is created by tightening a screw connection, which prevents such pivoting of the base element relative to the bicycle frame with comparatively low pivoting forces, as is the case with the rear derailleur known from EP '324 in the "fully assembled state".

[0027] As known from EP '324, an inner diameter of a first centering opening of the base element provided in the first arm and a first outer diameter of the adapter, in particular of a bolt base of the adapter bolt, can be matched to center the derailleur with respect to the rear axle by means of the adapter. Alternatively, one can also consider that an inner diameter of a first centering opening of the base element provided in the first arm and a corresponding outer diameter of the thru-axle are matched to center the derailleur with respect to the rear axle by means of the thru-axle. This possibility is also already known from EP '324.

[0028] Furthermore, analogous to the solutions of EP '324, in the fully assembled state of the rear derailleur, the first arm can be clamped between an axial stop surface of the adapter and an axial stop surface of a stop element, in particular a hub end cap, of a rear axle assembly of a rear wheel of the bicycle.

[0029] As an alternative to the aforementioned centering solutions, it is proposed that the inner diameter of a first centering opening in the base element, provided in the first arm, and the outer diameter of the aforementioned stop element, in particular the hub end cap, of a rear wheel axle assembly of the bicycle's rear wheel, be matched to each other in order to center the derailleur with respect to the rear wheel axle by means of the stop element. This also achieves good and reliable centering of the base element and thus the intended coaxial mounting with respect to the rear wheel axle of the rear derailleur. Clamping the first arm between an axial stop surface of the adapter and an axial stop surface of the stop element is not considered in this context, although such an implementation is certainly conceivable.

[0030] In contrast to the solutions of EP '324, it is further proposed that, in the fully assembled state of the rear derailleur, an axial stop surface of the aforementioned stop element, in particular the secondary end cap, of the rear axle assembly rests directly against an axial stop surface of the adapter under tension. In this case, the stop element offers itself as a good solution, as proposed, for serving as a reference for centering the first arm and thus the base element.

[0031] A closed force flow via the rear axle assembly mounted on the frame eyes is achieved in this case of the support of the stop element on the stop surface of the adapter, bypassing the first arm and preferably also the second arm of the base element, so that the aforementioned friction-fit rotational fixation of the base element does not occur in the fully assembled state. In this case, tightening the thru-axle or the like does not result in clamping the base element to the rear mounting section of the bicycle frame, so the adjustment device according to the invention is required to provide a forward stop for the base element and to enable the adjustment of the chain tension or the "chain gap".

[0032] According to an advantageous embodiment already briefly mentioned, the adapter, preferably manufactured as a single piece as an adapter bolt, can be screwed onto an external thread and an internal thread of the first arm of the base element. This improved design aims to reduce the number and complexity of the individual parts required for the rear derailleur and thus to reduce manufacturing and assembly costs. In particular, this improved design eliminates the need for the adapter nut.

[0033] According to a first embodiment, the adapter, as well as the first and second arms of the base element, are designed to axially clamp the mounting section of the bicycle frame, which has axial contact surfaces, between corresponding axial contact surfaces of the first and second arms, or between corresponding axial contact surfaces of the first arm and a bolt head of the adapter, by tightening the adapter. Tightening the adapter rotatably fixes the base element to the mounting section of the bicycle frame, essentially in the same way as is achieved in the known solution of EP '324 by screwing in and tightening the thru-axle. Accordingly, the chain tension or "chain gap" must be adjusted in the internal thread of the first arm before tightening the adapter, unless the base element is designed with pivotable sub-elements.

[0034] An alternative second variant provides for a spacer sleeve dimensioned to fit into a passage in the mounting section of the bicycle frame. The adapter, the spacer sleeve, and the first and second arms of the base element are designed to axially clamp the spacer sleeve—which is inserted into the passage in the mounting section of the bicycle frame—between corresponding axial contact surfaces of the first and second arms, or between corresponding axial contact surfaces of the first arm and a bolt head of the adapter, by tightening the adapter.

[0035] In this case, tightening the adapter does not result in the base element being clamped to the rear mounting section of the bicycle frame, so the adjustment device according to the invention is needed to provide a forward stop for the base element and to enable the adjustment of the chain tension or the "chain gap".

[0036] It is generally assumed that an inner diameter of a second centering opening provided in the second arm of the base element and a second outer diameter of the adapter, in particular of a bolt head of the adapter, are matched to each other in order to center the derailleur with respect to the rear wheel axle by means of the adapter bolt. In this respect, the rear derailleur corresponds to the known solution according to EP '324. The second arm is preferably fixed non-rotatably to the mounting section of the bicycle frame by the engagement of the adapter with the second arm of the base element.

[0037] As is known from EP '324, the adapter can be designed, at least in certain areas, to be rotationally neutral, in particular substantially rotationally symmetric, such that no particular rotational orientation of the adapter relative to the mounting section is provided and no rotation of the adapter relative to the mounting section is blocked or limited.

[0038] As an advantageous alternative, it is proposed that the adapter be designed to be non-rotationally symmetrical in order to engage in a positive-locking rotational support engagement with an associated section of the bicycle frame. In particular, the adapter can be designed with at least one stop that can be positively engaged with at least one associated counter-stop of the bicycle frame, especially the mounting section, in order to secure the adapter against rotation in at least one direction relative to the bicycle frame, at least in the fully assembled state.

[0039] The solution according to EP '324, which is still considered practical and generally advantageous, may not always be the best solution, for example, due to cost reasons or because of differing surface properties of the adapter nut's contact surface on the frame eye, depending on the frame design and material. The further development proposal also addresses cases of expected extreme loads, for which the proposed positive-locking fixation of the adapter appears particularly advantageous.

[0040] As a further development, it is proposed that the stop and counter-stop be designed to secure the adapter against rotation in a first direction relative to the mounting section, corresponding to the chain release direction opposite to the chain tensioning direction. In principle, a positive locking mechanism to prevent rotation in a second direction opposite to the first could also be provided. However, it is additionally proposed, as particularly advantageous, that the stop and counter-stop be designed not to block rotation of the adapter in the second direction opposite to the first relative to the mounting section. With regard to this second direction of rotation, the friction-locked fixing of the base element against rotation, known from EP '324, is significantly more advantageous.In the event of a relatively strong force, such as might occur during travel due to a collision with an obstacle like a branch, the derailleur can still pivot in the second direction of rotation. This allows the energy of such a derailleur collision to be absorbed over a relatively large distance and thus with relatively small forces, and dampened by friction to prevent damage to the derailleur.

[0041] According to a preferred embodiment, a stop surface of a radially projecting stop projection of the adapter nut, which has already been mentioned as a possible component of the adapter, forms the stop, and a counter-stop surface of a surface contour of the mounting section or of a formation of the bicycle frame adjacent to it forms the counter-stop.

[0042] According to all the aforementioned embodiments, a contact surface of the adapter nut (if provided) facing the mounting section of the bicycle frame can be provided with knurling to increase friction, as is known per se from EP '324.

[0043] Regarding the specific implementation of the adjustment device according to the invention, there are fundamentally many possibilities. Without limiting the generality, it is preferred that the adjustment device has a threaded base on a first element, with which the adjusting screw engages. A stop associated with the adjusting screw is provided on a second element. The stop and an end of the adjusting screw that can be variably positioned in the threaded base by rotating the adjusting screw are designed to form an adjustable rotation stop for the base element.In the case of the alternative solution mentioned, the stop and the end of the adjusting screw, which can be variably positioned in the threaded base by turning the adjusting screw, can be designed to form an adjustable rotation stop for the second part element of the base element, which has the second connection end, in the direction of rotation corresponding to the chain release direction.

[0044] Regarding the term "threaded base," it should be noted that an element with a specific geometry or structure is not strictly necessary for the realization of the threaded base according to the invention. This term is also intended to refer to a section of one of the components in question that is provided with a threaded opening, and is therefore to be understood purely functionally. However, it is also entirely possible that an element with a specific geometry or structure could be identified as the threaded base according to the invention.

[0045] Advantageously, the adjusting screw is subjected to compressive stress based on the chain tension in the pre-assembled state and / or in the fully assembled state. However, in the case of a base element comprising the first sub-element and the second sub-element, a different adjusting device is preferred, which subjects the adjusting screw to tensile stress based on the chain tension.

[0046] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the adapter forms one part of the first and second elements, and the base element forms the other part. It is primarily, but not exclusively, considered that the adapter, especially its adapter nut, has the threaded base as the first element, and the base element has the stop as the second element. Advantageously, the threaded base of the adapter or its adapter nut can project radially.

[0047] This is a very practical and easily implemented embodiment of the aforementioned components in order to implement the rear derailleur with the adjustment device according to the invention.

[0048] As a further development, it is proposed that the threaded base extends into a recess or window of a circumferentially extending section of the first or second arm (preferably the first arm) of the base element around the adapter nut. A surface of the first or second arm, circumferentially delimiting the recess or window, can then form the stop for the adjusting screw.

[0049] According to an alternative implementation, the mounting section or an adjacent formation of the bicycle frame forms one of the first and second elements, and the base element forms the other. In this regard, it is particularly advantageous that the base element, as the first element, comprises the threaded socket, and the mounting section or the adjacent formation of the bicycle frame, as the second element, comprises the stop. This eliminates the need for a threaded socket on the bicycle frame, which is beneficial when using the bicycle frame with a rear derailleur not conforming to the invention. In such a situation, a potentially non-functional stop is more acceptable than a non-functional threaded socket.This solution for implementing the adjustment device is preferred for embodiments in which the adapter is screwed to the first arm of the base element.

[0050] Regarding the realization of the base element with the first and second sub-elements according to the aforementioned alternative solution, it is proposed that the adjusting device has a threaded socket on one of the first and second sub-elements of the base element and a stop, a swivel mount, or another threaded socket on the other sub-element of the base element. The adjusting screw engages with the threaded socket or—if provided—with the two threaded sockets having oppositely oriented internal threads. In the case of the swivel mount, the adjusting screw is rotatable within this swivel mount of the other sub-element and is supported, at least with respect to tension, in one longitudinal direction of the adjusting screw. If the stop is provided on the other sub-element, the adjusting screw is supported by this stop with respect to compression.These elements are each arranged in such a way that the swivel angle of the second sub-element relative to the first sub-element can be adjusted using the adjusting screw.

[0051] According to a first embodiment, the adjusting screw can withstand compressive stress based on chain tension, both in the pre-assembled state and / or in the fully assembled state. According to a preferred second embodiment, the adjusting screw can withstand tensile stress based on chain tension, both in the pre-assembled state and / or in the fully assembled state. For this purpose, the adjusting device can advantageously have a threaded base on one component and a swivel mount on the other. The swivel mount can be formed by a simple through-hole in a suitable element of the respective component, through which the adjusting screw is inserted, with a screw head supporting the tensile forces acting on this element containing the through-hole.

[0052] It is generally proposed that the head of the adjusting screw be designed with a tool engagement feature. Preferably, the head is accessible from the rear when the rear derailleur is mounted on the bicycle frame.

[0053] According to a [consideration] independent of the first aspect second aspect The invention proposes for a rear derailleur of the type mentioned above that the adapter is designed with a stop which can be positively engaged with an associated counter-stop of the bicycle frame, in particular the mounting section, in order to secure the adapter against rotation in at least one direction relative to the bicycle frame, at least in the fully assembled state.

[0054] As explained above regarding the corresponding further development proposal for the rear derailleur according to the first aspect of the invention, such an adapter provides an advantageous alternative in some situations to the rotary fixing of the adapter nut and thus of the entire adapter, which is known per se from EP '324.

[0055] For the rear derailleur according to the second aspect of the invention, it is further proposed that the stop and the counter-stop are designed to secure the adapter against rotation in a first direction relative to the mounting section, corresponding to a chain release direction. It is particularly advantageous if the stop and the counter-stop are designed to prevent rotation of the adapter in a second direction opposite to the first relative to the mounting section, in order to avoid damage to the rear derailleur as a result of collisions, as explained above.

[0056] Advantageously, a stop surface of a radially projecting stop projection of an adapter nut of the adapter can form the stop and a counter-stop surface of a surface contour of the mounting section or of a formation of the bicycle frame adjacent to it can form the counter-stop.

[0057] In the context of the second aspect of the invention, a contact surface of the adapter nut facing the mounting section of the bicycle frame can also be provided with knurling to increase friction.

[0058] Other implementation possibilities mentioned in connection with the first aspect of the invention are also relevant in the context of the further aspect of the invention. For example, the adapter can have an adapter bolt with an external thread that can be inserted from the outside of the mounting section into a passage in the mounting section. The preferably provided adapter nut can have an internal thread that can be screwed onto the external thread of the adapter bolt from the inside of the mounting section. Preferably, this adapter nut has at least one stop. Furthermore, the adapter, and in particular the adapter bolt, can have an axle opening in which an internal thread is arranged, into which a mating thread of an associated stub axle can be screwed.

[0059] Various further training opportunities arise from the invention and further training proposals relating to the first aspect of the invention.

[0060] After a third aspect The invention, which is independent of the first and second aspects of the invention, proposes for a rear derailleur of the type mentioned at the outset that, in the fully assembled state of the rear derailleur, an axial stop surface of a stop element, in particular a hub end cap, of a rear axle assembly of a rear wheel of the bicycle, rests directly against an axial stop surface of the adapter under tension.

[0061] A closed force flow is then established in the rear axle arrangement by bypassing the first arm of the base element, as described in the corresponding further development proposal under the first aspect of the invention. A rotational fixation of the base element by clamping its first arm through tightening the axle or an (alternatively provided) quick-release axle is then unnecessary, so that at least one forward rotational stop for the base element must be implemented in another way. Preferably, a manually operated adjustment device according to the first aspect of the invention serves as the forward rotational stop.

[0062] In order to still use the first arm for centering the base element, an inner diameter of a first centering opening of the base element provided in the first arm and an outer diameter of a stop element, in particular the aforementioned hub end cap, of the rear wheel axle assembly of a rear wheel of the bicycle can be matched to each other in order to center the derailleur in relation to the rear wheel axle by means of the stop element.

[0063] As described in relation to the first and second aspects of the invention, the adapter can have an adapter bolt with an external thread that can be inserted from an outside of the mounting section into a passage in the mounting section. The adapter preferably includes an adapter nut with an internal thread that can be screwed onto the external thread of the adapter bolt on the inside of the mounting section.

[0064] In connection with the third aspect of the invention, it is primarily thought that the adapter, in particular the adapter bolt, has an axle opening in which an internal thread is arranged, into which a mating thread of an associated stub axle can be screwed.

[0065] Advantageously, the adapter can be designed in such a rotationally neutral manner, at least in some areas, that no specific rotational orientation of the adapter relative to the mounting section is provided and no rotation of the adapter relative to the mounting section is blocked or limited.

[0066] Alternatively, for certain applications, the adapter can be designed to be non-rotationally symmetrical in order to engage in a positive-locking rotational support with a corresponding section of the bicycle frame. In particular, the adapter can be designed with a stop that can be positively engaged with a corresponding counter-stop on the bicycle frame, especially the mounting section, in order to secure the adapter against rotation in at least one direction relative to the bicycle frame, at least when fully assembled.

[0067] The primary consideration is that the stop and counter-stop are designed to secure the adapter against rotation in a first direction relative to the mounting section, corresponding to a chain release direction. It is particularly advantageous for the stop and counter-stop to be designed to prevent rotation of the adapter in a second direction opposite to the first relative to the mounting section, for the reasons set out in the first and second aspects of the invention.

[0068] Particularly useful can be a stop surface of a radially projecting stop projection of an adapter nut of the adapter to form the stop and a counter-stop surface of a surface contour of the mounting section or of a formation of the bicycle frame adjacent to it to form the counter-stop.

[0069] In this context, it can also be provided that a contact surface of the adapter nut facing the mounting section of the bicycle frame is designed with knurling to increase friction.

[0070] Further training opportunities arise from the invention and training proposals relating to the first and second aspects of the invention.

[0071] According to a consideration independent of the first, second and third aspects of the invention fourth aspect The invention proposes for a rear derailleur of the type mentioned above that the adapter, preferably designed as a one-piece adapter bolt, can be screwed (or screwed) to an external thread with an internal thread of the first arm of the base element.

[0072] Reference is made to the corresponding further training proposal for the first aspect of the invention.

[0073] According to a first advantageous embodiment, the adapter, as well as the first and second arms of the base element, are designed to axially clamp the mounting section of the bicycle frame, which has axial contact surfaces, between associated axial contact surfaces of the first and second arms, or between associated axial contact surfaces of the first arm and a bolt head of the adapter, by tightening the adapter. This allows for a friction-fit rotational fixation of the base element to the bicycle frame without the need for a thru-axle or quick-release axle to exert the corresponding clamping forces.

[0074] According to an alternative second implementation, a spacer sleeve is provided, dimensioned to be inserted into a passage in the mounting section of the bicycle frame. The adapter and the spacer sleeve, as well as the first and second arms of the base element, are designed to axially clamp the spacer sleeve, inserted into the passage in the mounting section of the bicycle frame, between associated axial contact surfaces of the first and second arms, or between associated axial contact surfaces of the first arm and a bolt head of the adapter, by tightening the adapter. As explained in the corresponding further development proposal under the first aspect of the invention, the base element is then not clamped at its two arms to the mounting section of the bicycle frame, so that at least a forward rotation stop for the base element is required.Advantageously, this forward rotation stop can be provided by means of an adjustment device according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0075] Further training opportunities under the fourth aspect of the invention arise from the invention and further training proposals for the first, second and third aspects of the invention.

[0076] According to an invention aspect independent of the previously discussed aspects fifth aspectThe invention provides a rear derailleur for mounting on a bicycle frame, comprising a base element, a pivot mechanism, a movable element, and a chain guide assembly. The pivot mechanism connects the base element to the movable element, and the chain guide assembly is rotatably connected to the movable element about a pivot axis. The base element includes a first connecting end for mounting on the bicycle frame or a mounting element attached thereto, in particular a derailleur hanger, and a second connecting end for coupling with the pivot mechanism. Therefore, coaxial mounting of the rear derailleur on the bicycle frame with respect to a rear wheel axle is not mandatory.

[0077] According to the invention, the rear derailleur is characterized by the fifth aspect in that the base element comprises a first sub-element having the first connection end and a second sub-element pivotally connected to the first sub-element and having the second connection end. Furthermore, the invention provides a manually operable adjustment device with which the second sub-element can be adjusted relative to the first sub-element of the base element by means of at least one adjusting screw of the adjustment device in order to adjust, in a fully assembled state of the rear derailleur on the bicycle frame, the chain tension of a bicycle chain guided by the chain guide assembly and running over a sprocket of a sprocket cluster of a rear wheel of the bicycle, and / or the distance of an upper chain guide roller of the chain guide assembly from the sprocket.

[0078] A simple and convenient adjustment of the chain tension or "chain gap" for the mechanic or the cyclist is also of interest independently of the coaxial mounting of the rear derailleur on the rear wheel axle which is the main focus in the present invention description, for which the invention proposal according to the fifth aspect provides a good basis.

[0079] By means of the adjusting device, when the bicycle chain is tensioned, a pivoting force acting in a chain tensioning direction can be exerted on the second sub-element, which opposes a counter-pivoting force exerted on the second sub-element based on tension of the bicycle chain in a chain relaxation direction, as explained in the first aspect of the invention.

[0080] As already mentioned, there are many possibilities for implementing the adjustment mechanism. For example, the adjustment mechanism can have a threaded socket on one of the first and second sub-elements of the base element, and a stop, a swivel mount, or another threaded socket on the other sub-element of the base element. The adjusting screw engages with the threaded socket or—if provided—with the two threaded sockets having oppositely oriented internal threads. In the case of the swivel mount, the adjusting screw is rotatable within this swivel mount of the other sub-element and is supported, at least with respect to tension, in one longitudinal direction along the adjusting screw. If the stop is provided on the other sub-element, the adjusting screw is supported by this stop with respect to compression.These elements are each arranged in such a way that the swivel angle of the second sub-element relative to the first sub-element can be adjusted using the adjusting screw.

[0081] Particularly advantageous is the adjustment device having a threaded base on one sub-element and a swivel mount on the other. The swivel mount can be formed by a simple through-hole in a suitable element of the respective sub-element, through which the adjusting screw, which is subject to tensile stress, is inserted, with a screw head supporting the acting tensile forces on this element containing the through-hole.

[0082] Further training opportunities under the fifth aspect of the invention arise from the invention and further training proposals under the first, second, third and fourth aspects of the invention.

[0083] Thus, the head of the adjusting screw, which is designed with a tool engagement formation, can be accessed from behind when the rear derailleur is mounted on the bicycle frame, which is ergonomically advantageous.

[0084] Preferably, the derailleur according to the fifth aspect of the invention can be mounted coaxially with respect to a rear wheel axle on the bicycle frame. For this purpose, the first connecting end of the base element can have a first arm and a second arm, which are arranged axially spaced apart from each other and serve to mount the derailleur, namely for mounting it coaxially with respect to the rear wheel axle on an associated mounting section, in particular a dropout or frame eye, of a rear triangle of the bicycle frame. Preferably, an adapter is used for this mounting which has at least one thread for producing at least one screw connection.

[0085] In the context of this coaxial mounting of the rear derailleur, reference is also made to the corresponding invention and further development proposals under the previously discussed invention aspects.

[0086] In general, for the rear derailleurs according to all aspects of the invention, in connection with the inventive or preferred coaxial mounting, it is further proposed that the base element be designed with a recess on its first arm through which an axially projecting section of a rear wheel axle assembly of a rear wheel of the bicycle can be passed after removal of a thru-axle or a quick-release axle, in order to be able to remove the rear wheel without pivoting the rear derailleur relative to the bicycle frame. In the context of all the invention and further developments discussed above, this significantly facilitates the assembly and disassembly of the rear derailleur. This further development is particularly useful for embodiments such as the derailleur according to the fourth aspect of the invention, in which the base element is attached to the dropout by means of the adapter.The frame eye (mounting section) is clamped firmly.

[0087] This further development proposal is also of interest for the solutions known from EP 324. Accordingly, the invention proposes, according to a design independent of the preceding aspects of the invention, a further development independent of the preceding aspects of the invention. sixth aspect for a rear derailleur of the type mentioned above, in which its base element is designed on its first arm with a recess through which an axially projecting section of a rear axle assembly of a rear wheel of the bicycle can be passed after removal of a thru-axle or a quick-release axle, in order to be able to remove the rear wheel without pivoting the rear drive relative to the bicycle frame.

[0088] The invention further provides suitable base elements (B-knuckles) for retrofitting rear derailleurs according to EP 324 to rear derailleurs according to the invention, in accordance with the various aspects of the invention. These base elements can also be used for the manufacture and provision of derailleurs that conform to the invention from the outset, as described above and as per the appended claims. Such a base element according to the invention can be connected to an associated movable element via a pivoting mechanism and has a first connection end for coaxial mounting on a bicycle frame with respect to a rear wheel axle and a second connection end for coupling with the pivoting mechanism.The first connecting end has a first arm and a second arm, which are arranged axially spaced apart from each other and are designed for mounting the base element, and thus a derailleur comprising the base element, to an associated mounting section (in particular, a dropout or frame eye) of a rear triangle of the bicycle frame by means of a corresponding adapter. The adapter has at least one thread for creating at least one screw connection. In a defined pre-assembled state and in a fully assembled state, the first arm is located on an axial inner side of the mounting section, and the second arm is located on an axial outer side of the mounting section. According to the invention, the base element and / or the adapter are designed according to one or more of the aforementioned defined invention and further development proposals and can be mounted on the frame.

[0089] The invention further provides a bicycle comprising a bicycle frame with a rear wheel and a derailleur system with a rear derailleur. The bicycle further has the following features: The rear wheel is designed with a stator assembly comprising a rear axle assembly and a rotor assembly. The rotor assembly is rotatably mounted or mountable relative to the stator assembly and comprises a wheel hub with a driver carrying a sprocket set of the derailleur system. A rear triangle of the bicycle frame has a left mounting section (in particular a dropout or frame eye) and a right mounting section (in particular a dropout or frame eye) for an inner axle of the rear wheel axle assembly. The inner axle can be a thru-axle or a quick-release axle.

[0090] The two mounting sections have a predetermined, defined axial distance along a geometric axis of the inner axle, which is mounted to the frame by means of the mounting sections, and each forms a counter-bearing for a component group arranged on the inner axle, clamped between the mounting sections, and comprising a stator assembly. The rear derailleur is mounted coaxially to the bicycle frame with respect to the geometric axis and comprises a base element, a pivot mechanism, a moving element, and a chain guide assembly. The pivot mechanism connects the base element to the moving element, and the chain guide assembly is rotatably connected to the moving element about a pivot axis. The base element comprises a first connecting end for mounting it coaxially with respect to the geometric axis on the bicycle frame and a second connecting end for coupling it to the pivot mechanism.

[0091] The first connecting end of the base element has a first arm and a second arm, which are arranged axially spaced apart from each other and are designed for mounting the derailleur to the associated right-hand mounting section of the rear triangle by means of a corresponding adapter. The adapter has at least one thread for creating a screw connection. The first arm is located on an axial inner side of the associated mounting section, and the second arm is located on an axial outer side of the associated mounting section. According to the invention, the rear derailleur is designed according to one or more of the invention's and further developments' proposals, incorporating at least one or more of the aforementioned aspects of the invention, and is mounted on the bicycle frame.

[0092] The invention is described below with reference to the examples in the Figures 2 to 13 and 24The exemplary embodiments of the present invention shown, as well as on the basis of the Fig. 1 and the one originating from the patent application EP 3 388 324 A2, also referred to as EP'324 Figures 14 to 23 explained in more detail.

[0093] The figures show Fig. 1 a sectional rear view of a rear axle assembly mounted on a bicycle frame with a coaxially connected base element of a rear derailleur, essentially according to the prior art according to EP 324; Fig. 2 a perspective interior view of the base element of a rear derailleur mounted on the bicycle frame according to a first embodiment of the invention; Fig. 3 and the additional detail figures 3a, 3b and 3c show perspective views of a frame adapter mounted on the bicycle frame, the corresponding frame eye of the bicycle frame and the adapter with an adapter bolt and an adapter nut according to a second embodiment of the invention; Fig. 4 in a partially sectional interior view of the base element of the rear derailleur mounted on the frame according to the second embodiment; Fig. 5 in a Figure 1The corresponding illustration shows a partially cutaway rear view of the rear axle assembly mounted on the frame with the coaxially mounted base element of a rear derailleur according to a third embodiment of the invention. Fig. 6 shows a perspective interior view of the base element of a rear derailleur mounted on the bicycle frame according to a fourth embodiment of the invention; Fig. 7 shows the base element of the frame mounted on the Figure 6 in a cutaway view from the rear; Fig. 8 in an interior view the base element mounted on the bicycle frame according to a variant embodiment of the Figure 6 and 7 ; Fig. 9 shows a partially cutaway interior view of the base element mounted on the bicycle frame according to the embodiment of the Fig. 8 ; Fig. 10 shows a further embodiment of the Figure 6 and 7 in a cutaway view accordingly Figure 7Fig. 11 shows a perspective external view of a base element of a rear derailleur mounted on a bicycle frame, comprising two sub-elements pivotable relative to each other, according to a fifth embodiment of the invention; Fig. 12 shows the base element of the fifth embodiment in a perspective view. Fig. 11 opposite Fig. 11 a slightly increased swivel angle of the two sub-elements relative to each other; and Fig. 13 the base element of the fifth embodiment mounted on the frame in an interior view. Furthermore, Fig. 14 shows a bicycle with a conventional derailleur according to the prior art. Fig. 13 the EP'324; Fig. 15 a perspective external view of a derailleur to be mounted coaxially to the rear wheel axle accordingly Fig. 1 EP'324, which serves as the starting point for the description of the embodiments according to the invention; Fig. 16 a sectional view of Fig. 1along axis A without hub arrangement accordingly Fig. 2 the EP'324; Fig. 17 a side view of the switching mechanism of the Fig. 1 accordingly Fig. 3 the EP'324; Fig. 18 a perspective interior view of the base element mounted on the frame accordingly Fig. 4 the EP'324; Fig. 19 a perspective partial section of the basic element from Fig. 4 with adapter accordingly Fig. 5 EP'324; Fig. 20 an enlarged view of Fig. 19 without hub arrangement accordingly Fig. 6 EP'324; Fig. 21 a full section view of the arrangement from Fig. 20 accordingly Fig. 7 EP'324; Fig. 22 an exploded view of the base element and the adapter accordingly Fig. 8 of EP'324; and Fig. 23 in subfigure 23a a perspective exterior view of the base element corresponding to Fig. 9a of EP'324 and in subfigure Fig. 23bA perspective interior view of the base element according to Fig. 9b of EP 324. Finally, Fig. 24 shows a bicycle according to the invention with a rear derailleur according to the invention as an exemplary embodiment in a schematic representation.

[0094] The in the Figures 2 to 13 and 24 The exemplary embodiments of the invention shown, with regard to their various aspects, are described below based on the known solution according to EP 324. The same reference numerals are used for analogous elements as in the Figures 14 to 23and the further figures of EP'324 and the associated description below and in EP'324. Newly introduced numerical reference numerals compared to EP'324 have a numerical value greater than 200. The description of the embodiments according to the invention focuses on the differences in terms of modifications and additions compared to the known solutions in publication EP'324, in order to avoid repetition of what is already known and to concentrate the description on the innovations of the invention. For the basic construction of the rear derailleur according to the invention and its mounting on the bicycle frame, as well as further details and embodiments, reference is expressly made to the Figures 14 to 23 and the associated description below, as well as reference to the entire contents of EP'324.

[0095] Fig. 1The document essentially shows the state of the art regarding the coaxial connection of a rear bicycle derailleur 10 to a right frame eye 201, as similarly disclosed in EP'324.

[0096] One can recognize in Fig. 1The left-hand arm 22a of the base element (B-Knuckle) 20, as shown in the drawing, is frictionally clamped between the right hub end cap 4 and the adapter bolt 61 by axial force and is thus (in addition to the stop of the base element 20 on the rotary stop projections 68a, 68b of the adapter nut 66, already mentioned above and described in more detail below) rotationally fixed as soon as the axle 7 is screwed into the adapter bolt 61 and thus an axial force flow in the rear axle, represented in the drawing by a dotted line, is established. This axial force flow is closed at 203 by the left frame eye (not shown). Section 205 of the dotted line represents the tensile stress in the axle, and section 207 of the dotted line represents the compressive stress in the hub axle 5, on which the hub sleeve 3 is rotatably mounted.The hub assembly comprises, in addition to the right hub end cap 4, the hub axle 5, and the hub sleeve 3, the left hub end cap 8 and the hub bearing 9 with hub bearings 9a and 9b designed as rolling bearings. The driver 100 is rotatably mounted on the hub axle 5 independently of the hub sleeve 3 by means of driver bearings 109a and 109b. The compressive stress force flow 107 passes through the hub axle 5, which receives the stub axle 7, without exerting any compressive load on the rotating components.

[0097] In this way, i.e., based on the clamping of the first arm 22a of the base element 20 between the adapter bolt 61 and the hub end cap 4 as a result of tightening the thru-axle 7, the base element (B-knuckle) 20, and thus the bicycle derailleur 10, is frictionally and rotationally fixed with respect to the rear wheel axle. The derailleur 10 can then only be pivoted clockwise around the rear wheel axle by a relatively strong force, such as that which can occur during riding, for example, in a collision with an obstacle such as a branch (clockwise with respect to the lateral view according to the Fig. 14 and 15This property of the coaxial derailleur connection described in EP'324 allows the energy of such a derailleur collision to be absorbed over a relatively large distance, and thus with relatively small forces, converted into heat via the frictional clamping of the base element 20 between the right hub end cap 4 and the adapter bolt 61, and thus typically dissipated without damaging the derailleur 10. The right, second arm 22b of the base element 20 is centered on the bolt head 62 of the adapter bolt 61, but can pivot relative to it without significant counterforces.

[0098] It should also be noted that, according to the presentation in the Fig. 1 The inner first arm 22a is centered on the hub end cap 4 or on the axle 7, whereas according to the known embodiment of the figures mentioned above in EP'324, the inner first arm 22a is centered on the adapter nut 66. It is noted that Fig. 19and 20 and the corresponding description is referred to below. Centering at the hub end cap 4, at the thru-axle 7, or at the adapter nut 66 are technically equivalent options for centering the first arm, and can be used optionally.

[0099] Fig. 2 Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of a coaxial derailleur connection to a bicycle rear triangle according to the invention. The figure shown in Figure 2 shows a first embodiment of a coaxial derailleur connection to a bicycle rear triangle according to the invention. Fig. 2 The basic element (B-Knuckle) 20 shown differs from the solutions shown in the aforementioned EP'324 in some details, for example with regard to the specific design of the two arms 22a and 22b of the basic element 20. However, these differences are not relevant for the first embodiment according to Fig. 2 This means that the embodiment according to Fig. 2The realized solution features of the present invention also apply without limitation to the rear switching devices or their basic elements shown in EP'324 (see, for example, Fig. 22 ) or to the coaxial derailleur connections disclosed in EP'324, which, with regard to the clamping of the base element 20 between the hub end cap 4 and the adapter bolt 61, are essentially equivalent to Fig. 1 can be applied.

[0100] The essential difference between the in Fig. 2 The embodiment shown and the coaxial switchgear connection known from EP'324 consists in the fact that the adapter nut 66 in the embodiment according to Fig. 2 instead of the rotary stop projections 68a, 68b according to Fig. 22 a threaded base 305 into which an adjusting screw 307, hereinafter also referred to as "B-screw", can be screwed or is screwed. As can be seen in Fig. 2When the stop is detected, a stop of the base element, arranged on the left, first arm 22a of the base element 20 as shown in the drawing, strikes the end of the adjusting screw 307 facing the stop.

[0101] Details of the adjusting device comprising the threaded base 305, the adjusting screw 307 and the stop of the base element 20 according to the invention in the specific implementation according to Fig. 2 are not fully recognizable in this figure. Therefore, reference is made to the corresponding realization in the Figures 3 (with the additional detail figures 3a, 3b and 3c) and 4 are referenced, which have a corresponding threaded base 405, a corresponding adjusting screw 407 and a corresponding stop 409 on the first arm 22a of the base element 20. The adapter 60 of these figures of the second embodiment differs from the embodiment of the Fig. 2only in a non-rotationally symmetrical version of the adapter nut 66 with a stop projection 421 described in more detail below for positive locking support against rotation on an associated stop surface 422 of the frame 1.

[0102] As can be seen, the threaded base 405 extends radially outwards into an opening or recess 411 (cf. Fig. 4 ) in a section of the first arm 22a extending circumferentially around the adapter nut 66. A surface of the base element 20 circumferentially limiting this opening or recess 411 forms the stop 409 which interacts with the adjusting screw 407.

[0103] This means that the stop position between the adapter nut 66 and the base element (B-Knuckle) 20, which in the known coaxial derailleur connection according to EP'324 is formed by the interaction of the rotary stop projections 68a / b of the adapter nut 66 with the counter-stops 24a / b arranged on the base element, and which is unchangeable there after the frame adapter has been tightened (cf. Figs. 19 to 22 ), in the embodiment according to the invention Fig. 2 and accordingly in the embodiment according to the invention Fig. 3 It is adjustable.

[0104] In other words, the rotational angular position of the base element 20, and thus of the derailleur, more precisely the rotational forward stop of the derailleur (counterclockwise according to the Fig. 14 and 15 ) in the embodiment according to Fig. 2can be adjusted variably, even when the adapter bolt 61 and the adapter nut 61 are already rotationally fixed to the frame eye 201 by friction.

[0105] In this way, the chain tension or the distance of the upper chain guide roller from a specific reference sprocket of the sprocket cluster (so-called "chain gap", see also) can be adjusted. Fig. 11 and 12 the EP'324, where the reference pinion is not necessarily the smallest or largest pinion of the pinion set) can be adjusted at any time, if necessary, by adjusting the according to Fig. 2 The adjusting screw (B-screw) 307, located in the threaded base 305 of the adapter nut 66, can be adjusted or fine-tuned without having to loosen the rotary fixation of the adapter bolt 61 in the frame eye 201 and thus the rotary fixation of the adapter nut 66. Only the screw engagement of the thru-axle 7 in the internal thread 65 is required (see figure). Fig. 21) to be loosened or sufficiently loosened to release or sufficiently loosen the clamping of the first arm 22a between the hub end cap 4 and the adapter bolt 61. Thereafter, the base element 20 can be easily adjusted in the chain tensioning pivot direction (clockwise) by means of the adjusting device formed by the threaded base 305, the adjusting screw 307 and the stop of the base element 20 corresponding to the stop 409, namely by appropriate actuation of the adjusting screw. Fig. 14 and Fig. 15 ) or - with the assistance of the chain tension - in the chain relaxation direction (counterclockwise according to Fig. 14 and Fig. 15 ) will be shifted.

[0106] To tension the chain, the adjusting screw 307 is inserted from behind into an engagement opening of a screw head (compare screw head 413 in Fig. 3aThe adjusting screw 307 is to be inserted into the threaded socket 305 and turned towards the stop 409 of the base element 20 using the tool to be inserted. To loosen the chain, the adjusting screw 307 is to be turned out of the threaded socket 305 using the tool.

[0107] This allows the drivetrain, encompassing the chain and derailleur, to be adapted, particularly with regard to chain gap and chain tension, even to suspension frames with special rear suspension kinematics where a relatively large "chainstay growth" occurs, meaning the distance between the bottom bracket axle and the rear axle changes significantly when the rear suspension compresses. Other factors, such as the suspension position taken into account when setting up the drivetrain (so-called sag position, compression depth, or negative travel of the suspension caused by the rider's static weight), or chain wear and the associated chain elongation over time, can also be adjusted thanks to the [missing information - likely a specific feature or feature]. Fig. 2 The illustrated embodiment can be easily readjusted or compensated at any time using the adjusting screw (B-screw) 407.

[0108] Another embodiment of a coaxial switchgear connection according to the present invention is described in Figs. 3 to 4 As shown, the same reference numerals are used in the description of this embodiment for analogous or identical elements as in the preceding description of the first embodiment, with the exception that the numerical values ​​of reference numerals relating to features of the invention not yet known from EP 234 (reference numerals with numerical values ​​greater than 300) are increased by 100. Similarly, in the following descriptions of further embodiments, corresponding reference numerals are each increased by 100, and reference numerals from EP 324 are also used, sometimes with an added top bar or bars to identify the respective embodiment.

[0109] The embodiment of the Fig. 3 and 4exhibits, as does the first embodiment of the Fig. 2 The manually operated adjustment device, comprising the threaded base 405, the adjusting screw 407, and the stop 409 on the base element 20, serves to adjust, fine-tune, or readjust the chain tension or the "chain gap". The adjusting screw (B-screw) 407 is (as in the embodiment according to Fig. 2 ) also in the embodiment according to Figs. 3 to 4 again inserted into the threaded base 405, which is preferably formed integrally with the adapter nut 66. As already in the embodiment according to Fig. 2 As described and shown there, the base element 20 again comes to a stop at the end of the adjusting screw 407 opposite the screw head 413 (see. Fig. 4), which allows the rotational pivot position of the base element 20, and thus of the derailleur 10, relative to the adapter nut 66 and therefore relative to the frame eye 201, to be continuously varied at any time. This serves, as already described above in the embodiment according to Fig. 2 described, in particular the setting of the correct chain gap on the derailleur, and if necessary also for any subsequent fine-tuning of the "chain gap" and chain tension.

[0110] The foregoing statements in the context of Fig. 2 Nothing needs to be added. However, it should be mentioned that a functionally essentially identical and structurally very similar adjustment device could also be realized by a threaded base with an adjusting screw on the bolt head 62 of the adapter bolt 61 and a corresponding stop on the second arm 22b of the base element, in deviation from Fig. 2 and from the Figures 3 and 4. However, the preferred arrangement is that of the adjustment device on the inside of the frame eye 201 as shown in these figures.

[0111] In the coaxial switchgear connection known from EP'324, the rotary fixing of the adapter nut 66 relative to the frame eye 201 is achieved, as already described above, by means of a knurling on the end face of the adapter nut 66, cf. e.g. Fig. 19 and 20 . The first embodiment can be implemented in exactly the same way according to Fig. 2 to be realized

[0112] However, this type of rotary fixing of the adapter nut 66 to the frame eye 201 is not a preferable solution in all cases, for example for cost reasons or due to different surface conditions of the adapter nut contact surface on the frame eye in different frame designs or frame materials, or also in the case of possible extreme loads.

[0113] For this reason, in the embodiment according to Figs. 3 to 4 The adapter 66 is designed to be positively locked to the frame in a predefined rotational position. This can advantageously be achieved by at least one rotational stop on the adapter side and at least one rotational stop on the frame side, which act particularly as forward stops.

[0114] According to the specific example of the Fig. 3 and 4 The adapter nut 66 is additionally or alternatively to its knurling, as in the embodiment according to Fig. 1 and 2 or is present in the prior art according to EP'324, with a stop projection 421 which is positively engaged with a stop surface 420 serving as a stop and a corresponding counter-stop surface 422 serving as a counter-stop (cf. Fig. 3c) can be brought into contact with the rear triangle or frame eye 201. This contact between the aforementioned elements results in the rotational fixing of the adapter nut 66 to the frame 1 according to the invention. Due to this contact, the adapter nut 61 cannot move in the Fig. 4 The direction of rotation represented by arrow P is rotated relative to the frame, whereby, as a result of the adjusting screw (B-screw) 407 being stopped against the stop 409 of the first arm 22a of the base element 20, the base element cannot pivot in this pivoting direction P corresponding to a chain release direction. In the illustration of the Fig. 14 Below, this pivoting direction corresponds to a pivoting of the base element (P-Knuckle) relative to the bicycle frame 1 counterclockwise.

[0115] For better visibility, the adapter nut 66 is located in the following embodiments: Figures 3a and 3b shown again separately. For the same reason, it shows Fig. 3cagain the right frame eye 201 according to Fig. 3 without the frame adapter 60 inserted therein, consisting of the adapter bolt 61 and the adapter nut 66. Accordingly, the stop surface 422 arranged on the frame eye 201 for the stop projection 421 of the adapter nut 66 is also in Fig. 3c clearly visible.

[0116] In the embodiment according to Figs. 3 to 4 Thus, after the frame adapter 60 has been mounted, the adapter nut 66 is fixed rotationally immutable by positive locking against the frame eye 201, which ensures a counterclockwise direction of rotation (according to Fig. 13 and 1 ). This is the direction of rotation or pivoting of the base element 20 relative to the frame eye 201, which would have a relaxing effect on the chain of the derailleur gear guided by the chain guide arrangement 50.

[0117] An adjustment of the rotational position of the base element 20 and thus of the derailleur 10 relative to the frame eye 201 or to the bicycle rear triangle (the adjustment of the chain gap and chain tension discussed above) is possible in the embodiment according to Figs. 3 to 4 thus, it is no longer done as in the prior art according to EP'324 by turning the adapter nut 66 into the desired rotational position and tightening it in this position by means of the adapter bolt 61 and securing it against rotation on the frame eye 201 by friction fit or by means of the knurling of the adapter nut 66 mentioned above.

[0118] For this reason, the embodiment according to Figs. 3 to 4 the adjustment option via the adjustment device having at least one adjustment screw, which is available without restriction to the general public as per the Fig. 2 can be designed with an adjusting screw 407, the threaded base 405 and the stop 409 on the base element 20.

[0119] In contrast, in the embodiment according to Fig. 2 The adjustment of the rotational position of the base element 20 and thus of the derailleur 10 relative to the frame eye 201 can be carried out either by means of the adjusting screw (B-screw) 307 or by loosening or loosening the clamping of the first arm 22a of the base element 20, loosening the frame adapter 60, rotating the adapter nut 66 accordingly, subsequently tightening the frame adapter 60 again and re-clamping the first arm 22a by tightening the thru-axle 7.

[0120] A twisting of the adapter nut 61 from the in Fig. 4 The position shown is in a direction of rotation opposite to the chain release direction (arrow P), which is in Fig. 4The rotation represented by arrow Q, however, is not positively locked by the described design of the adapter nut 61 with the stop projection 421. Only frictional counterforces or counterforces based on the knurling of the adapter nut 66, as mentioned above, counteract such rotation. Thus, the base element 20 can, in principle, pivot relative to the frame 1 in this pivoting direction Q corresponding to a chain tension direction, if corresponding pivoting forces occur, for example due to an impact of the derailleur against a branch or the like during operation, which overcome such counterforces. In the illustration of the Fig. 14 Below, this pivoting direction corresponds to a pivoting of the base element (P-Knuckle) relative to the bicycle frame 1 in a clockwise direction.

[0121] Fig. 5 shows a further embodiment for a coaxial switchgear connection according to the invention. Fig. 5fully agrees Fig. 1 in accordance with the exception that in the embodiment according to Fig. 5 The right hub end cap 4 comes into direct contact with the left end face of the adapter bolt 61 (as shown in the drawing), thus closing the axial force flow of the axle without involving the base element (B-Knuckle) 20 or its first arm 22a'. The adapter bolt 61 therefore directly forms the axial stop for the hub end cap 4.

[0122] As above regarding Fig. 1 described, however, is the case with the coaxial switchgear connection according to Fig. 1, which in this respect corresponds to the prior art from EP'324, the drawing-related left, first arm 22a of the base element 20 is clamped between the right hub end cap 4 and the adapter bolt 61 by axial force in a friction-locking manner and thus rotationally fixed as soon as the stub axle 7 is screwed into the adapter bolt 61 and thus the axial force flow via the hub axle (rear axle) 5 and overall a closed force flow is established.

[0123] In contrast, the base element 20 with its inner first arm 22a' centered on the hub end cap 4 and thus the derailleur 10 in the embodiment according to Fig. 5 even when the thru-axle 7 is inserted and screwed into the adapter bolt 61, it can still be freely rotated around the rear wheel axle.

[0124] This means that the B-knuckle, and therefore the switching mechanism, in the embodiment according to Fig. 5must be fixed rotationally in another way, at least with regard to the counterclockwise swivel direction according to Fig. 14 and 15 regards.

[0125] For this purpose, in the embodiment according to Fig. 5 A preferably adjustable rotary stop of the base element (B-Knuckle) 20 on a frame-fixed or frame-fixable element, in particular the adapter nut 66, is provided, preferably similar to or corresponding to the embodiments according to Figs. 2 to 4 , as already described above. The adjustment device according to the invention can therefore be provided, which also enables the adjustment, fine-tuning or readjustment of the chain tension and the "chain gap" in a simple manner.

[0126] Therefore, without limiting the generality, it is considered that the embodiment according to Fig. 5It can exist primarily in two variants, A) and B). According to variant A), with an adjustment stop via the adjusting screw (B-screw) 307, comparable to Fig. 2 , wherein the adapter nut 66 (as in the prior art EP'324) is rotationally frictionally locked to the frame eye 201, e.g. by means of knurling. Alternatively, according to variant B), with an adjustment stop via the adjusting screw (B-screw) 407, comparable to Figs. 3 to 4 , wherein the adapter nut 66 is in this case rotationally positively locked to the frame eye 201 by means of its stop projection 421.

[0127] Both variants A) and B) of the embodiment according to Fig. 5This has the particular advantage that the correct chain gap adjustment on the derailleur, as described above, is possible at any time, even with the thru-axle tightly fastened, by adjusting the adjusting screw (B-screw) 307 or 407. The engagement of the thru-axle 7 in the adapter bolt 61 does not need to be loosened or disengaged.

[0128] In both variants A) and B) of the embodiment according Fig. 5 However, the base element (B-Knuckle) 20, and thus the derailleur 10, is in principle also freely pivotable backwards around the rear wheel axis during riding (clockwise relative to the Fig. 13 and 1 ), which could potentially lead to the derailleur swinging, especially during heavy off-road operation.

[0129] This in turn can be achieved in the two embodiments described above according to Fig. 2 or according to Fig. 3 and 4This does not occur because, in these two embodiments, the first, left arm 22a of the base element 20 is clamped axially between the right hub end cap 4 and the frame adapter 60 as soon as the thru-axle 7 is firmly screwed into the bolt 61 of the frame adapter 60 (see Fig. 1 As described, however, to adjust the derailleur rotationally, for example to set or change the chain gap, the clamping mechanism via the thru-axle 7 must first be loosened.

[0130] Fig. 6 and 7 The figures show another embodiment of a coaxial switchgear connection. This embodiment allows for a reduction in the number and complexity of the required individual parts, and thus in the costs incurred during manufacturing and assembly.

[0131] As particularly in Fig. 7As can be seen, this embodiment does without the adapter nut of the embodiment described above, since the adapter bolt 61, which alone forms the adapter 60, is screwed directly into the first arm 22a" of the base element (B-Knuckle) 20 on the left side as shown in the drawing. When the adapter bolt 61 is tightened, at least the first arm 22a" is thus clamped directly against corresponding contact surfaces on the frame eye 201. In the fully assembled state, the right hub end cap 4 of the rear axle assembly (see figure) Fig. 1 and Fig. 5 ) on a ring end surface 536 of the adapter bolt 61 or directly on the base element (B-Knuckle), specifically on a ring surface area 538 of its first arm 22a".

[0132] The second arm 22b" of the base element 20 of the illustrated embodiment differs from the embodiments described above in that it is designed with a ring flange 530, which is clamped between the bolt head 62 and an outer contact end face on the frame eye 201 when the adapter bolt 61 is tightened. Depending on the tolerance, the base element 20 can be slightly elastically deformed during this clamping on both sides of the frame eye 201 by bending the two arms 22a", 22b" of the base element towards each other.

[0133] In this embodiment, the base element 20 is thus largely immovably connected to the frame eye 201, regardless of whether a thru-axle 7 is inserted and tightened or not. This means, in particular, that the derailleur cannot be rotated, especially not clockwise, even with the thru-axle loosened or removed (according to the Fig. 14 and 15) to the rear. The rear wheel cannot therefore be easily removed as with conventional systems by pivoting the derailleur 10 to the rear and then removing the rear wheel vertically downwards.

[0134] For this reason, in this embodiment the base element 20 is specially designed on its inner first arm 22a", namely with a recess 532 for wheel removal, which is particularly useful in Fig. 6 This is recognizable. Therefore, the drive unit can still be easily removed without having to pivot the derailleur. To do this, only the axle needs to be loosened and removed, after which the rear wheel can be moved along the in Fig. 6The rear derailleur can be removed via the indicated removal path 534 from the rear triangle. It should be noted that such a design of the base element is also generally advantageous and applicable to all relevant embodiments of a rear derailleur mounted coaxially to the frame relative to the rear wheel axle, so that the rear wheel can be removed without pivoting the derailleur.

[0135] Even in the embodiment according to Fig. 6 and 7 An additional stop screw or adjustment screw (B-screw) can be provided.

[0136] One possible arrangement of the adjusting screw (B-screw) is shown in the diagrams representing a corresponding design variant. Fig. 8 and 9The adjusting screw 507, for example, abuts directly against the frame, against a stop surface 540. This adjusting screw 507 facilitates the setting of the correct chain gap before the adapter bolt 61 is tightened. The manually operated adjusting device is formed by a section of the base element 20 serving as a threaded base, in particular its first arm 22a" or second arm 22ab" (preferably the first arm 22a"), the adjusting screw 507, and the stop surface 540 on a frame formation of the frame eye or adjacent to the frame eye 201. Otherwise, this embodiment corresponds identically to the Figure 6 and 7 .

[0137] Fig. 10 schematically shows another variant of the embodiments according to the Figs. 6 to 9This consists in a spacer sleeve 550 being arranged radially between the outer circumference of the adapter bolt 61 and the inner circumference of the bore of the frame eye 201. The spacer sleeve 550 causes the clamping between the two arms 22a", 22b" of the base element 20 and the spacer sleeve 550 when the adapter bolt 61 is tightened in the internal thread of the first arm 22a". With appropriate dimensioning of the length of the spacer sleeve 550, the arms 22a", 22b" of the base element 20 are thus not clamped against the end faces of the frame eye 201, as occurs in the preceding embodiments according to [reference missing]. Figs. 6 to 9 This is the case (see in particular) Fig. 7 Thus, the base element 20 remains freely pivotable around the rear axle even after the adapter bolt 61 has been tightened.

[0138] In this respect, the embodiment corresponds to Fig. 10 thus the embodiment according to Fig. 5For this reason, the embodiment according to Fig. 10 a preferably adjustable front or forward stop, particularly advantageously by means of an adjusting screw, similar to that in Figs. 2 to 4 as well as 8 and 9. The variant of the Fig. 10 In this regard, for example, the implementation variant of Fig. 8 and 9 are equivalent to.

[0139] The Figs. 11 to 13Figure 1 shows a further embodiment of a coaxial derailleur connection. In this embodiment, as in the preceding embodiments, the chain gap is initially adjusted via the rotational pivot position of the entire base element (B-knuckle) 20 relative to the frame eye 201. Since the base element 20 in this embodiment is comprised of two parts: a first sub-element 20a mounted on the frame eye 201 and a second sub-element 20b pivotable relative to the first sub-element via an additional joint 650, the chain gap or chain tension can be subsequently changed or fine-tuned as needed by adjusting the pivot position of the second sub-element 20b via an adjusting screw 607.

[0140] There are various possibilities for implementing the adjusting device comprising the adjusting screw 607. In the embodiment shown here, the adjusting screw 607 (shown only schematically) is subjected to tensile stress during operation or based on the chain tension. For this purpose, one element of element 605a of the first sub-element 20a and element 605b of the other sub-element 20b can be configured as a threaded base and the other as a rotary bracket that supports the adjusting screw, at least with respect to tension. The adjusting screw 607 engages the threaded base and is rotatably held in the rotary bracket. A comparison of the different swivel angles between the sub-elements shows Fig. 11 and 12 It follows that element 605a is designed as a rotating bracket and, accordingly, element 605b as a threaded base.

[0141] Another possibility is to design both elements 605a and 605a as threaded bases that have oppositely oriented internal threads with which the adjusting screw engages.

[0142] Figure 14Figure 1 shows an exemplary bicycle with a known prior art drive system. The drive system comprises a front chainring CR, a rear sprocket cluster R, and a chain K, which can be moved from one sprocket to the next by means of the rear derailleur RD. The directional terms right / left and front / rear used below refer to a bicycle in the direction of travel. The bicycle frame 1 has a left and a right rear dropout or frame eye, between which the rear wheel is mounted. The rear wheel rotates together with the sprocket cluster R around the rear wheel axle A. Axial refers to the rear wheel axle A or the axis of rotation of the multiple sprocket assembly R. The largest sprocket is located axially further inward than the smaller sprockets. The teeth are arranged radially outward on the sprockets. The outer diameter of a sprocket is its radially outer end, and the inner diameter is its radially inner end.The derailleur RD shown here is attached to the right dropout of the frame in the conventional manner using a derailleur hanger. This means the derailleur RD is mounted at a distance from the rear axle A and not coaxially with it. The derailleur RD rotates around the B-axis, which is spaced away from axle A. The derailleur's pivoting mechanism is designed as a skewed parallelogram.

[0143] The following Figures 15 to 23 In contrast, they show a rear derailleur mounted or mountable coaxially to the rear axle and the associated rear axle assembly, in various assembly stages and at different scales for a better understanding of this development from the state of the art. Fig. 14 known solution.

[0144] Figure 15Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the known rear derailleur 10 according to EP 324, i.e., European Patent Application EP 3 388 324 A2. The rear derailleur 10 is mounted coaxially on the rear axle 6. For clarity, the rear wheel and the sprocket cluster are not shown. Visible are the rear hub 3, located between the two dropouts of the frame 1, and the derailleur 10, which encompasses the right dropout. The base element 20 is mounted coaxially with the axle A on the frame 1 by means of the adapter 60.

[0145] Figure 16 shows a section along axis A of the in Figure 1The rear view of the derailleur 10 is shown. The geometric axis A extends along the rear wheel axle 6. For simplicity, only the thru-axle 7 is shown in this illustration, not the other parts of the axle and hub assembly. The base element 20 is attached to the right dropout by means of the adapter 60. For this purpose, the adapter 60 extends through the right frame opening 2b. The thru-axle 7 is inserted into the left frame opening 2a and screwed to the adapter 60. The adapter 60 also serves as a locknut for the thru-axle 7. When the thru-axle 7 is tightened, it screws further into the adapter 60 and clamps against the frame 1.

[0146] Figure 17 shows a side view of the derailleur 10 mounted coaxially to the rear wheel axle on the frame 1. Figure 2 . The Figures 15 to 17The figures show the complete derailleur assembly 10 with the base element 20, the pivot mechanism 30, the movable element 40, and the chain guide assembly 50. A cable deflection 11, here in the form of a cable deflection pulley rotatably mounted at the connection point 29c, is arranged on the base element 20. The base element 20 is mounted coaxially with the rear axle A on the frame 1 at its first, upper connection end. For this purpose, two axially spaced arms of the base element 20 engage the dropout of the frame 1, so that one arm is located on the inside of the frame 1 and the other arm on the outside of the frame 1. The base element 20 is pre-assembled on the frame 1 with the adapter 60.

[0147] Furthermore, the base element 20 is coupled to the pivoting mechanism 30 at its second, lower connection end. The pivoting mechanism 30 is designed as a parallelogram four-joint linkage with an inner pivot arm 35, an outer pivot arm 36, and four pivot axes 31, 32, 33, 34. The four pivot axes 31, 32, 33, 34 each run in planes that intersect axis A at right angles. In other words, the pivot axes 31, 32, 33, 34 lie in planes that extend parallel to the groove planes (not shown here). The first and second pivot axes 31, 32 connect the pivoting mechanism 30 to the base element 20. The third and fourth pivot axes 33, 34 connect the pivoting mechanism 30 to the movable element 40. Both the base element 20 and the movable element 40 each have two receptacles for the pivot axes.The longitudinal axes L1, L2 of the mounts on the base element 20 and the longitudinal axes of the mounts on the movable element 40 are, like the pivot axes 31, 32, 33, 34 themselves, orthogonal to the rear wheel axle 6 or the axle A (cf. . Figures 18 to 23 ).

[0148] The chain guide assembly 50 is rotatably connected to the movable element 40 about the axis P and is pre-tensioned clockwise (towards the rear), so that a chain (not shown here) running through the chain guide 50 in an S-shape is tensioned. The chain guide assembly 50 comprises an upper and a lower chain guide roller 51, 52, each rotatably mounted between two cage halves 57a, 57b. The upper chain guide roller 51 is rotatably mounted about the upper pivot axis 55 at an upper distance from the axis P. The lower chain guide roller 56 is rotatably mounted about the lower pivot axis 56 at a lower distance from the P-axis, with the upper chain guide roller 51 being located at a smaller distance from the P-axis than the lower chain guide roller 52. The movable element 40 has a locking element 42 which allows the pre-tensioned chain guide arrangement 50 to be fixed relative to the movable element 40.This allows the derailleur 20 to be mounted without the chain guide assembly 50 snapping backwards due to the preload.

[0149] When shifting to a smaller sprocket, the chain guide assembly 50 rotates clockwise backwards about the axis of rotation P of the movable element 40. Conversely, when shifting to a larger sprocket, the chain guide assembly 50 rotates counterclockwise forwards about the axis of rotation P. This rotation about the axis P moves the upper chain guide roller 51 radially toward or away from the sprocket. Axial movement of the chain guide assembly 50 is achieved by pivoting the pivot arms 35, 36 about the pivot axes 31, 32, 33, 34. Depending on the shifting direction, the upper chain guide roller 51, together with the entire chain guide assembly 50, moves axially inward or outward.

[0150] Figure 18 and 19The figures show perspective partial sections of the base element 20, mounted on the frame 1 with the aid of the adapter 60, and parts of the hub assembly. The first arm 22a and the second arm 22b are each positioned on one side of the frame 1. To mount the rear wheel (not shown here), it is guided along the hub assembly (only the hollow axle or hub axle 5 is shown here) and the hub end cap 4 along the hub guide 27 on the inside of the base element 20. The hub guide 27 is designed as a collar with converging guide surfaces. In its final position, the hub end cap 4 rests radially against the hub guide 27. In the axial direction, the hub end cap 4 abuts the axial hub stop surface 26 on the inside of the base element 20. The hub end cap 4 is shown in section.

[0151] Figure 19Figure 1 shows a section through the base element 20 with the two arms 22a, 22b that encompass the adapter 60. The adapter 60 consists of the bolt 61 and the nut 66. The bolt 61 is screwed into the nut 66, so that the bolt head 62 and the nut 66 are clamped to the frame 1. The adapter 60 can thus be fixed relative to the frame 1. The base element 20 is centered on the adapter 60. In the ready-to-ride state, with the thru-axle 7 tightened, the base element 20 is clamped between the hub end cap 4 and the adapter 60 in a rotationally fixed manner. In the fully assembled state, the base element 20 rests axially only against the hub end cap 4 and the adapter 60. The base element 20 is indirectly mounted to the frame 1 via the adapter 60. The base element 20, and thus the entire derailleur 10, is referenced at the hub 4 - and not, as usual, at the frame 1.

[0152] Figure 20shows the enlarged partial section of the base element 20 mounted on the frame 1 with the adapter 60. Figure 19 The bolt head 62 and the nut 66 are dimensioned larger than the frame opening 2b. When the adapter 60 is tightened, the bolt head 62 and the nut 66 are frictionally engaged with the frame 1. The nut 66 has a knurled surface 69 to additionally create a positive-locking connection with the frame 1 and to counteract forward (counterclockwise) rotation of the derailleur 10. The bolt body 63 has a contact area 63a that rests against the frame opening 2b with minimal play and a compensating area 63b that has more play relative to the frame opening 2b. The compensating area 63b allows the adapter 60 to align itself within the frame opening 2b along axis A. The bolt 61 has some play within the frame opening 2b and can tilt slightly if the frame opening is not perfectly aligned with axis A.

[0153] Figure 21 shows the arrangement Figure 20with cut adapter 60. The adapter 60 has two functions: 1) The clamping to the frame 1 is achieved by the screw connection between bolt 61 and nut 66. Alternatively, the nut could be located on the outside and the bolt on the inside. It is important that the adapter 60 can be fixed relative to the frame 1 and adjusted to it axially. The screw connection is tightened further on a thinner frame than on a thicker frame. 2) The adapter 60 can only be rotated clockwise to a limited extent relative to the base element 20, thus acting as an anti-rotation device and a forward stop. For this purpose, two stops 68a, 68b are arranged on the nut 66, which interact with two pins 24a, 24b on the base element 20. Due to the anti-rotation device between the adapter 60 and the base element 20, forward rotation of the derailleur 10 (counterclockwise) is only possible to a limited extent.The anti-rotation device replaces the usual B-screw and prevents the derailleur from unintentionally rotating forward. The pivot position of the base element 20 on the frame 1, defined by the stop of pins 24a, 24b against stops 68a, 68b, results in a corresponding tension in the chain guided by the chain guide assembly 50 and a corresponding distance between the uppermost chain guide pulley and a reference sprocket of the cassette (so-called "chain gap").

[0154] The external thread 64 and the internal thread 65 of the bolt 61 are arranged in different areas along the bolt 61 to better absorb forces. The stub axle 7 is screwed into the internal thread 65 and pulls the adapter 60, in particular the bolt head 62, against the outside of the frame 1. In the illustrated embodiment, a washer is arranged between the bolt head 62 and the frame 1.

[0155] See also Figure 22 , an exploded view of the unassembled base element 20 and the adapter 60 from Figure 21 In this view, the internal thread 67 of the nut 66 and the external thread 64 of the bolt 61, which together form the screw connection of the adapter 60, are clearly visible. Alternatively, the bolt could also be screwed directly into a thread of the frame opening. However, frame tolerances would then directly affect the derailleur, which should be avoided. Furthermore, the bolt base 63c, which is aligned with the first centering opening 23a, and the bolt head 62, which is aligned with the second centering opening 23b, can be seen. The stop surface 63d of the bolt 61 interacts with the outer side of the first arm 22a of the base element 20, which is facing away from the frame (see figure). Figure 23a ).

[0156] Figures 23a and 23bFigure 2 shows a perspective view of the base element 20 from the outside and inside, with the first and second centering openings 23a and 23b. The first centering opening 23a is matched to the outer diameter of the bolt base 63c of the bolt 61. The second centering opening 23b is matched to the outer diameter of the bolt head 61. On the outside of the first arm 22a, the adapter stop surface 25 is visible, which interacts with the stop surface 63d of the bolt 61. On the opposite inside of the first arm 22a, the hub stop surface 26 is located. In the ready-to-drive state, the bolt 61 is clamped against the outside and the hub end cap 4 against the inside of the base element 20 by means of the bolt stop surface 63d. At the lower connection end of the base element 20 is the connection point 29c for a cable deflection 11.Furthermore, at the lower end of the base element 20 are the first receptacle 29a for the first pivot axis 31 and the second receptacle 29b for the second pivot axis 32 of the pivot mechanism 30 (not shown here). The longitudinal axes L1, L2 of the first and second receptacles 29a, 29b run in planes that intersect the rear wheel axis A at right angles. The four pivot axes 31, 32, 33, 34 of the parallelogram four-bar linkage 30 are therefore aligned orthogonally to the common sprocket axis A, regardless of the selected relative position of the derailleur 10.

[0157] Reference is also made to the further disclosure of EP 324, which reveals further embodiments and variants of the known rear derailleur 10 mounted coaxially with respect to the rear wheel axle A. These also include embodiments and variants of a rear derailleur according to the invention in accordance with the various aspects of the present invention, unless otherwise indicated in the information herein concerning the invention proposals and further developments under the various aspects of the invention and the description of the exemplary embodiments according to the invention.

[0158] A bicycle according to the invention is shown by way of example in the schematic diagram. Figure 24shown in a side view, wherein a rear right frame section with the frame eye or dropout, on which the derailleur according to the invention is mounted coaxially to the rear axle of the bicycle, is shown in an enlarged partial view in the style of a magnifying glass magnification.

[0159] Fig. 24 Figure 1 generally shows a bicycle, for example in an off-road or mountain bike configuration, including a drivetrain. The bicycle consists of a frame 1 and the front wheel and rear wheel, which are rotatably attached to the frame 1. A front brake is provided for braking the front wheel, and a rear brake for braking the rear wheel. Each of the front and rear wheels contains a tire attached to a rim, with the tires configured to engage with the road surface. A handlebar assembly is provided for steering the front wheel.

[0160] Other configurations of bicycle 10 are being considered. For example, the bicycle may have a road-like configuration optimized for riding on roads. Configuration differences between mountain bikes and road bikes may arise, for example, from the use of different handlebar units. Fig. 24 For example, the handlebar unit is shown in a flat configuration, similar to a typical MTB handlebar, while a road model might have a handlebar unit in a drop bar configuration. The general configurations of the bicycle and its usual components are familiar to the expert.

[0161] For further details of the bicycle according to the invention Fig. 24 refers to the above statements regarding Fig. 14Reference is made to the above. In contrast to this, the bicycle is equipped with a derailleur 10 according to the invention, for which the bicycle has appropriately configured frame interfaces, namely suitably designed rear frame eyes or dropouts. The base element (B-knuckle) 20 of the rear derailleur 10, which has the two axially spaced arms, is mounted coaxially to the rear axle on the rear right frame eye by means of the frame adapter 60, according to one or more of the inventive proposals described herein. Without limiting the generality, the illustrated rear derailleur 10 could be any of the rear derailleurs of the Figures 2 to 10 deal with, for example, the rear derailleur of the Fig. 2. For the person skilled in the art, based on the invention presented and explained herein, it is a purely technical task to meet the objectives of correct positioning and alignment, precision and stiffness mentioned at the outset in the concrete realization of the bicycle according to the invention with its rear derailleur according to the invention.

Claims

1. Rear gearshift mechanism (10) for installation on a bicycle frame (1) of a bicycle in a manner coaxial with respect to a rear-wheel axis (A), having: - a base element (20), - a pivot mechanism (30), - a movable element (40), and - a chain guide arrangement (50); wherein the pivot mechanism (30) connects the base element (20) to the movable element (40), and the chain guide arrangement (50) is connected, so as to be rotatable about an axis of rotation (P), to the movable element (40); wherein the base element (20) comprises a first attachment end (21) for installation on the bicycle frame (1) in a manner coaxial with respect to the rear-wheel axis (A), and a second attachment end (29) for coupling to the pivot mechanism (30); wherein the first attachment end (21) has a first arm (22a; 22a'; 22a'') and a second arm (22b; 22a'') which are arranged spaced apart from one another in an axial direction and which are configured for the installation of the gearshift mechanism (10) on an associated bracket portion (201) of a rear-end structure of the bicycle frame (1) by means of an associated adapter (60), wherein the adapter (60) has a thread for producing a screw connection; and wherein, in a defined pre-installed state and in a fully installed state, the first arm (22a; 22a'; 22b") is situated on an axial inner side of the bracket portion and the second arm (22b; 22b'') is situated on an axial outer side of the bracket portion; characterized in that the base element (20) is designed with a setting device which has at least one manually actuatable adjustment screw (307; 407; 507; 607), which is configured separately from the adapter (60) and by means of which, in at least one of the pre-installed state and the fully installed state, the base element (20) can be pivoted relative to at least one of the adapter (60) and the bracket portion (201), coaxially with respect to the rear-wheel axis, in a chain tensioning direction.

2. Rear gearshift mechanism (10) according to Claim 1, characterized in that an inner diameter of a first centring opening (23a), provided in the first arm (22a'), of the base element (20) and an outer diameter of an abutment element (4), in particular hub end cap (4), of a rear-wheel axle arrangement of a rear wheel of the bicycle are coordinated with one another in order to centre the gearshift mechanism (10) in relation to the rear-wheel axis (A) by means of the abutment element (4).

3. Rear gearshift mechanism (10) according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, in the fully installed state of the rear gearshift mechanism (10), the axial abutment surface of the abutment element (4), in particular hub end cap (4), of the rear-wheel axle arrangement bears under stress directly against an axial abutment surface of the adapter (60).

4. Rear gearshift mechanism according to Claim 1 or 3, characterized in that the adapter (60) is formed as a single piece.

5. Rear gearshift mechanism according to Claim 4, characterized in that the adapter (60), which is designed preferably as an adapter bolt (61), can, at an external thread (64), be screwed together with an internal thread of the first arm (22a'') of the base element (20).

6. Rear gearshift mechanism according to Claim 5, characterized in that the adapter (60) and the first arm (22a") and the second arm (22b'') of the base element (20) are configured such that, as a result of tightening of the adapter (60), they axially clamp the bracket portion, which has axial abutment surfaces, of the bicycle frame (1) between associated axial abutment surfaces of the first arm (22a'') and of the second arm (22b") or between associated axial abutment surfaces of the first arm (22a") and of a bolt head (62) of the adapter (60).

7. Rear gearshift mechanism according to Claim 5, characterized by a spacer sleeve (550) which is dimensioned to be received in a passage of the bracket portion (201) of the bicycle frame, wherein the adapter (60) and the spacer sleeve (550) and the first arm (22a") and the second arm (22b'') of the base element (20) are configured such that, as a result of tightening of the adapter (60), they axially clamp the spacer sleeve (550), which is received in the passage of the bracket portion (201) of the bicycle frame, between associated axial abutment surfaces of the first arm (22a) and of the second arm (22b) or between associated axial abutment surfaces of the first arm (22a) and of a bolt head (62) of the adapter (60).

8. Rear gearshift mechanism (10) according to any of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the adapter (60) is formed with an abutment (420) which can be placed in positively locking engagement with an associated counterpart abutment (422) of the bicycle frame, in particular of the bracket portion (201), in order to secure the adapter (60), at least in the fully installed state, against rotation in at least one direction relative to the bicycle frame.

9. Rear gearshift mechanism (10) according to Claim 8, characterized in that the abutment (420) and the counterpart abutment (422) are configured such that they secure the adapter (60) against a rotation in a first direction of rotation (P) relative to the bracket portion (201), which first direction of rotation corresponds to a chain relaxing direction which is opposite to the chain tensioning direction, and in that the abutment (420) and the counterpart abutment (422) are configured such that they do not block a rotation of the adapter (60) in a second direction of rotation (Q) relative to the bracket portion (201), which second direction of rotation is opposite to the first direction of rotation (P).

10. Rear gearshift mechanism (10) according to Claim 8 or 9, characterized in that an abutment surface (420) of a radially protruding abutment projection (421) of an adapter nut (66) of the adapter (60) forms the abutment, and a counterpart abutment surface (422) of a surface contour of the bracket portion or of a formation, adjacent to said bracket portion, of the bicycle frame (1) forms the counterpart abutment.

11. Rear gearshift mechanism according to any of Claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the setting device has, on a first element, a threaded pedestal (305; 405) with which the adjustment screw (307; 407; 507) is in screwed engagement, and has, on a second element, an abutment (409; 540) associated with the adjustment screw, wherein the abutment and an end of the adjustment screw, which end is variably positionable by rotation of the adjustment screw in the threaded pedestal, are designed to form an adjustable rotational abutment for the base element (20) in the direction of rotation (P) which corresponds to the chain relaxing direction.

12. Rear gearshift mechanism (10) according to Claim 11, characterized in that an adapter nut (66) of the adapter (60), as first element, has the threaded pedestal (305; 405), and the base element (20), as second element, has the abutment (409).

13. Rear gearshift mechanism (10) according to Claim 11, characterized in that the base element (20), as first element, has the threaded pedestal, and the bracket portion or the formation (540), adjacent to said bracket portion, of the bicycle frame (1), as second element, has the abutment.

14. Rear gearshift mechanism (10) according to any of Claims 1 to 13, characterized in that a head (413; 513) of the adjustment screw (307; 407; 507), which is formed with a tool engagement formation, is accessible from the rear in the installed state of the rear gearshift mechanism (10) on the bicycle frame (1).

15. Bicycle, comprising a bicycle frame with a rear wheel and comprising a derailleur system which has a rear gearshift mechanism: wherein the bicycle furthermore has the following features: - the rear wheel is formed with a stator arrangement (4, 5, 6, 7, 8), which comprises a rear-wheel axle arrangement (4, 5, 6, 7, 8), and with a rotor arrangement (3, 100), wherein the rotor arrangement is mounted so as to be rotatable relative to the stator arrangement and comprises a rotor hub (3) having a driver (100) which bears a pinion assembly (R) of the derailleur system; - a rear-end structure of the bicycle frame (1) has a left-hand bracket portion and a right-hand bracket portion (201) for an inner axle (7) of the rear-wheel axle arrangement of the rear wheel, which bracket portions have a predetermined defined axial spacing along a geometrical axis (A) of the inner axle installed on the frame (1) by means of the bracket portions, and which bracket portions form in each case one counterbearing for a component group (4, 5, 8) which is arranged on the inner axle and which is clamped between the bracket portions and which comprises an assembly of the stator arrangement; - the rear gearshift mechanism (10) is installed on the bicycle frame in a manner coaxial with respect to the geometrical axis (A) and comprises: - a base element (20), - a pivot mechanism (30), - a movable element (40), and - a chain guide arrangement (50); wherein the pivot mechanism (30) connects the base element (20) to the movable element (40), and the chain guide arrangement (50) is connected, so as to be rotatable about an axis of rotation (P), to the movable element (40); wherein the base element (20) comprises a first attachment end (21) for installation on the bicycle frame (1) in a manner coaxial with respect to the geometrical axis (A), and a second attachment end (29) for coupling to the pivot mechanism (30); wherein the first attachment end (21) has a first arm (22a; 22a'; 22a'') and a second arm (22b; 22b'') which are arranged spaced apart from one another in an axial direction and which are configured for the installation of the gearshift mechanism (10) on the associated right-hand bracket portion (201) of the rear-end structure by means of an associated adapter (60), wherein the adapter (60) has a thread for producing a screw connection; and wherein the first arm (22a; 22a'; 22a'') is situated on an axial inner side of the associated bracket portion and the second arm (22b; 22b') is situated on an axial outer side of the associated bracket portion; characterized in that the rear gearshift mechanism (10) is designed according to any of the preceding Claims 1 to 14 and is installed on the bicycle frame (1).

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