Component for human-powered vehicle

Abstract

Components for a human-powered vehicle substantially include a power connection portion, an actuator, and first electronic controller circuitry. The power connection portion is connected to a power supply. The power connection portion includes an attachment surface, a first terminal, and a first detection terminal. The actuator is electrically connected to the power supply connection portion. The first electronic controller circuitry controls the actuator with a supply current provided from the power source. The first terminal is electrically connected to a power supply terminal of a power source. The first terminal supplies a supply current to the actuator in a state where the first detection terminal is electrically connected to the second detection terminal of the power source. The first detection terminal is in contact with the second detection terminal after the first terminal is in contact with the power supply terminal during a connection operation of the power source and the power source connection portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a component for a human-powered vehicle. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a component for a human-powered vehicle that is connectable to a power source. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, some human-powered vehicles have been provided with electrical components or devices that make the human-powered vehicle easier to operate. Examples of such components include suspension, transmission devices (e.g., derailleurs, internal gear hubs, etc.), and seat posts. Some of these components use power from an onboard power source (such as one or more batteries). The power source for the component either needs to be replaced or needs to be recharged periodically. In the case where the power source for the component needs to be recharged periodically, the power source is either plugged into a remote charger or removed from the component and placed on a remote charger. Summary of the invention

[0003] For proper operation of these electrical components, it is desirable to receive a power supply by properly establishing electrical connections between these components and a power source.

[0004] In general, the present disclosure relates to various features of components for human-powered vehicles. The term "human-powered vehicle" as used herein refers to a vehicle that can be propelled at least by human-powered driving force to generate propulsion, but does not include vehicles that use only driving forces other than human power. In particular, vehicles that use only internal combustion engines as driving forces are not included in human-powered vehicles. Human-powered vehicles are generally considered to be compact light vehicles, and sometimes do not require a license to travel on public roads. The number of wheels on a human-powered vehicle is not limited. Human-powered vehicles include, for example, unicycles and vehicles with three or more wheels. Human-powered vehicles include, for example, various types of bicycles, such as mountain bikes, road bikes, city bikes, cargo bikes and recumbent bikes, as well as electric-assisted bicycles (E-bikes).

[0005] In view of the current state of the known technology and in accordance with a first aspect of the present disclosure, a component for a human-powered vehicle is provided. The component basically includes a power connection portion, an actuator and a first electronic controller circuit system. The power connection portion is configured to be connected to a power source. The power connection portion includes an attachment surface, a first terminal and a first detection terminal. The actuator is electrically connected to the power connection portion. The first electronic controller circuit system is configured to control the actuator using a supply current provided from the power source. The first terminal is configured to be electrically connected to a power supply terminal of the power source. The first terminal is configured to supply the supply current to the actuator in a state where the first detection terminal is configured to be electrically connected to a second detection terminal of the power source. The first detection terminal is configured to contact the second detection terminal after the first terminal contacts the power supply terminal during a connection operation between the power source and the power connection portion.

[0006] With the component according to the first aspect, it is possible to correctly receive power supply from the power source after the electrical connection is correctly established between the component and the power source.

[0007] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, the component according to the first aspect is configured so that the first detection terminal is configured not to contact the second detection terminal at the moment when the first terminal contacts the power supply terminal during the connection operation of the power supply and the power supply connecting part, and there is a gap between the first detection terminal and the second detection terminal.

[0008] With the component according to the second aspect, the electrical connection between the component and the power source can be correctly established at the timing when the first detection terminal comes into contact with the second detection terminal.

[0009] In view of the current state of the known technology and in accordance with a third aspect of the present disclosure, a component for a human-powered vehicle is provided. The component basically includes a power connection portion, an actuator and a first electronic controller circuit system. The power connection portion is configured to be connected to a power source. The power connection portion includes an attachment surface, a first terminal and a first detection terminal. The actuator is electrically connected to the power connection portion. The first electronic controller circuit system is configured to control the actuator using a supply current provided from the power source. The first terminal is configured to be electrically connected to a power supply terminal of the power source. The first terminal is configured to supply the supply current to the actuator in a state where the first detection terminal is configured to be electrically connected to a second detection terminal of the power source. The first detection terminal is configured not to contact the second detection terminal at the moment when the first terminal contacts the power supply terminal during the connection operation of the power source to the power connection portion, and a gap is provided between the first detection terminal and the second detection terminal.

[0010] With the component according to the third aspect, it is possible to correctly receive power supply from the power source after the electrical connection is correctly established between the component and the power source.

[0011] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, the component according to any one of the first to third aspects is configured so that the first terminal and the first detection terminal protrude from the attachment surface, the first terminal has a first contact portion, the first contact portion is configured to be in direct contact with the power supply terminal, the first detection terminal has a first detection contact portion, the first detection contact portion is configured to be in direct contact with the second detection terminal, and the first detection contact portion is closer to the attachment surface than the first contact portion in a disconnected state where the power supply is not connected to the power supply connection portion.

[0012] With the member according to the fourth aspect, direct contact can be correctly established between the first contact portion and the power supply terminal by the timing at which the first detection contact portion of the first detection terminal contacts the second detection terminal.

[0013] In view of the current state of the known technology, according to the fifth aspect of the present disclosure, a component for a human-driven vehicle is provided. The component basically includes a power connection part, an actuator and a first electronic controller circuit system. The power connection part is configured to be connected to a power source. The power connection part includes an attachment surface, a first terminal and a first detection terminal. The first terminal and the first detection terminal protrude from the attachment surface. The actuator is electrically connected to the power connection part. The first electronic controller circuit system is configured to control the actuator using a supply current provided from the power source. The first terminal is configured to be electrically connected to a power supply terminal of the power source. The first terminal is configured to supply the supply current to the actuator in a state where the first detection terminal is configured to be electrically connected to a second detection terminal of the power source. The first terminal has a first contact portion. The first contact portion is configured to be in direct contact with the power supply terminal. The first detection terminal has a first detection contact portion. The first detection contact portion is configured to be in direct contact with the second detection terminal. The first detection contact portion is closer to the attachment surface than the first contact portion in a disconnected state where the power source is not connected to the power connection part.

[0014] With the component according to the fifth aspect, it is possible to correctly receive power supply from the power source after the electrical connection is correctly established between the component and the power source.

[0015] According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, the component according to the fourth aspect or the fifth aspect is configured so that the first terminal has a first length extending from the attachment surface to the first contact portion in a disconnected state, and the first detection terminal has a second length extending from the attachment surface to the first detection contact portion, and the first length is greater than the second length in the disconnected state.

[0016] With the member according to the sixth aspect, direct contact between the first contact portion and the power supply terminal can be further correctly established by the timing at which the first detection contact portion of the first detection terminal contacts the second detection terminal.

[0017] According to the seventh aspect of the present disclosure, the component according to any one of the fourth to sixth aspects also includes a power receiving part, the power receiving part has a power accommodating space, the power accommodating space is configured to receive power when the power is connected to the power connecting part in a connected state, and the first contact part is located at a position closer to the insertion opening of the power accommodating space than the first detection contact part in a disconnected state.

[0018] With the member according to the seventh aspect, direct contact between the first contact portion and the power supply terminal can be further correctly established by the timing at which the first detection contact portion of the first detection terminal contacts the second detection terminal.

[0019] According to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, the component according to any one of the first to seventh aspects is configured so that the first terminal and the first detection terminal are spring-loaded terminal pins.

[0020] With the component according to the eighth aspect, the electrical connection between the first terminal and the power supply terminal and the electrical connection between the first detection terminal and the second detection terminal can be firmly established.

[0021] According to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, the component according to any one of the first to eighth aspects is configured so that the power connection portion further includes a substrate, and the first terminal and the first detection terminal are mounted to the substrate.

[0022] With the component according to the ninth aspect, the first terminal and the first detection terminal can be mounted to the substrate.

[0023] According to a tenth aspect of the present disclosure, the component according to any one of the first to ninth aspects is configured so that the power connection portion further includes a bypass circuit provided between the first terminal and the first detection terminal.

[0024] With the component according to the tenth aspect, an electrical connection can be established between the component and the power source via the bypass circuit.

[0025] According to an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure, the component according to the tenth aspect is configured so that the bypass circuit includes a resistor.

[0026] With the component according to the eleventh aspect, it is possible to correctly establish electrical connection between the component and the power source via the resistor of the bypass circuit.

[0027] According to a twelfth aspect of the present disclosure, the component according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects further includes a power supply, the power supply including a second electronic controller circuit system, and the second electronic controller circuit system is configured to control the supply current in response to contact between the first detection terminal and the second detection terminal.

[0028] With the component according to the twelfth aspect, it is possible to correctly receive power supply from the power source in response to contact between the first detection terminal and the second detection terminal.

[0029] According to the thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the component according to the twelfth aspect is configured so that the power supply terminal has a power contact portion, the second detection terminal has a second detection contact portion, and the power contact portion and the second detection contact portion are located on a first plane in the attachment direction of the power supply, for connecting the power supply terminal to the first terminal and connecting the second detection terminal to the first detection terminal.

[0030] With the means according to the thirteenth aspect, the configuration of the power supply can be simplified.

[0031] According to a fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the component according to any one of the first to thirteenth aspects is configured so that the power connection portion further includes a cable receiving channel for receiving a cable connecting the first terminal to the actuator.

[0032] With the component according to the fourteenth aspect, it is possible to manage the cable connecting the first terminal to the actuator.

[0033] According to a fifteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the component according to the fourteenth aspect further includes a cable holder configured to hold a portion of a cable connecting the first terminal to the actuator.

[0034] With the member according to the fifteenth aspect, the cable can be prevented from falling off.

[0035] According to a sixteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the component according to any one of the first to fifteenth aspects is configured so that the power connection portion further includes a second terminal.

[0036] With the component according to the sixteenth aspect, electrical connection can be correctly established between the component and the power source.

[0037] According to a seventeenth aspect of the present disclosure, the component according to the sixteenth aspect is configured so that the second terminal is a spring-loaded terminal pin.

[0038] With the component according to the seventeenth aspect, it is possible to firmly establish an electrical connection between the component and the power source.

[0039] According to the eighteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the component according to any one of the first to seventeenth aspects also includes a base member, a movable mechanism and a linking member that movably connects the movable mechanism to the base member, the power connection part is attached to the linking member, and the actuator is set to one of the base member and the movable mechanism.

[0040] With the component according to the eighteenth aspect, an electrically operable component can be provided.

[0041] In accordance with a nineteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the component according to the eighteenth aspect is configured such that the component is a derailleur.

[0042] With the component according to the nineteenth aspect, an electrically operable derailleur can be provided.

[0043] According to a twentieth aspect of the present disclosure, the component according to the eighteenth aspect or the nineteenth aspect is configured so that the link member includes an inner link and an outer link, and the power connection portion is attached to the outer link.

[0044] With the component according to the twentieth aspect, the power supply connecting portion can be appropriately positioned on the link member.

[0045] Furthermore, other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the disclosed component will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses preferred embodiments of the component. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0046] Reference is now made to the accompanying drawings which form a part of this original disclosure.

[0047] Figure 1 is a side elevation view of a human-powered vehicle or bicycle according to one embodiment;

[0048] Figure 2 for Figure 1 a side elevation view of a derailleur of the bicycle shown;

[0049] Figure 3 for Figure 2 a side elevational view of the derailleur shown with the retainer cover removed from the outer link of the derailleur;

[0050] Figure 4 for Figure 2 a side elevational view of the derailleur shown with the power source further removed from the outer link of the derailleur;

[0051] Figure 5 is a simplified block diagram of the operating system of the derailleur;

[0052] Figure 6 is a side view of an external link, wherein a power source is disposed inside a power receiving portion of the external link;

[0053] Figure 7 is a side view of the external link, wherein the power source is removed from the power receiving portion of the external link;

[0054] Figure 8 is a normal bottom view of the external link, wherein the power source is removed from the power receiving portion of the external link to show the power connection portion;

[0055] Fig. 9 A perspective view of a power supply;

[0056] Fig.10 is an exploded view of an external link, illustrating the arrangement of an external link body, a power connection portion, and a cable holder of the external link;

[0057] Fig.11 is an exploded view of the power connection portion, illustrating the attachment of the cover relative to the connector base;

[0058] Fig.12is an exploded view of the power connection portion, illustrating the attachment of the substrate and the terminal unit relative to the connector base;

[0059] Fig.13 is an exploded view of the power connection portion, illustrating the attachment of the cable relative to the connector base;

[0060] Fig.14 is a cross-sectional view of the power connection portion, illustrating the connection of the cable relative to the connector base;

[0061] Fig.15 is an exploded view of a power connection portion according to a variation, illustrating the attachment of a cable relative to a connector base;

[0062] Fig.16 Based on Fig.15 a cross-sectional view of the power connection portion of the illustrated variation, illustrating the connection of the cable relative to the connector base;

[0063] Fig.17 A cross-sectional view of an outer link of the derailleur taken along a section including a central axis of a first terminal and a second terminal of a power connection portion of the derailleur;

[0064] Fig.18 for Fig.17 An enlarged cross-sectional view of an outer link of a derailleur is shown, illustrating a first terminal and a second terminal of a power connection portion of the derailleur;

[0065] Fig.19 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an outer link of the derailleur taken along a section including a central axis of a first terminal and a first detection terminal of a power supply connection portion of the derailleur;

[0066] Fig. 20 is a side view of a power connection portion of a derailleur, illustrating a first terminal (a second terminal) and a first detection terminal of the power connection portion of the derailleur;

[0067] Fig.21 is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating a first terminal and a first detection terminal according to a modification;

[0068] Fig. 22 is a simplified block diagram of a power supply showing electrical connections to a derailleur;

[0069] Fig.23 is a simplified block diagram of a power supply showing a closed circuit established between the power supply and the derailleur via a bypass circuit;

[0070] Fig.24 is a simplified block diagram of a power source, showing electrical connections to a charging device;

[0071] Fig.25is a simplified block diagram of a charging device showing electrical connections to an external power source and electrical connections to a power source;

[0072] Fig.26 is a front perspective view of the charging device, showing a state where the power source is removed from the charging device;

[0073] Fig. 27 is a front perspective view of the charging device, showing a state where a power source is attached to the charging device; and

[0074] Fig.28 An exploded view of the charging device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0075] Selected embodiments will now be explained with reference to the accompanying drawings. For those skilled in the art of human-powered vehicles (such as bicycles), it will be apparent from this disclosure that the following description of the embodiments is provided for illustration only and not for limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0076] First reference Figure 1 , a human-powered vehicle B according to an illustrative embodiment is shown. In the illustrated embodiment, a bicycle is shown as an example of the human-powered vehicle B, so the bicycle is also referred to as bicycle B. In the illustrated embodiment, a component 10 is provided for the human-powered vehicle B. In the illustrated embodiment, the component 10 is, for example, a derailleur, so the derailleur is also referred to as derailleur 10. Here, the bicycle B is illustrated as an electric-assisted bicycle. However, the derailleur 10 can be applied to any other type of bicycle, such as, for example, a mountain bike, a cross-country bike, a road bike, a city bike, a cargo bike, and a recumbent bike.

[0077] like Figure 1 As shown, the bicycle B includes a bicycle frame F supported by a rear wheel RW and a front wheel FW. The bicycle frame F basically includes a front frame body FB and a rear frame body RB (swing arm). The bicycle frame F is also provided with a front fork FF and a handlebar H for maneuvering the bicycle B. The bicycle B also includes an adjustable seat post SP, which is connected to the seat tube of the bicycle frame F and is used to support a bicycle seat S at the upper end.

[0078] The bicycle B also includes a transmission system DT. Here, for example, the transmission system DT is a chain-driven transmission system including a crank C, a front sprocket FS, a plurality of rear sprockets RS, and a chain CN. The crank C includes a crank axle CA1 and a pair of crank arms CA2. The crank axle CA1 is rotatably supported to the front frame body FB. The crank arms CA2 are disposed at opposite ends of the crank axle CA1. The pedal PD is rotatably coupled to the distal end of each crank arm CA2. The front sprocket FS is disposed on the crank C to rotate integrally with the crank axle CA1. The rear sprocket RS is disposed on the hub of the rear wheel RW. The chain CN extends around the front sprocket FS and one of the rear sprockets RS. The rider of the bicycle B applies a human driving force to the pedal PD, so that the driving force is transmitted to the rear wheel RW via the front sprocket FS, the chain CN, and the rear sprocket RS. Although the transmission system DT is illustrated as a chain-driven transmission system, the transmission system DT may be selected from any type of transmission system and may be a belt-driven type or a shaft-driven type. Here, the bicycle B further includes a drive unit DU configured to apply a propulsive force to a crank axle CA1 of the bicycle B.

[0079] In the illustrated embodiment, the derailleur 10 is an electric rear derailleur. The derailleur 10 is configured to respond to a signal from a bicycle computer CC ( Figure 5 ) or a shift signal or command input by a user from an operating device OD (such as an electric shift lever) to move the chain CN between the rear sprockets RS. A power source BT is provided to the bicycle frame F for supplying power to various bicycle components. For example, the power source BT may be electrically connected to these bicycle components via a cable for supplying power thereto. Here, the power source BT is provided inside the down tube of the bicycle frame F. Alternatively, the power source BT may be provided to another part of the bicycle frame F.

[0080] In the illustrated embodiment, the following directional terms “front,” “rear,” “forward,” “rearward,” “left,” “right,” “lateral,” “longitudinal,” “upward,” and “downward,” and any other similar directional terms, refer to those directions determined based on a rider sitting upright on the seat S of the bicycle B while facing the handlebars H of the bicycle B.

[0081] Reference now Figures 2 to 4, the derailleur 10 will be discussed in more detail herein. The derailleur 10 basically includes a base member 12 and a movable mechanism 13 having a movable member 14 and a chain guide 16. The derailleur 10 also includes a link member 18. The link member 18 movably couples the movable member 14 to the base member 12. Therefore, in the illustrated embodiment, the component 10 also includes the base member 12, the movable mechanism 13, and the link member 18 movably couples the movable mechanism 13 to the base member 12. The base member 12 is configured to be attached to the frame F of the bicycle B using a fastener such as a fastening bolt. The movable member 14 is movably coupled to the base member 12 via the link member 18. The chain guide 16 is pivotally coupled to the movable member 14.

[0082] As mentioned above, the link member 18 movably connects the movable member 14 to the base member 12. In particular, the link member 18 is a linkage mechanism. Specifically, the link member 18 includes an inner link 18A and an outer link 18B. The inner link 18A and the outer link 18B enable the movable member 14 to move relative to the base member 12 when the derailleur 10 shifts the chain CN in the lateral direction of the bicycle B. Here, the inner link 18A and the outer link 18B are pivotally connected to the base member 12 and the movable member 14 to define a four-bar linkage. The four-bar linkage preferably also includes a biasing member (e.g., a torsion spring) disposed between the inner link 18A and the outer link 18B to occupy any gap.

[0083] As mentioned above, in the illustrated embodiment, the derailleur 10 is an electric rear derailleur. Therefore, here, the derailleur 10 also includes an actuator 20. Here, the derailleur 10 is also equipped with a power supply or power supply PS for supplying power to various electrical components including the actuator 20. Therefore, in the illustrated embodiment, the component 10 also includes a power supply PS. In the illustrated embodiment, the power supply PS is a rechargeable battery, such as a lithium-ion battery. Of course, the power supply PS can be selected from any type of rechargeable battery. The power supply PS is detachably and reattachably attached to the derailleur 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the power supply PS is disposed on the outer link 18B, as described in detail later. The actuator 20 is configured to move the movable member 14 relative to the base member 12 in response to a shifting operation. The shifting operation can be a manual shifting operation, in which the operating device OD or some other operating device is operated to generate a shift signal that is transmitted to the actuator 20 to operate the derailleur 10. The shifting operation can also be an automatic shifting operation, in which the shift signal is transmitted by the bicycle computer CC ( Figure 5) is generated based on one or more operating conditions of the bicycle B. The actuator 20 can be any type of actuator that is needed and / or desired. Therefore, the actuator 20 is not limited to the actuator 20 shown herein. In the illustrated embodiment, the actuator 20 is an electric actuator that is driven according to a shift signal transmitted by a wireless signal from the operating device OD or transmitted by a cable W. The cable W can use power line communication (PLC) or a dedicated signal line to transmit the shift signal to the actuator 20. In the case of the actuator 20 of the illustrated embodiment, an example is shown in which the actuator 20 is driven according to a shift signal transmitted by a wireless signal from the operating device OD. In the illustrated embodiment, the actuator 20 includes a reversible electric motor and a gear reduction unit.

[0084] Here, the actuator 20 is provided to the base member 12. The electric motor of the actuator 20 is operably connected to one of the inner link 18A and the outer link 18B of the link member 18 via a gear reduction unit to move the movable member 14 relative to the base member 12. In other words, the electric motor of the actuator 20 is configured to apply torque between the link member 18 and the base member 12 so that the link member 18 pivots relative to the base member 12. Of course, the actuator 20 is not limited to this position. The actuator 20 may also be provided to the movable mechanism 13 to move the movable member 14 relative to the base member 12. Therefore, the actuator 20 is provided to one of the base member 12 and the movable mechanism 13.

[0085] In the illustrated embodiment, the derailleur 10 further includes an electronic controller circuit system 22. The electronic controller circuit system 22 is provided to the base member 12. Of course, the electronic controller circuit system 22 is not limited to this location. The electronic controller circuit system 22 may be provided to the movable mechanism 13. Figure 5 As shown, the electronic controller circuit system 22 includes a first electronic controller circuit system 24. The first electronic controller circuit system 24 is an electric controller. The first electronic controller circuit system 24 includes a microcomputer or a central processing unit (CPU). The term "controller" used herein refers to hardware that executes a software program and does not include a person. The first electronic controller circuit system 24 is configured to control the actuator 20 using a supply current provided from a power supply PS. In the illustrated embodiment, the first electronic controller circuit system 24 receives a shift signal transmitted from the operating device OD or the bicycle computer CC, and generates a control signal to control various electrical components including the actuator 20.

[0086] The electronic controller circuit system 22 also includes at least one computer storage device or memory 26. The memory 26 is configured to store settings, programs, data, calculations and / or results of the first electronic controller circuit system 24. The memory 26 is any computer storage device or any non-transitory computer readable medium, with the sole exception of transient propagating signals. For example, the memory 26 may include non-volatile memory and volatile memory, and may include ROM (read only memory) devices, RAM (random access memory) devices, hard disks, flash drives, etc.

[0087] The electronic controller circuit system 22 also includes at least one electrical part or element in addition to the actuator 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the electrical part includes a wireless communicator 28. In the illustrated embodiment, alternatively or additionally, the electrical part includes a detector 29. The wireless communicator 28 is configured to wirelessly communicate with the operating device OD for operating the derailleur 10. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the first electronic controller circuit system 24 receives the shift signal transmitted from the operating device OD or the bicycle computer CC via the wireless communicator 28 to generate a control signal to control the actuator 20. The wireless communicator 28 is a hardware device capable of wirelessly transmitting and / or receiving analog or digital signals via an antenna. The term "wireless communicator" as used herein includes a receiver, a transmitter, a transceiver, a transmitter-receiver, and is contemplated as any one or more, separate or combined devices capable of transmitting and / or receiving wireless communication signals (including commands or other signals related to certain functions of the derailleur 10 being controlled). The wireless communication signal may be a radio frequency (RF) signal having a frequency in the 2.4 GHz band or the 5.0 GHz band, an ultra-wideband communication signal, or Communication signal or any other type of signal suitable for short-range wireless communication understood in the field of human-powered vehicles. In the illustrated embodiment, the detector 29 includes at least one of a position sensor 29a and a motion sensor 29b. The position sensor 29a is configured to detect the operating position of the actuator 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the position sensor 29a includes a magnetic sensor. However, the position sensor 29a can be any type of sensing device for detecting the operating position of the actuator 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the operating position of the actuator 20 detected by the position sensor 29a can be used to control the actuator 20, for example. The motion sensor 29b is configured to detect the motion state of the bicycle B. In the illustrated embodiment, the motion sensor 29b includes an accelerometer. However, the motion sensor 29b can be any type of sensing device for detecting the motion state of the bicycle B. In the illustrated embodiment, the motion state of the bicycle B detected by the motion sensor 29b can be used for state control of the wireless communicator 28, for example.

[0088] The electronic controller circuit system 22 also includes a driver circuit 30. In the illustrated embodiment, the driver circuit 30 may include one or more ICs. The driver circuit 30 receives a control signal from the first electronic controller circuit system 24 and drives the actuator 20 according to the control signal from the first electronic controller circuit system 24. Specifically, the actuator 20 is electrically connected to the power supply PS through the driver circuit 30, and is driven by turning on / off the power supply through the driver circuit 30 according to the control signal from the first electronic controller circuit system 24.

[0089] In the illustrated embodiment, the electronic controller circuit system 22 includes one or more circuit boards PCB, on which the first electronic controller circuit system 24, the memory 26, the wireless communicator 28, the detector 29 and the driver circuit 30 are mounted, and the one or more circuit boards PCB are arranged inside the base member 12.

[0090] Return to reference Figures 2 to 4 , the structure of the derailleur 10 will be described in further detail. Figure 2 As shown, the outer link 18B includes an outer link body 32 and a retainer cover 34. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the outer link body 32 has a power receiving portion 36. Therefore, in the illustrated embodiment, the component 10 also includes a power receiving portion 36. The power receiving portion 36 is configured to receive a power source PS. Specifically, the power receiving portion 36 serves as a battery holder or a battery housing. The power receiving portion 36 has a power accommodating space 38, and the power accommodating space 38 has an insertion opening 40 at the lower end. In the illustrated embodiment, the power source PS is inserted into the power accommodating space 38 through the insertion opening 40, and is arranged inside the power receiving portion 36 when the power source PS is mounted to the derailleur 10.

[0091] The retainer cover 34 is detachably and reattachably attached to the outer link body 32. The retainer cover 34 covers the lower portion of the outer link body 32 to close the insertion opening 40. In a state where the retainer cover 34 is attached to the outer link body 32, the retainer cover 34 biases the power source PS away from the retainer cover 34 via a bias or spring mechanism 42 to ensure electrical connection between the power source PS and the derailleur 10. Therefore, the retainer cover 34 is provided to protect the outer link body 32 and the power source PS, and to attach / detach the power source PS to / from the derailleur 10.

[0092] like Figures 6 to 8As shown, the derailleur 10 further includes a power connection portion 44. Therefore, in the illustrated embodiment, the component 10 includes the power connection portion 44, the actuator 20, and the first electronic controller circuit system 24. The power connection portion 44 is configured to be connected to the power source PS. In the illustrated embodiment, the power connection portion 44 is a connector unit used as an electrical connector for electrically connecting the power source PS to the derailleur 10. Here, the power connection portion 44 may be directly or indirectly connected to the power source PS. In addition, the power source PS is configured to be mounted to the power connection portion 44. Specifically, the power connection portion 44 is provided to form a closed upper end of the power source accommodation space 38 of the power receiving portion 36, so that the power connection portion 44 is in contact with the power source PS and is electrically connected to the power source PS in a state where the power source PS is mounted to the derailleur 10. In other words, in the illustrated embodiment, the power receiving portion 36 has a power source accommodation space 38, which is configured to receive the power source PS in a connection state T14 in which the power source PS is connected to the power connection portion 44. Thus, the power supply connection portion 44 is configured to electrically connect the power supply PS and the derailleur 10 , and to supply electric power from the power supply PS to the derailleur.

[0093] In the illustrated embodiment, the various electrical portions of the derailleur 10 are internally connected and electrically connected to the power connection portion 44 for receiving a supply of power from the power source PS. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the electronic controller circuitry 22 that drives the actuator 20 is electrically connected to the power connection portion 44. Thus, the actuator 20 is electrically connected to the power connection portion 44.

[0094] like Figure 8 As shown, the power connection portion 44 includes an attachment surface 45, a first terminal 46a and a first detection terminal 47. The power connection portion 44 also includes a second terminal 46b. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the derailleur 10 includes a pair of power terminals as the first terminal 46a and the second terminal 46b. Therefore, in the illustrated embodiment, the first terminal 46a and the second terminal 46b of the derailleur 10 are also referred to as power terminals 46. In the illustrated embodiment, the power terminal 46 is an electrode electrically connected to the power supply PS to receive power supply from the power supply PS when the power supply PS is installed to the derailleur 10. In addition, the first detection terminal 47 is an electrode electrically connected to the power supply PS to detect the connection of the power supply PS relative to the derailleur 10 when the power supply PS is installed to the derailleur 10.

[0095] Specifically, if Fig. 9As shown, the power supply PS includes a first power supply terminal 48a and a second power supply terminal 48b. In the illustrated embodiment, the power supply PS includes a pair of positive power supply terminals and negative power supply terminals, which are respectively used as the first power supply terminal 48a and the second power supply terminal 48b. Therefore, in the illustrated embodiment, the first power supply terminal 48a and the second power supply terminal 48b of the power supply PS are also referred to as power supply terminals 48. The power supply terminal 48 is configured to discharge from the power supply PS and recharge the power supply PS. Specifically, the first terminal 46a and the second terminal 46b are configured to be electrically connected to the first power supply terminal 48a and the second power supply terminal 48b, respectively. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the first terminal 46a is configured to be electrically connected to the power supply terminal 48 of the power supply PS. Therefore, the power terminal 46 of the power connection part 44 is configured to be electrically connected to the power supply terminal 48 of the power supply PS, respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, the first power supply terminal 48a and the second power supply terminal 48b have a first power contact portion 49a and a second power contact portion 49b, respectively, which are configured to directly contact the first terminal 46a and the second terminal 46b in a state where the power source PS is mounted to the derailleur 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the first power contact portion 49a and the second power contact portion 49b are also referred to as power contact portions 49. Therefore, in the illustrated embodiment, the power supply terminal 48 has the power contact portion 49.

[0096] Likewise Fig. 9 As shown, the power supply PS further includes a hot terminal 50 and a second detection terminal 51. The hot terminal 50 is configured to be used when the power supply PS is charged by the charging device CG ( Figure 26 to Figure 28 ) monitors information related to the temperature of the power source PS in the state of charging. In the illustrated embodiment, as Figure 8 As shown, the power connection portion 44 does not include a terminal corresponding to the hot terminal 50 of the power supply PS. Therefore, the power connection portion 44 is configured to be coupled to the power supply PS without being electrically connected to the hot terminal 50 of the power supply PS. On the other hand, the second detection terminal 51 is configured to detect the connection of the power supply PS relative to the derailleur 10. Specifically, the second detection terminal 51 is set to correspond to the first detection terminal 47, and the second detection terminal 51 is configured to be electrically connected to the first detection terminal 47 when the power supply PS is installed to the derailleur 10. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the second detection terminal 51 has a second detection contact portion 53. The second detection contact portion 53 is configured to directly contact the first detection terminal 47 when the power supply PS is installed to the derailleur 10.

[0097] like Fig. 9As shown, the power supply PS includes a power supply housing 52. The power supply terminal 48, the hot terminal 50 and the second detection terminal 51 are exposed from a top surface 52a of the power supply housing 52. The power supply housing 52 has a substantially rectangular overall shape and has a top surface 52a, a bottom surface 52b opposite to the top surface 52a, and a side surface 52c extending between the top surface 52a and the bottom surface 52b. In the illustrated embodiment, the power supply PS includes a protrusion 54. The protrusion 54 protrudes outward from one side surface of the side surface 52c of the power supply housing 52 that faces outward mainly in the lateral direction of the bicycle B when the power supply PS is mounted to the bicycle derailleur 10 ( Figure 3 ). Specifically, the protrusion 54 is located at the lower corner portion of the side surface 52c. The protrusion 54 indicates the correct installation orientation of the power supply PS to the bicycle derailleur 10 and is used to restrict the installation of the power supply PS to the bicycle derailleur 10 to the correct installation orientation of the power supply PS. Fig. 9 As shown, the first power supply terminal 48a and the second power supply terminal 48b are arranged adjacent to each other. Specifically, the first power supply terminal 48a and the second power supply terminal 48b are arranged relative to each other in the direction along one edge of the top surface 52a. Similarly, the hot terminal 50 and the second detection terminal 51 are arranged adjacent to each other. Specifically, the hot terminal 50 and the second detection terminal 51 are arranged relative to each other in the direction along the other edge of the top surface 52a. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the first power supply terminal 48a and the second power supply terminal 48b, the hot terminal 50 and the second detection terminal 51 are arranged in a 2×2 matrix. In the illustrated embodiment, the first power supply terminal 48a and the second power supply terminal 48b are not arranged diagonally relative to each other in the matrix. The hot terminal 50 and the second detection terminal 51 are not arranged diagonally relative to each other in the matrix. However, the first power supply terminal 48a and the second power supply terminal 48b, the hot terminal 50 and the second detection terminal 51 are not limited to this arrangement, and can be arranged in different ways as needed and / or desired.

[0098] In the illustrated embodiment, Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the power receiving portion 36 of the external link body 32 has a lower section 56. The lower section 56 extends axially along the longitudinal center axis of the power accommodating space 38 in the attachment direction D1 of the power source PS. Figure 6As shown, the lower section 56 defines the insertion opening 40 of the power supply accommodating space 38, and the power supply PS is inserted into the power supply accommodating space 38 through the insertion opening 40 in a state where the power supply PS is mounted to the derailleur 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the lower section 56 does not completely or continuously surround the lower portion of the power supply accommodating space 38, and includes a cutout or recess 57 that receives the protrusion 54 of the power supply PS in a state where the power supply PS is mounted to the bicycle derailleur 10. In other words, in a state where the power supply PS is mounted to the bicycle derailleur 10, the lower section 56 extends continuously and circumferentially around the lower portion of the power supply PS except for the cutout 57.

[0099] Therefore, when the power supply PS is inserted into the power receiving portion 36 in the correct installation orientation of the power supply PS, as shown in FIG. Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the lower section 56 does not contact the protrusion 54 and can receive the protrusion 54 within the cutout 57. Therefore, the lower section 56 allows the power supply PS to be installed in the correct installation orientation of the power supply PS. On the other hand, when the power supply PS is inserted into the power supply receiving portion 36 in an incorrect installation orientation of the power supply PS, the lower section 56 contacts the protrusion 54 and prevents the power supply PS from being installed to the bicycle derailleur 10. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, the lower section 56 serves as a first preventing portion of the bicycle derailleur 10, and the protrusion 54 of the power supply PS serves as a second preventing portion, and the second preventing portion cooperates with the first preventing portion to prevent the power supply PS from being incorrectly installed to the bicycle derailleur 10. Therefore, the lower section 56 is configured to limit the installation of the power supply PS to the power supply receiving portion 36 to a single installation orientation. In the illustrated embodiment, the lower section 56 and the protrusion 54 cooperate to form a preventing structure or mechanism of the bicycle B for preventing the power supply PS from being incorrectly installed to the bicycle derailleur 10.

[0100] In the illustrated embodiment, an example is shown in which the protrusion 54 protrudes outward from one of the side surfaces 52c of the power supply housing 52 that faces outward in the lateral direction of the bicycle B when the power supply PS is mounted to the bicycle derailleur 10. However, the protrusion 54 is not limited to this position. The protrusion 54 may be located on one of the side surfaces 52c of the power supply housing 52 that faces mainly inward in the lateral direction of the bicycle B or on one of the side surfaces that faces mainly forward (or backward) in the longitudinal direction of the bicycle B. In this case, the cutout 57 may also be provided to the power supply receiving portion 36 at a position corresponding to the position of the protrusion 54. In addition, the cutout 57 is also not limited to the position of the protrusion 54. Figure 6 and Figure 7 The shapes or sizes shown may be different as long as the cutout 57 is capable of receiving the protrusion 54 therein in a state where the power source PS is inserted into the power source receiving portion 36 in a correct installation orientation of the power source PS.

[0101] Reference now Figures 10 to 14 , the construction of the power connection portion 44 will be described in further detail. In the illustrated embodiment, the power connection portion 44 is attached to the link member 18. Specifically, the power connection portion 44 is attached to the outer link member 18B. More specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, as Fig.10 As shown, the power connection portion 44 is fixedly attached to the outer link body 32 of the outer link 18B by a fastener S10 (e.g., a screw). The power connection portion 44 at least partially defines the power supply accommodation space 38. Therefore, the power connection portion 44 is also configured to hold the power supply PS in the power supply accommodation space 38 and guide the power supply PS when the power supply PS is mounted to the derailleur 10.

[0102] The power connection portion 44 mainly includes a connector base 58, a cover 60, and a terminal unit 62. The power connection portion 44 also includes a substrate 64. The connector base 58 is fixedly attached to the outer link body 32 by a fastener S10. The cover 60 is fixedly attached to the connector base 58 by a fastener S12 such as a screw. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the cover 60 is attached to the connector base 58 to define an internal space 66 between the cover 60 and the connector base 58, and the substrate 64 is disposed in the internal space 66. Fig.11 As shown, the connector base 58 and the cover 60 are attached to each other by a sealing member 67 (such as an O-ring) disposed therebetween to seal the interior space 66 in a watertight manner.

[0103] like Fig.12As shown, the terminal unit 62 is fixedly attached to the connector base 58 by a fastener S14 such as a screw. In the illustrated embodiment, the substrate 64 is also fixedly attached to the connector base 58 by the same fastener S14. However, the terminal unit 62 and the substrate 64 are not limited to this configuration and can be attached to the connector base 58 by different fasteners. In the illustrated embodiment, the terminal unit 62 is assembled to the receiving portion 68 of the connector base 58 so that the supporting portion 62a of the terminal unit 62 is arranged to pass through the hole 68a of the receiving portion 68. In the illustrated embodiment, the supporting portion 62a of the terminal unit 62 is made of a non-conductive material such as plastic. The first terminal 46a and the second terminal 46b and the first detection terminal 47 are arranged to the supporting portion 62a of the terminal unit 62 so that the first terminal 46a and the second terminal 46b and the first detection terminal 47 extend through the terminal unit 62 to protrude both toward the cover 60 and away from the cover 60 relative to the terminal unit 62. Therefore, in a state where the terminal unit 62 is attached to the connector base 58, the upper ends of the first terminal 46a, the second terminal 46b, and the first detection terminal 47 (which are the ends of the first terminal 46a, the second terminal 46b, and the first detection terminal 47 that are closer to the cover 60) are arranged in the internal space 66 of the power connection portion 44. At the same time, the lower ends of the first terminal 46a, the second terminal 46b, and the first detection terminal 47 (which are the ends of the first terminal 46a, the second terminal 46b, and the first detection terminal 47 that are farther from the cover 60) are arranged in the power supply accommodating space 38.

[0104] The substrate 64 includes a through hole 64a, and the upper ends of the first terminal 46a, the second terminal 46b and the first detection terminal 47 protrude above the substrate 64 through the through hole 64a respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, the first terminal 46a and the first detection terminal 47 are mounted to the substrate 64. Specifically, the substrate 64 has one or more conductive patterns or conductive traces on the surface of the substrate 64 and / or between the insulating layers of the substrate 64. If necessary and / or desired, the conductive traces can be electrically connected to the first terminal 46a, the second terminal 46b and the first detection terminal 47. For example, the conductive traces can be electrically connected to the first terminal 46a, the second terminal 46b and the first detection terminal 47 by welding.

[0105] like Fig.11 As shown, the power connection portion 44 also includes a bypass circuit 70 disposed between the first terminal 46a and the first detection terminal 47. Specifically, the bypass circuit 70 includes a resistor 72. More specifically, the bypass circuit 70 includes a resistor 72 electrically connected between the first terminal 46a and the first detection terminal 47 via a conductive trace disposed on the substrate 64.

[0106] In the illustrated embodiment, the power connection portion 44 is electrically connected to the actuator 20 via the electronic controller circuit system 22 using a cable C10. In the illustrated embodiment, the cable C10 is, for example, a multi-conductor (e.g., two-conductor) cable with a sheath. Therefore, the cable C10 includes at least a live wire C12 and a neutral wire C14 wrapped by an outer sheath C16. In the illustrated embodiment, the live wire C12 and the neutral wire C14 are electrically connected to the first terminal 46a and the second terminal 46b, respectively. Specifically, the live wire C12 and the neutral wire C14 are respectively joined to the upper end of the first terminal 46a and the upper end of the second terminal 46b, for example, by welding.

[0107] In the illustrated embodiment, the cable C10 extends from the power connection portion 44 to the outside through a cable receiving channel 74 provided in the connector base 58. Therefore, in the illustrated embodiment, the power connection portion 44 also includes a cable receiving channel 74 for receiving the cable C10 that connects the first terminal 46a to the actuator 20. Specifically, the cable receiving channel 74 includes a through hole, the inner diameter of which is slightly smaller than or equal to the outer diameter of the cable C10. Therefore, as shown in FIG. Fig.14 As shown, in a state where the cable C10 is inserted through the cable receiving passage 74, the outer sheath C16 is fastened by the cable receiving passage 74, so that the cable C10 is prevented from falling off from the power connection portion 44. Therefore, even before the live wire C12 and the neutral wire C14 are joined to the upper ends of the first terminal 46a and the second terminal 46b, the cable C10 can be firmly held by the power connection portion 44.

[0108] The connector base 58 further includes a pair of cable grooves 76 for receiving the live wire C12 and the neutral wire C14 in the internal space 66. Specifically, the cable grooves 76 extend from the cable receiving passage 74 toward the upper ends of the first terminal 46a and the second terminal 46b, respectively. Therefore, the live wire C12 and the neutral wire C14 can be easily guided to their welding positions relative to the first terminal 46a and the second terminal 46b through the cable grooves 76, respectively.

[0109] In the illustrated embodiment, once the cable C10 is disposed through the cable receiving passage 74, the cable C10 may be fixedly coupled to the connector base 58. For example, the cable C10 is fixedly coupled to the connector base 58 at the cable receiving passage 74, such as with a UV curable adhesive.

[0110] In the illustrated embodiment, the connector base 58 is shown to include an example of a cable receiving channel 74 that is sized to directly secure a portion of the cable C10. Fig.13 and 14 However, the connector base 58 is not limited to this configuration. Fig.15 and Fig.16As shown, the connector base 58 may include a cable receiving channel 74A for receiving the cable C10. Specifically, the cable receiving channel 74A includes a through hole, the inner diameter of which is larger than the outer diameter of the cable C10. In this case, the tubular seal 80 is configured to seal the radial gap between the cable C10 and the cable receiving channel 74A in a watertight manner. The tubular seal 80 is made of an elastic material such as rubber, for example. Of course, the tubular seal 80 can be used alternatively or additionally to fix the cable C10 to the connector. Fig.13 and 14 Similarly, a UV curable adhesive may alternatively or additionally be used to secure the cable C10 to a connector such as Fig.15 and Fig.16 Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, the cable C10 may be fixedly coupled to the connector base 58 at the cable receiving channel 74 or 74A using, for example, at least one of a UV curable adhesive and a tubular seal 80 .

[0111] In the illustrated embodiment, Figures 6 to 8 and Fig.10 As shown, the derailleur 10 also includes a cable retainer 82. Therefore, in the illustrated embodiment, the component 10 also includes a cable retainer 82. The cable retainer 82 is fixedly attached to the outer link body 32. Specifically, as shown in FIG. Fig.10 As shown, the cable holder 82 has a cable groove 84 for receiving the cable C10. The cable holder 82 is configured to hold the cable C10 extending from the power connection portion 44 and guide the cable C10 between the power connection portion 44 and the actuator 20. Therefore, in the illustrated embodiment, the cable holder 82 is configured to hold a portion of the cable C10 that connects the first terminal 46a to the actuator 20. The size of the cable groove 84 is set to have an inner diameter that is slightly smaller than or equal to the outer diameter of the cable C10. Therefore, in a state where the cable C10 is received in the cable groove 84, the cable C10 is prevented from falling off the cable holder 82. Therefore, even before the live wire C12 and the neutral wire C14 are joined to the upper end of the first terminal 46a and the upper end of the second terminal 46b, the cable C10 can be firmly held by the cable holder 82. In the illustrated embodiment, the cable holder 82 is attached to the outer link body 32 so that the cable holder 82 at least partially defines the power supply accommodation space 38. Therefore, the cable holder 82 is also configured to hold the power source PS within the power source accommodation space 38 and guide the power source PS when the power source PS is mounted to the derailleur 10. In some embodiments, the cable holder 82 may have a biasing member for biasing the power source PS to fix the power source PS within the power source accommodation space 38, if necessary and / or desired.

[0112] Reference now Figures 17 to 20, the construction and arrangement of the first terminal 46a, the second terminal 46b and the first detection terminal 47 will be described in further detail. In the illustrated embodiment, the first terminal 46a and the first detection terminal 47 are spring-loaded terminal pins, respectively. The second terminal 46b is a spring-loaded terminal pin.

[0113] More specifically, if Fig.17 and 18 As shown, the first terminal 46a has a first contact portion 86a. The first terminal 46a also has a first electrode body 86b and a first biasing mechanism 86c. The first contact portion 86a forms the lower end of the first terminal 46a. The first contact portion 86a is configured to directly contact the power supply terminal 48. Specifically, the first contact portion 86a directly contacts the first power contact portion 49a of the first power supply terminal 48a of the power supply PS when the power supply PS is mounted to the derailleur 10. Fig.18 As shown, the first contact portion 86a is movably arranged in the hollow interior of the first electrode body 86b between the extended position P10 shown in solid lines and the retracted position P12 shown in dotted lines. The first electrode body 86b is fixedly attached to or embedded in the support portion 62a of the terminal unit 62. Specifically, the first electrode body 86b extends through the terminal unit 62. The first electrode body 86b protrudes upward from the support portion 62a to form the upper end of the live wire C12 and the bypass circuit 70 on the substrate 64 that are welded to the first terminal 46a. In the illustrated embodiment, the first contact portion 86a and the first electrode body 86b are made of conductive material or metal material. When the first contact portion 86a moves between the extended position P10 and the retracted position P12 relative to the first electrode body 86b, the first contact portion 86a and the first electrode body 86b maintain electrical contact between them. In the illustrated embodiment, the first contact portion 86a is biased toward the extended position P10 by the first biasing mechanism 86c. The first biasing mechanism 86 c includes a first biasing member such as a coil spring and a biasing head attached to the first biasing member. Therefore, the first contact portion 86 a is located at the extended position P10 when the power source PS is detached from the derailleur 10 .

[0114] Specifically, Fig.18As shown, the first contact portion 86a is located at the extended position P10 in the disconnected state T10 in which the power source PS is not connected to the power source connecting portion 44. On the other hand, at the moment when the power source PS moves toward the attachment surface 45 from the position of the power source PS in the disconnected state T10, the first contact portion 86a contacts the first power contact portion 49a of the first power supply terminal 48a of the power source PS. In the contact state T12 in which the first contact portion 86a contacts the first power contact portion 49a of the first power supply terminal 48a of the power source PS, the first contact portion 86a is pushed back toward the retracted position P12 by the first power contact portion 49a of the first power supply terminal 48a of the power source PS. The power source PS is not attached to the attachment surface 45 in the contact state T12. The first contact portion 86a contacts the first power contact portion 49a of the first power supply terminal 48a of the power source PS in the connected state T14 in which the power source PS is attached to the attachment surface 45 (also shown in FIG. 2 ). Fig.17 ). Therefore, the power source PS is connected to the power source connecting portion 44 in the connection state T14. The first contact portion 86a can be firmly contacted with the first power contact portion 49a by the biasing force from the first biasing mechanism 86c in the connection state T14.

[0115] In the illustrated embodiment, the second terminal 46b is substantially identical to the first terminal 46a, and thus a detailed description of the second terminal 46b will be omitted for the sake of brevity. Specifically, the second terminal 46b has a second contact portion 88a, a second electrode body 88b, and a second biasing mechanism 88c that are substantially identical to the first contact portion 86a, the first electrode body 86b, and the first biasing mechanism 86c, respectively. The second contact portion 88a forms the lower end of the second terminal 46b. The second contact portion 88a is configured to directly contact the power supply terminal 48. Specifically, the second contact portion 88a directly contacts the second power contact portion 49b of the second power supply terminal 48b of the power source PS when the power source PS is mounted to the derailleur 10. As Fig.18As shown, the second contact portion 88a is movably disposed in the hollow interior of the second electrode body 88b between the extended position P14 shown in solid lines and the retracted position P16 shown in dotted lines. The second electrode body 88b protrudes upward from the support portion 62a to form the upper end of the second terminal 46b that is joined to the neutral line C14 by welding. In the illustrated embodiment, the second contact portion 88a and the second electrode body 88b are made of a conductive material or a metal material. When the second contact portion 88a moves between the extended position P14 and the retracted position P16 relative to the second electrode body 88b, the second contact portion 88a and the second electrode body 88b maintain electrical contact therebetween. In the illustrated embodiment, the second contact portion 88a is biased toward the extended position P14 by the second biasing mechanism 88c. Therefore, the second contact portion 88a is located at the extended position P14 when the power supply PS is detached from the derailleur 10.

[0116] Specifically, Fig.18 As shown, the second contact portion 88a is located at the extended position P14 in the disconnected state T10. On the other hand, at the moment when the power supply PS moves toward the attachment surface 45 from the position of the power supply PS in the disconnected state T10, the second contact portion 88a also touches the second power contact portion 49b of the second power supply terminal 48b of the power supply PS. The second contact portion 88a is pushed back toward the retracted position P16 by the second power contact portion 49b of the second power supply terminal 48b of the power supply PS in the contact state T12. The second contact portion 88a contacts the second power contact portion 49b of the second power supply terminal 48b of the power supply PS in the connected state T14. The second contact portion 88a can be firmly in contact with the second power contact portion 49b by the biasing force from the second biasing mechanism 88c.

[0117] In the illustrated embodiment, Fig.18 As shown, the first terminal 46a and the second terminal 46b protrude from the attachment surface 45 of the power connection portion 44. The attachment surface 45 forms a closed upper end of the power accommodating space 38 of the power receiving portion 36. Specifically, the first terminal 46a has a first length L1 extending from the attachment surface 45 to the first contact portion 86a in the disconnected state T10. In other words, the first terminal 46a has a first length L1 extending from the attachment surface 45 to the first contact portion 86a in a state where the first contact portion 86a is located at the extended position P10. In the illustrated embodiment, the second terminal 46b is substantially the same as the first terminal 46a and therefore also has a first length L1 extending from the attachment surface 45 to the second contact portion 88a in the disconnected state T10. In addition, in the illustrated embodiment, as Fig.18As shown, the power contact portion 49 (i.e., the first power contact portion 49a and the second power contact portion 49b) of the power supply PS is located on the first plane PL1 in the attachment direction D1 of the power supply PS, and is used to connect the power supply terminal 48 (i.e., the first power supply terminal 48a and the second power supply terminal 48b) to the first terminal 46a and the second terminal 46b. Therefore, in the illustrated embodiment, during the connection operation of the power supply PS with the power connection portion 44, the first contact portion 86a of the first terminal 46a and the second contact portion 88a of the second terminal 46b simultaneously contact the first power contact portion 49a and the second power contact portion 49b of the power supply PS in the contact state T12. Of course, the first terminal 46a and the second terminal 46b are not limited thereto, and may have different lengths extending from the attachment surface 45 to the first contact portion 86a and the second contact portion 88a, respectively, in the disconnected state T10. In this case, the power contact portions 49 of the power supply PS (i.e., the first power contact portion 49a and the second power contact portion 49b) can be located on different planes in the attachment direction D1 of the power supply PS, so that during the connection operation of the power supply PS with the power connection portion 44, the first contact portion 86a of the first terminal 46a and the second contact portion 88a of the second terminal 46b simultaneously contact the first power contact portion 49a and the second power contact portion 49b of the power supply PS.

[0118] In addition, if Fig.19 As shown, the first detection terminal 47 has a first detection contact portion 90a. The first detection terminal 47 also has a first detection electrode body 90b and a first detection bias mechanism 90c. The first detection contact portion 90a forms the lower end of the first detection terminal 47. The first detection contact portion 90a is configured to directly contact the second detection terminal 51. Specifically, the first detection contact portion 90a directly contacts the second detection contact portion 53 of the second detection terminal 51 of the power supply PS when the power supply PS is installed to the derailleur 10. Fig.19As shown, the first detection contact portion 90a is movably arranged in the hollow interior of the first detection electrode body 90b between the extended position P18 shown in solid lines and the retracted position P20 shown in dotted lines. The first detection electrode body 90b is fixedly attached to or embedded in the support portion 62a of the terminal unit 62. Specifically, the first detection electrode body 90b extends through the terminal unit 62. The first detection electrode body 90b protrudes upward from the support portion 62a to form the upper end of the bypass circuit 70 of the first detection terminal 47 that is welded to the substrate 64. In the illustrated embodiment, the first detection contact portion 90a and the first detection electrode body 90b are made of conductive material or metal material. When the first detection contact portion 90a moves between the extended position P18 and the retracted position P20 relative to the first detection electrode body 90b, the first detection contact portion 90a and the first detection electrode body 90b maintain electrical contact between them. In the illustrated embodiment, the first detection contact portion 90a is biased toward the extended position P18 by the first detection biasing mechanism 90c. The first detection biasing mechanism 90 c includes a biasing member such as a coil spring and a biasing head attached to the biasing member. Therefore, the first detection contact portion 90 a is located at the extended position P18 when the power source PS is detached from the derailleur 10 .

[0119] like Fig.19 and Fig. 20 As shown, the first terminal 46a and the first detection terminal 47 protrude from the attachment surface 45. Specifically, the first contact portion 86a is located at the extended position P10 in the disconnected state T10, and the first detection contact portion 90a is located at the extended position P18. In the illustrated embodiment, as described above, the first terminal 46a has a first length L1 when the first contact portion 86a is located at the extended position P10. On the other hand, the first detection terminal 47 has a second length L2 extending from the attachment surface 45 to the first detection contact portion 90a. Specifically, the first detection terminal 47 has a second length L2 when the first detection contact portion 90a is located at the extended position P18. In addition, as Fig.19 and Fig. 20 As shown, the first length L1 is greater than the second length L2 in the disconnected state T10. Therefore, in the disconnected state T10 in which the power source PS is not connected to the power source connecting portion 44, the first detection contact portion 90a is closer to the attachment surface 45 than the first contact portion 86a. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, in the disconnected state T10, the first contact portion 86a is located closer to the insertion opening 40 of the power source accommodating space 38 than the first detection contact portion 90a.

[0120] In addition, the first contact portion 86a touches the first power contact portion 49a of the first power supply terminal 48a of the power supply PS in the contact state T12. On the other hand, due to the difference between the first length L1 and the second length L2, the first detection contact portion 90a does not touch the second detection contact portion 53 of the second detection terminal 51 of the power supply PS, and is located at the extended position P18 in the contact state T12. Therefore, the first detection terminal 47 is configured not to contact the second detection terminal 51 at the moment when the first terminal 46a contacts the power supply terminal 48 during the connection operation of the power supply PS and the power connection portion 44, and there is a gap G1 between the first detection terminal 47 and the second detection terminal 51.

[0121] The power supply PS is further inserted into the power supply accommodation space 38 from the position of the power supply PS in the contact state T12 by a distance equal to the gap G1, so that the first detection contact portion 90a finally touches the second detection contact portion 53 of the second detection terminal 51 of the power supply PS. Therefore, the first detection terminal 47 is configured to contact the second detection terminal 51 after the first terminal 46a contacts the power supply terminal 48 during the connection operation of the power supply PS and the power supply connection portion 44. Then, while the power supply PS is further moved from the position between the contact state T12 and the connection state T14 of the power supply PS, the first detection contact portion 90a is pushed back toward the retracted position P20 by the second detection contact portion 53 of the second detection terminal 51 of the power supply PS. Therefore, the first detection contact portion 90a contacts the second detection contact portion 53 of the second detection terminal 51 of the power supply PS under the connection state T14. The first detection contact portion 90a can be firmly contacted with the second detection contact portion 53 under the connection state T14 by the biasing force from the first detection biasing mechanism 90c.

[0122] In the illustrated embodiment, Fig.19 As shown, the first terminal 46a has a first length L1 when the first contact portion 86a is located at the extended position P10, and the first detection terminal 47 has a second length L2 shorter than the first length L1 when the first detection contact portion 90a is located at the extended position P18. In addition, the power contact portion 49 and the second detection contact portion 53 are located on the first plane PL1 in the attachment direction D1 of the power source PS, and are used to connect the power supply terminal 48 to the first terminal 46a and the second detection terminal 51 to the first detection terminal 47. Specifically, as shown in FIG. Fig.19As shown, the first power contact portion 49a and the second detection contact portion 53 are located on the first plane PL1. Therefore, as described above, the first detection terminal 47 is configured to contact the second detection terminal 51 after the first terminal 46a contacts the power supply terminal 48 during the connection operation of the power supply PS and the derailleur 10. However, of course, the first terminal 46a and the first detection terminal 47 are not limited thereto, and may have the same length in the disconnected state T10. In this case, as Fig.21 As shown, the power contact portion 49 can be located on the second plane PL2 in the contact state T12. The second detection contact portion 53 can be located on the third plane PL3 in the contact state T12. In the illustrated embodiment, the second plane PL2 is different from the third plane PL3. The second plane PL2 is offset from the third plane PL3 in the attachment direction D1 of the power source PS. With this construction, the first detection terminal 47 is configured to contact the second detection terminal 51 after the first terminal 46a contacts the power supply terminal 48 during the connection operation of the power source PS and the power connection portion 44. Specifically, in this case, the power contact portion 49 (i.e., the second plane PL2) is closer to the top surface 52a of the power source PS than the second detection contact portion 53 (i.e., the third plane PL3), as shown in FIG. Fig.21 shown.

[0123] Reference now Figure 22 to Figure 24 , the electrical configuration of the power supply PS will be discussed in more detail. Figure 22 to Figure 24 As shown, the power supply PS includes one or more battery cells 110 , one or more protection circuits 112 , one or more switch circuits 114 , a current detector 116 , a circuit breaker 118 , and a thermometer 120 .

[0124] In the illustrated embodiment, the battery cell 110 includes two battery cells (i.e., a first battery cell and a second battery cell). However, the battery cell 110 is not limited to this number and may include only a single battery cell or more than two battery cells. The battery cell 110 is housed in the power supply housing 52 by a mold so as not to be removed from the power supply housing 52. The protection circuit 112 includes two protection circuits (i.e., a first protection circuit and a second protection circuit) such as a protection IC. The first protection circuit 112 and the second protection circuit 112 are functionally identical to each other and are replicated as backup in case one of them fails. Similarly, the switch circuit 114 includes two switch circuits (i.e., a first switch circuit 114 and a second switch circuit 114). The first switch circuit 114 and the second switch circuit 114 are functionally identical to each other and are replicated as backup in case one of them fails. Typically, the first switch circuit 114 and the second switch circuit 114 include a charge / discharge FET, each FET having a pair of power MOSFETs, which are connected in series back-to-back to each other for charging and discharging, respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, the power MOSFET is placed at the negative terminal of the power supply PS. However, alternatively, the power MOSFET can be placed at the positive terminal of the power supply PS. Of course, the switch circuit 114 may include any type of electrical element that is functionally equivalent to a charge / discharge FET. The first protection circuit 112 and the second protection circuit 112 are respectively arranged to correspond to the first switch circuit 114 and the second switch circuit 114, so as to control the on and off of the power MOSFETs of the first switch circuit 114 and the second switch circuit 114, respectively, for managing the charging and discharging of the power supply PS. The current detector 116 is arranged to measure the current flowing through the first battery cell 110 and the second battery cell 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the current detector 116 includes, for example, a shunt resistor. Of course, the current detector 116 may include any type of electrical element that is functionally equivalent to a shunt resistor.

[0125] The first protection circuit 112 and the second protection circuit 112 are electrically arranged relative to the first battery cell 110 and the second battery cell 110 to monitor the voltage of each of the first battery cell 110 and the second battery cell 110. The first protection circuit 112 and the second protection circuit 112 are electrically arranged relative to the current detector 116 to monitor the voltage across the current detector 116 for measuring the current flowing through the first battery cell 110 and the second battery cell 110. With this configuration, the first protection circuit 112 and the second protection circuit 112 detect the operating state of the power supply PS, and if the first protection circuit 112 and the second protection circuit 112 detect an abnormality, such as overcharge, overdischarge, overcurrent, short circuit condition, etc., the first protection circuit 112 and the second protection circuit 112 respectively control the turning on and off of the power MOSFETs of the first switch circuit 114 and the second switch circuit 114 to resolve these abnormalities.

[0126] Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, each of the first protection circuit 112 and the second protection circuit 112 has two thresholds for detecting abnormalities. One is used to detect current leakage, and the other is used to stop the current when the current exceeding the allowable current level of the first battery cell 110 and the second battery cell 110 flows. For example, the current exceeding the allowable current level flows when the power supply terminal 48 of the power supply PS contacts the metal or when an actuator with a different rated or operating current is connected to the power supply PS. If the measured current exceeds the threshold for a predetermined time, the first protection circuit 112 and the second protection circuit 112 automatically turn off the first switch circuit 114 and the second switch circuit 114. Therefore, a microcomputer is not required because the first protection circuit 112 and the second protection circuit 112 can operate automatically based on the threshold and the predetermined time.

[0127] In the illustrated embodiment, the first protection circuit 112 and the second protection circuit 112 are also electrically connected to the second detection terminal 51 to monitor the connection between the power supply PS and the derailleur 10. Specifically, during the connection operation between the power supply PS and the power connection portion 44, the second detection terminal 51 of the power supply PS contacts the first detection terminal 47 of the derailleur 10 after the power supply terminal 48 of the power supply PS contacts the power terminal 46 of the derailleur 10. In a state where the second detection terminal 51 of the power supply PS contacts the first detection terminal 47 of the derailleur 10, the closed circuit CC (such as Fig.23A closed circuit CC (shown by a thick line in the middle) is established between the power supply PS and the derailleur 10 via the bypass circuit 70. Through this establishment of the closed circuit CC, an input voltage is applied to the input terminals of the first protection circuit 112 and the second protection circuit 112 connected to the second detection terminal 51. In a state where the input voltage is applied to the input terminals of the first protection circuit 112 and the second protection circuit 112, the first protection circuit 112 and the second protection circuit 112 respectively turn on the first switch circuit 114 and the second switch circuit 114, so that the supply current for driving the actuator 20 can be supplied from the power supply PS to the derailleur 10 via the electrical connection between the power supply terminal 48 of the power supply PS and the power terminal 46 of the derailleur 10.

[0128] As mentioned above, during the connection operation of the power source PS and the power connection portion 44, the power supply terminal 48 of the power source PS contacts the power terminal 46 of the derailleur 10 before the second detection terminal 51 of the power source PS contacts the first detection terminal 47 of the derailleur 10. Fig.19 As shown. However, the supply current for driving the actuator 20 is blocked from being supplied until the first protection circuit 112 and the second protection circuit 112 respectively turn on the first switch circuit 114 and the second switch circuit 114 in response to the contact of the second detection terminal 51 of the power supply PS with the first detection terminal 47 of the derailleur 10. Once the second detection terminal 51 of the power supply PS is electrically connected to the first detection terminal 47 of the derailleur 10 and the first protection circuit 112 and the second protection circuit 112 turn on the first switch circuit 114 and the second switch circuit 114, the supply current from the power supply PS is supplied through the electrical connection between the power supply terminal 48 of the power supply PS and the power terminal 46 of the derailleur 10. Therefore, the first terminal 46a is configured to supply the supply current to the actuator 20 in a state where the first detection terminal 47 is configured to be electrically connected to the second detection terminal 51 of the power supply PS. In the illustrated embodiment, the first protection circuit 112 and the second protection circuit 112 serve as an electronic controller circuit system configured to control the supply current provided from the power supply PS. Therefore, in the illustrated embodiment, the first protection circuit 112 and the second protection circuit 112 are also referred to as the second electronic controller circuit system 112. Therefore, in the illustrated embodiment, the power supply PS includes the second electronic controller circuit system 112 configured to control the supply current in response to the contact between the first detection terminal 47 and the second detection terminal 51.

[0129] In the illustrated embodiment, the positive pole of the first battery cell 110 is electrically connected to the positive power supply terminal 48 (i.e., the first power supply terminal 48a) via the circuit breaker 118. In the illustrated embodiment, the circuit breaker 118 includes a PCT device, which includes a resistor with a positive temperature coefficient. The PCT device has a low resistance value in the normal operating state of the power supply PS. If the temperature of the power supply PS rises excessively, the resistance value of the PCT device increases accordingly to cut off the positive power supply terminal 48 from the first battery cell 110 and the second battery cell 110. Of course, the circuit breaker 118 may include any type of electrical element that is functionally equivalent to the PCT device. The negative pole of the second battery cell 110 is electrically connected to the negative power supply terminal 48 (i.e., the second power supply terminal 48b) via the current detector 116 and the first switch circuit 114 and the second switch circuit 114.

[0130] Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, the thermometer 120 is electrically connected between the negative power supply terminal 48 and the hot terminal 50. In the illustrated embodiment, the thermometer 120 includes a thermistor, which includes a resistor whose resistance value increases according to the temperature of the power supply PS. Of course, the thermometer 120 may include any type of electrical element that is functionally equivalent to a thermistor. In the illustrated embodiment, as Fig. 22 and Fig.23 As shown, the power connection portion 44 does not include a terminal corresponding to the thermal terminal 50 of the power source PS. Therefore, the thermal terminal 50 is not electrically coupled to the derailleur 10 in a state where the power source PS is mounted to the derailleur 10.

[0131] On the other hand, Fig.24 As shown, the charging device CG includes a current supply terminal having a pair of positive and negative power terminals 122, a third detection terminal 123 and a monitoring terminal 124. Fig. 22 and 23The first detection terminal 47 and the third detection terminal 123 of the derailleur 10 shown are electrically connected to the positive power terminal 122 via a bypass circuit 125 having a resistor 125a. The monitoring terminal 124 is electrically connected to the charging controller circuit system 126 of the charging device CG. In the illustrated embodiment, in a state where the power supply PS is placed to the charging device CG for charging, the power supply PS is electrically coupled to the charging device CG. Specifically, in a state where the power supply PS is placed to the charging device CG, the power supply terminal 48 of the power supply PS contacts the power terminal 122 of the charging device CG, and the second detection terminal 51 of the power supply PS contacts the third detection terminal 123 of the charging device CG. In a state where the second detection terminal 51 of the power supply PS contacts the third detection terminal 123 of the charging device CG, a closed circuit is established between the power supply PS and the charging device CG via the bypass circuit 125. By this establishment of the closed circuit, an input voltage is applied to the input terminals of the first protection circuit 112 and the second protection circuit 112 connected to the second detection terminal 51. When the input voltage is applied to the input terminals of the first protection circuit 112 and the second protection circuit 112, the first protection circuit 112 and the second protection circuit 112 respectively turn on the first switch circuit 114 and the second switch circuit 114 to allow the charging current from the charging device CG for charging the battery cell 110 to be supplied from the charging device CG to the power supply PS via the electrical connection between the power supply terminal 48 of the power supply PS and the power terminal 122 of the charging device CG. Here, in the illustrated embodiment, the power terminal 122 of the charging device CG and the third detection terminal 123 may have the same Fig.18 and Fig.19 The power terminal 46 and the first detection terminal 47 of the derailleur 10 shown are similarly configured. Specifically, the power terminal 122 and the third detection terminal 123 of the charging device CG can be configured so that the third detection terminal 123 is configured to contact the second detection terminal 51 after the power terminal 122 contacts the power supply terminal 48 during the connection operation of the power source PS with the charging device CG.

[0132] In the illustrated embodiment, the hot terminal 50 is configured to be electrically connected to the monitoring terminal 124 of the charging device CG, so that the charging device CG monitors information related to the temperature of the power source PS. In the illustrated embodiment, during charging, the charging controller circuit system 126 monitors the resistance value of the thermometer 120 through the monitoring terminal 124 connected to the hot terminal 50 of the power source PS. Once the resistance value of the thermometer 120 exceeds a predetermined threshold, the charging controller circuit system 126 stops charging the power source PS. This is because the excess means that the temperature of the power source PS has risen excessively. In the illustrated embodiment, the charging controller circuit system 126 of the charging device CG monitors the resistance value of the thermometer 120 as information related to the temperature of the power source PS. Of course, the charging controller circuit system 126 can calculate the temperature of the power source PS using the resistance value of the thermometer 120. In addition, the charging controller circuit system 126 can retrieve any other information related to the temperature of the power source PS from the power source PS.

[0133] In the illustrated embodiment, Fig.25 As shown, the charging device CG also includes a Type-C socket 128, a USB control circuit 130, a converter 132, an electronic controller circuit system 134, and LEDs 136. These electrical components of the charging device CG can be selected from conventional components, so for the sake of brevity, a detailed description of these electrical components will be omitted. The Type-C socket 128 is a physical connector on the charging device CG, into which a USB Type-C cable can be inserted to receive power supply from an external power source. Of course, the charging device CG may include any type of connector for receiving power supply. The USB control circuit 130 establishes a connection between an external power source and the charging device CG, and detects the connection of the USB Type-C cable into the Type-C socket 128. The USB control circuit 130 may include one or more ICs. The converter 132 is a component that adjusts the voltage of the power supply from the external power source to provide the desired voltage to the electronic controller circuit system 134. The converter 132 includes an LDO (LowDropout low voltage difference), but may be any type of converter, such as a DC / DC converter. The electronic controller circuit system 134 includes an electronic controller, a processor, or a programmable computer that controls and manages various functions of the charging device CG. Electronic controller circuitry 134 monitors the connection between the external power source and charging device CG and the connection between the power source PS and charging device CG, and operates charge controller circuitry 126 to start or stop the charging operation or controls LEDs 136 to indicate the charging status.

[0134] In the illustrated embodiment, the charging controller circuit system 126 includes a booster or boost converter 138 and a charging circuit 140. The booster 138 is a DC / DC converter electrically connected between the Type-C socket 128 and the power terminal 122. The booster 138 increases the voltage level of the power supply from the external power source to the charging voltage level for charging the power supply PS. However, the booster 138 can be any type of converter as needed and / or desired. The charging circuit 140 may include one or more ICs. The charging circuit 140 monitors the charging voltage and charging current of the booster 138 to detect the operating state of the charging device CG. The charging circuit 140 is also electrically connected to the monitoring terminal 124 to monitor the resistance value of the thermometer 120 of the power supply PS for detecting the temperature of the power supply PS. Although the booster 138 and the charging circuit 140 are shown separately, the booster and the charging circuit can be formed as a single chip.

[0135] like Figure 26 to Figure 28 As shown, the charging device CG is configured to receive a power source PS to charge the power source PS. The charging device CG includes a housing 142 and an electric unit 144 disposed inside the housing 142. The housing 142 has a hollow interior 146, which is accessible through an open end 148 of the housing 142. The power source PS is placed in the hollow interior 146 through the open end 148 to charge the power source PS. The housing 142 has a main body 150 and an end piece 152, which is fixedly attached to the main body 150 to form a closed end of the housing 142. The housing 142 also has a closed internal space 156 between the main body 150 and the end piece 152 in a state where the end piece 152 is attached to the main body 150. The electric unit 144 is disposed inside the closed internal space 156.

[0136] The body 150 has an upper section 150a, a lower section 150b, and an inner wall 150c. The upper section 150a mainly defines the hollow interior 146 therein, while the lower section 150b mainly defines the closed interior space 156 therein. The inner wall 150c is provided inside the housing 142 between the upper section 150a and the lower section 150b to separate the hollow interior 146 and the closed interior space 156 from each other.

[0137] The upper section 150a at least partially surrounds the power supply housing 52 of the power supply PS when the power supply PS is attached to the charging device CG. The upper section 150a has opposing side walls 158, and the side walls 158 have side grooves 160 so that the power supply PS can be grasped or clamped by the user's fingers for removing the power supply PS from the charging device CG or placing the power supply PS into the charging device CG. Only one of the side walls 158 further has a cutout or recess 162, which receives the protrusion 54 of the power supply PS when the power supply PS is attached to the charging device CG. Therefore, when the power supply PS is inserted into the upper section 150a of the main body 150 in the correct installation orientation of the power supply PS, as shown in FIG. Fig.26 and Fig. 27 As shown, the upper section 150a does not contact the protrusion 54 and can receive the protrusion 54 in the cutout 162. On the other hand, when the power source PS is inserted into the upper section 150a of the main body 150 in an incorrect installation orientation of the power source PS, the upper section 150a contacts the protrusion 54 and prevents the power source PS from being installed to the charging device CG. Therefore, the charging device CG allows the power source PS to be installed in a single installation orientation of the power source PS.

[0138] The upper portion 150a also has opposing side walls 164 that extend between the side walls 158 and at least partially define the open end 148 of the housing 142. Figure 26 to Figure 28 As shown, the side wall 164 has an engagement pawl 166, which forms a snap-fit ​​connection for fixing the power supply PS in a state where the power supply PS is attached to the charging device CG. Specifically, the engagement pawl 166 engages with the power supply housing 52 of the power supply PS near the bottom surface 52b of the power supply PS in a state where the power supply PS is attached to the charging device CG, and holds the power supply PS downward toward the inner wall 150c to ensure electrical contact between the power supply terminal 48 of the power supply PS and the power terminal 122 in the charging device CG, electrical contact between the second detection terminal 51 of the power supply PS and the third detection terminal 123 of the charging device CG, and electrical contact between the hot terminal 50 of the power supply PS and the monitoring terminal 124 of the charging device CG. In the illustrated embodiment, the distal end portion of the engagement pawl 166 may be chamfered so that the power supply PS is smoothly received in the charging device CG over the engagement pawl 166. Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, the peripheral portion of the power source housing 52 of the power source PS near the top surface 52 a of the power source PS may also be chamfered so that the power source PS can be smoothly inserted into the charging device CG over the engagement pawl 166 .

[0139] like Fig.28As shown, the electrical unit 144 includes one or more circuit boards or substrates, on which electrical components such as power terminals 122, third detection terminals 123, monitoring terminals 124, charging controller circuit system 126, Type-C socket 128, USB control circuit 130, converter 132, electronic controller circuit system 134 and LEDs 136 are arranged. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the electrical unit 144 includes a first substrate 144a, on which the charging controller circuit system 126, Type-C socket 128, USB control circuit 130, converter 132 and electronic controller circuit system 134 are mounted, a second substrate 144b and a third substrate 144c, on which the power terminals 122, third detection terminals 123 and monitoring terminals 124 are arranged, and on which the LEDs 136 are arranged. Of course, the number of substrates and the installation of their electrical components are not limited thereto, and may vary as needed and / or desired.

[0140] like Fig.28 As shown, the end piece 152 of the housing 142 has an access opening 152a, through which the Type-C socket 128 can be accessed to insert the USB Type-C cable therein. In the illustrated embodiment, the inner wall 150c has an opening, through which the power terminal 122, the third detection terminal 123, and the monitoring terminal 124 of the charging device CG are exposed, so that the power terminal 122, the third detection terminal 123, and the monitoring terminal 124 of the charging device CG can be respectively contacted with the power supply terminal 48, the second detection terminal 51, and the thermal terminal 50 of the power supply PS in a state where the power supply PS is attached to the charging device CG. In addition, the lower section 150b has a window at a position corresponding to the LEDs 136 disposed inside the closed internal space 156, so that the light from the LEDs 136 can be seen from the outside of the housing 142 of the charging device CG.

[0141] In the illustrated embodiment, the derailleur 10 is illustrated as an example of a “component” of the present disclosure, and the power supply PS is illustrated as being attached to the derailleur 10. However, the component of the present disclosure may be at least one of a rear derailleur, a front derailleur, an internal transmission, an adjustable seat post, a front suspension, a rear suspension, a brake device, and a drive unit. In addition, the electrical configuration or mechanical construction of the derailleur 10 (e.g., the configuration of the power terminal 46 and the configuration of the first detection terminal 47, the configuration of the bypass circuit 70, etc.) may be similarly applied to an electrical terminal or part of any component of the bicycle B, such as a rear derailleur, a front derailleur, an internal transmission, an adjustable seat post, a front suspension, a rear suspension, a brake device, a drive unit, etc. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, an example in which the derailleur is a rear derailleur and the movable mechanism 13 includes a movable member 14 and a chain guide 16 is shown. However, the derailleur 10 is not limited thereto and may be a front derailleur. In this case, the movable mechanism of the front derailleur may include a chain guide, and the electrical configuration or mechanical structure of the derailleur 10 may be similarly applied to the electrical terminals of the front derailleur. In addition, the electrical configuration or mechanical structure of the power source PS may be similarly applied to the power source of any component attached to the bicycle B (e.g., rear derailleur, front derailleur, internal transmission, adjustable seat post, front suspension, rear suspension, brake device, drive unit, etc.).

[0142] In the illustrated embodiment, the power supply PS is directly inserted into the power supply accommodating space 38 along the attachment direction D1 of the power supply PS in a state where the power supply PS is electrically connected to the component 10. However, the attachment of the power supply relative to the component is not limited to this. The power supply and the component can be configured so that the power supply is attached to the outer surface of the component. In this case, the power supply can be held by a retainer that is pivotally arranged to the outer surface of the component between an open position and a closed position. The power supply can be electrically connected to the component when the retainer is in a closed position. Of course, in this case, the electrical configuration or mechanical structure of the derailleur 10 (such as the configuration of the power terminal 46 and the configuration of the first detection terminal 47, the configuration of the bypass circuit 70, etc.) can be similarly applied to the electrical terminal or part of the component. In addition, the electrical configuration or mechanical structure of the power supply PS can be similarly applied to the power supply.

[0143] In understanding the scope of the present invention, the term "comprising" and its derivatives used herein are intended to be open terms, indicating the presence of the described features, elements, components, groups, integers and / or steps, but not excluding the presence of other undescribed features, elements, components, groups, integers and / or steps. The foregoing also applies to words with similar meanings, such as the terms "including", "having" and their derivatives. In addition, unless otherwise specified, the terms "portion", "section", "part" and "member" or "element" when used in the singular may have a dual meaning of a single part or a plurality of parts.

[0144] As used herein, the following directional terms "frame-facing side", "non-frame-facing side", "forward", "rearward", "front", "rear", "up", "down", "above", "below", "upward", "downward", "top", "bottom", "side", "vertical", "horizontal", "vertical" and "lateral", and any other similar directional terms refer to the directions of a human-powered vehicle (such as a bicycle) in an upright riding position and equipped with the component. Therefore, these directional terms used to describe the component should be interpreted relative to the human-powered vehicle (such as a bicycle) in an upright riding position on a horizontal surface and equipped with the component. The terms "left" and "right" are used to indicate "right" when referenced from the right side when viewed from the rear of a human-powered vehicle (such as a bicycle), and "left" when referenced from the left side when viewed from the rear of a human-powered vehicle (such as a bicycle).

[0145] The phrase “at least one of” used in the present disclosure means “one or more of” the desired options. For one example, if the number of its options is two, the phrase “at least one of” used in the present disclosure means “only one single option” or “both of the two options”. For another example, if the number of its options is equal to or greater than three, the phrase “at least one of” used in the present disclosure means “only one single option” or “any combination of equal to or greater than two options”. In addition, the term “and / or” used in the present disclosure means “one or both of them”. For example, the phrase “at least one of A and B” covers (1) A alone, (2) B alone, and (3) both A and B. The phrase “at least one of A, B, and C” includes (1) A alone, (2) B alone, (3) C alone, (4) both A and B, (5) both B and C, (6) both A and C, and (7) all of A, B, and C. In other words, in the present disclosure, the phrase "at least one of A and B" does not mean "at least one A and at least one B".

[0146] In addition, it should be understood that although the terms "first" and "second" may be used herein to describe various components, these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from another component. Thus, for example, the first component discussed above may be referred to as the second component, and vice versa, without departing from the teachings of the present invention.

[0147] As used herein, the terms "attached" or "attached" encompass configurations where an element is directly fixed to another element by adhering the element directly to the other element; where an element is indirectly fixed to another element by adhering the element to (one or more) intermediate members, which in turn adhere to the other element; and where one element is integral with another element (i.e., one element is substantially a part of the other element). This definition also applies to words of similar meaning, such as, for example, "joined," "connected," "coupled," "mounted," "bonded," "fixed," and their derivatives. Finally, as used herein, terms of degree such as "substantially," "approximately," and "approximately" mean the amount of deviation of the modified term such that the end result is not significantly changed.

[0148] Although only selected embodiments have been selected to illustrate the present invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that various changes and modifications may be made herein without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims. For example, unless otherwise specifically stated, the size, shape, position or orientation of various components may be changed as needed and / or desired, as long as these changes do not substantially affect their intended functions. Unless otherwise specifically stated, components shown as being directly connected or in contact with each other may have intermediate structures disposed therebetween, as long as these changes do not substantially affect their intended functions. The function of an element may be performed by two, and vice versa, unless otherwise specifically stated. The structure and function of one embodiment may be adopted in another embodiment. Not all advantages must exist simultaneously in a particular embodiment. Each unique feature independent of the prior art, alone or in combination with other features, should also be regarded as a separate description of the applicant's further invention, including (one or more) the structural and / or functional concepts embodied by such features. Therefore, the foregoing description of the embodiments provided according to the present invention is only for illustration and is not intended to limit the present invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A component for a human-powered vehicle, the component comprising: a power connection portion configured to be connected to a power source, the power connection portion comprising an attachment surface, a first terminal, and a first detection terminal; an actuator electrically connected to the power connection portion; as well as a first electronic controller circuit system configured to control the actuator using a supply current provided from the power supply, The first terminal is configured to be electrically connected to a power supply terminal of the power source, The first terminal is configured to supply the supply current to the actuator in a state where the first detection terminal is configured to be electrically connected to a second detection terminal of the power source, and The first detection terminal is configured to come into contact with the second detection terminal after the first terminal comes into contact with the power supply terminal during a connection operation of the power source and the power source connection portion.

2. The component according to claim 1, wherein The first detection terminal is configured not to contact the second detection terminal with a gap therebetween at a time when the first terminal contacts the power supply terminal during a connection operation of the power source and the power connection portion.

3. A component for a human-powered vehicle, the component comprising: a power connection portion configured to be connected to a power source, the power connection portion comprising an attachment surface, a first terminal, and a first detection terminal; an actuator electrically connected to the power connection portion; as well as a first electronic controller circuit system configured to control the actuator using a supply current provided from the power supply, The first terminal is configured to be electrically connected to a power supply terminal of the power source, The first terminal is configured to supply the supply current to the actuator in a state where the first detection terminal is configured to be electrically connected to a second detection terminal of the power source, and The first detection terminal is configured not to contact the second detection terminal at a time when the first terminal contacts the power supply terminal during a connection operation of the power source and the power connection portion, with a gap provided between the first detection terminal and the second detection terminal.

4. The component according to claim 1, wherein the first terminal and the first detection terminal protrude from the attachment surface, The first terminal has a first contact portion, The first contact portion is configured to directly contact the power supply terminal, The first detection terminal has a first detection contact portion, The first detection contact portion is configured to directly contact the second detection terminal, and The first detection contact portion is closer to the attachment surface than the first contact portion in a disconnected state in which the power source is not connected to the power source connecting portion.

5. A component for a human-powered vehicle, the component comprising: a power connection portion configured to be connected to a power source, the power connection portion including an attachment surface, a first terminal, and a first detection terminal, the first terminal and the first detection terminal protruding from the attachment surface; an actuator electrically connected to the power connection portion; as well as a first electronic controller circuit system configured to control the actuator using a supply current provided from the power supply, The first terminal is configured to be electrically connected to a power supply terminal of the power source, the first terminal being configured to supply the supply current to the actuator in a state where the first detection terminal is configured to be electrically connected to a second detection terminal of the power source, The first terminal has a first contact portion configured to directly contact the power supply terminal, and The first detection terminal has a first detection contact portion configured to directly contact the second detection terminal, the first detection contact portion being closer to the attachment surface than the first contact portion in a disconnected state in which the power source is not connected to the power source connecting portion.

6. The component according to claim 4, wherein The first terminal has a first length extending from the attachment surface to the first contact portion in the disconnected state, and The first detection terminal has a second length extending from the attachment surface to the first detection contact portion, the first length being greater than the second length in the disconnected state.

7. The component according to claim 4, further comprising: a power receiving portion having a power accommodating space configured to receive the power supply in a connected state where the power supply is connected to the power connecting portion, and The first contact portion is located closer to the insertion opening of the power source accommodating space than the first detection contact portion in the disconnected state.

8. The component according to claim 1, wherein The first terminal and the first detection terminal are spring-loaded terminal pins.

9. The component according to claim 1, wherein The power connection portion further includes a substrate, and The first terminal and the first detection terminal are mounted to the substrate.

10. The component according to claim 1, wherein The power connection portion further includes a bypass circuit provided between the first terminal and the first detection terminal.

11. The component according to claim 10, wherein The bypass circuit includes a resistor.

12. The component according to claim 1, further comprising The power supply includes second electronic controller circuitry configured to control the supply current in response to contact between the first detection terminal and the second detection terminal.

13. The component according to claim 12, wherein The power supply terminal has a power contact portion, The second detection terminal has a second detection contact portion, and The power contact portion and the second detection contact portion are located on a first plane in an attachment direction of the power source for connecting the power supply terminal to the first terminal and connecting the second detection terminal to the first detection terminal.

14. The component according to claim 1, wherein The power connection portion also includes a cable receiving channel for receiving a cable connecting the first terminal to the actuator.

15. The component according to claim 14, further comprising A cable retainer is configured to retain a portion of the cable connecting the first terminal to the actuator.

16. The component according to claim 1, wherein The power connection portion also includes a second terminal.

17. The component according to claim 16, wherein The second terminal is a spring loaded terminal pin.

18. The component according to claim 1, further comprising: Base member; Movable mechanism; as well as a link member that movably couples the movable mechanism to the base member, The power connection portion is attached to the link member, and The actuator is provided to one of the base member and the movable mechanism.

19. The component according to claim 18, wherein The component is a derailleur.

20. The component according to claim 18, wherein The link member includes an inner link and an outer link, and The power connection portion is attached to the external link.

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