Bicycle derailleur device

Abstract

Bicycle derailleur apparatus (12; 212; 312; 412) comprising: a base member (18) configured to be attached to a bicycle frame (B3) as a separate member from the bicycle frame (B3), the base member (18) including an interior space (26); an input shaft (28) mounted to the base member (18) for receiving an input torque and rotatable with respect to the base member (18) about an input rotational axis (A3) in response to the input torque; a first switching mechanism member (20) provided in the interior space (26) of the base member (18) and rotatable with respect to the base member (18) about a first rotation axis (A1) which is different from the input rotation axis (A3); a second switching mechanism member (22) provided in the interior space (26) of the base member (18) and rotatable with respect to the base member (18) about a second rotation axis (A2) which is different from each of the input rotation axis (A3) and the first rotation axis (A1); a first coupling member (24) having an annular shape for surrounding the first rotational axis (A1) and the second rotational axis (A2) when viewed from an axial direction (D1) parallel to the first rotational axis (A1), wherein the first coupling member (24) is configured to couple the first derailleur member (20) to the second derailleur member (22) for transmitting rotation of the first derailleur member (20) to the second derailleur member (22) at a variable speed stage, wherein the variable speed stage is variable according to at least one positional relationship between the first derailleur member (20), the second switching mechanism member (22) and the first coupling member (24) in the axial direction (D1); and an input coupling member (30) having an annular shape for surrounding the input rotation axis (A3) and the first rotation axis (A1) when viewed from the axial direction (D1), wherein the input coupling member (30) is / is designed to couple the input shaft (28) to the first switching mechanism member (20) for transmitting a rotation of the input shaft (28) to the first switching mechanism member (20).

Description

[0001] This invention claims priority to U.S. patent application No. 14 / 640,168, filed March 6, 2015. The entire disclosure of U.S. patent application No. 14 / 640,168 is hereby incorporated by reference. The present invention relates to a bicycle derailleur apparatus.

[0002] Cycling is becoming increasingly popular as a recreational activity and a means of transportation. Furthermore, cycling has become a very popular competitive sport for both amateurs and professionals. Regardless of whether the bicycle is used for recreation, transportation, or competition, the bicycle industry is constantly improving various components. One bicycle component that has been extensively redesigned is the derailleur mechanism.

[0003] DE 696 01 990 T2 describes a bicycle with a transmission gear. US 2011 / 0 256 971 A1 describes a chain tensioner. WO 2006 / 087 750 A1 describes a transmission housing for a bicycle. US 2005 / 0 087 379 A1 describes an electric bicycle. DE 697 16 167 T2 describes a bicycle with an electric auxiliary motor. WO 2011 / 061 048 A1 describes a bicycle with a crank mechanism, an electric motor, and a drive shaft connected to the crank mechanism and the electric motor.

[0004] Against this background, the invention is based on the technical problem of providing a more reliable and easily replaceable bicycle gear system which also has a large number of variable speed levels.

[0005] This technical problem is solved with the bicycle derailleur apparatus having the features of claim 1.

[0006] Preferred embodiments are defined in the subclaims.

[0007] A full appreciation of the invention and many of the anticipated advantages of the invention will be readily obtained by better understanding the invention by reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a side elevational view of a bicycle provided with a bicycle transmission apparatus according to a first embodiment; Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the bicycle derailleur apparatus mounted on a bicycle frame of the bicycle shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the bicycle derailleur apparatus mounted on the bicycle frame of the bicycle shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle derailleur apparatus shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the bicycle derailleur apparatus shown in Fig. 1 without a base member,; Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the bicycle derailleur apparatus shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the bicycle derailleur apparatus shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 8 is a plan view of the bicycle derailleur apparatus shown in Fig. 1 without the base link, when viewed diagonally backwards; Fig. 9 is a side elevational view of the first derailleur link of the bicycle derailleur apparatus shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 10 is a side elevational view of the second derailleur link of the bicycle derailleur apparatus shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle derailleur apparatus shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 12 is another plan view of the bicycle derailleur apparatus shown in Fig. 1 without the base link, when viewed diagonally backwards; Fig. 13 is an elevational view of a guide device of the bicycle derailleur apparatus shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a lubricant supply device of the bicycle transmission apparatus shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 15 is a schematic diagram showing an arrangement of the first derailleur member, the second derailleur member and the guide device of the bicycle derailleur apparatus shown in Fig. 1, shows; Fig. 16 is a schematic diagram showing an arrangement of the first derailleur member, the second derailleur member and the guide device of the bicycle derailleur apparatus shown in Fig. 1, shows; Fig. 17 is a schematic diagram showing an arrangement of the first derailleur member, the second derailleur member and the guide device of the bicycle derailleur apparatus shown in Fig. 1, shows; Fig. 18 is a block diagram of the bicycle derailleur apparatus shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 19 shows an example of gear ratios defined by the first derailleur link, the second derailleur link of the bicycle derailleur apparatus shown in Fig. 1; Fig. Fig. 20 shows an example of the combination of a speed stage, a position of the derailleur link and a position of the guide link in the bicycle derailleur apparatus shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 21 is a timing diagram showing an operation of the bicycle transmission apparatus shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 22 is a graph showing the operating speeds of a switching device and a guide device of the bicycle transmission apparatus shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 23 is a timing diagram showing an operation of the bicycle transmission apparatus shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 24 is a side elevational view of a bicycle transmission apparatus according to a second embodiment; Fig. 25 is a side elevational view of a bicycle provided with a bicycle transmission apparatus according to a third embodiment; Fig. 26 is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle derailleur apparatus shown in Fig. 25; Fig. 27 is a side elevational view of a bicycle provided with a bicycle transmission apparatus according to a fourth embodiment; and Fig. 28 is a block diagram of the bicycle derailleur apparatus shown in Fig. 27.

[0008] The embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding or identical elements throughout the several drawings.

[0009] With initial reference to the Fig. 1, a bicycle 10 is shown equipped with a bicycle derailleur assembly 12 according to a first embodiment. While the bicycle 10 is shown as a mountain bike, the bicycle derailleur assembly 12 can be used with road bicycles or other types of bicycles.

[0010] As in Fig. 1, the bicycle 10 includes a handlebar B1, a saddle B2, a bicycle frame B3, a front operating device B41, a rear operating device B42, a front brake device B51, a rear brake device B52, a front wheel B61, a rear wheel B62, and a bicycle crank B7. The front operating device B41 is operatively coupled to the front brake device B51 by means of an operating cable. The rear brake operating device B42 is operatively coupled to the rear brake device B52 by means of an operating cable. The bicycle crank B7 includes crank arms B71 and B72, both coupled to the bicycle transmission apparatus 12, for inputting pedaling force to the bicycle transmission apparatus 12.

[0011] In the present application, the following directional terms "forward," "backward," "left," "right," "across," "upward," and "downward," as well as any other similar directional terms, refer to directions determined based on a user (e.g., a cyclist) sitting on a saddle B2 of the bicycle 10 facing toward the handlebar B1. Accordingly, these directional terms, as used to describe the bicycle transmission apparatus 12, are to be understood with respect to the bicycle 10 equipped with / used with the bicycle transmission apparatus 12 in an upright riding position on a horizontal surface.

[0012] The bicycle 10 includes a switch 14, by means of which the bicycle transmission apparatus 12 is operated by the user (e.g., the cyclist) to change the speed levels of the bicycle transmission apparatus 12. The switch 14 is mounted on the handlebar B1 and is adjacent to, for example, the front brake actuation device B41. The switch 14 can be incorporated into at least one of the front brake actuation devices B41 and the rear brake actuation device B42, if needed and / or desired.

[0013] The bicycle derailleur apparatus 12 and the switch 14 form a bicycle derailleur system 16. The switch 14 is operably coupled to the bicycle derailleur apparatus 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the switch 15 is electrically connected to the bicycle derailleur apparatus 12 via an electrical control cable. While the bicycle derailleur apparatus 12 is electrically actuated in response to a shifting operation of the switch 14 in the illustrated embodiment, the switch 14 may be mechanically coupled to the bicycle derailleur apparatus 12 if needed and / or desired. Furthermore, the bicycle derailleur apparatus 12 and the switch 14 may utilize wireless technology if needed and / or desired.

[0014] As in Fig. 1, the bicycle transmission apparatus 12 is mounted on the bicycle frame B3. The bicycle transmission apparatus 12 is configured to transmit pedaling power to the rear wheel B62 at a variable speed stage. The variable speed stage includes mutually different speed stages. While the bicycle transmission apparatus 12 has thirteen speed stages in the illustrated embodiment, the bicycle transmission apparatus 12 may have at least two speed stages. Furthermore, the bicycle transmission apparatus 12 may have a continuously variable speed stage if needed and / or desired.

[0015] As in the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, the bicycle transmission apparatus 12 includes a base member 18. The base member 18 is mounted to the bicycle frame B3 and serves as a housing of the bicycle transmission apparatus 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the base member 18 is configured to be attached to the bicycle frame B3 as a separate member from the bicycle frame B3. However, at least part of the base member 18 may be integrally provided with the bicycle frame B3 as a single unitary member, if needed and / or desired.

[0016] In the illustrated embodiment, the bicycle frame B3 includes a first frame B31 and a second frame B32. The base member 18 is mounted to the first frame B31 as a separate member from the first frame B31. The second frame B32 is pivotally coupled to the first frame B31 about a pivot axis PA1. The first frame B31 includes first sub-frames B311 and B312, spaced 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 provided between the first sub-frames B311 and B312.

[0017] The second frame B32 includes a second subframe B321 and B322, spaced apart from each other in the transverse direction D0. The second frame B321 is coupled to the second subframe B322 to form a single-piece member. 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.

[0018] As in Fig. 1, the second frame B32 is coupled to a hub shaft of a hub assembly of the rear wheel B62. The bicycle frame B3 further includes a suspension device B33, a first link B34, and a second link B35. The first link B34 is pivotally coupled to the first frame B31. The second link B35 is rotatably coupled to the rear wheel B62 and one end of the first link B34. The second link B35 is rigidly coupled to the second sub-frames B321 and B322. The second link B35 and the second sub-frames B321 and B322 may be integrally provided as a single unitary member. The suspension device B33 is pivotally coupled to the first frame B31 and another end of the first link B34 for absorbing shock applied to the bicycle frame B3.

[0019] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 4, the bicycle derailleur apparatus 12 includes a first derailleur member 20, a second derailleur member 22, and a first coupling member 24. The base member 18 encloses an interior space 26 in which the first derailleur member 20 and the second derailleur member 22 are provided. The first derailleur member 20 is provided in the interior space 26 of the base member 18. The second derailleur member 22 is provided in the interior space 26 of the base member 18.

[0020] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 4, the first derailleur link 20 is rotatable relative to the base link 18 about a first axis of rotation A1. The second derailleur link 22 is rotatable relative to the base link 18 about a second axis of rotation A2.

[0021] As in Fig. 4, the first coupling member 24 is / will be configured to couple the first derailleur member 20 to the second derailleur member 22 for transmitting the rotation of the first derailleur member 20 to the second derailleur member 22 at a variable speed. The first coupling member 24 is annular to surround the first rotational axis A1 and the second rotational axis A2 when viewed from an axial direction D1 ( Fig. 5) parallel to the first rotation axis A1. In the illustrated embodiment, the first coupling link 24 comprises a bicycle chain configured to engage the first derailleur link 20 and the second derailleur link 22. The first coupling link 24 has a chain pitch equal to or less than 12 mm, for example. The chain pitch is more preferably equal to or less than 10 mm. The chain pitch is even more preferably equal to or less than 8.4 mm. The first coupling link 24 may comprise a coupling link, such as a coupling band.

[0022] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 5, the second rotation axis A2 is parallel to the first rotation axis A1 in the illustrated embodiment. However, the second rotation axis A2 may be non-parallel to the first rotation axis A1 if needed and / or desired. The first rotation axis A1 and the second rotation axis A2 are parallel to the transverse direction D0 of the bicycle 10.

[0023] As in Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, the bicycle derailleur apparatus 12 further comprises an input shaft 28. The input shaft 28 is mounted to the base member 18 ( Fig. 6) for receiving an input torque. The input shaft 28 is rotatable with respect to the base member 18 ( Fig. 6) about an input rotational axis A3 in response to the input torque. The bicycle derailleur apparatus 12 further includes input bearing assemblies 29. The input shaft 28 is rotatably mounted to the base member 18 ( Fig. 6) by means of the input storage arrangements 29 ( Fig. 5).

[0024] As in Fig. 6 and Fig. As seen in Figure 7, the input shaft 28 is configured to couple 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 couple 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 shaft end 28a and a second shaft end 28b opposite the first shaft end 28a. The first shaft end 28a is provided outside the base member 18. The second shaft end 28b is provided outside the base member 18. The crank arm B71 is coupled to the first shaft end 28a. The crank arm B72 is coupled to the second shaft end 28b.

[0025] As in Fig. 6 and Fig. 7, the base member 18 includes a base member body 18a and an input shaft support 18b. In the illustrated embodiment, the base member 18 includes two input shaft supports 18b. As shown in Fig. 4, the first derailleur link 20 and the second derailleur link 22 are provided in the base link body 18a. As shown in Fig. 6 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 7, the input shaft 28 includes a support opening 18c in which the input shaft 28 is rotatable relative to the base member 18 about the input rotation axis A3. The input shaft support 18b extends from the base member body 18a along the input rotation axis A3.

[0026] As in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, the base member 18 is configured to be clamped by the bicycle frame B3. In the illustrated embodiment, the input shaft support 18b is configured to be clamped by the bicycle frame B3. The bicycle frame B3 includes a clamp member B313. The clamp member B313 is secured to the first frame B31 by means of clamp bolts (not shown) for sandwiching the input shaft support 18b between the first frame B31 and the clamp member B313. Namely, the bicycle frame B3 does not include a bottom bracket shell that rotatably supports the input shaft 28, and the input shaft support 18b of the base member 18 serves as the bottom bracket shell. The base member 18 is secured to the bicycle frame B3 by means of fasteners (not shown) to prevent rotation of the base member 18 with respect to the bicycle frame B3 about the input rotation axis A3.The base member 18 may only be in contact with the bicycle frame B3 without such fasteners to prevent rotation of the base member 18 with respect to the bicycle frame B3 about the input rotation axis A3.

[0027] As in Fig. 5, the bicycle transmission apparatus 12 further includes an input coupling member 30. The input coupling member 30 is configured to couple the input shaft 28 to the first transmission member 20 for transmitting rotation of the input shaft 28 to the first transmission member 20. The first transmission member 20 is configured to be attached to the input shaft 28 by means of the input coupling member 30 for rotating with the input shaft 28 with respect to the base member 18.

[0028] As in Fig. As seen in Figure 4, the input coupling member 30 has an annular shape for surrounding the input rotational axis A3 and the first rotational axis A1 when viewed from the axial direction D1. The input coupling member 30 is provided in the interior space 26 of the base member 18. In the illustrated embodiment, the input coupling member 30 comprises a bicycle chain configured to couple the input shaft 28 to the first derailleur member 20. The input coupling member 30 has, for example, a chain pitch equal to or less than 12 mm. The input coupling member 30 may comprise a coupling member, such as a coupling band.

[0029] As in Fig. 5, the bicycle transmission apparatus 12 further includes an input gear 31. The input gear 31 is configured to be coupled to the input shaft 28 for co-rotation with the input shaft 28 with respect to the base member 18 about the input rotation axis A3.

[0030] As in Fig. 4, the bicycle derailleur apparatus 12 further includes a one-way clutch 32. The one-way clutch 32 is configured to transmit a first rotation R1 of the input shaft 28 to the first derailleur member 20 and is configured to prevent the transmission of a second rotation R2 of the input shaft 28 from the input shaft 28 to the first derailleur member 20. The second rotation R2 is opposite to the first rotation R1 about the input rotation axis A3.

[0031] As in Fig. 8, the one-way clutch 32 is configured 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 Fig. 4, the one-way clutch 32 is configured to transmit the first rotation R1 of the input shaft 28 to the input gear 31, and is configured to prevent the transmission of a second rotation R2 of the input shaft 28 from the input shaft 28 to the input gear 31. The one-way clutch 32 may be omitted from the bicycle transmission apparatus 12 if needed and / or desired.

[0032] As in Fig. 8, the bicycle derailleur apparatus 12 further includes a first shaft 33 and an intermediate gear 34. The first shaft 33 defines the first rotational axis A1. The first derailleur member 20 is rotatable with respect to the first shaft 33 about the first rotational axis A1. The intermediate gear 34 is rotatable with respect to the first shaft 33 about the first rotational axis A1. The intermediate gear 34 is coupled to the first derailleur member 20 for rotation together with the first derailleur member 20 with respect to the base member 18 about the first rotational axis A1. The bicycle derailleur apparatus further includes first bearing assemblies 35. The first shaft 33 is rotatably mounted to the base member 18 about the first rotational axis A1 by means of the first bearing assemblies 35.

[0033] As in Fig. As seen in Figure 5, the intermediate gear 34 is coupled to the input gear 31 by means of the input coupling member 30. The input coupling member 30 is configured to couple the input shaft 31 to the intermediate gear 34 for transmitting rotation of the input shaft 28 to the first derailleur member 20. The input gear 31 includes a ring gear including teeth. The intermediate gear 34 includes a ring gear including teeth. The input shaft 28 is configured to be attached to the first derailleur member 20 by means of the input gear 31, the input coupling member 30, and the intermediate gear 34 for rotating with the input shaft 28 relative to the base member 18.

[0034] For example, a value obtained by dividing a rotational speed of the first transmission member 20 by a rotational speed of the input shaft 28 is 2 or 4. Particularly, when the one-way clutch 32 is omitted from the bicycle transmission apparatus 12, the value is preferably 2 or 4. In the illustrated embodiment, the value obtained by dividing the rotational speed of the first transmission member 20 by the rotational speed of the input shaft 28 is 2. However, the value obtained by dividing the rotational speed of the first transmission member 20 by the rotational speed of the input shaft 28 may be 4 or other values.When the one-way clutch 32 is omitted from the bicycle transmission apparatus 12, the selected value is 2 or 4, a phase between the crank arm B71 and the first gear CW11 to CW17 is adjusted so that when the crank arm B71 is at the top or bottom dead center, the first switching facilitating part 46 of the first gears CW11 to CW17 is in a switching range of the guide member 78. Therefore, the transmission apparatus 12 switches the first coupling member 24 when the torque of the first gears CW11 to CW17 becomes the lowest.

[0035] As in Fig. As seen in Figure 8, the bicycle derailleur apparatus 12 further includes an output shaft 36. The output shaft 36 is rotatable relative to the base member 18 about the second rotational axis A2. The second derailleur member 22 is coupled to the output shaft 36 for co-rotation with the output shaft 36 relative to the base member 18 about the second rotational axis A2. The bicycle derailleur apparatus 12 further includes first output bearing assemblies 37. The output shaft 36 is rotatably mounted to the base member 18 by means of the output bearing assemblies 37.

[0036] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the bicycle transmission apparatus 12 further includes an output gear 38. The output gear 38 is configured to be coupled to the output shaft 36 for integral rotation with the output shaft 36 relative to the base member 18 about the second rotation axis A2. Specifically, the second transmission member 22, the output shaft 36, and the output gear 38 are integrally rotatable with each other as a unit relative to the base member 18 about the second rotation axis A2. The output gear 38 includes a ring gear including teeth. Pedaling power is transmitted from the input shaft 28 to the output gear 38 via the input gear 31, the input coupling member 30, the intermediate gear 34, the first transmission member 20, the first coupling member 24, the second transmission member 22, and the output shaft 36.

[0037] In the illustrated embodiment, the input gear 31 is provided on a first side S1 relative to the first derailleur member 20 in the axial direction D1. The intermediate gear 34 is provided on the first side S1 relative to the first derailleur member 20 in the axial direction D1. The output gear 38 is provided on the first side S1 relative to the first derailleur member 20 in the axial direction D1.

[0038] As in Fig. 6, the output gear 38 is provided outside the base member 18. As shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 6, an output coupling member 40, such as a bicycle chain, is in engagement with the output gear 38 and a rear sprocket B9 ( Fig. 1) of the bicycle 10. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the rear ring gear B9 is coupled to the rear wheel B62 via a freewheel (not shown) for integral rotation with the rear wheel B62 in a rotational drive direction. Rotation of the output gear 38 is transmitted to the rear wheel B62 via the output coupling member 40 and the rear ring gear B9.

[0039] As in Fig. 5, the first rotational axis A1 is different from the input rotational axis A3. The second rotational axis A2 is different from each of the input rotational axis A3 and the first rotational axis A1. The input rotational axis A3 and the second rotational axis A2 are spaced apart from each other. The first rotational axis A1 and the second rotational axis A2 are parallel to the input rotational axis A3. However, the first rotational axis A1 may coincide with the input rotational axis A3 if needed and / or desired. In the illustrated embodiment, the input shaft 28 is coaxial with the first derailleur member 20 and is coupled to the first derailleur member 20 for common rotation with the first derailleur member 20 with respect to the base member 18 about the first rotational axis A1.

[0040] As in Fig. 4, the first angle AG11 is defined about the first rotation axis A1 between a first line segment L1 connecting the input rotation axis A3 and the first rotation axis A1, and a second line segment L2 connecting the first rotation axis A1 and the second rotation axis A2, when viewed from the axial direction D1. A second angle AG12 is defined about the first rotation axis A1 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 an opposite side of the first angle AG11 with respect to the first rotation axis 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 degrees and greater than 90 degrees. However, the first angle AG11 can be an acute angle if needed and / or desired.

[0041] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 8, the first derailleur member 20 is movable relative to the base member 18 in the axial direction D1 parallel to the first rotation axis A1. The second derailleur member 22 is stationary relative to the base member 18 in the axial direction D1. In the illustrated embodiment, the first derailleur member 20 is movable relative to the base member 18 and the second derailleur member 22 between a first axial position P1 and a second axial position P2 in the axial direction D1.

[0042] The variable speed stage or shift stage of the bicycle derailleur apparatus 12 is variable according to at least one positional relationship between the first derailleur member 20, the second derailleur member 22, and the first coupling member 24 in the axial direction D1. The axial direction D1 includes a first axial position D11 and a second axial direction D12, which is opposite to the first axial direction D11.

[0043] The first derailleur member 20 includes first gears CW11 to CW17, arranged in the axial direction D1. Each of the first gears CW11 to CW17 can engage or come into engagement with the first coupling member 24. The first gears CW11 to CW17 each define the speed stages or switching stages together with the second gears CW21 to CW27. The second derailleur member 22 includes second gears CW21 to CW27, arranged in the axial direction D1. Each of the second gears CW21 to CW27 can engage or come into engagement with the first coupling member 24. The second gears CW21 to CW27 each define the speed stages or switching stages together with the first gears CW11 to CW17.

[0044] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 8, a 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 derailleur member 20 includes seven first gears CW11 to CW17, each arranged in the axial direction D1. The second derailleur member 22 includes seven second gears CW21 to CW27, arranged in the axial direction D1. A total number of first gears may be different from a total number of second gears, if needed and / or desired.

[0045] In the illustrated embodiment, the first gears CW11 to CW17 are spaced apart from each other in the axial direction D1 at a regular interval. The second gears CW21 to CW27, respectively, are spaced apart from each other in the axial direction D1 at a regular interval, equal to the regular interval of the first gears CW11 to CW17.

[0046] The first gear CW11 is / will be arranged in an axial position substantially equal to the axial position of the second gear CW27 in a first state in which the first derailleur member 20 is / will be positioned at the first axial position P1. The first gear CW12 is / will be arranged in an axial position substantially equal to the axial position of the second gear CW27 in a second state in which the first derailleur member 20 is / will be positioned at the second axial position P2. The first gears CW11 to CW17 are respectively arranged in axial positions equal to the axial positions of the second gears CW27 to CW21 in the first state of the first derailleur member 20. The first gears CW12 to CW17 are respectively arranged in axial positions equal to the axial positions of the second gears CW27 to CW22 in the second state of the first derailleur member 20.

[0047] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 9, the first gears CW11 to CW17 include a first largest gear CW17 and a first smallest gear CW11. The first smallest gear CW11 has an outer diameter that is smaller than an outer diameter of the first largest gear CW17. As shown in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 8, the first smallest gear CW11 is / will be spaced from the first largest gear CW17 in the first axial direction D11.

[0048] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 10, the second gears CW21 to CW27 include a second largest gear CW27 and a second smallest gear CW21. The second smallest gear CW21 has an outer diameter that is smaller than an outer diameter of the second largest gear CW27. As shown in Fig. 8, the second smallest gear CW21 is / will be spaced from the second largest gear CW27 in the second axial direction D12.

[0049] As in Fig. 9, each of the first gears CW11 to CW17 includes first teeth 42 arranged in a circumferential direction D2 of the first derailleur member 20. The first gears CW11 to CW17 each have first pitch circles, each defined by the first tooth 42. The first derailleur member 20 rotates about the first rotation axis A1 in a drive rotation direction D21 during pedaling.

[0050] As in Fig. As seen in Figure 10, each of the second gears CW21 to CW27 includes second teeth 44 arranged in a circumferential direction D3 of the second derailleur member 22. The second gears CW21 to CW27 each have second pitch circles, each defined by the second tooth 44. The second derailleur member 22 rotates about the first rotational axis A2 in a drive rotational motion D31 during pedaling.

[0051] As in Fig. 9 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 10, the first diameters DM11 to DM17 of the first pitch circles are each equal to the second diameters DM21 to DM27 of the second pitch circles. Specifically, the second gears CW21 to CW27 each have substantially the same constructions as the first gears CW11 to CW17. However, the second gears CW21 to CW27 may each have different constructions from the first gears CW11 to CW17, if needed and / or desired.

[0052] As in Fig. 9, the first derailleur member 20 includes a first shift facilitation part configured to facilitate or assist the shifting of the first coupling member 24 with respect to the first derailleur member 20 in the axial direction D1. In the illustrated embodiment, at least one of the first gears CW11 to CW17 of the first derailleur member 20 includes a first shift facilitation part 46 configured to facilitate or assist the shifting of the first coupling member 24 with respect to the first derailleur member 20 in the axial direction D1. Each of the first gears CW12 to CW17 includes the first shift facilitation parts 46.The first switch facilitating parts 46 have at least one recess in the axial direction D1 for guiding the first coupling member 24 from a currently engaged gear to an adjacent larger gear in the first gears CW11 to CW17 when changing a speed stage or switching stage.

[0053] The first switch facilitating part 46 is / will be arranged in a first switching range 48 of the first derailleur member 20 when the bicycle crank B7 is / will be arranged at or adjacent to a dead center DC1 ( Fig. 4). As in Fig. 4, in a state where the bicycle crank B7 is located at the dead center DC1, the crank arms B71 and B72 extend in a vertical direction D4.

[0054] As in Fig. 10, the second derailleur member 22 includes a second shift facilitation part or shift assist part, configured to facilitate or assist the shifting of the first coupling member 24 with respect to the second derailleur member 22 in the axial direction D1. In the illustrated embodiment, at least one of the second gears CW21 to CW27 of the second derailleur member 22 includes a second shift facilitation part 50, configured to facilitate the shifting of the first coupling member 24 with respect to the second derailleur member 22 in the axial direction D1. Each of the second gears CW22 to CW27 includes a second shift facilitation part 50.The second switch facilitating part 50 has at least one recess in the axial direction D1 for guiding the first coupling member 24 from a currently engaged gear to an adjacent larger gear in the second gears CW22 to CW27 when changing a speed stage or switching stage.

[0055] As in Fig. 11, the bicycle derailleur apparatus 12 further includes a bearing structure 52. The bearing structure 52 is configured to rotatably couple the first derailleur member 20 to the first shaft 33 about the first rotation axis A1. The first derailleur member 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.

[0056] The first shaft 33 is rotatable with respect to the base member 18. The first shaft 33 is prevented from moving with respect to the base member 18 in the axial direction D1. The bearing structure 52 is configured to movably couple the first derailleur member 20 to the first shaft 33 in the axial direction D1. Namely, the first derailleur member 20 is rotatable with respect to the base member 18 and the first shaft 33 and is movable with respect to the base member 18 and the first shaft 33 in the axial direction D1. Unlike the first derailleur member 20, the intermediate gear is stationary with respect to the base member 18 in the axial direction D1.

[0057] As in Fig. 11, the bicycle derailleur apparatus 12 further includes a positioning device 56 configured to position the first derailleur member 20 relative to the base member 18 in the axial direction D1 at each of the axial positions. The positioning device 56 is configured to position the first derailleur member 20 relative to the base member 18 in the axial direction D1 at each of the first axial position P1 and the second axial position P2. The first derailleur member 20 is movable relative to the base member 18 in the first axial direction D11 from the first axial position P1 to the second axial position P2. The first derailleur member 20 is movable relative to the base member 18 in the second axial direction D12 from the second axial position P2 to the first axial position P1.

[0058] In the illustrated embodiment, the positioning device 56 includes a holder 58, roller elements 60, and a cage 62. The holder 58 is rotatable with respect to the first derailleur member 20 and the first shaft 33 about the first rotation axis A1. The holder 58 is integrally movable with the first derailleur member 20 with respect to the base member 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 configured to rotatably hold the roller elements 60 and is attached to the holder 58 for integral movement with the holder 58 in the axial direction D1.

[0059] The first shaft 33 includes a guide groove 64 configured to guide the roller elements 60 in the axial direction D1. The guide groove 64 is provided spirally on an outer circumferential surface of the first shaft 33. The roller elements 60 are provided in the guide groove 64 and are 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 configured to convert the rotation of the first shaft 33 into linear movement of the first transmission member 20. The rotation of the first shaft 33 relative to the base member 18 moves the holder 58, the roller elements 60, and the cage 62 relative to the first shaft 33 and the base member 18 in the axial direction D1. This moves the first derailleur link 20 relative to the base link 18 in the axial direction D1.

[0060] The bicycle derailleur apparatus 12 further comprises a switching device 66 configured to switch a position of the first derailleur member 20 relative to the base member 18 in the axial direction D1 between the first axial position P1 and the second axial position P2.

[0061] In the illustrated embodiment, the switching device 66 includes a switching actuator 68, a driven gear 70, a reduction structure 72, and a reversal input prevention member 74. The switching actuator 68, the driven gear 70, the reduction structure 72, and the reversal input prevention member 74 are provided in the base member 18 and are mounted to the base member 18. The reduction structure 72 includes some gears for retarding input rotation from the actuator 68 and outputting retarding rotation to the driven gear 70. The switching actuator 68 is configured to generate an actuating force for moving the first switching member 20 relative to the base member 18 in the axial direction D1.While the shift actuator 68 is a stepper motor in the illustrated embodiment, the shift actuator 68 may be a direct current (DC) motor or any other type of actuator if needed and / or desired. The driven gear 70 is coupled to the first shaft 33 for uniform rotation with the first shaft 33 about the first rotational axis A1. An output gear of the reduction structure 72 meshes with the driven gear 70 to transmit rotation to the driven gear 70 with respect to the base member 18 about the first rotational axis A1 at a particular gear ratio. The reduction structure 72 is a reduction gear, for example.

[0062] The reverse input preventing member 74 is configured to transmit the operating force from the shift actuator 68 to the reduction structure 72. In particular, the reverse input preventing member 74 is configured to transmit the rotation from the shift actuator 68 to the reduction structure 72 in both rotational directions. On the other hand, the reverse input preventing member 74 is further configured to prevent the transmission of the rotation of the reduction structure 72 from the reduction structure 72 to the shift actuator 68. The reverse input preventing member 74 may be omitted from the shift device 66 if needed and / or desired. Other structures may be used in the shift device 66. For example, it is possible to move the first derailleur member 20 directly with respect to the base member 18 using structures such as gears or cams, if needed and / or desired.

[0063] As in Fig. 12 and Fig. 13, the bicycle derailleur apparatus 12 further comprises a guide device 76. The guide device 76 is configured to guide the first coupling member 24 to change at least one of a first relative position between the first coupling member 24 and the first derailleur member 20 and a second relative position between the first coupling member 24 and the second derailleur member 22.

[0064] The guide device 76 includes a guide member 78 and a guide unit 80. The guide member 78 is contactable with the first coupling member 24. The guide unit 80 is configured to guide the guide member 78 in a first guide direction D5 for changing at least one of the first relative position and the second relative position. The guide unit 80 is provided in the base member 18 and is mounted to 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 may be parallel to the axial direction D1 if needed and / or desired.

[0065] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 13, the guide member 78 includes a guide opening 81 through which the first coupling member 24 extends. The guide member 78 is slidable with the first coupling member 24 for moving (switching) the first coupling member 24 in the first guide direction D5.

[0066] As in Fig. 12 and Fig. As can be seen 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 rotation axis A4 parallel to the first guide direction D5. The guide shaft 82 is rotatably mounted to the base member 18 by means of bearing units (not shown). The coupling structure 84 is configured to rotatably couple the output shaft 82 to the guide member 78. The guide shaft 82 and the coupling structure 84 form a ball screw configured to convert the rotation of the guide shaft 82 into a linear movement of the guide member 78.

[0067] As in Fig. As seen in Figure 13, the guide unit 80 further includes a sub-shaft 85 extending along the guide shaft 82 in the first guide direction D5. The sub-shaft 85 extends through a hole (not shown) of the coupling structure 84 to prevent rotation of the coupling structure 84 relative to the base member 18 about the guide rotation axis A4.

[0068] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 13, the guide device 76 includes a guide actuator 86 configured to move the guide member 78 in the first guide direction D5. The guide actuator 86 is configured to generate an actuating force to move the guide shaft 82 relative to the base member 18 about the guide rotation axis A4. The guide device 76 includes an intermediate gear 88 configured to convert the rotation of the guide shaft 86 to the guide shaft 82 to a particular gear ratio. The intermediate gear 88 is a reduction gear, for example.

[0069] While the guide device 76 includes the guide actuator 86 configured to move the guide member 78 in response to the input torque in the illustrated embodiment, the guide member 78 may be actuated by means of a mechanical control cable, such as a Bowden cable.

[0070] As in Fig. 4 and Fig. 13, the guide device 76 includes a tensioner 90 contactable with the first coupling member 24. In the illustrated embodiment, the tensioner 90 may comprise a tension roller configured to engage with the first coupling member 24. The guide unit 80 is configured to guide the tensioner 90 in a second guide direction D6 for adjusting the tension of the first coupling member 24. The second guide direction D6 is different from the first guide direction D5 and the axial direction D1. The guide member 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.

[0071] The guide device 76 includes a first guide pile 91, a second guide pile 92, and a prestressing member 93. The first guide pile 91 and the second guide pile 92 extend in the second guide direction D6 for guiding the tensioner 90 in the second guide direction D6. The prestressing member 93 is / will be configured to prestress the tensioner 90 along the first guide pile 91 and the second guide pile 92 in the second guide direction D6. The prestressing member 93 is / will be configured to pull the tensioner 90 toward the guide member 78 in the second guide direction D6. While the prestressing member 93 is a tension spring in the illustrated embodiment, the guide member 93 may be members other than the tension spring. The tensioner 90 is, for example, a pulley.

[0072] As in Fig. 13, the tensioner 90 moves uniformly with the guide member 78 with respect to the base member 18 ( Fig. 4) in the first guide direction D5. The tensioner 90 is / will be designed to guide the first coupling member 24 together with the guide member 78.

[0073] As in Fig. 4, the base member 18 is configured to store lubricant in the interior space 26. The base member 18 includes a supply port 94 through which the lubricant is supplied to the interior space 26. Furthermore, the bicycle transmission apparatus 12 includes a lubricant supply device 95 configured to apply lubricant to the first coupling member 24. The lubricant supply device 95 is attached to the guide member 78 for uniform movement with the guide member 78.

[0074] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 14, the lubricant supply device 95 includes a lubricant housing 96 and a brush 98. The lubricant housing 96 is configured to store the lubricant. The brush 98 is mounted to the lubricant housing 96 to be in contact with the lubricant stored in the lubricant housing 96. The brush 98 is arranged to be in contact with the first coupling member 24. The lubricant is applied to the first coupling member 24 by means of the brush 98.

[0075] As in Fig. 4, the bicycle transmission apparatus 12 includes an additional lubricant supply device 100 configured to supply lubricant to the input coupling member 30. The additional lubricant supply device 100 is / is attached to the base member 18. Since the additional lubricant supply device 100 has the same construction as the construction of the lubricant supply device 95 shown in Fig. 14, it will not be described in detail here for the sake of brevity.

[0076] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 15, the guide device 76 is configured to move and position the guide member 78 between the first to seventh positions P11 to P17 in the first guide direction D5. The first to seventh positions P11 to P17 correspond to the second gears CW27 to CW21, respectively.

[0077] As in Fig. 15 and Fig. 16, the first derailleur member 20 is movable with respect to the base member 18 and the first coupling member 24 in the first axial direction D11 without changing an axial relative position between the first coupling member 24 and the second derailleur member 22 during either an upshift or a downshift. In the illustrated embodiment, the first derailleur member 20 is movable with respect to the base member 18 and the first coupling member 24 in the first axial direction D11 without changing an axial relative position between the first coupling member 24 and the second derailleur member 22 during the upshift. Furthermore, the first derailleur member 20 is movable with respect to the base member 18 and the first coupling member 24 in the second axial direction D12 without changing the axial relative position between the first coupling member 24 and the second derailleur member 22 during the downshift.

[0078] As in Fig. 16 and Fig. As seen in Figure 17, the first derailleur member 20 is movable together with the first coupling member 24 with respect to the base member 18 in the second axial direction D12 to change the axial relative position between the first coupling member 24 and the second derailleur member 22 during another of the upshift and the downshift. In the illustrated embodiment, the first derailleur member 20 is movable together with the first coupling member 24 with respect to the base member 18 in the second axial direction D12 to change the axial relative position between the first coupling member 24 and the second derailleur member 22 during the upshift. Furthermore, the first derailleur member 20 is movable together with the first coupling member 24 with respect to the base member 18 in the first axial direction D11 to change the axial relative position between the first coupling member 24 and the second derailleur member 22 during downshifting.

[0079] As in Fig. 18, the bicycle transmission apparatus 12 further includes a transmission controller 102. The transmission controller 102 is configured to control the shifting device 66 and the guide device 76. In particular, the transmission controller 102 is configured to control the shift actuator 68 and the guide actuator 86. In the illustrated embodiment, the transmission controller 102 is configured as a microcomputer and includes a processor 104 and a memory 106. The processor 104 includes a central processing unit (CPU). The memory 106 includes a read-only memory (ROM) and a random access memory (RAM). For example, a program stored in the memory 106 is read in the processor 104, and various functions of the transmission controller 102 are thereby executed. The derailleur controller 102, the switching device 66 and the guide device 76 are / are supplied with electrical power by a battery (e.g.a rechargeable battery) which is mounted on the chassis 13 or the base member 18.

[0080] While the functions of the derailleur controller 102 are performed by software, various functions of the derailleur controller 102 may be performed by hardware or by a combination of software and hardware, if needed and / or desired.

[0081] The switching control unit 102 is / will be designed to store a switching route RT1 ( Fig. 19) in memory 106. Fig. 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 defined by the first gears CW11 to CW17 and the second gears CW21 to CW27, respectively. The transmission route RT1 is defined by thirteen gear ratios among the gear ratios defined by the first gears CW11 to CW17 and the second gears CW21 to CW27. Specifically, the transmission controller 102 includes a transmission route memory configured to store the transmission route RT1 defined by at least two of the gear ratios defined by the first gears CW11 to CW17 and the second gears CW21 to CW27.

[0082] To control the switching device 66 and the guide device 76 based on the switching route RT1 in Fig. 19, as in Fig. 18 and Fig. 20, the switching controller 102 is configured to store the switching information SF1 defined based on the switching route RT1 in the memory 106. As shown in Fig. 20, for example, the shift information SF1 includes combinations of the axial positions of the first derailleur member 20 and the positions of the guide member 78 for the speed levels of the bicycle derailleur apparatus 12. The derailleur controller 102 is further configured to store the current speed level of the bicycle derailleur apparatus 12 in the memory 106.

[0083] As in Fig. 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 shift actuator 68 based on commands and / or signals from the derailleur controller 102. The first position sensor 110 is configured to detect the axial position of the first derailleur member 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the first position sensor 110 is configured to detect one of a rotational position of the shift 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 derailleur member 20. While the first position sensor 110 is a potentiometer in the illustrated embodiment, the first position sensor 110 may be any sensor, such as a rotary encoder, if needed and / or desired.The derailleur controller 102 is configured to store the axial position of the first derailleur member 20 among the first axial position P1 and the second axial position P2 in the memory 106. Specifically, the derailleur controller 102 includes a first position memory configured to store the current axial position of the first derailleur member 20.

[0084] The guide device 76 includes a first 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 derailleur 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 shift actuator 86, a rotational position of the intermediate gear 88, and a rotational position of the guide shaft 82 to obtain the positions of the guide member 78. While the second position sensor 114 is a potentiometer in the illustrated embodiment, the second position sensor 114 may be any sensor, such as a rotary encoder. The derailleur controller 102 is / will be configured to store a current position of the guide member 78 in the memory 106.Specifically, the derailleur controller 102 includes a second position memory configured to store the current position of the guide member 78.

[0085] The switch 14 includes a first actuator SR1 and a second actuator SR2. The first actuator SR1 is configured to be operated by a user for an upshift. The second actuator SR2 is configured to be operated by the user for a downshift. The switch 14 includes a signal controller 116 configured to generate a shift signal SS based on input operations of the first actuator SR1 and the second actuator SR2. The signal controller 116 is configured to generate an upshift signal SS based on an input operation of the first actuator SR1. The signal controller 116 is configured to generate a downshift signal DSS based on an input operation of the second actuator SR2.The upshift signal USS and the downshift signal DSS are input from the switch 14 to the shift controller 102. The shift controller 102 controls the shift actuator 68 and the guide actuator 86 based on the shift signal SS and the shift route RT1 (e.g., the shift information SF1) stored in the memory 106.

[0086] For example, when the upshift signal USS is input from the switch 14 to the shift controller 102 in a state where the speed stage or shift stage is in a low gear ( Fig. 15), the derailleur controller 102 controls the shift actuator 68 to move the first derailleur member 20 from the first axial position P1 to the second axial position P2 in the first axial direction D11 ( Fig. 16 and Fig. 20). At this time, as in Fig. 16 and Fig. 20, the derailleur controller 102 controls the guide actuator 86 to maintain the guide member 78 at the first guide position P11. Therefore, the first derailleur member 20 is shifted with respect to the second derailleur member 22 and the first coupling member 24 in the first axial direction D11. Accordingly, as shown in Fig. 16, Fig. 19 and Fig. 20, the first coupling member 24 is switched from the first gear CW11 to the first gear CW12, whereby the speed stage or switching stage of the bicycle transmission apparatus 12 is changed from the low gear to the second gear.

[0087] When the upshift signal USS is input from the switch 14 to the transmission controller 102 in a state where the speed stage is in a second gear ( Fig. 16), the derailleur controller 102 controls the shift actuator 68 to move the first derailleur member 20 from the second axial position P2 to the first axial position P1 in the second axial direction D12 ( Fig. 17 and Fig. 20). At this time, as in Fig. 17 and Fig. 20, the derailleur controller 102 controls the guide actuator 86 to move the guide member 78 from the first guide position P11 to the second guide position P12. In the illustrated embodiment, the first derailleur member 20 and the guide member 78 are moved substantially simultaneously. Therefore, the first derailleur member 20 and the first coupling member 24 are switched with respect to the second derailleur member 22 in the second axial direction D12. Accordingly, as shown in Fig. 17, Fig. 19 and Fig. 20, the first coupling member 24 is / is switched from the second gear CW27 to the second gear CW26, whereby the speed stage of the bicycle derailleur apparatus 12 is changed from the second gear to the third gear.

[0088] When the downshift signal DSS is input from the switch 14 to the transmission controller 102 in a state where the speed stage is in a third gear ( Fig. 17), the derailleur controller 102 controls the shift actuator 68 to move the first derailleur member 20 from the first axial position P1 to the second axial position P2 in the first axial direction D11 ( Fig. 16 and Fig. 20). At this time, as in Fig. 16 and Fig. 20, the derailleur controller 102 controls the guide actuator 86 to move the guide member 78 from the second guide position P12 to the first guide position P11. Therefore, the first derailleur member 20 and the first coupling member 24 are switched with respect to the second derailleur member 22 in the first axial direction D11. Accordingly, as shown in Fig. 16, Fig. 19 and Fig. 20, the first coupling member 24 is switched from the second gear CW26 to the second gear CW27, whereby the speed stage of the bicycle derailleur apparatus 12 is / is changed from the third gear to the second gear.

[0089] When the downshift signal DSS is input from the switch 14 to the transmission controller 102 in a state where the speed stage is in a second gear ( Fig. 16), the derailleur controller 102 controls the shift actuator 68 to move the first derailleur member 20 from the second axial position P2 to the first axial position P1 in the second axial direction D12 ( Fig. 15 and Fig. 20). At this time, as in Fig. 15 and Fig. 20, the derailleur controller 102 controls the guide actuator 86 to maintain the guide member 78 at the first guide position P11. Therefore, the first derailleur member 20 is switched with respect to the second derailleur member 22 and the first coupling member 24 in the second axial direction D12. Accordingly, as shown in Fig. 15, Fig. 19 and Fig. 20, the first coupling member 24 is switched from the first gear CW12 to the first gear CW11, whereby the speed stage of the bicycle transmission apparatus 12 changes from the second gear to the low gear.

[0090] Since the derailleur controller 102, as described above, controls the shifting device 66, the guide device 76, between low and thirteenth gear based on the derailleur route RT1 shown in Fig. 19 (e.g. the switching information SF1 shown in Fig. 20), it will not be described in detail here for the sake of brevity. When the transmission controller 102 and the switch 14 communicate via wireless communication, the transmission controller 102 and the switch 14 each include wireless communication devices, and the switch 14 includes another battery.

[0091] In addition, the derailleur controller 102 is configured to change an operating speed of each of the switching devices 66 and the guide device 76 based on input information. In particular, as shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 21, the transmission controller 102 is configured to determine at a determination interval T0 whether the switching signal SS is continuous. The transmission controller 102 is configured to output switching commands to the switching devices 66 and the guide device 76 at the determination interval T0 when the transmission controller 102 determines at the determination interval T0 that the switching signal SS is continuous. Specifically, the transmission controller 102 includes a determination part configured to determine at the determination interval T0 whether the switching signal SS is continuous. Furthermore, the transmission controller 102 includes a command generator configured to output a switching command to each of the switching devices 66 and the guide device 76 at the determination interval T0 when the transmission controller 102 determines at the determination interval T0 that the switching signal SS is continuous.

[0092] As in Fig. 21, the switching device 66 and the guide device 76 are configured to change a current speed stage by one stage based on the switching commands from the transmission controller 102. In a case where the signal duration SD of the switching signal SS is longer than the determination interval T0, the transmission controller outputs a plurality of switching commands to each of the switching device 66 and the guide device 76 according to the signal duration SD.

[0093] As in Fig. 21, in a case where the signal duration SD of the switching signal SS has a length greater than three times longer than the determination interval T0, the transmission controller 102 controls the switching device 66 and the guide device 76 to continuously change the current speed stage by four stages based on the switching signals SS and the signal duration SD.

[0094] Specifically, in a case where the switching device 66 and the guide device 76 shift the current speed stage up from the lower gear, the transmission controller 102 outputs an upshift command to the switching device 66 and the guide device 76 when the shift signal SS is input from the switch 14 to the transmission controller 102. The switching device 66 and the guide device 76 shift the current speed stage from the low gear to a second gear in response to the input command from the transmission controller 102.

[0095] If, as in Fig. As shown in Fig. 21, when the transmission controller 102 determines at the determination interval T0 that the shift signal SS is continuous, the transmission controller 102 outputs 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 current speed stage from the second gear to a third gear in response to the additional upshift command.

[0096] If the transmission controller 102 determines at the next determination interval T0 that the shift signal SS is still 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 current speed stage from the third gear to a fourth gear in response to the additional upshift command. The above operation is applied to the upshift from the fourth gear to a fifth gear.

[0097] If the transmission controller 102 determines at the next determination interval T0 that the shift signal SS is not continuous (that the shift signal SS has been terminated), the transmission controller 102 does not output an additional upshift command to the switching device 66 and the guide device 76.

[0098] As in Fig. 18, the bicycle transmission apparatus 12 further includes a sensing device 118 configured to detect a pedaling state of the bicycle 10. The transmission controller 102 is configured to control the switching device 66 to change a timing at which the first transmission member 20 moves with respect to the base member 18 based on the pedaling state detected by the sensing device 118. The transmission controller 102 is configured to control the guide actuator 86 to change a timing at which the guide member 78 moves with respect to the base member 18 based on the pedaling state detected by the sensing device 118.

[0099] The derailleur controller 102 is configured to change the operating speed of each of the shift actuator 68 and the guide actuator 86 based on input information. The detection device 118 is configured to detect the pedaling state of the bicycle 10 as the input information. The derailleur controller 102 is configured to change the operating speed of each of the shift actuator 68 and the guide actuator 86 based on the pedaling state detected by the detection device 118. Specifically, the derailleur controller 102 includes a speed change part configured to change the operating speed of each of the shift actuator 68 and the guide actuator 86 based on the input information.

[0100] As in Fig. 18, the detection device 118 comprises a cadence sensor 120, designed to detect a cadence of the bicycle 10 as the pedal state of the bicycle 10. The cadence sensor 120 is / is attached, for example, to the bicycle frame B3 ( Fig. 1). The cadence sensor 120 is configured to detect a rotational speed of the crank arm B71 of the bicycle crank B7 as the cadence. For example, the cadence sensor 120 is configured to detect a detection element, such as a magnet, attached to the crank arm B71.

[0101] The derailleur controller 102 is configured to change one of the operating speed and the response speed based on the pedal state detected by the sensing device 118. In the illustrated embodiment, the derailleur controller 102 is configured to change the operating speed of each of the shift actuator 68 and the guide actuator 86 based on the cadence Cs detected by the cadence sensor 120.

[0102] The derailleur controller 102 decreases the actuation speed of each of the shift actuator 68 and the guide actuator 86 when the cadence Cs detected by the cadence sensor 120 is less than a cadence threshold. The derailleur controller 102 increases the actuation speed of each of the shift actuator 68 and the guide actuator 86 when the cadence Cs detected by the cadence sensor 120 is equal to or higher than the cadence threshold.

[0103] As in Fig. 18, the derailleur controller 102 is configured to store the cadence threshold and a plurality of predetermined operating speeds in the memory 106. Specifically, the derailleur controller 102 includes a cadence threshold memory configured to store the cadence threshold, and an operating speed memory configured to store the plurality of predetermined operating speeds.

[0104] The derailleur controller 102 is configured to select one of the predetermined operating speeds according to the cadence Cs detected by the cadence sensor 120 as the operating speed. Specifically, the derailleur controller 102 includes an operating speed selector configured to select one of the predetermined operating speeds according to the cadence Cs detected by the cadence sensor 120 as the operating speed. The derailleur controller 102 is configured to control the shift actuator 68 and the guide actuator 86 to change the speed stage at the selected operating speed. Specifically, the derailleur controller 102 is configured to output the selected operating speed as an operating speed command to each of the shifting device 68 and the guide device 86.The first motor driver 108 is configured to control the shift actuator 68 to move the first derailleur member 20 at the selected actuation speed. The second motor driver 112 is configured to control the guide actuator 86 to move the guide member 78 at the selected actuation speed.

[0105] In the illustrated embodiment, the derailleur controller 102 is configured to select one of the predetermined operating speeds as the operating speed according to the cadence Cs. However, the derailleur controller 102 may be configured to continuously change the current speed level according to the cadence Cs, if needed and / or desired.

[0106] As in Fig. 22, for example, the derailleur controller 102 is configured 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 shift actuator 68. In the illustrated embodiment, the second actuation speed V2 is less than the first actuation speed V1. For example, the first actuation speed V1 is a normal actuation speed of the shift actuator 68. The derailleur controller 102 may be configured to store more than three actuation speeds for the shift actuator 68, if needed and / or desired.

[0107] Similarly, the derailleur 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 shift actuator 86. In the illustrated embodiment, the fourth actuation speed V4 is less than the third actuation speed V3. For example, the third actuation speed V3 is a normal actuation speed of the shift actuator 86. The derailleur controller 102 may be configured to store more than three actuation speeds for the master actuator 86, if needed and / or desired.

[0108] As in Fig. As shown in Fig. 23, the transmission controller 102 is configured to select the first operating speed V1 as the operating speed from the first operating speed V1 and the second operating speed V2 when the cadence Cs detected by the cadence sensor 120 is equal to or higher than the cadence threshold Cth. Similarly, the transmission controller 102 is configured to select the third operating speed V3 as the operating speed from the third operating speed V3 and the fourth operating speed V4 when the cadence Cs detected by the cadence sensor 120 is equal to or higher than the cadence threshold Cth. The transmission controller 102 controls the switching actuator 68 and the guide actuator 86 to change a current speed stage with the first operating speed V1 and the third operating speed V3.Specifically, the first motor driver 108 controls the shift actuator 68 to move the first derailleur member 20 at the first actuation speed V1 input by the derailleur controller 102. The second motor driver 112 controls the guide actuator 86 to move the guide member 78 at the third actuation speed V3 input by the derailleur controller 102.

[0109] As in Fig. 23, the rear derailleur controller 102 is configured to select the second operating speed V2 as the operating speed from the first operating speed V1 and the second operating speed V2 when the cadence Cs detected by the cadence sensor 120 is less than the cadence threshold Cth. The rear derailleur controller 102 is configured to select the fourth operating speed V4 as the operating speed from the third operating speed V3 and the fourth operating speed V4 when the cadence Cs detected by the cadence sensor 120 is less than the cadence threshold Cth. The rear derailleur controller 102 controls the shift actuator 68 and the guide actuator 86 to change a current speed stage with the second operating speed V2 and the fourth operating speed V4.Specifically, the first motor driver 108 controls the shift actuator 68 to move the first derailleur member 20 at the second operating speed V2 input from the derailleur controller 102. The second motor driver 112 controls the guide actuator 86 to move the guide member 78 at the fourth operating speed V4 input from the derailleur controller 102.

[0110] Instead of changing the operating speed, the derailleur controller 102 may be configured to change the response speed of each of the switching device 66 and the guide device 76. Moreover, the operating speed changing function of the derailleur controller 102 may be omitted if needed and / or desired.

[0111] In the case of the bicycle transmission apparatus 12, the first coupling member 24 is configured to couple the first transmission member 20 to the second transmission member 22 to transmit the rotation of the first transmission member 20 to the second transmission member 22 at the variable speed stage. The first transmission member 20 is movable relative to the base member 18 in the axial direction D1. The variable speed stage is variable according to at least one positional relationship between the first transmission member 20, the second transmission member 22, and the first coupling member 24 in the axial direction D1. Accordingly, it is possible to change a speed stage of the bicycle transmission apparatus 12 by moving the first transmission member 20 in the axial direction D1.

[0112] Furthermore, since the base link 18 is / will be configured to be attached to the bicycle frame B3 as a separate link from the bicycle frame B3, it is possible to treat the bicycle derailleur assembly 12 as a single unit. This facilitates centering of the input shaft 28, the derailleur link 20, and the second derailleur link 22.

[0113] A bicycle transmission apparatus 212 according to a second embodiment will be described below with reference to Fig. 24. The bicycle derailleur assembly 212 has the same arrangement as the bicycle derailleur assembly 12, with the exception of the first bracket AG11. Accordingly, elements having essentially the same function as those in the first embodiment are numbered the same and will not be described in detail here for the sake of brevity.

[0114] As in Fig. As can be seen from Figure 24, in the bicycle transmission apparatus 212, a first angle AG21 is defined around the first rotation axis A1 between a first line segment L21 connecting the input rotation axis A3 and the first rotation axis A1, and a second line segment L22 connecting the first rotation axis A1 and the second rotation axis A2, when viewed from the axial direction D1. A second angle AG22 is defined around the first rotation axis 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 an opposite side of the first angle AG21 with respect to the first rotation axis 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.

[0115] With the bicycle transmission apparatus 212, it is possible to obtain substantially the same advantageous effect as that with the bicycle transmission apparatus 12 according to the first embodiment.

[0116] A bicycle 310 equipped with a bicycle transmission apparatus 312 according to a third embodiment will be described below with reference to Fig. 25 and Fig. 26. The bicycle transmission apparatus 312 has the same arrangement as the bicycle transmission apparatus 12 with the exception of the output shaft 36. Accordingly, elements having substantially the same function as those in the first embodiment are numbered the same and will not be described in detail here for the sake of brevity.

[0117] As in Fig. 25, in the bicycle derailleur device 312, the pivot axis PA1 coincides with the second rotation axis A2. In particular, as shown in Fig. 26, the bicycle transmission apparatus 312 includes an output shaft 336 rotatable with respect to the base member 18 about the second rotational axis A2. The output shaft 336 is coupled to the second transmission member 22 for transmitting the rotation of the second transmission member 22 to a bicycle wheel (e.g., to the rear wheel B62) rotatable with respect to the bicycle frame B32. The output shaft 336 is configured to extend through a pivot opening B36 of the bicycle frame B3 along the second rotational axis A2. In the illustrated embodiment, the first sub-frame B311 of the first frame B31 includes the pivot opening B36.

[0118] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 26, the bicycle transmission apparatus 312 further includes an inner bearing unit 313. The inner bearing unit 313 is configured to be provided in the pivot opening B36 of the bicycle frame B3. The inner bearing unit 313 is configured to rotatably couple the output shaft 336 to the bicycle frame B3 about the second rotation axis A2 by means of an outer bearing unit 315 provided radially outward from the inner bearing unit 313. The outer bearing unit 315 is configured to rotatably couple the second frame B32 to the first frame B31 about the second rotation axis A2.

[0119] The base member 18 includes a first tube support 319a and a second tube support 319b. The first tube support 319a is secured to the base member body 18a and extends from the base member body 18a along the second rotation axis A2. The second tube support 319b is secured to the base member body 18a and extends from the base member body 18a along the second rotation axis A2. The second tube support 319b is provided on an opposite side of the first tube support 319a with respect to the base member body 18a. The output shaft 336 extends through a through hole of the first tube support 319a. The first tube support 319a extends through the pivot opening B36. The second tube support 319b extends through an additional pivot opening B37 of the bicycle frame B3. In the illustrated embodiment, the first sub-frame B312 of the first frame B31 includes the additional pivot opening B37.

[0120] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 26, 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 319b and includes the additional pivot opening B37.

[0121] The base link body 18a is / is mounted to the first sub-frames B311 and B312 of the first frame B31 by means of the first tubular support 319a and the second tubular support 319b. The third tubular support B311a is / is rotatably mounted to the second sub-frame B321 by means of an external bearing unit 315. The fourth tubular support B312a is / is rotatably mounted to the second sub-frame B322 by means of an additional external bearing unit 317. Namely, the second sub-frames B321 and B322 are / are pivotally mounted to the first frame B31 by means of the external bearing unit 315 and the additional external bearing unit 317.

[0122] In the case of the bicycle transmission apparatus 312, it is possible to constantly maintain a distance between the output gear 38 and the rear sprocket B9 to prevent the output coupling member 40 from being released or loosened.

[0123] A bicycle 410 equipped with a bicycle transmission apparatus 412 according to a fourth embodiment will be described below with reference to Fig. 27 and Fig. 28. The bicycle transmission apparatus 412 has the same arrangement as the bicycle transmission apparatus 12, except for the electrically assisted arrangement. Accordingly, elements having substantially the same function as those in the first embodiment are numbered the same and will not be described in detail here for the sake of brevity.

[0124] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 27, the bicycle transmission apparatus 412 further includes an auxiliary device 451 configured to assist pedaling. The auxiliary device 451 is configured to generate an auxiliary torque input to the second transmission member 22 to assist pedaling. The auxiliary device 451 is provided on the front side of the base member in an attached state in which the bicycle transmission apparatus 412 is attached to the bicycle frame B3. In the illustrated embodiment, the auxiliary device 451 includes an auxiliary motor, such as a direct current (DC) motor, and a reduction gear unit.

[0125] The bicycle transmission apparatus 412 further comprises an electric power source 453 configured to supply electric power to the auxiliary device 451. The electric power source 453 is provided below the base member 18 in the attached state of the bicycle transmission apparatus 412. In the illustrated embodiment, the electric power source 453 comprises, for example, a rechargeable battery.

[0126] As in Fig. 28, the bicycle transmission apparatus 412 further comprises a detection device 418 and an auxiliary controller 455. The detection device 418 is configured to detect a pedal state of the bicycle 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the detection device 418 comprises a torque sensor 421 configured to detect a pedaling torque exerted on the bicycle crank B7 ( Fig. 27). The auxiliary controller 455 is configured to control the auxiliary device 451 to input the auxiliary torque to the second derailleur member 22 based on the pedaling state detected by the detection device 418. The auxiliary controller 455 is configured to control the auxiliary device 451 to input the auxiliary torque to the second derailleur member 22 based on the pedaling torque detected by the detection device 418.

[0127] In the illustrated embodiment, the auxiliary controller 455 is implemented as 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 in the processor 404, thereby executing various functions of the auxiliary controller 455.

[0128] For example, the pedaling torque is input to the derailleur controller 102 from the detection device 418 instead of the cadence detected by the detection device 118 according to the first embodiment. The pedaling torque detected by the torque sensor 421 can be used to change the operating speed of each of the shifting device 66 and the guide device 76. The derailleur controller 102 decreases the operating speed of each of the shift actuator 68 and the guide actuator 86 when the pedaling torque detected by the torque sensor 421 is greater than a torque threshold. The derailleur controller 102 increases the operating speed of each of the shift actuator 68 and the guide actuator 86 when the pedaling torque detected by the torque sensor 421 is equal to or lower than the torque threshold.

[0129] While the auxiliary device is designed to transmit the auxiliary torque to the output shaft 36 ( Fig. 27) In the illustrated embodiment, the auxiliary device 451 may be configured to transmit the auxiliary torque to members other than the output shaft 36.

[0130] As described above, it is possible to apply the auxiliary device 451 in the case of the bicycle transmission apparatus 12 according to the first embodiment.

[0131] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the present disclosure that the constructions of the above embodiments may be combined, at least in part.

[0132] The term "configured," as used herein to describe a component, section, or part of a device, includes hardware and / or software that is constructed and / or programmed to perform the desired function. The desired function may be performed by hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0133] The term "comprise" and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended to be open-ended terms that specify the presence of the stated features, elements, components, groups, integers, and / or steps, but do not preclude the presence of other unstated features, elements, components, groups, integers, and / or steps. The foregoing also applies to words having a similar meaning, such as the terms "include," "comprise," and their derivatives.

[0134] Also, the terms “part”, “section”, “member” or “element” when used in the singular may have the dual meaning of a single part or a plurality of parts, unless otherwise stated.

[0135] The ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second," as mentioned in the present application, are merely identifiers and have no further meaning, such as a specific order or the like. Furthermore, for example, the term "first element" does not in itself imply the presence of a "second element," and the term "second element" does not in itself imply the presence of a "first element."

[0136] The term "pair of" as used herein may include the configuration in which the pair of elements have different shapes and structures from each other, as well as the configuration in which the pair of elements have the same shapes and structures.

[0137] Finally, terms of a degree such as “substantially,” “about,” and “approximately,” as used herein, mean a proportionate degree of departure from the modified term such that the end result is not materially changed.

[0138] Obviously, numerous modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be appreciated that, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein.

Claims

[1] Bicycle derailleur apparatus (12; 212; 312; 412) comprising: a base member (18) configured to be attached to a bicycle frame (B3) as a separate member from the bicycle frame (B3), the base member (18) including an interior space (26); an input shaft (28) mounted to the base member (18) for receiving an input torque and rotatable with respect to the base member (18) about an input rotational axis (A3) in response to the input torque; a first switching mechanism member (20) provided in the interior space (26) of the base member (18) and rotatable with respect to the base member (18) about a first rotation axis (A1) which is different from the input rotation axis (A3); a second switching mechanism member (22) provided in the interior space (26) of the base member (18) and rotatable with respect to the base member (18) about a second rotation axis (A2) which is different from each of the input rotation axis (A3) and the first rotation axis (A1); a first coupling member (24) having an annular shape for surrounding the first rotational axis (A1) and the second rotational axis (A2) when viewed from an axial direction (D1) parallel to the first rotational axis (A1), wherein the first coupling member (24) is configured to couple the first derailleur member (20) to the second derailleur member (22) for transmitting rotation of the first derailleur member (20) to the second derailleur member (22) at a variable speed stage, wherein the variable speed stage is variable according to at least one positional relationship between the first derailleur member (20), the second switching mechanism member (22) and the first coupling member (24) in the axial direction (D1); and an input coupling member (30) having an annular shape for surrounding the input rotation axis (A3) and the first rotation axis (A1) when viewed from the axial direction (D1), wherein the input coupling member (30) is / is designed to couple the input shaft (28) to the first switching mechanism member (20) for transmitting a rotation of the input shaft (28) to the first switching mechanism member (20). [2] The bicycle transmission apparatus (12; 212; 312; 412) according to claim 1, wherein a value obtained by dividing a rotational speed of the first transmission member (20) by a rotational speed of the input shaft (28) is equal to 2 or 4. [3] Bicycle derailleur apparatus (12; 212; 312; 412) according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: a one-way clutch (32) configured to transmit a first rotation of the input shaft (28) to the first derailleur member (20), and configured to prevent transmission of a second rotation of the input shaft (28) from the input shaft (28) to the first derailleur member (20), wherein the second rotation is / becomes opposite to the first rotation about the input rotation axis (A3). [4] Bicycle derailleur apparatus (12; 212; 312; 412) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the base member (18) encloses an interior space (26) in which the first switching mechanism member (20) and the second switching mechanism member (22) are / are provided, and wherein the base member (18) is / is designed to store lubricant in the interior space (26), and in particular the base member (18) includes a supply connection through which the lubricant is / is supplied to the interior space (26). [5] Bicycle derailleur apparatus (12; 212; 312; 412) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the base member (18) is configured to be clamped by the bicycle frame (B3). [6] Bicycle derailleur apparatus (12; 212; 312; 412) according to claim 5, wherein the base member (18) includes a base member body (18a) in which the first switching mechanism member (20) and the second switching mechanism member (22) are provided, and an input shaft support (18b) including a support opening in which the input shaft (28) is rotatable with respect to the base member (18) about the input rotation axis (A3), the input shaft support (18b) extending from the base member body (18a) along the input rotation axis (A3), and the input shaft support (18b) is / is designed to be clamped by the bicycle frame (B3). [7] Bicycle derailleur apparatus (12; 212; 312; 412) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first coupling member (24) comprises a bicycle chain configured to engage or come into engagement with the first derailleur member (20) and the second derailleur member (22), wherein in particular the first coupling member (24) has a chain pitch equal to or less than 12 mm. [8] Bicycle derailleur apparatus (12; 212; 312; 412) according to one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising: a guide device (76) designed to guide the first coupling member (24) for changing at least one of a first relative position between the first coupling member (24) and the first switching mechanism member (20) and a second relative position between the first coupling member (24) and the second switching mechanism member (22). [9] The bicycle derailleur apparatus (12; 212; 312; 412) according to claim 8, wherein the guide device (76) includes a guide member (78) contactable with the first coupling member (24), and a guide unit (80) configured to guide the coupling member (24) in a first guide direction (D5) different from the axial direction (D1) for changing at least one of the first relative position and the second relative position. [10] Bicycle derailleur apparatus (12; 212; 312; 412) according to claim 9, wherein the guide device (76) includes a tensioner (90) contactable with the first coupling member (24), the guide unit (80) is designed to guide the tensioner (90) in a second guide direction (D6) for adjusting the tension of the first coupling member (24), and the second guide direction (D6) is different from the first guide direction (D5) and the axial direction (D1), and in particular the guide member (78) and the tensioner (90) are / are arranged in the second guide direction (D6). [11] Bicycle derailleur apparatus (12; 312; 412) according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the first rotation axis (A1) and the second rotation axis (A2) are parallel to the input rotation axis (A3), a first angle (AG11) is defined around the first rotation axis (A1) between a first line segment (L1) connecting the input rotation axis (A3) and the first rotation axis (A1) and a second line segment (L2) connecting the first rotation axis (A1) and the second rotation axis (A2), when viewed from the axial direction (D1), a second angle (AG12) is defined around the first axis of rotation (A1) between the first line segment (L1) and the second line segment (L2) when viewed from the axial direction (D1), the second angle (AG12) defined on an opposite side of the first angle (AG11) with respect to the first axis of rotation (A1) when viewed from the axial direction (D1), and the first angle (AG11) is smaller than the second angle (AG12) and is an obtuse angle. [12] Bicycle derailleur apparatus (212) according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the first rotation axis (A1) and the second rotation axis (A2) are parallel to the input rotation axis (A3), a first angle (AG21) is defined around the first rotation axis (A1) between a first line segment (L21) connecting the input rotation axis (A3) and the first rotation axis (A1) and a second line segment (L22) connecting the first rotation axis (A1) and the second rotation axis (A2), when viewed from the axial direction (D1), a second angle (AG22) is defined around 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 an opposite side of the first angle (AG21) with respect to the first axis of rotation (A1) when viewed from the axial direction (D1), and the first angle (AG21) is smaller than the second angle (AG22) and is an acute angle. [13] Bicycle derailleur apparatus (12; 212; 312; 412) according to one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising: an input coupling member (30) configured to couple the input shaft (28) to the first switching mechanism member (20) for transmitting a rotation of the input shaft (28) to the first switching mechanism member (20), wherein the first derailleur member (20) is / will be configured to be / will be coupled to the input shaft (28) by means of the input coupling member (30) for rotation with the input shaft (28) with respect to the base member (18). [14] Bicycle derailleur apparatus (12; 212; 312; 412) according to claim 13, wherein the input shaft (28) is designed to be coupled to a crank arm (B71) of a bicycle crank (B7) as a crankshaft of the bicycle crank (B7), the first switching mechanism member (20) includes a switching facilitating part (46) designed to facilitate switching of the first coupling member (24) with respect to the first switching mechanism member (20) in the axial direction (D1), and the switch facilitating part (46) is / is arranged in a switching area (48) of the first derailleur member (20) when the bicycle crank (B7) is / is arranged at or adjacent to a dead center (DC1). [15] Bicycle derailleur apparatus (12; 212; 312; 412) according to one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the input coupling member (30) is provided in the interior space (26) of the base member (18). [16] Bicycle derailleur apparatus (312) according to one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the base member (18) is configured to be mounted on a first frame (B31) of the bicycle frame (B3) and is pivotable with respect to a second frame (B32) of the bicycle frame (B3) about the second rotation axis (A2), the second frame (B32) being pivotally coupled to the first frame (B31) about the second rotation axis (A2). [17] Bicycle derailleur apparatus (312) according to claim 16, further comprising: an output shaft (336) rotatable with respect to the base member (18) about the second rotational axis (A2) and coupled to the second derailleur member (22) for transmitting rotation of the second derailleur member (22) to a bicycle wheel (B62), which is rotatable with respect to the second frame (B32), wherein the output shaft (336) is configured to extend through a support opening of the bicycle frame (B3) along the second axis of rotation (A2). [18] Bicycle derailleur apparatus (312) according to claim 17, further comprising: an inner bearing unit (313) configured to be provided in the support opening of the bicycle frame (B3), and configured to rotatably couple the output shaft (336) to the bicycle frame (B3) about the second rotation axis (A2) by means of an outer bearing unit (315) provided radially outward from the inner bearing unit (313), wherein the outer bearing unit (315) is configured to pivotally couple the second frame (B32) to the first frame (B31) about the second rotation axis (A2). [19] Bicycle derailleur apparatus (12; 212; 412) according to one of claims 1 to 15, further comprising: an output shaft (36) rotatable with respect to the base member (18) about the second rotational axis (A2), and coupled to the second derailleur member (22) for transmitting rotation of the second derailleur member (22) to a bicycle wheel (B62), wherein in particular the input rotation axis (A3) and the second rotation axis (A2) are / are spaced apart from each other. [20] Bicycle derailleur apparatus (12; 212; 312; 412) according to one of claims 17 to 19, further comprising: an input gear (31) configured to be coupled to the input shaft (28) for co-rotation with the input shaft (28) relative to the base member (18) about the input rotation axis (A3); and an output gear (38) configured to be coupled to the input shaft (28) for joint rotation with the output shaft (36; 336) with respect to the base member (18) about the second axis of rotation (A2), wherein the input gear (31) is provided on a first side (S1) with respect to the first derailleur member (20) in the axial direction (D1), and the output gear (38) is provided on the first side (S1) with respect to the first derailleur member (22) in the axial direction (D1). [21] Bicycle derailleur apparatus (412) according to one of claims 1 to 20, further comprising: an auxiliary device (451) designed to assist pedaling. [22] The bicycle derailleur apparatus (412) according to claim 21, wherein the auxiliary device (451) is configured to generate an auxiliary torque input to the second derailleur member (22) to assist pedaling. [23] The bicycle transmission apparatus (412) according to claim 21 or 22, wherein the auxiliary device (451) is provided on the front side of the base member (18) in a fixed state in which the bicycle transmission apparatus (412) is fixed to the bicycle frame (B3). [24] The bicycle transmission apparatus (412) according to any one of claims 21 to 23, further comprising: an electric power source (453) configured to supply electric power to the auxiliary device (451) and provided under the base member (18) in the attached state of the bicycle transmission apparatus (412). [25] The bicycle transmission apparatus (412) according to any one of claims 21 to 24, further comprising: a detection device (118; 418) configured to detect a pedaling state of a bicycle (10); and an auxiliary controller (455) configured to control the auxiliary device (451) to input the auxiliary torque to the second transmission member (22) based on the pedaling state detected by the detection device (118; 418).

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