Rear derailleur

Abstract

One embodiment of the present invention provides an electromechanical rear derailleur for a bicycle, comprising a base member configured to couple with a frame member of the bicycle. The derailleur includes a movable member and a linkage mechanism movably coupled to the movable member and the base member. A motor is positioned on the movable member to move the movable member.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Invention Field This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 706,357, filed September 27, 2012.

[0002] This invention relates to a rear transmission. Prior Technology

[0003] Background of the Invention This invention relates to bicycle derailleurs. In particular, this invention relates to an electromechanical rear derailleur. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Invention Summary One embodiment of the present invention is an electronic rear derailleur for a bicycle, comprising a base member for attachment to a frame member of the bicycle. The derailleur includes a movable member and a linkage assembly, the linkage assembly being coupled to the movable member and the base member and operable to allow movement of the movable member relative to the base member. A power source is detachably connected to one of the base member and the movable member. A motor is positioned on the other of the base member and the movable member, and a conductor connects the power source and the motor.

[0005] Another aspect of the invention is a power supply for a bicycle derailleur, comprising a housing sized and shaped such that it can be detachably mounted between a front derailleur and a rear derailleur, and is interchangeable between the two. A battery is disposed within the housing. A terminal is disposed on the outer side of the housing and is electrically connected to the battery. A fixing mechanism is mounted on each base member of the front derailleur and the rear derailleur, for detachably securing the housing thereto.

[0006] Another aspect of the present invention is an electronic rear derailleur for a bicycle, comprising a base member for attachment to a frame member of the bicycle, a movable member, and a linkage assembly, wherein the linkage assembly is coupled to the movable member and the base member and operable to allow the movable member to move relative to the base member. A motor is disposed on the movable member, operable to move the movable member relative to the base member, the motor being wirelessly controllable, and a button located on the movable member for obtaining one or more operating parameters of the derailleur.

[0007] Another embodiment of the invention is an electronic rear derailleur for a bicycle, comprising a base member for attachment to a frame member of the bicycle, a movable member, and a linkage assembly, the linkage assembly being coupled to the movable member and the base member and operable to allow movement of the movable member relative to the base member. A transmission mechanism is selectively positioned on the movable member and operable to move the movable member relative to the base member, the transmission mechanism including a plurality of gears in a load path and an encoded gear independent of the load path and receiving rotational output from one of the gears of the transmission mechanism. A motor is selectively positioned on the movable member to operate the transmission mechanism. Simple Explanation of the Diagram

[0008] Figure 1 shows a rear derailleur assembly mounted on a bicycle.

[0009] Figure 2 is a rear view of the rear transmission assembly.

[0010] Figure 3 is a view of the EE of the transmission assembly in Figure 2.

[0011] Figure 4 shows the transmission assembly after one of the cage assemblies of the transmission is positioned in the innermost position.

[0012] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view along FF in Figure 3, with some parts deleted for clearer display.

[0013] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view along line GG in Figure 3, with some parts deleted for clearer display.

[0014] Figures 7a-d are side view, front view, bottom view and isometric view of one of the power supplies used in the transmission, respectively.

[0015] Figures 8a and 8b show the battery installed and removed from the rear transmission assembly, with the cage assembly removed for clearer display.

[0016] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view along AA in Figure 2.

[0017] Figures 10 and 11 are side views of the battery, which is attached to and completely detached from the rear transmission assembly, respectively.

[0018] Figure 12 is a three-dimensional view of a flexible steel cable assembly.

[0019] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view along HH in Figure 3.

[0020] Figure 14 is a diagram of the movable assembly, with the cover removed to show the motor and transmission mechanism.

[0021] Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view along CC in Figure 2, with some parts deleted for clearer display.

[0022] Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view along KK in Figure 14, with some parts deleted for clearer display.

[0023] Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view along JJ in Figure 14, with some parts deleted for clearer display.

[0024] Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view along BB in Figure 2, with the cage assembly deleted for clearer display.

[0025] Figure 18a is the same as Figure 18, but a clutch spring is shown in a partially actuated state.

[0026] Figure 19 is the same as Figure 18, but the clutch spring is shown in a fully actuated state.

[0027] Figures 20 and 21 are cross-sectional views of DD in Figure 2, showing the operation of the anti-movement assembly.

[0028] Figure 22 is an exploded view of the movable assembly, with some parts deleted for clearer display.

[0029] Figure 23 is a perspective view of the rear transmission assembly.

[0030] Figure 24 shows a side view of a front transmission assembly. Implementation

[0031] Detailed description of the invention Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that these drawings and descriptions are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the invention as defined by the appended claims and all their equivalents. For example, the terms “first” and “second,” “front” and “rear,” or “left” and “right” are used for clarity and are not intended to be limiting. Furthermore, unless otherwise stated, these terms may refer to a bicycle mechanism conventionally mounted on a bicycle and the bicycle being oriented and used in a standard manner.

[0032] Referring to Figures 1, 3, and 4, the basic structure of the transmission assembly 10 is generally similar to that of a conventional rear derailleur. Generally shown in Figure 1, the basic structure of the transmission 10, which may be a rear derailleur or more specifically, an electromechanical rear derailleur or transmission, includes a base member 1 that can be conventionally attached to a bicycle frame 13, an outer link 3 and an inner link 4 pivotally connected to the base member, and a movable member or assembly 5, which is pivotally connected at one opposite end to the outer and inner links to allow movement of the movable assembly. The outer link 3 and the inner link 4 can be considered together as, for example, a linkage group or assembly of a parallelogram-type linkage mechanism 92. The base member 1 is a conventional b-joint, and the movable member 5 is also a conventional p-joint. The cage assembly 8 can be conventionally pivotally connected to the movable member 5. The bicycle chain 12 is engaged with the tooth assembly 11 in a conventional manner and moves from one tooth to another by the movement of the moving assembly 5 and the cage assembly 8 relative to the base member 1.

[0033] Referring to Figures 1-6, the linkage mechanism 92, and first referring to Figure 5, connects the base member 1 and the moving member 5, and is conventionally mounted therebetween via a plurality of pivots or connecting pins. In this embodiment, the linkage mechanism 92 includes a first connecting pin 15 having a threaded portion 15a, which engages screwed with the base member in a blind hole. An inner bushing 17 of the first connecting pin is received in a first hole of the outer connecting rod 3, and an outer bushing 18 of the first connecting pin is received in a second hole of the outer connecting rod 3. The inner bushing 17 and the outer bushing 18 of the first connecting pin pivotally receive the first connecting pin 15. Therefore, the outer connecting rod 3 is pivotally connected to the base member 1.

[0034] The inner bushing 19 of the second connecting rod pin is housed in a second hole in one of the base members 1. The outer bushing 20 of the second connecting rod pin is housed in a third hole in one of the base members 1. The second connecting rod pin 16 is housed in a first hole in the inner wall 4b of one of the inner connecting rods 4 and also in a second hole in the outer wall 4c of one of the inner connecting rods 4. The second connecting rod pin 16 is pivotally housed in the inner bushing 19 and the outer bushing 20 of the second connecting rod pin. A second connecting rod pin retaining ring 21 engages in a groove in the second connecting rod pin 16 to retain and position the second connecting rod pin. Therefore, the inner connecting rod 4 is pivotally connected to the base member 1.

[0035] Referring to Figure 6, the inner bushing 28 and outer bushing 29 of the third connecting rod pin are housed in the bore of the outer connecting rod 3. The third connecting rod pin 26 is housed in a bore of the gearbox 6 and is pivotally housed in the inner bushing 28 and outer bushing 29 of the third connecting rod pin. The third connecting rod pin retaining ring 30 engages in a groove of the third connecting rod pin 26. Therefore, the gearbox 6 is pivotally connected to the outer connecting rod 3.

[0036] Please refer to Figures 3, 6 and 17. The cover 7 is secured to the gearbox 6 by five screws 83 or any other suitable fasteners. These screws 83 pass through through holes in the cover 7 and engage with the gearbox 6 by screwing.

[0037] Referring to Figure 6, the inner bearing 33 of the output gear is housed in a countersunk hole in the gearbox 6, and the outer bearing 34 of the output gear is housed in a countersunk hole in the cover 7. The inner O-ring 37 of the output gear is housed in a hole in the gearbox 6, and the outer O-ring 38 of the output gear is housed in a hole in the cover 7. The output gear 32 has a first tubular portion 32b extending through the inner bearing 33 and the inner O-ring 37, and a second tubular portion 32c extending through the outer bearing 34 and the outer O-ring 38. The output gear 32 is positioned between an inner wall 4b and an outer wall 4c of the inner connecting rod 4 and is configured to surround the fourth connecting rod pin 27. The fourth connecting rod pin 27 is housed in a third hole in the inner wall 4b of the inner connecting rod 4 and also in a fourth hole in the outer wall 4c of the inner connecting rod 4. Therefore, the gearbox 6 and the cover 7 are pivotally connected to the inner connecting rod 4. In detail, the gearbox 6, cover 7, inner bearing 33 of the output gear, and outer bearing 34 of the output gear can rotate together as a unit with respect to the output gear 32, inner connecting rod 4, and fourth connecting rod pin 27. Although the output gear 32 and the fourth connecting rod pin 27 are formed as two separate components, they can also be formed together as a single integral component in a single piece.

[0038] A fourth link pin retaining ring 31 engages in a groove of the fourth link pin 27. An inner thrust bearing 35 is coaxially disposed with the first tubular portion 32b and adjacent to an outer surface of the gearbox 6. An outer thrust bearing 36 is coaxially disposed with the second tubular portion 32c and adjacent to an outer surface of the cover 7. Referring to Figures 6 and 18, a protrusion 9a of a drive arm 9 engages a plurality of teeth 32a, and these teeth 32a are located at the distal end of the first tubular portion 32b of the output gear 32. Therefore, the drive arm 9 is rotatably fixed to the output gear 32.

[0039] It should be understood that the linkage mechanism 92 can be held on the base member 1 and the movable member 5 by means of a pivot and other types of fastening devices and can be pivoted by means other than bearings and / or bushings as detailed in this example.

[0040] Please refer to Figures 6 and 14. The gearbox gasket 25 is disposed in one of the grooves of the gearbox 6, and forms a watertight seal between the gearbox and the cover 7.

[0041] Referring to Figures 7a-d, a power source 2, which may include a rechargeable battery and may be made of lithium polymer, is housed within a battery housing 2d. A plurality of terminals 2c are located on one of the front surfaces of the battery housing 2d and slightly recessed below it, and are co-molded within the battery housing. A barb or catch 2a is located on one of the top surfaces of the battery housing 2d, and one or more protrusions 2b are located on one of the bottom surfaces of the battery housing. Due to the construction (including size and shape) of the housing 2d including the barb 2a and the protrusions 2b, the battery housing can be detachably connected to a derailleur and is interchangeable between a front and rear derailleur. In this respect, an interchangeable battery 2 represents a significant improvement over a single wired battery (powering both derailleurs) when discharging. When using a pair of batteries 2, using one battery installed in each of the front and rear derailleurs, the charged battery can be installed in the rear derailleur, and the rear derailleur will still function. Furthermore, a battery can be installed in an emergency or shared with a riding partner. In detail, the housing 2d may have a rough shape, which can be described as "laterally compressed" and allows it to be installed on at least the front and rear transmissions, because the shape of the battery housing will not obstruct the user.

[0042] Referring to Figures 9 to 12, the cable assembly 48 includes a flexible cable 47, and the cable assembly 48 may be a two-conductor cable encased in polysiloxane, for example, part number 969M101-28-2 manufactured by Cicoil®. A first end of the flexible cable 47 terminates within a battery connector mounting plate 44. Two battery connectors 42, which may be made of phosphor bronze, are each secured to the battery connector mounting plate 44 with a screw 43, which, for example, passes through a hole in each battery connector and engages with the battery connector mounting plate. The battery connectors 42 may be made of or plated with a corrosion-resistant material such as gold. A first conductor 47a of the flexible cable 47 is electrically connected to one end of a battery connector 42 by soldering or other suitable means, and a second conductor (not shown) of the flexible cable is similarly connected to one end of the other battery connector. A battery seal 41 is mounted on a battery connector mounting plate 44 and may be made of, for example, polysiloxane rubber. A second end of a flexible cable 47 is terminated within a connector housing 50. The connector housing 50 houses a connector 49, which may be a coaxial element. The connector 49 may have two concentric conductors with resilient loads, for example, those manufactured by TE Connectivity®, part number 1658260-1. The two conductors 47a and 47b of the flexible cable 47 are electrically connected to the two conductors of the connector 49, respectively. An O-ring 51 is located within an O-ring gland in the connector housing 50.

[0043] Referring to Figures 8b and 9, the battery seal 41 is disposed together with the battery connector mounting plate 40 in a recess of the base member 1. A screw 45 or other suitable fastener engages the base member 1 through a hole in the battery connector mounting plate 44, thus fixing the battery connector mounting plate 44 to the base member 1. The battery connector mounting plate 44 may be a separate component that can be connected to the base member 1 as described above, or it may be integral with the base member (a single piece).

[0044] Referring to Figures 8a and 9, the battery latch pin 40 is housed in the base member 1. The battery latch 39 has a corresponding through hole for rotatably housing the battery latch pin 40. A latch spring 46 is housed in a blind hole in the base member 1 and pushes the battery latch 39 counterclockwise around the battery latch pin 40, as shown in Figure 9. The battery latch 39 has a hook end that engages with a barb 2a of the battery housing 2d, and the thrust of the latch spring 46 pushes the hook end of the battery latch against the surface of the battery housing. The latch 39 can be any suitable mechanism, stop device, engaging member, fixing member, etc., for securing and releasing the battery housing 2d.

[0045] Referring to Figures 8b and 9, the base member 1 has two battery engagement holes 1a. Referring to Figure 9, the protrusion 2b of the battery housing 2d engages in the corresponding battery engagement hole 1a of the base member 1. The battery housing 2d is held in a mounting position that forces the battery seal 41 to deform slightly, forming a watertight seal against the front surface of the battery housing. The deformation of the battery seal 41 also causes the battery seal 41 to exert a thrust against the front surface of the battery housing 2d, pushing the surface to the left in Figure 9. This thrust then pushes the barb 2a of the battery housing 2d to the left against the hook of the battery latch 39, and pushes the protrusion 2b of the battery housing to the left against the battery engagement hole 1a. In this way, any play between the battery housing 2d and the base member 1 is eliminated and the battery is securely held on the rear transmission assembly 10. The mounting position of the battery casing 2d also forces the battery connector 42 to bend slightly against the battery terminals 2c, creating a pressure contact between the battery connector and the battery terminals that facilitates power transmission.

[0046] Figures 10 and 11 illustrate the procedure by which a user can easily remove the battery 2 from the rear transmission assembly 10. Referring to Figure 10, the user presses down the right end of the latch 39, causing the latch to rotate clockwise around the battery latch pin 40 against the thrust of the latch spring 46. The hook end of the latch then rotates, disengaging from the barb 2a of the battery housing 2d. The user then pivots the battery housing 2d counterclockwise around the engagement point between the protrusion 2b and the battery engagement hole 1a. Referring to Figure 11, when the battery housing 2d has been sufficiently rotated counterclockwise, the user can lift the battery with a generally upward motion, causing the protrusion 2a of the battery housing to separate from the battery engagement hole 1a of the base member 1. In this manner, the battery housing 2d is removed from the rear transmission assembly 10. By reversing this procedure, the user can easily reinstall the battery 2 in the rear transmission assembly 10.

[0047] Referring to Figure 18, the flexible cable assembly 48 extends between the outer connecting rod 3 and the inner connecting rod 4 through a hole in the base member 1. Referring to Figures 13, 18, and 23, the flexible cable assembly 48 is engaged in a complementary recess in the gearbox 6. Two screws 88 are threaded through through holes in the connector housing 50 and into holes in the gearbox 6, thus securing the connector housing to the gearbox. Referring to Figure 13, an O-ring 51 is housed in an inner hole of the gearbox 6, forming a watertight seal between the connector housing 50 and the gearbox.

[0048] Referring to Figures 13, 14, and 17, the PC board assembly 52 is, for example, secured to the inner surface of the gearbox 6 by a screw 56. This PC board assembly includes various electronic components and circuits to control various functions of the transmission 10. Additional positioning features may be provided in the gearbox to ensure accurate positioning of the PC board assembly 52 within the gearbox. Referring to Figures 13 and 17, the PC board assembly 52 and the connector housing 50 are positioned close enough to compress the spring-loaded connector 49, creating a pressure contact between the connector 49 and the PC board assembly that facilitates electrical conductivity. In this manner, the flexible cable assembly 48 is electrically connected to the PC board assembly 52.

[0049] Referring to Figure 13, motor 54 is preferably a DC motor and can be electrically connected to PC board assembly 52 via a flexible cable 53. Motor 54 can also be electrically connected to PC board assembly 52, for example, via jumper wires or other means of connecting a flexible portion of the PC board. Referring to Figure 22, motor mounting bracket 55 is secured to gearbox 6 by three screws 87 or other suitable fasteners. Referring to Figures 13, 14, 15, and 22, ball bearing 71 is housed in an inner hole of motor mounting bracket 55, and a distal end of the output shaft of motor 54 is housed and rotatably supported by the ball bearing. Two screws 72, or other suitable fasteners, pass through holes in motor mounting bracket 55 and connect to motor 54, thus securing the motor to the motor mounting bracket. Motor 54 supplies power to a transmission mechanism 90, causing movable member 5 to move relative to base member 1 to change the position of transmission 10.

[0050] The transmission mechanism 90 transmits the motion of the motor 54 to the movement of the transmission 10 and may include a worm gear 70, which is fixed to the output shaft of the motor, for example, by a press-fit or by an adhesive. Referring to Figures 15, 16, and 22, the first pinion 58 and the worm gear 57 can be press-fitted together in a manner well-known in the gear manufacturing industry and are disposed in a recess in the motor mounting bracket 55 such that the worm gear meshes with the worm gear 70. A through hole extends through the two side walls of the recess and is coaxial with the through hole in the first pinion 58. A first pinion shaft 73 is received in the through hole of the recess and is rotatably received in the through hole of the first pinion 58. One distal end of the first pinion shaft 73 extends into a blind hole in the gearbox 6. One end of the second pinion shaft 74 is housed in a blind hole in the gearbox 6, and the second end of the second pinion shaft is housed in a hole in the motor mounting bracket 55. The second pinion 60 and the first spur gear 59 are press-fitted together and rotatably mounted on the second pinion shaft 74. The first spur gear 59 meshes with the first pinion 58. Referring to Figure 16, a third pinion shaft bearing 76 is press-fitted into a blind hole in the gearbox 6, and another third pinion shaft bearing 76 is press-fitted into a blind hole in the cover 7. Both ends of the third pinion shaft 75 are respectively housed in the third pinion shaft bearings 76. The third pinion 62 and the second spur gear 61 are press-fitted together and rotatably mounted on the third pinion shaft 75. The second spur gear 61 meshes with the second pinion 60, and the third pinion 62 meshes with the output gear 32. It should be understood that the transmission mechanism 90 and its components may be in other forms, wherein the motor 54 generates the movement of the transmission 10 through the operation of the transmission mechanism 90.

[0051] Please refer to Figures 14, 15, and 17. The encoder gear shaft 81 is housed in a blind hole in the cover 7. The magnet base 80 and the encoder gear 63 are either press-fitted together or injection molded as a single, integral component. The magnet 78 is press-fitted or attached to the magnet base 80 with an adhesive, and the magnet isolator 79 is press-fitted or attached to the magnet with an adhesive. The encoder gear 63 meshes with the output gear 32 and is rotatably connected to the encoder gear shaft 81. Therefore, the encoder gear 63, magnet base 80, magnet 78, and magnet isolator 79 can all rotate around the encoder gear shaft 81 as a unit. The encoder gear 63 is not part of the transmission mechanism 90 in the load path between the motor 54 and the output gear 32.

[0052] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the invention, the encoding gear 63 is sized such that it rotates almost 360 degrees throughout the entire range of rotation performed by the output gear 32. In other words, if the output gear 32 rotates approximately 90 degrees throughout its entire range of motion, the size of the encoding gear can be made approximately four times that of the output gear, or approximately ¼ of the diameter of the output gear if directly attached thereto, and thus the encoding gear rotates by an amount close to but not exceeding approximately 360 degrees. This provides a high conversion rate.

[0053] Referring to Figure 17, the encoder chip 77 can be a magnetic rotary encoder with a Hall effect sensor, for example, a component manufactured by Austria Microsystems® with part number AS5050, and is a component of the PC board assembly 52. ​​The center of the encoder chip 77 is substantially coaxial with the magnet 78. Therefore, the encoder can be an absolute encoder.

[0054] Referring again to Figures 14, 15, and 17, the bias gear shaft 82 is housed in a blind hole in the cover 7. The bias gear 64 is rotatably connected to the bias gear shaft 82 and meshes with the encoder gear 63. A first end of a bias gear spring 65 is connected to the bias gear 64, and a second end of the bias gear spring is connected to a support feature (not shown) in the cover 7. In Figure 14, the bias gear spring 65 pushes the bias gear 64 counterclockwise, and the bias gear then pushes the encoder gear 63 clockwise, eliminating any backlash or clearance between the encoder gear 63 and the output gear 32.

[0055] Referring to Figure 18, the clutch spring 22 includes a clutch spring sleeve 23 disposed on the second connecting rod pin 16. The coil portion of the clutch spring 22 is formed to surround the clutch spring sleeve 23. A first leg 22a of the clutch spring 22 biases the drive arm 9 against a protrusion 4a of the inner connecting rod 4. Referring to Figure 20, a second leg 22b of the clutch spring 22 engages a surface of the inner connecting rod 4.

[0056] Referring again to Figure 18, the coil of the bias spring 24 is arranged to surround the first connecting rod pin 15, and one of the first legs of the bias spring pushes the outer connecting rod 3 counterclockwise around the first connecting rod pin. A second leg (not shown) of the bias spring 24 engages a surface of the base member 1. Because the inner connecting rod 4 is operably connected to the outer connecting rod 3, the inner connecting rod is similarly pushed counterclockwise around the second connecting rod pin 16. Because the drive arm 9 is biased against the protrusion 4a of the inner connecting rod 4, the drive arm is non-rotatably engaged with the output gear 32, and the thrust of the bias spring 24 is transmitted back to the worm gear 70 through the drive gear set, eliminating any backlash or clearance in the drive gear set.

[0057] Referring to Figures 14, 15, and 23, button 66 may be a momentary electrical switch or an assembly of the PC board assembly 52. ​​Button actuator 67 may be a rotating body, housed within a through-hole in gearbox 6. A sealing member (not shown) is disposed within an O-ring cap of button actuator 67, forming a watertight seal between the button actuator and gearbox 6. When the user presses button actuator 67, button actuator 67 moves axially until it actuates button 66, changing its switching state. When the user releases button actuator 67, button 66 pushes the actuator axially away, and the button returns to its original switching state.

[0058] Button 66 can be used when wirelessly pairing the rear transmission assembly 10 with its corresponding user-operable shifter (not shown). Button 66 can also be used for other purposes, such as fine-tuning the position of the cage assembly 8 relative to the gear assembly 11. It should be understood that the user can use button 66 to control various operating parameters of the transmission assembly 10.

[0059] LED 68 is a light-emitting diode and an assembly of PC board assembly 52. ​​Lens 69 is substantially cylindrical and, for example, is fixed in a through hole in gearbox 6 by a press-fit or an adhesive providing a watertight seal between the lens and the gearbox. Alternatively, a flexible seal may be provided between lens 69 and gearbox 6 to create a watertight seal. The function of LED 68 is to emit light through lens 69 and make it visible to the user to indicate the status of rear transmission assembly 10. LED 68 can be used when wirelessly pairing rear transmission assembly 10 with its corresponding shifter (not shown), and can also be used for other purposes, such as indicating low battery to the user. It should be understood that any configuration of the LED can be planned to make it visible to a user.

[0060] Referring to Figures 20 and 21, a movement limiting or adjustment mechanism 14 includes a limiting screw 84 having a threaded portion 84a, which is rotatably housed in a through hole of a cylinder 85 and screwed into a threaded hole in the base member 1. The cylinder 85 has a smooth, cylindrical outer surface and a non-circular, for example, square, inner surface 85b, which has a square cross-section and is non-rotatably engaged with a corresponding or square portion 84b of the limiting screw 84, which may have a complementary rectangular cross-section, but is axially movable. A limiting screw spring 86 is a compression spring configured to surround the threaded portion 84a and, in Figures 20 and 21, pushes the cylinder 85 to the right against a surface of the base member 1. When the user rotates the cylinder 85 by hand, the limiting screw 84 also rotates relative to the cylinder and moves axially due to its threaded engagement with the base member 1. A plurality of inclined recesses 85a in one end face of the cylinder 85 engage with a plurality of complementary protrusions (not shown) on one surface of the base member 1, thereby creating a locking action that holds the cylinder in a user-defined position.

[0061] In Figures 20 and 21, the inner link 4 is shown contacting the end of the limiting screw 84, and the limiting screw 84 prevents the inner link from rotating further clockwise around the second link pin 16. The function of the limiting screw 84 is to restrict the rotation of the inner link 4 relative to the base member 1 to ensure that the cage assembly 8 does not collide with the spokes of the bicycle wheel of the mounted derailleur assembly 10. Comparing Figures 20 and 21, it can be seen that in Figure 20, the limiting screw 84 is more recessed, allowing the inner link 4 to rotate more relative to the base member 1, while in Figure 21, the limiting screw protrudes more from the base member, limiting the rotation of the inner link to a greater extent. Although a conventional derailleur limiting screw can be actuated with a tool such as a hex wrench that allows the user to apply a relatively large torque to the limiting screw, the smooth, cylindrical outer surface of the cylinder 85 limits the amount of torque that the user can apply because the smooth surface of the cylinder will slide between the user's fingers at a relatively low torque threshold. Compared to conventional limiting screws, the advantage of this configuration is that it significantly limits the amount of force that the limiting screw can apply to the parallelogram of the rear transmission assembly 10 and thus significantly limits the amount of force transmitted to the transmission mechanism 90, minimizing the possibility of damage to gear teeth or other components.

[0062] PC board assembly 52 includes a transceiver (not shown), where transceiver is a general term describing a device capable of wirelessly transmitting and receiving signals. The transceiver periodically receives wireless shift commands from shift controllers, which can be actuated by actuators located on or within a control cover (not shown) of one of the bicycle's handlebars. When the transceiver receives a wireless shift command, it sends the command to a processor, which uses a PID control loop to manage the electrical current from battery 2 through flexible cable assembly 48 and the PC board assembly to motor 54. The output shaft of motor 54 rotates clockwise or counterclockwise according to an upshift or downshift request, actuating the transmission mechanism 90. The rotation of the worm 70 causes the worm wheel 57 to rotate, and the worm wheel 57 rotates together with the first pinion 58 to rotate the first spur gear 59. The first spur gear 59 rotates together with the second pinion 60 to rotate the second spur gear 61. The second spur gear 61 rotates together with the third pinion 62 to rotate the output gear 32.

[0063] When a downshift is required, i.e., shifting to a larger insert, the teeth 32a of the output gear 32 cause the drive arm 9 to rotate clockwise around the fourth link pin 27 in Figure 18. Then, the drive protrusion 4a rotates clockwise together with the inner link 4, causing the movable assembly 5 and the cage assembly 8 to move inward toward the larger insert. As the cage assembly 8 moves inward, the angular position of the encoder gear 63 is monitored using the encoder chip 77 and the magnet 78. When the encoder gear reaches the position corresponding to the desired insert, the power supplied to the motor 54 is cut off because the cage assembly 8 is aligned with the desired insert. As previously described, the bias spring 24 eliminates any backlash or clearance in the drive gear set, ensuring accurate and repeatable positioning of the cage assembly 8.

[0064] When a shift to a smaller gear is required, the teeth 32a of the output gear 32 cause the drive arm 9 to rotate counterclockwise around the fourth link pin 27 in Figure 18. This then drives the clutch spring 22 and the inner link 4 to rotate counterclockwise together, causing the movable assembly 5 and the cage assembly 8 to move outward toward the smaller gear. As the cage assembly 8 moves outward, the position of the encoder gear 63 is monitored using the encoder chip 77 and the magnet 78. When the encoder gear reaches the position corresponding to the desired gear, the power supplied to the motor 54 is cut off because the cage assembly 8 is aligned with the desired gear. As previously described, the bias spring 24 eliminates any backlash or clearance in the drive gear set, ensuring accurate and repeatable positioning of the cage assembly 8.

[0065] Because of the presence of the worm 70 in the drive gear set, the drive gear set is irreversible. In other words, although the rotation of the worm 70 can drive the worm wheel 57, the worm wheel cannot drive the worm due to friction. Therefore, if the movable assembly 5 or the outer link 3 is subjected to an external force, such as a collision or other impact, the force will be transmitted through the drive arm 9 to the gears of the drive gear set of the transmission mechanism 90, and one or more of these gears or related components may break or be damaged. To prevent such breakage or damage, the following system can be installed. When the movable assembly 5 or the outer link 3 is subjected to an excessive external force, such as from an inward collision, the drive arm 9 overcomes the preload of the first leg 22a of the clutch spring 22 and bends the first leg, as shown in FIG18a. Therefore, the energy of the external force is absorbed by the clutch spring 22, and the movable assembly 5 moves relative to the base member 1 without any rotation of the drive arm 9 relative to the movable assembly 5. In this state, the guide rails 9b on each side of the first leg 22a of the clutch spring 22 prevent the first leg from separating from the drive arm 9. When the external force is removed from the rear transmission assembly 10, the thrust of the first leg 22a of the clutch spring 22 causes the drive arm 9 and the movable assembly 5 to move back to the position shown in FIG. 18. In the extreme case applied to the movable assembly 5 and the outer connecting rod 3, the drive arm 9 can bend the first leg 22a of the clutch spring 22 as much as possible, as shown in FIG. 19. In this state, the hard stop 9c of the drive arm 9 abuts against the protrusion 4a of the inner connecting rod 4. When the external force is removed from the rear transmission assembly 10, the thrust of the first leg 22a of the clutch spring 22 cannot move the drive arm 9 and the movable assembly 5 back to the position shown in FIG. 18, and the user must manually move the movable assembly back to the position shown in FIG. 18a. At this time, the first leg will be able to move the drive arm and the movable assembly back to the position shown in FIG. 18.

[0066] During a period of inactivity, i.e., when no shift command is received, most of the electronic systems of the PC board assembly 52 can be shut down to conserve power. During this time, the transceiver is turned off and cannot receive shift commands. A vibration sensor (not shown) is provided on the PC board assembly 52. ​​When the vibration sensor detects vibration, it turns on the electronic systems of the PC board assembly, including the transceiver. Vibrations that occur naturally while riding the bicycle, generated by the interaction between the road and the bicycle, and by the interaction between the various components of the bicycle, are strong enough to actuate the vibration sensor and prevent the electronic systems of the PC board assembly 52 from shutting down. However, when the bicycle is not being ridden, i.e., when parked, the vibration sensor does not detect any vibration, and most of the electronic systems of the PC board assembly 52 are shut down to conserve power. Once the rider touches the bicycle, the resulting vibration actuates the vibration sensor, turning on the electronic systems again. The vibration sensor can be, for example, a MEMS-type 3-axis accelerometer such as the Freescale® MMA7660FC or MMA845IQ, or a unidirectional vibration sensor such as the Signal Quest SQ-MIN-200. It should be understood that the application of the above-described system with this vibration sensor should be within the capabilities of a person skilled in the art.

[0067] Please refer to Figure 24, which shows a front transmission assembly 110 including a battery 2 and a battery housing 2d. The front transmission assembly 110 includes a base member 101 to which the battery housing 2d is detachably attached. A linkage assembly 192 is movably attached to the base member 101. A cage assembly 199 is attached to the linkage assembly 192. Because the shape and dimensions of the battery housing 2d are designed for attachment to either a front or rear transmission, the battery is interchangeable between front and rear transmissions. It should be understood that the base member 101 of the illustrated front transmission assembly 110 will include means for attaching the battery housing 2d and means similar to or the same as those described in detail herein for providing electrical connection to the transmissions shown and described later.

[0068] From the above discussion, it will be understood that the present invention can be embodied in various forms, including but not limited to the following: Example 1. An electronic rear derailleur for a bicycle, comprising: A base component for attachment to one of the frame components of the bicycle; A movable member having a cage assembly attached to the movable member; A linkage assembly is used to couple the movable member to the base member and is operable to allow the movable member to move relative to the base member; A power source is connected to one of the base component and the movable component; A motor is positioned on another component of the base member and the movable member; and A conductor is used to connect the power source to the motor. Example 2. An electronic rear transmission as in Example 1, wherein the power supply is detachably connected to the base member and the motor is positioned on the movable member. Example 3. The electronic rear transmission as in Example 2, wherein the linkage assembly includes an outer link and an inner link. Example 4. The electronic rear transmission of Example 3 further includes a first pin pivotally connecting the outer link to the base member, a second pin pivotally connecting the inner link to the base member, a third pin pivotally connecting the outer link to the movable member, and a fourth pin pivotally connecting the inner link to the movable member. Example 5. The electronic rear transmission as in Example 4, wherein the movable component includes a gearbox. Example 6. The electronic rear transmission, as in Example 5, further includes a transmission mechanism located in the gearbox, which is operated by the motor. Example 7. The electronic rear transmission as in Example 6, wherein the motor is located in the gearbox. Example 8. An electronic rear transmission as in Example 7, wherein the motor includes an output shaft and a worm gear is disposed on the output shaft. Example 9. An electronic rear transmission as in Example 8, wherein the worm gear operates the transmission mechanism to operate one of the output gears of the transmission mechanism. Example 10. An electronic rear transmission as in Example 9, wherein the output gear train is coupled to the inner linkage to move the movable member. Example 11. An electronic rear transmission as in Example 9, wherein the transmission mechanism includes at least one gear connecting the worm and the output gear. Example 12. The electronic rear transmission as in Example 9, wherein the output gear system is mounted on the fourth pin. Example 13. An electronic rear transmission as in Example 9, wherein the output gear train is configured to surround the fourth pin. Example 14. An electronic rear transmission as in Example 13, wherein the output gear train is configured to rotatably surround the fourth pin. Example 15. The electronic rear transmission, as in Example 9, further includes a drive arm coupled to the output gear, the drive arm acting on the inner link to move the movable member. Example 16. An electronic rear transmission as in Example 15, wherein the drive arm contacts a protrusion of the inner link on a first side of one of the drive arms. Example 17. The electronic rear transmission of Example 16 further includes a clutch spring disposed on the second pin, the clutch spring being biased into contact with the drive arm. Example 18. An electronic rear transmission as in Example 17, wherein the clutch spring includes a free end that extends toward the movable member and contacts the drive arm on a second side of one of the drive arms, wherein the second side is opposite to a first side of the drive arm. Example 19. The electronic rear transmission, as in Example 9, further includes an coded gear that meshes with the output gear. Example 20. The electronic rear transmission of Example 19 further includes a magnet mount disposed within the gearbox, the magnet mount having a magnet that responds to the movement of the coded gear and a sensor positioned to sense the angular position of the coded gear by means of the position of the magnet. Example 21. A power supply for a bicycle derailleur, comprising: A housing, the size and shape of which are designed for detachable mounting on a bicycle gearbox; A battery is housed within this casing; One terminal is disposed on the outside of the housing and is electrically connected to the battery; and A fixing mechanism is attached to the bicycle derailleur to detachably fasten the housing to the bicycle derailleur. Example 22. The power supply of Example 21 is configured to be interchangeably mounted on a rear transmission and a front transmission. Example 23. The power supply of Example 21 further includes a mounting plate, which is connected to a base member of each of the rear and front transmissions, and the size and shape of the mounting plate are designed to accommodate the power supply. Example 24. A power supply as in Example 23, wherein the mounting plate includes a pair of connectors and the connectors are positioned to align with the terminals when the power supply is connected to the mounting plate. Example 25. A power supply as in Example 24, wherein the mounting plate includes a seal that is configured to surround at least one connector of the connector and positioned to seal the housing when the power supply is connected to the mounting plate. Example 26. The power supply of Example 21 further includes a coupling member, which is positioned on a base member of each of the rear and front transmissions and is movable between an engaged position in which the housing is thus secured to the base member and an unengaged position for removing the housing from the base member. Example 27. The power supply of Example 26 includes a biasing member configured to bias the engagement member to the engagement position. Example 28. A power supply as in Example 27, wherein the housing includes a lever shaped to engage with the engagement member. Example 29. The power supply as in Example 27, wherein the connecting member is a latch. Example 30. A power supply as in Example 28, wherein the housing includes one or more protrusions, and the one or more protrusions are held in corresponding receiving features formed in the base member. Example 31. The power supply as in Example 30, wherein the lever and the one or more protrusions are positioned on opposite ends of the housing. Example 32. A power supply as in Example 21, wherein the housing is laterally compressed. Example 33. An electronic rear derailleur for a bicycle, comprising: A base component for attachment to one of the frame components of the bicycle; A movable member having a cage assembly attached to the movable member; A linkage assembly is used to couple the movable member to the base member and is operable to allow the movable member to move relative to the base member; A motor is mounted on the movable member, operable to move the movable member relative to the base member, and the motor can be wirelessly controlled; and A button is located on the movable component to obtain one or more operating parameters of the transmission. Example 34. An electronic rear transmission as in Example 33, wherein the power supply is detachably connected to the base component. Example 35. An electronic rear transmission as in Example 34, wherein the linkage assembly includes an outer link and an inner link. Example 36. The electronic rear transmission of Example 35 further includes a first pin pivotally connecting the outer link to the base member, a second pin pivotally connecting the inner link to the base member, a third pin pivotally connecting the outer link to the movable member, and a fourth pin pivotally connecting the inner link to the movable member. Example 37. An electronic rear transmission as in Example 36, wherein the movable component includes a gearbox. Example 38. The electronic rear transmission, as in Example 37, further includes a transmission mechanism located in the gearbox, which is operated by the motor. Example 39. An electronic rear transmission as in Example 38, wherein the motor is located in the gearbox. Example 40. An electronic rear transmission as in Example 39, wherein the motor includes an output shaft and a worm gear is disposed on the output shaft. Example 41. An electronic rear transmission as in Example 40, wherein the worm gear operates the transmission mechanism to operate one of the output gears of the transmission mechanism. Example 42. An electronic rear transmission as in Example 41, wherein the output gear train is coupled to the inner linkage to move the movable member. Example 43. An electronic rear transmission as in Example 41, wherein the transmission mechanism includes at least one gear connecting the worm and the output gear. Example 44. An electronic rear transmission as in Example 41, wherein the output gear system is mounted on the fourth pin. Example 45. An electronic rear transmission as in Example 41, wherein the output gear train is configured to surround the fourth pin. Example 46. An electronic rear transmission as in Example 45, wherein the output gear train is configured to rotatably surround the fourth pin. Example 47. The electronic rear transmission, as in Example 41, further includes a drive arm coupled to the output gear, the drive arm acting on the inner link to move the movable member. Example 48. An electronic rear transmission as in Example 43, wherein the drive arm contacts a protrusion of the inner link on a first side of one of the drive arms. Example 49. The electronic rear transmission, as in Example 48, further includes a clutch spring disposed on the second pin, the clutch spring being biased into contact with the drive arm. Example 50. An electronic rear transmission as in Example 49, wherein the clutch spring includes a free end that extends toward the movable member and contacts the drive arm on a second side of one of the drive arms, wherein the second side is opposite to a first side of the drive arm. Example 51. The electronic rear transmission, as in Example 41, further includes an coded gear that meshes with the output gear. Example 52. The electronic rear transmission of Example 51 further includes a magnet mount disposed within the gearbox, the magnet mount having a magnet that responds to the movement of the coded gear and a sensor positioned to sense the angular position of the coded gear by means of the position of the magnet. Example 53. The electronic rear transmission, as in Example 33, where the function is a pairing function. Example 54. An electronic rear derailleur for a bicycle, comprising: A base component for attachment to one of the frame components of the bicycle; A movable member having a cage assembly attached to the movable member; A linkage assembly is used to couple the movable member to the base member and is operable to allow the movable member to move relative to the base member; A transmission mechanism operable to move the movable member relative to the base member, the transmission mechanism including a plurality of gears in a load path and an encoded gear independent of the load path and receiving rotational output from one of the plurality of gears of the transmission mechanism; and A motor is used to operate the transmission mechanism. Example 55. The electronic rear transmission, as in Example 54, further includes an absolute encoder positioned to sense the position of the coded gear. Example 56. An electronic rear transmission as in Example 54, wherein the transmission mechanism includes an output gear and the coded gear train meshes with the output gear. Example 57. An electronic rear transmission, as in Example 56, wherein the output gear operates within a certain angle range. Example 58. An electronic rear transmission as in Example 57, wherein the size of the encoder gear is designed to rotate within the operating range of the output gear by an amount reaching but not exceeding 360 degrees. Example 59. An electronic rear transmission as in Example 58, wherein the output gear operates within a range of approximately 90 degrees and the coded gear is approximately ¼ of the diameter of the output gear. Example 60. A power supply configuration for a bicycle electronic shifting system, comprising: A front derailleur, including a base component mounted on the bicycle; A first power source is detachably mounted on the base component of the front transmission; A rear derailleur, including a base component mounted on the bicycle; and A second power source is detachably mounted on the base component of the rear transmission.

[0069] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, various changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the inventive concept. Therefore, it is intended that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but rather has the full scope permitted by the language of the following claims.

[0070] 1: Base components 1a: Battery connection hole 2: Battery; power source 2a: barb or lever 2b: protrusion 2c: terminal 2d: Shell 3: External connecting rod 4: Inner Linkage 4a: protrusion 4b: Inner wall 4c:Outer wall 5: Movable assembly; movable component 6: Gearbox 7: Cover 8: Cage Assembly 9: Drive arm 9a: protrusion 9b: Rail 9c: Hard stop 10: Transmission assembly; transmission 11: Tooth assembly 12: Bicycle chain 13: Bicycle rack 14: Movement restriction or movement adjustment mechanism 15: First connecting rod pin 15a: Threaded portion 16: Second Linkage Pin 17: Inner bushing of the first connecting rod pin 18: First connecting rod pin outer bushing 19: Second connecting rod pin inner bushing 20: Second connecting rod pin outer bushing 21: Second link pin retaining ring 22: Clutch spring 22a: First leg 22b: Second leg 23: Clutch spring sleeve 24: Bias spring 25: Gearbox Washer 26: Third Linkage Pin 27: Fourth Linkage Pin 28: Third connecting rod pin inner bushing 29: Third connecting rod pin outer bushing 30: Third link pin retaining ring 31: Fourth link pin retaining ring 32: Output gear 32a: Tooth section 32b: First tubular portion 32c: Second tubular portion 33: Output gear internal bearing 34: Output gear outer bearing 35: Internal thrust bearing 36: External thrust bearing 37: O-ring inside the output gear 38: Output gear outer O-ring 39: Battery latch 40: Battery latch pin 41: Battery seal 42: Battery connector 43: Screws 44: Battery connector mounting plate 45: Screws 46: Latch spring 47: Flexible cable 47a: First conductor 47b: Conductor 48: Cable assembly 49: Connector 50: Connector housing 51:O ring 52: PC board assembly 53: Flexible cable 54: Motor 55: Motor mounting bracket 56: Screws 57: Worm Gear 58: First pinion 59: First spur gear 60: Second pinion 61: Second spur gear 62: Third pinion 63: Encoded Gear 64: Biased Gear 65: Biased Gear Spring 66: Button 67: Button Actuator 68: LED 69: Lens 70: Worm gear 71: Ball bearing 72: Screws 73: First pinion shaft 74: Second pinion shaft 75: Third pinion shaft 76: Third pinion shaft bearing 77: Encoded Chip 78: Magnet 79: Magnetic isolation component 80: Magnet base 81: Encoded Gear Shaft 82: Biased gear shaft 83: Screws 84: Limit screw 84a: Threaded portion 84b: Square portion 85: Cylinder 85a: Inclined concave portion 85b: Inner surface 86: Limit screw spring 87: Screws 88: Screws 90: Transmission mechanism 92: Linkage group or linkage mechanism 101: Base components 110: Front transmission assembly 192: Linkage assembly 199: Cage Assembly

Claims

1. A bicycle gear shifting system comprising a rear derailleur, a front derailleur, a first power source, and a second power source, wherein each of the first power source and the second power source comprises: A housing, the housing being sized and shaped to be detachably mounted on the rear transmission and the front transmission; a battery disposed within the housing; a terminal on the outside of the housing and electrically connected to the battery; wherein a first power source and a second power source are assembled such that the first power source and the second power source are interchangeably mounted on the rear transmission and the front transmission, and wherein the housing includes a first battery attachment feature and a second battery attachment feature for securing the housing to a base member of each of the rear transmission and the front transmission, the first battery attachment feature and the second battery attachment feature being positioned at opposite ends of the housing.

2. The bicycle gear system of claim 1 further includes a mounting plate connected to the base member of each of the rear derailleurs and the front derailleurs, the mounting plate being sized and shaped to accommodate the power source.

3. The bicycle gear system of claim 2, wherein the mounting plate includes a pair of connectors positioned to align with the terminals when the power supply is connected to the mounting plate.

4. The bicycle gear system of claim 3, wherein the mounting plate includes a seal configured to surround at least one of the connectors and positioned to seal the housing when the power supply is connected to the mounting plate.

5. The bicycle derailleur system of claim 1, further comprising a coupling member positioned on the base member of each of the rear derailleurs and the front derailleurs, and movable between an engaged position in which the housing is secured to the base member and an unengaged position for removing the housing from the base member.

6. The bicycle gear system of claim 5, wherein the power supply includes a biasing member configured to bias the engagement member to the engagement position.

7. The bicycle gear system of claim 6, wherein the engagement member is a latch.

8. The bicycle gear system of claim 7, wherein the first battery attachment shape is a lever shaped to engage with the engagement member.

9. The bicycle gear system of claim 8, wherein the second battery attachment feature includes one or more protrusions that are held in corresponding receiving features formed in the base member.

10. The bicycle gear system of claim 1, wherein the housing is laterally compressed.

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