Bicycle transmission device

Abstract

Bicycle transmission device (12, 212, 312, 412, 512), comprising: a basic member (18); a first transmission element (20) which is rotatable relative to the base element (18) about a first axis of rotation (A1) and which is movable relative to the base element (18) in an axial direction (D1) parallel to the first axis of rotation (A1); a second transmission element (22) which is rotatable relative to the base element (18) about a second axis of rotation (A2) and which is stationary relative to the base element (18) in the axial direction (D1); and a first coupling element (24) configured to couple the first transmission element (20) to the second transmission element (22) in order to transmit rotation from the first transmission element (20) to the second transmission element (22) at a variable speed level, wherein the variable speed level is variable in the axial direction (D1) according to at least one positional relationship between the first transmission element (20), the second transmission element (22) and the first coupling element (24), wherein the first transmission element (20) includes first gears (CW11 to CW17) arranged in the axial direction (D1), wherein each of the first gears (CW11 to CW17) can be engaged with the first coupling element (24). the second transmission element (22) includes second gears (CW21 to CW27) arranged in the axial direction (D1), each of the second gears (CW21 to CW27) being capable of engaging with the first coupling element (24); and where the first transfer element (20) and the second transfer element (22) partially overlap when viewed from the axial direction (D1).

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED REGISTRATIONS

[0001] The present application claims priority over US patent application 14 / 640,246, filed on March 6, 2015, and US patent application 15 / 013,955, filed on February 2, 2016. The contents of US patent application 14 / 640,246 and US patent application 15 / 013,955 are hereby incorporated in their entirety by reference herein. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION AREA OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to a bicycle transmission device or bicycle derailleur. BACKGROUND DISCUSSION

[0003] Cycling is becoming an increasingly popular form of recreation and a means of transportation. It has also become a very popular competitive sport for both amateurs and professionals. Whether the bicycle is used for recreation, transportation, or competition, the bicycle industry has constantly improved various bicycle components. One bicycle component that has recently undergone extensive redesign is the transmission device, or derailleur.

[0004] DE 60 2004 011 750 T2 describes a bicycle gearshift mechanism configured and arranged to improve the durability of the gearshift. The mechanism essentially comprises a gear actuation device, a support structure, a front input section, an intermediate gear, and a rear output section.

[0005] US 5,611,556 A describes a speed-changing mechanism, primarily for use on a bicycle, in which multiple drive gears and multiple associated driven gears are coupled by multiple drive chains.

[0006] DE 601 24 556 T2 describes a compact built-in gearbox with, for example, a 3 / 8" shift chain and a derailleur for adjusting a gear ratio between a crankshaft and a rear wheel hub of a bicycle.

[0007] DE 10 2010 038 256 B4 describes a bicycle chainring with a chainring body and several chainring teeth. The chainring teeth extend radially outwards from a base circle of the chainring body. The chainring teeth are spaced circumferentially around the outer circumference of the chainring body.

[0008] US 6,997,835 B2 describes a rear derailleur for a bicycle. The rear derailleur comprises a base element for attaching the rear derailleur to the bicycle, a movable element for supporting a chain guide, and a linkage mechanism that couples the base element to the movable element so that the movable element is movable relative to the base element.

[0009] DE 697 16 167 T2 describes an electric motor-assisted bicycle with a drive unit for outputting a pedal force applied to a crankshaft and / or an auxiliary force from an electric motor, a pedal force sensor device for detecting the pedal force and a control unit for variably controlling the auxiliary force from the electric motor according to the pedal force detected by the pedal force sensor device.

[0010] US 2005 / 0087379A1 describes an electrically powered bicycle. The electrically powered bicycle includes a hub motor, which is mounted to the bicycle frame by its axle. A drive sprocket, mounted on the outer casing of the motor, engages via a chain with the sprocket on a multi-speed hub on the rear wheel, so that it drives the wheel when the motor rotates. A freewheel, also mounted on the outer casing of the motor, engages via a chain with the large sprocket on the crank arm, so that the motor does not rotate the sprocket when operating.

[0011] US 2011 / 0256971A1 describes a roller chain tensioning device comprising an elastic, arc-shaped structure to which first, second, and third guide rollers are mounted.

[0012] DE 690 16 320 T2 describes a chainring set for a bicycle.

[0013] It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved bicycle transmission device or an improved bicycle derailleur. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014] This task is solved by a bicycle transmission device or bicycle derailleur comprising a base element, a first transmission element or first derailleur element, a second transmission element or second derailleur element, and a first coupling element. The first transmission element is rotatable relative to the base element about a first axis of rotation and is also rotatable relative to the base element in an axial direction parallel to the first axis of rotation. The second transmission element is rotatable relative to the base element about a second axis of rotation and is stationary relative to the base element in the axial direction. The first coupling element is designed to couple the first transmission element to the second transmission element in order to transmit the rotation of the first transmission element to the second transmission element in a variable speed setting or a variable gear ratio. The variable speed setting or gear ratio is determined by the rotation of the first transmission element.The variable gear ratio is determined by at least one positional relationship between the first transmission element, the second transmission element, and the coupling element in the axial direction. The first transmission element comprises first gears arranged in the axial direction. Each of these first gears can be engaged with the first coupling element. The second transmission element comprises second gears arranged in the axial direction. Each of these second gears can be engaged with the first coupling element. The first and second transmission elements partially overlap when viewed from the axial direction.

[0015] Preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] A full appreciation of the invention and many of its associated advantages will become immediately apparent once it is better understood by reference to the following detailed description, by consideration in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: Fig. Figure 1 is a side elevation view of a bicycle, provided with a bicycle transmission device or bicycle derailleur according to a first embodiment; Fig. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the bicycle transmission device attached to a bicycle frame, illustrated in Fig. 1, is assembled; Fig. Figure 3 is a perspective view of the bicycle transmission device, which is attached to the bicycle frame, illustrated in Fig. 1, is assembled; Fig. Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the bicycle transmission device illustrated in Fig. 1; Fig. Figure 5 is a perspective view of the bicycle transmission device illustrated in Fig. 1 without a base member; Fig. Figure 6 is a perspective view of the bicycle transmission device illustrated in Fig. 1; Fig. Figure 7 is a perspective view of the bicycle transmission device illustrated in Fig. 1; Fig. Figure 8 is a top view of the bicycle transmission device illustrated in Fig. 1, without the base member, when viewed obliquely from behind; Fig. Figure 9 is a side elevation view of a first transmission element of the bicycle transmission device illustrated in Fig. 1; Fig. Figure 10 is a side elevation view of a second transmission element of the bicycle transmission device illustrated in Fig. 1; Fig. Figure 11 shows a cross-sectional view of the bicycle transmission device illustrated in Fig. 1; Fig. Figure 12 shows another top view of the bicycle transmission device illustrated in Fig. 1, without the base member, when viewed from an oblique rear view; Fig. Figure 13 shows a top-down view of a guide device of the bicycle transmission device, illustrated in Fig. 1; Fig. Figure 14 shows a cross-sectional view of a lubricant supply device of the bicycle transmission device, illustrated in Fig. 1; Fig. Figure 15 is a schematic diagram illustrating an arrangement of the first transmission element, the second transmission element and the guide device of the bicycle transmission device. Fig. 1; Fig. Figure 16 is a schematic diagram illustrating an arrangement of the first transmission element, the second transmission element and the guide device of the bicycle transmission device. Fig. 1; Fig. Figure 17 is a schematic diagram illustrating an arrangement of the transmission element, the second transmission element and the guide device of the bicycle transmission device. Fig. 1; Fig. 18 is a circuit diagram of the bicycle transmission device illustrated in Fig. 1; Fig. Figure 19 shows an example of transmission ratios achieved by the first transmission element and the second transmission element of the bicycle transmission device, illustrated in Fig. 1, are defined; Fig. Figure 20 shows an example of combinations of a speed stage or gear stage, a position of the first transmission element and a position of a guide element in the bicycle transmission device, illustrated in Fig. 1; Fig. Figure 21 is a flowchart or time diagram illustrating the operation of the bicycle shift control device. Fig. 1; Fig. Figure 22 is a graph illustrating the actuation speeds of a switching device and a guide device of the bicycle transmission device. Fig. 1 Fig. Figure 23 is a flowchart or time diagram illustrating the operation of the bicycle shift control device. Fig. 1 Fig. 24 is a side elevation view of a bicycle transmission device according to a second embodiment; Fig. Figure 25 shows a side elevation view of a bicycle provided with a bicycle transmission device according to a third embodiment; Fig. Figure 26 shows a cross-sectional view of the bicycle transmission device illustrated in Fig. 25; Fig. Figure 27 shows a side elevation view of a bicycle provided with a bicycle transmission device according to a fourth embodiment; Fig. 28 is a block diagram of the bicycle transmission device illustrated in Fig. 27; Fig. Figure 29 is a schematic diagram illustrating an arrangement of a first transmission element, a second transmission element, and a guide device of a bicycle transmission device according to a fifth embodiment; Fig. Figure 30 is a schematic diagram illustrating an arrangement of the first transmission element, the second transmission element, and the guide device of the bicycle transmission device. Fig. 29; and Fig. Figure 31 is a schematic diagram illustrating an arrangement of the first transmission element, the second transmission element, and the guide device of the bicycle transmission device. Fig. 30. DESCRIPTION OF THE EXECUTION FORMS

[0017] The embodiments are now described with reference to the attached drawings, where similar reference numerals denote corresponding or identical elements across the different drawings. FIRST VERSION

[0018] Firstly, referring to Fig. Figure 1 illustrates a bicycle 10 equipped with a bicycle transmission device 12 or a bicycle derailleur according to a first embodiment. While the bicycle 10 is illustrated as a mountain bike, the bicycle transmission device 12 can also be applied to road bicycles or any type of bicycle.

[0019] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the bicycle 10 comprises a handlebar B1, a saddle B2, a bicycle frame B3, a front brake actuator B41, a rear brake actuator B42, a front brake actuator B51, a rear brake actuator B52, a front wheel B61, a rear wheel B62, and a bicycle crank B7. The brake actuator B41 is operatively coupled to the front brake actuator B51 via an actuating cable. The rear brake actuator B42 is operatively coupled to the rear brake actuator B52 via an actuating cable. The bicycle crank B7 comprises crank arms B71 and B72, which are each coupled to the bicycle transmission device 12 to transmit pedal force to the bicycle transmission device 12.

[0020] In the present application, the following directional terms “front”, “back”, “forward”, “backward”, “left”, “right”, “across”, “upward”, and “downward”, as well as any other similar directional terms, refer to directions determined from the perspective of a user (e.g., a rider) seated on the saddle B2 of the bicycle 10 and facing the handlebars B1. Accordingly, these terms, as used to describe the bicycle transmission device 12, are to be interpreted relative to a bicycle 10 equipped with the bicycle transmission device 12, in use in an upright riding position on a horizontal surface.

[0021] The bicycle 10 includes a switch 14 by which the user (e.g., the rider) operates the bicycle transmission device 12 to change a speed level or speed state, or gear level or gear shift stage of the bicycle transmission device 12. The switch 14 is mounted on the handlebar B1 and is, for example, adjacent to the front brake actuation device B41. The switch 14 can be integrated into at least one of the front brake actuation device B41 and the rear brake actuation device B42, if required and / or desired.

[0022] The bicycle transmission device 12 and the switch 14 form a bicycle transmission system 16 or bicycle derailleur system. The switch 14 is operatively coupled to the bicycle transmission device 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the switch 14 is electrically connected to the bicycle transmission device 12 via an electrical control cable. While the bicycle transmission device 12 is electrically actuated in response to a switching action of the switch 14 in the illustrated embodiment, the switch 14 can be mechanically coupled to the bicycle transmission device 12 if required and / or desired. Furthermore, the bicycle transmission device 12 and the switch 14 can use wireless technology if required and / or desired.

[0023] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the bicycle transmission device 12 is mounted on the bicycle frame B3. The bicycle transmission device 12 is designed to transmit the pedal force to the rear wheel B62 at a variable speed level or speed state or gear ratio. The variable speed level or gear ratio comprises different speed levels or gear ratios. While the bicycle transmission device 12 has thirteen speed levels or gear ratios in the illustrated embodiment, the bicycle transmission device 12 can have at least two speed levels. Furthermore, the bicycle transmission device 12 can have a continuously variable speed level, if required and / or desired.

[0024] As in the Fig. 2 and Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the bicycle transmission device 12 comprises a base element 18. The base element 18 is mounted on the bicycle frame B3 and serves as a housing for the bicycle transmission device 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the base element 18 is designed to be attached to the bicycle frame B3 as a separate element. However, at least a part of the base element 18 can be integrally integrated with the bicycle frame B3 as a single unit element, if required and / or desired.

[0025] In the illustrated embodiment, the bicycle frame B3 comprises a first frame B31 and a second frame B32. The base member 18 is mounted to the first frame B31 as a separate member. The second frame B32 is pivotally coupled to the first frame B31 about a pivot axis PA1. The first frame B31 comprises first subframes B311 and B312, which are spaced apart from each other in a transverse direction D0 of the bicycle 10. The pivot axis PA1 is parallel to the transverse direction D0. The base member 18 is positioned between the first subframes B311 and B312.

[0026] The second frame B32 includes second subframes B321 and B322, which are spaced apart from each other in the transverse direction D0. The second subframe B321 is coupled to the second subframe B322 to form a single, integral link. The second subframe B321 is pivotally coupled to the first subframe B311 about the pivot axis PA1. The second subframe B322 is pivotally coupled to the first subframe B312 about the pivot axis PA1.

[0027] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the second frame B32 is coupled to a hub axle, a hub assembly of the rear wheel B62. The bicycle frame B3 further includes a suspension device B33, a first connector B34, and a second connector B35. The first connector B34 is pivotally coupled to the first frame B31. The second connector B35 is rotatably coupled to the rear wheel B62 and to one end of the first connector B34. The second connector B35 is rigidly coupled to the second subframes B321 and B322. The second connector B35 and the second subframes B321 and B322 can be integrally provided as a single unit. The suspension device B33 is pivotally coupled to the first frame B31 and to the other end of the first connector B34 to absorb impacts or shocks applied to the bicycle frame B3.

[0028] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the bicycle transmission device 12 comprises a first transmission element 20 (or first switching element), a second transmission element 22 (or second switching element), and a first coupling element 24. The base element 18 includes an interior space 26 in which the first transmission element 20 and the second transmission element 22 are provided. The first transmission element 20 is provided in the interior space 26 of the base element 18. The second transmission element 22 is provided in the interior space 26 of the base element 18.

[0029] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 4, the first transmission element 20 is rotatable relative to the base element 18 about a first axis of rotation A1. The second transmission element 22 is rotatable relative to the base element 18 about a second axis of rotation A2.

[0030] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 4, the first coupling element 24 is designed to couple the first transmission element 20 to the second transmission element 22 in order to transmit the rotation of the first transmission element 20 to the second transmission element 22 in a variable speed or gear stage. The first coupling element 24 has an annular shape to surround the first axis of rotation A1 and the second axis of rotation A2 when an axial direction D1 ( Fig. 5) viewed parallel to the first axis of rotation A1. In the illustrated embodiment, the first coupling element 24 comprises a bicycle chain configured to engage with the first transmission element 20 and the second transmission element 22. The first coupling element 24 has a chain pitch, for example, equal to or less than 12 mm. The chain pitch is preferably equal to or less than 10 mm. The chain pitch is further preferably equal to or less than 8.44 mm. The first coupling element 24 may include a coupling element such as a coupling belt. The first transmission element 20 and the second transmission element 22 overlap at least partially when viewed from the axial direction D1.

[0031] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 5, the second axis of rotation A2 is parallel to the first axis of rotation A1 in the illustrated embodiment. However, the second axis of rotation A2 can be non-parallel to the first axis of rotation A1 if required and / or desired. The first axis of rotation A1 and the second axis of rotation A2 are parallel to the transverse direction D0 of the bicycle 10.

[0032] As in the Fig. 5 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 6, the bicycle transmission device 12 further comprises an input shaft 28. The input shaft 28 is connected to the base member 18 ( Fig. 6) mounted to receive an input torque. The input shaft 28 is relative to the base member 18 ( Fig. 6) rotatable about an input axis of rotation A3 in response to the input torque. The bicycle transmission device 12 further comprises input bearing arrangements 29. The input shaft 28 is rotatably connected to the base member 18 ( Fig. 6) via the inbound storage arrangements 29 ( Fig. 5) assembled.

[0033] As in the Fig. 6 and Fig. As shown in Figure 7, the input shaft 28 is configured to be coupled to a crank arm of the bicycle crank B7 as a crankshaft of the bicycle crank B7. In the illustrated embodiment, the input shaft 28 is configured to be coupled to the crank arms B71 and B72 of the bicycle crank B7 as the crankshaft of the bicycle crank B7. The input shaft 28 includes a first axle end 28a and a second axle end 28b, opposite the first axle end 28a. The first axle end 28a is provided outside of the base member 18. The second axle end 28b is provided outside of the base member 18. Crank arm B71 is coupled to the first axle end 28a. Crank arm B72 is coupled to the second axle end 28b.

[0034] As in the Fig. 6 and Fig. As shown in Figure 7, the base member 18 comprises a base member body 18a and an input shaft support 18b. In the illustrated embodiment, the base member 18 comprises two input shaft supports 18b. As shown in Figure 7, the base member 18 comprises a base member body 18a and an input shaft support 18b. Fig. As can be seen in Figure 4, the first transmission element 20 and the second transmission element 22 are provided in the base element body 18a. As shown in the Fig. 6 and Fig. As shown in Figure 7, the input shaft support 18b includes a support opening 18c in which the input shaft 28 is rotatable relative to the base member 18 about the input axis of rotation A1. The input shaft support 18b extends from the base member body 18a along the input axis of rotation A3.

[0035] As in the Fig. 2 and Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the base element 18 is designed to be clamped by the bicycle frame B3. In the illustrated embodiment, the input shaft support 18b is designed to be clamped by the bicycle frame B3. The bicycle frame B3 includes a clamping element B313. The clamping element B313 is secured to the first frame B31 via clamping bolts (not shown) to clamp or compress the input shaft support 18b between the first frame B31 and the clamping element B313. Specifically, the bicycle frame B3 does not include a bottom bracket shell or bottom bracket housing that rotatably supports the input shaft 28, and the input shaft support 18b of the base element 18 serves as the bottom bracket shell or bottom bracket housing. The base link 18 is secured to the bicycle frame B3 via mooring lines (not shown) to prevent the base link 18 from rotating relative to the bicycle frame B3 around the input pivot axis A3.The base link 18 can only be in contact with the bicycle frame B3 without these moorings to prevent the base link 18 from rotating relative to the bicycle frame B3 about the input pivot axis A3.

[0036] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 5, the bicycle transmission device 12 further comprises an input coupling element 30. The input coupling element 30 is designed to couple the input shaft 28 to the first transmission element 20 in order to transmit rotation of the input shaft 28 to the first transmission element 20. The first transmission element 20 is designed to be coupled to the input shaft 28 via the input coupling element 30 in order to rotate with the input shaft 28 relative to the base element 18.

[0037] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the input coupling element 30 has an annular shape to surround the input axis of rotation A3 and the first axis of rotation A1 when viewed from the axial direction D1. The input coupling element 30 is provided in the interior 26 of the base element 18. In the illustrated embodiment, the input coupling element 30 comprises a bicycle chain configured to couple the input shaft 28 to the first transmission element 20. The input coupling element 30 has a chain pitch of, for example, 12 mm or less. The input coupling element 30 may include a coupling element such as a coupling belt.

[0038] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 5, the bicycle transmission device 12 further comprises an input gear 31 or input cam gear. The input gear 31 is designed to be coupled to the input shaft 28 in order to rotate together with the input shaft 28 relative to the base member 18 about the input axis of rotation A3.

[0039] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the bicycle transmission device 12 further comprises a one-way coupling 32. The one-way coupling 32 is configured to transmit a first rotation R1 of the input shaft 28 to the first transmission element 20 and is configured to prevent a second rotation R2 of the input shaft 28, which is transmitted from the input shaft 28 to the first transmission element 20. The second rotation R2 is opposite to the first rotation R1 about the input axis of rotation A3.

[0040] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 8, the one-way coupling 32 is designed to couple the input gear 31 to the input shaft 28 and is provided between the input shaft 28 and the input gear 31. As shown in Figure 8, the one-way coupling 32 is designed to couple the input gear 31 to the input shaft 28 and is provided between the input shaft 28 and the input gear 31. Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the one-way coupling 32 is designed to transmit the first rotation R1 of the input shaft 28 to the input gear 31 and is designed to prevent the second rotation R2 of the input shaft 28, which is transmitted from the input shaft 28 to the input gear 31. The one-way coupling 32 can be omitted from the bicycle transmission device 12 if required and / or desired.

[0041] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the bicycle transmission device 12 further comprises a first shaft 33 and an intermediate gear 34. The first shaft 33 defines the first axis of rotation A1. The first transmission element 20 is rotatable relative to the first shaft 33 about the first axis of rotation A1. The intermediate gear 34 is rotatable relative to the first shaft 33 about the first axis of rotation A1. The intermediate gear 34 is coupled to the first transmission element 20 so that it rotates together with the first transmission element 20 relative to the base element 18 about the first axis of rotation A1. The bicycle transmission device 12 further comprises first bearing arrangements 35. The first shaft 33 is rotatably mounted to the base element 18 about the first axis of rotation A1 via the first bearing arrangements 35.

[0042] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 5, the intermediate gear 34 is coupled to the input gear 31 via the input coupling element 30. The input coupling element 30 is designed to couple the input gear 31 to the intermediate gear 34 in order to transmit the rotation of the input shaft 28 to the first transmission element 20. The input gear 31 includes a sprocket containing teeth. The intermediate gear 34 includes a sprocket containing teeth. The input shaft 28 is designed to be coupled to the first transmission element 20 via the input gear 31, the input coupling element 30, and the intermediate gear 34 in order to rotate with the input shaft 28 relative to the base element 18.

[0043] For example, a value obtained by dividing the rotational speed of the first transmission element 20 by the rotational speed of the input shaft 28 is equal to 2 or 4. In particular, if the one-way coupling 32 is omitted from the bicycle transmission device 12, the value is preferably equal to 2 or 4. In the illustrated embodiment, the value obtained by dividing the rotational speed of the first transmission element 20 by the rotational speed of the input shaft 28 is equal to 2. However, the value obtained by dividing the rotational speed of the first transmission element 20 by the rotational speed of the input shaft 28 can be equal to 4 or another value. If the one-way coupling 32 is omitted from the bicycle transmission device 12, the value is selected to be 2 or 4, and a phase or...A state between the crank arm B71 and the first gears CW11 to CW17 is set such that when the crank arm B71 is in the top or bottom dead center range, the first shift support part 46 of the first gears CW11 to CW17 is in a shifting range of the guide member 78. Consequently, the transmission device 12 shifts the first coupling member 24 when the torque of the first gears CW11 to CW17 is at its lowest.

[0044] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the bicycle transmission device 12 further comprises an output shaft 36. The output shaft 36 is rotatable relative to the base member 18 about the second axis of rotation A1. The second transmission member 22 is coupled to the output shaft 36 in order to rotate together with the output shaft 36 relative to the base member 18 about the second axis of rotation A1. The bicycle transmission device 12 further comprises output bearing assemblies 37. The output shaft 36 is rotatably mounted to the base member 18 via the output bearing assemblies 37.

[0045] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the bicycle transmission device 12 further comprises an output gear 36, also known as an output sprocket. The output gear 36 is designed to be coupled to the output shaft 36, so that it can rotate together with the output shaft 36 relative to the base element 18 about the second axis of rotation A2. Specifically, the second transmission element 22, the output shaft 36, and the output gear 38 are integrally rotatable together relative to the base element 18 about the second axis of rotation A2. The output gear 38 includes a sprocket containing teeth. The pedal force is transmitted from the input shaft 28 to the output gear 38 via the input gear 31, the input coupling element 30, the intermediate gear 34, the first transmission element 20, the first coupling element 24, the second transmission element 22, and the output shaft 36.

[0046] In the illustrated embodiment, the input gear 31 is provided on a first side S1 relative to the first transmission element 20 in the axial direction D1. The intermediate gear 34 is provided on the first side S1 relative to the first transmission element 20 in the axial direction D1. The output gear 38 is provided on the first side S1 relative to the first transmission element 20 in the first axial direction D1.

[0047] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 6, the output gear 38 is positioned outside the base member 18. As shown in the Fig. 1 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 6, an output coupling element 40, such as a bicycle chain with the output gear 38 and a rear sprocket B9, is located / reaches ( Fig. 1) of bicycle 10 in engagement. As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 1, the rear sprocket B9 is coupled to the rear wheel B62 via a freewheel (not shown) so that it can rotate integrally with the rear wheel or rear wheel B62 in one direction of rotation. The rotation of the output gear 38 is transmitted to the rear wheel B62 via the output coupling element 40 and the rear sprocket B9.

[0048] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 5, the first axis of rotation A1 is different from the input axis of rotation A3. The second axis of rotation A1 is different from both the input axis of rotation A3 and the first axis of rotation A1. The input axis of rotation A3 and the second axis of rotation A2 are spaced apart from each other. The first axis of rotation A1 and the second axis of rotation A2 are parallel to the input axis of rotation A3. However, the first axis of rotation A1 can coincide with the input axis of rotation A3 if required and / or desired. In such an embodiment, the input shaft 28 is coaxial with the first transmission element 20 and is coupled to the first transmission element 20 in order to rotate together with the first transmission element 20 relative to the base element 18 about the first axis of rotation A1.

[0049] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the first angle AG11 about the first axis of rotation A1 is defined between a first line segment L1, which connects the input axis of rotation A3 and the first axis of rotation A1, and a second line segment L2, which connects the first axis of rotation A1 and the second axis of rotation A2, when viewed from the axial direction D1. A second angle AG12 about the first axis of rotation A1 is defined between the first line segment L1 and the second line segment L2, when viewed from the axial direction D1. The second angle AG12 is defined on the opposite side of the first angle AG11 relative to the first axis of rotation A1, when viewed from the axial direction D1. The first angle AG11 is smaller than the second angle AG12 and is an obtuse angle. The first angle AG11 is less than 180° and greater than 90°. However, the first angle AG11 can also be an acute angle if needed and / or desired.

[0050] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 8, the first transmission element 20 is movable relative to the base element 18 in the axial direction D1 parallel to the first axis of rotation A1. The second transmission element 22 is stationary relative to the base element 18 in the axial direction D1. In the illustrated embodiment, the first transmission element 20 is movable relative to the base element 18 and the second transmission element 22 between a first axial position P1 and a second axial position P2 in the axial direction D1.

[0051] The variable speed level or variable gear level of the bicycle transmission device 12 is variable according to at least one positional relationship between the first transmission element 20, the second transmission element 22, and the first coupling element 24 in the axial direction D1. The axial direction D1 includes a first axial direction D11 and a second axial direction D12, opposite to the first axial direction D11.

[0052] The first transmission element 20 comprises the first gears or spur gears CW11 to CW17, which are arranged in the axial direction D1. Each of the first gears CW11 to CW17 can be engaged with the first coupling element 24. The second transmission element 22 comprises second gears CW21 to CW27, which are arranged in the axial direction D1. Each of the second gears CW21 to CW27 can be engaged with the first coupling element 24. The first gears CW11 to CW17, together with the second gears CW21 to CW27, define the speed levels or gear ratios. The second gears or spur gears CW21 to CW27, together with the first gears CW11 to CW17, define the speed levels or gear ratios.

[0053] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the total number of first gears CW11 to CW17 is equal to the total number of second gears CW21 to CW27. In the illustrated embodiment, the first transmission element 20 includes seven first gears CW11 to CW17, which are arranged in the axial direction D1. The second transmission element 22 includes seven second gears CW21 to CW27, which are arranged in the axial direction D1. The total number of first gears can differ from the total number of second gears, if required and / or desired.

[0054] In the illustrated embodiment, the first gears CW11 to CW17 are spaced apart from each other in the axial direction D1 at a uniform distance or regular interval. The second gears CW21 to CW27 are spaced apart from each other in the axial direction D1 at a uniform distance or regular interval equal to the uniform distance or regular interval of the first gears CW11 to CW17.

[0055] The first gear CW11 is arranged at an axial position essentially equal to the axial position of the second gear CW27 in a first state in which the first transmission element 20 is / will be positioned in the first axial position P1. The first gear CW12 is arranged at an axial position essentially equal to the axial position of the second gear CW27 in a second state in which the first transmission element 20 is / will be positioned in the second axial position P2. The first gears CW11 to CW17 are each arranged at axial positions equal to the axial positions of the second gears CW27 to CW21 in the first state of the first transmission element 20. The first gears CW12 to CW17 are each arranged at axial positions equal to the axial positions of the second gears CW27 to CW22 in the second state of the first transmission element 20.

[0056] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 9, the first gears CW11 to CW17 have different outer diameters and include a first largest gear CW17 and a first smallest gear CW11. The first smallest gear CW11 has an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the first largest gear CW17. The first largest gear CW17 has the largest outer diameter among the first gears CW11 to CW17. The first smallest gear CW11 has the smallest outer diameter among the first gears CW11 to CW17. As shown in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 8, the first smallest gear CW11 is spaced apart from the first largest gear CW17 in the first axial direction D11.

[0057] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 10, the second gears CW21 to CW27 have different outer diameters and include a second largest gear CW27 and a second smallest gear CW21. The second smallest gear CW21 has an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the second largest gear CW27. The second largest gear CW27 has the largest outer diameter among the second gears CW21 to CW27. The second smallest gear CW21 has the smallest outer diameter among the second gears CW21 to CW27. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the second smallest gear CW21 is spaced from the second largest gear CW27 in the second axial direction D12. In this embodiment, the total number of first gears CW11 to CW17 is equal to the total number of second gears CW21 to CW27. However, the total number of first gears CW11 to CW17 can differ from the total number of second gears CW21 to CW27.

[0058] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 9, each of the first gears CW11 to CW17 includes first teeth 62, which are arranged in a circumferential direction D2 of the first transmission element 20. The first gears CW11 to CW17 each have first pitch circles, which are defined by the first teeth 42. The first transmission element 20 rotates about the first axis of rotation A1 in a drive direction D21 during pedaling or cycling.

[0059] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 10, each of the second gears CW21 to CW27 includes second teeth 44, which are arranged in a circumferential direction D3 of the second transmission element 22. The second gears CW21 to CW27 each have second pitch circles, which are defined by the second teeth 44. The second transmission element 22 rotates about the second axis of rotation A2 in a drive direction D31 during pedaling or cycling.

[0060] As in the Fig. 9 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 10, the first diameters DM11 to DM17 of the first pitch circles are identical to the second diameters DM21 to DM27 of the second pitch circles. The second gears CW21 to CW27 essentially have the same design as the first gears CW11 to CW17. However, the second gears CW21 to CW27 can have different designs from the first gears CW11 to CW17 if required and / or desired.

[0061] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 9, the first transmission element 20 includes a first switching support part, which is configured to assist switching of the first coupling element 24 relative to the first transmission element 20 in the axial direction D1. In the illustrated embodiment, at least one of the first gears CW11 to CW17 of the first transmission element 20 includes a first switching support part 46, which is configured to assist switching of the first coupling element 24 relative to the first transmission element 20 in the axial direction D1. Each of the first gears CW12 to CW17 includes the first shift support parts 46. The first shift support parts 46 are recessed in the axial direction D1 to guide the first coupling element 24 from a currently engaged gear to an adjacent larger gear of the first gears CW11 to CW17 when a speed stage or gear stage is changed.

[0062] The first switching support part 46 is arranged in a first switching area 48 of the first transmission element 20 when the bicycle crank B7 is at or adjacent to a dead center DC1 ( Fig. 4) is arranged. As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 4, in a state where the bicycle crank B7 is positioned at the dead center DC1, the crank arms B71 and B72 extend in a vertical direction D4.

[0063] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 10, the second transmission element 22 includes a second switching support part, which is configured to assist the switching of the first coupling element 24 relative to the second transmission element 22 in the axial direction D1. In the illustrated embodiment, at least one of the second gears CW21 to CW27 of the second transmission element 22 includes a second switching support part 50, which is configured to assist the switching of the first coupling element 24 relative to the second transmission element 22 in the axial direction D1. Each of the second gears CW22 to CW27 includes the second shift support parts 50. The second shift support parts 50 are recessed in the axial direction D1 to guide the first coupling element 24 from a currently engaged gear to an adjacent larger gear of the second gears CW22 to CW27 when a speed stage or gear stage is changed.

[0064] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 11, the bicycle transmission device 12 further comprises a bearing structure 52. The bearing structure 52 is designed to rotatably couple the first transmission element 20 to the first shaft 33 about the first axis of rotation A1. The first transmission element 20 has a first opening 54. The first shaft 33 extends through the first opening 54. The bearing structure 52 is provided in the first opening 54.

[0065] The first shaft 33 is rotatable relative to the base member 18. The movement of the first shaft 33 relative to the base member 18 is restricted in the axial direction D1. The bearing structure 52 is designed to movably couple the first transmission member 20 to the first shaft 33 in the axial direction D1. Specifically, the first transmission member 20 is rotatable relative to the base member 18 and the first shaft 33, and is movable relative to both the base member 18 and the first shaft 33 in the axial direction D1. In contrast to the first transmission member 20, the intermediate gear 34 is stationary relative to the base member 18 in the axial direction D1.

[0066] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 11, the bicycle transmission device 12 further comprises a positioning device 56, which is configured to position the first transmission element 20 relative to the base element 18 in the axial direction D1 at each of the axial positions. The positioning device 56 is configured to position the first transmission element 20 relative to the base element 18 in the axial direction D1 at each of the first axial position P1 and the second axial position P2. The first transmission element 20 is movable relative to the base element 18 in the first axial direction D11 from the first axial position P1 to the second axial position P2. The first transmission element 20 is movable relative to the base element 18 in the second axial direction D12 from the second axial position P2 to the first axial position P1.

[0067] In the illustrated embodiment, the positioning device 56 comprises a holder 58, roller elements 60, and a cage 62. The holder 58 is rotatable about the first axis of rotation A1 relative to the first transmission element 20 and the first shaft 33. The holder 58 is integrally movable with the first transmission element 20 relative to the base element 18 and the first shaft 33 in the axial direction D1. The holder 58 has a tubular shape. The roller elements 60 and the cage 62 are provided in the holder 58. The cage 62 is designed to rotatably hold the roller elements 60 and is attached to the holder 58 to move integrally with the holder 58 in the axial direction D1.

[0068] The first shaft 33 includes a guide groove 64, which is designed to guide the roller elements 60 in the axial direction D1. The guide groove 64 is provided on an outer peripheral surface of the first shaft 33 in a helical manner. The roller elements 60 are provided in the guide groove 64 and arranged around the first shaft 33 along the guide groove 64. The holder 58, the roller elements 60, the cage 62, and the guide groove 64 form a ball screw drive, or ball screw, which is designed to convert the rotation of the first shaft 33 into a linear motion of the first transmission element 20. The rotation of the first shaft 33 relative to the base element 18 moves the holder 58, the roller elements 60, and the cage 62 relative to the first shaft 33 and the base element 18 in the axial direction D1. This moves the first transfer element 20 relative to the base element 18 in the axial direction D1.

[0069] The bicycle transmission device 12 further comprises a switching device 66, which is designed to switch a position of the first transmission element 20 relative to the base element 18 in the axial direction D1 between the first axial position P1 and the second axial position P2.

[0070] In the illustrated embodiment, the switching device 66 includes a switching actuator 68, a driven gear 70, a reduction structure 72, and a reverse input prevention element 74. The switching actuator 68, the driven gear 70, the reduction structure 72, and the reverse input prevention element 74 are provided in and mounted to the base member 18. The reduction structure 72 includes several gears to decelerate or slow down an input rotation from the actuator 68 and to output a decelerated rotation of the driven gear 70. The switching actuator 68 is configured to generate an actuating force to move the first transmission element 20 relative to the base member 18 in the axial direction D1.While the switching actuator 68 is a stepper motor in the illustrated embodiment, the switching actuator 68 can be a direct current (DC) motor or any other type of actuator, if required and / or desired. The driven gear 70 is coupled to the first shaft 33 to rotate integrally with the first shaft 33 about the first axis of rotation A1. An output gear of the reduction structure 72 meshes with the driven gear 70 to transmit rotation to the driven gear 70 relative to the base member 18 about the first axis of rotation A1 at a specific gear ratio. The reduction structure 72 is, for example, a reduction gearbox.

[0071] The reverse input prevention element 74 is designed to transmit the actuating force from the switching actuator 68 to the reduction structure 72. More specifically, the reverse input prevention element 74 is designed to transmit rotation from the switching actuator 68 to the reduction structure 72 in both directions of rotation. Furthermore, the reverse input prevention element 74 is designed to prevent the rotation of the reduction structure 72, which is transmitted from the reduction structure 72 to the switching actuator 68. The reverse input prevention element 74 can be omitted from the switching device 66 if required and / or desired.

[0072] Other structures can be applied to the switching device 66. For example, it is possible to directly move the first transmission element 20 relative to the base element 18 using structures such as gears or cams, if required and / or desired.

[0073] As in the Fig. 12 and Fig. As shown in Figure 13, the bicycle transmission device 12 further comprises a guide device 76. The guide device 76 is configured to guide the first coupling element 24 in order to change at least one of the first relative positions between the first coupling element 24 and the first transmission element 20, and a second relative position between the first coupling element 24 and the second transmission element 22. In this embodiment, the guide device 76 is configured to guide the first coupling element 24 in order to change the first relative position between the first coupling element 24 and the first transmission element 20. The guide device 76 avoids or prevents an interaction between the guide device 76 and the first coupling element 24 when the second relative position changes.However, the guide device 76 can be configured to guide the first coupling element 24 in order to change the second relative position between the first coupling element 24 and the second transmission element 22 instead of or in addition to changing the first relative position.

[0074] The guide device 76 comprises a guide member 78 and a guide unit 80. The guide member 78 is in contact with the first coupling member 24. The guide unit 80 is configured to guide the guide member 78 in a first guide direction D5 in order to change at least one of the first and second relative positions. The guide unit 80 is provided in and mounted on the base member 18. In the illustrated embodiment, the first guide direction D5 is not parallel to the axial direction D1. However, the first guide direction D5 can be parallel to the axial direction D1 if required and / or desired.

[0075] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 13, the guide element 78 includes a guide opening 81 through which the first coupling element 24 extends. The guide element 78 is slidable with the first coupling element 24 in order to move (switch) the first coupling element 24 in the first guide direction D5. The guide element 78 is positioned in a pull zone defined between the first transmission element 20 and the second transmission element 22. In this pull zone, the first coupling element 24 is pulled through the first transmission element 20 to transmit the pedal force from the first transmission element 20 to the second transmission element 22.

[0076] As in the Fig. 12 and Fig. As shown in Figure 13, the guide unit 80 includes a guide shaft 82 and a coupling structure 84. The guide shaft 82 is rotatable relative to the base member 18 about a guide axis of rotation A4 parallel to the first guide direction D5. The guide shaft 82 is rotatably mounted to the base member 18 via bearing units (not shown). The coupling structure 84 is designed to rotatably couple the guide shaft 82 to the guide member 78. The guide shaft 82 and the coupling structure 84 constitute a ball screw and ball screw, respectively, which is designed to convert the rotation of the guide shaft 82 into a linear movement of the guide member 78.

[0077] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 13, the guide unit 80 further includes a lower shaft 85 that extends along the guide shaft 82 in the first guide direction D5. The lower shaft 85 extends through a hole (not shown) in the coupling structure 84 to prevent the coupling structure 84 from rotating relative to the base member 18 about the guide axis of rotation A4.

[0078] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 13, the guide device 76 includes a guide actuator 86, which is configured to move the guide member 78 in the guide direction D5. The guide actuator 86 is configured to generate an actuating force to rotate the guide shaft 82 relative to the base member 18 about the guide axis of rotation A4. The guide device 76 includes an intermediate gear 88, which is configured to transmit the rotation of the guide actuator 86 to the guide shaft 82 in a specific gear ratio. The intermediate gear 88 is, for example, a reduction gear.

[0079] While the guide device 76 includes the guide actuator 86, which is designed to move the guide member 78 in response to the input switching signal in the illustrated, the guide member 78 can be actuated via a mechanical control cable, such as a Bowden cable.

[0080] As in the Fig. 4 and Fig. As shown in Figure 13, the guide device 76 includes a tensioner 90, which is contactable with the first coupling element 24. In the illustrated embodiment, the tensioner 90 comprises a tensioning belt designed to engage with the first coupling element 24. The guide unit 80 is designed to guide the tensioner 90 in a second guide direction D6 in order to adjust the tension of the first coupling element 24. The second guide direction D6 differs from the first guide direction D5 and the axial direction D1. The guide element 78 and the tensioner 90 are arranged in the second guide direction D6. The second guide direction D6 is preferably perpendicular to the first guide direction D5 and the axial direction D1.

[0081] The guide device 76 comprises a first guide rod 91, a second guide rod 92, and a preloading element 93. The first guide rod 91 and the guide rod 92 extend in the second guide direction D6 to guide the tensioner 90 in the second guide direction D6. The preloading element 93 is configured to preload the tensioner 90 along the first guide rod 91 and the second guide rod 92 in the second guide direction D6. The preloading element 93 is configured to pull the tensioner 90 toward the guide member 78 in the second guide direction D6. While the preloading element 93 is a tension spring in the illustrated embodiment, the preloading element 93 can be other types of members other than a tension spring. The tensioner 90 is, for example, a pulley, idler pulley, or disc.

[0082] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 13, the tensioner 90 moves integrally with the guide member 78 relative to the base member 18 ( Fig. 4) in the first guidance direction D5. The clamping device 90 is designed to guide the first coupling element 24 together with the guide element 78. The clamping device 90 is provided in a release area, which is defined between the first transmission element 20 and the second transmission element 22. In the release area, the first coupling element 24 is released from the first transmission element 20 to the second transmission element 22.

[0083] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 4, the base element 18 is designed to store lubricant in the interior 26. The base element 18 includes a supply port 94 through which the interior 26 is supplied with lubricant. Furthermore, the bicycle transmission device 12 includes a lubricant supply device 95, which is designed to provide lubricant to the first coupling element 24. The lubricant supply device 95 is attached to the guide element 78 in order to move integrally with the guide element 78.

[0084] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 14, the lubricant supply device 95 includes a lubricant sleeve or housing 96 and a brush 98. The lubricant sleeve 96 is designed to store the lubricant. The brush 98 is mounted on the lubricant sleeve 96 to come into contact with the lubricant stored within it. The brush 98 is positioned to contact the first coupling element 24. The lubricant is applied to the first coupling element 24 via the brush 98.

[0085] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 4, the bicycle transmission device 12 includes an additional lubrication supply device 100, which is configured to supply the input coupling element 30 with lubricant. The additional lubrication supply device 100 is attached to the base element 18. Since the additional lubrication supply device 100 has the same construction as the construction of the lubrication supply device 95 illustrated in Figure 4, the bicycle transmission device 12 includes an additional lubrication supply device 100, which is configured to supply lubricant to the input coupling element 30. The additional lubrication supply device 100 is attached to the base element 18. Since the additional lubrication supply device 100 has the same construction as the lubrication supply device 95 illustrated in Figure 4, the additional lubrication supply device 100 is also included. Fig. 14, for the sake of brevity, these will not be described and / or illustrated in detail hereafter.

[0086] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 15, the guide device 76 is designed to move and position the guide member 78 between the first to seventh guide positions P11 to P17 in the first guide direction D5. The first to seventh guide positions P11 to P17 each correspond to the second gears CW27 to CW21.

[0087] The first largest gear, CW17, is located at one end of the first gears, CW11 to CW17, in the first axial direction, D11. The second largest gear is located at one end of the second gears in the second axial direction, D12. The first smallest gear, CW11, is located at one end of the first gears, CW11 to CW17, in the second axial direction, D12. The second smallest gear, CW21, is located at one end of the second gears, CW21 to CW27, in the first axial direction, D11. The first axial direction, D11, is the direction in which the first largest gear, CW17, moves towards the second largest gear, CW27. The second axial direction, D12, is the direction in which the first largest gear, CW17, moves away from the second largest gear, CW27.

[0088] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 15, the first transmission element 20 is movable relative to the base element 18 in the axial direction D1 between the first axial position P1 and the second axial position P2. The first gears CW11 to CW17 are each aligned with the second gears CW21 to CW27 at the first axial position P1. As shown in Figure 15, the first transmission element 20 is movable relative to the base element 18 in the axial direction D1 between the first axial position P1 and the second axial position P2 P2. The first gears CW11 to CW17 are each aligned with the second gears CW21 to CW27 at the first axial position P1. Fig. As can be seen in Figure 16, the first gears CW11 to CW17, except for the first smallest gear CW11, are aligned with the second gears CW21 to CW27, except for the second smallest gear CW21, at the second axial position P2.

[0089] As in the Fig. 15 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 16, the first transfer element 20 is movable in the axial direction D11 relative to the base element 18 and the first coupling element 24 without changing the axial relative position between the first coupling element 24 and the second transfer element 22 during up- or down-switching. Alternatively, the first transfer element 20 is movable in the first axial direction D11 relative to the base element 18 and the first coupling element 24 such that the axial relative position between the first coupling element 24 and the first transfer element 20 is changed during up- or down-switching.

[0090] In the illustrated embodiment, the first transmission element 20 is movable in the axial direction D11 relative to the base element 18 and the first coupling element 24, without an axial relative position between the first coupling element 24 and the second transmission element 22 during the up-switching ( Fig. 5 to Fig. 16) to change. The first transfer element 20 is movable relative to the base element 18 and the first coupling element 24 in the first axial direction D11, such that an axial relative position between the first coupling element 24 and the first transfer element 20 during downshifting ( Fig. 15 to Fig. 16) is changed.

[0091] As in the Fig. 16 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 17, the first transfer element 20, together with the first coupling element 24, is movable relative to the base element 18 in the second axial direction D12, such that the axial relative position between the first coupling element 24 and the second transfer element 22 is changed during up- or down-switching. Alternatively, the first transfer element 20, together with the first coupling element 24, is movable relative to the base element 18 in the second axial direction D12 without changing the axial relative position between the first coupling element 24 and the first transfer element 20 during up- or down-switching.

[0092] In the illustrated embodiment, the first transmission element 20 together with the first coupling element 24 is movable relative to the base element 18 in the second axial direction D12, such that the axial relative position between the first coupling element 24 and the second transmission element 22 during the up-switching (from Fig. 16 to Fig. 17) is changed. The first transfer element 20, together with the first coupling element 24, is movable relative to the base element 18 in the second axial direction D12, without the axial relative position between the first coupling element 24 and the first transfer element 20 changing during the up-switching (from Fig. 16 to Fig. 17) is changed.

[0093] Furthermore, as in the Fig. 16 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 17, the first transfer element 20, together with the first coupling element 24, is movable relative to the base element 18 in the first axial direction D11, such that the axial relative position between the first coupling element 24 and the second transfer element 22 is changed during further up- or down-switching. Alternatively, the first transfer element 20, together with the first coupling element 24, is movable relative to the base element 18 in the axial direction D11 without the axial relative position between the first coupling element 24 and the first transfer element 20 being changed during further up- or down-switching.

[0094] In this embodiment, the first transmission element 20 together with the first coupling element 24 is movable relative to the base element 18 in the first axial direction D11, such that the axial relative position between the first coupling element 24 and the second transmission element 22 during downshifting (from Fig. 17 to Fig. 16) is changed. The first transfer element 20, together with the first coupling element 24, is movable relative to the base element 18 in the first axial direction D11, without the axial relative position between the first coupling element 24 and the first transfer element 20 changing during downshifting (from Fig. 17 to Fig. 16) is changed.

[0095] Furthermore, as in the Fig. 15 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 16, the first transfer element 20 is movable relative to the base element 18 and the first coupling element 24 in the second axial direction D12 without changing the axial relative position between the first coupling element 24 and the second transfer element 22 during further up- or down-switching. The first transfer element 20 is movable relative to the base element 18 and the first coupling element 24 in the second axial direction D12 such that the axial relative position between the first coupling element 24 and the first transfer element 20 is not changed during further up- or down-switching.

[0096] In this embodiment, the first transmission element 20 is movable relative to the base element 18 and the first coupling element 24 in the second axial direction D12, without changing the axial relative position between the first coupling element 24 and the second transmission element 22 during downshifting (from Fig. 16 to Fig. 15) to change. The first transfer element 20 is movable relative to the base element 18 and the first coupling element 24 in the second axial direction D12, such that the axial relative position between the first coupling element 24 and the first transfer element 20 during downshifting (from Fig. 16 to Fig. 15) is changed.

[0097] As in the Fig. 15 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 16, the first transmission element 20 is movable relative to the base element 18, the first coupling element 24, and the guide element 78 in the first axial direction D11, such that the axial relative position between the first coupling element 24 and the first transmission element 20 is changed during upshifting or downshifting. In this embodiment, the first transmission element 20 is movable relative to the base element 18, the first coupling element 24, and the guide element 78 in the first axial direction D11, such that the axial relative position between the first coupling element 24 and the first transmission element 20 is changed during upshifting (from Fig. 15 to Fig. 16) is changed. The guide member 78 is positioned at the first guide position P11 to maintain an axial position of the first coupling member 24 relative to the second transmission member 22 in the axial direction. The guide member 78 touches the first coupling member 24 when the first transmission member 20 moves relative to the base member 18, the first coupling member 24 and the guide member 78 in the first axial direction D11.

[0098] As in the Fig. 16 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 17, the first transmission element 20, together with the first coupling element 24 and the guide element 78, is movable relative to the base element 18 in the second axial direction D12, such that the axial relative position between the first coupling element 24 and the second transmission element 22 is changed during upshifting or downshifting. In this embodiment, the first transmission element 20, together with the first coupling element 24 and the guide element 78, is movable relative to the base element 18 in the second axial direction D12, such that the axial relative position between the first coupling element 24 and the second transmission element 22 is changed during upshifting (from Fig. 16 to Fig. 17) is changed. At this time, the first coupling element 24 moves relative to the first transmission element 20 under contact with the guide element 78, when the first transmission element 20 moves relative to the base element 18 in the second axial direction D12.

[0099] As in the Fig. 16 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 17, the first transmission element 20, together with the first coupling element 24 and the guide element 78, is movable relative to the base element 18 in the first axial direction D11, such that the axial relative position between the first coupling element 24 and the second transmission element 22 is changed during further upshifting or downshifting. In this embodiment, the first transmission element 20, together with the first coupling element 24 and the guide element 78, is movable relative to the base element 18 in the first axial direction D11, such that the axial relative position between the first coupling element 24 and the second transmission element 22 is changed during downshifting (from Fig. 17 to Fig. 16) is changed. At this time, the first coupling element 24 moves relative to the first transmission element 20 under contact with the guide element 78, when the first transmission element 20 moves relative to the base element 18 in the second axial direction D12.

[0100] As in the Fig. 15 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 16, the first transmission element 20 is movable relative to the base element 18, the first coupling element 24, and the guide element 78 in the second axial direction D12, such that the axial relative position between the first coupling element 24 and the first transmission element 20 is changed during further upshifting and downshifting. In this embodiment, the first transmission element 20 is movable relative to the base element 18, the first coupling element 24, and the guide element 78 in the second axial direction D12, such that the axial relative position between the first coupling element 24 and the first transmission element 20 is changed during downshifting (from Fig. 16 to Fig. 15) The guide member 78 is positioned at the first guide position P11 to maintain the axial position of the first coupling member 24 relative to the second transmission member 22 in the axial direction. The guide member 78 touches the first coupling member 24 when the first transmission member 20 moves relative to the base member 18, the first coupling member 24, and the guide member 78 in the second axial direction D12.

[0101] The foregoing operation of the first transmission element 20, the coupling element 24, and the guide element 78 is applied to a case in which the guide element 78 is / will be positioned at each of the third to seventh guide positions P13 to P17. For example, the guide element 78 can be positioned at the third guide position P13 in Fig. 17 be positioned, in a case where the leader 78 is at the second leader position P12 in the Fig. 15 and Fig. Positioned at 16.

[0102] In this embodiment, the guide member 78 contacts the first coupling member 24 when the first transmission member 20 moves relative to the base member 18, the first coupling member 24, and the guide member 78 in the first axial direction D1. The guide member 78 contacts the first coupling member 24 when the first transmission member 20 moves relative to the base member 18, the first coupling member 24, and the guide member 78 in the second axial direction D12. The first coupling member 24 moves relative to the first transmission member 20 while in contact with the guide member 78 when the first transmission member 20 moves relative to the base member 18 in the first axial direction D11. The first coupling element 24 moves relative to the transmission element 20 while in contact with the guide element 78 when the first transmission element 20 moves relative to the base element 18 in the second axial direction D12.

[0103] However, the guide element 78 can be configured to move together with the first transmission element 20 without touching the first coupling element 24 when the first transmission element 20 moves relative to the base element 18, the first coupling element 24, and the guide element 78 in the first axial direction D11. The guide element 78 can also be configured to move together with the transmission element 20 without touching the first coupling element 24 when the first transmission element 20 moves relative to the base element 18, the first coupling element 24, and the guide element 78 in the second axial direction D12. Furthermore, the first coupling element 24 can be configured to move relative to the first transmission element 20 without touching the guide element 78 when the first transmission element 20 moves relative to the base element 18 in the first axial direction D11.The first coupling element 24 can be configured to move relative to the first transmission element 20 without touching the guide element 78, provided the first transmission element 20 moves relative to the base element 18 in the second axial direction D12. The guide element 78 can be omitted from the guide device 76 in a case where the guide element 78 does not touch the first coupling element 24.

[0104] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 15, a minimum distance MD1 is defined between the first axis of rotation A1 and the second axis of rotation A2. The first transmission element 20 is movable relative to the base element 18 in the axial direction D1 over a distance MD2. The distance MD2 is defined between the first axial position P1 and the second axial position P2. A value obtained by dividing the minimum distance MD1 by the distance MD2 is in the range of 10 to 40. Preferably, the range obtained by dividing the minimum distance MD1 by the distance MD2 is in the range of 18.3 to 25.4.

[0105] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 18, the bicycle transmission device 12 further comprises a transmission controller 102. The transmission controller 102 is configured to control the switching device 66 and the guide device 76. More specifically, the transmission controller 102 is configured to control the switching actuator 68 and the guide actuator 86. In the illustrated embodiment, the transmission controller 102 is a microcomputer and includes a processor 104 and a memory 106. The processor 104 includes a central processing unit (CPU). The memory 106 includes read-only memory (ROM) and random-access memory (RAM). For example, a program stored in the memory 106 is read into the processor 104, thereby performing various functions of the transmission controller 102.The transmission controller 102, the switching device 66 and the guide device 76 are powered by a battery (e.g. a rechargeable battery) which is / will be mounted on the bicycle frame B3 or the base link 18.

[0106] While the functions of the transmission controller 102 are performed by software, the functions of the transmission controller 102 can be performed by hardware or by a combination of software and hardware, if required and / or desired.

[0107] The transmission controller 102 is designed to implement a transmission route RT1 ( Fig. 19) or to store a switching path or switching route in memory 106. Fig. Figure 19 shows a total number of first teeth (42) in each of the first gears CW11 to CW17, a total number of second teeth (44) in each of the second gears CW21 to CW27, and gear ratios that define the first gears CW11 to CW17 and the second gears CW21 to CW27. The transmission route RT1 is defined by thirteen gear ratios among those defined by the first gears CW11 to CW17 and the second gears CW21 to CW27. The transmission controller 102 includes a transmission route memory configured to store the transmission route RT1, which is defined by at least two of the gear ratios defined by the first gears CW11 to CW17 and the second gears CW21 to CW27.

[0108] To enable the switching device 66 and the guide device 76 due to the transmission route RT1 from Fig. 19 to control, as in the Fig. 18 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 20, the transmission controller 102 is designed to store switching information SF1, which is defined in memory 106 due to the transmission route RT1. As shown in Figure 20, the transmission controller 102 is designed to store switching information SF1, which is defined in memory 106 due to the transmission route RT1. Fig. The switching information SF1, which can be seen in Figure 20, includes, for example, combinations of axial positions of the first transmission element 20 and the positions of the guide element 78 for the speed levels or gear levels of the bicycle transmission device 12. The transmission controller 102 is further designed to store an instantaneous speed level of the bicycle transmission device 12 in the memory 106.

[0109] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 18, the switching device 66 includes a first motor driver 108 and a first position sensor 110. The first motor driver 108 is configured to control the switching actuator 68 based on commands and / or signals from the transmission controller 102. The first position sensor 110 is configured to detect the axial position P1 of the first transmission element 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the first position sensor 110 is configured to detect a rotational position of the switching actuator 68, a rotational position of the reduction structure 72, and a rotational position of the first shaft 33 to obtain the axial position of the first transmission element 20. While the first position sensor 110 is a potentiometer in the illustrated embodiment, it can be a different sensor, such as a rotary encoder, if required and / or desired.The transmission controller 102 is designed to store the instantaneous axial position of the first transmission element 20, specifically the first axial position P1 and the second axial position P2, in the memory 106. The transmission controller 102 includes a first position memory, which is designed to store the instantaneous axial position P1 of the first transmission element 20.

[0110] The guide device 76 includes a second motor driver 112 and a second position sensor 114. The second motor driver 112 is configured to control the guide actuator 86 based on commands and / or signals from the transmission controller 102. The second position sensor 114 is configured to detect the position of the guide member 78. In the illustrated embodiment, the second position sensor 114 is configured to detect a rotational position of the guide actuator 86, a rotational position of the intermediate gear 88, and a rotational position of the guide shaft 82 in order to obtain the position of the guide member 78. While the second position sensor 114 is a potentiometer in the illustrated embodiment, it could be a different type of sensor, such as a rotary encoder. The transmission controller 102 is designed to store a current position of the guide element 78 in the memory 106.The transmission controller 102 includes a second position memory, which is designed to store the current position of the guide element 78.

[0111] Switch 14 includes a first actuator SR1 and a second actuator SR2. The first actuator SR1 is configured to be activated by a user to switch the switch up. The second actuator SR2 is configured to be activated by the user to switch the switch down. Switch 14 includes a signal controller 116, which is configured to generate a switching signal SS based on input activations of the first actuator SR1 and the second actuator SR2. The signal controller 116 is configured to generate an up signal USS based on an input activation of the first actuator SR1. The signal controller 116 is configured to generate a down signal DSS based on an input activation of the second actuator SR2.The up-switching signal USS and the down-switching signal DSS are input from switch 14 into the transmission controller 102. The transmission controller 102 controls the switching actuator 68 and the guide actuator 86 based on the switching signal SS and the transmission route RT1 (e.g., the switching information SF1) stored in memory 106.

[0112] For example, when the upshift signal USS is input from switch 14 to transmission controller 102, in a state where the speed level is in a lower gear or lower gear ( Fig. 15) is located, the transmission controller 102 controls the switching actuator 68 to move the first transmission element 20 from the first axial position P1 to the second axial position P2 in the first axial direction D11 ( Fig. 16 and Fig. 20) to move. At this time, as in the Fig. 16 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 20, the transmission controller 102 controls the guide actuator 86 to maintain the guide element 78 in the first guide position P11. Consequently, the first transmission element 20 is switched relative to the second transmission element 22 and the first coupling element 24 in the first axial direction D11. Accordingly, as shown in the Fig. 16, Fig. 19 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 20, the first coupling element 24 is switched from the first gear CW11 to the first gear CW12, changing the speed level or gear level of the bicycle transmission device 12 from the lower gear to the second gear.

[0113] When the upshift signal USS is input from switch 14 to transmission controller 102, in a state where the speed level is in the second gear or second gear ( Fig. 16) is located, the transmission controller 102 controls the switching actuator 68 to move the first transmission element 20 from the second axial position P2 to the first axial position P1 in the second axial direction D12 ( Fig. 17 and Fig. 20) to move. At this time, as in the Fig. 17 and Fig. As shown in Figure 20, the transmission controller 102 controls the guide actuator 86 to move the guide element 78 from the first guide position P11 to the second guide position P12. In the illustrated embodiment, the first transmission element 20 and the guide element 78 are moved essentially simultaneously. Consequently, the first transmission element 20 and the first coupling element 24 are switched relative to the second transmission element 22 in the second axial direction D12. Accordingly, as shown in the Fig. 17, Fig. 19 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 20, the first coupling element 24 is switched from the second gear CW27 to the second gear CW26, changing the speed level of the bicycle transmission device 12 from the second gear to the third gear.

[0114] When the downshift signal DSS is input from switch 14 into the transmission controller 102, in a state where the speed stage is in third gear ( Fig. 17), the transmission controller 102 controls the switching actuator 68 to move the first transmission element 20 from the first axial position P1 to the second axial position P2 in the first axial direction D11 ( Fig. 16 and Fig. 20) to move. At this time, as in the Fig. 16 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 20, the transmission controller 102 controls the guide actuator 86 to move the guide element 78 from the second guide position P12 to the first guide position P11. Consequently, the first transmission element 20 and the first coupling element 24 are switched relative to the second transmission element 22 in the first axial direction D11. Accordingly, as shown in the Fig. 16, Fig. 19 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 20, the first coupling element 24 is switched from the second gear CW26 to the second gear CW27, changing the speed level of the bicycle transmission device 12 from the third gear to the second gear.

[0115] When the downshift signal DSS is input from switch 14 into the transmission controller 102, in a state where the speed level is in second gear ( Fig. 16) is located, the transmission controller 102 controls the switching actuator 68 to move the first transmission element 20 from the second axial position P2 to the first axial position P1 in the second axial direction D12 ( Fig. 15 and Fig. 20) to move. At this time, as in the Fig. 15 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 20, the transmission controller 102 controls the guide actuator 86 to maintain the guide element 78 in the first guide position P12. Consequently, the first transmission element 20 is switched relative to the second transmission element 22 and the first coupling element 24 in the second axial direction D12. Accordingly, as shown in the Fig. 15, Fig. 19 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 20, the first coupling element 24 is switched from the first gear CW12 to the first gear CW11, changing the speed level of the bicycle transmission device 12 from the second gear to the lower gear.

[0116] As described above, the transmission controller 102 controls the shifting device 66 and the guide device 76 between the lowest gear and the thirteenth gear due to the transmission route RT1 shown in Fig. 19 (e.g. the switching information SF1 shown in Fig. 20) controls, these are not described and / or illustrated again in detail here for the sake of brevity. If the transmission controller 102 and the switch 14 communicate by wireless technology, the transmission controller 102 and the switch 14 each have wireless communication devices, and the switch 14 has an additional battery.

[0117] Furthermore, the transmission controller 102 is designed to change the actuation speed of each of the switching device 66 and the guide device 76 based on input information. More specifically, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 21, the transmission controller 102 is configured to determine, at a specified interval T0, whether the switching signal SS is continuous or continuous. The transmission controller 102 is configured to output switching commands to the switching device 66 and the guide device 76 within the specified interval T0 if the transmission controller 102 determines at that interval that the switching signal SS is continuous or continuous. Specifically, the transmission controller 102 includes a determination section configured to determine, at the specified interval T0, whether the switching signal SS is continuous or continuous.Furthermore, the transmission controller 102 includes a command generator which is designed to issue a switching command to each of the switching device 66 and the guide device 76 at the determination interval T0, if the transmission controller 102 determines at the determination interval T0 that the switching signal SS is continuous or ongoing or steady.

[0118] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 21, the switching device 66 and the guide device 76 are designed to change an instantaneous speed level by means of switching commands from the transmission controller 102. In a case where the signal duration SD of the switching signals SS is longer than the determination interval T0, the transmission controller 102 issues a plurality of switching commands to each of the switching device 66 and the guide device 76 according to the signal duration SD.

[0119] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 21, for example, in a case where the signal duration SD of the switching signal SS has a length that is more than three times as long as the determination interval T0, the transmission controller 102 controls the switching device 66 and the guide device 76 in order to continuously or continuously or steadily change the current speed level or gear level by four stages based on the switching signal SS and the signal duration SD.

[0120] More specifically, in a case where the shifting device 66 and the guide device 76 shift the instantaneous speed level from the lower gear, the transmission controller 102 issues an upshift command to the shifting device 66 and the guide device 76 when the shift signal SS is input from the switch 14 to the transmission controller 102. The shifting device 66 and the guide device 76 change the instantaneous speed level from the lower gear to a second gear in response to the upshift command from the transmission controller 102.

[0121] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 21, when the transmission controller 102 determines at the determination interval T0 that the switching signal SS is continuous, the transmission controller 102 issues an additional upshift command to the switching device 66 and the guide device 76. The switching device 66 and the guide device 76 change the instantaneous speed level from second gear to third gear in response to the additional shift command.

[0122] If the transmission controller 102 determines at the next determination interval T0 that the switching signal SS is still continuous, it issues an additional switching command to the switching device 66 and the guide device 76. The switching device 66 and the guide device 76 change the instantaneous speed level from third gear to fourth gear in response to the additional switching command. The above operation is applied to upshifting from fourth gear to fifth gear.

[0123] If the transmission controller 102 determines at the next determination interval T0 that the switching signal SS is not continuous or ongoing or steady (that the switching signal SS has ended), the transmission controller 102 does not issue an additional up-switching command to the switching device 66 and the guide device 76.

[0124] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 18, the bicycle transmission device 12 further comprises a sensor device 118, which is configured to detect the pedal state of the bicycle 10. The transmission controller 102 is configured to control the switching device 66 in order to change the point in time at which the first transmission element 20 moves relative to the base element 18 due to the pedal state detected by the sensor device 118. The transmission controller 102 is configured to control the guide actuator 86 in order to change the point in time at which the guide element 78 moves relative to the base element 18 due to the pedal state detected by the sensor device 118.

[0125] The transmission controller 102 is configured to change the actuation speed of each of the switching actuator 68 and the guide actuator 86 based on input information. The sensor device 118 is configured to detect the pedal state of the bicycle 10 as the input information. The transmission controller 102 is configured to change the actuation speed of each of the switching actuator 68 and the guide actuator 86 based on the pedal state detected by the sensor device 118. Specifically, the transmission controller 102 includes a speed-changing section configured to change the actuation speed of each of the switching actuator 68 and the guide actuator 86 based on the input information.

[0126] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 18, the sensor device 118 includes a cadence sensor 120, which is designed to detect the cadence of the bicycle 10 as the pedal state of the bicycle 10. The cadence sensor 120 is, for example, attached to the bicycle frame B3 ( Fig. 1) attached. The cadence sensor 120 is designed to detect the rotational speed of the crank arm B71 of the bicycle crank B7 as the cadence. For example, the cadence sensor 120 is designed to detect or recognize a component to be detected, such as a magnet, which is attached to the crank arm B71.

[0127] The transmission controller 102 is configured to change the actuation speed and response speed based on the pedal state, which is detected by the sensor device 118. In the illustrated embodiment, the transmission controller 102 is configured to change the actuation speed of each of the switching actuator 68 and the guide actuator 86 based on the cadence Cs, which is detected by the cadence sensor 120.

[0128] The transmission controller 102 reduces the actuation speed of each of the switching actuator 68 and the guide actuator 86 if the cadence Cs detected by the cadence sensor 120 is less than a cadence limit. The transmission controller 102 increases the actuation speed of each of the switching actuator 68 and the guide actuator 86 if the cadence Cs detected by the cadence sensor 120 is equal to or greater than the cadence limit.

[0129] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 18, the transmission controller 102 is designed to store the cadence limit and a multitude of predetermined actuation speeds in the memory 106. Specifically, the transmission controller 102 includes a cadence limit memory, which is designed to store the cadence limit, and an actuation speed sensor, which is designed to store the multitude of predetermined actuation speeds.

[0130] The transmission controller 102 is configured to select one of a predetermined actuation speed based on the cadence Cs detected by the cadence sensor 120. Specifically, the transmission controller 102 includes an actuation speed selector configured to select one of the predetermined actuation speeds based on the cadence Cs detected by the cadence sensor 120. The transmission controller 102 is configured to control the switching actuator 68 and the guide actuator 86 to change the speed level according to the selected actuation speed. More specifically, the transmission controller 102 is configured to output the selected actuation speed as an actuation speed command to both the switching actuator 68 and the guide actuator 86.The first motor driver 108 is configured to control the switching actuator 68 to move the first transmission element 20 at the selected actuation speed. The second motor driver 112 is configured to control the guide actuator 86 to move the guide element 78 at the selected actuation speed.

[0131] In the illustrated embodiment, the transmission controller 102 is configured to select one of the predetermined actuation speeds as the actuation speed corresponding to, or according to, the cadence Cs. However, the transmission controller 102 can be configured to continuously change the actuation speed according to the cadence Cs, if required and / or desired.

[0132] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 22, the transmission controller 102 is configured, for example, to store a first actuation speed V1 and a second actuation speed V2, different from the first actuation speed V1, for the actuation speed of the switching actuator 68. In the illustrated embodiment, the second actuation speed V2 is lower than the first actuation speed V1. For example, the first actuation speed V1 is a normal actuation speed of the switching actuator 68. The transmission controller 102 can be configured to store more than three actuation speeds for the switching actuator 68, if required and / or desired.

[0133] Similarly, the transmission controller 102 is configured to store a third actuation speed V3 and a fourth actuation speed V4, different from the third actuation speed V3, for the actuation speed of the guide actuator 86. In the illustrated embodiment, the fourth actuation speed V4 is lower than the third actuation speed V3. For example, the third actuation speed V3 is a normal actuation speed of the guide actuator 86. The transmission controller 102 can be configured to store more than three actuation speeds for the guide actuator 86, if required and / or desired.

[0134] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 23, the transmission controller 102 is configured to select the first actuation speed V1 as the actuation speed below the first actuation speed V1 and the second actuation speed V2 if the cadence Cs, as detected by the cadence sensor 120, is equal to or higher than the cadence limit Cth. Similarly, the transmission controller 102 is configured to select the third actuation speed V3 as the actuation speed below the third actuation speed V3 and the fourth actuation speed V4 if the cadence Cs, as detected by the cadence sensor 120, is equal to or higher than the cadence limit Cth. The transmission controller 102 controls the switching actuator 68 and the guide actuator 86 to change an instantaneous speed level between the first actuation speed V1 and the third actuation speed V3.More specifically, the first motor driver 108 controls the switching actuator 68 to move the first transmission element 20 at the first actuation speed V1, which is input by the transmission controller 102. The second motor driver 112 controls the guide actuator 86 to move the guide element 78 at the third actuation speed V3, which is input by the transmission controller 102.

[0135] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 23, the transmission controller 102 is configured to select the second actuation speed V2 as the actuation speed below the first actuation speed V1 and the second actuation speed V2 if the cadence Cs, as detected by the cadence sensor 120, is lower than the cadence limit Cth. The transmission controller 102 is also configured to select the fourth actuation speed V4 as the actuation speed below the third actuation speed V3 and the fourth actuation speed V4 if the cadence Cs, as detected by the cadence sensor 120, is lower than the cadence limit Cth. The transmission controller 102 controls the switching actuator 68 and the guide actuator 86 to change an instantaneous speed level to the second actuation speed V2 and the fourth actuation speed V4.More specifically, the first motor driver 108 controls the switching actuator 68 to move the first transmission element 20 at the second actuation speed V2, which is / is input by the transmission controller 102. The second motor driver 112 controls the guide actuator 86 to move the guide element 78 at the fourth actuation speed V4, which is / is input by the transmission controller 102.

[0136] Instead of changing the actuation speed, the transmission controller 102 can be configured to change the response speed of each of the switching device 66 and the guide device 76. Furthermore, the function for changing the actuation speed of the transmission controller 102 can be omitted if required and / or desired.

[0137] In the bicycle transmission device 12, the first coupling element 24 is designed to couple the first transmission element 20 to the second transmission element 22 in order to transmit the rotation of the first transmission element 20 to the second transmission element 22 in the variable speed stage. The first transmission element 20 is movable relative to the base element 18 in the axial direction D1. The variable speed stage is variable according to at least one positional relationship between the first transmission element 20, the second transmission element 22, and the first coupling element 24 in the axial direction D1. Accordingly, it is possible to change a speed stage of the bicycle transmission device 12 by moving the first transmission element 20 in the axial direction D1.

[0138] Furthermore, since the base link 18 is designed to be attached to the bicycle frame B3 as a separate link from the bicycle frame B3, it is possible to treat the bicycle transmission device 12 as a single unit. This makes centering the input shaft 28, the first transmission link 20, and the second transmission link 22 easier. SECOND VERSION

[0139] A bicycle transmission device 212 or bicycle derailleur according to a second embodiment is now described below with reference to the Fig. 24 described. The bicycle transmission device 12 has the same configuration as the bicycle transmission device 12, except for the first angle AG11. Consequently, the elements that have essentially the same function as those in the first embodiment are designated with the same reference numerals and, for the sake of brevity, are not described and / or illustrated again in detail herein.

[0140] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 24, in the bicycle transmission device 212, a first angle AG21 is defined about the first axis of rotation A1 between a first line segment L21, which defines the input axis of rotation A3 and the first axis of rotation A1, and a second line segment L22, which connects the first axis of rotation A1 and the second axis of rotation A2, when viewed from the axial direction D1. A second angle AG22 is defined about the first axis of rotation A1 between the first line segment L21 and the second line segment L22, when viewed from the axial direction D1. The second angle AG22 is defined on the opposite side of the first angle AG21 relative to the first axis of rotation A1, when viewed from the axial direction D1. The first angle AG21 is smaller than the second angle AG22 and is an acute angle. The first angle AG21 is less than 90 degrees and greater than 0 degrees.

[0141] With the bicycle transmission device 212, it is possible to achieve essentially the same advantageous effects as with the bicycle transmission device 12 according to the first embodiment. THIRD VERSION

[0142] A bicycle 310 is equipped with a bicycle transmission device 312 or bicycle derailleur according to a third embodiment, which is described below with reference to the Fig. 25 and Fig. 26. The bicycle transmission device 312 has the same configurations as the bicycle transmission device 12 except for the output shaft 36. Consequently, the elements that have essentially the same function as those in the preceding embodiments are given the same reference numerals and are not described and / or illustrated again in detail herein for the sake of brevity.

[0143] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 25, the pivot axis PA1 of the bicycle transmission device 312 coincides with the second rotation axis A2. More specifically, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 26, the bicycle transmission device 312 comprises an output shaft 336, which is rotatable about the second axis of rotation A2 relative to the base member 18. The output shaft 336 is coupled to the second transmission member 22, or second derailleur member, to transmit the rotation of the second transmission member 22 to a bicycle wheel (e.g., the rear wheel B62) rotatably relative to the second frame B32. The output shaft 336 is configured to extend through a pivot opening B36 of the bicycle frame B3 along the second axis of rotation A2. In the illustrated embodiment, the first subframe B311 of the first frame B31 includes the pivot opening B36.

[0144] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 26, the bicycle transmission device 312 further comprises a bottom bracket unit 313. The bottom bracket unit 313 is designed to be provided in the pivot opening B36 of the bicycle frame B3. The bottom bracket unit 313 is designed to rotatably couple the output shaft 336 to the bicycle frame B3 about the second axis of rotation A2 via an outer bearing unit 315, which is provided radially outwards from the bottom bracket unit 313. The outer bearing unit 315 is designed to rotatably couple the second frame B32 to the first frame B31 about the second axis of rotation A2.

[0145] The base member 18 includes a tubular support 319a and a second tubular support 319b. The first tubular support 319a is secured to the base member body 18a and extends from the base member body 18a along the second axis of rotation A2. The second tubular support 319b is also secured to the base member body 18a and extends from the base member body 18a along the second axis of rotation A2. The second tubular support 319b is located on the opposite side of the first tubular support 319a relative to the base member body 18a. The output shaft 336 extends through a through-hole in the first tubular support 319a. The first tubular support 319a extends through the pivot opening B36. The second tubular support 319b extends through an additional pivot opening B37 of the bicycle frame B3.In the illustrated embodiment, the first subframe B312 of the first frame B31 includes the additional pivot opening B37.

[0146] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 16, the first subframe B311 includes a third tubular support B311a, and the first subframe B312 includes a fourth tubular support B312a. The third tubular support B311a is attached to an outer periphery of the first tubular support 319a and includes the pivot opening B36. The fourth tubular support B312a is attached to the second tubular support 310b and includes the additional pivot opening B37.

[0147] The base member body 18a is mounted to the first subframes B311 and B312 of the first frame B31 via the first tubular support 319a and the second tubular support 319b. The third tubular support B311a is rotatably mounted to the second subframe B321 via the external bearing unit 315. The fourth tubular support B312a is rotatably mounted to the second subframe B322 via an additional external bearing unit 317. The second subframes B321 and B322 are pivotally mounted to the first frame B31 via the external bearing unit 315 and the additional external bearing unit 317.

[0148] In the bicycle transmission device 312, it is possible to constantly maintain a distance between the outer gear 38 and the rear sprocket B9 in order to prevent the outer coupling link 40 from coming loose. FOURTH VERSION

[0149] A bicycle 410, which is equipped with a bicycle transmission device 412 or bicycle derailleur according to a fourth embodiment, is described below with reference to the Fig. 27 and Fig. 28. The bicycle transmission device 412 has the same configurations as the bicycle transmission device 12, except for the electric assist configuration or electric assist configuration. Consequently, the elements that have essentially the same function as those in the preceding embodiments are given the same reference numerals and, for the sake of brevity, are not described and / or illustrated again herein in detail.

[0150] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 27, the bicycle transmission device 412 further comprises an assistance device 451, which is configured to assist pedaling and / or riding. The assistance device 451 is configured to generate an assistance torque, which is applied to the second transmission element 22 or second derailleur element, to assist pedaling and / or riding. The assistance device 451 is provided on a front face of the base element 18 in a mounting state in which the bicycle transmission device 412 is attached to the bicycle frame B3. In the illustrated embodiment, the assistance device 451 comprises an assistance motor, such as a direct current (DC) motor, and a reduction gear unit.

[0151] The bicycle transmission device 412 further comprises an electrical power source 453, which is configured to supply electrical current to the assistance device 451. The electrical power source 453 is provided between the base element 18 in the mounted state of the bicycle transmission device 412. In the illustrated embodiment, the electrical power source 453 comprises, for example, a rechargeable battery.

[0152] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 28, the bicycle transmission device 412 further comprises a sensor device 418 and an assistance controller 455. The sensor device 418 is configured to detect the pedal state of the bicycle 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the sensor device 418 comprises a torque sensor 421, which is configured to detect a pedal torque applied to the bicycle crank B7 ( Fig. 27) is applied, to perceive. The assistance controller 455 is configured to control the assistance device 451 in order to input the assistance torque to the second transmission element 22 based on the pedal state, perceived by the sensor device 418. The assistance controller 455 is configured to control the assistance device 451 in order to input the assistance torque to the second transmission element 22 based on the pedal torque, perceived by the sensor device 418.

[0153] In the illustrated embodiment, the assistant controller 455 forms a microcomputer and includes a processor 404 and a memory 406. The processor 404 includes a CPU. The memory 406 includes a ROM and a RAM. For example, a program stored in the memory 406 is read into the processor 404 to perform several functions of the assistant controller 455.

[0154] The pedal torque is input into the transmission controller 102 by the sensor device 418 instead of the cadence detected by the sensor device 118 according to the first embodiment. The pedal torque detected by the torque sensor 421 can be used to change the actuation speed of each of the switching device 66 and the guide device 76. The transmission controller 102 reduces the actuation speed of each of the switching actuator 68 and the guide actuator 86 if the pedal torque detected by the torque sensor 421 is higher than a torque limit. The transmission controller 102 increases the actuation speed of each of the switching actuator 68 and the guide actuator 86 if the pedal torque detected by the torque sensor 421 is equal to or less than the torque limit.

[0155] While the assistance device 451 is designed to transfer the assistance torque to the output shaft 36 ( Fig. 27) in the illustrated embodiment, the assistance device 451 can be configured to transmit the assistance torque to other elements differently from the output shaft 36.

[0156] As described above, it is possible to apply the assistance device 451 to the bicycle transmission device 12 according to the first embodiment. FIFTH VERSION

[0157] A bicycle transmission device 512 or bicycle derailleur according to a fifth embodiment is described below with reference to the Fig. The bicycle transmission device 512 has the same configurations as the bicycle transmission device 12, except for the actuation of the first transmission element 20 or first switching element, the coupling element 24, and the guide element 78. Consequently, the elements that have essentially the same function as those in the preceding embodiments are given the same reference numerals and, for the sake of brevity, are not described and / or illustrated again in detail herein.

[0158] As in the Fig. 29 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 30, the first transmission element 20 is movable relative to the base element 18 in the axial direction D1 between the first axial position P1 and the second axial position P2. Unlike the first embodiment, however, the first gears CW11 to CW17 are each aligned with the second gears CW21 to CW27 at the first axial position P1. The first gears CW11 to CW17, except for the first largest gear CW17, are aligned with the second gears CW21 to CW27, except for the second largest gear CW27, at the second axial position P2.

[0159] As in the Fig. 29 and Fig.As can be seen in Figure 30, the first transfer element 20, together with the first coupling element 24, is movable relative to the base element 18 in the second axial direction D12, such that the axial relative position between the first coupling element 24 and the second transfer element 22, or second switching element, is changed during up-switching and down-switching. Alternatively, the first transfer element 20, together with the first coupling element 24, is movable relative to the base element 18 in the second axial direction D12 without changing the axial relative position between the first coupling element 24 and the first transfer element 20 during up-switching and down-switching.

[0160] In the illustrated embodiment, the first transmission element 20 together with the first coupling element 24 is movable relative to the base element 18 in the second axial direction D12, such that the axial relative position between the first coupling element 24 and the second transmission element 22 during the upshifting (from Fig. 29 to Fig. 30) is changed. The first transfer element 20, together with the first coupling element 24, is movable relative to the base element 18 in the second axial direction D12, without changing the axial relative position between the first coupling element 24 and the first transfer element 20 during the up-switching (from Fig. 29 to Fig. 30) to change.

[0161] As in the Fig. 30 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 31, the first transfer element 20 is movable relative to the base element 18 and the first coupling element 24 in the first axial direction D11 without changing the axial relative position between the first coupling element 24 and the second transfer element 22 during up- and down-switching. Alternatively, the first transfer element 20 is movable relative to the base element 18 and the first coupling element 24 in the first axial direction D11 such that an axial relative position between the first coupling element 24 and the first transfer element 20 is changed during up- and down-switching.

[0162] In the illustrated embodiment, the first transmission element 20 is movable relative to the base element 18 and the first coupling element 24 in the first axial direction D11, without an axial relative position between the first coupling element 24 and the second transmission element 22 during the up-switching (from Fig. 30 to Fig. 31) to change. The first transfer element 20 is movable relative to the base element 18 and the first coupling element 24 in the first axial direction D11, such that an axial relative position between the first coupling element 24 and the first transfer element 20 during the up-switching (from Fig. 30 to Fig. 31) is changed.

[0163] Furthermore, as in the Fig. 30 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 31, the first transfer element 20 is movable relative to the base element 18 and the first coupling element 24 in the second axial direction D12 without changing the axial relative position between the first coupling element 24 and the second transfer element 22 during further up- and down-switching. Alternatively, the first transfer element 20 is movable relative to the base element 18 and the first coupling element 24 in the second axial direction D12 such that the axial relative position between the first coupling element 24 and the first transfer element 20 is changed during further up- and down-switching.

[0164] In this embodiment, the first transmission element 20 is movable relative to the base element 18 and the first coupling element 24 in the second axial direction D12, without changing the axial relative position between the first coupling element 24 and the second transmission element 22 during downshifting (from Fig. 31 to Fig. 30) to change. The first transfer element 20 is movable relative to the base element 18 and the first coupling element 24 in the second axial direction D12, such that the axial relative position between the first coupling element 24 and the first transfer element 20 during downshifting (from Fig. 31 to Fig. 30) is changed.

[0165] Furthermore, as in the Fig. 29 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 30, the first transfer element 20, together with the first coupling element 24, is movable relative to the base element 18 in the first axial direction D11, such that the axial relative position between the first coupling element 24 and the second transfer element 22 is changed during further up- and down-switching. Alternatively, the first transfer element 20, together with the first coupling element 24, is movable relative to the base element 18 in the first axial direction D11 without changing the axial relative position between the first coupling element 24 and the first transfer element 20 during further up- and down-switching.

[0166] In this embodiment, the first transmission element 20 together with the first coupling element 24 is movable relative to the base element 18 in the first axial direction D11, such that the axial relative position between the first coupling element 24 and the second transmission element 22 during downshifting (from Fig. 30 to Fig. 29) is changed. The first transfer element 20, together with the first coupling element 24, is movable relative to the base element 18 in the first axial direction D11, without changing the axial relative position between the first coupling element 24 and the first transfer element 20 during downshifting (from Fig. 30 to Fig. 29) to change.

[0167] As in the Fig. 29 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 30, the first transmission element 20, together with the first coupling element 24 and the guide element 78, is movable relative to the base element 18 in the second axial direction D12, such that the axial relative position between the first coupling element 24 and the second transmission element 22 is changed during upshifting and downshifting. In this embodiment, the first transmission element 20, together with the first coupling element 24 and the guide element 78, is movable relative to the base element 18 in the second axial direction D12, such that the axial relative position between the first coupling element 24 and the second transmission element 22 is changed during upshifting (from Fig. 29 to Fig. 30) is changed. At this point, the first coupling element 24 moves relative to the first transmission element 20 without touching the guide element 78, when the first transmission element 20 moves relative to the base element 18 in the second axial direction D12.

[0168] As in the Fig. 30 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 31, the first transmission element 20 is movable relative to the base element 18, the first coupling element 24, and the guide element 78 in the first axial direction D11, such that the axial relative position between the first coupling element 24 and the first transmission element 20 is changed during upshifting and downshifting. In this embodiment, the first transmission element 20 is movable relative to the base element 18, the first coupling element 24, and the guide element 78 in the first axial direction D11, such that the axial relative position between the first coupling element 24 and the first transmission element 20 is changed during upshifting (from Fig. 30 to Fig. 31) is changed. The guide member 78 is positioned in the second guide position P12 to maintain the axial position of the first coupling member 24 relative to the second transmission member 22 in the axial direction. The guide member 78 moves together with the first transmission member 20 without touching the first coupling member 24 when the first transmission member 20 moves relative to the base member 18, the first coupling member 24 and the guide member 78 in the first axial direction D11.

[0169] As in the Fig. 30 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 31, the first transmission element 20 is movable relative to the base element 18, the first coupling element 24, and the guide element 78 in the second axial direction D12, such that the axial relative position between the first coupling element 24 and the first transmission element 20 is changed during further upshifting and downshifting. In this embodiment, the first transmission element 20 is movable relative to the base element 18, the first coupling element 24, and the guide element 78 in the second axial direction D12, such that the axial relative position between the first coupling element 24 and the first transmission element 20 is changed during downshifting (from Fig. 31 to Fig. 30) is changed. The guide member 78 is positioned in the second guide position P12 to maintain the axial position of the first coupling member 24 relative to the second transmission member 22 in the axial direction. The guide member 78 moves together with the first transmission member 20 without touching the first coupling member 24 when the first transmission member 20 moves relative to the base member 18, the first coupling member 24 and the guide member 78 in the second axial direction D12.

[0170] As in the Fig. 29 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 30, the first transmission element 20, together with the first coupling element 24 and the guide element 78, is movable relative to the base element 18 in the first axial direction D11, such that the axial relative position between the first coupling element 24 and the second transmission element 22 is changed during further upshifting and downshifting. In this embodiment, the first transmission element 20, together with the first coupling element 24 and the guide element 78, is movable relative to the base element 18 in the first axial direction D11, such that the axial relative position between the first coupling element 24 and the second transmission element 22 is changed during downshifting (from Fig. 17 to Fig. 16) is changed. At this point, the first coupling element 24 moves relative to the first transmission element 20 without touching the guide element 78, if the first transmission element 20 moves relative to the base element 18 in the second axial direction D12. The guide element 78 can be omitted from the guide device 76 in a case where the guide element 78 does not touch the first coupling element 24.

[0171] The foregoing operation of the first transmission element 20, the first coupling element 24, and the guide element 78 is applied to a case in which the guide element 78 is / will be positioned in each of the third to seventh guide positions P13 to P17. For example, the guide element 78 can be positioned at the third guide position P13 in the Fig. 30 and Fig. 31 be positioned, in a case where the leader 78 is at the second leader position P12 in Fig. 29 is / will be positioned.

[0172] In this embodiment, the guide member 78 moves together with the first transmission member 20 without touching the first coupling member 24 when the first transmission member 20 moves relative to the base member 18, the first coupling member 24, and the guide member 78 in the first axial direction D11. The guide member 78 moves together with the first transmission member 20 without touching the first coupling member 24 when the first transmission member 20 moves relative to the base member 18, the first coupling member 24, and the guide member 78 in the second axial direction D12. The first coupling member 24 moves relative to the first transmission member 20 without touching the guide member 78 when the first transmission member 20 moves relative to the base member 18 in the first axial direction D11.The first coupling element 24 moves relative to the first transmission element 20 without touching the guide element 78 when the first transmission element 20 moves relative to the base element 18 in the second axial direction D12.

[0173] However, the guide element 78 can be configured to touch the first coupling element 24 when the first transmission element 20 moves relative to the base element 18, the first coupling element 24, and the guide element 78 in the first axial direction D11. The guide element 78 can be configured to touch the first coupling element 24 when the first transmission element 20 moves relative to the base element 18, the first coupling element 24, and the guide element 78 in the second axial direction D12. The first coupling element 24 can be configured to move relative to the first transmission element 20 while touching the guide element 78 when the first transmission element 20 moves relative to the base element 18 in the first axial direction D11.The first coupling element 24 can be designed to move relative to the first transmission element 20, in contact with the guide element 78, when the first transmission element 20 moves relative to the base element 18 in the second axial direction D12.

[0174] The transmission controller 102 is configured to control the switching device 66 and the guide device 76 in order to control the first transmission element 20 and the guide element 78 relative to the base element 18 in accordance with the aforementioned actuation of the first transmission element 20 and the guide element 78. More specifically, the transmission controller 102 is configured to control the switching actuator 68 and the guide actuator 86 in order to move the first transmission element 20 and the guide element 78 relative to the base element 18 in accordance with the aforementioned actuation of the first transmission element 20 and the guide element 78.

[0175] It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art of bicycles from the present disclosure that the designs of the foregoing embodiments can be combined at least partially.

[0176] The term "configured," as used herein to describe a component, section, or part of a device, includes hardware and / or software that is designed or programmed to perform the desired functions. The desired functions may be performed by the software, the hardware, or a combination of both.

[0177] The term "comprehensive" and its derivatives, as used herein, can be understood as open terms that specify the presence of the mentioned features, elements, components, groups, integers, and / or steps, but do not exclude the presence of other, unmentioned features, elements, components, groups, integers, and / or steps. The foregoing also applies to words with similar meanings, such as "exhibit," "include," and their derivatives.

[0178] The terms “link”, “section”, “part”, “element”, “body” and “structure”, when used in the singular, can have the dual meaning of a single part or a multitude of parts.

[0179] The ordinal numbers, such as "first" and "second," as used in the present application, are merely identifiers and have no other meaning, such as indicating a specific order or the like. Furthermore, the term "first element," for example, does not in itself imply the existence of a "second element," and the term "second element" does not in itself imply the existence of a "first element."

[0180] The term “a pair of”, as used herein, can include configurations in which a pair of elements have different shapes or structures relative to each other, and additionally the configuration in which the pair of elements have the same shapes or structures relative to each other.

[0181] Finally, the magnitude terms, such as "essentially", "approximately" and "by", as used herein, signify a reasonable amount of deviation of the modified term so that the final result is not significantly altered.

[0182] Obviously, numerous modifications and variants of the present invention are possible in light of the foregoing teachings. It should therefore be understood that the invention, within the scope of the appended claims, can be implemented differently than specifically described herein.

Claims

[1] Bicycle transmission device (12, 212, 312, 412, 512), comprising: a basic member (18); a first transmission element (20) which is rotatable relative to the base element (18) about a first axis of rotation (A1) and which is movable relative to the base element (18) in an axial direction (D1) parallel to the first axis of rotation (A1); a second transmission element (22) which is rotatable relative to the base element (18) about a second axis of rotation (A2) and which is stationary relative to the base element (18) in the axial direction (D1); and a first coupling element (24) configured to couple the first transmission element (20) to the second transmission element (22) in order to transmit rotation from the first transmission element (20) to the second transmission element (22) at a variable speed level, wherein the variable speed level is variable in the axial direction (D1) according to at least one positional relationship between the first transmission element (20), the second transmission element (22) and the first coupling element (24), wherein the first transmission element (20) includes first gears (CW11 to CW17) arranged in the axial direction (D1), wherein each of the first gears (CW11 to CW17) can be engaged with the first coupling element (24). the second transmission element (22) includes second gears (CW21 to CW27) arranged in the axial direction (D1), each of the second gears (CW21 to CW27) being capable of engaging with the first coupling element (24); and where the first transfer element (20) and the second transfer element (22) partially overlap when viewed from the axial direction (D1). [2] Bicycle transmission device (12, 212, 312, 412, 512) according to claim 1, wherein the base member (18) is configured to be attached to a bicycle frame (B3) as a separate member of the bicycle frame (B3); and wherein the base member (18) is configured to be clamped by the bicycle frame (B3). [3] Bicycle transmission device (12, 212, 312, 412, 512) according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: an input shaft (28) which is / will be mounted on the base member (18) to receive an input torque and to be rotatable relative to the base member (18) about an input axis of rotation (A3) in response to the input torque, wherein the base member (18) includes: a basic member body (18a) in which the first transmission member (20) and the second transmission member (22) are provided; and an input shaft support (18b) comprising a support opening (18c) in which the input shaft (28) is rotatable relative to the base member (18) about the input axis of rotation (A3), the input shaft support (18b) extending from the base member body (18a) along the input axis of rotation (A3); and wherein the input shaft support (18b) is designed to be clamped by the bicycle frame (B3). [4] Bicycle transmission device (312) according to one of claims 1 to 3, in which the base member (18) is designed to be mounted on a first frame (B31) of a bicycle frame (B3) and in which the base member (18) is pivotable relative to a second frame (B32) of the bicycle frame (B3) about the second axis of rotation (A2), wherein the second frame (B32) is pivotally coupled to the first frame (B31) about the second axis of rotation (A2). [5] Bicycle transmission device (312) according to claim 4, further comprising: an output shaft (336) which is rotatable relative to the base member (18) about the second axis of rotation (A2) and which is coupled to the second transmission member (22) to transmit rotation from the second transmission member (22) to a bicycle wheel (B62) which is rotatable relative to the second frame (B32), wherein the output shaft (336) is designed to extend through a pivot opening (B36) of the bicycle frame (B3) along the second axis of rotation (A2). [6] Bicycle transmission device (312) according to claim 5, further comprising: an inner bearing unit (313) which is configured to be provided in the pivot opening (B36) of the bicycle frame (B3) and which is configured to rotatably couple the output shaft (336) to the bicycle frame (B3) about the second axis of rotation (A2) via an outer bearing unit (315, 317) provided radially outwards by the inner bearing unit (313), wherein the outer bearing unit (315, 317) is configured to pivotally couple the second frame (B32) to the first frame (B31) about the second axis of rotation (A2). [7] Bicycle transmission device (12, 212, 312, 412, 512) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising: an input shaft (28) which is / will be mounted on the base member (18) to receive an input torque and which is rotatable relative to the base member (18) about an input axis of rotation (A3) in response to the input torque; and an input coupling element (30) which is designed to couple the input shaft (28) to the first transmission element (20) in order to transmit rotation from the input shaft (28) to the first transmission element (20), where the first transmission element (20) is designed to be / be coupled to the input shaft (28) via the input coupling element (30) in order to rotate with the input shaft (28) relative to the base element (18). [8] Bicycle transmission device (12, 212, 312, 412, 512) according to claim 7, wherein the input shaft (28) is designed to be coupled to a crank arm (B71, B72) of a bicycle crank (B7) as a crankshaft of the bicycle crank (B7); wherein the first transmission element (20) includes a first switching support part (46) which is configured to support switching of the first coupling element (24) relative to the first transmission element (20) in the axial direction (D1); and wherein the first switching support part (46) is / will be arranged in a first switching area (48) of the first transmission element (20) when the bicycle crank (B7) is / will be arranged at or adjacent to a dead center. [9] Bicycle transmission device (12) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising: an input shaft (28) which is / will be mounted on the base member (18) to receive an input torque, and which is rotatable relative to the base member (18) about an input rotation axis (A3) in response to the input torque, wherein the first axis of rotation (A1) and the second axis of rotation (A2) are parallel to the input axis of rotation (A3), and an angle (AG11,) which is defined between a first line (L1), perpendicular to the input axis of rotation (A3) and the first axis of rotation (A1), and a second line (L2), perpendicular to the first axis of rotation (A1) and the second axis of rotation (A2), is an obtuse angle when viewed from the axial direction (D1). [10] Bicycle transmission device (212) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising: an input shaft (28) which is mounted on the base member (18) to receive an input torque, and which is rotatable relative to the base member (18) about an input axis of rotation (A3) in response to the input torque, where the first axis of rotation (A1) and the second axis of rotation (A2) are parallel to the input axis of rotation (A3); and an angle (AG21) defined between a first line (L21) perpendicular to the input axis of rotation (A3) and the first axis of rotation (A1), and a second line (L22) perpendicular to the first axis of rotation (A1) and the second axis of rotation (A2), is an acute angle when viewed from the axial direction (D1). [11] Bicycle transmission device (12, 212, 312, 412, 512) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein a minimum distance (MD1) is defined between the first axis of rotation (A1) and the second axis of rotation (A2); the first transmission element (20) is movable relative to the base element (18) in the axial direction (D1) through a path length (MD2); and a value obtained by dividing the minimum distance (MD1) by the distance (MD2) is in a range of 10 to 40. [12] Bicycle transmission device (12, 212, 312, 412, 512) according to claim 11, wherein the value obtained by dividing the minimum distance (MD1) by the distance (MD2) is in a range of 18.3 to 25.

4. [13] Bicycle transmission device (12, 212, 312, 412, 512) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising: a guide device (76) which is designed to guide the first coupling element (24) in order to guide at least one of a first relative position between the first coupling element (24) and the first transmission element (21), and to change a second relative position between the first coupling element (24) and the second transfer element (22). [14] Bicycle transmission device (12, 212, 312, 412, 512) according to claim 13, wherein the guide device (76) includes: a guide member (78) which is touchable with the first coupling member (24); and a guidance unit (80) which is designed to guide the guidance element (78) in a first guidance direction (D5) in order to change at least one of the first relative positions and the second relative position. [15] Bicycle transmission device (12, 212, 312, 412, 512) according to claim 14, wherein the guide device (76) includes a clamping device (90) which is contactable with the first coupling element (24), wherein the guide unit (80) is designed to guide the clamping device (90) in a second guide direction (D6) in order to adjust the tension of the first coupling element (24); and wherein the second guidance direction (D6) differs from the first guidance direction (D5) and the axial direction (D1). [16] Bicycle transmission device (12, 212, 312, 412, 512) according to claim 15, in which the guide member (78) and the tensioner (90) are arranged in the second guide direction (D6). [17] Bicycle transmission device (12, 212, 312, 412, 512) according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the guide device (76) includes a guide actuator (86) which is configured to move the guide member (78) in the first guide direction (D5). [18] Bicycle transmission device (12, 212, 312, 412, 512) according to claim 17, further comprising: a sensor device (118, 418) designed to detect the pedal state of a bicycle (10); and a transmission controller (102) which is designed to control the guide actuator (86) in order to change a time at which the guide member (78) moves relative to the base member (18) due to the pedal state perceived by the sensor device (118, 418). [19] Bicycle transmission device (12, 212, 312, 412, 512) according to claim 18, further comprising a switching device (66) which is configured to switch a position of the first transmission element (20) relative to the base element (18) in the axial direction (D1) between a first axial position (P1) and a second axial position (P2), wherein the transmission controller (102) is designed to control the switching device (66) in order to change a time at which the first transmission element (20) moves relative to the base element (18) due to the pedal state perceived by the sensor device (118, 418). [20] Bicycle transmission device (12, 212, 312, 412, 512) according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the basic element (18) includes an interior space (26) in which the first transmission element (20) and the second transmission element (22) are provided; and wherein the base member (18) is designed to store lubricant in the interior (26). [21] Bicycle transmission device (12, 212, 312, 412, 512) according to claim 20, wherein the base element (18) includes a supply connection (94) through which the interior (26) is supplied with lubricant. [22] Bicycle transmission device (12, 212, 312, 412, 512) according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the first coupling element (24) comprises a bicycle chain which is designed to engage with the first transmission element (20) and the second transmission element (22). [23] Bicycle transmission device (12, 212, 312, 412, 512) according to claim 22, wherein the bicycle chain has a chain pitch equal to or less than 12 mm. [24] Bicycle transmission device (412) according to any one of claims 1 to 23, further comprising: an assistance device (451) which is designed to assist in cycling. [25] Bicycle transmission device (412) according to claim 24, in which the assistance device (451) is configured to generate an assistance torque which is input into the second transmission element (22) to assist when cycling. [26] Bicycle transmission device (412) according to claim 24 or 25, wherein the assistance device (451) is provided on a front side of the base member (18) in a mounting state in which the bicycle transmission device (412) is / is attached to the bicycle frame (B3). [27] Bicycle transmission device (412) according to claim 26, further comprising: an electrical power source (453) which is configured to provide electrical current to the assistance device (451) and which is provided under the base member (18) in the mounting state of the bicycle transmission device (412). [28] Bicycle transmission device (412) according to any one of claims 24 to 27, further comprising: a sensor device (418) configured to detect the pedal state of a bicycle (10); and an assistance controller (455) which is designed to control the assistance device (451) in order to input the assistance torque to the second transmission element (22) based on the pedal state perceived by the sensor device (418). [29] Bicycle transmission device (12, 212, 312, 412, 512) according to any one of claims 1 to 28, wherein the axial direction (D1) includes a first axial direction (D11) and a second axial direction (D12) opposite the first axial direction (D11); wherein the first gears (CW11 to CW17) have different outer diameters and include a first largest gear (CW17) having a largest outer diameter among the first gears (CW11 to CW17), wherein the first largest gear (CW17) is provided at one end of the first gears (CW11 to CW17) in the second axial direction (D12); wherein the second gears (CW21 to CW27) have different outer diameters and include a second largest gear (CW27) having a largest outer diameter among the second gears (CW21 to CW27), wherein the second largest gear (CW27) is provided at one end of the second gears (CW21 to CW27) in the first axial direction (D11), wherein the first axial direction (D11) is a direction in which the first largest gear (CW17) moves towards the second largest gear (CW27); and wherein the second axial direction (D12) is a direction in which the first largest gear (CW17) moves away from the second largest gear (CW27). [30] Bicycle transmission device (512) according to claim 29, wherein a total number of first gears (CW11 to CW17) equals a total number of second gears (CW21 to CW27), the first transfer element (20) relative to the base element (18) in the axial direction (D1) between a first axial position (P1) in which the first gears (CW11 to CW17) are each aligned with the second gears (CW21 to CW27), and a second axial position (P2) in which the first gears (CW11 to CW17), except for the first largest gear (CW17), are aligned with the second gears (CW21 to CW27), except for the second largest gear (CW27). [31] Bicycle transmission device (12, 212, 312, 412) according to claim 29, wherein a total number of first gears (CW11 to CW17) equals a total number of second gears (CW21 to CW27), the first gears (CW11 to CW17) include a first smallest gear (CW11) having a smallest outer diameter among the first gears (CW11 to CW17), wherein the first smallest gear (CW11) is provided at one end of the first gears (CW11 to CW17) in the first axial direction (D11); the second gears (CW21 to CW27) include a second smallest gear (CW21) having a smallest outer diameter among the second gears (CW21 to CW27), wherein the second smallest gear (CW21) is provided at one end of the second gears (CW21 to CW27) in the second axial direction (D12), the first transfer element (20) relative to the base element (18) in the axial direction (D1) between a first axial position (P1) in which the first gears (CW11 to CW17) are each aligned with the second gears (CW21 to CW27); and a second axial position (P2) in which the first gears (CW11 to CW17), except for the first smallest gear (CW11), are aligned with the second gears (CW21 to CW27), except for the second smallest gear (CW21). [32] Bicycle transmission device (12, 212, 312, 412, 512) according to any one of claims 1 to 28, wherein the axial direction (D1) includes a first axial direction (D11) and a second axial direction (D12) opposite to the first axial direction (D11); the first transfer element (20) is movable relative to the base element (18) and the first coupling element (24) in the first axial direction (D11) without changing an axial relative position between the first coupling element (24) and the second transfer element (22) during an upshift or downshift; and the first transfer element (20) together with the first coupling element (24) is movable relative to the base element (18) in the second axial direction (D12) such that the axial relative position between the first coupling element (24) and the second transfer element (22) is changed during up-switching or down-switching. [33] Bicycle transmission device (12, 212, 312, 412, 512) according to claim 32, further comprising: a positioning device (56) which is designed to position the first transmission element (20) relative to the base element (18) in the axial direction (D1) at the respective axial positions. [34] Bicycle transmission device (12, 212, 312, 412) according to claim 33, at which the positioning device (56) is designed to position the first transmission element (20) relative to the base element (18) in the axial direction (D1) at a first axial position (P1) and a second axial position (P2), wherein the first transmission element (20) is movable relative to the base element (18) in the first axial direction (D11) from the first axial position (P1) to the second axial position (P2); and wherein the first transmission element (20) is movable relative to the base element (18) in the second axial direction (D12) from the second axial position (P2) to the first axial position (P1). [35] Bicycle transmission device (12, 212, 312, 412) according to claim 34, further comprising: a switching device (66) which is designed to switch a position of the first transmission element (20) relative to the base element (18) in the axial direction (D1) between the first axial position (P1) and the second axial position (P2). [36] Bicycle transmission device (12, 212, 312, 412, 512) according to claim 33, 34 or 35, further comprising: a first wave (33) which defines the first axis of rotation (A1); and a bearing structure (52) which is designed to rotatably couple the first transmission element (20) to the first shaft (33) about the first axis of rotation (A1), wherein the first transmission element (20) has a first opening (54); the first wave (33) extends through the first opening (54); and the storage structure (52) is provided in the first opening (54). [37] Bicycle transmission device (12, 212, 312, 412, 512) according to one of claims 33 to 36, wherein The variable speed level includes different speed levels, whereby The first gears (CW11 to CW17) define the speed levels together with the second gears (CW21 to CW27). [38] Bicycle transmission device (12, 212, 312, 412, 512) according to claim 37, wherein the second gears (CW21 to CW27) each define the speed levels together with the first gears (CW11 to CW17). [39] Bicycle transmission device (12, 212, 312, 412, 512) according to claim 38, wherein the total number of first gears (CW11 to CW17) is equal to the total number of second gears (CW21 to CW27). [40] Bicycle transmission device (12, 212, 312, 412, 512) according to claim 39, wherein Each of the first gears (CW11 to CW17) includes first teeth (42) arranged in a circumferential direction (D2) of the first transmission element (20); Each of the second gears (CW21 to CW27) includes second teeth (44) which are arranged in a circumferential direction (D3) of the second transmission element (22); the first gears (CW11 to CW17) each have first pitch circles, each defined by the first teeth (42); the second gears (CW21 to CW27) each have second pitch circles, each defined by the second teeth (44), and wherein the first diameters (DM11 to DM17) of the first pitch circles are equal to the second diameters (DM21 to DM27) of the second pitch circles. [41] Bicycle transmission device (12, 212, 312, 412, 512) according to any one of claims 37 to 40, wherein the first gears (CW11 to CW17) comprise a first largest gear (CW17) and a first smallest gear (CW11), wherein the first smallest gear (CW11) has an outer diameter smaller than an outer diameter of the first largest gear (CW17); and wherein the first smallest gear (CW11) is spaced apart from the first largest gear (CW17) in the first axial direction (D11). [42] Bicycle transmission device (12, 212, 312, 412, 512) according to one of claims 32 to 41, wherein the first transfer element (20) is movable relative to the base element (18) and the first coupling element (24) in the first axial direction (D11) such that an axial relative position between the first coupling element (24) and the first transfer element (20) is changed during up-shifting or down-shifting, and wherein the first transfer element (20) together with the first coupling element (24) is movable relative to the base element (18) in the second axial direction (D12) without changing the axial relative position between the first coupling element (24) and the first transfer element (20) during up-switching or down-switching. [43] Bicycle transmission device (12, 212, 312, 412, 512) according to claim 42, wherein the first transfer element (20) is movable relative to the base element (18) and the first coupling element (24) in the second axial direction (D12) without changing an axial relative position between the first coupling element (24) and the second transfer element (22) during a further up- or down-switching, and wherein the first transfer element (20) together with the first coupling element (24) is movable relative to the base element (18) in the first axial direction (D11) such that the axial relative position between the first coupling element (24) and the second transfer element (22) is changed during further up- or down-switching. [44] Bicycle transmission device (12, 212, 312, 412, 512) according to claim 42, wherein the first transfer element (20) is movable relative to the base element (18) and the first coupling element (24) in the second axial direction (D12), such that an axial relative position between the first coupling element (24) and the first transfer element (20) is changed during further up- or down-switching, and wherein the first transfer element (20) together with the first coupling element (24) is movable relative to the base element (18) in the first axial direction (D11) without changing the axial relative position between the first coupling element (24) and the first transfer element (20) during further up- or down-switching. [45] Bicycle transmission device (12, 212, 312, 412, 512) according to claim 42, when directly or indirectly dependent on claim 14, wherein the first transmission element (20) is movable relative to the base element (18), the first coupling element (24) and the guide element (78) in the second axial direction (D12) such that the axial relative position between the first coupling element (24) and the first transmission element (20) is changed during further upshifting or downshifting, and wherein the first transmission element (20) together with the first coupling element (24) and the guide element (78) is movable relative to the base element (18) in the first axial direction (D11) such that the axial relative position between the first coupling element (24) and the second transmission element (22) is changed during further upshifting or downshifting. [46] Bicycle transmission device (12, 212, 312, 412, 512) according to claim 45, in which the first coupling member (24) moves relative to the first transmission member (20) without touching the guide member (78) when the first transmission member (20) moves relative to the base member (18) in the second axial direction (D12).

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